A Liquid Inspiration

Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)

One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.

That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.

For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.

It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:

"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."

This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.

Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!

Vol 3. Chapter 1 - A Brewing Storm

Ayanokōji Kiyotaka

July 30, 2015 - Thursday

The final exams concluded today, marking the end of our first semester in Advanced Nurturing High School.

Unlike the midterm exams that we essentially breezed through, the Finals were a bit more challenging for Class 1-B. And while we could have implemented the same strategy from the midterms, Chabashira-sensei called me over and told me that she was aware of what I did— a clear warning that it might not fly for the finals.

That said, my day wasn't over yet.

After hanging out with my friends for a bit in Keyaki Mall, I excused myself and made my way to a less frequented part of the campus — the library. This wasn't a usual hangout spot for students, especially on the last day of the semester, and the silence of the room was a stark contrast to the energy I had left behind.

Moving deeper into the library, I found my way to a corner where a chessboard lay, set up on a table. Seated across it was Kiriyama-senpai, waiting for my arrival.

"Late by two minutes, Ayanokōji," Kiriyama-senpai greeted, though there was a trace of amusement in his tone rather than annoyance.

I shrugged nonchalantly, "It's the end of our first semester. It would be rude to say no to a little celebration, senpai."

"True," he responded, his eyes falling onto the chessboard as he moved a pawn forward, marking the start of our game.

The soft click of chess pieces against the board echoed in the quiet room as I made my move in response to his. We continued like this, moving our pieces in silence until Kiriyama-senpai decided to break it.

"There was an announcement in Class 2-C this morning," he began, a solemn note in his voice that told me this wasn't just idle chatter.

While listening, I made my next move, my bishop claiming another pawn— the fifth one to fall into my hands during this game.

"Your chess game could use some work, senpai," I commented with a hint of amusement. From the corner of my eye, I could see my captured pieces: five of his pawns, a rook, and a bishop. "But, enough about that, what happened in 2-C?"

"Kiyomiya has been expelled. They caught him shoplifting, or so they claim. Allegedly, they found four beer cans in his backpack," he said.

My brow furrowed in thought, my gaze straying to the captured pieces on the side of the board.

Five pawns... The irony was not lost on me, considering that was the exact number of second-year students that had been expelled since May. But this time, it wasn't our doing.

The guy who just got expelled, Kiyomiya Kaito, was the person Kiriyama-senpai had tapped to act as our 'fall guy' in our scheme two months ago to expel four students from Class 2-D.

Well, it wasn't that big of a loss. Kiyomiya knew what he was getting into when he agreed with Kiriyama-senpai's proposition to act against Nagumo-senpai.

"Nagumo-senpai finally did something about him, huh? Took him long enough," I mused, idly noting Kiriyama-senpai moving his lone rook in an attempt to capture my Queen.

But seriously? A fake shoplifting charge?

"Indeed," Kiriyama-senpai responded, trying to maintain a confident facade as he maneuvered his rook. "I had hoped we might have had more time before he discovered our decoy, but... Nagumo has always been perceptive."

I simply nodded, brushing it off as I moved my queen, avoiding his rook. I had already concluded that Nagumo-senpai had been aware of Kiyomiya for quite some time now. From what I knew of him, he was simply biding time, waiting for the right moment to make his move.

And it seemed that he was as sharp as I had expected him to be.

After all, the timing of Kiyomiya's expulsion was an uninvited message: I will know if it was you all along.

"I'll be out of the picture for two weeks because of the summer vacation," I said, moving the conversation towards our immediate concerns. "You're okay with handling things on your own, senpai?"

A half-smile played on Kiriyama-senpai's face. "Are you worried, Ayanokōji? Two weeks is nothing. I can handle things."

"Alright. But be careful, Kiriyama-senpai. Nagumo-senpai will undoubtedly make his move soon," I advised, adjusting my bishop to another menacing position. "The timing of Kiyomiya's expulsion is... suspicious."

Kiriyama-senpai raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

"I doubt it took Nagumo-senpai this long to connect Kiyomiya to our plans. He's too sharp for that," I said, keeping my gaze focused on the chessboard. "He chose to act now, just as I'm about to be absent for two weeks. It's a clear message."

I paused, watching Kiriyama-senpai's face as understanding dawned on him. "He's testing a hypothesis. He wants to see if the dissent we've been stirring among the second years ceases in my absence."

"So, if nothing significant happens during these two weeks, he'll conclude you're the one pulling the strings," Kiriyama-senpai finished the thought.

"Exactly," I agreed, leaning back in my chair as Kiriyama-senpai processed the information. The move he made next was almost predictable. He moved his king to avoid a potential check.

But it was futile. The very moment he moved his piece, my knight swooped in, placing his king in checkmate.

"I suppose you're right," Kiriyama-senpai acknowledged, his eyes not leaving the chessboard, and the cornered king. "So, what's your plan, Ayanokōji?"

I looked at Kiriyama-senpai, "During the vacation, you will continue the operation. But subtly, not aggressively. Let Nagumo-senpai see that the actions continue even in my absence."

"But won't that put more suspicion on me?" Kiriyama-senpai asked, his gaze darting back and forth between the chessboard and me.

Well... that's the point.

"I wouldn't worry about that," I responded calmly, collecting the chess pieces from the board. "The main focus is to ensure that Nagumo-senpai is not able to fully determine the mastermind behind the slow but growing dissent within the second years."

I rearranged the pieces on the board, setting them up for another game. "Furthermore, a single person is unlikely to operate effectively without leaving traces. If he suspects you, we can use that to our advantage."

Kiriyama-senpai fell silent, contemplating my words. The gears in his mind were turning, and I knew that he was weighing the pros and cons of my suggestion. Although Nagumo-senpai had his number, Kiriyama-senpai was a clever guy himself, and I had no doubts he would understand the implications of my plan.

"So, the plan is to carry on as normal, but subtly," Kiriyama-senpai summarised, nodding his agreement. He extended his hand to move a pawn as we began a new game. "I can do that."

"Good," I replied, moving a pawn forward to control the center of the board. "Also, senpai, during the vacation, don't get too caught up with the situation here. Make sure you enjoy the break too."

"That's an unusual piece of advice coming from you, Ayanokōji," he responded, a light chuckle escaping him as he moved another pawn forward.

"I'm just saying," I retorted, a wry smile forming on my lips. "One Horikita-senpai is too much for this world. Loosen up a little."

"Fine. I get it already."

The game continued in a rhythmic dance of chess pieces, each one of us trying to outmaneuver the other. However, it was clear that this game was progressing much faster than the previous one.

As I prepared to move my queen to a strategic spot, I glanced at Kiriyama-senpai and offered my advice. "Here's another piece of advice, Kiriyama-senpai. Always keep your eyes and ears open. Be aware of everything that's happening around you."

"Hm? What do you mean?" Kiriyama-senpai inquired, his eyebrows furrowing as he looked up from the board to meet my gaze.

"Just a thought," I responded, keeping my gaze steady. "It might come in handy."

Before he could respond, I moved my queen, cornering his king. "Checkmate."

Kiriyama-senpai looked down at the board, the corners of his lips twitching up in a wry smile. "Again, huh? It seems you really are dangerous, Ayanokōji."

I shrugged, not denying his claim. "Or you just suck at chess, senpai. I'd still win even if I opened with f3."

A smirk played on Kiriyama-senpai's face. "Is that so? Well, let's see then, Ayanokōji."

He began resetting the board, his hands deftly arranging the pieces back in their initial places. I watched him in silence, allowing the rhythmic click of the pieces against the wooden board to fill the space between us.

Once the board was set up again, Kiriyama-senpai looked up at me, a challenging glint in his eyes. "You're opening with f3, then?"

Keeping my expression neutral, I moved the pawn from the f2 square to f3. Opening with f3, or the Barnes Opening, was considered one of the worst openings in chess. Still, it wasn't like I was going to lose the game. This was more of a psychological gambit, a derisive gibe at Kiriyama-senpai's abilities.

"Interesting," Kiriyama-senpai murmured, making his own move. He seemed taken aback by my unconventional opening but didn't let it ruffle him. I watched as he moved one of his pawns, setting up his defense.

We continued the game in silence, the chessboard between us echoing our battle. I had to give it to Kiriyama-senpai; he was taking my advice to heart. He was attentive and always ready to adapt to my unexpected moves. But his game was still lacking in some areas, his focus on defense leaving his offensive tactics weak.

"Keep in mind, senpai, that a strong defense isn't always enough," I commented, my bishop moving in to capture one of his knights. "You need to go on the offensive as well."

Kiriyama-senpai took in a sharp breath as he watched his piece being removed from the board. His gaze darted from the piece in my hand to the now vulnerable spot on his side of the board.

"I see," he mumbled, refocusing on the game. It was clear that he was trying to come up with a counter-strategy. After a few moments of thought, he moved his queen, placing one of my pawns in jeopardy.

The game continued, our silent battle unfolding move by move. Despite the obvious skill gap, Kiriyama-senpai was holding on, his moves becoming more aggressive as he adjusted to my play style.

Yet, it was not enough.

Within a few turns, I managed to corner his king once again. "Checkmate," I declared, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. "That was a good game, Kiriyama-senpai. You've improved."

Kiriyama-senpai leaned back in his chair, a rueful smile on his face as he looked at the checkmated king. "I'm still not a match for you, Ayanokōji. But I will take your advice to heart. Quite the interesting way to impart a lesson."

With that, he extended his hand over the board. "Well played."

I shook his hand, the small gesture marking the end of our game and conversation. It was back to business, but with a new layer of understanding between us.

From this game, Kiriyama-senpai gained not only insights into his own weaknesses but also a renewed determination to face the challenges ahead. As for me, I was reminded once again of the intricate game we were playing beyond this chessboard.

I stood up, taking another look at the chessboard. "Keep practicing, Kiriyama-senpai. In chess and in life, every move counts."

1.1

As I moved to exit the library, a soft snap of a closing book punctured the sacred silence. Swiveling around, my eyes fell upon a pair of individuals secluded in a distant table from the corner of the room.

I recognized them, of course.

The girl with the lilac hair was Sakayanagi Arisu, one of the two known leaders of Class 1-A. The other, Kamuro Masumi, was her right-hand woman. Our paths had never formally crossed, despite my knowledge of their identities.

I briefly noted them entering the library just as Kiriyama-senpai and I started our third game, but the pair seemed to simply mind their own business, so I did not make an effort to acknowledge them and continued on with the game.

Upon making eye contact, Sakayanagi offered a polite smile, her face as placid as still water.

"Good evening, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka-kun," she greeted me, her voice carrying a distinct and elegant air.

"Ah! Where are my manners," she giggled before placing her hand on her lap. "My name is Sakayanagi Arisu, and with me is Kamuro Masumi-san," she continued, pointing to her purple-haired companion.

I nodded in response, silently acknowledging the introduction. "I already know who you are, Sakayanagi, as well as Kamuro," I returned the politeness.

Kamuro, in stark contrast to Sakayanagi, simply grunted in acknowledgment, her dark eyes watching me with a bored expression.

"Just as what you could expect from our Student Council Vice President. You take your liberty in knowing your constituents," Sakayanagi replied in amusement.

"That aside, may we have a moment of your time?" she asked, her voice retaining its pleasant melody. That was a well-played move on her part; it would be discourteous to refuse a request phrased so politely.

"Of course," I agreed before exchanging a look with Kiriyama-senpai, a silent assurance that I could take things from here.

"I'll be going then, Ayanokōji."

"Take care, Kiriyama-senpai," I replied.

As the older boy departed, I navigated my way towards Sakayanagi's table.

Arriving at their table, Sakayanagi's eyes shone with a twinkle of satisfaction as she gestured for me to sit.

"I hope we didn't disturb you," Sakayanagi said, her tone seemingly apologetic. "We intended to borrow the chess board, but it seemed you and Kiriyama-senpai were putting it to good use."

"I see," I replied. "My apologies for the inconvenience. Kiriyama-senpai and I decided to go for another game on a whim."

She shook her head and laughed, a soft, melodic sound that echoed lightly in the otherwise silent library. "Oh, no need for apologies, Ayanokōji-kun," Sakayanagi countered, waving a dismissive hand. "I thoroughly enjoyed watching your game. Defeating someone while handicapping yourself with an f3 opening is quite audacious, I have to say."

"You seem to know a fair bit about the game," I pointed out. Sakayanagi simply offered a modest shrug.

"Well, I enjoy the game," she confessed, an air of nostalgia in her tone. "I started playing when I was younger... and seeing you play just brought back some memories."

There was a short pause as she drummed her fingers gently on the table, her violet eyes staring at me with a keen interest that I couldn't quite decipher.

"I'll get straight to the point, Ayanokōji-kun. Would you be up for a game with me?" she asked abruptly, her gaze drifting to the chessboard I was holding. "It's been a while since I've had a good match."

I arched an eyebrow at her blunt request. While playing a game with her might prove to be an interesting match, I was sure there was another angle to this seemingly innocent invitation of hers.

"I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'll have to decline for tonight," I replied, maintaining a careful neutrality in my tone, revealing nothing. "There are other matters I need to see to."

I wasn't particularly interested in sticking around, and playing another game of chess was the last thing on my mind.

Her pleasant expression didn't falter. "Understandable. A vice president's duties are demanding," she conceded, her voice devoid of any apparent disappointment. "However, I know something you might find interesting, Ayanokōji-kun."

Something that I might find interesting?

I highly doubt those claims. If she was alluding to some classified school data, Sakayanagi was underestimating my access to information. And if it was something about her class, I doubt she would be so foolish as to provide free ammunition to an enemy who could do something about it.

But I'll play along for now.

"Is that so?" I responded, allowing a hint of curiosity to creep into my voice. This was the hook she was aiming to plant. And for the moment, I would pretend to take the bait. "Alright, I'll bite. What do you propose?"

Her smile broadened at my response, but it was not one of triumph. Instead, an aura of anticipation seemed to radiate from her. "A game of chess, Ayanokōji-kun. We can play here tomorrow at 4 PM," she proposed, her voice soft, bordering on coy. "If that's acceptable with you, of course."

A chess game as the backdrop for a conversation? It was a clever setting. The game, no doubt, would serve as a smokescreen for whatever she wanted to share. Additionally, it provided her an opportunity to assess me further.

Well... chess wasn't an absolute metric of intelligence or strategic skills, but it did reveal a bit about a person's thought process.

"I should be able to make some time tomorrow," I finally responded, keeping my tone level. A fleeting sign of satisfaction flickered across Sakayanagi's features before she expertly concealed it behind a placid smile.

"Wonderful! Let's have it here in the library, then. With most of the students preparing for the summer vacation, we'll be able to have some privacy here," she suggested.

"That works," I replied, glancing at the lilac-haired girl as I stood up from my seat. "But now, if you'll excuse me, I need to leave."

"Of course," she replied, her smile growing brighter. "See you tomorrow, Ayanokōji-kun. I look forward to our game."

"Until then."

As I turned away from the table, the quiet hum of the library seemed to drop an octave lower, amplifying the rhythmic ticking of the grand clock perched on a distant wall. Its hands marked the passing of seconds— each tick a symbol of the impending match.

I cast a glance back at the lilac-haired girl, her violet eyes still affixed on me with an unspoken promise. She looked like a queen on her throne, exuding a tranquil confidence that only those at the top of their game possessed. Kamuro, her silent knight, stood like an unwavering pillar by her side, her indifferent gaze a stark contrast to Sakayanagi's intense one.

A wisp of amusement tugged at the corners of my lips. Sakayanagi was indeed playing her cards well. To an outsider, she was merely a girl excited for a chess match. But for those who knew better, the unsaid implications were as clear as day.

Returning the chessboard to its place, I gave it one final glance before I murmured to the vacant corridor, "She never planned to challenge me tonight."

She was testing the waters, analyzing my reactions, creating an illusion of control, all while subtly hinting at the storm that may be coming. Sakayanagi was merely capitalizing on an unexpected opportunity tonight, improvising masterfully.

After all, there was no way for her to know that I would be here in the library, indulging in a game of chess, and it must have taken her by surprise.

Despite this, she saw the chance and took it. But without the time to plan, to strategize for our match, she did what any astute player would do—she bought herself time, masterfully maintaining the illusion of simply being mindful of my busy schedule.

That said, she was likely aware I had seen through her. But it didn't matter.

Her objective was not to fool me, but to make me recognize the error in underestimating her.

"Well played, Sakayanagi."

1.2

Later that evening, I made my way back into my dorm room, its calming atmosphere a welcome contrast to the subtle undercurrents of the day's events.

And as I sat on my bed, I dialed Chiaki's and Yuki's numbers, inviting them over and specifically asking Chiaki to bring along the data she had gathered about Class 1-A.

After their arrival, the three of us situated ourselves comfortably within the sparse confines of my dorm room. Amidst the subtle hum of the air conditioning, Yuki claimed the spot on my study desk, opening Chiaki's bag to take out the papers that I requested. Chiaki, on the other hand, chose to join me on my bed, her back propped against the headrest.

Plunging into the matter at hand, I recounted my encounter with Sakayanagi in the library.

"An encounter with Sakayanagi Arisu, huh?" Yuki mused, a chuckle slipping through her words as she thumbed through the neatly stapled documents Chiaki had brought along. "It seems like fate itself is forcing you into battle, Kiyotaka."

A light chuckle escaped my lips at her remark. "Battle?" I retorted, my eyes drifting over to Yuki. "It's just a game of chess, Yuki. It's not like I'm going into war."

"In your eyes, maybe," Chiaki intervened, her voice lilting with faint amusement. She propped up her elbows on the edge of the bed, tilting her head slightly to catch my eye. "But I doubt she'd outright challenge you just for the thrill of it, Kiyotaka-kun. Sakayanagi-san is quite the opportunist."

"A sharpness that's quite the contrast to her physical state," Yuki mused. Under the dim lighting, her eyes appeared a deeper shade of violet, narrowed as they traced over the printed lines of Sakayanagi's file. "Hmm... she is definitely dangerous. I doubt those people from Class A would just allow a crippled little girl to lead them without good reason."

Her words hung heavily in the air, echoing the undercurrents of calculated warfare the upcoming chess match would undoubtedly contain.

"So what are you planning, Kiyotaka?" Yuki questioned, breaking the momentary silence. "I doubt you called us just to say that you're playing chess against Sakayanagi-san tomorrow."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I had expected Yuki to figure out the implications of my invitation. "I want both of you to be there tomorrow, Yuki," I began, letting the statement hang in the air. As their eyes met mine, I continued. "But, of course, you're not just going to watch me defeat her in chess. There's something I want you to do."

I paused for a moment, gauging their reactions. "Sakayanagi picked the library for our match, likely due to its isolation with most students preparing for summer vacation. There's a good chance she might want our game to be private, to prevent any potential disturbances."

Sakayanagi's words earlier rang in my head.

"I know something you might find interesting, Ayanokōji-kun," she had said.

Seeing the thoughtful frowns on their faces, I added, "I don't want you to sit with me at the chess table. Instead, I want you to observe from a distance, and blend in with the sparse crowd if there is any."

"But why?" Yuki asked, an unusually serious look etched on her face.

"Because," I responded, my voice steady, carrying a tone of unreadable intent. I met Yuki's gaze and added, "Not all moves are made on the chessboard."

A pause hung heavy in the air, the room enveloped in silence as they took in my cryptic statement.

Yuki and Chiaki exchanged a glance before Yuki turned back to me, her eyes filled with curiosity yet holding a touch of wariness. "I'm not quite sure I get what you mean, Kiyotaka."

"And you don't need to," I replied, my gaze drifting towards the window where the moonlight painted a silver gleam across the room. "Not yet, anyway."

As the room fell into a contemplative silence, I turned my gaze towards the window once again. The twinkling stars seemed to echo the silent games unfolding below, each one concealing mysteries far beyond what meets the eye.

I wonder...

Would they be prepared for what was to come?

1.3

The bell signaling the end of the class chimed through the hallways of the school, casting an air of tranquility as students filed out of their classrooms. Everyone was in high spirits after finding out that everyone had made it through the finals.

Unfortunately, we didn't top our year this time around in average scores. But on the bright side, we weren't dead last, averaging 82 in comparison to Class D's 75.

With the echoes of the final bell still hanging in the air, I gathered my things and made my way to the Student Council office.

As I stepped into the quiet room, I was greeted by the familiar scent of paper and coffee. And as usual, it was just Horikita-senpai, Tachibana-senpai, and Ichinose who were in the office, no doubt trying to finish off what remained of their paperwork before the summer break started.

I exchanged pleasantries with them before I immediately headed to my desk, signing off paperwork and finalizing a couple of proposals. I was able to finish up in about half an hour.

Once done, I glanced at the wall clock. It was nearly 4 PM. It was time.

My walk to the library was uneventful, a serene trip across the campus. As I made my way through the quiet rows of books, I spotted Sakayanagi from the corner of my eye. She was seated at a table by the window, a chessboard set up before her, each piece meticulously placed in its rightful position.

Beside her was Kamuro, her ever-loyal follower, whose gaze was subtly fixated on the entrance of the library, betraying her anticipation of my arrival.

It did not take long for Sakayanagi to notice me coming over. As I approached, the lilac-haired girl offered me a nod.

"Good afternoon, Sakayanagi," I greeted, closing the distance between us. "And Kamuro."

"Good afternoon, Ayanokōji-kun," she returned my greeting with a cordial smile, her fingers delicately tracing the edge of a pawn. "I've taken the liberty of making the first move. I hope you don't mind."

I glanced at the board. e4. Classic. An aggressive opening move that wasn't surprising coming from Sakayanagi. "Not at all," I replied, sliding into the chair opposite her.

Sakayanagi then addressed her aide. "Kamuro-san, I believe Ayanokōji-kun and I can handle this game on our own. You can take your leave."

Kamuro, after a curt nod, departed, the sound of the closing library doors echoing faintly in the room. Apart from a handful of others who were buried in their books, we were virtually alone.

Among those present, I recognized Shiina, hunched over a pile of books, completely engrossed in her reading. Well... I doubt she would be able to notice me when she was in her zone, as she put it.

Meanwhile, I could sense the unobtrusive presence of Yuki somewhere within the room. Even though I couldn't physically see her, I knew she was there, observing and blending in perfectly as I had asked her to.

"Well then, Ayanokōji-kun," Sakayanagi broke the silence, her voice carrying an air of certainty as she gestured towards the board. "Shall we begin?"

I nodded in response to Sakayanagi's question, my fingers reaching towards my own pieces. "Let's."

Moving the pawn forward, my piece mirrored hers on the board—e5. It was a standard counter to the King's Pawn Opening. The game had officially begun.

Sakayanagi watched my move intently, her gaze never leaving the chessboard. Her eyes seemed to glimmer in the library's soft lighting, like a seasoned predator catching sight of its prey.

"An Open Game," she mused aloud, her fingers drumming softly on the table. It wasn't a question but a simple statement acknowledging my move. She shifted her knight to f3, attacking my pawn, while her tone remained conversational. "Do you play it often, Ayanokōji-kun?"

"Depends on the game and the opponent," I answered casually, my hand moving my knight to c6 in response, adding support to my pawn.

"A fair statement," Sakayanagi replied, her fingers once again moving a piece, this time her Bishop to c4, already angling to challenge my king's safety with the potential for a quick checkmate if I were not careful.

Meanwhile, I answered her move with d6, offering protection to my pawn and opening up a path for my bishop to get involved.

I noticed her faint smile at my cautious approach. Sakayanagi might have been aiming for a quick victory, but I wasn't going to give it to her. This was just the start, and I was only getting a sense of her strategy.

"The way a person plays chess can often tell a lot about them, don't you think, Ayanokōji-kun?" she mused, glancing up from the board for the first time since we began.

"That's one way to look at it," I replied, my attention focused on the game. "But it's a limited analogy, Sakayanagi."

"In life, there are more than 32 pieces to take into account, and each of them doesn't necessarily move in predictable ways," I continued.

"An astute observation," she responded, a chuckle accompanying her words. "Yet, in its core, chess, like life, is a game of strategy and power dynamics, is it not? The King, the ultimate power but essentially the most fragile piece, and the pawns, seemingly insignificant, yet their journey across the board could potentially turn them into the most powerful pieces. It's all rather... symbolic."

"Symbolic perhaps, but not entirely reflective of reality," I countered. "In life, every player can defy the rules, become more than their defined roles. There's no chess piece for unpredictability or chaos."

While we conversed, our game continued. My pieces moved across the board in a slow dance with hers, each of us testing the waters, probing the other's defense, launching feints and calculated attacks. Her queen's pawn to d3, my bishop to g4, then her h3 challenging my bishop, and my response, retreating it to h5.

"Well, it seems we have a long game ahead of us," Sakayanagi remarked, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table as she studied the board. The setting sun cast an ethereal glow around her, painting the picture of a serene yet formidable opponent.

1.4

Our game resumed, and time marched on, with neither of us saying a word to the other. The library's usual hush was broken only by the occasional rustle of a page or the soft click of a chess piece meeting the board. The sun gradually began to set, casting long, shadowy figures of us and the towering bookshelves onto the floor.

The setting sun bathed the room in a warm orange glow, casting long shadows that danced upon the board.

The progression of the game reflected our strategies and adaptability. After a few more moves—my bishop to e7, her castle to the kingside, my pawn to a6, her pawn to a3, my knight to d7, her knight to c3, my castle to the kingside—there was a palpable sense of tension between us. With each step, we were getting closer to the end game.

As I slid my pawn to b5, pushing back her bishop, Sakayanagi broke the silence, a nostalgic note echoing in her voice, "This really brings back memories..."

"What do you mean, Sakayanagi?" I asked, tilting my head ever so slightly, a cue to her to elaborate on her cryptic statement.

"It's been quite a long time, Ayanokōji-kun. Eight years and 180 days, actually," she divulged, the specificity of her comment took me aback for a brief moment.

An SSR-Tier stalker would have a hard time one-upping that line.

"How detailed. Is this some sort of elaborate joke? I don't even know who you are," I responded, my tone nonchalant as I subtly attempted to probe deeper.

"Heh. No, I suppose not. It's just me who knows you, after all," Sakayanagi replied, the mysterious smile never leaving her face.

"So it would seem. Now, is this the part where you're going to tell me something I might find interesting, Sakayanagi?" I questioned, matching her grin with an impassive expression of my own.

"White Room," Sakayanagi said, her immaculate smile looking almost taunting. There was a pause, and she glanced at me, presumably for any reaction.

Noting my silence, she continued, "It's unpleasant, isn't it? When only your opponent knows your secrets."

I arched an eyebrow at the girl's assumption. While normally that would be true, that principle did not apply in this situation. Sakayanagi's knowledge about the White Room wasn't a big deal. Besides, I doubt she even knew anything beyond surface knowledge.

"Was that supposed to be interesting?" I countered, leaning back in my chair as I regarded Sakayanagi with a contemplative gaze. My demeanor remained calm and collected, belying the intrigue that her revelation might have sparked in another scenario.

As I spoke, my fingers reached out to move another piece, my rook sliding to b8, posing a potential threat to her bishop.

"I hoped it would be," Sakayanagi answered, an amused smile playing on her lips. She took the bait, moving her bishop to a2 to avoid the impending threat.

"No, it isn't," I replied simply, picking up my pawn to move to c5. It was a statement of fact, devoid of emotion or pretense.

There was a pause as Sakayanagi absorbed my response, her gaze flickering from me to the chessboard and back again. The library's ambient silence was disrupted only by the occasional rustle of pages or a muted conversation from a far-off corner.

"Is that so? But how about to those you're close with?" Sakayanagi asked, a subtle edge cutting through the sweetness of her smile. Her question hung in the air between us, a detonated bomb masquerading as casual conversation. "I wonder how they would react."

I didn't respond immediately. Instead, my fingers danced above my knight, the low hum of my thoughts drowned out by the anticipation coursing through the silence. Sakayanagi was attempting to play a different game now, one that extended beyond the confines of the board in front of us.

It was a bold, dangerous move—one that could potentially cost her the game.

Quietly, I moved my knight to b6, my gaze flicking up to meet hers, my expression unreadable. "Is that a threat?"

"Please, Ayanokōji-kun, there's no need for such drastic words," she replied, her tone light, almost airy, belying the gravity of our exchange. "I'm merely speculating. I have no intention of revealing anything at this time."

Her words hung in the air, like smoke wafting from an extinguished flame. I moved my rook to c8, pushing her defenses further. "Why not?" I challenged, my voice holding a hint of curiosity. "Wouldn't it make things easier for you?"

She moved her rook to d1, a gleam in her eyes reflecting her resolve. "I'd rather not have any obstacles in my path," she declared confidently. "Because I'm the ideal person to expose the 'false genius.'"

A momentary pause stretched between us, punctuated by the soft, resonating clicks of the chess pieces on the board. Sakayanagi's move was intriguing; she was lining up her rook with mine, setting up a play.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked a seemingly ordinary question that held a deeper meaning in our particular context.

"Please, go ahead. I'm honored to have you ask me a question. If you'd like to know, I'm even happy to tell you how I know about you," she replied, an anticipatory gleam in her eyes as they met mine across the board.

"No, I'm not interested in that. There's just one thing I want to know," I said, my voice calm but firm as I moved my queen to a8, lining up a deadly assault on her king.

My eyes met Sakayanagi's. "Can you bury me?"

Sakayanagi's chuckle echoed softly around us, her hand hovering over her knight as she pondered my question. "Apologies for my laughter, Ayanokōji-kun. It's just... I know your capabilities well. But this... reunion. This is what I've been waiting for. To vanquish the most magnificent creation your father ever crafted... That's my ultimate wish."

"Is that so?" I questioned, my fingers lightly brushing against my rook. "But it seems like you have a long road ahead, Sakayanagi."

"Hm? How do you mean?" she queried, her gaze darting to the chessboard, a frown knitting her brow as she attempted to decipher my insinuation.

Calmly, I moved my rook to c2. "Checkmate."

Shock rippled through Sakayanagi's expression as she quickly scanned the board. She realized the truth of her cornered king just as I did: my victory was inevitable.

I didn't let a smirk grace my face, keeping my expression as impassive as ever. Sakayanagi looked at me, then back at the board, her surprise now replaced by genuine amusement.

"It seems you have bested me, Ayanokōji-kun. I must admit, I didn't see that coming," she acknowledged, a note of respect lacing her words. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers lightly drumming against the table.

I shrugged, my gaze unwavering. "It's just a game of chess, Sakayanagi," I stated, my voice flat, downplaying the importance of the victory. I stood up, stretching my back as I observed her carefully, trying to gauge her reaction.

"Yes," she nodded slowly, her smile undimmed. "Just a game of chess. But what a fascinating game it was." She paused, her gaze scrutinizing the board one more time. "I do hope we can have another match in the future. This match has truly been educational."

I put my hands in my pockets, inclining my head at her in a semblance of a bow. "I'll look forward to it, Sakayanagi," I responded, the implication clear in my tone. I turned to leave but paused, glancing back at her.

"But the next time around, it'll be on my terms."

As if summoned, Yuki emerged from the shadows, an image of placid tranquility that belied the tempest brewing beneath her golden locks.

"There you are, Kiyotaka," she greeted, her voice harmonizing with the sweet lilt of her smile, her gaze flicking toward Sakayanagi with an unreadable gleam.

With a fluid stride, Yuki closed the distance to Sakayanagi, maintaining her warm smile. "Good afternoon, Sakayanagi Arisu-san. A pleasure to finally meet you."

"Tsubaki Yuki-san," Sakayanagi acknowledged, returning Yuki's greeting with a cool nod.

"Oh, I do hope I wasn't intruding on anything, but Kiyotaka promised to treat me today, you see?" Yuki began, her voice a lilting song of faux innocence. "Men can be so forgetful with time, can't they, Sakayanagi-san?" Her gaze slid back to me, an impish smirk playing at the corners of her mouth before she returned her attention to Sakayanagi.

"Or he was simply enjoying our game, fufu," Sakayanagi offered, a hint of amusement in her tone.

"I can see that," Yuki responded, her eyes momentarily flicking to the chessboard. "He sure did take his time playing around."

The subtle jab, a veiled insult to Sakayanagi's defeat, lingered in the air between them. Yet Sakayanagi's countenance remained unruffled, betraying no sign of offense.

"Well, we best get going, Sakayanagi-san," Yuki chirped, her tone lilting with a dismissive air. "Take care!"

With that, Yuki and I walked away, leaving Sakayanagi with her thoughts and the conquered chessboard.

1.5

After our encounter with Sakayanagi, Yuki and I had retreated to my dorm room, a comfortable silence enveloping us. It was a much-needed reprieve from the tension of the chess game, an opportunity to process the day's events. As I closed the door behind us, I turned to Yuki, her expression noticeably darker than when she had first emerged at the library.

"So that was why you made me watch," she began, breaking the silence that had settled between us. Her voice was laced with a note of accusation but also a tinge of understanding. She paced restlessly around the room, her golden locks shimmering in the ambient light. "You could have just said Sakayanagi-san is our next target, you know?"

"But would you feel as heated as you are now if I simply told you about it?" I retorted, leaning against the door and crossing my arms over my chest. My tone was light, my words riding the fine line between a tease and an inquiry.

"No... no, I wouldn't," Yuki admitted after a beat, stopping her pacing to look at me. The admission was reluctant, as if she was unwilling to concede that my approach had its merits.

"See?" I replied, a trace of a smile playing on my lips.

"Ahhhh! That fucking crippled midget!" Yuki suddenly exploded, her earlier restraint vanishing as if it had never existed. She was clearly angered, her voice echoing in the enclosed space. "God, she's so arrogant! Was she really trying to play mind games with you? It's like she forgot she couldn't walk ten steps without a cane."

Ten was a rather generous number, Yuki. But point taken.

"And bury the false genius? She sounds like a cringey chuunibyou. Delusional... so delusional," she continued to rant.

Yuki's rant was pretty amusing to listen to, but that would be enough venting for now.

"My apologies for not being fully transparent, Yuki. I was simply guessing that was what she had wanted to tell me all along. But I had no idea Sakayanagi would try to threaten me, even as a joke." I offered, watching Yuki as she tried to get a handle on her emotions.

"It's fine, Kiyotaka. It's fine, really," Yuki's voice softened, the storm of her anger passing as quickly as it had arrived. She made her way over to me, her footsteps barely making a sound against the tiled floor. "I mean... I've had my suspicions. But it was different hearing it straight from that girl's mouth... it irritated me."

Yuki sighed, her shoulders dropping as if she was releasing a heavy burden. She then leaned her head on my shoulder, her warmth seeping into me.

"But on the bright side... there's no more reason for me to hold back," Yuki's voice was but a murmur, a decisive whisper against the hush of the room. The words seemed to hang in the air, a promise of actions yet to unfold.

I tilted my head slightly, feeling the soft weight of her hair against my cheek. "What do you mean?" I said, the four words filled with surprise and curiosity.

"Kiyotaka," she began, distancing herself just enough to turn towards me. Her violet eyes gleamed with a familiar mischievous sparkle. "Do you know what's the best way to defeat a puppet master?"

She paused, letting the question linger for a moment before revealing her answer. "Sever their strings," Yuki said, a self-satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"Are you saying that you've already made a move?" My eyebrows lifted in surprise, the implications of her words sinking in.

"Oh, nothing too major. I was just testing the waters," she said casually, her smile never wavering. "We already have a decent understanding of how the minds in Class A function. The challenge now lies in applying that knowledge without stirring the waters too much. So, I found a way to make Kikyō-chan more... useful."

As she wrapped her arms around my arm, the glint in her eyes spoke volumes of the battles to come.

"You sure don't hold back with the surprises, Yuki."

"Like this?" Without warning, Yuki tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on my lips.

I let out a deep sigh as Yuki pulled away. The blonde-haired girl was headed to the kitchen to grab some snacks. She really just went with what she wanted to do.

That said, the words I spoke to Sakayanagi earlier reverberated in my head.

"In life, there are more than 32 pieces to take into account, and each of them doesn't necessarily move in predictable ways."

But that was an incomplete statement. What I hadn't mentioned then was the number of players. Life was not a game limited to two players. There were other unseen hands, each maneuvering their own pieces on the vast board.

Just like Yuki.

End of Chapter.

A/N: A little too psychological for my liking (Since this story is mainly SoL), but I did enjoy writing it.

That said, stories really need to have characters that operate independently of the main character. I'm trying to do this through Yuki, who had actually begun moving against Class A, albeit subtly. It's something that would be continued to be showcased throughout the story. (And not just her. Even others like Nagumo, Manabu, etc.)

Of course, I'm not just going to gloss over them. There would be tangible evidence that these characters are doing something. But I'm not gonna spend 1000 words with each one. Y'all aren't stupid, so I trust you guys can pick things up without spoon-feeding these details.

(Unfortunately, I won't be bashing Arisu in this story. And I say this with great sadness. As much as I hate Arisu in canon COTE, this one is my character, so I'll be impartial.)

Clarifications:

8 years and 180 days - I simply counted the number of days between July 31, 2015 (the Day of this Chapter) and October 2, 2015 (The assumed date of canon Kiyo and Arisu confrontation. V5 did say that the Sports Festival ended at the start of October).

Kushida - She has been around, but had been off-screen for most of Vol 2 because there was no need to integrate her into the picture.