the fools mate

by vamer

immovable object vs unstoppable force

The Fool's Mate CoTE x OC
Queasy

Published: 2023
Source: https/

Vol 1.1 - Idiot.

???: Oh wow, Queasy you got too much dip on your chip, writing another story eh?

Queasy: Shut up

???: Only a hobby to kill time he said

Queasy: Shut up.

???: Come on, aren't you a bit too busy, writing that demon slayer one?

Queasy: SHUT UP.

???: can't manage time for shit!

Started: 8th of August 2023

Ended: Absolutely no idea

Status: Ongoing

If I were to ask you about the essence of idiocy, what thoughts would arise? It's a concept that seems straightforward, isn't it? Yet, as the centuries have unfolded, many insane-I mean philosophers have cast their discerning gazes upon the realm of intelligence, revealing complexities that lie beneath the surface.

Or...lack thereof

You see, dear reader, idiocy isn't merely a matter of lacking knowledge. It's about something more profound—a deficiency of self-awareness and humility.

In the words of Socrates, "True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us." It's the acknowledgment that, no matter how much we think we know, there's an ocean of unknown learning stretching before us.

This paradox of knowledge and ignorance has captivated thinkers throughout history. Confucius aptly noted, "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." It's a sobering truth that humbles us, reminding us that the more we learn, the more we realize how much we have yet to grasp. However, true genius lies not in accumulating facts but in recognizing the vast expanse of the unknown.

Yet, in our ego-driven society, we often encounter individuals who mistake arrogance for intelligence. Voltaire, a keen observer of human nature, remarked, "Common sense is not so common." How often have we encountered those who flaunt their meagre understanding as though it were the pinnacle of wisdom? It's a testament to the all-too-human inclination to inflate our intellect while belittling others.

However, let's not be too quick to point fingers. Aristotle's wisdom states that: "The more you know, the more you realize you don't know." In this endless quest for knowledge, we're all susceptible to moments of foolishness. The journey of understanding humbles us, reminding us that our grasp of reality is tenuous at best.

Yet, there's an irony in our confidence. As Bertrand Russell astutely noted, "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." It's an irony that should remind us that true intelligence lies not in claiming superiority but in embracing uncertainty and doubt.

So, as we circle back to the question of what constitutes idiocy, let's heed Einstein's wisdom: "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." It's a call to look beyond facts and figures, to cultivate empathy, self-reflection, and an understanding of our limitations.

Let's cast our gaze upon Japan in the year 2015 AD. A country of stagnation amidst a bunch of other...dumb...things.

In a nation where cultural pride is evident, it's alarming to witness pervasive ignorance about the Second World War. As Confucius, that insane dude, wisely said, "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."

Yet, there are still individuals who cling to a distorted narrative, refusing to acknowledge the depths of human suffering that transpired during those tumultuous years. Need anyone to remind you of the various atrocities that occurred during those times?

Something something Nanjing something...

This failure to confront history is, in essence, a form of idiocy—an unwillingness to recognize the extent of their misunderstanding.

Japan's struggle with confronting its wartime past is a reminder that the arrogance of nationalistic pride can overshadow the wisdom of empathy and humility. The refusal to acknowledge the broader context of historical events is, in itself, a reflection of a society that's yet to fully grasp the lessons of history.

They're fucking idiots.

But let's move toward a different subject, one more close to the heart of many people.

Enter the spectre of overwork—a topic that has plagued Japanese society for years.

As Bertrand Russell observed, "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." In the relentless pursuit of productivity, many individuals and institutions overlook the simple truth that overworking leads to diminishing returns.

He said, "cocksure". I find that quite amusing.

This phenomenon is particularly evident in Japan's work culture, where long hours and a culture of 'karoshi' (death by overwork) continue to prevail.

The dedication to work, often at the expense of personal well-being, serves as an example of idiocy—an inability to recognize that the pursuit of productivity has a breaking point, a point where health, happiness, and creativity are compromised.

Even that smart, cool-looking hair dude, Einstein said something like: "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."

Japan's societal struggles with history and overwork stress the need for a more imaginative approach—a willingness to envision a future where the mistakes of the past inform the present, and where work is balanced with holistic well-being.

Now, what was it that I was trying to say, dear reader? That I hate society and that I'm an Emo edge lord that views people as tools?

That I would do anything for victory like some sort of Machiavellian dumbass?

I'll have you know Machiavelli lost power in the end and got exiled or something.

That I would put people, 15-16-year-old teenagers, through the most gruelling psychological torture and have them go through Stockholm syndrome to fall in love with me?

I'll have you know, my family said I look like a cutie patootie when I was younger.

I don't need that shit!

LOOK AT THE COVER OF THE BOOK!

THATS ME!

Or...a piece of fanart for Kamen Rider, that the author repurposed as...me.

Credits to the artist, I look fucking hot!

That I would rather lather my cock with honey and then stick it in a fire ant's nest?

I wouldn't do that last part.

I'm not that curious, I know it'll hurt...

Like, it would be a popsicle of...honey...

Would it even feel good..?

Maybe.

A-ANYWAYS!

So, what I'm trying to say is,

You're a fucking idiot.

...

...

ANHS, or Advanced Nurturing High School, is a government-sponsored school on a mission to "raise the next generation of leaders" for Japan.

And guess what? I put in the hard work, studied, aced the entrance exam, and secured my spot.

When that little notice arrived confirming my acceptance, it came with a section outlining how I'd get to the school.

ANHS sits on an artificial island, or at least that's what you can kinda make out on Google Maps. It's all blurred and censored, just a silhouette. But from what I could gather, it's quite the beast, possibly even 50% bigger than the Vatican.

But details about the school itself? Scant at best. Mostly just advertisements boasting a 100% success rate in getting grads into colleges and jobs. I remember thinking, "Hey, Kiryia, you're jobless, a teenager, and itching for high school—why not give this a shot?"

So, I just winged it. After all, there's a three-year no-contact policy. Inside, nobody reaches out, and you don't get to reach out either.

I found it a tad weird. Like, how am I supposed to keep up with the latest Marvel movies? The horror!

I'M NOT AN OTAKU!

To get there, you've got these designated...well, let's call them checkpoints, or bus stops if you wanna get technical. You head over and wait for the bus, all at the time they tell you.

Fast forward to April 1st, the new school year's beginning.

Hopefully, I don't look too dumb, or stupid. Is this the teenage angst that I was promised back when I was a little boy, reading all those books, like Twilight?

Or perhaps it was that other one...the one...?

Alice in Wonderland!

...

The idea of being in a moving vehicle always fascinated me. You're sitting still, but you're also moving. It's like your body knows you're moving, but your brain feels like you're not. It's a bit strange, isn't it?

I think they call it car sickness or something like that. It's like your body gets confused when you're in a moving vehicle. Your ears or something like that helps you figure out if you're moving or not. But sometimes, when your body feels like you're moving, but your eyes see that you're not, things get mixed up, and you end up feeling sick.

I remember feeling headaches just thinking about that sensation. But wait, I'm still on the bus, so why am I even talking about this now?!

It's like my brain is trying to figure out why it's feeling weird while I'm still here on the bus.

...

I sat at the very back of the bus, and from what I could gather, sitting at the back of the bus is where the cool kids sit.

So, I pictured myself putting on some gnarly shades, feeling like a character straight out of the late 1980s. The music in my head was a mix of rock tunes from that era, like some Queen or that AC/DC type stuff.

I could even hear myself being a surfer dude yelling "cowabunga" like a blonde American with an addiction to weed.

That's a funny thought.

...

Amidst the bus ride, a commotion erupted, centred around a blonde guy who didn't offer his seat to an elderly lady. I tried to tune out the chatter, hoping to maintain my sense of detachment, but I couldn't entirely avoid hearing snippets of the conversation.

There was talk of superiors and attractive girls, or at least, that's what I could gather from the jumbled bits of conversation. It's a shame I tend to forget things so easily. It's like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands—elusive and fleeting.

As for the seat situation, well, I was comfortably nestled at the very back of the bus, so it wasn't really my concern. I can't say I blame the blonde dude for not giving up his seat—after all, I wouldn't have either.

However, if the situation were mine, I might have made a different choice. Probably.

It's a bit like my personal philosophy—I'd rather eliminate a potential threat well in advance than let it get too close. But hey, this scenario didn't involve me, so it wasn't my problem to solve.

Speaking of problems, let me lay out my perspective. The whole seniority thing in Japan, well, it's kind of a mixed bag for me. I'm all for showing respect to my elders, but sometimes it feels a bit peculiar.

Take my case, for instance. I'm just a high school freshman, a newbie. Yet, if I dared to correct or criticize a senpai who's just a year ahead of me, it'd be like I'm some sort of troublemaker. It's just a bit strange to me, honestly.

All these thoughts have been swirling in my mind, especially since that "giving up your seat" incident. It's like the whole situation is a mirror reflecting the intricate nuances of societal norms and personal values.

Heh,

...

"Wait a second," a voice, sweet and feminine, sliced through my thoughts. I swivelled my head toward the sound.

Oh, what an intriguing twist! Exiting the bus led me right into a scene that could've been ripped from a romance novel. Two star-crossed lovers, perhaps? Nah, let's be real—they probably just met each other.

The first character in this impromptu drama was a young lady, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall, and her eyes a fiery red. And then we had the second protagonist, a young man who stood about my height. Brown eyes, brown hair—the classic combo. Those were their physical descriptions, neatly filed away in my brain for future reference.

"You were looking at me a while ago. Why?" she demanded, her expression as firm as a board.

The boy didn't miss a beat. "Sorry. I was just a bit curious. But whatever the reason, you weren't planning on giving up your seat for the old woman, were you?"

She shrugged, nonchalant. "Yeah, yeah, no seat-giving for me. What's the big deal?"

He pressed on, undeterred. "No, it's just that I thought the same thing. I had no intention of giving up my seat either. I prefer to avoid drama; it's just not my thing."

"Steer clear of drama?" She arched an eyebrow. "Don't lump me in with you. I didn't cling to my seat because the whole idea felt pointless. It's different from folks who dodge problems like you. I'd rather not waste my time with people like that." And with a toss of her hair, she started walking away.

"I...feel the same way..." Okay, call me tunnel-visioned, but it just hit me—this dude had the flattest, most monotone voice in the history of voices. Seriously, it was like listening to a GPS giving directions.

Not to mention, his face didn't seem to emote at all—just his mouth moved. Doll-like, to say the least.

As they walked off, I observed him trailing a couple of steps behind her, looking like he was solving world equations in his head. I couldn't resist my next move—I ambled up to him and gave his back a playful pat.

"Tough luck, buddy, rejected on day one," I tossed out with a grin before sauntering off toward the gymnasium for the entrance ceremony. The sound of his confusion followed me, but I just shrugged it off.

Now, I'm not exactly the poster child for spirituality, but I sent a little wish into the universe. A class with Mr. Monotone in it would be quite the entertainment, wouldn't it?

...

You know, if you were to somehow extract my thoughts on that entrance ceremony, I'd metaphorically unleash a swift kick right into your virtual nether regions. And then I'd proceed to give you a full-blown lecture on how utterly painful it was to dredge up the memory of that mind-numbing, soul-sucking ordeal.

I mean, seriously?! How on earth did they manage to make it THAT excruciatingly boring? It was like watching grass grow or enduring one of those painfully monotonous hydraulic press videos. Yeah, I'd genuinely prefer to see the paint dry than subject myself to that ordeal once more.

BUT—yes, there's a shimmer of hope amidst this abyss of despair. Are you ready for this? Brace yourself. Drumroll, please... Mr. Monotone and the enigmatic black-haired girl from earlier?

Yeah, they're in my class! How's that for a silver lining? Cue the confetti and the triumphant "sweet~" because that's the kind of respite that keeps me from slipping into the void.

...

Class 1-D was my classroom and if you tilt your head just right, voila! It's like a happy face winking back at you. I mean, if you squint a little more, it kinda resembles a slightly chubby person grinning. Hey, it's all about perspective, right? So, yeah, I'd say it still counts as a smile-inducing arrangement!

Now, let's talk modern society—post-1990s era, because you know, I'm not some bone-rattling ancient entity from the past!

Those first few days in school are, critical in cementing friendships and establishing those little cliques that stereotypical high schoolers are famous for. It's like the ultimate social experiment in progress, you know what I mean?

Back in middle school, I had this snug little group of friends. It was like a mini squad, just four of us, I think. We were pretty cool if I do say so myself. We did all the cool middle school stuff—complained about homework, traded snacks, and all that shit.

But alas, life had other plans, and we ended up in different schools. Such is the tragedy of growing up.

Let's cue that classic anime moment, shall we? Imagine me, a character deflating like a balloon, complete with the sound effects!

And so, I decided to make my grand entrance into the classroom, aiming for that serene, under-the-radar vibe. You know, the kind of entrance where you gracefully glide in, all peaceful and chill. But oh no, life had other plans for me...

As I stepped in, the atmosphere shifted. Whispered exclamations filled the air like excited chirping birds, it's like twitter:

"Oh, wow, he's...hot,"

"Is he really in our class?"

"I love this school already~"

"I just want him to look at me all day with those eyes then shove me up against the wall and whisper sweet nothings into my ears while we fuc-"

And then came the hushed warnings:

"Shhh! He might hear you!"

"Shhh! What are you even saying!?"

Well, well, well, it appears I've become the unintentional star of this impromptu show. Move over, Hollywood heartthrobs—I've got a fan club forming right here!

Now, if someone could kindly fetch me a shovel, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Why, you ask?

Oh, just to dig a nice, cozy hole to hide in, of course!

And quite possibly die!

Because nothing says "please, world, swallow me whole" quite like being the center of attention when all you wanted was a bit of peace and quiet.

...

Oh, guess what? Fate has a funny way of playing its hand, and it dealt me a seat right in front of none other than Mr. Monotone himself. The dude was in deep conversation with the mysterious black-haired girl, the same one from earlier.

I swear, I could practically taste the chemistry in the air!

Just kidding, folks! Chemistry might've been on a coffee break during their chat. Seems like she's not exactly the social butterfly type, you know? She is pretty, so there's that.

Picture this: she's like the guardian of her own little bubble of solitude, determined to hold onto her ideals of being a lone wolf, forever and ever. Maybe someday, a charming prince will come along and shatter the icy walls of her mind.

Ahh~ talk about a fairy tale in the making~

And I'm not that prince! Haha!

I mean, can you imagine? Me, the romantic sage, spewing melodramatic predictions about sweet princes and icy prisons? Yeah, right!

Hahaha...

...

"Good morning seems like you're still trying," I playfully quipped at the brown-haired boy as he wrapped up his chat with Horikita Suzune. Oh yeah, I did my fair share of eavesdropping. So, if you're curious about the mystery girl's name, it's Horikita Suzune. Now, let's do a little breakdown of her name using some Japanese kanji magic, shall we?

The first part, 堀北 (Horikita), breaks down like this:

堀 (Hori) means "moat" or "ditch," which is kind of intriguing, right? Maybe she's got a hidden fortress or just really digs castles, who knows?

北 (Kita) means "north," so if you're into compass directions, you're in for a treat!

I'D RATHER THE READER NOT FUCK A COMPASS!

And then we've got the second part, 鈴音 (Suzune):

鈴 (Suzu) means "bell," which is pretty cool. It's like she brings a touch of musical charm wherever she goes.

Doubt.

音 (Ne) means "sound," which makes sense. Bells make sounds, after all!

So, if you put it all together, Horikita Suzune could translate to something like "Moat North Bell Sound." Or like..."The Northern Moat, and the Sound of the Bell," or something like that.

Anyways...

Oh, it's you, from earlier," Ah, recognition! My heart's doing the tango of joy inside my chest!

"Mhm, looks like we're classmates now. My back's in your hands," I said, tone nonchalant.

"Hn," was his eloquent reply. "I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, by the way."

Our gazes locked for a fleeting second. "Fujiwara Kiriya, nice to meet you."

"Likewise," he responded, his voice maintaining that steady monotone, and his expression seemingly stuck in neutral gear.

Was this guy's emotional range limited to grayscale tones? Did he even emote at all? I couldn't help but wonder. "...Do you have any hobbies or...?" Oh boy, he sucked at conversation.

I gave that question a moment's thought. "I guess music's been my thing lately." I paused for dramatic effect. "And, you know, art, like drawing and stuff."

"Ah, well, I'm not really into specific hobbies. I find a bit of interest in everything," he casually chimed in.

So, maybe he's leaning on the side of dull? "Hn, well, here's to hoping we can at least be good friends."

Just as we were wrapping up our enlightening exchange, the first bell rang. Ah, the universal signal that homeroom was about to kick off. Perfect timing, right?

At that very moment, the classroom's atmosphere shifted as a woman made her entrance. My first impression of her was that she exuded an air of strict discipline. If I had to take a guess, I'd place her age at around thirty.

She was dressed in a formal suit, and her delicate features gave off an air of professionalism. Her hair cascaded down in a long ponytail, adding to her composed appearance.

"Ahem. Good morning, students. I'm your Class D homeroom instructor. You can call me Chiyabashira Sae. Normally, I teach Japanese history. However, at this school, we don't switch classrooms each year."

Our teacher was pretty.

She continued, her voice carrying a sense of authority. "For the next three years, I'll be your homeroom teacher, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'll distribute written materials that outline our school's special rules and provide you with the admissions guide."

As the students in the front row passed back the familiar documents, I couldn't help but reminisce about the day I received them after being accepted into the school.

This place stood apart from the typical Japanese high schools in several significant ways. One of the most notable differences was the requirement for all students to reside in on-campus dormitories.

Additionally, unless under special circumstances like studying abroad, students were strictly prohibited from contacting anyone outside the school, even their immediate family. Naturally, leaving the school premises without authorization was an absolute no-go.

Yet, amidst these strict rules, the campus offered an array of top-notch facilities. With its own karaoke spot, theatre, café, boutique, and more, you could easily mistake this place for a small city. The campus spanned over a sprawling 600,000 square meters.

And here comes my thought—it's almost like the Vatican, just a bit bigger. You could probably fit about one and a half Vaticans in here!

This institution also boasted an intriguing feature: the S System.

"I'll now distribute your student ID cards. These cards grant access to various facilities on campus and can be used for purchasing goods from the store, among other things. Think of it as a credit card."

Our sensei carried on with her explanation. "However, it's crucial that you manage your points wisely. At this school, points are your currency, and you can use them to buy anything within the campus."

That sounds a bit vague, honestly. Anything? Could you potentially buy a classroom? Maybe even create your own classroom? The thought is quite entertaining.

Our points, loaded onto our student ID cards, essentially acted as a digital currency. The absence of physical money was meant to alleviate financial concerns for many students. However, keeping track of spending habits was imperative. The school supplied these points to students free of charge.

"Using your cards is as simple as swiping them through the scanner. It's a straightforward process, so there shouldn't be any confusion. Points are automatically credited to your account on the first day of each month. Each point is equivalent to one yen. There's no need for further explanation."

Well, well, well, it seems like we're delving into the realm of playing with our perception of money, much like the Japanese government would do, huh?!

MISSMANGE EVERYTHING HUH!?

Our class was instantly set abuzz with a mix of astonishment and excitement.

In simpler terms, the school had granted us a monthly allowance of 100,000 yen upon our admission. Well, considering this place was a sprawling establishment orchestrated by the Japanese government, it wasn't surprising. 100,000 yen is a substantial sum for any high schooler, no doubt about it.

"Surprised by the number of points you've received? This school thoroughly assesses its students' potential. The fact that each of you cleared the entrance examination speaks volumes about your value and potential. The points you've been given correspond to this evaluation of your worth," Chiyabashira-sensei explained.

She took a brief pause before continuing. "You're free to use your points however you like. But please note that upon graduation, all your points will revert to the school. Since converting your points into cash isn't an option, hoarding them doesn't really provide an advantage. Once your points are deposited into your account, it's entirely up to you how you choose to spend them."

"Feel free to indulge yourself. And if, for some reason, you don't wish to use your points, you can transfer them to another student. However, let's make one thing clear—extorting money from your peers is absolutely prohibited. This school takes a very vigilant stance against bullying."

I have been foiled...

As bewilderment painted the faces of my fellow classmates, Chiyabashira-sensei surveyed the room, presumably on the lookout for anyone with burning questions.

I raised my hand into the air. "Sensei, I have a question."

Chiyabashira-sensei's gaze met mine, a glimmer of intrigue sparkling in her eyes like I was the pièce de résistance at a child's birthday party. "Of course, Fujiwara Kiriya-kun. What's on your mind?"

I began to voice my query. "I've been pondering something. Let's say two students agree on a deal—like trading goods or something of the sort. How would the school ensure that both parties honour their agreement and get what they've bargained for?" I inquired, my words laced with genuine curiosity.

A hushed silence fell over the classroom. Most of my fellow classmates, who were still riding high on the revelation of the 100,000-point allowance, suddenly snapped out of their reverie. The thought of potential scams or being hoodwinked raced through their minds, even if it was just a faint possibility.

"Yeah, seriously! What if someone pulls a fast one on us?" A blonde girl near the front piped up, voicing the collective concern that seemed to hang in the air.

Murmurs and whispers circulated among the other students as they tried to hash out the puzzle in their minds.

Breaking the silence, Chiyabashira-sensei stepped in. "Let's settle down, everyone," her voice gently quelled the brewing storm. "Fujiwara-kun, that's an excellent question. We have a system called 'contracts' to address that very issue. Both parties involved would agree on a set of terms, which can be documented on paper or digitally," she explained.

Her words continued to weave the answer. "Once the terms are agreed upon, both parties would need to sign the contract. Alternatively, you could involve a third party as a witness or even use recordings."

"In case there's a breach of the contract by either party, you have the option of bringing the matter to the student council," she concluded, her words sounding almost rehearsed.

"That's all, then?"

"Yes, sensei. Thank you," I affirmed, sitting back down. She looked quite disappointed for some reason.

Heh...

"Well, it appears no one has any further questions. I hope that you enjoy your time here as students."

The aftermath of that little concern seemed to evaporate, as many of my classmates reverted to their previous state of being exuberant and, quite frankly, annoying little kids over the heap of points they had just received. It's so loud!

Just behind me, Ayanokouji's voice murmured, "This school doesn't seem as strict as I thought."

Horikita chimed in as well, her tone thoughtful. "This school is incredibly lenient, isn't it?"

Casually leaning back in my chair, I couldn't resist joining the conversation. "Yeah, it does come across as pretty relaxed, doesn't it?"

Horikita's eyebrow arched slightly, a clear sign that she was taken aback by my intrusion. "And why do you think that?"

I hesitated for a moment, not entirely sure how to convey my thoughts. "Well, it's just..." I trailed off, realizing that I wasn't entirely sure how to put it into words. "I don't know, who knows?" I finally managed to say, my voice trailing off once more.

"This is almost an overwhelming amount of preferential treatment. It's honestly quite unsettling," Horikita's words resonated with my own sentiments. The sheer extent of what was happening here gave rise to a sense of unease within me.

The lack of information about this school was palpable as if a curtain of mystery enveloped every aspect. In my mind, I had assumed that a school with the capability to fulfill any desire would come with some sort of risk or catch.

I couldn't help but entertain a slightly ludicrous thought—what if I beat the shit out of an upperclassman for information? That idea had a humorous ring to it, but it was also a surefire way to get expelled.

For now, that amusing notion would have to be put on hold.

For now...

Amidst our musings, a cheerful voice broke through the reverie. "Hey, hey! Who's up for a quick shopping trip on the way back? Let's do some shopping!" a girl exclaimed.

Another eagerly chimed in, "Sure. With this much, we can buy anything. I'm so glad I got into this school!"

As soon as the teacher's presence vanished from the room, the newly minted affluent students seemed to grow increasingly restless, their excitement palpable in the air.

They're like, children but in teenage bodies.

So they're basically the same but with insecurity issues.

Excuse me, everyone. Could I have your attention for a moment, please?" A student who exuded an air of responsibility quickly raised his hand, his natural hair colour untouched by any vibrant dyes.

The thought crossed my mind: perhaps he had a mixed background. His demeanour suggested he might be an honour student, and his appearance gave off the impression that he wasn't a troublemaker.

"Starting today, we're all classmates, and it'd be a good idea for us to introduce ourselves and become friends sooner rather than later. We have a bit of time before the entrance ceremony begins. What do you think?" His proposal hung in the air, most of the students deep in their own thoughts and not yet ready to speak up.

But one voice broke through the silence, gaining momentum. "Sounds like a plan! We barely know anything about each other, not even our names," the speaker declared, and as the ice shattered, other hesitant students started to find their voices.

"I'm Hirata Yousuke. People used to call me Yousuke back in junior high. Feel free to use my first name! I'm a fan of sports in general, especially soccer. I plan on continuing that here as well. Nice to meet all of you!" he introduced himself enthusiastically, his words hinting at his potential as a future leader or perhaps even a coach.

"Alright then, let's go around and introduce ourselves, starting from the front. Is that okay?" The girl at the front of the class appeared somewhat flustered, but she rallied and stood up. The pressure from Hirata's suggestion seemed to have spurred her on.

"M-my name is Inogashira Ko-Ko..." Her voice faltered, and it was evident that nervousness had taken hold.

Was she struggling to find her words, or had she not prepared anything in advance? As her speech came to a halt, her complexion turned pale. Her reaction was almost unprecedented, the level of nervousness she displayed was rarely seen.

Encouraging words flowed from our classmates. Strangely enough, though, they seemed to have the opposite effect on her. The pressure to perform seemed to choke her words, and the silence stretched for five seconds, then ten.

The tension became almost palpable. Giggles broke out among the girls as Inogashira remained frozen in fear, unable to make any move. Finally, another girl spoke up.

"It's okay to take your time. Don't rush," her gentle voice offered an alternative to the typical encouragements.

While saying, "Do your best!" and "It's okay!" may seem supportive, they can actually intensify the pressure for someone who's extremely nervous. On the other hand, advising her to "take things slowly" and "not to rush" allowed her the space to proceed at her own pace.

Going at your own pace...

Following those reassuring words, the girl managed to regain her composure. A few steadying breaths later, she attempted her introduction again. "My name is Inogashira... Kokoro. Um, my hobby is sewing. I'm quite skilled at knitting. It's, um, nice to meet you all," she concluded, this time without pause.

Relief, happiness, and a touch of embarrassment flitted across her features as she took her seat, paving the way for others to share their own introductions.

"I'm Yamauchi Haruki. I used to compete in table tennis during elementary school, and in junior high, I was the ace player on our baseball team, holding the fourth spot. Unfortunately, I got injured during the inter-high school championships and I'm currently in rehab. Pleased to meet everyone."

What?

"Well, looks like it's my turn," the lively girl declared, the same one who had encouraged Inogashira to take her time and had assisted the elderly woman on the bus that morning. Her energy was infectious.

"My name is Kushida Kikyou. None of my friends from the junior high made it to this school, so I'm flying solo here. I'm eager to learn everyone's names and faces right away and become friends as soon as possible!"

Why the emphasis on having no friends? I fought off the urge to snort.

KEEP YOURSELF COMPOSED KIRIYA!

While most of the students had kept their introductions brief, Kushida continued to speak. "My first goal is to befriend everyone. So, once introductions are done, I'd love for all of you to share your contact information with me!"

Her words weren't empty. It was clear that this girl was the type to warmly welcome anyone into her circle. But for some reason, there was a faint unsettling feeling that accompanied it. Oh well, I thought, pushing aside that thought.

At least she's cute.

"So, whether it's after school or during vacations, I'm excited to make all sorts of memories with a bunch of people. Don't hesitate to invite me to lots and lots of events! Anyway, I've talked your ears off, so I'll wrap up my introduction here."

It was my turn after Kushida's exuberant introduction. "Would the next person please introduce themselves?" Hirata called out.

Honestly, I had no concrete plan for this introduction. I was pretty much just going with the flow and seeing where things took me. Not an uncommon approach for me, to be honest.

In fact, I was quite skilled at improvisation, so why not embrace it?

I stood up, offering a gentle yet radiant smile to my new classmates. "Greetings, everyone. My name is Fujiwara Kiriya. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I began, my tone steady and composed.

"I don't possess specific hobbies aside from a casual interest in music and the arts. However, I'm eager to delve into your own passions and experiences during my time here. Let's all aim for a fulfilling and enjoyable journey together."

My voice carried an air of confidence and poise, each word carefully chosen without a hint of hesitation. I managed to keep my thoughts in check, preventing any potential disruptions to my speech

Amidst the enamoured expressions from the female classmates, which notably included Horikita, and the intense glares shot my way by some of the boys, I believe my introduction was quite successful.

By the way, what on earth is an "Ikeman"?

Hirata, on the other hand, extended a friendly greeting my way with a warm smile. "Likewise, Fujiwara-kun! It's great to have you here!"

"Well then, next up is..." Hirata's encouraging gaze shifted to the next student in line, but this particular student responded with a fierce glare. With fiery red hair and an aura of defiance, he emitted a definite delinquent vibe.

His tone matched his appearance as he retorted, "Seriously? Are we in kindergarten? I'm not interested in introducing myself. If anyone else wants to do it, go ahead. But count me out."

The red-haired student's scowl intensified as he directed his irritation toward Hirata. His attitude exuded an overwhelming force, almost as if challenging anyone who dared to question him.

Hirata, however, remained composed and respectful. He spoke, "I won't compel you to introduce yourself, of course. Yet, I believe that fostering good relationships with your classmates is a positive thing. If my words have unsettled you, I apologize."

As Hirata bowed, a few girls shot disapproving glares at the red-haired student, showing their support for Hirata's sentiment. "Why not just introduce yourself?" one of them retorted.

"Yeah, exactly!"

"Whatever. I don't care. I'm not here to make friends." With those words, the red-haired student abruptly stood up, his agitation apparent.

I tilted my head, puzzled by the intensity of his reaction. I couldn't quite grasp the source of his anger at that moment.

As the classroom began to thin out, with several students leaving together, Horikita and a few others departed as well. Hirata's expression showed a touch of loneliness as he watched Horikita walk away.

"They're not a bad bunch. It's my fault. I was being selfish and made people do this," Hirata expressed with a hint of self-blame.

"No need to blame yourself, Hirata-kun. You didn't do anything wrong. Let's just leave those guys to their choices," one of the girls offered in an attempt to comfort him.

Despite the initial resistance to introductions, the remaining students were willing to continue. Eventually, the process concluded in a rather ordinary manner.

"I'm Ike Kanji. I'm a fan of girls and not-so-fond of pretty boys. Right now, I'm in the market for a new girlfriend. Nice to meet you! Extra points if you're a cutie or a beauty!"

It was difficult to determine if Ike's statement was meant in a lighthearted manner or not. While some of the girls reacted with a mix of disgust and amusement, I found the scene quite entertaining.

"Wow, Ike-kun, you're simply amazing," deadpanned one girl, her voice void of emotion. Obviously, her statement was far from genuine.

"Really? Are you serious? Well, I didn't think I was terrible or anything, but...heh heh."

Evidently taking her words at face value, Ike blushed in response. The girls burst into laughter at his reaction.

"Look at that! Isn't he adorable, everyone? He's on the hunt for a girlfriend!"

Ike joined in on the playful teasing, seemingly adept at understanding social dynamics and adapting to the atmosphere. At his own expense, he managed to lighten the mood in the classroom. He wasn't as bad as I initially thought.

The classroom had its fair share of characters, including Kouenji Rokusuke, who stood out due to his blonde hair, narcissistic attitude, and distinctive aura of "being Kouenji," whatever that meant.

And then there was the man of the hour, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Cue the drumroll, because this was going to be epic...

"Well then, time for the next person. Can you please introduce yourself?" the teacher prompted.

"Huh?" Ayanokouji seemed momentarily caught off guard.

Clack! His chair rattled as he stood up, drawing the attention of the class.

"Um. Well, my name is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. And, uh, I don't really have any special skills or anything. I'll do my best to get along with all of you. It's, uh, nice to meet you."

...HE BLEW HIS INTRODUCTION!

...

"AhoKouji..."

"W-wha?"

...

...

Done, 6441 Words

Author Notes:

Sup kids, I'm writing another thing. It'll be a secondary project from the main one I'm doing, so...yeah!

See you later, you damn leech.

Vol 1.2 - Older Idiots.

If you were to ask me, "Kiriya, what do you think is the most important part about high school life," I'd probably exclaim,

"What the hell are you doing in my shower?! I'm calling the police!"

But, when I'm not dealing with unexpected intruders, I'd say, "Getting contact information and making quick friends."

Anyway, back to reality...

After the introductions were finally over, I decided to take the initiative and gather contact information from people who seemed less likely to break into my house. You know, having friends who respect personal boundaries is pretty high on my list of priorities.

"Ayanokouji-kun?" I called out, directing my attention to the socially challenged guy who gave a rather lacklustre introduction. He looked at me with a hint of surprise, a glimmer of hope shining through his stoic demeanour.

Ah, the socially awkward ones – they're like uncut gems waiting to be polished into the funniest types of idiots.

I pulled out my phone and opened my contacts list. "Congratulations, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka-kun, you're about to become my very first contact in this school," I announced with a playful grin.

His expression, if it could change, would probably resemble a deer caught in headlights. In other words, he froze on the spot, utterly baffled by my interest in exchanging contact information with him.

"Uh...sure..." Ah, the sweet sound of pity~. I couldn't help but find his social discomfort somewhat endearing.

We swapped contact information, and I couldn't resist glancing at his profile picture. Ever seen those tech-illiterate middle-aged folks on Facebook who have the ability to capture the essence of awkwardness in their selfies?

Well, his profile picture is kind of like that.

He's sitting on a couch of sorts, gazing downward with those golden-brown eyes, looking completely out of his element. I mean, I suppose it's somewhat endearing in its own way...?

"Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun," I chimed, genuinely grateful. "Hey, if you're up for it, you can join me." I motioned toward the group of students huddled around Hirata, mostly comprising the female population of the class. "I'm planning to gather contact information from a few people. You should do the same."

I've read Harem manga before, I think Hirata would make a good protagonist. I silently thanked everyone for not bunching around me.

It's not that I'm looking down on this socially challenged enigma, mind you. He just struck me as someone who might be a bit rusty in the social department, as if he'd been in hibernation without human interaction for the past three years or so.

"Ah...are you sure...?" he hesitated, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Absolutely! Come on, don't worry. Even if your introduction was a bit lacklustre, you've got a chance to make a better impression now," I reassured him with an encouraging smile. At that moment, I had officially taken on the role of his social guide.

AKA, I adopted him.

You see, dear readers, when an extrovert crosses paths with an introvert, the extrovert instinctively adopts the introvert – it's just the unwritten law of the social jungle. I don't make the rules; I just follow them!

Sometimes I do make them, but that's a story for another day.

"Ah, Fujiwara-kun!" Hirata's warm greeting reached us as he noticed Ayanokouji and me in the vicinity. He extended his hospitality to the other girls who had gathered around him as well.

After exchanging pleasantries, even Robot-Kouji seemed to be making an attempt to engage with the group. As usual, his expression held a vague hint of bewilderment – a consistent feature that was almost endearing in its predictability.

"Ah, by the way, I wanted to get uh..." I trailed off, my phone in hand, a silent signal that everyone seemed to catch onto.

"Yeah, let's exchange contact information!" Karuizawa Kei, the blonde who backed me up when I asked that question to sensei earlier, chimed in. You could say she had that stereotypical "gal" vibe, like something out of those 1990s sitcoms. You know the type!

"Mhm! Count me in!" added Matsushita Chiaki, a girl with beautiful blue eyes and brown hair. She exuded an aura of elegance and maturity that made her seem like the quintessential big sister type. And, oh boy, did I mention that she's stunning?

I mean, come on! I might be a teenager with anxiety issues, but that doesn't mean I can't acknowledge when someone is attractive. It's not a crime to appreciate beauty, right?

Take Hirata, for example. He could've been a child model back in the day, and I wouldn't be surprised.

Then again, if he was a child model, he'd probably have turned out way more spoiled and bratty than he actually is now. You've seen those before-and-after stories, right? Those kids are the epitome of parental neglect and entitlement.

And hey, even Ayanokouji looks good! Now, I'm not questioning my orientation or anything, but you've got to give credit where credit is due.

When there's a good-looking guy in the vicinity, one must acknowledge it – just like appreciating a beautiful sunset or a captivating piece of art. It's all part of being human!

As I eventually ventured off on my own, I managed to gather a handful of contacts – mostly girls. Truly a teenage dream come true, if I do say so myself!

Here's my new collection of contacts:

Matsushita Chiaki

Karuizawa Kei

Sato Maya

Hirata Yousuke

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

Shinohara Satsuki

Mei Yu Wang (Mii-chan, for short – as she so shyly instructed us)

Mori Nene

and last but certainly not least~

Kushida Kikyo

Now, I'll admit, I do feel like a bit of an ass for leaving poor Ayanokouji to navigate the social waters on his own.

It's like abandoning a child at the supermarket or your dad saying that he's going out for milk and then never seeing him again.

But hey, tough love builds character, right?

He's got to learn the ropes sooner or later!

From what I observed, he managed to hold his own, though most of the girls found him a tad on the boring side. I could practically see his self-esteem taking a nosedive. Oh well, nothing a little social interaction won't fix...hopefully.

So, no hard feelings, my fledgling friend! Just remember, you're like a social caterpillar now, weaving your cocoon of social skills. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll emerge as a beautiful, confident butterfly – probably!

And heck, maybe you'll even surpass me!

...

Now to find more cameras...

...

I roamed the campus, my curiosity leading me to explore the school's surroundings. However, what caught my attention was the sheer number of cameras that seemed to be everywhere. It was like a scene from one of those dystopian novels where the world is a surveillance nightmare, and even the privacy of your bathroom isn't safe.

Do you ever get that eerie feeling, like Big Brother is watching your every move? Well, that's exactly how I felt as I counted the damn cameras dotting the landscape.

I couldn't help but remember those scenes from those dystopian novels, where every corner was under constant watch. It's like they took a page out of those stories and brought it to life.

But seriously, who in their right mind installs around 194 cameras all over the school grounds? I mean, sure, security is important, and I'm all for it, but this just feels way over the top. Like, what the FUCK?!

Now, I'm not saying I'm paranoid or anything... okay, maybe I am a little paranoid. I don't like being watched.

I mean, who wouldn't be, knowing they're being watched all the time? Imagine being caught on camera during the most private moments – like when you're using the bathroom or having a cozy Netflix and chill session.

...

"Kyun️ Kyun Ah ️ Kir- ️ - iya️ !!!"

"Can you two be quiet!?"

"Sorry sensei!"

"S-sorry sense-HYA ️ ! Hurn ️ ! N-not there️! A-ah mmph ️~"

YOU GET WHAT I'M SAYING!? I HAD TO MAKE MYSELF FUCK SOMEONE TO GET MY POINT ACROSS!

...

Queasy: ...could you guys like...suggest someone ship this dude with? I gotta know now to plan for the future, and I have no idea who to ship him with...

...

With my priorities straight and my manly needs in mind, I decided to pay a visit to the convenience store.

You know, to pick up some essentials like a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner that promises to keep your scalp hydrated but ends up leaving it drier than the Sahara.

And hey, maybe a razor and some shaving cream, because nothing says "I've got my life together" like a clean-shaven face.

Or at least that's what I like to tell myself.

Oh, don't give me that judgmental look!

I do shower daily, I promise.

I'll literally fucking punt your dumbass if you give me that look!

Speaking of convenience stores, have you ever been to Family Mart? They're like a treasure trove of culinary delights. I mean, where else can you find Michelin-worthy food right next to the candy aisle? It's like a gourmet paradise, tucked away in those tiny aisles.

Anyway, enough of my rants about food and daydreams of instant ramen. As I approached the convenience store, I could practically smell the tantalizing aroma of delicious snacks and ready-to-eat meals wafting through the air.

It was like a siren's call, pulling me closer and closer to the doors of convenience store heaven.

Oh, hey, it's that red-haired guy from the morning!

And Ayanokouji! He looks well!

And Horikita! She looks as annoyed as ever! Oh, shes leaving...heh,

...

"Hey, you guys first years? This is our spot," As I was approaching the convenience store, a few senpais were confronting the red-haired guy from my class and Ayanokouji.

Oh, dear...

Well, you see, if you paid attention to the last entry, you all know I'm not the fondest of Senpais walking over me ( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡). I just find it somewhat annoying, them flaunting their power like they're some sort of monkey with the coolest fangs.

"Who are you? I was already here. You're in the way, get lost." the red-haired guy barked.

"You hear this guy? 'Get lost,' he says. What a cocky little first-year punk." said one of them.

The three senpai's laughed in the red-haired's face. He shot up, slamming the noodle cup he was holding against the ground. Noodles and broth splashing around.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?!"

"'First-year punk, huh? You tryna' make fun of me, huh?!"

From what I could observe from the morning and now, this guy had an incredibly short fuse. I mean, he got angry after being told to introduce himself, and even now. He seemed the type to threaten anyone who crossed him.

"You're awfully mouthy, considering we're second-year students. We already put our pages here, see?"

With a plop, the second-year students put their bags down and guffawed quite loudly.

I slowly approached behind my classmates, I really didn't wanna get involved, probably.

"See, our stuff's here. Now, beat it," one of them said.

"You've got a lot of guts, asshole!" barked the red-haired guy once again.

"Oh, wow, scary. What class are you in? Wait, never mind. I think I know. You're in class D aren't you?" the senpais were provoking my red-haired classmate and they most likely would've gone farther if it weren't for Ayanokouji's presence.

Sigh...why not give it a shot...?

"Yeah so wh-?!" I stopped my classmate, placing a hand on his shoulder, though it was a bit strange, considering he was taller than me.

"Ma~ Ma, senpai, what's it to you? If he, or we, are in class D?" I gestured toward the, now 3 of us.

Everyone was a bit surprised at my sudden appearance, I mean, it was like a magic trick, but with me serving as the magic guy, you know?

"Ha! You hear that everyone," the lead senpai turned toward his friends. "They're in class D! I knew it! It was a dead giveaway!"

"Ehhh~" I drawled out, still smiling.

"Huh? Are you laughing at us?"

I tilted my head, giving them a look of pity. "No, no I'm not laughing, I'm just sighing at the fact that it took you that long to figure out," I pointed to my classmate, then Ayanokouji, then me. "what class we were in," I spoke as if talking to children.

"I mean," I started clapping, smiling while doing so. "It only took you so long, no?"

"Huh!? Quit messing around you stupid defec-" I cut him off.

"Ara? You said something senpai~?" I gave a playful lilt, drawing in closer toward the group. "You're a bit too quiet, and I don't have the greatest of hearing, you'll have to speak up,"

"You think you're some sort of big shot huh, pretty boy?! Wait 'till-"

"Oh dear, I am quite the looker, huh senpai? Given your own looks, you're defiantly around...class C, no?" I narrowed my eyes, grinning while doing so. "I'm sorry, though, I only know how to swing in a few ways, not this type," I provoked lowly.

The senpais were a bit flustered and angry, more on the angry side, if I say so myself.

"You asshole!" one of the students raised their hands, clenching them into fists.

"Awe~ Sempwai angy? Perhaps angsty? Did widdle ole me wuffle up your jimmies? Your widdle kohai is pretty right? Why don't you take a good look at me, huh?" Some people have fragile egos, mostly idiots, and well, you get the picture.

"You really are kind of pathetic, in all honesty, going for the freshmen. No, wait, you're just pathetic in general, didn't even rank up once, huh?" I was just messing with them at this point in time.

"You little shit!" The senpai with clenched fists suddenly surged forward, faster than anticipated and socked me square in the jaw.

THUD!

A surge of pain on the left side of my face became apparent as I fell to the ground, wide-eyed.

My red-haired classmate got in front of me defensively as Ayanokouji came to my aid. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"Are you alright?" Ayanokouji checked up on me, crouching. I sloshed my tongue around my mouth. "Yeah, I'm fine," I said quietly, he nodded.

The senpai's two friends suddenly became...oddly paranoid, for some reason.

"Oi! Let's move, this is bad!" one of them grabbed my attacker and took off while chastising him.

"You're gonna regret this, you damn defects!" the aggressor who threw the punch yelled angrily. "Keep yapping like that and you'll find yourself in hell soon!"

"Oi! Don't just run away! Hey!" my fiery-haired classmate shouted at them.

"Don't," I interjected.

"You alright?" he asked.

I hummed in response. "I got a nice punch to the jaw, but I'll survive. No worries."

My classmate snorted. "Really? Just making sure."

You know, despite his anger management issues and tough exterior, this guy's not that bad. And it's probably time I stopped referring to him as "red-haired classmate" or "my classmate." I should learn his name already!

"By the way, I never got your name," I said, trying to break the ice.

"Oh, right. It's Sudo," he replied, offering me a hand to help me up.

"Nice to meet you, Sudo," I said as I stretched my limbs.

Sudo was still seething with anger, like a boiling kettle ready to explode. Understandable, though. If I saw a random classmate getting punched for defending me, I'd be pretty ticked off too – unless, of course, I was the one getting punched.

He cooled down a bit after our conversation, but there was still an edge of irritation in his demeanor.

I swished my tongue around in my mouth to check the damage, the pain fading. Then I glanced at the mess around us. Noodles and trash were scattered everywhere, creating an unsightly scene.

"We should probably..." I started.

Sudo looked a tad embarrassed. "Ah, yeah... whoops... let's clean up."

With a mutual nod, the three of us – Ayanokouji, Sudo, and I – worked together to tidy up the mess. We gathered all the discarded food and trash and dumped it into a nearby bin.

When we were finally done, we let out sighs of relief. Our hands were a bit sticky from handling the mess, and personally, I can't stand unclean spaces. It just gives me the creeps, you know?

"Oh!" Sudo suddenly exclaimed, realization dawning on him. "I never got your name."

"Fujiwara Kiriya," I responded, lips curving into a simple smile. Sudo, for all his faults, wasn't a bad guy deep down. He was just a bit of a reckless dumbass who managed to land himself in situations like this.

We exchanged contact numbers before he headed off toward the dorms.

That left Ayanokouji and me standing in front of the convenience store.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

And the awkward silence stretched on for about a minute.

"Why did you leave me?" Ayanokouji suddenly broke the silence, his tone carrying a hint of hurt.

Well, now I look like an asshole, huh?

...

...

Ah~ I need to contact those senpais soon, huh?

...

...

2753 Words

Vol 1.3 - Fair.

Queasy: Vote for one. You only get one vote, I don't want an aneurysm.

Queasy: These are the characters I think I can properly write a 'romance' with while not giving me a headache and preserving the psychological aspect of the story:

- Matsushita Chiaki (Same class, easier to insert, got some ideas for her. Downside, I'm gonna use her thighs to crush my head like a watermelon)

- Ichinose Honami (Gummy bear and I already got some alright ideas for her. Downside, I'll be using her thighs as a lap pillow)

- Horikita Suzune (Tsun-Tsun premium package as well, they're also somewhat similar. Downside...I cannot say or I am in big trouble...)

- An OC (Much easier to insert and be compatible. Downside, it's an OC created by me)

- Kiryuun Fuka (Tall mommy "Step on me please Fuka-chan~". Downside, the uncertainty of capturing her personality)

- The "True Kiriya Method" (?)

???: Queasy, what's the "Kiriya Method"?

Queasy: Mystery box, nothing important

_

As the sun began to cast its long shadows across the campus, I finally made it back to my dormitory. I had quite the haul with me – bags filled with food, kitchen essentials, and more food. I even managed to squeeze in some ice cream amidst the other necessities. It was all neatly packed into four reusable canvas bags.

Sure, I might have spent around 20% of my allowance on the first day, but honestly, I couldn't care less. This supply was supposed to last me the entire month. I preferred not to have to venture outside for grocery runs more than once a month if possible.

The life of a shut-in~

Looking at all the items I had gathered, I couldn't help but appreciate the quality of what I'd purchased. I had a certain affinity for choosing the best options.

My dorm room had a label – Room 404.

It amused me, like the error code on those old Windows 95 computers.

"Oooo~ home sweet home for who knows the fuck long!" I exclaimed to myself as I lazily made my way to the kitchen area and the accompanying fridge. I began unpacking all the goodies I'd brought with me.

Among my provisions were plenty of instant noodles, though I was well aware they weren't exactly a healthful choice. I mean, they'd given me headaches due to their lack of nutritional value, but sometimes convenience trumped everything else.

I went back toward the front of the dorm, where there were some papers that I was meant to read.

I quickly flipped through the handbook, which provided only the most essential information for our daily lives. It detailed the schedule for garbage disposal, reminded us to avoid creating excessive noise, and included notices about conserving water and electricity usage.

"So, there aren't any restrictions on electricity or gas usage?" I mused aloud.

I had initially assumed that the school would deduct the costs from our points, given its meticulously organized system. The level of detail they put into running this school was impressive.

However, what caught my attention was the implementation of co-ed dormitories. Considering this was a high school, I found it intriguing that the rules allowed for such arrangements, though they did mention discouraging inappropriate romantic relationships.

"So basically..."

NO SEX!

LITERALLY 1984!

...

Anyways...

My room was about eight tatami mats wide. That was quite spacious, like a Thanksgiving dinner table loaded with dishes kind of spacious. There were plenty of nooks and crannies where I could hide if someone decided to break into my domain.

I WOULD FUCKING PUNT THEM INTO THE STRATOSPHERE!

As I settled into my new space, I couldn't help but find it rather odd, or perhaps exceptionally idiotic, how this school purportedly moulded its students.

How could any respectable school like this, produce individuals of such, shall we say, unique qualities, given my senpais' track record with a 100% success rate?

This school proudly flaunted an impressive post-graduation employment rate, and its top-notch facilities and comprehensive student services made it the unrivalled high school in Japan.

One intriguing aspect was that people couldn't reach out to students without proper permission, even if they were friends or family. I found it rather endearing.

Within these walls, nobody else's gaze or words could penetrate my world. I could start anew, reinventing myself completely. A fresh beginning was in my grasp. I made a firm decision to savour every moment to the fullest and create a trove of vibrant memories.

And when I say "fun," I really mean fun...

I mused to myself with amusement as I concocted my first customized bowl of instant noodles for the year. It was one of those fiery Shin variants, and I was presently waiting for the water to reach its boiling point, ready to introduce an egg into the mix.

With the freedom and resources at hand, it was only natural to suspect there might be a catch somewhere.

Of course, I knew what it was, but don't you worry, dear reader. I won't spill the beans just yet.

After all, we're still in the early stages of this relationship, and those secrets deserve to be unveiled at the right moment. Who knows, perhaps after a few more chapters, we'll have developed a deep and meaningful connection.

Maybe even go on a fictional, fan-fictional date?

Ah, ah, getting greedy now are we, darling reader?

You know, I do love a good tease, you know? ( •̀ ᴗ - )

What the hell am I talking about? I really am going crazy, huh?

I chuckled to myself, relishing the thought before the egg's unexpected eruption coated my face.

POP!

...

"FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-"

...

On the second day of school, or technically the first day of class, we delved into the course objectives. Many students seemed genuinely surprised, if not a little disappointed, by the warm and friendly demeanour of the teachers at this school. Sudo, ever the spectacle, spent most of the class asleep.

I thought the teachers would notice, but they seemed oblivious to his behaviour. Ultimately, it was up to each individual student whether they wanted to engage in class or not. I observed my fellow classmates' antics with amusement, my perpetual smile still firmly in place.

I mean, I had to keep smiling, especially after the egg incident last night.

EVERYTHING WAS TOTALLY FINE!

You know, I'm not a delinquent. Never have been, never will be. I'm not the type to beat the shit out of someone with a pompadour haircut while smoking cigarettes and listening to 1980s rock music.

But, if you were to ask me, "Hey Kiriya, wanna skip class with me?" I would first retort, "Who do you think I am? I don't have a pompadour!" and then casually reply, "Sure."

Now, what was the point of all that drabble?

I dunno, I just didn't want to be in class.

Chabashira-sensei was our teacher at the moment, and I couldn't help but feel a strong urge to escape the classroom.

So, I raised my hand, maintaining the same passive-friendly demeanour I always wore.

She arched an eyebrow before addressing me, "Fujiwara-kun? Do you have a question?"

Speaking in a specific tone, I made my request, "May I go to the bathroom?"

Initially, confusion flickered across the faces of some of my classmates, but the topic was quickly dropped.

Her response was soft, yet there was a subtle furrowing of her eyebrows as if she was attempting to decipher the motives behind my seemingly mundane request. "Of course," she acquiesced. And with that, I left the classroom, making my way to the bathrooms.

This school really is full of strange people, ain't it?

...

I was stalling, that's exactly what I was doing.

Here I am, wandering aimlessly around the school corridors, hoping that somehow, through the magical intervention of fate, I would accidentally stumble upon my classroom.

Way to go, Kiriya. You've truly outdone yourself this time. You're officially lost in your own school. You've officially earned the title of "Idiot of the Day."

I must've looked absolutely bewildered as I aimlessly meandered through the hallways, trying to appear like I had a purpose but failing spectacularly.

In reality, I had no clue where I was going, and my internal GPS seemed to be malfunctioning.

On this unplanned adventure, I noticed various nooks and crannies of the school that I hadn't paid attention to before. It was like exploring a new land, only without a map or sense of direction.

Truly, I was navigating my way through the labyrinthine corridors of the school like a pro.

I was genuinely lost, like a small child who was lost in the vast expanse of Disney World.

Honestly, they would be proud of the level of confusion and excitement I was experiencing. Speaking of which, I've been to Disney World before, and let me tell you, getting lost there was a lot more fun than getting lost in my own school.

So, there I was, Kiriya Fujiwara, the accidental explorer, trying my best not to have a full-blown panic attack while pretending to be on a mysterious mission.

I am not lost; I'm simply...lost, in style...?

...

I HEAR VOICES! No, no, not those kinds of voices – I'm certainly not experiencing an episode of schizophrenia. I quickly turned the corner and lifted my gaze to the class that stood before me.

Lo and behold, it was none other than...

Class 1-B.

Ah, civilization!

I can practically feel my excitement level rising to match that of a castaway who's just spotted a ship on the horizon, signalling rescue from the isolated island of confusion I had been wandering in.

TOM HANKS, YOU'RE NOT ALONE IN YOUR CASTAWAY ADVENTURE!

WILSON!!

...

"Hm~ can I help you?" a sweet voice belonging to what I presumed was the teacher of Class 1-B inquired.

She stood at an average height, her chest-length light-brown hair cascading in curls at the ends, with bangs gracefully draping over her right eye.

Her captivating purple eyes exuded warmth and curiosity. Her attire was also a striking contrast to Chabashira-sensei's stern look – she wore a pink t-shirt paired with a teal skirt that flowed down to cover her thighs.

"Uh, yeah, I'm a bit..." I hesitated, briefly glancing at the class assembled before me. The majority of the students seemed attentive and engaged, but there was one person who appeared somewhat disconnected.

Among the students, I noticed a few individuals who seemed to radiate an air of leadership. Positioned in the middle rows, there was a girl with strawberry-blonde hair who held a certain charisma. Similarly, a guy with purple hair projected an air of studiousness that marked him as an honours student.

Before I could gather my thoughts to express my situation, their sensei's overly friendly voice interrupted my train of thought. "My, my, aren't you eye candy? Hey, do you have a girlfriend?"

Hold on, this isn't your overly familiar aunt, and WHY IS SHE SO CLOSE!?

"Um, thanks, I guess," I stammered slightly, feeling taken aback by their sensei's unusual behaviour.

Despite her apparent youthful demeanour, which bordered on childishness and earned my pity, I maintained my composed expression. "I was a bit lost and couldn't find my class."

"Hm~ we can't have that, can we?" Her voice always had a certain lilt to it. "But don't worry! Your favourite sensei, Hoshinomiya Chie-sensei, will help you!" she exclaimed with a little hop.

Suppressing the urge to pinch her cheeks and maintain a serious tone, I resisted any further playful banter.

"Oh! But I haven't heard your name yet!" she chimed in.

"I'm Fujiwara Kiriya, Hoshinomiya-sensei. I'm from class 1-D," I replied matter-of-factly.

"Ehhhh~ you can call me Chie-sensei, Ki-ri-ya-kun~" she playfully elongated and altered my name with a sing-song cadence. I really wanted to leave. "And ooh! You're from Sae-chan's class, right?" She continued with seemingly boundless enthusiasm.

Casting a quick glance towards her class, I could see a few students giving me sympathetic looks, as if dealing with this teacher had drained their energy just as much. But I'm a grown-up, I'll have you know, and I can handle it!

"Well, we don't really know each other that well, Hoshinomiya-sensei, so I don't think we can start calling ourselves that...yet," I remarked, causing a momentary pout to form on her face.

However, it vanished as soon as I mentioned 'yet,' replaced by a sparkle in her eyes. "And yes, I'm from Chabashira-sensei's class."

"Well~ Kiriya-kun," she followed me outside the classroom to give directions. "Sae-chan's classroom is down the hall, all the way to the back. Take a right, then go to the very end again, and take a left, got it~?"

"Thank you, sensei," I nodded in gratitude. "I apologize for the interruption, 1-B. I hope you can forgive me," I addressed the class, receiving reassuring responses. "Goodbye for now!"

"Goodbye~ Kiriya-kun~" Hoshinomiya-sensei's sing-song voice trailed after me as I made my way down the hallways.

...

When I finally returned to the classroom, I managed to slip back into my seat unnoticed. Chabashira-sensei shot me a brief, questioning glance, silently asking where I had been for the past 10-15 minutes.

In response, I mouthed the words 'Lost.'

...

How embarrassing.

...

Soon, lunchtime arrived, and students began to stand up and leave the classroom with their newfound friends. Meanwhile, I found myself captivated by the sight of cherry blossoms outside the window.

Cherry blossoms had always intrigued me. Whether described in books or captured in photos, they embodied the transient nature of life and the limited time we have on this earth. They served as a symbol of the samurai of bygone eras—living, dying, and perpetuating the cycle of existence.

As for me, well, I'm unable to die, so~.

"How pathetic."

Oh, what do we have here? Am I eavesdropping again? Oh, Kiriya, you little devil, you know that's a bad habit! But I can't help it! I have ears, and I need to catch every juicy bit of what Horikita and Ayanokouji are saying!

"What? What's pathetic?" I overheard Ayanokouji ask.

"'I want someone to invite me along. I want to eat with someone!' Your thoughts are like an open book," Horikita remarked.

"But you're alone, too, aren't you? Haven't you thought the same thing? Or do you intend to spend three years here without making a single friend?"

"That's right. I prefer to be alone," she replied promptly, without hesitation. It sounded like she was being genuine.

"Why don't you stop worrying about me and instead think about yourself?"

"Well, I..."

This was just cute! I leaned back in my seat and spoke to the two lovers. "Ayanokouji-kun, lunch, with me, now," I spoke in a tone that left little room for argument.

Awwee~ his reaction, if he could even emote, was, presumably, so cute! I could simply turn his face into mush!

Horikita then gave him a surprised look, with furrowed eyebrows as the two of us stood up, completely ignoring her existence.

If I wasn't making my way toward the door, I wouldn't have missed Ayanokouji's smug face he gave Horikita. Ah~ Go back to me! Etch that into your mind!

"Oh! Fujiwara-kun, Ayanokouji-kun!" Hirata called out to us. He was surrounded by the girls like the IRS when someone evades taxes. "Want to come with me to lunch?" he offered.

I could practically feel my adopted introvert drilling a hole into my head as if silently pleading, 'Please, friend, spare me from being bullied by the girls again!' So, with a mischievous grin, I responded, "Yeah, sure, we're coming." All I heard in response was a resigned sigh from behind me, which only made my grin widen even more.

I accepted the invitation, much to the delight of the other girls in the group. I could feel my adopted introvert slowly trailing behind me.

I'M DRAGGING YOU DOWN WITH ME, AHO-KOUJI!

...

Lunch turned out to be an interesting affair, at least for Hirata and me. Ayanokouji seemed to be engaged in conversation with Matsushita, the brown-haired girl from earlier, while Hirata and I found ourselves bombarded with questions from a group of girls that had decided to tag along.

"Yeah, I'm kind of into art, so I guess I have an eye for picking out clothes," I replied to Karuizawa Kei's question. Despite my more lively inner thoughts, I had managed to establish myself as one of the quieter "popular" boys, which seemed to intrigue some of the girls.

I still didn't know what an 'Ikeman' was, though.

I was all for socializing, but there's always a limit, you know?

Karuizawa appeared to be more drawn to Hirata, probably because of my perceived reserved nature. I didn't mind at all. It would be quite a sight to witness a high school romance unfold right before my eyes, just like the novels I've read.

After all, it's high school – gotta make the most of it, right?

I noticed the strawberry-blonde girl from earlier walking by with a tray of food in her hands. We locked eyes, and I waved her over, gesturing for her to join our group.

"It's you, from earlier!" We both exclaimed simultaneously, catching everyone else off guard.

Matsushita, always curious, voiced the question that was probably on everyone's minds. With two attractive people seeming to know each other, it's only natural for there to be some gossip, right? "Fujiwara-kun, do you know her?"

"Ah, no, I just saw her when I got lost," I admitted, still smiling. "I accidentally stumbled into her class and all that, you know?"

"Ehhh~ so she's not your girlfriend or something?" Sato Maya playfully teased.

The girl we were talking about, Ichinose Honami, chimed in with cheerfulness, undeterred. "No, no, we're not," she corrected. "Ichinose Honami, nice to meet you too, lost-kun!" I felt my face drain of all its blood in horror at that nickname.

"You know my name, gummy bear-san," I retorted, causing her to burst into laughter. "I-I'll have you know, I wasn't lost," I turned to the rest of the group, who were barely holding back their amusement. "I WAS NAVIGATING THE SCHOOL, IN STYLE!"

"S-sure you were!" Karuizawa laughed at me

"Pft..."

"STOP LAUGHING AT ME! I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU ALL TRY TO NAVIGATE DISNEY WORLD!"

"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

...

Ichinose pulled up a chair and joined us in conversation. She had a sweet and friendly demeanour, much like a strawberry gummy bear. She was easy to talk to and quite charming, which helped distract me from the cringe-worthy nickname.

Well, at least I managed to get her number...

...

Our conversation revolved around the enchanting realm of Disney World, with Ichinose bubbling over about her previous visit with her younger sister. It was as if the two of us were engaged in our own animated dialogue, captivated by the memories and stories we shared.

Remarkably, our chemistry was surprisingly strong.

In a bold move, I interrupted the flow, raising my hands for attention. "Hold on a second," I declared, prompting everyone to halt and fix their gaze on me. "When this whole school, thing, comes to an end, and we move on to college or university or whatever,"

"Go on, Fujiwara-kun," Hirata encouraged, setting the stage for what I had in mind.

Hirata you beautiful man, I'll buy you all of the ramen later!

"We should all," I gestured to the entire group, numbering around nine individuals. "Go on a collective trip to Disney World. How does that sound?" I couldn't help but strike a pose of self-satisfaction at my ingenious proposition.

Ichinose's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's a fantastic idea!" she cheered, her enthusiasm reverberating through the rest of the group.

"I'm down. It's been ages since I last went," Karuizawa chimed in, her attempt at masking her excitement falling just short.

Matsushita added her endorsement with a cheerful clap. "Oh, yes! And we can all sport those...those ear thingies for a gigantic group photo!"

"You mean the Mickey Mouse ears?" I chimed in, completing her thought.

"Yes, exactly! Oh, how could I forget that?" she playfully scolded herself, her laughter ringing through the air.

We veered off into a discussion about our post-high school plans, each member sharing their thoughts and aspirations.

Out of nowhere, Ichinose suddenly pouted. "I just wish there was an amusement park like that here."

My interest was piqued, and my eyebrows knitted in thought. "You know what? Why don't we consider using our points to purchase the rights to expand the island?" I threw out another audacious idea.

This led us down yet another rabbit hole, as we delved into brainstorming the most outrageous possibilities we could potentially acquire with our points. After all, the sky was the limit, right? You can buy anything, right?

...

"I've never been to Disney World before..."

What...?

...

"Are you kidding me, Ayanokouji-kun?" I exclaimed, utterly shocked and scandalized by his revelation. "You... haven't been to Disney World before?"

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, Ichinose remembered she had to leave to meet up with her friends. But that's beside the point!

The real shocker was that Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had never been to Disney World!

"I've been to... New York... but no, not really," he replied in his typical monotone voice.

I was about to respond when the announcements suddenly blared through the speakers.

"At five PM Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in Gymnasium No. 1. Students interested in joining a club, please gather in Gymnasium No.1. I repeat, at—"

Well, well, well, it looks like we're in for an interesting afternoon, huh?!

I'LL REMEMBER THIS AYANOKOUJI KIYOTAKA!

IMA DRAG YOUR UNEXPRESSIVE ASS ALL ACROSS THAT MAGICAL PLAYGROUND!

...

As the school day came to an end, I decided to head to the club fair on my own. While I wasn't particularly interested in joining any clubs, I recognized the potential benefits they could offer in terms of making connections and trying out new activities.

I entered the gymnasium quietly, not wanting to draw attention to myself. Amid the crowd, I spotted a familiar tuft of brown hair with that distinctive haircut – my introverted friend, Ayanokouji. To my surprise, he was accompanied by Horikita, albeit with an air of reluctance.

I can already see it~

High school rumours won't be nice on my two little introverted lovebirds~

Ah~

...

Nearly all of the students assembled there were freshmen. There were about a hundred people waiting around. I stood near the back of the room and waited for the fair to begin. While waiting, I glanced over the pamphlet that students received upon entering the gymnasium.

The pamphlet contained detailed information about club activities.

After waiting around a bit, the fair began with second years and third years presenting their clubs. Some with more fan fair than others. You could practically tell which student was going into marketing and which ones weren't.

I mean, for example:

A girl dressed in archery gear stepped onto the stage. "Hello, my name is Hashigaki, the captain of the archery club. Many students may be under the impression that archery is an old-fashioned, simple activity, but it is actually a fun and rewarding sport. We welcome beginners with open arms. If you're interested, please consider joining."

Archery wasn't exactly my forte, nor did I have any inclination to join a club centred around it. The repetitive nature of the sport catered to those with unusual strength in their dominant hand, and I certainly didn't fall into that category.

wink*

Now, when it came to my eyesight, that was another story.

I took a bit of pride in my green eyes – a special mint green shade that stood out. Considering how rare green eyes were in the global population, I wondered if I could become the club mascot next year.

Who wouldn't want a mint-eyed archer on their team?

The other upperclassmen took turns introducing their respective clubs, each presentation adding to the list of options available. Among the various pitches, one presentation particularly grabbed my attention.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Hidaka Kiyomi, and I'm here to represent the Technology Enthusiasts Club," her voice radiated warmth as she spoke into the microphone. There was no denying that she was remarkably attractive, and whoever was leading the club deserved credit for that alone.

Her long brown hair cascaded down, framing her brown eyes perfectly. But what intrigued me the most was her styling – her hair swept to the right, revealing a small piercing that peeked out on her left side.

If you were to ask me about my "type," I'd simply reply with anyone I found visually appealing. I mean, that's probably a universal preference, right?

Pretty people attract attention, after all.

Embarrassingly, my mind had drifted away from Hidaka-senpai's pitch, and I hadn't absorbed much of what she was saying. It was more like pleasant background noise while my thoughts ventured elsewhere.

Perhaps I could catch up with her later and ask for her contact information.

Not that it means I'm a playboy or anything.

Just curious, you know?

Now, when it came to the baseball team's presentation, it was equally unremarkable compared to the others. No matter how they detailed their practice schedule or highlighted their inclusivity for new members, the pitch seemed rather standard and unexciting.

Yet, it wasn't just the baseball club that fell into this category. Most of the other club introductions followed a similar pattern of being conventional and predictable.

It seemed that the fair was marked by a surplus of minor liberal arts-related clubs and activities, like the tea ceremony or calligraphy club.

I wonder if they'd like my handwriting...?

Probably not.

I was surprised to learn that only three people were needed to form a new club. It was a lower bar than I had expected, and it made me wonder why some of these clubs even existed. The gymnasium was alive with chatter as each club finished their spiel and the next one took the stage.

Throughout the event, the representatives and their supervising instructors remained patient and dedicated, explaining their respective organizations to the sometimes rowdy first-year students. They carried on without showing any signs of annoyance, likely driven by their desire to attract new members – even if just one person joined.

Honestly, it wouldn't hurt for some of these clubs to invest in a marketing director or aspiring ones, similar to how Hidaka-senpai's club appeared to have done.

The upperclassmen wrapped up their introductions and made their way off the stage, congregating around a designated area with plain tables – likely a reception area for welcoming new members.

Slowly, they dispersed until only one individual remained on stage, commanding the attention of the entire audience, including myself.

My curiosity was fully engaged as I observed this enigmatic figure. He appeared to stand at around 170 centimetres, not particularly tall, with a lean physique and sleek black hair.

His sharp glasses framed his face, and his intense, calculating gaze surveyed the assembly of first-year students.

As I studied him, a sense of familiarity gnawed at me. Had I encountered him before? What was his story, and what club did he represent?

Anticipation hung heavy in the air, leaving us all on edge, waiting to hear what he had to say. However, my expectations were swiftly dashed when he didn't utter a single word. Was he experiencing stage fright, forgetting his lines, or was there some other reason for his silence?

Whispers of encouragement and jests filled the room:

"Do your best!"

"Forgot your notecards, did you?"

Laughter rippled among the crowd.

The first-year students bombarded the upperclassman with comments and jests, creating a lively and mocking atmosphere. However, the upperclassman remained unperturbed, standing stoically on the stage without a hint of trembling.

The raucous laughter and comments seemed to bounce off him. As the noise in the gymnasium reached its peak, it suddenly ebbed away, and a hushed stillness settled over the crowd. The upperclassman's expression remained apathetic throughout.

One student couldn't contain their astonishment and remarked aloud, "What's up with this guy?" The gymnasium hummed with conversations, yet the upperclassman stood unflinching on the stage, an unmoving presence.

His gaze remained fixed on the audience, not wavering for a second.

The atmosphere in the gymnasium gradually shifted, taking an unexpected turn. It was as if some invisible force had triggered a sudden transformation. A palpable tension settled over the space, and an eerie silence spread through the crowd.

Despite no explicit command, the silence was so heavy that it felt as if it were choking the room. The students seemed incapable of uttering a word, trapped in the vice grip of silence. This eerie quiet persisted for about thirty seconds.

Then, just as abruptly as it had fallen, the silence was broken as the upperclassman began to speak, his gaze sweeping slowly across the assembly. He introduced himself in measured tones.

"I'm the student council president. My name is Horikita Manabu."

The revelation hit me like a bolt of lightning. Horikita Manabu, the student council president, was none other than the older brother of Horikita Suzune. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

No wonder they both shared that signature glare – it seemed to be a family trait.

If me and Horikita-san had kids, would our child look like Ayanokouji with black hair and yellow eyes?

Heh, mental note of that one!

"The student council is seeking potential candidates among our first-year students to fill the vacancies left by the graduating third-years. While no specific qualifications are necessary for candidacy, we kindly request that those considering applying refrain from participating in other club activities. Generally, we do not accept students who are engaged elsewhere," Horikita Manabu's voice was soft, yet the tension in the air was so palpable that you could practically cut it with a knife.

He had managed to silence over a hundred new students in the vast gymnasium. However, it wasn't solely his role as the student council president that commanded this attention. It was Horikita Manabu's presence that held the power, enveloping everyone around him.

"Furthermore, the student council does not wish to appoint individuals with naive perspectives. Such candidates would not only fail to secure a position but also compromise the integrity of this institution. While the student council is entrusted with upholding and revising regulations, the school expects much more. We extend a warm welcome to those who comprehend this reality," he delivered his speech without a single pause, his words flowing effortlessly.

As soon as he finished, he descended from the stage and exited the gymnasium. The first-year students remained silent, unable to utter a word as they watched him depart. It seemed that no one dared to challenge the aura he exuded.

"We appreciate your attendance. The club fair has now concluded. The reception area is open for those interested in signing up. Registration will continue until the end of April, allowing students to join at a later date by directly submitting their application forms to their chosen clubs."

The calming announcement from the organized spokesperson helped alleviate the tension in the room. Following this, the third-year students who had presented their clubs began accepting applications from interested students.

Hoh~ let us have some fun, shall we?

...

I strolled around aimlessly, deliberately avoiding any familiar faces. I preferred to be left to my own devices during this whole affair.

Social interaction?

More like a chore...

By some "coincidence," I ended up near the Technology Enthusiasts Club, where Hidaka-senpai was surrounded by, well, you know...

I guess I'll have to get her contact information later, hehe~

Oh, dear...

...

"Ichinose...san?" I spotted the strawberry gummy bear making her way toward the student council sign-up area, prompting me to call out to her as I approached.

"Fujiwara-kun!" Her cheerful demeanour was as infectious as ever. "Are you considering joining the student council too?"

My attention briefly shifted towards Tachibana-senpai, my curiosity evident. "Um... I'm not entirely sure," I said, my words measured. "Tachibana-senpai, could you please pass me the sign-up form?"

"Of course," she replied, handing both me and Ichinose the necessary documents.

Glancing over the paper, I took in its contents:

Personal Information:

Name: [Your Name]

Class: [Class Number]

Contact Email: [Your Email Address]

Contact Phone Number: [Your Phone Number]

Candidate Statement: Please write a brief candidate statement (maximum 200 words) explaining why you want to join the student council and how you believe your skills and ideas will contribute to the betterment of ANHS.

The form seemed rather straightforward, although the leap from being a member of the "go home, go to bed" club in middle school to undertaking the responsibilities of the student council felt quite substantial.

Turning my attention back to Ichinose, I noticed her contemplative expression as she scanned the document. "Have you ever been part of a student council before, Ichinose-san?" I inquired.

She met my gaze, her captivating ocean-blue eyes holding my attention. "Yes, I was on the student council in middle school," she replied. "I even served as the student council president!" Her voice carried a sense of pride. "What about you, Fujiwara-kun?"

Glancing down at the form again, I contemplated my response. "I've never really been drawn to clubs, let alone something as significant as the student council," I admitted matter-of-factly.

"Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully. "Well, trying new things is always a good idea. You might even find it enjoyable—just like I did," she said with a warm smile, starting to write her response.

Examining the document once more, I raised a question to my upperclassman. "Tachibana-senpai, is it permissible to take this form home? Can I apply at a later time if I decide to?"

She looked at me with a quizzical tilt of her head. "Certainly, you're allowed to."

"In that case, could I have your contact information, just in case I change my mind?" I asked.

She nodded in agreement, and we exchanged our information. With that assurance, I tucked away the notion of joining the student council for the time being.

"Ichinose, I'm going to head home," I called out to her. "Wishing you the best of luck," I encouraged her, my lips curling into a supportive smile.

"Thank you, Fujiwara-kun. Hopefully, I'll make the cut. And if you ever reconsider, we could make a great team!"

"Heh, maybe. See you later," I replied, departing with a nod and a sense of intrigue lingering in my mind. I started to make my way to the exit.

...

"Ah, Senpai!"

"Hm?"

"Could I get your number?"

"Eh?"

...

Heh, I got Hidaka-senpai's number, after all, SO LONG VIRGINS!

...

Words 5600

Author Notes:

SUP BITCHES!!!

Ima wait for people to vote on the poll up top, till I'm satisfied, then I'll start thinking of the next chapter.

Have you checked out my other works? No?

Oh...

Serenade of The Withered Petals KnY x OC [Updated]

Vol 1.4 - Dumbassery.

The result of the poll, reaching the threshold first, is:

Kiryūin Fūka

_

Queasy: Whoever voted for her wants to get stepped on by Fuka, and I understand you, sort of. I don't have those types of kinks, I think.

Queasy: Anyways, while you were all fantasizing about being dominated by a silver-haired senpai, I sort of created an outline in my head of how Fuka will contribute to the story.

Queasy: I wasn't prepared for Fuka to be the voted choice—I was, I lied—because of her lack of screen time, among other factors, but I'll try my best.

Queasy: And considering their personalities...I think I can think of some chaotic shit they can get up to.

( •̀ ᗜ •́ )

Queasy: Anyways, you repulsive animals, the main ship of the story will be Kiriya x Fuka

By the way, just because the poll is over, doesn't mean the chosen ship will be straightforward, "D-D-Daisuki!!*blushes*".

I'm a firm believer in teasing the reader and slow burns.

Don't worry, though, I'm not just gonna abandon all the other potential ships that were options, Kiriya wouldn't do that to anyone...haha...

The True Kiriya Method is still on the table~

Ah, April 5th, the fourth day of school. A date that's as unremarkable as any other, unless you're like me, Kiriya, here to provide you with comedic snippets whenever the number 4/5 crosses your mind.

You're welcome for the entertainment, of course.

But let's get back to reality.

The thought of heading to school again filled my mind, and to be honest, I found myself wondering whether it was truly necessary.

Maybe I could try out a new career path as a professional rock eater.

It might be a tad suspicious, though, not to mention a bit detrimental to my health.

Maybe I'll just stick with the usual routine and avoid any ingestion of non-edible substances. After all, there's bound to be more amusing escapades awaiting me in the halls of academia.

Onward to another day of high school adventures or misadventures, depending on how you look at it.

Do you ever think about the fact that your legs grow at the same rate? What if one leg was larger than the other?

...

The atmosphere in the classroom was, for lack of a better word, perplexing. Correction, it was downright...I'm not allowed to say that word...umm..stupid...

It was as if a congregation of individualistic personalities had been thrown into a confined space, resulting in a chaotic blend of noises, distractions, and questionable behaviour.

Phones seemed to be an ever-present distraction, with students engrossed in their screens instead of focusing on the class material.

Sudo's perpetual slumber sprawled across his desk like a discarded piece of fast food didn't exactly contribute to an environment conducive to learning.

It was as though he had merged with his desk, becoming a monument to teenage inertia.

The noise level was astounding. Conversations erupted across the classroom, often at volumes that bordered on yelling.

Teachers didn't appear to mind the unruly behaviour, allowing it to persist without intervention. Perhaps they had grown accustomed to the chaos or, dare I say, had given up on maintaining order altogether.

Now, I'm not a paragon of studiousness, but at least I put in the effort to take notes and remain engaged. Amid the sea of rampant distractions, I at least attempted to maintain a semblance of focus.

Unlike many of my classmates, I refrained from shouting across the room to initiate casual conversations, like an unsolicited invitation to karaoke. Of course, I'm gonna come ;), just invite me to dinner beforehand.

...

Lunchtime arrived promptly, and I found myself engrossed in finishing up my notes for math class. You won't believe it, but Hoshinomiya-sensei actually teaches math. Quite a revelation, I know. Frankly, I can't help but question her competence in that subject.

Of course, she couldn't just let me be, as she strolled into the classroom, making me the unintentional focal point. She decided to grace me with her presence by exclaiming, "KYAAA~ Hello~ Kiriya-kun~!" while waving enthusiastically.

Now, imagine the sheer volume of glares and audible gasps of scandalized students that followed this little spectacle. Now, I'm fairly sure I'm labelled a playboy not even a week into school.

Not ONLY did I get many many numbers, but also a teacher!? That was probably going through their minds, and I wholeheartedly disagree.

You know why...?

Allow me to simplify it for those of you with limited cognitive capacity.

Kiriya, that's me, is somewhat popular, yes.

Kiriya, still me, doesn't particularly enjoy being the center of attention, nod your head if you're following.

Kiriya, yes, me again, really doesn't want rumours circulating about a student-teacher relationship.

Kiriya, oh, it's me once more, swiftly morphs into Angsty Teen mode, deeply concerned about social standing.

And then, inevitably, Kiriya, yup, still me, ends up feeling down in the dumps and diving into the abyss of teenage woes. He go big sad!

Are you following along? Excellent.

...

Lunchtime rolled around, and it was just me and my adopted introvert, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. He practically begged me to accompany him, using the excuse that he wanted to avoid getting bullied by the girls again. Oh, the trials and tribulations of the popular boys, I tell you.

"Didn't you and Matsushita-san have quite the conversation yesterday?" I casually remarked, curious to see how he'd react.

Predictably, he fell into an awkward silence, clearly contemplating the delicate situation.

"Sort of..." he finally admitted his tone a mix of uncertainty and resignation. He seemed to want to change the subject or leave the room.

Oh, the poor guy, I can't help but feel a sense of pity for him.

I turned my attention to Horikita, who appeared to be suppressing a chuckle, her expression revealing a hint of amusement beneath her typically stern demeanour. There was something strangely satisfying about teasing her.

"Alright, let's head to lunch now," I declared, taking the initiative and nudging my introverted friend toward the door. Before leaving, I couldn't resist adding a parting shot. "Bye-bye to you too, Suzu-chan~!" I called out to her, my tone was intentionally exaggerated and cheerful.

As expected, her face flushed with embarrassment, and I could hear her indignant protests as I made my escape with Ayanokouji.

"See you after lunch, Suzu-chan~" I tossed over my shoulder, a mischievous grin plastered on my face. I knew I was probably signing up for swift retribution, likely involving a compass to my arm, but the satisfaction of light-heartedly annoying an uptight tsundere like Horikita was worth it.

As we made our way to the cafeteria, I couldn't help but giggle like a mischievous child, my spirits lifted by the small exchange. After all, who can resist the allure of taunting an uptight tsundere now and then? Trust me, it's an art form worth exploring.

After we had distanced ourselves from Horikita's potential wrath, I released my grip on Ayanokouji's back, a devilish grin still plastered on my face.

His expression, a combination of fear and disbelief, was nothing short of priceless. He stared at me, his usually robotic demeanour shaken by the shock of my impulsive actions.

"Why'd you do that?" he managed to stammer, his voice betraying his unease.

I continued to sport my mischievous smile, revelling in the aftermath of my little escapade. "Oh, come on~" I replied, my tone teasingly sing-song. "It's called having fun, you should try it sometime."

"It's not fun when you're putting your life in danger," he retorted, his monotone delivery remaining as steady as ever.

I let out a playful chuckle. "Don't be such a worrywart," I chided, nudging him lightly with my elbow. "Horikita-san won't actually kill me, probably." I shot a quick glance in her direction, her fiery aura still smouldering behind us.

Yep, I'm gonna die!

"Come on, you're being a slow ape," I remarked, picking up the pace and practically dragging him along with me.

I could hear his exasperated sigh, a sound he seemed to be quite fond of emitting.

Ah, Ayanokouji, the master of subtlety and sarcasm.

"Fujiwara-kun?" I heard a voice come out from seemingly nowhere.

...

"oH heeAAAAYYY!? WHERE'D YOU GET THAT NT CUTTeeeeEEER!!?"

...

Sometimes, kids, you gotta like...poke the Tsun, not spit on the Tsun...cuz Tsun...my arms hurt...

...

I managed to narrowly avoid getting skewered by Horikita's NT cutter as I burst into the cafeteria. If she had actually stabbed me, it would've been a scene straight out of a horror movie, witnessed by a crowd of students.

Instead, she settled for a fierce glare, and I couldn't help but giggle in response while Ayanokouji discreetly slipped into the lunch line.

With that particular crisis averted, the three of us found ourselves seated at one of the cafeteria tables. The deal was that I would buy Horikita lunch as a peace offering, specifically the special set she requested.

-3000

And you know what? I considered it well worth the entertainment value.

"What's got you so amused, Fujiwara-kun?" Horikita's voice held a hint of irritation, and her face was still tinted with a faint blush from our earlier encounter.

Now, Horikita definitely fell into the category of strikingly beautiful. With her sleek black hair and crimson eyes, there was no denying her allure. She had a sort of cute-pretty vibe going on that was hard to resist.

I glanced at her with an impish grin. "Oh, nothing much. Just appreciating the lively atmosphere of the cafeteria," I replied, my tone nonchalant.

"Don't play games," she warned, her hand inching toward her NT cutter again. But her words stumbled, perhaps because she didn't want another public confrontation.

I chuckled, maintaining my carefree demeanour. "Relax, I'm not the type to embarrass my friends in public," I assured her, raising my eyebrows playfully.

The mere mention of the word "friends" seemed to repulse her. "Hold on, you don't actually consider me your 'friend,' do you?" she asked incredulously.

I tilted my head with a mischievous grin. "Well, you know, I do consider you one, yes."

I could practically see her eye twitch in frustration as she tried to keep her composure. Getting under her skin was almost too easy, but it came with the risk of becoming roadkill beside a fast-food joint.

Speaking of fast food, I was going to miss it.

Her irritation seemed to escalate as she retorted, "We hardly even know each other. I'd prefer it to stay that way. I don't need friends, and given your personality, you'd make a terrible one."

Oh, if only she knew how many people held a positive view of me.

Still, I couldn't help but chuckle at her passionate denial of my potential companionship. As she gathered her tray of food and got up to leave, she added a curt "Thank you for the food, though," before making her exit.

Left with Ayanokouji, I leaned back in my chair, letting out another amused chuckle. Oh, Horikita Suzune, you really were a puzzle.

With a final "Bye-bye Suzu-chan~" and a last annoyed sound from Horikita, she left the scene, and I couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.

Yes, it had cost me a whopping 3,000 points for a cafeteria meal, an absurd price for what was good food, but that was like 3% of my allowance.

Heh, it was a small price to pay for the amusement I had garnered.

Ayanokouji looked at me with a mix of concern and curiosity, his robotic expression betraying his emotions. "Why did you do that?" he asked, genuinely puzzled by my actions.

I let out another giggle, my amusement still bubbling within me. "I was having fun, and besides," I leaned back in my chair, a playful grin on my lips. "She's pretty."

His question then took a teasing turn as he prodded, "Oh? Do you have a crush on her?"

I couldn't help but laugh at his attempt to tease me. "Nah~" I waved off the notion, still grinning mischievously. "I just wanted to mess with someone's head today, and she happened to be the unlucky target, you know?"

In my middle school days, particularly during my second and third years, I went through a bit of a "player" phase. Although I had mellowed out since then, the habit of unconsciously flirting or teasing had become ingrained in my personality. It was a part of me, even if it wasn't as pronounced as before.

Although I had earned a reputation as a "player," I had never actually been in a romantic relationship. Perhaps it was the remnants of that reputation that had kept potential partners at bay. Who knows? It was something I hadn't really explored deeply.

I leaned my chin on my hand, gazing thoughtfully at the space Horikita had vacated. "You know, Ayanokouji, sometimes I think I might be a bit lonely," I mused aloud, my playful tone taking a more introspective turn.

"I think we're both lonely," Ayanokouji responded, his monotone voice carrying a hint of sincerity.

I let out a melodramatic gasp, placing a hand over my heart in mock astonishment. "Nuh-uh, only you," I retorted playfully, grinning like the devil I was.

His reaction was almost comical as his expression shifted from contemplative to something resembling a wounded puppy. "Gah!" he exclaimed as if my words had struck a nerve.

1 POINT FOR GRYFFINDOR!

...

...

"To be or not to be, that is the question," I mused aloud, quoting Shakespeare's famous line as I leaned back in my chair and stared at the ceiling.

"To eat or not to eat, that is out of the question," I continued with a smirk, my gaze shifting to the outside.

"Whether to go home or not to go home, that is also the question," I added, my voice taking on a theatrical tone. "Which also has a very stupid and obvious answer."

I chuckled to myself, finding amusement in my own musings. "I'm going home," I declared, grinning as I leaned back further in my chair.

The classroom was empty, save for a few scattered classmates who were also preparing to leave for the day. The teacher had long since left, and the school was gradually quieting down as everyone headed home.

I rose from my desk, stretching my limbs and ruffling my unruly black hair as I prepared to leave the classroom. As I exited, I took a deep breath of fresh air, savouring the feeling of freedom after being cooped up in the classroom for hours.

Ah, the day had certainly been eventful~

Annoying Horikita was undoubtedly the highlight. The way she reacted to my teasing was like a perfectly rehearsed routine.

It was almost as if we were engaged in a well-choreographed dance, with the added twist that she occasionally attempted to stab me with an NT cutter. A performance where she wielded an NT cutter instead of a sword, attempting to strike down the villain – that is, me.

It choreographed chaos at its finest.

A dance of glares and giggles if you will.

The irony was not lost on me – the predictable unpredictability of her actions made me chuckle inwardly. It's almost as if we've established our own bizarre routine, one that she hasn't quite grasped the choreography of.

But hey, a dance partner's gotta learn, right?

( ꈍꈍ) "Mhm, mhm" I agreed with myself.

Of course, I'd never dare to share that comparison with Horikita. That would likely provoke an even more intense reaction, and I prefer to keep my flesh intact, thank you very much.

Hehe~

Now, here's an intellectual query: "What constitutes a genuine friendship?"

In my perspective, a friend surpasses being a mere presence in your life; they're the anchor that holds steady when the tides of life get rough. A true friend is someone who stands by your side when you need them the most, offering their unwavering support. It's a connection built on a foundation of shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Of course, it's important not to overlook the unwritten pact that genuine friends aren't afraid to offer constructive criticism.

They possess the audacity to call you out when you're straying from the right path, ensuring you remain grounded and accountable for your actions. This willingness to be candid demonstrates the depth of their investment in your growth and well-being.

In essence, a friend acts as a personal reality check, preventing you from veering too far into the realm of self-delusion.

...

Now, that's some food for thought, huh?

...

With a lazy "Home~" escaping my lips, I shuffled towards my bed, ready to sink into its comforting embrace. But then, a jarring realization hit me like a freight train.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" I practically shrieked, jolting to a stop in my tracks. Responsibilities had sneaked up on me, reminding me that adulting was a thing.

And let's be honest, who needs those pesky responsibilities anyway?

"I'm going to responsible your abilities," I muttered, my words blending into an unintelligible mess as I resigned myself to the fact that duty awaited.

Now, let's talk about the "I hate it here" syndrome, shall we? Is it some sort of universal ailment, or is it just a little souvenir that comes with being a teenager?

I mean, if you're part of the illustrious 40% that areteenagers reading this, chances are you've experienced it at least once.

Do I break the fourth wall way too much?

Dunno.

...

Beds are the undisputed champions in the Bed Vs Futon debate. I mean, come on, have you ever tried to have a serious relationship with a futon? It's like trying to date a foldable sandwich.

Let's break it down, shall we? Beds, my dear friends, are like the grand thrones of sleep. They're big, they're soft, and they offer you a sense of superiority as you sprawl across their expanse.

You have the space to stretch, roll around, and strike dramatic poses while you contemplate the mysteries of life.

Try doing that on a futon, and you'll end up looking like a contortionist having an existential crisis.

"But wait," you might say, "futons are space-saving wonders!" Ah, yes, the allure of practicality. But let's not forget that futons are like sleeping on a glorified yoga mat.

It's like your back is playing a never-ending game of Twister with the floor. In the wise words of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "Without music, life would be a mistake." And without a good bed, sleep would be a mistake, my friends.

And without your parents, you wouldn't be the mistake you are right now~

Beds have an air of regal elegance like they're giving you permission to sleep like royalty.

Futons, on the other hand, are like those foldable lawn chairs you reluctantly use at family picnics – they serve a purpose but leave you longing for something better.

Sort of like NTR.

And let's not overlook the perks of getting out of bed in the morning. On a bed, it's a graceful stretch and a confident leap into the day.

On a futon, it's more like a wrestling match with the universe, trying to untangle yourself from its clutches. Imagine starting each day with a philosophical struggle just to get up – "To rise, or not to rise, that is the question."

That can also be applied to the morning word, but that's beside the point.

As Nietzsche would say, "In sleep, we are all equal."

Except for you, you futon lovers!

Ah, the allure of sleep, that magical realm where our minds wander freely, unconstrained by the realities of the waking world.

But wait, what's this?

A text from Hidaka-senpai?

Intriguing.

You know, it's funny how technology has infiltrated even the sanctum of sleep. Just as I was about to embark on my nightly journey through the realms of dreams, a digital ping pulls me back to the land of the awake.

Ah, Hidaka-senpai, what secrets do you bring to the digital table at this late hour? Is it a casual chat, a secret confession, or perhaps a daring proposition to join the Technological Enthusiasts Club?

I hope its the second option~

9:37 PM

Sen-Sen-Senpai~?!

[HK: Good Evening Fujiwara-kun!

Good evening, Senpai

HK: Are you well?

Mhm, you?

HK: That's good. I'm fine

Do you need anything from me, senpai?

HK: No, not really,

Oh, I thought you were gonna invite me to your club

HK: Heh, I was thinking of doing that, but I just wanted to inform you of something

Yeah, hit me

HK: I kinda lost my phone, right?

mhm...?

HK: And I just found it, right?

Yeah...]

I eyed my phone suspiciously. What...happened? I've been texting Hidaka-senpai for a bit, and ever since getting her number, she's super relaxed and loves talking about new tech and innovations.

I myself am not really into the subject but try to keep up with the knowledge I have.

She's not really the type of person to just lose her phone. I think. Unless she's like those pretty girls who're not the most bright. But if she did lose her phone, I'm happy she got it back.

[HK: And I got it back, right?

Uh...huh...? Did something happen?

HK: Actually, I lied whoops( • ̀ω•́ )

huh...?

HK: I kinda gave out your number to a friend of mine...(ᵕ—ᴗ—)

HK: I'm not gonna tell you who, but they're super cool, I promise!

( ｡ •̀ ᴖ •́ ｡) WTF MAN?! ]

...

"DID MY SENPAI JUST PIMP ME OUT!?"

...

Words: 3512

Author Notes:

My head is suffering from a caffeine crash, right? So I'm going to go to bed now, go fuck yourselves.

Have you checked out my other works? No?

Oh...

Serenade of The Withered Petals KnY x OC [Updated]

Vol 1.5 - Set Up.

I refuse to let anyone box me in, to dictate how I should live, move, or even think. It's like trying to fit an ocean into a tiny bottle – an exercise in futility.

I don't like being restricted.

Now, let's get one thing straight. I'm not about to throw caution to the wind and become a full-fledged delinquent, breaking every rule in sight just for the shits and giggles.

Nah, I've got my limits, and I'm no stranger to following the guidelines that keep society ticking along. But you bet your fucking ass that I'll test those limits, stretch them like elastic, just to see how far they'll go before they snap.

...

I WILL ORDER 150 STACKS OF FRENCH FRIES AND WEIRD ASS RULES SUCH AS "FOOD SHORTAGES" WILL NOT STOP ME!

...

I'm joking.

...

Let's get serious here, for a moment, if you will.

Freedom, in its ideal form, is all about unbridled indulgence. It's about embracing your desires and selfishly pursuing the utmost enjoyment without any restraint.

Take, for instance, this educational establishment known as Advanced Nurturing High School. Their ingenious points system dishes out a theoretical 100,000 points each month, ostensibly allowing students to live out their most self-serving fantasies.

In theory, this seems like a delightful utopia, especially according to my personal definition of freedom. Yet, in my logical view, it's nothing more than a load of horseshit. The entire points system and the way this school operates – it's all a charade.

From the moment I received that acceptance letter, I sensed something was off. The secrecy shrouding this institution, the lack of substantial information beyond government propaganda – it was all just too convenient.

And sooner than I expected, my suspicions were confirmed. Like puzzle pieces fitting into place, everything clicked into a coherent pattern on the very first day.

This wasn't about three years of hedonistic freedom; it was three years of isolated confinement. The lack of contact with the outside world was a glaring clue. We were here to learn, to be moulded into Japan's future leaders, all under the guise of education.

Layer upon layer of restrictions was cunningly camouflaged as the S-System – a mechanism assessing our value and consequently our quality of life within these walls. My class, D-class, was destined to occupy the bottom rung by month's end.

While the specifics of this ranking system remain somewhat murky – be it Overall Behavior Points or the simpler Class Points – one thing is clear: my class will remain in the basement, and I with it.

A Classroom of Defects, that's what it feels like. A special enclave where the school discreetly corrals its "defective" students. And I can only speculate that there's a ladder to climb, a way to ascend to the illustrious Class A, home to the crème de la crème.

Sigh... what a day...no, what a life... wait, I mean, what a work of fiction.

So, circling back to my initial point, I won't lift a finger to change things.

Really, I won't.

Whether my peers possess the prowess to decipher this enigmatic S-System or not isn't my concern.

However, I do find comfort in imagining their expressions when the truth is unveiled.

Oh, what a delightful sensation it promises to be.

Maybe that's why I was placed in D-class – my focus on self outweighs any concern for others' plight. Heh, the irony is quite amusing.

I will indulge myself, serve my own interests, and thusly, relish in my freedom. Who's going to stop me, after all?

You? Well, that's a curious thought, though I highly doubt your... quirky...demeanour could manage such a feat.

...

The gym. It's my second favourite place in the world, right after my cozy room. Want to know why? Because I get to blast Taylor Swift's music while lifting weights that could rival your mother's weight.

I mean, it's the epitome of manliness to crank up Taylor Swift's "22" while hitting a new personal record, don't you think?

Anyways, I signed up for a gym membership the Monday after our first weekend back. It cost 2500 points a month, which might seem a bit much, but I didn't really mind.

I changed into my gym clothes – shorts, a tank top, and a towel for good measure – and headed to the gym in the evening. I kind of hoped I'd have the place to myself.

Not because I dislike the company, just wanted to test the acoustics, you know?

...

like one does...

...

...

"CALIFORNIA GIRLS
WE'RE UNFORGETTABLE
DAISY DUKES
BIKINIS ON TOP
SUN-KISSED SKIN
SO HOT
WE'LL MELT YOUR POPSICLE
OOH OH OOH
OOH OH OOH"

"CALIFORNIA GIRLS WE'RE UNDENIABLE FINE, FRESH, FIERCE WE GOT IT ON LOCK WEST COAST REPRESENT NOW PUT YOUR HANDS UP OOH OH OOH OOH OOOOooOOOH OOOooOH!"

Ever found yourself breaking into song and spontaneously conga-lining on a treadmill while singing your heart out to Katy Perry's "California Gurls"?

No? Well, you're missing out. It's a fantastic distraction from the fact that you're essentially subjecting your muscles to controlled damage just so you can shine in the future.

Sure, some folks – not me, of course – might stick to heavy metal, rap, or other suitable workout tunes while focusing on their reps. But let's be real, we're talking about someone who has the audacity to test the acoustics of a gym for a very important reason.

And what is that reason, you ask? Obviously, to ensure the place can handle my impromptu karaoke sessions, duh.

What else could it possibly be?

Westling?

Leatherman?

Jabroni outfits?

Get out of said Jabroni outfits?

Those could be on my list, but I gotta find someone to do it with me.

So here I am, pumping iron and pumping out vocal stylings that'd give Celine Dion a run for her money.

Because, my friend, freedom is all about seizing life by its fucking nuts and laughing your heart out every time it squirms!

...

please don't squeeze anyone's nuts, I think you could go to jail for that...

...

Anyways,

...

"CALIFORNIA GIRLS
WE'RE UNFORGETTABLE
DAISY DUKES
BIKINIS ON TOP
SUN-KISSED SKIN
SO HOT
WE'LL MELT YOUR POPSICLE
OOH OH OOH
OOH OH OOH"

"CALIFORNIA GIRLS WE'RE UNDENIABLE FINE, FRESH, FIERCE WE GOT IT ON LOCK WEST COAST REPRESENT NOW PUT YOUR HANDS UP OOH OH OOH OOH OH OOoOOoOoOOH!"

...

...

Today was a push day, which is more diplomatic terms means I tackled my chest muscles. This involved a medley of exercises like push-ups, bench presses, overhead presses, and chest flys – you know, those routines that'll sculpt your chest into something resembling a collection of plush pillows.

Imagine me but with tits. Now that's a funny thought.

Great, now the readers are horny...

But alas, not in my case. I've been graced with what people who aren't me would call a "slim fit" physique. My muscles seem to prefer staying snugly nestled within my body, turning me into a buff Slim Jim – you know, those snack sticks with muscles.

Then there were the arm exercises, including bar dips, and lateral raises. The kind of workouts that make your arms feel like wobbly jelly the next morning.

Throughout it all, I cranked up the manliest music the world has to offer – a personal concoction, mind you – and I'm pleasantly surprised by the gym's acoustics.

I mean, for 2500 points a month, along with my account balance and the freedom to croon to my heart's content during these workout sessions without fear of judgment, it's safe to say that today's gym adventure was a sweaty success.

Haha~

I really am going to regret going that intensely, huh?

I can already feel my body convulsing.

Haha~

I strutted my way into the locker room, ensuring I practiced some proper breathing techniques to prevent my body from stiffening up like a nervous middle schooler discovering those forbidden magazines for the first time.

And don't you dare try to deny it – I know you've been there, you dirty pervert.

With a mischievous grin, I slipped into my shirt and organized my belongings into my bag, making sure I didn't leave anything behind. "I'm sexy and I know it~" I crooned to myself. "I work out~" I mumbled, paying homage to a certain artist's catchy beats.

"Every day I'm shuffling~" I sang, feeling the rhythm of the music even in this mundane moment.

Ah~ I'm full of references, huh?

"Wiggle wiggle wiggle, yeah~"

...

Stepping out of the locker room, I headed toward the gym's exit. The sun had almost dipped below the horizon, casting a twilight hue over the surroundings. My plan was simple: shower, dinner, and then bed. No grand ambitions for the evening – just pure relaxation.

But hold on a second...

As I neared the front doors, I spotted another figure approaching from the opposite direction. It seemed to be a senpai, possibly coming for a late gym session.

Why does every girl in this school look so damn pretty?

With her striking crimson eyes and flowing platinum-blonde hair, she exuded an air of confidence. She had the school uniform on, albeit slightly modified with a black shirt beneath the red blazer and black pantyhose, along with a headband for a touch of style.

Oh, and did I mention she was tall? Around 170cm, to be precise.

Her demeanour appeared self-assured, perhaps even verging on arrogance, judging by the ever-present smile on her lips.

Naturally, my brain couldn't help but draw some amusing comparisons. She, with her white hair, and me, with my black locks. Her crimson eyes against my green ones. Total opposites, no doubt.

As we passed each other, our gazes locked for a moment, sizing each other up. The senpai's grin widened, and I found myself mirroring the expression before continuing on my way. Pushing open the exit door, I left her to her late-night workout endeavours, heading home for a night of rest and relaxation.

...

I NEED A FUCKING SHOWER!

...

...

Swimming class.

Swimming – that innocent childhood activity, a dip in the water just for fun. Well, that's the image most people have. In my case, though, my introduction to swimming involved being tossed into a pond and left to fend for myself.

Picture a flailing infant attempting to mimic swimming – yeah, you've got the idea.

And before you start thinking I'm some kind of water-challenged individual, let me set the record straight: I eventually became quite the proficient swimmer, thank you very much.

Fast-forward to the present. It had been a week since classes began, and now they were introducing a new subject: swimming class.

The boys – being a tad more preoccupied with their teenage antics than I would prefer – were engrossed in their conversations of...well, let's just say topics I had no intention of getting myself tangled in.

"Are you going to do something about it, Fujiwara-kun?" Horikita's voice cut through my contemplation, drawing my attention to Ayanokouji, who had joined Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo.

I responded with a nonchalant shrug. "Not really. If he's determined to engage in such activities, who am I to stop him?" I leaned back in my chair, offering a casual glance down Horikita's row.

Horikita arched an eyebrow, her gaze scrutinizing. "Even if it's inappropriate?" she inquired, nodding subtly in the direction of Ayanokouji.

Our eyes shifted to where Ayanokouji was situated, and at that moment, the gravity of my negligence hit me like a ton of bricks.

My parental duty had faltered.

"Horikita-san," I said, my tone oddly appreciative. "I commend you for taking on the role of Ayanokouji's mother..." My words trailed off as I rose from my seat, a determined purpose propelling me toward the group comprised of Ike, Yamauchi, Sudo, Sotomura, and my adopted introvert, Ayanokouji.

"H-Hey! Fujiwara-kun!" Horikita's surprised and flustered exclamation trailed off into the background as I approached the group, ready to restore a semblance of order in the name of not being a bad parent!

...

"So what's your wager? It's 1000 points to join," I overheard Ike explaining the situation to my introverted companion. Oh no, you will not corrupt him on my watch!

"I see..." Ayanokouji's voice trailed off as he responded. I intervened by patting his shoulder, causing him to break his gaze and look over at me.

"What's going on here?" I inquired, tilting my head in a display of curiosity.

Unfortunately, Yamauchi wasn't quick on the uptake and blurted out the answer, unaware of the situation I was intervening in. "We're betting on the girls with the—" Ike promptly cut him off, his hand covering Yamauchi's mouth as he whispered something angrily into his ear.

I turned my attention back to Ayanokouji, quietly questioning him. "Were you planning to participate in this...?" My tone held a subtle reprimand as if I were a parent admonishing a mischievous child.

His response carried a hint of sheepishness. "No..."

I rewarded him with a reassuring pat on the back. "Good boy," I said, relishing in the satisfied look he shot my way. I then shifted my gaze toward Sudo, a fellow classmate with whom I'd formed an unexpected friendship.

We had a mutual interest in the gym and fitness. Our interactions primarily revolved around sharing workout routines and diet tips. While I leaned toward callisthenics and weights, Sudo was more of a weightlifting enthusiast.

"What day are you working on today?" I inquired, curious about his current routine.

"Oh, uh... I think it's... pull day," Sudo responded, slightly uncertain.

I gave a nod of understanding while Ike and Yamauchi continued their fervent debate in the background. The word "Ikeman" seemed to be tossed around quite a bit in their senseless chatter. "We should coordinate our schedules and work out together sometime," I suggested to Sudo.

"Yeah, that sounds cool. Just shoot me a text," he replied with a casual demeanour.

"Got it," I said with a brief grunt of affirmation. Another pat on Ayanokouji's back, and I gestured toward where Hirata and the rest of our classmates were situated. My introverted friend could have companions, but there were certain lines I wouldn't let them cross.

I made a mental note to integrate Sudo into our circle as well. He was a decent guy, and he deserved better company than the likes of Ike and Yamauchi.

Oh dear, it's as if I've taken on the role of a fucking parent...

BEGONE PERVERTED THOUGHTS!

...

"All right! The pool!"

As the lunch period came to a close, it was time for our swim class. Ike's enthusiasm was palpable, and he wasted no time in springing up from his seat and leading the way toward the indoor pool. His excitement was almost infectious, but I couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Oh, dear..." I muttered under my breath, observing Ike practically dragging Ayanokouji along with him. My introverted companion shot me a pleading look that seemed to say, "I need an adult."

However, instead of rushing to his rescue, I merely offered a casual wave, accompanied by a mischievous grin. Ayanokouji's shoulders slumped in response to my lack of assistance, and I couldn't help but giggle at his exasperated expression.

With a contented chuckle, I watched the scene unfold before turning to head toward the pool area myself.

...

I entered the locker room and found Sudou already in the process of changing out of his uniform. His muscular physique was on full display, a testament to his years of playing basketball. Even among our fellow students, he stood out with his impressive build.

Without hesitation, I started changing as well. Unlike the others who wrapped themselves in towels, Sudou and I opted to prepare for the upcoming swim class without any inhibitions.

"Woah, Fujiwara," Sudou exclaimed, his surprise evident in his tone. "Damn, you actually do work out, shit!"

I looked down at my own body, taking a moment to assess my progress. "I know, right? But you've got some serious size on me," I replied, stretching my arms to emphasize my point.

Sudou chuckled and gave me a thumbs-up. "Nah, don't sell yourself short, man. You look good."

Just then, Ayanokouji's voice chimed in from behind us, "Sudo, Fujiwara, you're pretty bold. Aren't you nervous being around other people?"

Sudou offered an explanation, "In sports, you can't afford to get flustered every time you change. Acting all shifty will just draw more attention to you."

Turning to face me, Ayanokouji seemed curious, awaiting my response.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "I mean, I don't really care that much. Look at me or don't; I'm still changing, you know?"

Ayanokouji let out a thoughtful hum in acknowledgment as Sudou declared he was heading out. I followed closely behind, continuing our conversation.

"You're so damn tall..." I couldn't help but remark with a hint of humor.

Sudou burst into hearty laughter, his voice filling the hallway as we continued on our way.

...

Exiting the locker rooms, Sudou and I went our separate ways. While he embarked on his own exploration, I positioned myself to the side, waiting for the rest of the group to gather. Some students had chosen not to participate, especially on the girls' side.

Frankly, I had no intention of attempting to reform the boys' behaviour. It was too much hassle, and after all, I wasn't their parent. They should possess enough common sense to avoid being repulsive, but evidently, that was wishful thinking.

Ike's voice pierced the air as he blurted out his reckless idea, "Hey, I wonder what would happen if I just suddenly jumped into the girls' locker room?"

"They'd gang up on you, beat the crap out of you, and then file charges, probably," Ayanokouji replied with his usual deadpan demeanour. I couldn't help but nod in agreement; that scenario was entirely plausible.

Ike's face twisted in fear as he visualized the outcome of his harebrained scheme. Frustrated, he complained, "Don't give me such a realistic, deadpan answer and ruin my fun!"

As the conversation continued, I approached the group, blending into their conversation seamlessly. "Come on, like there's a guy out there who wouldn't stare! Agh. What am I gonna do if I get a boner?" Ike's voice quivered with unease.

I couldn't resist the urge to interject, my words dripping with sarcasm. "Get castrated...?" I deadpanned, giving them an unamused look.

Laughter erupted, punctuated by Ike's wails of disbelief. I shrugged indifferently, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of my lips. "What? You wanted suggestions, so I gave you some," I quipped, my tone lighthearted and teasing.

However, our banter was swiftly interrupted by a feminine voice that echoed through the air. "Wow! It's so spacious! It's so much bigger than the pool at my junior high school."

A hint of wistfulness tugged at my thoughts as I observed the scene before me. So, this is what a teenager's life is meant to be like...

...

"Why do you have such a pained expression?" Horikita's voice cut through the air, her gaze fixed on Ayanokouji with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Ayanokouji's reply came with a hint of humour, his monotone voice betraying a touch of amusement. "I am in the midst of an internal battle."

"You should listen to your mother, Ayanokouji-kun." I couldn't resist the urge to join the conversation, chiming in with a teasing remark. "No perverted thoughts," I added in a mock-serious tone, channelling my inner nagging parent.

Horikita's frustration was palpable as she vehemently clarified, "I'm not his mother!"

"Hihi~ Don't be so Tsun, Horikita Tsunune~" My grin widened as I revelled in my ability to get under her skin

"Tsk!"

This is so fun!

...

"All right, everyone, line up!"

A burly, middle-aged man, the embodiment of a dedicated sports enthusiast, gathered the students together and initiated the class. He looked every bit like a physical education teacher, radiating an air of appeal that seemed to draw the attention of both men and women.

The coach seemed unfazed by the fact that the student count was lower than anticipated, his expression indicating that he had taken into account the likelihood of some students skipping class.

"After you warm up, I want to see what you can really do. Swim for me," the coach instructed, his voice brimming with determination.

A timid voice piped up from the crowd, breaking the momentum. "Excuse me, sir. I can't really swim, though..." The admission came from a lone boy, his embarrassment evident.

With a reassuring tone, the coach responded, "Since you have me as your teacher, you'll be swimming by summertime. Don't worry about a thing."

A thoughtful murmur rippled through the group. "Well, we don't really need to force ourselves to swim, do we? It's not like we're going to the beach or anything."

The coach's resolve remained unshaken as he countered, "No way. I don't mind at all if you're bad at swimming now, but I'll make sure you guys are winners in the end. Besides, being able to swim will definitely come in handy later in life. Definitely."

As the words sank in, a sense of unease stirred within me. The notion of swimming being crucial for the future felt oddly out of place in this context. It was as though the coach's words held a hidden meaning, one that I couldn't quite decipher.

With the school's rather idiotic nature in mind, I couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling. I made a mental note to discuss this with Hidaka-senpai at some point in the future.

I wonder if she'll actually answer my question, though...?

...

"He he he, that was an easy win for me. Did you all see my super swimming skills?" Ike boasted, his self-satisfied grin evident as he emerged from the pool.

In reality, his performance hadn't differed significantly from the others.

"Well, it looks like everyone can swim, for the most part," the coach observed.

"Of course, sir. Back in junior high, people called me 'the flying fish,' you know," Ike declared.

I held back an amused snort.

"I see. In that case, I'll have you start competing against each other. We'll separate groups by gender. Fifty-meter freestyle."

"C-compete?! Are you serious?" Ike's exclamation revealed his apprehension.

"I'll give out a special bonus to the first-place winner: 5000 points. The student who comes in last place, however, will have to take supplementary lessons. Get ready."

The announcement prompted cheers from the more skilled swimmers, while those less confident in their abilities groaned audibly.

"Because we don't have very many girls, I'll split you into two groups of five people, and the student with the fastest overall time will be the winner. As for the boys, I'll consider the top five finishing times before moving on to a final round."

Bwa~ I'm gonna swim~ like a fish~

...

You know, have you ever felt conflicted about what you want in life? It's like having a craving for indulgent junk food while also aspiring to be the fittest person alive. I'm like that but with attention. Sometimes I want it, and sometimes I'd rather melt into the shadows.

Now, back to my current situation. The coach had the brilliant idea to put me and Hirata in the same group. It didn't help that the girls were cheering for both of us. Hirata seemed unfazed by the attention, but I was practically squirming in discomfort, wishing I could vanish into thin air.

"You ready, Fujiwara-kun?" Hirata's voice cut through the noise of the cheering crowd. He took a deep breath, clearly in his element. His body was a product of years of soccer and other endurance sports, giving him strong leg muscles and cardiovascular fitness – a perfect setup for swimming.

"I'm alright. Don't make it too easy for me to pass you," I replied with a playful grin, mustering some bravado. Hirata chuckled in response.

"Let's do this, then!"

As we got ready for the race, the cheers for our names only intensified. I wished the ground would swallow me whole as the encouragement reached an unbearable volume.

"Go, Fujiwara-kun!"

"Go, Hirata-kun!"

I cringed inwardly at the loud support. Did I sign up for this level of embarrassment?

And then, Sudo's voice cut through the chaos.

"Go, Fujiwara! Beat that Ikeman!"

Aren't I an 'Ikeman' too!? Why is he calling out to me?!

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT 'IKEMAN' MEAN-"

Pfffrrrt!

just as I was getting out my sentence, the whistle blew, signalling the start of the race. Without thinking, I launched myself into the water.

I HATE THAT DAMN WHISTLE!

...

"Fu-Fujiwara's time is 22.18 seconds," the coach's voice rang out as I propelled myself out of the pool and hastily regained my footing. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that the ordeal was over.

Hirata emerged from the water, his time announced shortly after. "Hirata's time was 26.13 seconds!" A clear difference of 4.04 seconds behind my time. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips – the difference was the same as my room number. A mere coincidence, of course.

Predictably, the class burst into a mix of shock and disbelief at my speed. I wished I could just blend into the background and disappear from their attention.

"Fujiwara's fast!"

"YEAHHAAA, YOU GOT 'EM, FUJIWARA!"

"Kya! Fujiwara-kun's so cool!"

"He was even faster than Hirata-kun!"

"I wonder how else he could use those arms and legs..."

Please, just let me die for a while...

Hirata walked up to me, his breathing still somewhat heavy from the exertion of the race. "You're pretty fast, Fujiwara-kun," he complimented, a friendly grin on his face. "I wasn't even able to catch up."

I chuckled softly in response as we shook hands and patted each other's backs. "I think I got spooked by that damn whistle, honestly. Don't think I'll be able to replicate that speed again."

Hirata smiled back. "Even so, it's quite impressive, isn't it?"

"Hmm, we should hang out sometime," I suggested, feeling a bit restless and in need of some excitement.

"Yeah, sure, I'm up for it," he agreed. "Should I text you, or...?"

"You can text me, no problem," I assured him.

"Great, see you in the final round then!"

"Definitely," I replied with a nod and a grin.

...

"Why on earth is Kouenji wearing a speedo?" I muttered under my breath, a mix of disbelief and amusement evident in my tone.

In a class where most students adhered to the standard swimwear, Kouenji stood out as the sole individual donning a tight-fitting speedo. The attention of the entire class was fixated on him. The stance he assumed at the starting line mirrored that of a seasoned athlete, oozing confidence and poise.

But it wasn't just his posture that drew attention. Kouenji's physical form was even more impressive. He appeared to be in even better shape than Sudou, who was considered the epitome of physical prowess in our class. As everyone's gaze remained locked onto Kouenji, the atmosphere in the room seemed to intensify.

"Watch me, Fujiwara-boy!" the boisterous blonde called out with an enormous grin on his face.

Kouenji was the kind of person who exuded an air of narcissism while also having the skills to back it up. It wouldn't be surprising if he managed to match or even surpass my time.

Sudou voiced his sentiments, the tension palpable in his words. "I'm not particularly interested in winning or losing... but I sure as hell don't like losing."

As the coach blew the whistle, Kouenji elegantly dived into the pool, executing a textbook-perfect form. The class erupted into exclamations of awe and amazement.

"Whoa! Wow!" Sudou's surprised shout echoed the general sentiment, while even Hirata appeared taken aback by Kouenji's unexpectedly aggressive swimming style. Kouenji's strokes were forceful, creating waves that did nothing to hinder his remarkable speed.

His prowess in the water was undeniable, surpassing even that of Sudou. After checking the time, the coach glanced at his stopwatch twice, as if disbelieving what he had just witnessed.

"23.22 seconds," the coach finally called out, the astonishment in his voice mirrored by the expressions of the entire class.

"Kouenji's speed is impressive!"

"But he's still not faster than Fujiwara-kun!"

"Hmph, while you may have triumphed this time, Fujiwara-boy, rest assured that as someone as perfect as me, I shall not taste defeat twice," Kouenji boldly declared, his confidence unwavering.

He was convinced he would emerge victorious in the final round. I couldn't help but offer a sheepish smile in response to his theatrics.

It was hard to be genuinely annoyed by his behaviour. Kouenji seemed to exist in a realm of his own, driven by his unique perspective. It was likely this very demeanour that had led to his placement in class D.

"Sure thing, Kouenji-kun. Just make sure not to fall behind," I replied with a nonchalant grin.

"Hahaha!" he laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying the competition and the attention he garnered from his classmates.

Oh, dear...

"I'm fired up!" Sudou's competitive spirit blazed as he refused to accept defeat. Honestly, he was probably the only one who stood a chance against both me and Kouenji. "Watch yourself, Fujiwara! I'm comin' for you!"

"Heh, come now or come later, I'll still be here!" I responded, and the two of us clasped hands, marking the beginning of our friendly competition.

...

"Are you all ready?!" our coach called out. The final round included me, Hirata, Kouenji, Sudo, and another classmate, Miyake.

"Mhm!" we all gave affirmative grunts in response.

"I shall claim victory this time, Fujiwara-boy," Kouenji asserted.

"I won't be losing to you, Fujiwara!"

"Hehe, Fujiwara-kun, you seem to have quite the spotlight," Hirata commented to my left, and I sighed in reply.

"Whatever man, let's just do this," I grinned.

"Heh,"

PFRRRT!

The sound of the whistle triggered an immediate surge of anticipation and excitement within me. I was the first to dive into the pool as soon as the sound reached my ears, leading the charge.

As I swam, I mentally played "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry in my head.

"GO, GO
GO JOHNNY, GO, GO
GO JOHNNY, GO, GO!"

"GO GO GO JOHNNY GO

GO JOHNNY B. GOODE!

"21.81!" the coach's voice rang out, a mix of surprise and amazement evident in his tone.

In the final round, I managed to secure first place with an even better time, improving it by 0.37 seconds. Kouenji trailed behind me with a time of 22.37, not managing to surpass my initial time. Sudo followed suit with a time of 24.38, and so on.

"Hmph! This round is yours, Fujiwara-boy!" Kouenji declared in defeat. "But let it be known that this changes nothing! I remain, the Perfect Existence!"

Ah, the charming narcissist in all his glory. While many may find him insufferable, I can't help but find his antics absolutely entertaining.

And then came the inevitable...

"Fujiwara!"

"Fujiwara-kun!"

Oh God, smite me down like I'm satan himself!

Please, let the ground swallow me whole!

I'M SORRY, I DIDN'T MEAN TO STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT!

...

...

...

After the swimming class incident, as I like to call it, I became the center of attention among the entire first-year student body. It was a mixture of appreciation and annoyance on my part. Honestly, it wasn't my intention to cause such a stir! I swear!

I received numerous messages from Ichinose after she got wind of the news, boasting about her class's best time. It turned out that a guy named Shibata So achieved a time around the same as Hirata's final speed.

Shibata is like a living embodiment of cotton candy because his hair is blue. He's incredibly sweet and full of energy.

And the best part?

He's also a gym enthusiast, making him my second gym buddy!

I even received a few messages from Hidaka-senpai, taking the opportunity to throw snarky remarks my way. I jokingly told her to go play with robots or something.

"Don't laugh at me," I playfully glared at my phone.

"You claim you don't like showing off, yet you did exactly that! Hahaha!"

"I will punt you!"

"Hahaha! How? Through my phone?"

"YES!"

Speaking of senpais... I glanced at my points with a satisfied grin. Manipulating them into making slip-ups is remarkably easy.

Heh...

...

...

I walked into the classroom, and an odd tension hung in the air. It was around the middle of the month, and something was definitely off.

Being somewhat in the loop with school drama and gossip, courtesy of my friend Sato, I usually had an idea of what was going on. How she managed to gather all that information remained a mystery.

However, this time, the collective mood shift in the class caught me completely off guard. There was a sense of sadness, frustration, disbelief – it was hard to pinpoint exactly. I was intrigued and wanted to find out more, so I headed over to where Hirata's group was gathered.

Karuizawa motioned for me to come closer. "Fujiwara-kun, you need to see this." Her phone was in her hand, and she, along with Matsushita and Sato, seemed absorbed in whatever they were looking at.

"I mean...this can't be real, can it?" Sato mumbled, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief as she scrolled through the content on her phone. "I mean..." Her voice trailed off as she continued scrolling.

"What's going on, Karuizawa-san?" I peered over her shoulder, and she handed me her phone.

"Take a look for yourself," she said. I focused my attention on the screen, which displayed a lengthy forum post. The post was a comprehensive breakdown of the S-System, revealing its inner workings in detail.

The source was anonymous, so there was no way to trace it.

As I read through the information, my eyes narrowed in concentration and a sense of unease washed over me. The implications of what I was reading were significant, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of shock and curiosity.

[Each class accumulates or decimalizes "class points" through various means, such as classroom behaviour. These points reflect the class's collective worth and contribute to their ranking within the school hierarchy. The class with the highest number of class points holds the prestigious Class A status, while the lowest-ranking class is placed in Class D...]

I read through the entire document like a hawk, digesting as much information as possible. But one thing that caught my attention was:

[...The only class that is able to attain the 100% college acceptance rate and employment guarantees is Class A...]

And:

[...The amount of class points each class has affects the amount of Private Points each student in said class gets...]

"Each class's ability to achieve a 100% college acceptance rate and employment guarantees is limited to Class A."

"The number of class points a class accumulates directly impacts the allocation of Private Points to each student within that class."

These revelations sent shockwaves through my thoughts, prompting a hushed whisper to escape my lips, "Huh... I think that's a...bad thing..."

The response from my classmates was immediate and intense:

"THAT CAN'T BE TRUE!"

"Y-YEAH! IT HAS TO BE A PRANK!"

The voices of Yamauchi and Ike rang out in the background, filled with disbelief and denial.

...

...

I think we're all idiots...

...

...

And you're one too.

...

...

Words: 5620

Author Notes:

Sup kids. What'd you think? Did you feel that little tickle? That little tease when I introduced Fuka?

Have you read my other Books? No?

Oh...

Serenade of the Withered Petals KnY x OC [Updated]

Vol 1.6 - Idoit II.

The atmosphere in the classroom resembled the sensation of opening a shaken soda can. All it needed was one small action to release the pressure and cause a fizzy explosion that left everyone in a sticky and unexpectedly hydrated situation.

Of course, I've never personally experienced such a situation... not at all.

There's a reason why I don't drink Pepsi anymore.

Fuck you.

"D-does that mean we're at the bottom?!"

"This is just terrible!"

"What on earth are these Class Points?"

"Don't believe everything you read! It's anonymous and probably fake!"

Desperation, denial, and a medley of other emotions permeated the room. It was as if my classmates were collectively undergoing the five stages of grief, right before my eyes.

"Hold on, Fujiwara-kun?" Hirata's voice cut through the commotion, reaching out to me with a grave expression.

I turned my attention towards him. "Yes, Hirata-kun?"

His gaze drifted towards the chaotic scene unfolding around us. "How are you handling this situation? You appear relatively composed."

"For now, I'm holding up fine. Panicking wouldn't be productive at this moment, so I'll save it for later," I replied calmly, my gaze shifting toward the clock. Chabashira-sensei would be arriving soon.

"Right, that's a reasonable approach," Hirata said thoughtfully, his expression shifting to a more contemplative one. "What's your perspective on all of this... who situation?" He let his true question seep through.

I responded with simplicity, "As I said, I'm not letting it bother me too much at the moment. Panicking isn't the solution right now. I'll reserve my panic for when I'm home." I repeated again.

A brief chuckle escaped Hirata's lips, followed by a sigh. "We should probably return to our seats."

"Yeah, let's deal with the problem later and take our seats now."

"Agreed."

Resuming my place at my desk, I noticed Ayanokouji showing his phone to Horikita, whose expression was a mixture of complexity and determination.

"Fujiwara," Ayanokouji called out to me, prompting my attention.

"Hey there, what's up?" I took my seat.

"What are your thoughts on this situ—" Ayanokouji began to ask, only to be interrupted by Horikita's assertive voice.

"Fujiwara-kun, what are your opinions on the S-System?"

"Hmm?" I replied, pretending to be oblivious to her intense gaze that could melt steel beams. "The S-System, huh? I think I'll save my panic attack for a more convenient time, as I told Hirata. Also, the fact that it didn't explicitly detail how these 'Class Points' are earned leaves a lot to contemplate," I answered vaguely.

Horikita, sensing I probably knew more than I let on, spoke again. "Elaborate," she demanded, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny.

Horikita was someone who clung to her values with unwavering tenacity.

Like a baby monkey clinging to her mother.

She exuded an air of superiority, backed by her abilities while remaining largely anti-social and considering friendships a nuisance.

However, when she recognized someone superior or equal to her in a certain aspect, she treated them differently. That's how she viewed me, previously.

I was like that mischievous monkey in Brazil that steals chips and sodas from tourists, at least in her eyes before the swimming class incident.

She occasionally engaged in conversations with me and tolerated my teasing, though with a hint of tsundere behaviour. She perceived me as superior in sports, which prompted her to value my opinion more than someone like Ayanokouji.

"Perhaps the points are earned during our mid-terms or other assessments," I offered. "It's a plausible way to determine class rankings."

"Hmm," she mused before returning to her notes on the S-System.

As the school bell rang, signalling the start of homeroom, I couldn't help but smirk to myself.

Heh...

...

WHAT IS SHE LOOKING AT ME FOR!?

...

Sensei's homeroom carried an atmosphere of palpable anticipation and, well... tension. It seemed to be the prevailing theme of the class at this point, and it seemed destined to persist. A sad prospect indeed.

As the students gathered, it was evident that my classmates, like the rest of the room, were waiting for some kind of announcement concerning the shocking revelation of the S-System.

Perhaps they desired a declaration that would reveal it all as a mere prank or falsehood.

What kind of oblivious fools were they?

Clearly, the type that ended up being placed in Class D.

Yet, there was no announcement, no acknowledgment of the matter whatsoever. Chabashira-sensei remained silent on the topic, and even when pressed for answers after homeroom, she offered only a scripted response that further exacerbated the situation.

"I am not at liberty to disclose that information."

What a shame, sensei.

Oh, how I relished the prospect of watching them squirm and flounder

As the final bell signalled the end of classes, I wasted no time in making a swift exit toward the dormitories. I paid no heed to Hirata's inevitable speech, which he had likely been concocting since the morning.

I'll pose the question once more: What truly defines an idiot?

Do you not know?

Well, I'll give my more, improved opinion on it.

An idiot is more than just someone with a lack of intelligence; it's a label that encompasses a certain pattern of behaviour and decision-making.

At its core, an idiot is someone who consistently and deliberately mismanages themselves and the resources available to them. This mismanagement extends beyond just intellect; it includes emotional intelligence, social awareness, and common sense.

Idiots often make choices that are clearly detrimental to their own well-being, whether it's neglecting their health, squandering opportunities, or pursuing actions that lead to negative consequences.

Their decisions reflect a lack of consideration for the potential outcomes, showing a disregard for their own future.

An essential trait of an idiot is their propensity to repeat the same actions, behaviours, or mistakes while expecting different results. This behaviour reflects an inability to learn from experience or adapt to new situations.

Instead of seeking improvement or adjusting their approach, they persistently adhere to what they know, even when it doesn't yield the desired outcome.

Idiots often lack critical thinking skills, failing to analyze situations objectively and make informed decisions. They may impulsively react to situations without considering the broader context, which can lead to poor judgment and unfavourable outcomes.

This demonstrates a deficiency in the ability to process information and make rational choices.

Finally, a hallmark of an idiot is their tendency to disregard advice and guidance from others who may have more knowledge or experience. They dismiss valuable insights and instead rely on their own flawed judgment, even when it's clear that an alternative perspective could benefit them.

In a way, the definition of an idiot aligns with Albert Einstein's famous quote: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." An idiot's actions mirror this definition of insanity, perpetuating a cycle of poor decisions and undesired outcomes.

My class is full of idiots.

...

The latter half of April brought with it an unshakable tension that seemed to hang in the air of our classroom. Hirata took it upon himself to address the class, advising them to exhibit better behaviour and maintain a sense of discipline. While most students heeded his advice, there remained a stubborn minority that resisted any form of change.

The class was divided – a majority striving to maintain a semblance of decorum and order, while a vocal few continued to exhibit the same problematic behaviour. It was disappointing to witness, especially considering the potential consequences of their actions within the context of the S-System.

As part of my ongoing efforts to offer support and guidance to my classmates, I recommended some strategies to Sudo for increasing his wakefulness and alertness in the morning.

I suggested trying caffeine products and taking cold showers to jolt his system awake. I even gave him some points to do so. To my surprise, it seemed like my advice had a notable impact on him.

One morning, I heard Sudo's enthusiastic voice calling out to me. He had an excited energy about him, despite the shivering caused by the cold shower he had taken.

"D-dude!"

I turned around to face him, only to have him grab my shoulder with an intense grip, his eyes wide with fervour.

"I have never been this awake before! I'm cold as hell right now, but damn, it worked!"

Sudo's enthusiasm was contagious, and his eagerness seemed to radiate from him. He thanked me profusely for the advice, practically bursting with newfound vitality.

"Thanks, Fujiwara!"

"Uh...you're welcome, Sudo-kun, hehe..."

As Sudo enthusiastically performed a set of pushups right in front of me, I couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps introducing caffeine to him was akin to providing a monkey with an energy boost.

Red-haired monkey...

"G-get up, the floor is dirty!"

"I wanna see how many push-ups I could do before my muscles break down, join me!"

"Okay!???????" I need to make sure he doesn't become addicted...

Addicted to caffeine, red-haired monkey...what have I done?

Amidst the class's tension and efforts to improve, a few students stood out for all the wrong reasons. Ike, Yamauchi, and a couple of others continued to ignore the class's rules and the S-System's implications. They openly read manga on their tablets during lessons and seemed unfazed by the consequences.

Even though the majority of the class was working to change and adapt, these students chose to remain defiant. Their actions had an impact on the overall atmosphere. While others were trying to better themselves, Ike and Yamauchi's behaviour created a divide within the class.

Heck, even some of the people who initially greeted the reforms with open arms were starting to get sluggish.

It was like a domino effect, once one fell, the others fell alongside them.

Oh, dear...

Do you ever see those COD MLG complications?

Ima have to pull in the hard carry, huh?

...

As I approached the class one day, I couldn't help but wear a smug expression as I locked eyes with the latest gossip subjects, Hirata and Karuizawa.

The news of their apparent romantic relationship had spread throughout the class, capturing everyone's attention like wildfire without the...copious amounts of property damage.

"Hirata Yousuke-kun and Karuizawa Kei-san," I addressed the pair, tilting my head and feigning sentimentality. The newlyweds (obviously sarcastic) turned their heads to look at me, probably wondering what I was up to.

"You're gonna make your old man cry!" I enveloped them in a playful group hug, relishing the role of a proud father watching his son finally score a date with the girl he's been chasing for ages.

"Fu-fujiwara-kun!" Hirata's strained but amused reached my ears but I just laughed more.

"H-hey! Fujiwara-kun! Let go!" Karuizawa's protests were followed by an outburst of giggles. "D-don't actually cry! Oh my god, you are!"

The three of us erupted into laughter. "Ah, wait am I? I got too into the act there, hold on," I wiped away mock tears and chuckled.

"Oh, dear..." I sighed dramatically. "So, who confessed first?" I threw the question out there, knowing it would spark the curiosity of our gossip-hungry classmates.

"W-well," Karuizawa began, looking a bit hesitant, she turned her gaze to Hirata, who spoke up with a sheepish smile.

"I confessed to Karuizawa-san first," he admitted, a nervous sweat forming on his cheek as if he were embarrassed by his own admission.

Karuizawa, huh? But usually, people in Japanese society address others using their family names, and when they become closer, they switch to using given names. Karuizawa's given name is Kei, so why is Hirata using her family name?

My curiosity was piqued, but I brushed it aside for the moment.

With a smile and a pat on their backs, I added, "Just so you know, I've been shipping you two from the very beginning." I whispered the statement into their ears.

"He-hey!" Karuizawa's protests faded into the background as I took my seat.

"Fujiwara-kun," I heard Horikita's voice as soon as I settled in.

Somebody, please smite me.

...

During the third period, it was time for our history class with Chabashira-sensei. As the bell rang, she walked into the noisy classroom, her presence quelling the students' rowdy behaviour, albeit a slight margin.

"Quiet down a little, please. Today's lesson will be a bit serious," Chabashira-sensei announced, her voice cutting through the chatter.

"What do you mean, Sae-chan-sensei?" someone in the class quipped, already having come up with a nickname for the teacher.

"It's the end of the month, so we're going to have a short test. Please pass these to the back." She distributed test papers to the students, starting from the front row and working her way back.

The single-sheet test eventually reached my desk.

It contained questions from the five main subjects, each with only a few questions. It truly was a brief assessment.

"Huh? I wasn't even paying attention. This is so unfair!" a student protested.

Idiota.

"Don't worry. This test is for future reference and won't affect your report cards. There's no risk involved, so just relax. Of course, cheating is strictly prohibited," Chabashira-sensei assured the class.

Once again, a palpable tension filled the room as the students were reminded of the S-System and its potential impact on their class points. Most of them believed that tests like these could contribute to their points, whether gained or lost.

However, something about Chabashira-sensei's phrasing caught my attention. While grades usually only affected our general academic records, her mention that these test scores wouldn't be reflected in our report cards made me wonder if they would be evaluated in some other way.

But perhaps I was overthinking it. If it truly had no bearing on our official grades, then there was no need to be overly cautious.

As soon as the pop quiz began, I swiftly scanned the questions. There were four questions for each subject, totalling twenty questions overall. Each question carried a weight of five points, making the test worth a total of one hundred points.

The majority of the questions appeared surprisingly easy, to the point of being almost anticlimactic.

In fact, the questions seemed to be a couple of levels simpler than those on the entrance examination.

It was as if they were intentionally made too easy.

Considering my performance on the entrance exam, which I recall being fairly good – scoring high 70s to low 80s in most subjects – I realized that these questions were indeed quite manageable.

The entire test felt like a breeze, leaving me somewhat puzzled by its simplicity.

Class points would definitely be affected.

I glanced toward the tension-ridden classroom.

You, idiots, better not fucking fail.

I reached the end of the test. The final three questions were an order of magnitude higher in terms of difficulty. The final math problem couldn't be solved without complex formulae.

The equation for the challenging math problem was as follows:

x3 4x2 - 6x 8 = 0

Solving for x in this cubic equation required the use of complex mathematical formulae such as Cardano's formula or the cubic formula.

If the school wanted me to cry, it certainly will get those tears.

I just wrote the words "I'm not doing that" and left it blank.

My calculator could go FUCK ITSELF!

...

On May 1, the morning bell signalled the start of our first class of the day. Chabashira-sensei entered the room carrying a rolled-up poster, her expression even more severe than usual.

Perhaps

"Hey, sensei, did you start menopause or something?" Ike's audacious remark filled the air. I was taken aback by his boldness, although I was secretly entertained by the absolute buffoonery.

Chabashira-sensei continued as if she hadn't heard Ike's comment. "All right, your morning homeroom is about to begin. Before we get started, does anyone have any questions? If so, now is the time to speak."

Ignoring Ike's comment was probably the best course of action, considering his tendency to make inappropriate remarks. Several students immediately raised their hands, eager to get their questions answered.

"Um, I checked my point balance this morning, but I only got 6000 points. Points are given on the first day of every month, aren't they? Was there some sort of mistake?"

"Hondou, I've explained this before, haven't I?" Chabashira-sensei's response was patient but firm. "Points are deposited on the first day of the month. I've confirmed that points were wired this month without any issues."

Hondou and Yamauchi exchanged glances, their expressions revealing a hint of concern. Meanwhile, Ike seemed too shocked by the situation to pay attention to their interaction.

As I listened to their conversation, I realized that I had also received only 6000 points on top of my existing balance. Throughout the past month, I estimated that I had spent around 30,000 to 35,000 points.

The idea of spending 100,000 points in a single month seemed excessive and unnecessary unless someone was determined to act foolishly.

Like an idiot, perhaps.

"Are you kids really that dumb?" Chabashira-sensei's voice cut through the murmurs in the classroom. Her tone was a curious mix of annoyance and amusement, leaving me uncertain about her true feelings.

"H-huh? What are you talking about? They said that we'd get 100,000 points every month—"

"There were no such promises made, ever."

Sometimes, I wonder if people are truly capable of handling and utilizing information effectively. Could some individuals really be so dismissive of valuable information right in front of them?

However, my musings were quickly replaced by the unfolding scene in the classroom. Despite the information leak about the S-System and the opportunity for improvement, many students still ignored the valuable information presented to them.

"Even with the leaking of the S-System's most basic workings in the middle of this month, giving you idiots the information needed and the time needed to better yourselves, you still, without a sense of shame, disregarded the most valuable information at the time," Chabashira-sensei's stern words echoed in the classroom.

Chabashira-sensei's gaze bore down on the students who had disregarded Hirata's advice and faltered in their behaviour afterward. Suppressing a laugh, I observed Yamauchi and Ike's group shrinking in their seats, weighed down by shame and realization.

"I explained this before, didn't I?" Chabashira-sensei's voice remained stern as she continued. "This school evaluates the students' talents. Everyone here has passed the entrance examination, which itself speaks to your value and potential. The amount you received reflects your worth."

From a tube she carried, Chabashira-sensei pulled out a white poster and unfurled it, attaching it to the blackboard using magnets. The stunned students stared at the poster, processing the new information displayed before them.

"Are... these the results for each class?"

"Yes, exactly," Chabashira-sensei confirmed.

The list displayed the class rankings from Class A to Class D. I carefully observed each class's point total, finding it quite fascinating.

Class A: 970

If each point translated to 100 points, then Class A had accumulated an impressive 97,000 points this month.

Class B: 790

Ichinose's class appeared to be the most united, gathering 79,000 points. I wondered how Ichinose herself was reacting to the situation.

As thoughts of potential class competitions flitted through my mind, I considered the dynamics at play, much like the Concert of Europe. It was a complex game with many moving parts, indeed.

Class C: 550

Class C remained relatively unknown to me. All I had heard were whispers and rumours, placing them one rank above us. Rumours also suggested they sent agitators to Ichinose's class after the S-System was exposed.

Perhaps they had already established a leader, given their aggressive stance.

Unfortunately, it seemed they might be the first to crumble in the face of the challenges ahead.

Class D: 60

Our class, with a mere 60 points, stood as the epitome of foolishness. Despite our efforts to rally and unite, we faltered and came dangerously close to ending the month with disastrous zero points.

Our class needed serious reform; we were like rough diamonds that required polishing. It was a pity to be stuck here, among this idiotic bunch.

What was my defect?

I wonder.

"In this school, students are sorted by their level of excellence. The superior students are placed in Class A, and the least superior are placed in Class D," Sensei's words reverberated in the classroom, carrying an air of harsh truth.

Her directness wasn't exactly sugar-coated, to say the least. "It's the same system you'd find in major cram schools. In other words, Class D is akin to the last bastion for failures. You are the worst of the worst. You're defective. This is the result of you being defective."

Well, how kind and uplifting, Sensei. I thought sarcastically, rolling my eyes internally.

Despite the less-than-pleasant proclamation, Hirata, the ever-determined soul, stood up and raised his voice. "Sensei, I don't recall hearing you explain that to us before—"

"What? Didn't you read all about it on the forums? Or are you incapable of understanding unless it's explained in detail?"

"Of course we all did," Hirata admitted. "There was a mention of Class Points, how to gain and lose them, on the forum and we had taken precautions, but had that been explained beforehand, I'm sure everyone would've cooperated."

"That's a rather bizarre argument, Hirata. It is certainly true that I don't recall explaining the rules of point distribution. However, even after some of your classmates' behaviour improved, why didn't you idiots follow them?" Sensei's gaze shifted towards Ike's group.

"Didn't you learn in elementary school not to be late or talk in class? Was that not taught throughout your elementary and junior high schools? Are you that dumb?" Her words were scathing, punctuating the air with exasperation.

I noticed Karuizawa shivering slightly under the verbal assault.

"T-that's..."

"I'm sure in the 9 years of compulsory education, you learned that being late and talking in class are bad things." Sensei's frustration was palpable.

"And now you say that you can't understand because I haven't explained it to you? I'm afraid your reasoning is flimsy. This comes down to you taking personal responsibility."

Solid argument, Sensei. I thought, resisting the urge to smirk.

Hirata's gaze dropped, his silence speaks volumes. Those who were guilty of not cooperating were now feeling the weight of the class's disdainful glares.

Even Sudo, my red-haired gym buddy, who had made some effort to correct himself, found himself facing more glares than I would've expected.

It was a pity.

"Having just entered your first year of high school, did you honestly think you'd receive 100,000 points every month with no strings attached?" Sensei spoke. "At a school established by the Japanese government for the expressed purpose of training gifted people? That's completely unthinkable. Try and use some common sense, you morons!"

Babashira-sensei's words hit hard, like a cold Bud Lite hitting a small child at a barbeque.

Baba means father in Arabic by the way...

As Sensei continued to deliver hard facts, Hirata seemed frustrated but unwavering in his resolve as he met her gaze.

"Well then, could you at least explain in detail how points are added or deducted? We can keep that in mind for future reference," he inquired.

Sensei shook her head. "I cannot tell you. We cannot disclose the methods behind our student evaluation. It's the same as any other organization. When you enter a company, it's the company's choice whether or not to tell you how it evaluates its employees."

"However, I'm not cruel, and I'm not trying to be cold,"

I suppressed a chuckle, amused by the irony.

"In the future, you'll have many other opportunities to increase your class points. That's all I'm allowed to say."

Perhaps special exams or something else? I pondered, my thoughts drifting towards Hidaka—erm, I mean Kyomi-senpai.

I needed to discuss this with her later.

With the tolling of the bell, Sensei's departure felt almost poetic.

"It looks like your bubbles have burst. If you had simply understood the harsh reality of the situation from the start and taken all the information and used it, then this long homeroom period might have meant something." Sensei's voice was laced with a hint of frustration.

"Your midterm exams are in three weeks. Please think things over and be careful not to get expelled. I have confidence that you can find a way to avoid red marks on your report cards. If at all possible, try and fix yourselves. That is all."

Farewell, Babashira-sensei~!

Oh, the irony of it all. Just please, smite me, god!

...

As I attempted to slip out of the classroom, Hirata's voice caught me off guard. "Fujiwara-kun? Are you leaving?"

I turned to face him, my expression a mix of discomfort and slight relief. "My head hurts, I'm going to go splash some water on it. Text me the details of..." I trailed off for a moment, collecting my thoughts. "Whatever you're going to discuss, I'll support it." Hirata's understanding smile washed over me, a mutual understanding forming.

"Of course, I'll do that. Make sure you feel better, okay?"

I nodded in response and made my way out of the classroom, the cool air of the corridor providing a small respite from the lingering tension inside. But as I walked, my mind wandered to a different question altogether.

I will ask you, dear readers, a philosophical question now: In a game of cat and mouse, who would you choose to be?

On the surface, the answer might seem obvious. Most would say they'd want to be the cat – the predator, the one with control, power, and cunning.

After all, the cat is the one who chases, captures, and ultimately "wins." But is that really the most desirable position to be in?

Allow me to present a different perspective. Personally, I would choose to be the mouse – the seemingly weaker, the hunted. Before you scoff, consider this: mice are highly intelligent creatures.

They can navigate complex mazes, solve puzzles, and adapt to changing environments.

Their survival depends on their ability to socialize and work together. They may not have the cat's physical prowess, but they possess a different kind of strength – the power of community and collaboration.

Furthermore, mice are resourceful. They can squeeze into the smallest of spaces, finding refuge where larger creatures cannot. They understand the value of finding hidden paths and alternative routes. In a way, they're able to see opportunities where others might only see obstacles.

Now, let's bring this back to our own lives. How often do we find ourselves chasing after goals, desires, or societal expectations? Much like the cat, we may believe that capturing our targets is the ultimate victory.

But does that always bring true fulfillment? On the other hand, embodying the traits of the mouse – intelligence, adaptability, and the power of community – might lead us to a more balanced and rewarding existence.

Imagine being part of a supportive network, seeking out hidden opportunities, and finding fulfillment not just in personal victories, but in shared successes.

Consider the satisfaction of thriving through challenges and navigating life's intricate maze with determination and cooperation.

Now I will ask you another question: Fuck you.

I pressed a button on my phone, before almost immediately receiving a message.

I glanced down at my phone, the screen's glow reflecting in my eyes as I read the text from an unknown number.

Unknown: What do you want?

With a subtle grin, I let out a sigh of relief and closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the cool water splash against my face, refreshing my thoughts and momentarily easing the tension that had been building up within me.

"Fucking idiots..."

...

...

Words: 4427

Author Notes:

What's good, kids?

What'd you think?

I was wondering, what your opinion on me overhauling the main story would be. I mean, having an MC such as this would defiantly warrant some major type of change, right?

Just let me know your thoughts.

Vol 1.7 - Kiryūin Fūka My 'Lovely' Senpai.

Queasy: Something short I would like to know.

Do you prefer a Kiriya who's unhinged or professional in his thoughts?

Unhinged meaning that he breaks the fourth wall a lot and essentially does Meta-Commentary. Sort of like Deadpool

Professional means he does say things but is less, let's say, vulgar about his execution of them. When I say vulgar I mean like sex jokes and cursing every 3 seconds.

I came back from my little bathroom break with a neutral expression on my face. Considering what had just transpired, the quote "bursting" of our bubbles, was reduced to only 60 class points.

That was life, I guess.

The amount of sarcasm that I could fit into a sentence could even rival the grand chasm in Arizona.

I know it's called the Grand Canyon, you ape, I'm trying to make a joke to cope with the fact that my class is full of a bunch of idiots!

Sigh, I really want something better to do than babysitting...

I don't get paid enough for this!

6000 point "salary" monthly for babysitting children

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!?

"Fujiwara-kun," Hirata called out to me.

"Hm?"

"I wanted to know if you're going to stay after class for a discussion I'm planning."

I pondered this for a brief moment. "Uh...I'll observe from the back, but I'm not sure if I can provide meaningful input, you know?"

"I understand," my blonde friend smiled. "Oh, would it be alright if we call each other by our given names as well?"

"Ehhh?" I was a bit taken aback by the suddenness of the question. "Sure, why not," I accepted nonetheless. "If it makes you more comfortable, Yousuke-kun."

He chuckled a bit, like the blonde angel he was. "Thank you, Kiriya-kun."

I really want to squish this mango-flavoured gummy bear into a paste.

...

The classes had come to an end for the day. Hirata stood at the podium, preparing the blackboard for our upcoming discussion. Thanks to Hirata's strong charisma, almost everyone in our class had shown up, with a few exceptions like Horikita and Sudo. When I looked around, I noticed they had already left the room.

I felt a twinge of disappointment that Sudo had left. I texted him about it, and all he said was "gym."

I really need to find a way to integrate him into my group, huh?

I leaned back in my chair, ready to engage with my fellow introvert. But before I could begin speaking, I heard Yamauchi blabbering about wanting to sell his game console to Ayanokouji.

Mind you, Yamauchi's game console is coated in grease and cheese puff dust, and it does NOT look like something that would sell for the 20,000 yen he's trying to get from Ayanokouji.

Fucking disgusting monkey.

After Ayanokouji wisely rejected his offer, Yamauchi's attention shifted to me momentarily before hesitating and then redirecting his focus to the professor.

"Things must be really tough for the people who used up their points," remarked Kushida Kikyo from right behind Ayanokouji, catching his attention.

I never really liked her for some reason.

It wasn't just a passing feeling; there was something genuinely unsettling about her. As my mind wandered, her smile flashed in my mind's eye, and that was when it struck me. Her smile reminded me of the uncanny valley.

The uncanny valley is a term used to describe the unsettling feeling people experience when they encounter something that looks almost human, but not quite.

It's a phenomenon that occurs when something is so close to being real, yet has some subtle off-putting features that create a sense of discomfort.

In Kushida's case, it was her smile. It looked sincere, yet there was something about it that didn't quite fit, like a mask that covered up her true emotions.

I didn't like it.

"Hey Kushida, what about you? Do you have enough points? Girls have lots of necessities, after all," Ayanokouji inquired.

"I'm okay, for now at least. I've used up about half of my points. I kind of lost control the first month and overspent, so it'll be a bit difficult to restrain myself. How about you, Ayanokouji-kun? Are you fine?"

"It must be tough not spending money when you're so popular. Honestly, I've hardly used any of my points. I haven't really needed to buy anything."

"Ehhh?" I leaned my chair back, interrupting their conversation. "Did you get Matsushita-san that... um... what was it called, that bracelet for her birthday? Wasn't that a bit costly?"

"Uh..."

I think I heard a squeak of embarrassment from Matsushita's side of the classroom. I grinned in response.

I love teenage drama~

"Hey, Kushida-san, Ayanokouji-kun, Fujiwara-kun, do you have a moment?" Karuizawa appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

"The Karuizawa Kei-saaaan!" I sang with a smile. "How are you holding up?"

"What's up, Karuizawa-san?"

"Yo, Karuizawa."

We all greeted our friend, who chuckled at our responses.

"Truth is, I've spent way too many points, and I'm seriously running low. Some of the other girls in class have lent me a few points, but I was wondering if you could help me out too. We're friends, right? I only need, like, 2,000 points from you guys."

Karuizawa Kei, Yousuke's girlfriend, and a Gyaru. I don't know what that means, but I think it's related to fashion and stuff. I think...

She didn't seem so sincere in asking for points from us. I checked my own point balance.

2,345,678.

I definitely had enough to provide her with 2000, and more.

"Yeah, sure,"

"Okay!" said Kushida.

"Uh... okay..." Ayanokouji, who was probably just going along with us, also agreed, albeit reluctantly.

Oh, my dear Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, you introvert, you! You don't always have to go with the flow, you idiot!

"Thank you! This is really what friends are for, huh? By the way, here's my number. Okay, see you later. Ah, Inogashira-san! Hey, to be honest, I used up too many of my points..."

Oh...

"We're probably not going to see those points again..." I heard Ayanokouji murmur.

"Ehhh, what can you do? Friends help one another and also keep each other in line, you know?" I patted his shoulder as my brown-haired friend hummed.

Kushida hummed in response. "Mhm! I can't just ignore a friend in need. Karuizawa-san has lots of friends too, so I think it's probably hard for her not to have any points."

"Hm,"

"Wait, how do you transfer points?" Kushida asked.

"Karuizawa gave you her phone number, didn't she? You should be able to do it with your cell phone."

"This school really does take great care of its students. It even has a way to help students like Karuizawa-san."

I know, right? Transferring points was a lifesaver, wink-wink, nudge-nudge

The loudspeaker emitted a calming sound, and a robotic voice made an announcement. "Ayanokouji-kun, a first-year student of Class D, please report to Chabashira-sensei in the faculty office."

I furrowed my brow, mirroring the puzzled expressions of the friends who often interacted with Ayanokouji. We exchanged glances that seemed to ask, 'What could he have done now?'

In response, he mouthed, 'I have no idea,' and we all shared a collective sense of concern.

"Seems like the teacher wants to have a word with you," Kushida remarked.

"Yeah, catch you later," Ayanokouji's demeanour was almost as sheepish as a rabbit's.

Although rabbits aren't really sheep, so that's not the best comparison.

Or Joke.

"Take care, Ayanokouji-kun." He nodded in acknowledgment of my well-wishing.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka is an introverted individual who's struggled with conversations but is gradually improving.

He often interacts with Matsushita; it's quite likely she has a crush on him, or at the very least, is on the brink of developing feelings for him.

He's my adopted introvert, and I make it a point to include him in activities. Despite his outward demeanour, he seems to enjoy himself, even if he doesn't openly express it.

Perhaps we could consider a trip to the spa for some quality male bonding time.

(͠ ͜ʖ͠) And I mean "Bonding" time.

bondage

I mean b-bonding...

uhh...

NEVERMIND!

...

Interestingly, I found out that you can purchase extra key cards from the friendly receptionist at the front of the first-year dorms, and I went ahead and got one.

While I don't currently have any mischievous plans in mind, I can't help but wonder what expression he'd have if I adorned his room with pandas.

Alternatively, filling his room with LEGO bricks could lead to an amusing spectacle.

Imagine if he stepped on a Lego brick...I could buy as many as I wanted.

Holy shit...

"Thank you senpais~" I whispered to myself.

I recall that Ichinose is fond of pandas. It might be a nice idea to get her a panda onesie or a panda stuffed toy for her birthday. Speaking of which, when is her birthday again?

Anyway...

"Bwaaa~ so many thoughts swirling around in my head~" I stretched and let out a sigh.

"Kiriya-kun?" Yousuke's voice brought me back to the present, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. I realized that everyone else had already left. Oops...

"You look like you're half asleep over there. Are you okay?" Yousuke asked, his concern evident.

"I'm alright," I reassured him with a dismissive wave. "Just got lost in thought, nothing serious."

"Well, I was wondering if you're feeling prepared for the upcoming midterms," Yousuke inquired. He's such a caring and considerate friend, he's like if Ichinose was a boy, a mango gummy bear. I will smoosh him!

Stretching and running a hand through my hair, I stood up from my seat. "I'll be alright, Yousuke-kun. If you need help with study groups, especially since yours is the largest, don't hesitate to reach out to me for assistance."

"Thanks, Kiriya-kun," he replied, flashing me a warm smile. "Would you like to walk back to the dorms together?"

"Yeah, sure, why not? I'm in the mood for some leisure," I answered.

"Aha, I get you," Yousuke laughed. "Sometimes everything just feels overwhelming, right?"

"Mhm~" I sang playfully. "Overwhelming, overwhelming, my head hurts, and then kaboom!" I mimicked an explosion with my hands. "And there goes Kiriya, flopping on the floor."

"Hahaha!" Yousuke burst into laughter. "You certainly have a unique way with words. You can be both formal and playful at the same time."

"Mhm~ It's just the way I was brought up," I sang again. "Never let anything hold you back, and you'll find yourself as the happiest person on this planet."

Yousuke hummed as we left the school building, heading towards the dorms. "That's some pretty insightful advice. Who told that to you?"

"Oh, well," I glanced to the side, contemplating. "Honestly, I think I came up with that myself. It's just who I am, I guess."

"You're quite wise beyond your years, Kiriya-kun."

"Not wise enough to outscore you in exams," I teased, sharing a soft chuckle with Yousuke.

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do great."

"If I do, I do," I began, "if I don't, I don't."

"Mhm,"

We continued walking in silence, embraced by the tranquil ambiance of the afternoon. However, there was an itching question that I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Karuizawa-san and you aren't actually in a relationship, right?" I blurted out. My suspicion about their dynamic had been growing steadily. They never used each other's first names, even in group chats – it just struck me as unusual.

Yousuke's eyes widened, clearly surprised by my question. He glanced to the side, perhaps trying to gather his thoughts. "How did you figure that out?" he asked, a touch of confusion in his tone.

"Because you two don't act like a couple," I began, briefly meeting his gaze. "There's a certain distance between you, despite supposedly dating for a week. And the fact that you both use your family names, even in the group chat, it's not typical for a couple."

I could see Yousuke contemplating my words, a pensive expression on his face.

"And I just had this feeling that things didn't quite add up. Call it intuition, but... I can't explain it, it just felt off," I concluded.

Yousuke let out a sigh. "Can you please not mention this to anyone else?" he requested. "There's something that happened, and..." He trailed off, seemingly unsure how to proceed.

"I won't pry into it," I assured him, "but if it involves Karuizawa-san or you, please let me know or have her tell me in the future, okay?" There was a deep sense of genuine concern in my voice.

Yousuke, though he could easily be in Class B or even Class A, had somehow ended up in Class D. It didn't quite add up.

As we approached the dorms, Yousuke spoke again, a hint of hesitance in his voice, "I could do that." Then he offered me a bright smile. "You're really caring, Kiriya-kun."

"Quit it," I playfully jabbed him in the side.

"Hey!" He laughed.

"WATCH ME, YOUSUKE-KUN! I'M GONNA KUNG FU YOU!" I struck a mock crane pose, channelling my inner Rocky.

"Hahaha!"

"WATAAAAA!!!"

DING!

The elevator doors opened, revealing Shibata-kun from Class B, looking at us with a perplexed expression.

He stepped into the elevator right in front of us, forming a triangle.

Shibata, that guy with blue hair reminiscent of cotton candy, then struck a karate pose.

"WATAAAAAAAAA!"

"WATAAAAAAAA!" Yousuke joined in.

" WATAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" We all shouted in unison.

Sometimes, I really enjoyed being a teenager.

"WHY ARE WE SCREAMING!?" Shouted Shibata.

"SHUSH! WATAAAAAAAAA!"

"WATAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

...

...

May 1st came and went, and in the blink of an eye, the school week drew to a close.

Ike and the others had begun to pay more attention in class. Sudo, though attempting, was struggling to keep his focus. It seemed that since there were "only theories" on how to earn points, he was finding it hard to engage.

Many of the students in our vicinity, while appreciating his efforts, couldn't help but still hold a certain level of disdain.

But I applauded him, I guess.

Especially considering I really hoped he'd cut back on the caffeine products...

I had heard that excessive caffeine intake could lead to irritability. It may have been a bit of an... oversight... to give someone with anger issues a drink laced with caffeine...

Whoops...

...

"Are you available for lunch? Would you like to have lunch together?" During our break, Horikita approached Ayanokouji and extended an invitation. "It's quite unusual for me to invite you. I'm feeling a bit nervous about it."

"There's no need to feel that way. I can treat you to the vegetable meal set if that's acceptable."

"I'm just joking. Seriously, you can order whatever you like; it's my treat."

"Now I'm getting even more suspicious. Is there some sort of hidden agenda?"

An invitation from Horikita itself was enough to raise suspicions. I glanced towards the back of the classroom.

"If people can't genuinely accept acts of kindness, it might as well spell the end of humanity, don't you think?" she questioned.

"Well, I suppose so, but..."

"Ma~ Ma~ Ayanokouji-kun," I interjected. "It's alright if you go. Shall I inform the others?"

"See, even Fujiwara-kun agrees," Horikita pointed out.

"But if she does end up stabbing you, I'll refer to her as Suzu-chan for the whole week, deal?" I playfully declared, causing a slight twitch in Horikita's eye.

"That's strangely comforting, Fujiwara..." My introverted friend muttered. "I suppose I don't have much of a choice then."

"Hehe, I'll catch up with you two later, okay?" I tilted my head, receiving affirming hums and nods in response.

Over the past week, there seemed to be a certain closeness developing between Horikita and Ayanokouji. It's not like they're officially dating or anything, but I have this sneaking suspicion that the recent announcement might have played a role.

"I seriously need an adult," I muttered under my breath. My mind feels like it's on overdrive with thoughts racing in every direction.

I wandered over to Yousuke's group during lunchtime. "Time for lunch, let's go~!" I sang out, playfully pulling along the blond gummy bear with me.

My brain feels like it's frying itself, much like an egg on the scorching roads of Australia~

...

The cafeteria had a bunch of different people, I had noticed. I could recognize a vast majority of everyone here, it all depended on the the meal sets they got.

The lower you were on the class Higharchy, the cheaper the meal set.

Class D students, who were squandering to preserve as many of the little points they got, got the cheapest sets/free meals. Then followed the class C students, with more expensive meals and so on and so forth.

I took another bite of my burrito, the beef and sauces almost falling out, leaving me in a strange situation in which if I moved the sauce on my lips would fall onto my lap and thusly my clothes. I need help.

"Oi! Ay!" I motioned to the group who looked at me with a strange expression. "Napkin! I no want sauce on pants!" I spoke in a strange caveman-esque voice, trying to limit my mouth's range of movement.

"Haha!" Sato laughed at my predicament before turning to pull out her phone. "Wait, stay still!"

"No! Napkin does not translate into 'stay still' Sato-san!"

This caused my classmates to giggle at me more. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!

CLINK!

"I swear to the Lord baby Jesus and the holy spirit, among many other things above, if you post that in the group chat!"

DING!

"Oh my god..."

"Hahaha!" Sato then grabbed a napkin that was right beside her and wiped my chin. "There you go~!"

"I hope you step on a Lego brick,"

"Hehehe~"

Sato Maya, you have made an enemy for life!

We shared laughter and enjoyed each other's company—it was a genuinely good time. I basked in the warmth of having friends around me. Not that I didn't have friends before, I mean... b-baka!

I'm just trying to say—

DING!

My phone emitted a ping, reminding me that I should probably put it on silent mode sometime.

Could I... hypothetically shoot a phone? Would it survive a gunshot? Oh well, never mind.

The message was from an unfamiliar number, someone I hadn't texted before. Curious, I wondered what it could be about.

[Behind You]

Oh... so this is how I meet my end, huh?

Turning my head ever so lazily, owl-like, I was met with... well, well, what a surprise!

Kiyomi-senpai, Asahina-senpai, and that senior from the gym!

Oh, just lovely.

I sent a text in reply.

[Gym-senpai?]

Silver-haired senpai's grin widened as we locked eyes. I offered her a weary glance while she gestured for me to join them.

I turned towards my group. "Hey, I'm heading over there for a bit," I announced. "Someone can have whatever's left of my food, except..." I grabbed the orange juice. "This."

"Booo! I wanted the orange juice!" Sato mockingly protested.

"No orange juice for you, Ms. Sato!"

"Haha~!" With their laughter trailing after me, I made my way to the table behind us.

Honestly, I don't even have the energy for all of this!

...

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Asahina-senpai greeted me, her voice full of playful energy.

In case you aren't familiar with Asahina-senpai, she boasts luscious waist-length chocolate-brown hair adorned with a sunflower-shaped hairpin on the right side, along with two regular hair clips on the same side. Her purple eyes add to her charm.

Did I mention that she's also quite stunning?

Is there a genetic disposition for girls at this school to be so attractive? I can't help but wonder.

"Good morning, Kiriya-kun," Kiyomi-senpai greeted me with a warm smile.

"Good morning, senpais," I returned the smile and settled into the seat next to Asahina-senpai. Then, my gaze shifted to the silver-haired senpai who had sent me that mysterious text. She was looking at me like a hawk eyeing its prey. "And a pleasure to meet you again, gym-senpai," I added with a nod.

Kyomi-senpai playfully giggled at my use of the nickname before giving her a light tap on the shoulder. "Come on~ introduce yourself~"

Our eyes locked, mint green against crimson, creating a silence that enveloped the table.

While we engaged in our not-so-flirty staring contest—I say not-so-flirty because I was genuinely frightened by how intensely she was looking at me—my other two senpais exchanged hushed but amused whispers.

"Fuka-chan and Kiriya-kun seem to be having quite the staring contest," Kiyomi mused.

"Hehe~ I wouldn't call it intense. Fujiwara-kun doesn't strike me as the glaring type," Asahina whispered back.

I took a sip of my orange juice, crossed my legs, and tilted my head slightly. The silver-haired senpai's gaze remained unwavering.

It was almost like a mental game of sorts, a game of who would yield first. Who would break the silence and introduce themselves? I was determined not to be the first one to do so.

I don't hold the highest reverence for authority figures, and I'm certainly not one to bow to societal norms.

If she blinked first, I'd consider that my victory.

And you know what? I wouldn't blink. I never lose.

So, I maintained my smile, and so did she. Her smile was a perpetual feature— not the cute, anime-style grin, but the self-assured "I'll do as I please" kind of smile.

Honestly, she might even be my type if only she would ACTUALLY SAY HER NAME!

"Kiryūin Fūka," she finally introduced herself with that ever-present pleasant grin. "But you can just call me Fuka." I raised an eyebrow at her choice of informality.

"Fujiwara Kiri—"

"I know," Fuka-senpai interjected, then wrapped her arm around Kiyomi-senpai. "She talks about you all the time, Kiriya." This elicited a hearty laugh from Kyomi-senpai.

"Well, it's your fault," she playfully jabbed at me. "You keep dropping by, causing a ruckus, and you're not even part of the club!" she said, showing no offence whatsoever.

I chuckled. "Well, those are the only times I actually have, you know? Free time, I mean."

Kyomi-senpai's smile brightened. "I understand."

Fuka-senpai then clasped her hands together, forming a makeshift chin rest, almost like a businesswoman or an ojou-sama.

Could she come from a wealthy family, I wondered?

"Tell me about yourself, Kiriya," she prompted, brushing past the fact that she wasn't using honorifics with my name.

"I'm into music and art, I guess," I started. "I didn't have many friends back in middle school," my explanation was halted by a sort of scandalized squeak from Asahina-senpai.

"You didn't have friends?!" she exclaimed in disbelief, then quickly amended her tone. "That just doesn't seem right."

"Yeah," I agreed. "I had, like... three friends. Regular friends, and one 'on-and-off' friend, you know?"

"An 'on-and-off' friend?" Kiyomi-senpai's curious brown eyes were fixed on me.

"Yeah, you know, that friend who drifts in and out, who's part of another group but somehow is also connected to yours."

"Ohhhhh," my brown-haired senpais chorused in realization.

"So, there you have it," I turned my attention back to Fuka-senpai. "I don't have much to me, Fuka-senp—" My words were cut off again. Seriously, what's up with all the interruptions?

"Fuka," she grinned, causing my other senpais to widen their eyes in surprise.

"...Well, okay then...? Fuka it is," I grinned back, and she matched it with her own. I could hear more gasps and whispers from my right.

We shook hands, and I noticed Fuka had a tight grip as if she were asserting dominance.

( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡)

Phrasing.

I adjusted my grip accordingly, and we engaged in a mini power struggle until Fuka eventually released her hand, still grinning.

Victory~!

"Kyaaaa! They're moving so fast!" squealed Asahina-senpai.

"Fufu~, oh dear," at least Kyomi-senpai was taking it all in stride!

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kiriya," Fuka massaged her hand, with that ever-present grin on her face.

"Likewise, Fuka,"

...

Why the hell do I feel a curse of chaos coming upon my very normal life?

Queasy: Good joke there Kiriya, like I ever planned on giving you one

Wait, what?

Queasy: Fuck you.

Fuck you too, asshole!

...

...

Clank!

Rattle!

Clang!

Crash!

Oh my god...! Could you please just be quiet for a moment? It's only...oh my god...

The sounds of sizzling and cooking assaulted my ears, reminiscent of that incessant monkey toy from Toy Story with the cymbals.

Who on earth invaded my house?

I swear to all that's holy...

I groggily rolled out of bed, disregarding the state of the blankets, and squinted at the clock: 5:29.

Please don't...

BEEP

BEEP

BEEP

BEEEP!

Oh my god... I wish I could just bury myself in a pile of gummy bears...

I shuffled my way to the source of the commotion—the kitchen—where, unsurprisingly, the noise was coming from.

Fuka was standing there, cooking what appeared to be stir fry. My eye twitched as I watched her doing everything wrong, including the use of the Wok.

I stepped closer, not even bothering to question how or why she had broken into my house.

"Move," I mumbled, startling my senpai. Upon seeing me, her grin widened from ear to ear.

"Why should I?" she challenged.

"You're doing it wrong..." My voice wasn't the usual calm and collected tone that people were used to hearing from me. It was more like a zombie from Minecraft or something of the sort. "Give me that... you're doing it wrong..."

Fuka didn't move from her place. It seemed like we were playing some sort of mind games again, and I wasn't interested. Who has the energy in the morning to play such things?

So, all I did was take her hands and start scooching her away from the cooking station, hip-checking her slightly.

"Yaaawwwwn, moooooveeee" I drawled out.

Were girl's hands always so soft?

I could practically feel her smirk grow more and more as I did such bold things.

"Fufu," I could hear her chuckling in the background as she handed over the wok.

Taking the Wok and a ladle, I started preparing a proper stir fry, with Fuka observing from the background.

Once I finished and saw that there were two plates ready, I glanced at my silver-haired senpai, who simply tilted her head innocently.

Since that day at the cafeteria, which was about two days ago, I seemed to run into Fuka more and more frequently—whether it was in the hallways, the Technology Enthusiasts Club, or any other corner of the school.

"Interested" was the term Kyomi-senpai used to describe it. Apparently, Fuka had shown a similar "interest" in a few other individuals, including someone named Nagumo, a second-year, and even the student council president.

I'm not quite sure how to feel about all this, and I definitely don't know how to react to the fact that she broke into my house. Nevertheless, I plated the food, and we moved over to the table to eat.

Oh great, I'm still in my pyjamas... a smooth move, Kiriya...

"Why are you in my house...?" I asked my troublesome senpai with a lazy tone.

Fuka simply smiled at me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I just wanted to check on my kouhai, is that a problem?" she responded while I took a sip of water.

"At 5 in the morning?" I questioned, taking a bite of the stir fry she had made. It was a bit off in texture, probably because Fuka wasn't well-versed in stir-fry cooking.

"Mhm, any objections?" she replied.

"Nooooo..." I trailed off as my mind started to wake up, and a dangerous question popped into my head. "You're not planning on walking to school with me, are you?" I said, my eyes narrowing in tired suspicion.

Fuka's grin didn't falter in the slightest. "Why? Are you afraid of being seen with your beautiful senpai?" she teased.

"Uh—" I started, but she interrupted me.

"Don't worry Kiriya, you'll be safe with me," she reached over and patted me on the shoulder before continuing.

"Plus, your senpai is curious," she said, her crimson gaze locking onto mine. "Curious about the agitator causing trouble among the second years," she revealed her true motive.

Agitator? Me?

"Huh?" I raised an eyebrow. "What's been happening with the second years?"

Fuka seemed unconvinced of my innocence. "Oh, just someone who managed to get 3 students from class C expelled, 1 from class D, and 2 from class B suspended," she explained. "All while remaining completely anonymous."

"Does that ring any bells?" she tilted her head, her silver hair swaying as she did so, making her even more captivating than usual. She then assumed that same makeshift chin-resting position she had used at the cafeteria.

I knew Fuka was intelligent, and it was evident just by looking at her and the way she carried herself.

I had no idea what she was talking about. I simply ate and listened to her ramble.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about, senpai," I accidentally used the term "senpai."

"If I were the culprit, and I've been in this school for less than 2 months at this point, mind you, I'd probably have more productive things to do than mess with a few second-years' futures."

Fuka's expression didn't waver in response to my counterarguments. She still wore a confident look. "Call it woman's intuition, Kiriya," she said before taking another bite of the stir fry.

"Whether you did it or not, you've definitely intrigued me," Her voice now had an unexpectedly sweet tone.

"Hm," I hummed in response before reaching for my phone to choose a song. However, Fuka snatched it from my hand and started fiddling with it.

"What are you doing now?" I asked, watching her chew a bite of stir fry before handing my phone back to me, the contacts app open.

"If you ever change it, I'll track you down," she winked.

Glancing at the contact list, I saw [Fuka •ᴗ• ️]

"How did you manage to add that emoticon so quickly?"

My senpai laughed. "Hahaha! So you're not surprised that I came into your dorm, made breakfast, or anything like that, but you're amazed at how fast I found the emoticon?"

I felt my eye twitch as my mind cleared. "How did you even get into my house in the first place?" Before I could finish my sentence, I saw Fuka pull out a small card with the number "404" on it – my room number.

"A kind receptionist at the front desk hands out these cards for around 2000 points, and I got one," she explained.

"..."

"WHY?!" I promptly stood up and reached for it. Fuka's eyes widened with a mischievous glint and she began laughing, running off and initiating a chase around the dorm.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

"GIVE ME THAT!"

"I'LL JUST BUY A NEW ONE!"

"KIRYUIN 'FUKI' FUKA GIVE THAT TO ME!"

...

After managing to wrestle the keycard away from Fuka, enduring her teasing, and various antics, I finally had the keycard in my possession. I figured it was better for me to hold onto it than let her keep it.

However, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had merely postponed the problem rather than solving it. It felt like a looming issue that would come back to haunt me.

Despite my concerns, Fuka didn't seem particularly bothered by the situation. She was sprawled out on my bed, almost like an overexcited child with too much energy, kicking her feet back and forth while engrossed in her phone.

She was still dressed in her school uniform, seemingly unfazed by the fact that she had barged into my room uninvited.

In moments like this, I felt like the universe had conspired against me, perhaps as retribution for that ill-conceived prank I pulled on Mr. Myagi back in middle school.

I decided it would be best to avoid any unnecessary actions, like exercising in front of her.

My gut feeling told me that would only lead to more chaos and unpredictability.

Like...my sweat making my shirt stick to my body, and...

The sweat makes the floor slippery...

and we so happen to fall on one another, 'accidently'

You know the rest, you degenerate.

...

Walking along a less-travelled path to school with Fuka turned out to be unexpectedly peaceful, in contrast to her usual energetic and mischievous demeanour.

However, despite the calm surroundings, a sense of unease lingered within me. Interacting with Fuka made it clear that she was the kind of person who would only show interest in matters that caught her attention.

It seemed like she had an insatiable curiosity and an inclination to pursue whatever piqued her interest, learning everything she could before moving on.

Fuka's intelligence and sharp mind meant that she likely had access to many resources and opportunities. She possessed qualities that many people would find appealing – looks, intelligence, and more.

As a result, she might find most things boring until she comes across something or someone she finds intriguing. She'd invest her time and energy in it until her curiosity was satisfied, and then she'd move on to the next thing.

In the midst of our silence, a phrase echoed in my mind: "Risk it for the biscuit." It seemed oddly fitting for our current situation as we entered the school building through a less commonly used entrance.

I contemplated the meaning of that phrase as we walked, wondering if it had any relevance to the complexities of the world around me.

"Fuka," I spoke, breaking the silence.

Her crimson orbs gazed into mine, mint green meeting crimson red once more. "What is it, Kiriya?"

I paused for a moment, my words hanging in the air before I finally continued, my voice measured and careful. "You're someone who pursues what interests you, right?"

Fuka's grin returned, her mischievous spark not missing a beat. "You could say that, Kiriya. I don't waste my time on things that don't captivate me."

I nodded, my gaze fixed on the path ahead as I gathered my thoughts. "So, what if something... or someone... isn't just a fleeting interest for you? What if it's something you can't just move on from once you've learned all you can?"

Fuka's eyes studied me intently as if trying to decipher the hidden meaning behind my words. "Are you implying something, Kiriya?"

I exhaled slowly, my thoughts racing. "I'm not implying anything, Fuka. I'm just... wondering..."

...

...

"Could you help me with something?"

...

...

"Sure."

...

...

_

Words: 5441

Author Notes:

FUUUKAAAAAA'S HERE! And the Chaotic Duo of ANHS has been born!

I'm not completely sure about how I wanna do Fuka's arc, but I'm thinking of something, it'll just take some time.

Anyway, what do you think of it?

See ya kids later!

Vol 1.8 - F.A.A.F.O

Queasy: Sup, children.

Here's a little game for you: What does F.A.A.F.O mean?

Hint: One of the words is "Around"

For the most part of my life, I'd say, I've been rather accustomed to solitude.

Wait, that wording doesn't sit well with me...

It makes me sound like I was raised in a facility...

Like a monkey...

Ahem, let's rephrase that.

Throughout the greater part of my life, I've never truly had a lot of individuals who were genuinely close to me. My concept of 'closeness' might be a bit perplexing, though. When I mention 'closeness,' I'm referring to someone akin to a best friend.

Now, my notion of a best friend is a tad hazy as well, surprisingly.

Naturally, you'd share a friendly connection and such, or something along those lines. You'd also hang out at each other's places, share a bunch of inside jokes, and maybe even engage in playful banter, especially if your best friend was of the opposite gender.

I confess, my definition of a 'close' friend might be considered unconventional.

Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly...

"Good morning, Fuka,"

I woke up to discover my senpai in my dorm room, on my bed, and quite astonishingly—perched atop me!

This recurring situation is becoming quite familiar. It seems Fuka doesn't hold personal boundaries in high regard.

CAN YOU PLEASE NOT BE ON MY CROTCH OF ALL PLACES?!

not that i mind but...

it's indecent...

If she ever manages to barge into my classroom, I plan to employ the tactic of pretending to be asleep.

And if that strategy falls short... well, I'm completely out of ideas.

Perhaps I could try making an escape through the window...?

AND HOW IN THE WORLD DID SHE MANAGE TO GET ANOTHER KEYCARD FOR MY ROOM?!

Could she have taken the one I confiscated from her?

Or did she somehow acquire a new one?

FOR FUCKS' SAKE, FUKA!

If you rearrange Fuka's name it turns into the word Faku which sounds like an overly stereotypical Asian speaking in broken English saying "Fuck you".

Do with that information as you will.

Waku Faku.

"Good morning, Kouhai," she greeted with a mischievous grin. "Ready for school?" Her demeanour exudes cheerfulness and mischief, a blend of smiles, giggles, and an array of other expressions.

She's practically an embodiment of chaos.

don't get turned on...

She engages in playful antics and seems determined to uncover every conceivable detail about me... by ensuring physical proximity.

And subtlety?

Discard that notion, as Fuka is entirely unacquainted with it. After all, she's quite literally perched on me at this very moment.

"Why are you on top of me?" I questioned, trying to push her off, but in my state of weakness, it was futile.

Fuka just tilted her head, raising an eyebrow in response. "Why? Don't boys like being woken up like this? Or am I mistaken?" her voice was sultry and sweet.

Do not get turned on.

I, like many other healthy boys my age experience a multitude of...features...that come with this phenomenon known as puberty.

You can probably tell which one I'm trying NOT to experience.

Sighing, mostly due to the fact that I was already envisioning that Fuka would come into my dorm as she pleased, never leaving me alone, I looked around while she was still atop of me.

Where the hell is my cock—

I mean the clock.

Stupid Hornya

I think that's a disease...

No...I think that's a hernia...

CLOCK! RIGHT, CLOCK!

NOT COCK! CLOCK!

"What's the time?" If my memory serves me right, during the previous instance—or rather, yesterday—she initiated her commotion just as my alarm was about to sound, so it shouldn't be too—

"6:30," she replied.

Ah, so she messed with my alarm.

"I'm going to hit you with a frying pan," I muttered.

Fuka's smile lingered as she gracefully dismounted, her uniform already in place. "My, how uncouth, planning to strike your lovely senpai," she tilted her head, feigning innocence as though she hadn't just orchestrated a breaking and entering.

I have so much dirt on you Fuka, you're lucky you're very entertaining to have around.

AND ANNOYING!

"Especially after said senpai has prepared breakfast for you. Such behaviour, Kiriya, how gauche," she chided, one hand resting on her hip, adopting a demeanour akin to my mother's.

My mom didn't have silver hair...I don't think...

I'm not having a Freudian slip...I'm not...

With a sluggish gaze, I directed my attention to the table, revealing two flawlessly cooked breakfasts—this time, not overdone.

Platinum blonde, female, Gordon Ramsay...holy baby Jesus...

An astonishing sight, to say the least.

And they actually look appetizing.

I seem to have made a few miscalculations regarding my assessment of Fuka and have cursed her out on multiple occasions while not fully recognizing the extent of her talents.

I have sinned!

"Domine Deus meus, ego sum valde contristatus et offensus in Te, et omnia peccata mea detestor. Non solum propter poenam, sed magis propter peccatum quod offendi Te, Deus meus, qui es totius amoris dignus et omnia bona. Ego firmiter propono adiuvante gratia Tua, de cetero me non peccaturum peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen."

In a somewhat spontaneous gesture, I began to recite a Latin prayer of repentance for my wrongs against Fuka as I rose from the bed and collected my uniform, making my way toward the bathroom.

"Heh?"

As I entered the bathroom, locking the door for good measure and concluding my prayer, I heard Fuka emit a sound of bewilderment.

A perplexed Fuka? I'm preserving that image in my memory.

I'm going to need that for later...

...

When a stunning senpai, and a guy who incidentally ranks fourth on the hottest guys list (yes, I looked at those rankings and vomited reading the comments. Why are they all about...squeezing...EUAHHH), accompanies you on the walk to school, it's almost inevitable to cause a commotion.

The soft clicks of small cameras were audible, and I could practically sense the vibrations of my phone's forum app.

So, this was Fuka's grand scheme.

Just to mess with me and subject me to more difficulties?

Social complications...

...

I'm seriously contemplating giving her a solid bonk with a frying pan, like some Loonie Tones Character. I really am.

...

My gaze shifted towards my silver-haired senpai, whose grin had subtly expanded, and I leaned in to whisper in her ear. "I'm tempted to scatter thumbtacks and Lego bricks all over your room."

Rather than being taken aback, this casual threat appeared to amuse her even more, prompting her to burst into laughter, attracting even more attention.

"Hahaha! Is that a promise?" Her crimson irises glinted playfully. "Don't fret, Kiriya. You're welcome to drop by annnyyyyy time," She emphasized the word 'any,' in a sort of suggestive tone.

Am I a pervert?

It's probably the Bruno Mars rubbing off on me...

I'm resolute in my determination to wipe that smug grin off your face, Fuka.

You cunning, pretty, utterly idiotic senpai.

NO.

KIRIYA.

SHE'S NOT PRETTY, SHE'S INTIMIDATING!

LOOK AT HOW SHE LOOKS AT YOU!

SHE'S LIKE A PREDATOR EXCEPT... HUMAN.

AND SHE'S PRETTY!

WHAT!?

...

"See you at lunch~" Fuka chimed before sauntering off toward the second-year area. Finally, I could bask in some tranquillity.

Tranquillity, meaning I won't have to contend with Fuka for a while until she inevitably carries out her usual antics and likely swoops in to abduct me from my class or my friends.

I severely miscalculated when I responded to that text, didn't I?

How on earth am I supposed to manage this embodiment of chaos and... intellect?

I'm completely clueless and I...

"Oh no..."

I patted my pockets.

Where's my phone?

Oh...

So, when she casually mentioned "See you at lunch," it wasn't an invitation I could turn down.

She took my phone.

So I'm forced to find her.

Oh...

I have morphed into the living definition of 'Error.'

Well done, Kiriya.

You absolute IDIOT!

...

Upon entering the classroom, I felt the intensity of the boys' gazes, as if they were attempting to bore holes into my skull. Likely envious because they spotted me walking alongside Fuka, and we didn't opt for the discreet route we took yesterday.

Nicely done, Fuka. You're certainly making my life very very HARD!

‿"

You are a ridiculous...creature...

I headed toward my usual group, and this time Ayanokouji was joining them as well. Sato, Matsushita, Karuizawa, and others... all approached me with massive grins plastered on their faces.

It seems that the news of Fuka and me walking to school together has propagated like wildfire... and it's been only 10 minutes... how...

"Please don't—"

"Fujiwara-kun, who was that senpai you were walking with!?"

"Yeah, yeah! She was very pretty!"

"Yeah, yeah! Is she your girlfriend!?"

"And-and when you whispered something into her ear, KYAAAA!!" Someone squealed. I'm almost certain that was Sato's voice.

"DID YOU GUYS DO THE SE—"

WHO SAID THAT!?

Even Ayanokouji chimed in. "Indeed, Fujiwara, who was that?" Despite his monotonous tone, he sounded oddly smug.

You shouldn't be talking, Ayanokouji!

Is this the sensation Julius Caesar experienced when Brutus began stabbing him?

Is this what betrayal feels like?

I want to cry.

"I- um..."

My attempt at responding was drowned out by a cacophony of voices coming from behind and in front of me.

( ‿ )

Watch your phrasing, Kiriya.

Before Yousuke came to my rescue, like the prince of ANHS he is. "Now, now, we should let Kiriya-kun explain it himself," he then turned his gaze to me, looking apologetic.

The hubbub of voices quieted down, and they all waited for my answer.

"..."

"..."

"I'm not saying anything..."

"..."

"..."

"EEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!?"

I AM NOT SAYING ANYTHING!

...

...

Lunchtime is that cherished period where friends and family gather to share a meal and, well, eat without any other obligations.

Lunchtime is supposed to be the exact opposite of having to visit your senpai's classroom just to retrieve your phone, which she happened to swipe when you weren't paying attention.

How did she manage to get my phone again?

She probably swiped it like the little... wait, Fuka's tall... um, like the tall devil she is, yeah!

As soon as the bell rang, I planned to stand up promptly, make a beeline for the second-year area, extract Fuka from her class, greet Kiyomi-senpai, drag her into this too, and head out for ice cream while simultaneously giving my silver-haired senpai a stern parental lecture about the downsides of stealing.

I will also include the merits of stealing in that lecture, just for your audience~!

Now, let me stress a few words for those in the audience with somewhat questionable reading comprehension: I had planned to.

Because the very moment the bell chimed...

Brrrring bring!

BANG!

HOW DID SHE GET HERE SO QUICKLY?!

WHY RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY CLASSMATES!?

DO YOU EVEN CONSIDER MY SOCIAL STANDING AT ALL?!

Fuka stormed into my classroom the instant the bell rang, scanning the room as if on a mission.

I'm going to resort to the 'hiding strategy.' And when I mean hiding, I mean falling 'asleep' like a middle-aged dad watching a football game.

You know, your parents, the ones you constantly disappoint?

...

Please, just don't spot me.

I'm not the last chip in a Pringles can!

YOU'RE NOT A GAMER WITH CRUMBS ON YOUR SHIRT.

I AM NOT THE LAST CHIP IN A PRINGLES CAN!

DON'T LOOK AT ME!

"Uh...um... Can we help you...?" Yousuke, please, spare me the embarrassment, I beg of you.

Murmurs of recognition circulated through the room; my classmates had surely seen her walking with me on the forums.

The whispers of rumours were palpable.

"So it is true!" PLEASE SHUT UP!

"Kyaaa! Is she here to pick up Fujiwara-kun?"

"Are they going to have lunch together?"

"Duh, it's lunchtime aho,"

"Tsk," I could also hear the boys' disapproving glances... among other things...

Please, Kiryuin Fuka-senpai, do not direct your gaze over here.

Perhaps I can evade her.

Tap

Tap

Tap

So this is how it all ends? Death comes and stares me in his...well...in this case, her, crimson eyes as she whisks me away to the land of...wherever the afterlife is.

Probably a Costco, somewhere I could get lost in, really.

I could hear her footsteps approaching my desk and her grin seemed to widen as I attempted to feign sleep.

Please, fall for it. Give me back my phone and simply leave me be!

I've only known you for a grand total of three days!

"Kiriya~" Her voice gently brushed my ears, sending a shiver down my spine. "I'm well aware that you're not really asleep. Come on, let's get going."

Fuka possesses the kind of determination that propels her toward a goal, and she'll deploy every resource at her disposal to achieve it. Yet, she rarely channels this drive into something truly noteworthy or productive.

No, she prefers to channel it into tormenting me, embarrassing me, and did I mention tormenting me?

TUG!

Suddenly, a yank on my collar snapped me from my thoughts. She wouldn't be doing what I fear, would she?

It seems I've taken a tad too long to muster a response.

Please, don't drag me away.

...

"Get an adult," I pleaded desperately to my utterly astonished classmates as Fuka continued to haul me out of the classroom and toward destinations unknown, me draped over her shoulder.

I imagine Fuka was the type of person to torture ants with a magnifying glass as a child, but that would be too generous.

She's far worse than that.

This was a scenario I could never have imagined unfolding in my life.

Fuka, you've managed to earn yourself a lifelong adversary!

...

"Can you release me, please?" I mumbled, finding the fact that Fuka had unceremoniously slung me over her shoulder far from comfortable.

"Nope!" she retorted, playfully patting my butt.

"I need an adult..."

"I am an adult!"

"You're 17..."

"HAHAHAHA!"

I feel like crying.

...

"What the absolute..."

"Fufufufuhehehehe," I looked up at Fuka with an exhausted expression as I took in the new appearance of my phone. Kiyomi-senpai was also present, wearing a triumphant grin.

"How did you even unlock..." I was about to inquire just how they managed to unlock my phone. I had a 6-digit password which—

"Tech wizardry," Kiyomi-senpai interjected.

Thank you Kiyomi-senpai, for disrupting my monologue, you tech-savvy, pretty, asshole.

I need to change my password.

"It's ridiculously simple, you know," she added with a cheerful tone. I'm more scared that you knew my password.

I'm literally encircled by a bunch of lunatics...

I swiped through my phone, only to discover that there were countless pictures of them.

By the way, Kiyomi and Fuka are classmates and conveniently seated next to each other.

They've commandeered my phone and transformed it into...

Have you ever encountered those Korean idol groups? Those recently emerging ones? And their fans are fanatical and weird?

And there's an abundance... What I'm attempting to convey is that they've turned my entire phone—wallpaper, app icons (HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!)—into an homage to them.

I looked between my two senpais above and then back down at my phone.

"This must be a crime..."

"AHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

STOP LAUGHING AT MY EXPENSE! HOW AM I GOING TO TRASH ( SAVE) THIS JUNK ( TREASURE)!?

I scrolled through my photos...so, so many...

I am genuinely encircled by a bunch of absolute fools...

Then I found a specific photo. It was...the two of them in the bathroom taking mirror selfies...and...

oh...

Oh...

OH...

OHHH...

So that's what girls do at sleepovers...

Oh...

...

I'm keeping that one for later...

...

I had hoped for a peaceful remainder of the school day, but much to my surprise, that wasn't in the cards. I found myself, accompanied by my senpais, being pulled towards the nail salon for an unexpected excursion.

So, here I am, en route to getting a manicure.

"Which colour should I choose?" I mumbled absentmindedly.

After yet another bout of being whisked out of my classroom, this time by Kiyomi-senpai, amid scandalized shouts from my classmates and Sotomura declaring me as the "Harem Protagonist," I had to postpone my promise to assist Horikita's study group.

You wouldn't believe it, but Horikita is actually tutoring, and rumour has it that Kushida is also involved. This is sure to be quite the spectacle, I must admit.

Disaster, I mean, it'll be a disaster.

"Ooh!" Asahina-senpai materialized behind me and pointed to the colour black. "Choose black! It'll complement your hair!"

Black it is then...

My goodness, I must admit, I'm feeling rather PRETTY!!

...

"Senpais, I implore you. Please refrain from ever invading my classroom again," I expressed with a sigh as I readied myself to make my way to the library. Today was designated for our study group session, and much to my surprise, Horikita was the one assuming the role of a tutor.

An unexpected turn of events.

Furthermore, Ayanokouji extended an invitation for me to join in, with his rationale shrouded in secrecy.

He wasn't at liberty to divulge his motivations, but I can only speculate that it's either A: He harbours some sort of romantic inclination towards Horikita, which seems rather improbable, or B: Horikita has enlisted his help due to his connection with the trio of individuals about to receive tutoring.

Or...C: she blackmailed him into helping her, depends.

I'm placing my bets on B.

Kyomi-senpai chuckled in response, offering a pat on my back. "Oh, don't play the tsundere card, we're aware you found it fun~!" Is that a new perfume she's wearing? "Feel free to drop by anytime you like," she chirped.

"Yeah...sure..." I began walking toward the library, the laughter of my senpais lingering in the background. "See you all, probably never again. And Fuka, kindly refrain from breaking into my house again, please," I weakly pointed a finger at my silver-haired senior before hastening my departure.

I could overhear her friends teasing her from a distance. Fuka isn't exactly one to blush easily, so I'm uncertain whether this will serve as effective retaliation for this morning's escapade, but no matter.

I'll conjure up a more fitting retaliation, and soon.

...

What's Fuka scared of?

...

Probably by the prospect of being ignored.

...

Entering the library with a leisurely stride, I was met with a... well, let's not beat around the bush – silence.

I mean, what else would you expect in a library, you buffoon?

But that's exactly how I prefer it. No Fuka, no abrupt classroom abductions; just tranquillity and calm.

And, of course, my newly adorned nails.

The nail technician had advised against fiddling with my nails and cautioned against jamming my hands into my pockets until the polish had completely set. Apparently, the warmth from my pants isn't conducive to the polish's longevity, hence the necessity to keep my hands dry and at room temperature.

I feel like a damn Girl Boss right now, it's not funny.

...

Continuing my stride, my attention was momentarily captured by the figures of Sudo, Ike, Okitani, and Yamauchi as they brushed past me. Sudo maintained a steadfast ignorance of my presence, mirrored by the other two as they hastily moved by.

What in the world just occurred?

Walking toward the direction they had just departed from, I came across Kushida, Ayanokouji, and Horikita. They appeared to be deeply engrossed in a conversation about something of significance.

"You think so too, Ayanokouji-kun?" Kushida's voice reached my ears as I neared. Not wishing to be drawn into dialogue at that precise moment, I sneakily maneuvered to the side.

"Well, I don't intend to throw them to the wolves, but I'm not the designated tutor. There's not much within my jurisdiction," Ayanokouji remarked.

"Understood," Kushida responded, her demeanour taking on a sombre hue. She retrieved her bag and rose from her seat. "I'll do something. At least, I'll attempt to. I surely don't want to see everything crumble so quickly."

"Kushida-san. Are you genuinely of that mindset?" Horikita inquired.

"Is it truly a problem? I can't simply abandon Sudou-kun, Ike-kun, and Yamauchi-kun."

"Even if those sentiments are genuinely yours, I don't particularly care. Yet, I'm skeptical that your motive is truly to rescue them," Horikita asserted.

"What? I'm perplexed. Why do you speak in such a manner, Horikita-san? Why the reason for provoking others? It's... very sad." Kushida's spirit seemed somewhat deflated.

However, I held reservations about whether these were her genuine emotions.

After all, if you don't like someone...you know...

yeah...

Kushida's gaze dipped momentarily, then she raised her eyes to meet ours. Our gazes locked.

"Well then. Until tomorrow, the both of you," she whispered.

"Well, that was a rather agonizing experience. The study group has already concluded," Ayanokouji's voice resonated.

"It certainly appears that way." The silence that followed felt nearly stifling.

"I suppose you were the sole one who comprehended my perspective, Ayanokouji-kun. You're at least marginally superior to those utterly ineffectual imbeciles. Should you be struggling with any particular subject, I'd be willing to offer my assistance."

Horikita...

She somewhat disappoints me. Once more, she seems to endure interactions with me when I provoke her, yet it's as though she lacks the capacity, at present, to tolerate others.

If she fails to transform her demeanour in a brief timespan, she could evolve into Class D's most significant liability.

What an unfortunate situation.

"I'll decline, but I appreciate the offer."

"Are you headed back to your dorm?" she inquired.

I entered the scene, my voice cutting through the atmosphere. "Are you serious?" The sound of my words seemed to startle everyone except Ayanokouji. "What's going on?"

"The study group has disbanded," Ayanokouji conveyed. "I was planning to locate Sudo and the others."

Arching an eyebrow, I let out a sigh. "My apologies for not arriving sooner; perhaps I could have intervened," I stated, my tone measured.

"It's of no consequence, Fujiwara-kun. Those imbeciles are beyond redemption," Horikita responded icily, returning her focus to her notes. "Dumping the dead weight is the wiser choice, allowing us to progress unburdened," she concluded.

"It's somewhat disappointing that you fail to grasp the reality of Class D," I muttered audibly enough for her to hear. "...It's possible that your mindset played a role in your placement here to begin with,"

Releasing another sigh, I observed Ayanokouji's departure, offering him a small wave in response. My attention then shifted back to Horikita.

Horikita's gaze met mine. "Care to explain?"

"I'm afraid not," I replied gently. "I won't serve you answers on a silver platter," my mint-green eyes met her crimson ones. "Don't envision Class D as a hunt for gold in a bed of sand, but rather as a collection of idiotic adolescents, yourself included, who possess their fair share of shortcomings,"

I continued, casting a glance at my nails – they truly were a sight to behold.

"Think of it like this," I began. "Or rather, you know what? I'll give you a straightforward answer because, let's face it, you're just as much an 'idiot' as the rest of us,"

"What did you just—" she started, her voice laced with anger.

"You are an 'idiot,' just like the rest of us, you know," I stated bluntly. "In the eyes of the school, you're expendable, much like me, Ayanokouji, Sudo, and Ike," My tone shifted unexpectedly, departing from my usual gentleness.

"You're 'expendable,' a 'baby monkey,' much like the rest of us," I continued to insult. "We're all in the same boat,"

"But that's—"

"We're merely 60 class points away from zero, and yet you don't seem to grasp the potential consequences of not one," I raised a finger, "not two, but three expulsions,"

"If we eliminate those students more swiftly, we might regain points faster...!" Horikita attempted to argue her point, but it seemed she wasn't fully comprehending the bigger picture.

"Removing someone like Sudo, who possesses considerable athletic prowess, would be a significant detriment to our class. Every individual could play a pivotal role in our future."

I wasn't entirely sure how Yamauchi fit into this equation, though...

Perhaps some sacrifices could be made, but not at this time...

I could see Horikita contemplating my words, prompting me to continue. "You, yourself, are also a liability," This seemed to strike a chord with my black-haired classmate.

"Your tendency to isolate yourself too much makes you a liability. Which organization would accept someone with a tendency to lash out at their colleagues merely for engaging in conversation?" I tilted my head.

"..." She was rendered speechless, her gaze shifting between me and the floor, seemingly struggling to find a response.

Satisfied with my tiny lecture, my gaze softened into my normal one.

"Take some time to think about it, Tsunzune," I suggested with a more light-hearted tone.

"H-Hey..." she attempted to retort, her usual demeanour warring with her introspection.

"Reflect on it. I'm going to go find Ayanokouji, catch you later," I offered a smile before departing to locate the introverted brown-haired student.

Horikita Suzune.

You'll need to develop rapidly...

...

...

I found him. I sprinted a little, catching his fleeting figure from time to time, but I managed to maintain the pace.

Why was he still within the school premises? Wasn't he supposed to meet up with Sudo and the others?

I followed him closely...

Up to the rooftop.

Could it be that he had a girlfriend?

The idea was amusing. I mean, he's ranked right behind me on the "Hot Guys" chart, securing the 5th spot.

Of course, I'm not about to reveal the comments section on his part of the chart to him. I don't want to expose the innocent child to potential corruption.

...

I cautiously ascended the stairs, my footsteps quiet, and then I heard it... Kushida's voice... but wait, it wasn't Kushida.

Or was it?

Interesting...

"You're so damn annoying!"

It felt like I was peering into another facet of this seemingly gentle girl, the most well-liked person in our class. It was as if she didn't want anyone else to witness this darker side of her.

When you harbour a dislike for someone, it's easy to become paranoid about their behaviour around others.

On a personal note... it feels satisfying to know that my instincts weren't misguided.

In a somewhat obscure way, I guess I feel like Vin Diesel from "Guardians of the Galaxy" – "Vindicated." (Get it? Because Vin Diesel... never mind, it's a terrible joke, and I'm contemplating my life choices right now.)

"I am Gr-I'm him!"

Okay, I'm getting carried away.

Anyways...

I love the recording app for a reason...

...

Thump!

Ayanokouji accidentally kicked the door, giving away his position to Kushida.

I froze in place, my body halfway up the stairs, adopting a spy-like posture. "shit..." I mouthed.

After a moment of tense silence, I saw Kushida's lips move as she coldly uttered, "What... are you... doing here?"

Ayanokouji's response came in a somewhat apologetic tone, "I got a little lost. Sorry. My bad, my bad. I'll be going now."

The door was ajar, granting me only auditory access to the scene unfolding, but I could sense the intensity of Kushida's gaze.

"Did you hear?" she asked, her voice laced with a chilling edge.

Ayanokouji's reply held a hint of nonchalance, "Would you believe me if I said I didn't?"

His response was a straightforward "I see."

The next moments were veiled from my view, hidden behind the partially open door, but a soft thump reached my ears—a sound as though someone had been pressed against a wall.

"If you tell anyone what you just heard, I won't forgive you," Kushida's words were icy, carrying a weight that indicated her seriousness.

"And if I did tell?" I heard Ayanokouji's voice.

Curiosity piqued within me.

If Kushida concocted something fabricated on the spot, I held the power to disprove it with the touch of a button, thanks to the recording app I had at my disposal.

"In that case, I would tell everyone that you raped me," she said.

That's a false charge...

"That's a false charge, you know."

What I said.

"That's okay. It wouldn't be false."

What...the fuck am I listening to?

Is this some sort of porno?

Aren't you two minors still?

"What are you doing?" I heard Ayanokouji speak, somewhat frantically.

Take this out of context, and it sounds super dirty...

"Your fingerprints are on my clothes. That's evidence of my claim. I'm being serious. Understand?" Kushida spoke, filling in the gaps in my assessment of how stupid she was.

Clothes, specifically fabrics such as the ones that are worn by us ANHS students do not have the ability to retain fingerprints by simply touching them alone, you would need PHYSICAL DNA such as oils, sweat, or blood.

If that were the case, Kushida's claim wouldn't be baseless.

But in either case...she's well...kind of screwed if I released this...

Oh well...

I'm going to leave now.

...

After a period of waiting and noticing Kushida's departure from the rooftop, I bided my time until a certain someone descended. When Ayanokouji finally made his way down, I approached him.

"Looks like you've got a bit of bad Kush... on your... ida," I chuckled at my own pun, patting Ayanokouji's back awkwardly, wondering if I should just bury myself in a hole after that attempt at a pun.

"Fujiwara," Ayanokouji's monotone voice addressed me. "You heard all of that?" There was a subtle note of relief in his tone, it seemed.

"Mhm, almost all of it," I confirmed with a nod. "Aaaaand~ I've got this," I pulled out my phone and played the recording for him, a mischievous grin on my face as he listened.

"Though it's probably not everything that was said, I've got enough evidence," I added.

Ayanokouji let out a sigh. "Thanks, I was actually quite concerned for a moment."

"Really now? With that voice of yours?" We started walking back towards the dorms, our conversation flowing casually.

"That's just how my voice is naturally," he retorted.

"That. Is. How. My. Voice. Is. Naturally," I mimicked in a robotic manner.

"Hey..."

I responded with a playful snort. "You want this?" I dangled my phone, tapping it with my fingers. "The recording, I mean."

He shook his head. "No, you can keep it."

"Maaaaa~ I'm gonna send it to someone else, though~" I sang playfully while stretching, scrolling through my contacts. "For safekeeping~"

"Who?"

"You know, that senpai who kidnapped me at lunch? Yeah, that one," I murmured, recalling the rather embarrassing incident when Fuka decided to sling me over her shoulder and carry me to the cafeteria against my will.

"That one?" Ayanokouji tilted his head slightly. "Hm."

Tap!

Tap!

Tap!

Our footsteps rang on the floor beneath us.

Ding!

I received a text from Fuka in response to the video of Kushida.

[Video Attachment]

[Fuka •ᴗ•️:

Your mom [Me]

[Fuka •ᴗ•️: Rude

Bitch ️[Me]

"Are you sure you two aren't dat—"

"Finish that sentence and I'll make Horikita-san's NT Cutter look like a joke."

"Not finishing the sentence..."

Tap!

Tap!

Tap!

"What about you and Matsushita-san?"

"We're just friends, nothing more, nothing less."

"Cringe."

"What?"

"Your mother," I playfully jabbed his side.

"Ow!"

Ah, the joys of a bromance, truly the best kind of romance.

I mean... what?

Hahaha~

...

...

Having just finished my shower, I wrapped myself in a bathrobe and enjoyed the absence of Fuka in my room tonight. Finally, some peace and quiet to do as I pleased.

I was on the verge of filling up my water filter from the tap when a sudden realization struck me. "Oh yeah... kill me..." I muttered, recalling that I needed to purchase new water filters for my pitcher.

Someone shoot me, please.

Considering my deep distrust for tap water, I decided to quench my thirst by using the vending machines instead. However, I remained in my bathrobe as I ventured out.

Not a good look, I admit.

...

As I descended to the ground floor, I anticipated the usual quiet and solitude, but to my surprise...

"Fujiwara?" Oh, dear, I'd been spotted. And I'm in a bathrobe. This could be awkward...

"Ayanokouji-kun? Good evening," I greeted the brown-haired introvert who had caught sight of me.

He regarded me, likely wondering about my choice of attire at this hour. "Were you getting a drink as well?" At least he didn't question my unconventional outfit.

I have underwear on, just for your information.

( •̀ ᴗ - )

I silently thanked him for that, appreciating his understanding nature.

"Yeah, I'm thirsty for some," I stretched, "mango juice."

"Hm," we stood side by side, quietly sipping our respective drinks—Ayanokouji with his coffee and me with my mango juice.

"You know coffee can lead to irritability and headaches if you become addicted and suffer from withdrawal symptoms?" I mentioned casually.

He paused mid-sip, his brown eyes turning toward me. "What...?"

Dink!

Our conversation was unexpectedly interrupted by the sound of the elevator arriving.

The elevator had stopped on the seventh floor. Intrigued, I glanced at the CCTV monitor which displayed the scene inside the elevator car. Horikita was inside, still in her school uniform.

I could tell from Ayanokouji's expression that he had noticed it too, and we exchanged a subtle look of shared understanding.

"Wanna do something funny?" I playfully nudged my classmate, receiving a curious look in response. He seemed intrigued by my proposition. "Let's hide."

His eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Why would we need to...?"

I rolled my eyes in mock exasperation. "Come on, Ayanokouji-kun, I'm bored, I'm wearing a bathrobe, you're here, and I have a feeling Horikita-san is about to meet her secret boyfriend. Besides, there's a bit of a chilly breeze, and I'd rather avoid it while having a little entertainment stalking our friend."

He sighed, clearly debating the merits of my suggestion. "As long as we don't get caught."

"I'm also cold," I complained, my attempt at coaxing him into this escapade.

"Then maybe don't wear a bathrobe outside."

"I'd rather wear you then~"

"What?"

"What?"

...

We took cover behind a wall, carefully observing as Horikita, with a cautious demeanour, exited the building.

Once she disappeared into the night, we decided to stealthily tail her.

As we rounded a particular corner, Ayanokouji, who was leading the way, held his hand out, motioning for us to stop.

"Someone's nearby," he whispered.

"Suzune. I didn't expect you to follow me this far," a male voice, clearly not Horikita's, echoed in the air.

Wait, isn't that the President's voice?

"I knew it! The traitor!" I whispered in mock astonishment, shaking my companion's shoulder playfully. "That's got to be her boyfriend," I added as we continued eavesdropping.

"How is she a traitor? Do you—" Ayanokouji began to speak.

"I'll 'trait' your 'or' if you don't hush!" I interjected with a grin.

"Fine, fine," he whispered back, conceding to my antics.

"I'm not the same useless girl you once knew, Nee-san. I'm here to catch you," Horikita's voice resonated a tone of determination in her words.

"Catch me, huh?" The President's voice held an indifferent note.

"Booo!" I mockingly expressed my disappointment. "Not the boyfriend, you owe me a soda," I said, lightly tapping Ayanokouji's shoulder.

"What? I don't owe you—"

"Mhm mhm, I'd like a Nestea, please," I replied, mischief lacing my words.

"Ugh..." he sighed in defeat, as we continued to listen to the ongoing conversation.

"I've heard a few people," the President spoke.

Did we get caught already? Was it because of the soda joke? Totally blame you for this, Ayanokouji.

"I heard you were placed in Class D. I suppose nothing has really changed in the last three years. You've always been fixated on following me, and as a result, you don't notice your own flaws. Choosing to come to this school was a mistake."

Thankfully, we weren't caught. I carefully retrieved my phone from the pocket of my bathrobe.

We resumed our eavesdropping mission, feeling like the mischievous delinquents we were.

"That's... You're wrong about that. I'll show you. I'll reach Class A right away, then—"

"It's pointless. You will never reach Class A. In fact, your class will fall apart soon enough. Things at this school aren't as simple as you think."

"I will definitely, definitely reach—"

"I told you, it's pointless. You really are a disobedient little sister."

Horikita's brother stepped closer to her. From my hiding spot, I could clearly observe him. Student Council President Horikita displayed no hint of emotion. It was as though he was regarding an uninteresting object.

He grabbed his younger sister by the wrist—she offered no resistance—and pushed her against the wall.

I tapped Ayanokouji's shoulder and gestured with my chin forward. He raised an eyebrow and silently mouthed, "Why not you?"

I gave him a look that clearly conveyed, "Are you an idiot?" and pointed down at my bathrobe.

"Actually," I whispered. "I'll go," With that, he nodded in understanding.

This'll be so much fun!

"No matter how I try to avoid you, the fact remains that you're my little sister. If people around here learned the truth, I would be humiliated. Leave this school immediately," the President's voice resounded.

"I-I can't do that... I will definitely reach Class A. I'll show you!" Horikita's voice seemed to waver, straining to contain the emotions she was feeling.

"How incredibly stupid. Do you want to relive the pain of the past?"

"Nee-san, I..."

"You possess neither the abilities nor the qualities needed to reach Class A. Get that through your head."

He moved forward, as if about to take action. I sprang out of my hiding spot and confronted her brother directly.

Swiftly, I grabbed his right arm, the one he was using to restrain his sister.

"What? You..." He looked at his arm and then turned his gaze toward me, a glint of sharpness in his eyes.

"F-Fujiwara-kun?!" Horikita's voice sounded alarmed.

"Good evening, Horikita-san, President," I greeted with a 'warm' smile. "I happened to be passing by, and what do I stumble upon? A potential act of domestic violence? Not on my watch, President," I shifted my tone to a more disdainful one, all the while maintaining my smile.

"Eavesdropping is not an admirable quality," he retorted.

"I'm well aware, you fool. Let go," I indicated with my eyes for him to release Horikita.

"That's my line."

Our eyes locked in a tense standoff, my smile growing wider as the silence stretched. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze settling on my bathrobe.

HAHAHAHA!

"Cut it out, Fujiwara-kun," Horikita's voice was strained, a tone I'd never heard from her before.

I couldn't help but grin ear to ear, but I complied and released his arm.

In an instant, he attempted to backhand me.

Reacting quickly, I stepped back, avoiding the blow that could have easily incapacitated me.

For someone of his slight build, he certainly had a vicious attack.

He then directed a sharp kick towards an exposed area of my body, but I giggled and deftly ducked out of its path. I countered by redirecting his leg with a punch, causing him to grunt in pain.

This was a rather unexpected turn of events, and I was thoroughly enjoying the thrill.

He possessed enough strength to render me unconscious with a single blow.

His expression carried a hint of confusion as he exhaled deeply, extending his right arm while opening his hand.

I anticipated that he might attempt a throw, using classic Aikido techniques.

So, I responded by grabbing his hand.

However, he swiftly aimed to shift my weight and execute a throw.

I met his challenge head-on, my expression becoming more serious as I prepared to counter his move.

With determination, I grappled him and with force, gave him a forceful headbutt.

THUD!

"Gn!" He grunted, momentarily staggered by the impact.

"N-Nee-san!"

"Ow ow ow ow ow!" I cradled my head in my hands, wincing at the pain.

Note to self: Never try a headbutt again.

Nicely done, Kiriya!

YOU FUCKING MONKEY!

The president also rubbed his forehead, stepping forward. "You managed to land a hit and your reflexes are quite sharp. It seems you also grasped my intentions quite well. Have you received any formal training?" he inquired, but his train of thought faltered when he heard the less-than-pleasant sounds coming from me.

"OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU self-defense self-defense...OUUUUUUUUUUUUU" I groaned, clutching my head. Ouch, that really wasn't the brightest idea.

Waving off his question, I managed to mumble, "Yeah...yeah...probably...ow..." I was definitely regretting my impulsive move. Note taken.

As he regained his composure, the president's expression shifted back to its usual demeanour. "You're also a student in Class D, I presume? Now that I recall, there was a first-year who achieved fifty marks across all subjects..." His voice trailed off as his eyes widened in recognition.

"Yeah, not me," I responded, slightly dazed from my headbutt misadventure.

"Hm," he seemed to be deep in thought. "There was also a significant disturbance in the second-year classes, resulting in multiple suspensions and expulsions..."

I raised an eyebrow at that. "A shame, indeed," I replied.

"I see..."

Turning his attention back to his sister, he asked, "Suzune, is this young man your friend? I must admit, I'm quite surprised."

"He's...its..." Horikita seemed flustered, unable to respond immediately.

Her contemplation was evident, and I had a pretty good idea about what was going on in her mind. She shrank back, not providing a definite answer.

The president appeared disappointed by her lack of response and let out a sigh. "You continue to confuse independence with solitude, Suzune..."

"And you, Fujiwara, your presence could certainly bring something interesting."

"Oh? Is that so, President? Could it be because I effectively defended myself while wearing a bathrobe?"

I chimed in, my response leading to both Horikitas stuttering a bit. "Honestly, it's getting chilly out here..." I feigned nonchalance.

Horikita's face reddened as she covered her eyes. "P-Put on some clothes!"

"I was getting a drink, and just my luck, I stumbled upon this situation in THIS!" I exclaimed, pointing at my unconventional attire.

"I-It doesn't excuse you! Why don't you have anything else on?!"

"ITS BECAUSE I JUST GOT MY NAILS DONE! LOOK!" I flashed the younger Horikita my nails as we both shouted at each other.

I noticed the president attempting to exit from the corner of my eye. "No escaping!" I called after him, and he reluctantly turned back to face me.

"You seem to be missing the bigger picture, probably the reason why you need glasses," I playfully jabbed, but the president ignored my comment.

"What do you mean?" he inquired.

"What's your next move, President? How will you ensure my silence and prevent me from exposing you in front of the entire school?" I raised an eyebrow, and he mirrored the gesture.

"Ah, so that's what you're getting at?" he responded, adjusting his glasses. "You've indeed witnessed an unexpected side of me, but... do you have any concrete proof?"

"..."

Ding!

Both Horikitas raised an eyebrow as my bathrobe pocket lit up.

I pulled out my phone and played the recorded video.

"Yas, Queen," I said with as much sass as I could muster, snapping my fingers dramatically.

...

...

Words: 6680

Author Notes:

HUUUDUDUDUUDUDUDUDUDUDUDUUDUDUDU

I'm going to focus on this book for a while.

HEADBUTT BITCH!

HUDUDUDUDUUDUDUDUDUDUUDUDUDUDUDUDUDUDUU

Have you read my other works?

Serenade of the Withered Petals KnY x OC [Updated]

Vol 1.9 - Leash.

"What are you trying to say?" inquired the President after analyzing the contents of the video I played in front of him.

I looked at him with a perplexed expression, my eyebrow twitching slightly.

Ayanokouji, bless his introverted soul, had managed to record and send me the entirety, well actually, a large portion of our brawl, allowing me to essentially... well, you get the picture.

"It's evidence of the Student Council President, Horikita Manabu, attempting to assault not one, but two first-year students..." I put on the most tired look I could muster, and the most monotone voice I could muster, the contents of the video playing in the background.

The elder Horikita stayed silent, continuing to analyze the part where I headbutted him.

"There was someone who recorded this clip," he stated the obvious.

"Yeah...?" He's stalling for time, trying to calculate and evaluate the best situation, where damage could be nullified or negated.

"You know, Pres', you're surprisingly calm about, well, all of this, you know?" The video ended with me nursing my head and screaming bloody murder.

Thank you, Ayanokouji, that would've been embarrassing.

"Calling Horikita-san a 'stain' and worrying about your reputation is quite... iffy, but what if I published this? Social media, the school forums, heck, maybe I could take this to the faculty office, what would they say?" I put my phone in my pocket.

"You could not only have your reputation... disappear, but the possibility of expulsion is also on the table, Pres."

The elder Horikita's eyes narrowed. "Are you threatening me?"

[Bro, I want to go home, I'm cold as hell, YES I am threatening you ARE YOU DUMB?!]

That is what I wanted to say if I had a brain that functioned.

"Yes, quite simple. I am indeed threatening you," I spoke simply. "Expulsion, suspension, etcetera, etcetera, you know?" I spoke with a soft smile.

"W-wait Fujiwara-kun, what—" the younger Horikita spoke, or tried to, attempting to grasp the situation and why in the world am I threatening her elder brother.

Silly Suzu-chan, it's simple, just wait!

"That's not happening," The president stated in a calm voice.

I'm getting a weird sense of deja vu (I've been in this place before)

"Oya?" I tilted my head with a perplexed expression. "Can I ask for a reason why you think this way because...?" I poked my head a bit. "I'm a bit of a dummy dumb simpleton, I'll need some guidance,"

The president's response was clear and concise. "If you truly intended on suspending or expelling me, you would've done so behind my back." he started. "But instead of doing so, you warned me almost immediately. There has to be a reason for this, so I will ask you. Do you intend to exploit me?"

"Duh," I said, yawning.

"Fujiwara-kun you can't be serious!" I heard Horikita protest in support of her brother.

I glanced toward her. "You're seriously not defending him, Tsuzune-chan?" My nickname seemed to catch the president off guard. "I mean," I approached her brother, casually. "I just need a favour in the future, that's all I ask."

Me and the president glared at one another. "Nothing illegal, of course, I'm not going to ask for points, I just need a favour. In return, you have my silence," I looked in the middle of the elder Horikita's forehead, apparently it was meant to make the receiver of this look uncomfortable.

The president furrowed his eyebrows. "You mentioned only silence, not the deletion of the video," It seemed like fancy wording didn't work, such a shame.

"Yeah, I said I'm keeping my mouth shut, Pres', temporarily " I whispered into his ear. "You're in headbutting range, Pres'. This will not be a one-time agreement unless you want another headbutt." My incoherent ramblings conversed into a threat.

"Whether you like it or not isn't up to me, I already laid out the terms, it's up to you," I spoke coldly, stepping back.

The President glared at me but had a look of contemplation at the same time.

The definition of a puppet is a model of a person or animal that is used in entertainment and is typically moved either by strings controlled from above or by a hand inside it.

If they are siblings, they share similar traits.

Pride is probably one of the more pronounced traits in the Horikita family, though the younger sister seems, in recent times, to have said pride breaking down, I wonder why?

If the president is a rational man, he would rather curl into the fetal position and suck his thumb like a baby than be accused of attempting to assault his little sister and a kouhai of his.

There is no way for him to get out besides working with me.

If the president is a logical man, he would recognize that the video file was sent to me by another individual, indicating that the video was saved into the messenger cloud on the other person's phone.

Deleting my copy would mean embarking on a wild goose chase to find the original, and as if I'd ever let that happen.

The president's gaze bore into mine, his expression serious. "It seems I have no other option. I will cooperate with you," he stated firmly.

"However, if you fail to uphold your end of this agreement, I won't hesitate to reevaluate our situation. Keep that in mind," he warned.

I responded with a bright smile. "Oya~? Don't worry, President! I'm a man of my word. Besides," I gestured toward his sister, "you're Suzu-chan's older brother. Can't afford to sour potential relations, you know?" I winked playfully, and I heard a faint squeaking sound from the younger Horikita.

"Is that so?" The elder Horikita attempted to maintain his stoic facade, but I could detect a trace of amusement dancing in his demeanour.

"Mhm~ Though I'm sorry we have to meet under these circumstances," I offered a genuine apology. "Kind of awkward, just... you know?"

The elder Horikita nodded in understanding. "You're certainly an interesting kouhai. I can see why Kiryuin has taken an interest in you," he remarked, and internally, I was taken aback.

Did he know that hellspawn?

What exactly are the powers of the Student Council President?

"With you around, things might get interesting," With those parting words, he walked away, leaving me to my own devices. "And put some clothes on," he called back.

I snorted in response. "You're not my mom!"

...

"Did you really have to do that...?" muttered Horikita, clearly irritated by the recent turn of events. "And what was with you and calling me that? Especially in front of Nee-san!"

Her frustration seemed more directed at the fact that I had referred to her by casual nicknames in front of her brother, rather than the fact that I had just blackmailed him.

We found ourselves seated on a bench next to a vending machine. Horikita looked away from me, while I casually sipped on my mango juice, still clad in my bathrobe and simply chilling.

"Well, for one, securing his cooperation now will likely prove beneficial down the road," I stated, taking another sip. "And as for the nickname, he did seem somewhat amused by it. A little brownie points with your brother might not hurt," I added with a grin.

Horikita released a choppy sigh, clearly more concerned about the nickname situation. "Must you have been so...forceful...though?" She couldn't hide her exasperation.

"I could have approached it more delicately, yes," I admitted, acknowledging her point. "But at that moment, I needed his cooperation urgently, and I also happened to have just headbutted him."

I looked at Horikita, my expression half-playful. "I don't think I need to elaborate on the effects of smashing one's head against another person's, do I?" I half-joked.

She let out a sigh, a mix of frustration and amusement.

"You've seen an embarrassing side of me today," she admitted, sounding almost defeated.

"Ehhh~ but you're always—" I started to say, but her stern glare cut me off. "Never mind~" I chuckled, finishing my juice and heading towards the recycle bin.

Horikita remained silent, lost in her thoughts.

"...How did you manage to catch me and Nee-san?" she finally asked, glancing towards the ground as she did.

I stretched, letting out a groan. I was going to need to brush my teeth again. "Well, you know those water filters like Brita?" I asked, receiving a nod from her. "Mine broke, and I was thirsty," I explained matter-of-factly.

"You were thirsty?" Her eyebrows knitted together as she tried to make sense of it all.

"I was thirsty, and I wanted a drink. That's when I went downstairs and coincidentally stumbled upon you," I finished with a grin, taking a seat next to her on the bench.

"So... you decided to stalk me... because you were thirsty...?" she asked incredulously.

Yes, yes I was thirsty.

In which regard...though...

"Yeah, I thought you might have had a secret boyfriend you didn't tell me, your bestie, about!" I quipped.

"What? I'm not...? You're not...? Nee-san's not? Eh?" She stumbled over her words, clearly flustered.

I laughed and patted her on the back, causing her to break out of her incoherent rambling.

The night was getting colder, and my head was still throbbing, but I stayed seated for a moment longer, in case Horikita had more to say before leaving.

Seemingly finding nothing else to add, she looked away, lost in thought.

"We're not friends, Fujiwara-kun... get that through your head," she stated, her voice a bit softer as if grappling with her own emotions.

"And... who was the one who recorded that video? Was it Ayanokouji-kun?"

"Ehhh~? How rude. We call each other by nicknames all the time!" I chimed in. "You call me a fool, and I call you Suzu-chan!"

Horikita attempted to shoot me another glare, but her gaze flicked down to my attire, and she turned her head away. "Could you put something else on, please? And why are you wearing a bathrobe...?"

"I was in the shower, and I stepped out. Need any more details?"

"No... but you didn't answer my other question."

"Well~ I'm not entirely sure of Ayanokouji-kun's reasons, but we ran into each other," I explained. "Oh, and did you know he's addicted to coffee?" I added, a note of amusement in my tone.

"Right... I guess I believe you," she conceded.

"Mhm~ Kiriya with the facts, as always," I teased.

As the night grew colder, and my headache showed no sign of abating, I decided it was time to head back.

"If you want, I'll help you get to Class A," I suddenly offered, catching her off guard. She stared at me with wide eyes.

"Really?" Her expression held a mix of surprise and genuine interest, like a child discovering the candy aisle at a dollar store.

(Trust me those candy asiles were like HEAVEN)

"In a way, yeah. I mean, I'm not the smartest or the best at most things," I admitted, a bit sheepishly. "I can't guarantee total success, but we can be like partners, I guess," I added, tilting my head slightly and extending my hand.

She hesitated for a moment, crimson eyes fixed on the ground.

"I'll help you when I can, you help me. What do you say?" I reached out my hand towards her.

"But..." She looked from my hand to my face, back and forth, unsure.

Her uncertainty reminded me of a hesitant cat.

Finally, Horikita reached out her hand and shook mine. "You don't have any ulterior motives, right?" She looked at me skeptically.

"I do!" I chirped.

"New condition: I'm going to be your first friend!" I cheered, watching as her eyes twitched in response.

"I don't—"

"No friends, no help from Kiriya," I playfully wagged my finger at her. "What will it be? Swallow your pride or accept help while gaining a friend in the process?"

A small price to pay for salvation...

She let out a small, defeated sigh. "...Fine."

"Yay~"

"Is this how you make friends? Approaching people at their lowest point?" She sighed.

"Nah, not really. I just wanted to mess with you and help you at the same time, you know, like friends do."

Her response was a mixture of an annoyed "Augh..." and a begrudging "I suppose."

As the cold night air enveloped us, and my headache persisted, I stood up and stretched once more.

"I'm heading back now. See you around, best buddy~!" I sauntered off towards the dorms, leaving a quiet Horikita behind.

"Bye..." Her faint whisper carried to my ears.

I couldn't help but flash a triumphant grin.

"It's so cold..."

...

...

"You're home late,"

"ITS MIDNIGHT WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU IN MY HOUSE?!"

...

"HAHAHAAHAH WHY ARE YOU IN A BATHROBE?!"

"I WAS GETTING JUICE!"

The Devil couldn't suppress her laughter. "Uh-huh, sure~ you were!"

A quick glance around made me realize something else...

"Why the hell are you in your pyjamas?"

"Why? I'm sleeping here, simple," the Devil responded, tilting her head with an innocent expression.

"Oh..."

"Mhm,"

'Girls are so soft.'

I mused, my gaze drifting to the ceiling as my silver-haired senpai suddenly glomped onto me, shoving me into the same bed as her, seemingly without a second thought about the potential consequences of getting caught.

At least she allowed me to change.

'Heh... we're kind of alike...'

...

...

It had been about a month and a half since I started attending ANHS and...

I had been feeling a bit irritated over the past few days. Chabashira-sensei, out of all the other homeroom teachers, hadn't yet announced the changes in the subjects we were supposed to be studying.

Initially, I thought it might be due to her being busy, but considering... everything... I couldn't shake the feeling that she was intentionally holding us back.

No, she was holding us back.

One day, while at the library, Horikita initiated the revival of our study group and then we were provoked by a class C student named... Yamasushi? Yamayasu? Oh well, there were frankly too many Yamas in this school.

We were provoked by the class C student, who pointed out how the syllabus had changed for other classes as well as insulting Sudo and the like.

When we decided to confront Chabashira-sensei about it, she put on an innocent act and apologized, handing Horikita a note with the new study material on it.

I lingered for a moment, my mint green eyes drilling into the back of my sensei's head.

I truly detest uncooperative individuals.

...

...

After the day ended, I strolled leisurely toward the dorms with Yousuke and Ayanokouji. We didn't have much to do, so it was just us guys hanging out.

"I'm so irritated that sensei forgot to inform us about the changes, it's a pretty significant oversight, if you ask me," I expressed my annoyance.

Yousuke let out a soft sigh. "I understand where you're coming from, Kiriya-kun, but we'll have to make the best of it," he then shifted the conversation to our studies. "How are things going for both of you in terms of studies?"

"I'm managing fine," Ayanokouji replied.

He always had this aura of mystery around him – quiet, reserved, enigmatic. Come to think of it, I realized I didn't know much about him beyond the basics: he was homeschooled, had a sweet tooth, and enjoyed treats.

Did I mention that before?

Ah well, details.

"What about you, Kiriya-kun?" Yousuke asked.

"Well, I might grumble a bit, but I'm aiming for around an 80 average, maybe," I responded, somewhat uncertain. It's not like I doubted my abilities; I just wasn't really in the mood to focus on it right now.

"That's good to hear," Yousuke acknowledged.

Our conversation flowed from one topic to another, yet one thought lingered in my mind as the outline of Keyaki Mall appeared in the distance.

"Oh..."

And then, the realization hit me, causing me to pause. Both Yousuke and Ayanokouji turned their attention to me, curiosity evident in their expressions.

"Something on your mind, Kiriya-kun?" Yousuke asked with a touch of concern.

I hesitated momentarily before speaking. "Oh, it's nothing major. I just remembered that I was supposed to pick something up from the mall. I completely forgot," I murmured, feeling a tad apologetic. "You guys can head back to the dorms. I'll quickly run and grab what I need. Sorry about this!"

"No worries at all, right, Ayanokouji-kun?"

"Mhm, take your time," Ayanokouji's response was as composed as ever.

"Got it, I'll catch up with you guys later," I said before picking up my pace toward the mall, my mind set on finding the specific item I had in mind.

...

Creek!

I turned the doorknob, pushing the door to my dorm room open, and immediately spotted a familiar pair of shoes near the entrance. Sighing softly, I stepped inside, my arms holding two bags filled with items I had acquired.

"Fuka, is this your new favourite hangout spot or something? Don't you have anything better to do?" I quipped in a somewhat weary tone.

Over the last stretch of time – days, weeks, it was all starting to blur together – Fuka had managed to become a regular presence in my personal space.

She was an irritant, and for the most part, I opted to simply ignore her.

Tried - correction - I tried to ignore her but...futile.

That is until I brought home a game console, and we began to engage in games of Mario Kart, leading to a flurry of raucous shouting and a barrage of uncensored remarks.

If you can imagine an Xbox Call of Duty lobby but turned down a few notches and conducted in Japanese, you'd have a pretty accurate picture.

Essentially, it was a standard day in Osaka.

(I can barely understand what they're saying anyways)

Anyway, I continued further into my dorm room, where I discovered Fuka lounging on the beanbag chair on the floor.

Her uniform was still on, though she had discarded the blazer, which now functioned as an improvised blanket.

"Hey there, you moron," I greeted her, extracting an item from one of my bags.

The rustling of the bag caught her attention, and she looked at me with a mix of curiosity and the mischief that defined her.

Picture a cat – no, scratch that – a tiger with a human's intelligence, and you've got Fuka. Dangerous, unpredictable, and utterly fascinating.

"Catch, ape," I said, tossing the small box her way. It landed on her stomach, and she shifted her gaze between the box and me.

"Happy belated birthday, you idiot," I remarked, allowing myself a bit more unfiltered than usual, unlike when I'm with others.

After all, she'd witnessed my meltdown during a particularly intense Mario Kart game.

She had hit me with 12 blue shells and gleefully laughed at my plight each time.

I'm going to stick 120 thumbtacks in her room in retaliation, it's only right.

Fuka's grin widened as she began to chuckle. "Hahaha! There's no need to be so Tsundere about it," she quipped, eyeing the box. "What's inside?"

Considering the quality and other telling features, the item was undoubtedly pricey. But it wasn't something that would drain my wallet.

"Go on, open it," I said with a sigh, claiming my seat on a regular chair nearby. I made a mental note to get another beanbag chair at some point.

Once she had the box open, she found a small note nestled inside. The notes could be customized based on the buyer's instructions. In this case, I had written something special.

"For Kiryuin," Fuka's grin stretched even wider as her eyes scanned the note. She struggled to stifle her laughter as she read its contents.

"For Kiryuin Fuka – your name means 'maple flower.' That's the joke," I observed her with a hint of amusement, watching her reaction.

"From your v-victim turned friend, Fujiwara Kiriya: I hate you. HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Fuka burst into laughter upon reading the playful note.

If you're curious about my side of the story, I learned about Fuka's birthday from Asahina-senpai.

She mentioned that it fell on April 10th, a good three weeks before I even met Fuka.

But I'm not the kind to wait for a whole year to give someone their birthday gift.

Patience isn't exactly my strongest trait.

I mean, come on, who wants to wait until their second year for that? Not me.

My birthday is on June 21st, by the way – summer solstice, baby!

Shaking off my musings, I returned to the present. Fuka's laughter had subsided, and she remarked in a softer tone, "I'm definitely keeping that." With a careful movement, she set the note aside.

Her attention then shifted to the contents of the box, revealing a delicate silver necklace.

"Huh..." Fuka observed the necklace with a mixture of wonder and curiosity. She glanced at me momentarily before her grin returned. "I have to admit, Kiriya, this is actually quite sweet."

"Of course it is, you fool. If you were to eat me, you'd probably get type two diabetes from how sweet I am," I quipped with a smirk.

Her response, however, caught me off guard.

"Haha, giving a birthday gift to your lovely senpai... even if it's a month late," she commented, but there was an unexpected softness in her tone.

I half-expected her to throw in a teasing remark or at least some of her usual snark, but she seemed oddly captivated by the necklace.

It was a bit baffling, to be honest. The necklace was rather unassuming – a regular-sized silver chain with a small silver cylinder pendant hanging from it.

But judging by her reaction, it had struck a chord with her.

"I'm not the patient type, so waiting a whole year for your birthday just seemed ridiculous," I shrugged, smiling a bit.

"Huh..." Fuka let out another breath, her grin never fading. But there was something different about her right then, a hint of vulnerability that I hadn't seen before.

Huh...noted...

...

"By the way I need something from you,"

"Ahh, come on!" Fuka protested with a rare disapproving glance, accompanied by a thumbs-down gesture.

"You're killing the mood! I was getting all sentimental and emotional!" She pouted, displaying an expression I hadn't seen before.

I made a mental note to remember that moment for future reference.

"Augh!" she flopped back onto the bean bag chair dramatically, swiftly switching her mood back to her mischievous and conniving self.

"So, boss, what's the plan now?" She playfully quipped, placing the necklace back in its container and pushing it aside.

"Are we going to expel some guys? Suspend them? Blackmail them? Or perhaps we're off to a relaxing spa trip?"

"I'm not...blackmailing or...doing any of that. Seriously, what kind of impression do you have of me?" I exclaimed, a mix of perplexity and amusement in my tone.

"Uhhhh, someone who constantly gets 1st place but always gets hit back down to second?" she teased.

"Augh...just give me your midterm papers from last year..."

"Yeah sure, if you can beat me in Mario cart," she grinned and my eye twitched.

"Can I just pay you—"

"BOOOOOOOOO! Play along, Blue Shell!" She hit me with my dreaded nickname.

"I'M GOING TO BEAT YOU INTO THE GROUND THIS TIME! AND I'M BEING MARIO THIS TIME, YOU ASS!" I snapped and quickly crawled over to activate the console while Fuka was already grabbing the second controller with a gleeful cackle.

"But, about that favour—" I tried to interject.

"Nope, gotta earn it on the racetrack, Blue Shell!"

I...hate...her.

...

...

I won, eventually.

I will add an additional 400 thumbtacks to Fuka's room atop the 120 I had already planned.

It was Thursday. On Friday, the midterms will be upon us. The class had ended for the day.

After Chabashira-sensei ended the homeroom period and left the classroom, I took to the podium with a stack of papers that I had printed. These papers were copies of the old test that I'd made at the convenience store and brought them up to the podium.

They were Fuka's old Midterms, she got all 100s and high 90s.

Noted.

"May everyone listen to me for a moment, before you all return to the dorms?" I spoke with a certain tone that captured everyone's attention.

"I know that you've all been studying a lot in preparation for the test on Friday. I have something to help you. I've got some papers that I'm going to hand out."

I distributed the question and answer sheets to the students in the first row.

"Test...questions? Did you make these, Fujiwara-kun?" Horikita was visibly surprised by this sudden turn of events. Her gaze was flickering between me and the papers in front of her.

"Ah, no, these are some old test problems I got from a senpai," I explained.

"Old test problems? Huh? Wait, will these questions be on the test tomorrow?"

"Hm,"

"Woah!" Kushida came into the conversation with a pep in her step. "With all of this, everyone will pass!" she then helped distribute the papers to the rest of the class.

After seeing her true side a few weeks back, I get more irritated whenever she speaks like that. I keep it inside of me, but, you know, I'm a bit paranoid.

I then went over to Sudo. "You do your best, dude,"

Sudo then looked over the papers, flipping over them, and a grin started forming on his face. "Don't worry Fujiwara! I got this!" he declared with determination.

Heh...

"Let's keep this a secret from the other classes! Don't be scared, everyone! Do your best and aim for a high score" Ike shouted with joy.

"Yeah!" everyone exclaimed with determination.

"Yay!" I gave my own little cheer, making sure to adjust my phone's position in my pants.

Horikita then approached me amidst the cheers of class D. "Thank you Fujiwara-kun," she gave me genuine praise. "If I may how'd you think of this? I would've never even considered trying to use the old tests,"

"Oh, it was just on my mind for the past couple of weeks, I was just a bit irritated that Sensei didn't tell us, you know?"

LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING!

IT WAS ON MY MIND FOR WEEKS BECAUSE FUKA'S SO GOOD AT MARIO CART!

"Hm," that answer seemed to satisfy her.

I could sense someone drilling a hole into my head with a glare.

I wonder who?

...

...

"There are no absentees today. It seems everyone is present," Chabashira-sensei announced with a confident smile as she walked through the classroom. "That's the first challenge for you, Class D. Are there any questions?"

"We've been studying diligently for the past few weeks. I believe no one will fail," Hirata replied with confidence.

"Oh my. You're quite confident, Hirata," the teacher responded. The atmosphere was charged with determination as everyone exchanged looks of assurance.

Sensei distributed the test papers as our first-period exam was for social studies, likely the easiest subject among those we had prepared for.

"If anyone stumbles here, the other tests will become even more challenging. These midterms and the final exam in July will be crucial. If everyone passes both tests, you'll be rewarded with a summer break vacation on an island surrounded by the brilliant blue sea."

"A vacation?" someone voiced, surprised.

"That's correct. A dream vacation," Chabashira-sensei affirmed.

However, my excitement was tempered by the realization that the "vacation" might not be as enjoyable as it sounded.

"Wh-what's with this strange pressure..." one of the boys muttered nervously.

Chabashira-sensei stepped back, observing the evident tension among the students, particularly the boys.

"Everyone, let's give it our best shot!"

"Yeah!" Ike's enthusiasm resonated with the rest of our classmates.

"Yay!" I heard a quiet mutter from the brown-haired introvert behind me.

"What the hell, Aho?" I turned to Ayanokouji, who had become unusually quiet all of a sudden, resembling a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

"Pervert," Horikita mumbled.

"Thanks for being his mother, once again, Horikita-san," I remarked playfully.

"I'm not—" She sighed, deflating at my comment.

So rude~

Soon, the test papers were distributed to everyone. When the teacher signalled, the room fell into a focused silence as everyone began their exam.

You better not fail, you lot. I endured Fuka's torment for two weeks for a reason.

I also mentally made a note to add another 200 thumbtacks to her room, serving as a reminder of the ordeal she put me through.

Oh...

I glanced at the test paper in front of me and began.

...

...

Chabashira-sensei entered the classroom, her gaze sweeping across the students who were visibly anxious, holding their breath in anticipation of the test results.

"Sensei, we were informed that the results would be announced today. When exactly?" Hirata asked, clearly eager for the outcome.

"No need to get so worked up, Hirata. Passing should have been quite manageable for all of you."

"So, when will we know the results?"

"Well, if you'd like, there's no time like the present. If we wait until after class, it might disrupt our other proceedings."

The mention of "other proceedings" visibly caught the attention of some students.

"What do you mean by 'other proceedings'?"

"Don't get flustered. I'll tell you right now."

True to her style, Chabashira-sensei divulged the information collectively. She pinned a large white sheet of paper displaying everyone's names and their respective test scores onto the blackboard.

"I must say, I'm impressed. I didn't anticipate such high scores. Many students have achieved perfect scores in mathematics, Japanese, and social studies. More than ten of you, in fact."

Cheers of joy and delight erupted from some students as they spotted the rows of 100s on the results sheet. Yet, not everyone wore a smile. The most crucial score to focus on was Sudou's in English.

Then—

Sudo's scores were revealed. He had achieved sixty points in four out of the five main subjects, which was notably high. However, in English, he had scored only thirty-nine points.

Unfortunate, I thought to myself with a mental sigh.

"Yes!" Sudo exclaimed with jubilation, leaping from his seat.

Horikita didn't show outward signs of celebration, but her demeanour seemed to convey a sense of ease. I could feel the gazes of some of my exuberant classmates upon me.

It seems like my reputation has increased, hm?

"We've proven it, sensei! When we really put in the effort, we can achieve anything!" Ike boasted with a smug and confident grin.

"I acknowledge that. You've all performed admirably. However—" Chabashira-sensei held a red pen in her hand, drawing everyone's attention.

Sudo unintentionally let out a confused sound.

Questions hung in the air.

The red pen traced a line right above Sudo's name on the sheet.

"Wh-what is that? What does that mean?" someone inquired, the class growing tense.

"Sudou, you didn't pass," the teacher stated matter-of-factly.

"Huh? You're joking, right? Don't mess with me! Why did I fail?" Sudo's cry of disbelief echoed through the room.

Of course, Sudo was the first to protest. But in response, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The joyful cheers ceased, replaced by a collective state of confusion.

"Sudou, your English exam grade falls below the passing mark."

"This can't be true! I got thirty-two points! I passed!"

"Who told you that thirty-two points was a passing grade?" Sensei challenged.

"You did, sensei! Didn't you, everyone?" Ike's voice rang out.

"Say whatever you want. It won't change the outcome. The truth remains. You needed at least forty points to pass the midterm exam. You fell short by just one point."

"Forty?! You never informed us about this! I refuse to accept it!"

"Do you want to know how we determine the passing grade?" Chabashira-sensei wrote a simple equation on the blackboard: 79.6 divided by 2 equals 39.8.

"We set a passing score for each class, similar to the previous test. We calculated this value by dividing the average score by two. That's how we arrived at this conclusion."

How unfortunate, indeed~

In essence, any score of 39.8 or lower was regarded as a failing grade.

How unfortunate.

"I've provided evidence of your failure. That's all," Chabashira-sensei stated, her tone devoid of sympathy.

"No way... Does this mean I'm going to be expelled?" Sudou's voice wavered with disbelief.

"While your time here was brief, you certainly put in a valiant effort. You'll be required to fill out a withdrawal form after class. However, you'll need a legal guardian present for that. I'll take care of contacting them," the teacher explained.

As the scene unfolded before us and Chabashira-sensei delivered the information in a matter-of-fact manner, the reality began to sink in.

"As for the rest of you, well done. You've all passed without issue. Continue to work hard and pass your final exam as well. Now then, moving on—"

"S-sensei. Is Sudou-kun really going to be expelled? Can't something be done to prevent it?" Yousuke voiced his concern.

I remained silent, observing the situation unfold.

"Yes, he will be expelled. He obtained a failing grade."

"May we see Sudou-kun's answer sheet?"

"Even if you review it, you won't discover any grading errors. I expected this inquiry," Chabashira-sensei responded.

She handed Sudou's English answer sheet to Hirata, who meticulously examined every question. His expression grew sombre as he reached the end.

"There are... no mistakes."

"Well, if you're all in agreement, homeroom is concluded."

Chabashira-sensei's announcement of Sudou's expulsion lacked any hint of empathy or second chances. Ike and Yamauchi, perhaps realizing that words of comfort might exacerbate the situation, remained silent. Yousuke also chose not to speak.

Truly unfortunate.

"Chabashira-sensei, may I have a moment of your time?"

Horikita, who had stayed silent until then, raised her arm and spoke up. Up until now, she had rarely volunteered her opinions, so this action surprised both Chabashira-sensei and the class.

"This is quite unusual, Horikita. What's the reason?"

"I'm curious if it's possible to purchase test score points," Horikita stated matter-of-factly. "Is that an option?"

The classroom's collective eyes widened, and Sudo turned his gaze toward my black-haired classmate.

"Wait you can do that!?" one classmate shouted in disbelief.

Chabashira-sensei paused momentarily before bursting into laughter.

It was an unexpected sight, leaving the entire class bewildered.

"Horikita, that's an interesting proposition," Sensei commented, her laughter subsiding. "I hadn't anticipated you attempting to buy points."

Horikita's demeanour remained firm as the class looked on with anticipation. "Sensei, you mentioned on the day we were admitted that everything can be acquired with points. After all, the midterm test is just another 'item' in this school."

"I see, you certainly have a point there. However, do you even possess enough points to afford it?"

"Well, what's the cost per test point?" Tension in the room escalated, reminiscent of a pressure cooker.

"Now that's quite a challenging question. I've never been asked to sell test points before. Let's see... Given the uniqueness of this situation, I'll offer you a special price of 100,000 points per test point."

An audible gasp rippled through the classroom. Yousuke swiftly rose from his seat, speaking urgently. "I'll share the cost, Chabashira-sensei!"

I stood up as well. "I suppose I'll contribute to it too." Sudo's eyes frantically moved between, me Horikita, and Yousuke's.

"F-fujiwara, Hirata, Horikita?" Sudou's expression conveyed his bewilderment; he struggled to comprehend the unfolding events.

"Heh, you're all quite fascinating students," Chabashira-sensei said with a smirk. "I'll accept your proposal. I'll sell each of you one point, applying it to Sudou's test. The combined total cost from you three will be 100,000 points. As for Sudou's expulsion, rest assured, that won't be happening anymore."

It seemed that Sudou Ken would continue his basketball journey at Advanced Nurturing High School after all.

...

"I'll make sure to repay both of you soon!" Sudou declared with a theatrical clap of his hands.

He had just gone up to Horikita and thanked her profusely for thinking of that idea to nullify his expulsion and was now going up to me and Yousuke.

He seemed more fixated on her, though.

Interesting.

"Don't worry about it, Sudo-kun. I'm sure you'd have done the same for us, right?" I reassured him, giving his back a friendly pat.

"Y-yeah!"

Yousuke let out a relieved sigh. "That was... something, huh?"

"Yeah, quite the unexpected turn of events," I agreed, nodding in agreement.

Across the classroom, I could hear whispers and comments about Horikita.

"Horikita-san is actually pretty clever, isn't she?"

"Seriously! How did she come up with that idea?"

"I wish she'd talk more often, though..."

"Yeah, she's always so quiet..."

It seemed that Horikita's reputation had received a positive boost from her actions.

...

"I found you, Fujiwara-kun," I heard Horikita's voice behind me as I tried to discreetly make my way toward the dorms.

Apparently, my attempt at being stealthy hadn't worked as well as I'd hoped.

"Hello, Horikita-san, best buddy, buddy-ole pal—"

"Cut it out, I want to know something," I cocked my head to the side, allowing her to continue. "What was with that message you sent me? And how did you even get my number?"

"Hm? What message? Like you said, I don't have your—" I was interrupted once again.

Her tone was now clearly annoyed. "Don't play coy with me, Fujiwara-kun, I know it was you."

I blinked a few times, my mint green eyes meeting her crimson ones. Why do the girls I interact with always seem to have crimson eyes?

"If you believe it was me, then go ahead and believe it. I won't stop you," I spoke softly, slowly moving closer to her. "But, on the other hand, if it wasn't me, then it wasn't. Simple as that."

Horikita squinted at me as I continued walking towards the dormitories.

I was about to leave when Horikita's voice called out again. "Wait," I turned my head towards my black-haired classmate. "What is your goal?" She questioned. "I want to know."

"Huh? What's with that question?"

Horikita's gaze was firm. "You said we were 'partners' in getting to class A, so it would only be right that we both knew what we were truly after," she spoke.

I regarded her intense gaze softly, like a parent looking down on their child.

"My goal..." I muttered almost unconsciously.

The notion that achieving a goal brings lasting happiness is a fallacy. More often than not, it offers only temporary satisfaction before the mind starts yearning for the next target, setting off a cycle of fleeting contentment followed by renewed restlessness.

Psychological research has introduced the concept of the "hedonic treadmill," which affects our perception of happiness. This phenomenon proposes that people quickly adapt to improvements in their lives, returning to a baseline level of happiness shortly after achieving a goal.

In essence, the joy derived from reaching a goal is short-lived and fails to deliver the enduring fulfillment we expect.

Moreover, our goals often stem from societal norms and external pressures, rather than our genuine desires. We might chase after dreams that align with what we believe we should attain, rather than what truly resonates with our authentic selves.

This leads to a sense of emptiness even after accomplishing our goals, as they lack a genuine connection to our inner aspirations.

In simple terms, goals often lead to unhappiness.

The truth is, that while goals can give us a sense of purpose, they can also accentuate our awareness of what we lack. By fixating solely on the future outcome, we inadvertently divert our attention from the present moment.

We gauge our happiness against a perpetually moving benchmark, tricking ourselves into believing that contentment will arrive only when we achieve our goals.

Furthermore, goals tend to encourage comparison. In a world inundated with social media and constant connectivity, we're bombarded with polished showcases of others' achievements.

This culture of comparison can lead to a persistent state of discontent, as we measure our progress against the seemingly flawless accomplishments of others.

To put it simply, you end up being an unhappy individual.

An idiotic, unhappy, individual.

"I have no idea," I shrugged, resuming my leisurely stroll and leaving a perplexed and somewhat angsty Horikita in my wake.

"W-wait!" I heard her voice trail off in the distance, but I was far too down the hallway for her to catch up.

Heh...

...

What is happiness?

...

"Heh," I chuckled to myself.

...

"Like I know..."

...

...

...

Words: 6441

[VOL 1 COMPLETED]

Sup, children, it's me again.

Volume 1's done, going to shift over to Volume 2.

What do ya think?

See you kids later.

Intermission - Unnerving Motives.

Queasy: Sup children, welcome to your intermission. These will essentially serve as Volume 0.5's or Short Stories.

They can be alternate timelines, character perspectives, etc.

They will be told from the Third or First Person perspective.

If a Volume already has a 0.5 then I'll stick to the content that was included. If not, I'm going to do these alternate/Slice of Life-type things.

Premise: Horikita Suzune's inner monologue.

Fujiwara-kun was about to leave, but I couldn't let that happen. I needed to know something.

"Wait," I said, halting him in his tracks. He looked at me with that familiar gaze of his.

If I were to put it into words, it would be gentle, kind, and soft. Yet, that didn't align well with my instincts. Something had changed since the incident with my Nee-san and the fact that he had blackmailed him.

Fujiwara-kun wasn't the same as I had perceived him to be.

That jovial, somewhat irritating person who had somehow managed to get me to call him a "friend" was masking something deeper.

"What is your goal?" I inquired. "I want to know."

I needed to know. However, if he dodged the question like Ayanokouji-kun did when I confronted him about manipulating his test scores, there was only a slim chance of extracting any information about his true intentions.

"Huh? Where's that question coming from?"

He tilted his head, and I couldn't ignore the overly friendly aura he exuded.

He even had the audacity to call me "Suzu-chan" and "Tsunzune" right in front of my Nee-san, with no shame whatsoever!

Nee-san only called me Suzu-chan when we were younger. Not anymore, though...

He can be such a tease, but he delivers it in the gentlest way. Yet, when it comes to me, he's direct and straightforward.

Sigh...I can't seem to figure him out...

I gazed at him with determination. "You mentioned that we're 'partners' in aiming for class A, so it's only fair that both of us are aware of each other's objectives," I explained.

He did say that. On that night he saved me from getting hurt and offered to help me reach class A, but with the condition that I acknowledged him as a friend.

But why?

After all, I chased him around with an NT cutter. Isn't that enough proof that I don't want to be friends?

Yet, despite that, I accepted. Why?

Was it because of his way of speaking?

He always had a peculiar manner of speaking. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he's displayed it several times over the year.

It's as if...it captivates anyone who listens and persuades them to do what he wants...I'm not entirely sure.

There's a gravity about him that draws people in.

It's honestly a bit unsettling to think about.

But it's probably a combination of factors – that conversation at the library and my gradual acceptance of his teasing and annoyances as a part of life.

I might have even enjoyed it, in a weird way.

"Tsunzune~" his voice echoed in my mind.

I really can't stand him.

But...looking back, he found it amusing, I think.

All he seems to care about is having a good time, presumably...

"My goal..." he muttered, seemingly lost in thought.

I studied him intently, searching for any hints or clues.

He told me that friends help each other and...mess with each other...

I stood there, waiting for his answer. I needed to know why he sent me that text. He denied it, but deep down, I'm certain it was him.

[Ask if you can buy test score answers. Justify your query by recalling that the teachers said you could buy anything with points. Improvise from there. Here are some points]

Unknown sent 100,000 Points to Horikita Suzune

I could've sworn I had put my phone on silent before entering the class. It's all so bizarre...

100,000...points...I had only spent 33,000 to acquire Sudo-kun's test point answers, and now, I found myself 77,000 points richer.

The unidentified number didn't even...ask for the points back...

Has Fujiwara-kun not responded yet?

I snapped out of my thoughts and saw him still lost in contemplation, staring slightly upwards toward the ceiling. What was so fascinating about the ceiling?

What's going on inside your head, Fujiwara-kun?

"I have no idea," he shrugged, leaving me utterly bewildered and lost in my own thoughts.

His answer sounded sincere, entirely so.

Or could it be his manner of speaking again?

What's happening?

What's going on in your mind?

Aren't we supposed to be partners? Friends?

Why can't you trust me?

Do you trust me?

What?

"W-wait!" I called out, trying to stop him, but he had already moved so far down the hallway, out of my sight.

So, I stood there, only to have my phone buzz again. It was from Ayanokouji-kun, asking where I was. I intended to reply immediately, but my head was throbbing.

What are your motivations, Fujiwara Kiriya?

Words: 783

Author Notes: Intermissions will be longer in the future, just for you to know.

Vol 2.1 - I Know?

Queasy: Sup, children.

_

Advanced Nurturing High School Database:

Name: Fujiwara Kiriya

Student ID: S01T004655

Club Affiliations: None

Date of Birth: June 21

Evaluation:

Academic Ability: B

Intelligence: A

Decision Making: B

Physical Ability: B

Cooperativeness: B

Comments from Interview:

In our interview and through our observations, he exhibited a significant level of intelligence and a keen interest in technology. Based on our information, he has been a cooperative and well-mannered student, showing no indications of problematic behaviour.

It's evident that he possesses a high degree of self-awareness, even with regard to his own shortcomings. His potential points him in contention for class B or even A placement.

However, due to constraints stemming from the scarcity of documentation about his prior history, beyond report cards and essential records, we have determined that assigning him to class D is the most suitable course of action.

Notes from Homeroom Instructor:

Both boys and girls in class D seem to enjoy his presence. He is polite and soft-spoken. Will continue my observations.

_

The days following the mid-term exam were a whirlwind of activity. Horikita unexpectedly found herself receiving a multitude of praises for her quick thinking and clever deduction, which had saved Sudo from expulsion by revealing the possibility of purchasing test score answers.

Initially, she bore the extra attention with a touch of annoyance, but a fleeting glance in my direction seemed to trigger a more composed response from her.

She addressed the class with an air of authority, saying, "We must not become complacent just because we now have the option to buy test scores." Her voice held a distinct firmness.

"Stay committed to your studies and Do. Not. Slack," Her words were punctuated with a chilling tone that was unmistakably her.

Icyzune...

No...that's a bad nickname...

It seemed like she was handling the situation adeptly. Her standing in the class had garnered her a handful of inconspicuous allies, even though they remained in the shadows.

While some were beginning to admire her, there were still those who held a disdain for her demeanour.

However, Horikita needed to focus on self-improvement. We required actual results, and if her progress took too long, it could become a concern.

We needed a leader who exhibited composure, sound judgment, and the ability to make intricate decisions while under pressure. If Horikita wasn't that, then...

My gaze involuntarily shifted towards Matsushita.

...

Living without constant interruptions can be pretty great. You get to do what you actually want to do without all those annoying distractions, you know?

During my free time, I'm all about video games, just like any regular guy my age. It's a way to unwind and escape into a different world for a while.

Studying? Yeah, not really my thing. I do the basic stuff, turn in my homework, and then I've got time to kick back and enjoy myself.

Like an Otaku with Cheeto dust on his fat rolls or a potato buried 6 feet under.

And no, I'm not some anime-watching, underground-burrowing kind of person.

I am not a mole, let's just clear that up.

Lately, I've been diving into a bunch of video games.

But here's the catch – at this school, they only let us play story modes for multiplayer games.

So I'm literally only allowed to play against the AI or have a split screen game.

Like, seriously? I think that's a bit stupid.

But, alas, this is probably because of the No Contact rule the school has, so, I guess I'll allow it.

They really take that rule to the max, huh?

That's nice.

...

Brrzzurt!

My blood turned to ice as the sound of my dorm room being unlocked reached my ears.

In an instant, years of built-up PTSD hit me like a wrecking ball smashing into a newly constructed building. But that building was my sanity, my ability to hold it together.

I knew I had two possible scenarios here:

One: Fuka was barging into my room again, and my best bet was to play dead and hope for the best. She didn't really like me being "dead."

And I'm 100% sure she isn't into dead people.

Even if they're warm...

What?

Option two: Someone else entirely was invading my domain. In this case, the wise course of action was to hastily power down my gaming console and take refuge in my closet like an obedient little child.

I am not IN THE CLOSET, thank you very much!

Considering that I had around 2 seconds before that door unlocked fully with its duplicate keycard, and another average second for someone's hand to actually turn the doorknob, I had a tight window to work with.

Crank!

Okay, it's not Fuka. She would have just barged right in and plopped herself on one of the beanbag chairs.

So, I'm looking at around 5 to 7 seconds before they reach my spot. That should be enough time for me to power down the console and then sneak into the closet.

If I hid in the closet, I might gather some useful intel on the intruders.

This could potentially even take them by surprise and give them a good scare, giving them a heart attack, before I knocked them out and slowly dragging them out of my room by their shoulder seemed like a plan.

I call that the American Border Patrol method. Except that this was without the Mexicans.

Sounded like a perfect plan!

Perfect! All I had to do was...

"Kiriya-kun! Apologizes for the intrusion!"

"Whoa, check out Kiriya-kun's room!"

"Kiriya-kun! Open up or we're coming in!"

"Scratch that! We're coming in either way!"

"Are you guys serious...?" A monotonous voice cut through the chaos.

Looks like my moment of reckoning had arrived.

I'm so sorry, Master Ooguway...

I'm about to be made fun of by my friends.

...

I slouched over in my beanbag chair, clutching the controller in my hand, my body devoid of any signs of life.

Now, just to be clear, I am not a possum. I don't possess the remarkable talent of playing dead to evade danger.

But you, my dear reader, are in for a treat – a tale so utterly ridiculous that it might make you chuckle.

Well, at least I hope so.

Though I'm not entirely sure who's having more fun here – you reading about this or me living through it.

You would think it's Im-Possum-ble

Hahahaaha...

Please, for the love of all things normal, send an adult...

Amid my inner turmoil and the impending doom of embarrassment, I could distinctly hear the sound of five sets of legs shuffling about, shoes being removed, and whispered murmurs as they entered my room.

The culprits behind this impromptu visit were none other than Kiyotaka, Yousuke, Kei, Chiaki, and Maya. We've recently adopted a more casual approach, addressing each other by our first names.

(It's a relief, especially for the author who was getting quite the headache typing out "Karuizawa" and "Matsushita" every time.)

As the dynamic within our group goes, they're my closest friends and, coincidentally, the most mischievous bunch after Fuka.

Particularly Chiaki – the mastermind behind half of the teasing that targets me Kiyotaka.

One day, I vow to exact my revenge on that brown-haired, blue-eyed, teasing Onee-sama!

"Ehhhh~ what do we have here?" Maya's voice carried a mix of intrigue and amusement. She was the first to enter, her gaze landing on my "lifeless" form.

"Hmmmm..." Chiaki's approach was quieter and stealthier as if she were a bird of prey homing in on its target. I could feel her poking me.

Poke!

Poke!

Poke!

Please stop (Don't stop)

"HMMMMMMMMMM!?" Kei's inquisitive hum grew louder, indicating her bewilderment as she assessed my apparently lifeless state, the TV screen, and the controller still clutched in my hand. "Guys, I think Kiriya-kun's dead!" she declared in a playful manner.

Please, oh please, let them buy into this and forget it ever happened.

"Hehe, Kiriya-kun, it's just us – no need to be scared!" Yousuke chimed in from across the room, his voice aimed at the other beanbag chair.

And I maintained my "lifeless" posture.

"Ehhh? Yousuke-kun, I want the beanbag!" Kei exclaimed, seemingly forgetting about my "demise."

"Heh, sure thing," Yousuke obligingly responded.

Ugh, couples...

I felt Kiyotaka's light footsteps as he stepped into the room, likely searching for a spot to settle down.

The guy was stealthy, like a ninja on tiptoes.

Whooooo~!

A light gust of wind grazed my ear, causing me to flinch internally.

Please, Chiaki, no more of that!

Please don't blow your breaths into my ears! (Please do)

What? (Huh?)

"Kiriya-kun~" Chiaki's voice took on a singsong quality, and I sensed mischief in the air. My instincts screamed that she was about to do something audacious to jolt me back to life.

My eyes snapped open, wide with a mix of panic and anticipation, as I stared at her, silently pleading.

"Chiaki-san, I beg you, reconsider whatever plan you've concocted..."

"Kiriya-kun's alive!"

"Ahhh! It's a zombie!"

"Ahhh!"

"Welcome back to the realm of the living!" Yousuke's laughter-filled voice announced my miraculous "resurrection."

DO I LOOK LIKE JESUS!?

"I'M NOT A ZOMBIE!"

...

A brief, slightly awkward silence enveloped our group of six as we exchanged blank glances, each of us processing the odd yet oddly hilarious scenario that had just unfolded.

I took it upon myself to alleviate the tension, moving towards the small kitchenette to pour glasses of ice-cold water.

Who in their right mind drinks hot tea in the middle of summer?

Seriously, are you trying to boil yourself alive?

"We're never talking—" I began, only to be promptly cut off by Kei.

"We are! You play video games!" she declared a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"It's Crash Bandicoot! It's a classic!" I defended my gaming preference, my cheeks reddening slightly under their scrutiny.

Maya joined the conversation, her surprise evident in her voice. "I never knew you were into video games, Kiriya-kun. That's pretty cool!"

A nervous chuckle escaped me, a feeble attempt to mask my embarrassment. Please, please, stop pitying me.

"Mhm," Chiaki added, her tone gentle. "Don't be embarrassed, Kiriya-kun. We're friends, after all."

"Chiaki-san's right," Yousuke chimed in. "It's important to have hobbies you enjoy!"

Maya's curiosity then took a different direction. "Hey, doesn't Mori-san play video games?" She seemed to have an epiphany. "You two would get along so well! I'm definitely introducing you to her!"

I gulped, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the thought. "O-oh...okay..."

With a playful accusatory finger, Maya turned the tables on me. "You've been keeping so many secrets, Kiriya-kun! First that senpai, and now this!?" Her mock indignation was accompanied by a bright smile.

Kiryuin-senpai... Here we go again.

"Ehhh, I have no idea. It was a chance encounter," I mumbled, hoping to downplay the situation.

"Mhm~ chance encounter, my foot!" Maya's grin only widened. "Didn't you practically leave our table just to go meet her~?"

An amused collective 'o' sound echoed in the room, everyone reacting to the revelation.

Please, oh please, stop teasing me!

"Hehe," Yousuke's attempt to suppress a chuckle didn't go unnoticed, drawing a glance from me that practically begged for mercy.

...

As our banter began to settle, a sudden question sliced through the air, catching my friends off guard.

Their wide-eyed gazes turned towards me, accompanied by nervous sweats that could fill buckets.

I couldn't help myself; I had to know.

"Who even gave you guys the card to my room?" I inquired, my tone a mix of incredulity and suspicion, my eyes narrowing in suspicion.

As if on cue, Kiyotaka tried to slip away towards the bathroom, clearly wanting no part in this conversation.

Cunning bastard.

Tug!

"Oh no," Kiyotaka's words hinted at the trouble he was undoubtedly in.

Oh no indeed, Kiyotaka!

"Kiyotaka-kun~!"

"Spare me, please, they forced me to,"

SPARE YOU? AFTER WHAT YOU DID!?

"Nuh-uh~!"

...

School. A realm of education that I'd consider my least favourite place, only rivalled by the confined chaos of a McDonald's Playplace.

But let's not get too bogged down with my musings, I'm just trying to be funny.

Let's just say, dear reader, that you're quite...tolerable.

The morning sun filtered into the classroom as Chabashira-sensei entered, her presence bringing an end to our restless chatter just as the homeroom bell chimed.

"Sae-chan-sensei! Did we somehow score a zero this month?! I checked earlier, and my account didn't see a single point!" Ike's exclamation boomed across the room, laced with a mixture of concern and disbelief.

A sigh from the teacher followed as if she had anticipated this reaction. "Oh, so that's why there's such an unusual restlessness in the air."

"We practically burnt ourselves out this past month! We aced the midterms! What gives? No late arrivals, no absentees, and no classroom disturbances!" Ike's protest was met with a stern gaze from Sensei, causing him to slump back into his seat.

"Patience, Ike. Let's not jump to conclusions. Allow me to explain. You're right to assume that you've all put in immense effort. The school recognizes that. And now, without further ado, let's take a look at this month's point allocations."

As the scores were projected on the screen, the room fell into a hushed silence, eyes scanning the numbers with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

Class D: 60 (87) Total: 147

Class C: 550 (2) Total: 552

Class B: 790 (19) Total: 809

Class A: 970 (64) Total: 1034

Note: The Class Points in the Original Timeline before midterms were as follows: 0, 490, 650, and 940. The changes in Class Points remain relatively the same besides a 19 point increase for Class B instead of their original 13.

Also, there is no data regarding deductions for any of the classes for the month of June, so take the addisons with a grain of salt.

Ike's jubilant cheer echoed through the room upon spotting our class's score. "Ehhhh~? 147 points? Did we actually make progress? Yippee!"

Horikita's measured response brought the enthusiasm down a notch. "Let's not celebrate prematurely. The other classes have also witnessed similar increases. We haven't really closed the gap. This might be a standard reward granted to first-year students for enduring the midterms. It appears every class received a minimum of 100 points."

"Ah, that explains it. I was wondering why we got points so quickly."

Horikita, the Class A aspirant, appeared unimpressed with the outcome.

"Is it because the class disparity has grown wider, Horikita?" I heard Kiyotaka's calm inquiry, his gaze no doubt focused on her.

"No, it's not that. At least we did receive something this time," Horikita replied, her voice cool and composed.

"Something? What are you talking about?" Ike's curiosity couldn't be contained.

Horikita's eyes seemed to graze in my direction for a moment before she continued. "I'm referring to the penalties we incurred in April and May. We didn't see a reduction in points for talking in class or being late."

Horikita, if she hadn't been shoved into the spotlight during mid-terms, would've never said what was on her mind as she is right now.

"Wait. But if that's the case, why haven't our points increased?" Ike's confusion echoed through the room, prompting him to direct the query at Sensei once more.

The volley of questions was met with a composed response from Chabashira-sensei. "This time, there was a minor issue. The distribution of points to the first-year students has been momentarily delayed. I apologize for the inconvenience, but you'll need to exercise a bit more patience."

"Huh? Seriously? If it's the school's fault, shouldn't we get some form of compensation?"

A hint of amusement crept into my thoughts.

"I'm not to blame for this. It's a decision from the school administration. Regrettably, there's little I can do about it. Once the matter is resolved, you'll receive your points. If, of course, there are any remaining."

Oh, so that's the game they're playing?

Very well!

If that's how you want to play, then let the games continue!

It's not like I wasn't interested in knowing the truth behind the delay anyway!

Hmph!

...

After sharing lunch with my friends, the afternoon classes unfolded in their usual monotony. Yet, beneath the surface, I couldn't shake the lingering curiosity about Sensei's cryptic words from the morning.

Not that I genuinely cared, of course. Hmph!

I'm only teasing you, dear reader.

...

"Sudo, I need to speak with you. Please come to the faculty room," Chabashira-sensei called out to Sudo, who was making a swift exit from the classroom.

"Huh? What's this all about? I've got basketball practice soon," Sudo replied, nonchalantly revealing his sports uniform packed neatly inside his bag.

"I've already spoken with your advisor. You don't have to come with me but understand that there will be consequences if you don't," Sensei's words carried an implicit threat, putting Sudo on edge.

"What? Will this be quick?" Sudo inquired, his unease growing.

"That depends entirely on you. The longer you dawdle here, the more time you're wasting," Sensei retorted, her stern tone leaving no room for hesitation.

With a deep breath, Sudo glanced around the classroom, his gaze landing on me, Horikita, and Hirata before finally departing.

It seemed like another storm was brewing on the horizon, and I couldn't help but sigh at the prospect of yet another disruptive event on the horizon.

Can I like get a break?...augh...I'm already dealing with so much~!

...

Bzzzurt!

The door to my dorm buzzed open while I was engrossed in my phone, scrolling through various things.

And then it happened...

"You're not stealing the beanbag! I'm already on it!" I declared as a preemptive strike just before Kiryuin Fuka rocketed herself onto her cherished bean bag chair.

Fuka, accompanied by Kyomi-senpai, took the spot beside me, and our sides touched. "Then move your butt!" she playfully teased, flashing a grin.

"Augh...annoying," I muttered, begrudgingly shifting and making more space for my utterly unreasonable senpai.

Kyomi-senpai settled into the remaining beanbag chair, her laughter bubbling up at our playful squabble. "You know, Fuka-chan, you can sit with me if you want," she casually offered.

"Meh," Fuka muttered dismissively. "This is my place, and Kiriya~" She wrapped her arm around me, pulling me closer, causing me to scowl in annoyance. "Decided it was a good idea to take my bean bag!"

"I bought it, it's mine," I protested, asserting my ownership. "And just so you know, your butt is already imprinted on it, literally." My comment elicited a hearty laugh from Fuka.

"Hahaha! Really? Move, I wanna see!"

"No! I'm not moving! You're going to kick me off!"

"No, I would never!"

Kiyomi chuckled again, finding our antics amusing. "We're getting a bit off-topic, aren't we?" she remarked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, Fuka! We're getting off-topic!"

"Move your butt then!"

"Hate you..."

"HAHAHAHA."

...

"I have an idea!" Fuka's eyes ignited with mischief as our beanbag chair conundrum persisted, despite the presence of plenty of available seats. Even Kiyomi-senpai was generously offered her seat. "I'm going to sit on your lap!"

"NO! YOU ARE NOT!" I vehemently protested, feigning utter scandalization.

Fuka shot me an incredulous look, her unreasonable proximity making the situation all the more comical. "Do you have any better ideas, Kouhai?" My silver-haired, and entirely unreasonable senpai, inquired.

"Fufufu~" Kiyomi's laughter chimed in from the other side of the room.

Cheeky senpais...

...

Fuka now sat on my lap, much like a child perched on Santa's lap in a mall, and I could practically feel the smug grin on her face as she made herself at home.

In that moment, I faced two choices.

Option 1: Surrender my beloved beanbag chair, its comfort and all, and let Fuka have her way.

Or Option 2: Allow Fuka to proceed with her whims while retaining the cozy embrace of the beanbag chair.

I chose Option 2.

And thus, I found myself with my senpai nestled on my lap, a situation that required me to wrap my hands around her waist as if we were engaged in some exotic dance. Uncomfortable yet oddly satisfying, but purely for pragmatic reasons, of course.

This was definitely not due to any other misguided thoughts, mind you. Don't even entertain that notion.

Fuka, in her playful spirit, leaned back suddenly, her entire body now resting on mine, her head making abrupt contact with my jaw, causing me to grunt in pain.

"Fucker," I muttered irritably, convinced that she derived some peculiar enjoyment from tormenting me.

But that was just a speculative theory, unsupported by countless hours of observed evidence, of course, totally.

As Fuka nestled closer, I couldn't help but catch a whiff of her perfume, her head positioned right under my nose.

"Don't smell me, pervert," I heard my senpai mutter.

"Fuck you, I do what I want."

"Rude."

"Your mother."

" Sigh You two..."

...

Now, you might be wondering: Why is Kiyomi here?

The answer, dear reader, is quite simple. She's here simply to revel in the chaos, much like my silver-haired senpai currently occupying my lap.

At the very least, she was less bothersome and troublesome than Fuka. Plus, she possessed an uncanny talent for fixing technology, as evidenced during the two-week period when Fuka and I played Mario Kart and the unfortunate incident where I smashed my controller to bits.

...

"FUCK!"

CRASH!

SHATTER!

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

A comically awkward silence enveloped my dorm room, punctuated by the lingering echoes of the smashed controller. It was an unusual moment of quiet, considering how our antics had filled the room just moments ago.

This was the first time I had seen Fuka don a genuinely surprised expression. Usually, she was all smiles and giggles, radiating mischief.

"Uh..." Both of us made incoherent sounds of confusion as we stared down at the shattered remnants of plastic before us. It was a perplexing sight, one that left me genuinely puzzled. I had never experienced a fit of rage or frustration that led to me breaking something.

"I'm...gonna call Kiyomi-chan..." Fuka mumbled, her voice slightly hesitant, before she reached for her phone and dialled a number.

Her initial concern seemed to give way to an amused grin as the phone rang. She would make sure to tease me later.

And that, dear readers, is how Kiyomi was unwittingly drawn into the whirlwind of our chaotic escapades.

And how she was drawn into...well...everything else.

...

"By the way, Kiyomi-senpai?" I directed my attention towards my brown-haired senpai, who turned her gaze in my direction.

"Hm? What's up?"

"Did you... you know," I alluded to a certain task I had asked her to perform.

Kiyomi-senpai clapped her hands together in recognition. "Oh yeah, I did it! Don't worry!"

A groan escaped from Fuka's lips as she muttered something. "Are you guys still talking about that mutt?" She was referring to another senpai, whom she mockingly called a "mutt."

In response to her comment, I lightly smacked Fuka's head. "Ow! Rude!"

"No, not now," I clarified, which seemed to appease Fuka as she settled back into the beanbag.

Not before...

Thwack!

"OW! Don't hit me!" I pushed my senpai off my lap and stood up, rubbing my side where Fuka had mercilessly jabbed me.

My silver-haired senpai grinned, and we both adopted fighting stances.

Kiyomi sighed in exasperation. "Are you two really going to do this every time?" It seemed like every time we hung out, we'd end up playfully hitting each other and then mock-fighting.

"No!"

"Yes!"

You can probably guess who said what.

I chimed in, irritated,"It's Fuka's fault! She hit me first!"

"Haha! Didn't you smack my head first? Hmm?" She retorted as we circled each other, ready for another mock duel.

Kiyomi-senpai wisely retreated toward the kitchen, pulled out her phone, and started recording our antics, providing humorous commentary like a wildlife documentary narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

"As you can see, the wild Kiriya and Fuka are engaging in their usual sparring. This marks the third occurrence, and it's still as captivating as ever," Kiyomi-senpai narrated in a British accent.

Fuka couldn't resist poking fun. "So, Kiriya, how did it feel to have your lovely senpai sitting on your lap? You should feel honoured, you know?" Her voice held the mischievous charm of Loki in a female guise.

"Honored? I'll have you know you forced me, you idiot," I replied, unimpressed.

"Oh ho~! I gave you the chance to scramble, yet you still stayed put," she teased. "I'm curious, why? Surely there were no perverted thoughts?" Her voice dripped with mischief.

"Of course there were, you literally sat in my lap!" I retorted, frustrated. "If we're going to wrestle, take off the necklace. I'm not letting it get broken." Fuka had taken to wearing the necklace I had given her almost every day, and I was determined to keep it safe.

Fuka grinned further, attempting to undo the necklace behind her. "Oh no, it seems like I can't," she feigned helplessness, making my eye twitch involuntarily. "Kouhai, if you please, could you help me?"

I hesitated for a moment, not letting my guard down for her tricks.

"And now, the two go from enemies to lovers!" Kiyomi-senpai muttered, causing Fuka to laugh and me to scoff.

"I hate both of you," I mumbled.

"We're playing Super Smash Bros after this," I declared. "And I'm choosing Metal Knight!"

"Sureeee~"

THUD!

"Ow..."

Unexpectedly, or rather expectedly, considering, everything, Fuka grappled me and threw me to the ground.

"The great and honourable Fuka wins!" she proclaimed.

You are anything but honourable, Fuka.

"It looks like Kiriya is getting back up for more!"

"Shut the hell up!"

I couldn't help but acknowledge that as irritating as these two were, my life would certainly be less entertaining without them.

"IM GONNA BEAT YOUR ASS COME HERE!"

"I KNEW IT! YOU LIKED IT YOU PERVERTED KOUHAI!"

"GET OVER HERE!"

"And it seems like they're getting a bit R-ROWDY OW! DON'T DRAG ME INTO OW!"

...

...

I received a text from Kiyotaka, asking me to come to his room as it involved something important.

Leaving my rather unpredictable senpais engrossed in their game of Super Smash Bros in my room, I gave them stern instructions not to destroy anything in my absence.

However, they were so deeply engrossed in their game, and perhaps even their playful quarrels, that they didn't even acknowledge my departure.

It left me with mixed feelings about what I would find upon my return.

Please don't destroy my house.

...

I arrived at Kiyotaka's room, Room 401, and softly knocked.

Creak!

I was then greeted by the boy in question. "Kiriya," he acknowledged with a nod.

"What's going on? I received a text and..." I looked past his shoulder to see Kushida and Sudo behind him.

"Fujiwara!" Sudo cried. "You gotta help me, man!"

"Sudo-kun, we should let Fujiwara-kun listen first," Kushida said.

"Right, right right,"

I went inside Kiyotaka's room.

I had been here before, it's still a bit empty, honestly. There was one poster, on the wall of his room for some reason, it was a poster of a vanilla ice cream cone.

I think Kiyotaka's trying to say he likes ice cream.

Weirdo, we all like ice cream.

The four of us then sat down, and Sudo took in a deep breath.

"Just wait a minute, Sudo-kun. Can you please start over and go over it again for Fujiwara-kun?" Kushida encouraged him to calm down and tried to get him to tell us the story.

"Sorry, I guess I just kind of skipped to the end and left a lot out." Sudo took a deep breath and started over.

"I was talking with the club advisor about being a regular for the summer tournament." I'd heard that Sudo was good at basketball, but I hadn't expected him to become a regular already.

"A regular player? That's amazing, Sudo-kun! Congratulations!"

"Well, nothing's set in stone yet. It's just a possibility for now."

"Still, that's amazing. We've only just started school."

"Yeah, I suppose. Actually, I was the only first-year student nominated to be a regular player. Still, it's not like it's definite. Anyway, when I was on my way back to the dorm, Komtya and Kondou, who were in the basketball club with me, called me over to the special building. They said they wanted to talk to me about something. I could've just ignored them, but I mean, I occasionally talk to those two guys during basketball. I thought it'd be better to just hear them out." he took a breath.

"So of course, I went to meet with them, right? Then, there was this Ishizaki guy there, waiting for me. He's Komiya and Kondou's friend. They said that they couldn't stand that someone like me from Class D had been chosen as a regular. They threatened me and said to quit basketball or there'd be a lot of pain in my future. I refused to quit, I beat them up, and now I'm here."

I was probably making a face that resembled a disappointed parent because Sudo flinched as soon as he looked at me.

"D-don't look at me like that Fujiwara! They started it first, they hit me first!"

"So then they painted you as the bad guy, Sudo-kun," muttered Kushida.

So the students in Class C had started the whole thing, and when their attempt to threaten Sudo had failed, they'd resorted to force. In other words, an act of violence. However, Sudo being an experienced fighter, so he'd managed to completely overwhelm them without breaking a sweat.

Of course, they'd been injured, and since there was no evidence of what had happened, they'd lied the next day and told school officials that Sudou had beaten them up for no reason.

Cheeky...Class C is cheeky...

"If Class C started this, then Sudo-kun isn't at fault," spoke Kushida once more.

"Right? I seriously don't get this. I can't believe that teacher, either!"

"We should tell Chabashira-sensei tomorrow. We should tell her it wasn't Sudou-kun's fault," Kushida said.

Things probably wouldn't be so simple. Sudou must have already told the school what he'd just told us. But because he lacked clear evidence to support his claim, the school might still decide to punish him.

I guess he couldn't bear the thought of his youth being squandered.

"What should I do?" Sudo then looked toward me. "F-fujiwara! If you help me I'll owe you double time!" he offered desperately in an attempt to get my help.

I hummed before speaking. "Hold on a bit, um..."

The room stood in silence in anticipation of my verdict.

"Sudo-kun," I finally spoke, and he straightened. "I'm gonna use my first favor...to...have you promise me something," this seemed to confuse the rest of the people present.

"What is it?" my red-haired classmate thought in confusion.

"I want you to...promise me, to better yourself, whether it be with your studies or with your behaviour," I spoke, shocking him at the strangeness of the request.

"You will be an integral part of our class in the future; I want you to know that. Think of it this way. You'll be able to prove yourself to the class, the further and further you grow in attitude or academics, it doesn't matter," I spoke firmly.

It seemed to have struck a chord with him, the way that I spoke.

"So that's why I'm not going to have you, my gym buddy, suspended or expelled," I spoke with finality. "I will help you with this."

Sudo, in a state of shock, quickly shook his head and smiled brightly. "Yeah! Thank you, Fujiwara! We're gonna show those bastards I'm innocent!"

...

"Wait, can we clear some things up first?" Kiyotaka muttered from the side. Everyone turned their heads toward him.

He sort of shrunk under the attention, though.

Poor introvert.

"Well, the school doesn't trust you, right? It wouldn't be that odd for someone in your class, like Kushida, or Kiriya, for instance, to support you even if you're lying. After all, they don't want their points to go down."

Sudo sat there, his initially hyped-up mood dissipating. "Well...you might be right about that, I suppose."

"Even if the other party is at fault, it's still highly likely that Sudou will take some of the blame," muttered Kushida.

"Huh? Why? It was legitimate self-defence, wasn't it? Huh?!" Sudo scowled deeply and tapped his feet on the floor, impatiently.

Oh, dear...it seems like we have some stuff to still work on...

"There might be something, though. This might just be a misunderstanding on my part, but when I was fighting those guys I felt something...odd. Like someone was nearby, watching me." Sudo didn't sound entirely confident.

"So there might be an eyewitness?" Kiyotaka asked.

"Yeah, I think so. I don't have proof anyone was there, though."

"What should I do?" he asked.

"There are two ways we can prove your innocence, Sudou-kun. The first way is to simply get those boys in Class C to admit that they lied. Since you weren't at fault, it's probably best to get them to acknowledge that," ideally suggested Kushida.

That's a bit too idealistic, honestly.

"Like I already said, that's impossible. They won't admit they lied."

"Then..." I spoke out. "We'd have to find out who was the witness," I suggested. "Even if it was a hunch, coincidence, whatever, there's still a small chance," I was formulating a plan of attack as we spoke, but it hadn't formed fully yet.

"So, how do you intend to look for this eyewitness?" Kiyotaka chimed in.

"Asking people one by one? Or we could simply address each class as a whole," Kushida said.

"It would be great if someone just stepped forward, but..."

"This might sound kind of shameless, but...can you guys not tell anyone about this?" Sudo said sheepishly.

"What?" I queried. "We need proof of your innocence, so...what do you mean?"

"H-huh? You don't want us to tell anyone?" Kushida asked.

"If word gets out, it'll definitely get around to the basketball team. I don't want that to happen. You understand, right?"

"Sudo, even then, I—"

"Please understand, Ayanokouji. If I can't play basketball, I have nothing," Sudou pleaded, placing his hands on Kiyotaka's shoulders.

Even if word didn't get out, this wasn't going to stay contained. If people found out that Sudou had used violence, they most likely wouldn't accept him on the team.

"But won't the students in Class C talk about how Sudou-kun was violent? I mean, that would work in their favour, I'd think."

That's exactly what I was thinking. It wouldn't be strange for them to talk about it amongst themselves, since that helped them and would hurt us. Sudo buried his head in his hands once again, as if to say "Seriously?!"

"What if word already got out?"

"No, at this stage, it's probably only being discussed by the school and the people involved."

"Why do you think that?"

"If those guys in Class C had intended to spread rumours, we probably would've heard about it already."

Representatives from the school had received a report and called Sudou in after class. There hadn't been any word about the incident this afternoon. At the very least, word probably hadn't spread much.

"So you think we're safe for now?"

"I think we are, for now," I spoke, standing up and stretching. "I think we should wait for now and try and get anyone else trustful on our side; I'm determined not to have anyone suspended," I spoke resolutely.

"Wait, where are you going, Fujiwara-kun?" Kushida asked me as I made my way toward the exit.

"I'm gonna try and think about this thing, I'm going home,"

"Oh! Alright. See ya, Fujiwara!" Sudo shouted to me. "Thanks, man!"

"Mhm."

"Bye Kiriya,"

"Bye!"

With that, I closed the door behind me.

Initially, I wanted to go back to my room, but...

I was just a bit curious about what Class C was doing.

...

Thud!

Punch!

Punch!

Groans of pain reverberated through the dimly lit space. I had successfully located Class C's alleged leader, Ryuuan. He stood there, slightly shorter than me, with magenta hair that added to his edgy appearance.

"Kukuku, now you look like real victims, Kukuku," he taunted the individuals in front of him, landing punches that only intensified their suffering.

It appeared that they were completely unaware of my presence.

"Interesting," I muttered quietly to myself, tucking my phone away, evidence securely in my possession.

I do relish a good challenge.

Class C seemed to be a suitable target for such an endeavour.

...

...

"ARE YOU TWO KIDDING ME!?"

I stepped into my dorm room and was greeted by an unexpected sight. Fuka and Kiyomi, both wearing aprons, stood before me.

"Welcome home! Would you like dinner or a bath..." they began, speaking in eerie unison, their voices synchronized perfectly. "Or...us?" they finished, breaking into fits of laughter that filled the room.

"Uh..."

My mind struggled to process this bizarre scenario.

"HAHAHAHAAHAHAH!"

At that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if I needed new friends.

I would rather take 20 years in prison.

...

...

Words: 5800

Author Notes:

Vol 2? More like...your mother!

Semesters's starting again, uploads will be slower, keep that in mind.

Thoughts on the chapter?

I have no idea.

Vol 2.2 - Am I Not Righteous?

Queasy: Sup, children, happy Labour day.

The following morning was like any other morning, well, duh, and... well... see for yourselves.

As Chabashira-sensei prepared to leave, she delivered one of her characteristically brief and off-hand announcements.

"I have an announcement for you all. There was a bit of trouble the other day, an incident involving the student sitting there, Sudo, and some students from Class C. In short, there was a fight."

The classroom erupted with whispers and concerned glances. Depending on the degree of responsibility that Class C pinned on him, Sudo could face suspension, and our class might suffer a reduction in points. Chabashira-sensei presented the situation plainly, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Currently, we hold 147 Class Points. If Sudo were to be suspended and our Class Points reduced... well, what would happen, exactly?

It was frustrating not to know.

Perhaps our Class Points could decrease by around 50?

But what would be the penalty for expulsion?

100?

200?

Suspensions were typically less severe.

Of course, I knew all of that information, but I'm not going to disclose that, idiot, I'm just trying to narrate the potential thoughts of my other classmates, of course.

Chabashira-sensei's expression remained stoic and impartial as she addressed the class, devoid of any personal bias or emotion. She laid out the facts with robotic precision.

"Umm. So why hasn't this issue been resolved already?" Yousuke posed a reasonable question.

"The complaint came from Class C. They claim that the fight was one-sided. However, when we spoke to the accused, Sudo said that their claims were false. He insists that the students from Class C called him over and initiated the fight."

"It wasn't my fault! It was self-defence! Self-defence, I tell you!" shouted Sudo, facing his classmates' icy stares.

"But there's no evidence of that. Am I wrong?" Sensei's tone remained cold and factual.

Booooo~ Sensei's putting on the Tsundere persona again~

She'd be so nice if she acted like Hoshinomiya-sensi—

Actually no, I'm glad for her Tsundere personality. I don't want to deal with that pervert!

There's a reason why I purposefully avoid eye contact with that devil. Not because she's a succubus, but because she's a succubus, yes.

I'd rather have Kiyomi-senpai talk about how cute frogs are, those slimy bastards, again, than be in the same room as Hoshinomiya-sensei.

Oops, got off-topic again. Sorry, dear reader. I'm just super bored right now!

"What evidence? I don't have any."

"So in other words, we don't yet know the truth. Therefore, we have put our decision on hold for now. Our response, and the punishment, will come when we find out who was at fault."

"All I know is that I'm innocent. If anything, I ought to receive a settlement for my trouble."

"So speaks the accused, but I wouldn't say that you have a high level of credibility right now. If there is an eyewitness, as Sudou seems to believe, then the situation may change. If anyone here witnessed the fight, please raise your hand."

Chabashira-sensei continued talking in her flat, robotic tone. No students raised their hands in response to her question.

One student knows.

"Too bad, Sudo. It appears there are no witnesses in this class."

"Looks that way," he grumbled.

When Chabashira-sensei cast a doubtful look at Sudo, he glanced downward.

"In order to check for witnesses, every teacher will inform their classes of the details of this incident."

"Huh?! You're telling everyone?!"

Oof... that's... good.

I have more excuses~!

How fun~!

"Damn it!" Sudo gritted his teeth and bounced his leg in anxiety. His plan of not telling people was, well, not that good in the first place.

After I left their little discussion yesterday, I'm sure they, Kiyotaka and Kushida, came up with a plan on their own.

I still hadn't. The situation was a bit too niche for me.

How unfortunate, Sudo, It seems like you're going to be on your own without my totally cool plans of epic proportions!

"Anyway, that is all. We'll make our final judgment next Tuesday, taking into account any eyewitnesses and evidence. With that, let's end homeroom for the day."

Chabashira-sensei left, and Sudo followed right after her. He probably realized that if he stayed in the classroom, he'd lose his temper with someone.

An uproar enveloped the classroom; things started to get out of hand. If we ended up losing points because of this, Sudo would most likely become the sole target of our class's frustrations. How unfortunate.

"Everyone, can you please listen to what I have to say?" Kushida stood and tried to silence the commotion.

"What our teacher said seems to be true. Sudou-kun may have been in a fight. However, Sudou-kun was dragged into it."

"Kushida-chan, what do you mean? Do you believe Sudo?" Ike said, a bit baffled that his crush was siding with my red-haired classmate.

Kushida proceeded to recount yesterday's story to the whole class. She told them how Sudo had been chosen as a candidate to play regularly on the basketball team. She also described how some students in the basketball club were envious of Sudo, and how they'd called Sudou out and threatened him in order to make him leave the team.

She also explained that Sudo, acting in self-defence, had punched their lights out.

Most of the class listened to Kushida's heartfelt words in silence.

If I wanted to, since the class knew me so well, I could've also recalled the entire story in detail, just to irk Kushida a bit more with the added attention.

But my attention was drawn to someone else, someone who had been unusually quiet during the entire discussion.

Sakura Airi.

She usually sat in the back of the class, especially in the corner, giving her the perfect vantage point to observe everyone.

With her pink hair those fake glasses, and...other things, she stood out, yet she rarely participated in class or interacted with anyone.

I was fairly certain that, out of everyone, she was the only true "loner" in the entirety of Class D.

"I want to believe him," Yousuke, the class hero, boldly declared his support for Kushida's stance. He stood with confidence, not succumbing to the prevailing anti-Sudo sentiment.

There was also a sense of unease gripping him as if his confidence was masking anxiety.

More of your past is leaking, Yousuke.

Hirata, the empathetic voice of reason in the class, chimed in, "If a student from another class were casting doubt on him, I could understand it, but I think it's wrong to doubt a fellow classmate right away. Shouldn't friends do everything within their power to help someone in need?"

"I agree!" Karuizawa Kei, heroic Hirata's girlfriend, echoed her boyfriend's sentiments. She brushed her bangs aside as she spoke, her voice carrying conviction.

"If it were a false charge, that'd be a problem, wouldn't it? In any case, you'd feel bad for him if he were innocent, right?"

I rested my head in the palm of my hand, deep in thought.

This was a typical trait among Japanese people. They tended to follow the lead of others. Although they might harbour private doubts, they were willing to extend some support to Sudo, at least temporarily, now that Yousuke and Kei had spoken up. Sudo's critics fell silent, at least for the time being.

In Japan, the concept of 'wa' or harmony is deeply ingrained in the culture. It's not just about avoiding conflict, but also about conforming to the group's consensus.

Japanese society places a high value on group cohesion. It's not just about getting along; it's about not disrupting the harmony within the group. So, even if individuals had their doubts about Sudo's innocence, they hesitated to voice them because it could potentially disrupt the group's equilibrium.

This is a classic case of the fear of social backlash, and it's not unique to Japan. We see it in various forms across different cultures.

Secondly, 'Wa' emphasizes the influence of authority figures. In this case, Chabashira-sensei's announcement held tremendous weight. Her words served as the initial narrative, and it's challenging for students to go against what their teacher says, especially when she delivers the information with a neutral tone.

People tend to trust authority figures and their version of events.

'Tend' is a keyword there.

I don't like authority nor do I like getting stepped on.

Japanese culture's emphasis on 'wa' and group cohesion can sometimes lead to a suppression of individual opinions. People may go along with the consensus, not because they wholeheartedly believe it, but because they fear disrupting the harmony.

It's a fascinating concept, honestly.

"I'll try asking my friends!" one of my classmates chimed in, succumbing to the collective momentum.

"Well then, I'll try asking the upperclassmen I know in the soccer club!"

"I'll ask around, too."

Like a wave gaining strength, they joined the chorus, rallying behind the mission to establish Sudo's innocence. It was a swift about-face for some who had previously denounced him.

Human nature, isn't it fascinating? The way individuals can shift their stance when they sense the tide changing, going from skeptics to enthusiastic supporters in a matter of moments.

Fucking monkeys.

...

"Fujiwara-kun," I heard Horikita speak out to me. The lunch bell had just rung, and I was still at my desk, lost in thought.

It was strange for her to initiate a conversation with me. Usually, we had a playful dynamic – I would tease her with nicknames, she'd respond with frustration, and sometimes, compasses might have been involved. We were like an oddball family, the corner squad, with me as the mischievous father, Horikita as the reluctant mother, and Kiyotaka as the introverted child with a sweet tooth.

But today, something was different.

"Hm? What is it?" I turned my head, genuinely curious about her unexpected request.

"Would you like to have lunch with me? Alone."

My initial reaction was disbelief. "What?"

"Don't make me repeat myself. Would you or would you not? It's simple, unless you're some kind of troglodyte that can't understand human speech," she responded with a metaphor that was, frankly, a bit over the top.

I couldn't help but grin. I loved it when she got angry.

"Yeah, sure, lead the way, Suzu—GHN!" I didn't get to finish my teasing remark as she swiftly chopped the side of my torso, her glare silencing me.

"So rude~," I murmured under my breath as we headed toward the cafeteria. I quickly texted the rest of our group to go on without me.

As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder if Suzu-chan could somehow hear my inner monologue about how adorable her angry face looked.

"Fujiwara-kun," her cold voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "What were you thinking just now?"

Shit.

...

Eating food with friends is nice.

There's a psychological phenomenon relating to eating food with others. This phenomenon is often referred to as "commensality".

Furthermore, this phenomenon, often referred to as "social facilitation of eating," suggests that we tend to eat more when dining with others, especially in a relaxed and pleasant social setting. It's as if the pleasure of the company amplifies the pleasure of the meal.

Also, While it can strengthen positive relationships, it can also exacerbate negative ones. It's why some important discussions are better had over a meal, as it can diffuse tension and encourage empathy.

"Let's get down to business~ to defeat—" I began, trying to engage my black-haired classmate in a little sing-along.

Instead, I received one of Horikita's signature cold stares. "Boooo~ you don't even know Mulan? Were you even cultured as a child?"

As Horikita and I strolled through the cafeteria in search of an empty table, I couldn't help but prod her a bit. It was our usual banter, a dance of wit and irritation that had become oddly comforting.

"No, I had no need for such media; I preferred books over things like that," Horikita replied matter-of-factly. Her intellectual pursuits were well-known among our classmates, earning her a reputation as a loner.

While she was socially isolated like Kiyotaka. However, unlike him, she wasn't exactly open to making friends and had to be essentially forced into friendship by none other than me.

Yeah, I know, I'm the best!

But there was something amusing about the idea that she might secretly be considering me as a friend, even if she'd never admit it.

The thought brought a mischievous smile to my face.

...

We sat down, and Horikita opened her mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by the obnoxious sound of my udon noodles being slurped loudly.

SHHHHLUUUUURRRRP!

I couldn't help but grin mischievously as I saw her eye twitch in irritation.

Normally, anyone would find this annoying, including myself, but today, I was in the mood to mess with her more than usual.

Horikita, ever composed, continued despite my antics. "What are your plans, Fujiwara-kun?" she asked as I finished my initial bite of my meal.

"Hm?" I tilted my head, taking a sip of water. "What do you mean?"

Her brows furrowed, clearly annoyed. "What are your plans regarding Sudo-kun's case?"

"Oh, that?" I was about to take another noisy slurp of noodles before Horikita's hand stopped me.

"Answer the question, and please, don't do what you're about to do," she murmured, pleading for me to spare her ears from my udon symphony.

Rude.

I'll have you know I have the best succ game in the world! And if you take that out of context and I'll slit your neck.

I leaned back and looked at her. "What are your plans, then?" I tossed the question back at her.

"For Class D to rise through the ranks, it's important to recover the class points we lost as quickly as possible. However, we probably won't get any points now, thanks to Sudo-kun. He's become a hindrance. I don't plan on getting involved," she said firmly.

I blinked a few times, tilting my head and staring at her. "What?" I questioned.

I picked up a piece of tempura from my udon and ate it before speaking. "Doesn't Sudo-kun owe you a favour?" I said, swallowing. "Wouldn't it be beneficial if he owed you two favours instead of just one?"

She eyed me, trying to make sense of my seemingly pointless question. "What would I even use that favour for? Considering his behaviour and troublemaking, it'd be more of a hindrance than a benefit."

"Um..." I chewed a bit more. "How about we look at it this way," I contemplated. "Every class point matters, no matter how early or late you lose or gain them, you understand?" I could see Horikita's gears metaphorically turning.

"So, saving Sudo-kun would benefit the long-term climb to Class A?" she asked. "That sounds preposterous; he brings more trouble than benefits."

I was about to respond when she cut me off. "Even if you're going to say he's super athletic, doesn't that apply to you? During swimming class, you got the best time," she argued.

Though she hadn't said it directly, she was implying that I was a direct replacement for Sudo and a less troublesome one at best. I was athletic, went to the gym, and besides my teasing behaviour, I was better behaved than Sudo.

By her logic, I, by myself, would take Sudo's place.

But I didn't want to.

I took a softer bite of my udon, making sure not to slurp obnoxiously this time, as I prepared my counter-argument. "That's a bit reckless, don't you think?"

"Huh?" Horikita looked genuinely puzzled.

"Reckless, wanting me to take the place of Sudo-kun as the most athletic person in the class," I murmured.

"How is it reckless? Surely you know the downsides of having Sudo-kun around," she emphasized her point, clearly not seeing the bigger picture once more. "You, on the other hand, are a much better choice."

"Hoo~? I'm the better choice, hmm?" I gave her a sly side glance, a smug expression on my face.

Horikita's complexion reddened slightly as she realized the strange implications of her words. "N-no, I mean... augh... you get what I'm saying?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know."

"Then why... is it reckless?"

I shot her a look that appeared more like an annoyed scowl. Horikita observed me, trying to comprehend why I was giving her such a look.

"I'm not telling you..." I asserted. "Figure out why having two athletic people in one class is a good thing," I murmured sarcastically, then returned to my meal. We lapsed into silence after that.

...

"Fujiwara-kun," Horikita suddenly blurted out as I continued to eat my udon.

I looked at her quizzically. "Huh? What do you mean?" I felt a sense of déjà vu, like she had asked me a similar question after midterms.

"I know you have plans, I want to know them," she said firmly, her gaze fixed on her own meal. We didn't make eye contact.

"I don't have—"

Horikita shot me a sharp glare. "Do you intend to use me as cover again?" She interrupted, her eyes drilling into the side of my head as I casually ate my udon.

Suddenly, the udon tasted colder than usual. Odd.

Probably the influence of Ice-queen Tsunzune.

Horikita pressed on. "Like you did during midterms?"

"Didn't we discuss this before? I don't understand what you're talking about," I replied, annoyance creeping into my voice at the accusations.

Horikita observed me like a hawk for a moment, then apparently realized that continuing this argument was futile. She shifted to another topic.

"Sudo-kun has reaped what he's sowed," she stated simply.

"Kind of, yeah," I agreed, sounding offhanded. "If you get angry half the time and antagonize loads of people, of course, you're going to get targeted for something like this."

Horikita looked momentarily surprised that we shared the same opinion and probably the same thoughts as well. She continued speaking, "Agreed."

"You want him to learn some sort of lesson?"

She turned her head towards me briefly, staying silent.

"You know, if you want my genuine opinion," I got her attention once more.

"I believe he should stay in this school and improve upon his behaviour. It's just a question of who will be the catalyst," I said before standing up and departing to put my trash away, leaving a lone Horikita to contemplate my words.

...

The school day had come to an end, and I found myself leaving the campus alone. Yousuke had club activities, Kiyotaka was hanging out with some other friends, and my social battery was drained, so I wanted to head home for the day.

Brrrring!

Brrrring!

My phone began to ring, and as I glanced at the caller ID, I recognized the number instantly.

I answered the call, fully prepared for whatever shenanigans this person had in store this time.

"A-ahem!" The voice on the other end cleared their throat dramatically. "Fujiwara-kun—pfft," they struggled to maintain a deep tone, their laughter barely contained.

"Good afternoon, Ichinose-san, do you need something?" I replied with a smile, fully aware of who was on the line.

"Who's Ichinose? E-erm..." Ichinose tried to sound menacing, but her naturally sweet voice made it an impossible feat.

"Don't look behind you!" she warned. "Or else!" She attempted to sound eerie, but her sugary-sweet tone made it comically unconvincing.

I began to turn my head, still on the phone. "Don't look behind!" she urgently repeated. "Or bad things will happen! Wooooooo!" Was she trying to be a ghost now?

And was she attempting to sneak up on me?

"Okay? I'm not going to turn around," I giggled to myself. "What's gonna happen now?"

Step!

Step!

Step!

Step!

"THIS!" she suddenly dropped the act and promptly ended the call. I hastily turned around to find a grinning Ichinose, looking ready to tackle me.

But then...

Trip!

"Woah!" Ichinose tripped over an uneven tile on the floor and began her graceful descent to the ground.

Oh, dear...

Tug!

Swiftly, I grabbed the back of Ichinose's uniform just before she could faceplant onto the floor, all while laughing uncontrollably.

"Hahahaha! You almost tripped!" I giggled, placing the initially shocked Ichinose back on her feet. "You good?"

She beamed with a bright smile, adjusting the shoe she had stumbled on. "Hehe, yeah! Thanks for the save!"

"You're welcome, Ichinose-san~," I said, adopting a slightly more parental tone. "You better watch your step next time, young lady!" I playfully scolded.

"Haha! Yeah, that was a bit reckless of me, haha!" she chuckled. "Sorry you had to see that embarrassing side of me, hehe," she apologized warmly.

"Maaa~ it's fine~" I sang. "Are you heading back to the dorms, or...?"

"Mhm, I just saw you and wanted to ask if you wanted to walk with me," she replied.

The thing about Ichinose Honami was that she was genuinely kind-hearted. She was incredibly sweet, like a gummy bear.

"I'm fine with that, as long as you don't trip again," I teased, grinning.

"Hey!" Ichinose pouted before laughing again. "Don't be so mean, fufu!"

"Didn't you come up with the plan to tackle me in the first place?" I teased back.

She then looked up at the sky, avoiding my gaze. "Whaaaaat? Nooooooooo, I would never!" she drawled out, trying to divert the attention away.

I enjoyed our little conversations like this, even though we didn't get to have them as often as I would have liked.

We continued our leisurely walk together, and I couldn't help but tease Ichinose a bit. "Mhm~ Sure," I replied suspiciously. "Will Dark Ichinose be joining us as well?" I flashed a mischievous smile.

"Oh ho~! Do you want to see Dark Ichinose?" she responded, attempting to summon all the menacing power of Sauron from Lord of the Rings.

However, her efforts only made her look even more endearing, like an adorable puppy trying to act tough.

"No!" I dramatically feigned fright. "I would die!"

"Hue Hue Hue!"

"What was that laugh?!" I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Ichinose, not one to be outdone, turned to me. "I don't know!" she exclaimed brightly. "I was just trying something different!"

"You literally went like...ahem," I cleared my throat, parodying her. "HUWA HUWA HUWA!"

"AHAHA! That sounds like a Seagal! I was more like..."

We continued to walk and chat, our conversation meandering through various random topics. There was never a dull moment when Ichinose was around.

...

"Oh! By the way, Fujiwara-kun," Ichinose spoke unexpectedly, though with her, it was almost always expected. "I forgot to congratulate you guys on the midterms! You did super well!" Her voice was filled with genuine enthusiasm.

I became a bit bashful, a rare feeling for me. "Ah, yeah, thanks," I murmured before quickly shifting the topic. "Now we have to deal with...uh..." I breathed out, implying the upcoming challenge of Sudo's case.

Ichinose, as if she had been reading my thoughts, seamlessly finished my sentence for me. "Sudo-kun's case, yeah..." she said before perking back up. "I could help your class, you know?" She offered her assistance.

I was taken aback for a moment. "Huh?"

Her bright blue eyes locked onto mine as she nodded her head earnestly. "I'm serious! I don't believe that this was all a coincidence. It doesn't add up, you know?" she continued. "I mean, we heard everything this morning, and I was going to talk to you or somebody else about it."

"Yeah, it did seem a bit suspicious," I agreed. Then, a thought struck me. "Why would you help us, though? We're rival classes."

She shook her head, dismissing any notion of rivalry. "Nope! You guys are my friends, and I wanna help out, simple!"

I blinked once.

And then blinked again.

Ichinose giggled at my surprise.

I blinked once more.

"You're such a sweet gummy bear, I swear..." I couldn't help but murmur, loud enough for her to hear. "You have to talk to my class about it, though, you know?"

"Hn, I already thought about that," she said, as if realizing something. Then, her face lit up with enthusiasm. "Hey! Maybe we could go investigate the crime scene together soon, like some... detectives!"

I pondered for a moment, trying to recall a certain film title. "You ever watch, uh...that Western film...uhh..what was it called?"

"Sherlock Holmes? Insomnia? The Untouchables? I could go on," She suggested, tilting her head with curiosity.

I looked at my friend in mock shock. "I am suddenly so attracted to you right now..." I whispered playfully.

She burst into laughter at my remark.

...

We arrived at the dorms, their towering stature greeting us with all the warmth of, well, a large building. Okay, that was a pretty lame metaphor, but hey, sometimes you've got to embrace the clichés.

We stepped into the elevator, and Ichinose's voice once again broke the silence.

"Fujiwara-kun?" Ichinose called out to me, her tone a touch uncertain. "Can I ask you something?"

"Mhm, what is it?" I replied.

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Uh... I can trust you, right?"

Her sudden question caught me off guard. "Yes, yes, you can," I assured her.

"Right, um..." She seemed to gather her thoughts and then continued, "Did you guys receive some papers for the mid-terms by any chance?"

I tilted my head, puzzled. "Did you now?"

"Yeah... I received them from an anonymous number," she explained. "Class B used them, but only for the people that were still struggling, and I was wondering if... you know?" She trailed off, clearly concerned about the source and implications of these papers.

"Hm, I don't have many thoughts on that," I admitted. "But maybe there's some, like, guy trying to help, or something. I'm not sure," I voiced my somewhat incoherent thoughts.

"Oh..." she sighed, her expression thoughtful.

The conversation seemed to come to an end as we rode the elevator in silence.

Ding!

The elevator signalled our arrival at my floor.

"Well, I'm gonna go now, Ichinose-san! See you!" I said cheerfully, offering her a smile.

Ichinose returned the smile. "Bye, Fujiwara-kun! See you soon!"

"Bye-bye!"

As the elevator doors closed, I found myself staring at the little floor indicator. At least she put those papers to good use.

It would've been a shame for them to all go to waste.

...

You know, peace and quiet is my ideal way to spend time. Just chilling, relaxing, maybe some light exercise, that's the life.

That's what I'd say if my life had been anything but peaceful for the past 2-3 months.

Sure, the first month was relatively calm, but then came Fuka, and my life took a nosedive in the tranquillity department.

Don't get me wrong; she can be helpful when she wants to be, but she's also a master at getting on my nerves.

But strangely, for the past three days, she's been absent from her usual annoy-the-hell-out-of-me routine.

This leaves me with two possibilities:

One: She's plotting something diabolical that could potentially lead to my untimely demise. Unlikely, though, given her weird fondness for me. I'd think keeping me alive would be the more practical choice.

Two: She's actually giving me some space for once, which is a tad strange.

But you know, it's funny. Despite all her antics, I can't help but feel like something's missing.

I just want to judo-flip her dumbass again. Or maybe have her judo-flip me.

"Hey, girl, do you teach judo? Because just one look from you, and I'm ready to submit," I muttered out loud, practicing my super awesome pickup lines.

"If we were in a judo match, I'd gladly let you pin me to the ground," I muttered before cringing horribly.

"Oh, nooooo..." I groaned in agony. I'm never saying that to anyone, ever.

Screw it, I'm gonna call her.

...

"If it isn't my favourite kouhai," I heard Fuka's distinctive voice come from the other end of the phone. "What do you need?"

Before I could even begin to make my request, Fuka started talking over me. "Points? Info? Or perhaps... me?" She said that last part in a flirtatious tone.

Huh?

"Well, you can't have me at the moment, sadly," there was a mischievous splashing sound in the background. "I'm in the bath, by the way." I could practically feel the smug grin on her face as she said that, clearly trying to fluster me.

"I did not need to know that..." I muttered, trying to regain my composure. "I just need you to come over for a bit. I need a second opinion on this... thing..."

"Oh ho~! No can do, actually, you gotta come to M-MY room this time, bud," Fuka declared, causing my eye to twitch at the unreasonable absurdity of her request.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nope!"

"You literally come over to my place all the ti—"

"It's either that or no help from your dear Fuka. Choose!"

"You're a pest, and you have an annoying, dumb, stupid face. Fine, I'm getting ready," I reluctantly gave in, hurling incoherent insults at my senpai.

"Hahaha! Victory!"

"I don't like you."

"Mhm, sure you don't. See you soon~!"

...

Knock!

Knock!

Knock!

Creak!

"Heh, you actually came," Fuka's voice welcomed me as I entered her room.

"Phrasing," I retorted.

"Pervert," my silver-haired senpai said nonchalantly. "Coming to a fine lady's room at this time," she teased with a grin. "You sure you're not gonna do anything I wouldn't?"

"What you wouldn't?" I questioned. "You're the type of person to do everything under and over heaven as long as it satisfies your curiosity," I replied, my eyes briefly glancing at her outfit.

She was wearing some comfortable-looking pyjamas that had an intriguing design. They were...for some reason...very attached to her body, like...very...

Great, now I'm turned on.

Good job, Fuka. This is your fault.

After a bit more teasing about being quoted as "super bold" by Fuka, she finally let me into her room.

The room was decorated with a bunch of miscellaneous items that I didn't even know existed, nor did I want to describe them in detail.

Now, this might sound a bit embarrassing, but it was my first time, during high school, being invited into a girl's room. If I had to describe the experience, it was like smelling a bunch of tulips.

I glanced over at Fuka, who looked quite amusing with that towel wrapped around her head, resembling some sort of... thing.

Maybe a tower.

She was in the middle of drying her hair.

My senpai tilted her head. "What?"

"How in the world did you manage that with your towel? One wrong move, and you'll splat your head on the ground," I commented.

"Ho~? Like that would ever happen. Come on, let's go sit," she urged, hip-checking me playfully to move further inside.

I responded with an elbow to her side. "Ow! Rude!"

"Your mother is rude!"

"Haaaah? Mama raised a perfectly fine and beautiful girl, I'll have you know!"

"She raised a fucking psych—OHH OOOF!"

It seemed like I had been tackled to the ground.

And it seemed like just a normal day for the two of us.

...

"So...you called me..." Fuka regarded me with suspicion, her features contorting into an annoyed expression. "To do research on a girl..." Her irritation seemed to grow with each repetition of my request. "In your class..."

Yup, she was definitely jealous. I think I might be in trouble.

I nodded casually. "Yeah, pretty much," I admitted, trying to hide my anxiety with a nonchalant demeanour.

I had asked Fuka to investigate Sakura Airi. It wasn't because I was personally interested in her or anything like that. I was just curious about why she had enrolled in this school.

I mean, what was Shizuku doing at this school?

It's not like I follow that idol stuff. Nor have I ever... well, never mind.

I just had some questions about Sakura. She was obviously the witness in Sudo's case, and there were a few clues that pointed in that direction.

For instance, when Chabashira-sensei asked if there were any witnesses, she was one of the few who looked down in shame, as if she felt guilty.

But if I were to approach her directly and start probing for information, considering her introverted and shy nature, it would probably backfire.

So, I asked Fuka to do it for me!

And she clearly wasn't thrilled.

"Kiriya, darling," she began with an air of elegance that was unusual for her. "Are you interested in this girl by any chance?" She spoke gently as if she were an upper-class mother having a conversation with her son.

Mom?

I arched an eyebrow. "No, it's just related to some class issue in Class C," I explained. "A classmate of mine got accused of something, and I'm pretty sure Sakura-san is the key witness," I added, giving Fuka a concise overview of the situation.

...

Once I'd finished explaining, my silver-haired senpai looked at me with a mischievous grin once more. "Okay, I can do that," she said, and I waited for the "but" that I knew was coming. "But," of course, there was a "but." "You've got to do something for me in return, you know?"

I groaned, sensing where this was going. "I'm not going to—"

"Oh, but you are!" She cut me off with determination. "Just because I'm a bit irked, you've got to, okay~?" she smiled threateningly

...

...

...

...

...

"You know what? Just for you, fine."

"Ha! You caved so easily! You didn't even put up a fiHIIIIIIIIEEEE—" Her sentence was abruptly cut off as I playfully threw her over my shoulder and onto her bed, fulfilling her request with a hint of mischief.

"How did you...!?" she exclaimed.

"You wanted us to share the same bed again, right?" I teased. "So I'm putting you in bed. Simple."

Sigh... the things I do for victory...

...

...

Words: 5353

Happy Labour day!

And do you know what I did for Labour day?

Stay in my room and write this chapter!

Yaaaaaay!

See ya in a bit, I think

_

Vol 2.3 - Is He Not...?

Sup, we're finally changing the perspective on this one. It's Fuka's btw.

My life was a series of effortless achievements. I had an uncanny ability to excel on my first or second attempt at anything I encountered.

Life had always unfolded seamlessly for me, whether it was effortlessly acing exams with minimal studying, swiftly acquiring new skills, or skillfully navigating tricky situations with pure skill and charisma.

I was born with looks, as well. It was almost like I possessed a golden ticket to a world free from struggle and hardship.

In school, my peers marvelled at my apparent innate talent for grasping complex concepts. I casually breezed through assignments that left others in a state of perplexity. My teachers often praised my intelligence and aptitude, not realizing that I rarely expended much effort. Everything clicked for me without the need for extensive toil or practice.

I was born into a powerful and wealthy family, which naturally came with its advantages. My early years were characterized by privilege and opulence. My family's sprawling estate boasted lush gardens, a fleet of luxurious cars, and a mansion that seemed to stretch into eternity. I spent my days in the lap of luxury, attended to by a legion of servants who catered to my every desire.

Even in sports and physical activities, I excelled effortlessly. Whether it was, flawlessly mastering intricate dance routines, or dominating a friendly game of soccer, I appeared to possess an innate talent for it all.

My body adapted effortlessly to the challenges presented, and after a while, it became rather monotonous.

Never in my life, had there been a challenge I couldn't overcome, a math problem I couldn't solve, a person I couldn't analyze to a finite T. There was nothing that was able to match me.

And I would admit, I became arrogant.

I mean, who wouldn't? I'm on top of the world, with nobody to look at than myself.

And the only thing that would ever keep me company was the vast void of curiosity I had.

I guess that's hubris, I'm pretty sure it's called that, I think...?

That was my life: easy.

...

...

"Could you help me with something?"

Those words echoed in my mind as I strolled alongside an intriguing underclassman one morning, having entered his dorm room. Fujiwara Kiriya, a first-year student in class 1-D, piqued my interest for several reasons.

First and foremost, his demeanour stood out.

During my initial year at this school, I had been placed in class A, the pinnacle of excellence, and the associated privileges that came with it didn't concern me. With my abilities and family name, I could achieve whatever those in class A could, and more, in the blink of an eye.

However, I met Kiriya about a month after the entrance ceremony. By then, the bombshell revelation that his class was considered among the "defective" ones should have left its mark on him, causing turmoil and anxiety.

Yet, he didn't display any of these expected reactions. He seemed perfectly composed, unfazed, sporting that gentle smile of his as if he were a modern-day Buddha.

Observing him from a distance during lunch the same day, while other students in his class displayed signs of tension or chose more economical meal options, he continued to act as though nothing extraordinary had occurred.

To an outsider, he might have appeared to be concealing his emotions or putting on a facade in response to the revelation.

Confirming the rumours, uncovering the inner workings of the enigmatic S-system, and the ensuing turmoil should have triggered some degree of panic, particularly among the class D students.

I had a good idea, about what the S-System was, during my first year, before the big reveal. There were too many hints to miss and too much of me not willing to share with the class to care, though.

Yet, in my eyes, he seemed to view the world through a lens of calm understanding, almost as if he possessed foreknowledge of everything that had transpired.

It intrigued me, to say the least...

I yearned to unravel the enigma that was Fujiwara Kiriya, to delve into every facet of his existence.

This wouldn't be akin to my previous encounters with the student council president or that clown.

Those two, it only took a fleeting interaction to decipher their personalities, ambitions, backgrounds, and more. Their stories were laid bare before me.

However, Kiriya exuded an air of mystery that beckoned me deeper.

Why had he been assigned to class D?

What was his "defect"?

What lay at the root of his "defect"?

Why did he choose to conceal his true capabilities?

What secrets hid beneath that serene smile?

A sly grin tugged at the corners of my mind. He had assessed me thoroughly, understood my objectives, and identified my penchant for extracting information from others. Yet, I remained in the dark about him.

In the flesh, I allowed my grin to manifest, realizing that he had knowingly offered me an opportunity to quench my curiosity. All I had to do was grant his request, and my questions would be answered.

Kiriya possessed an innocent countenance as he gazed upon the school, mint-green eyes and neatly parted black hair framing his face. His gentle aura possessed an almost magnetic quality, drawing others toward him.

You're fascinating, you know that, don't you, Kiriya?

I wonder what you have in store for me.

Can you infuse some much-needed vibrancy into my monotonous existence?

With a simple "Sure," I sealed the pact, and in that moment, a glint of something profound flickered in his eyes—an unspoken understanding.

It was as though I had made contact with a devil.

...

...

And I couldn't wait to see where this new connection would lead...

...

...

I left no stone unturned in my quest to gather even the tiniest shreds of information about him. This entailed frequent visits to his dorm room throughout the week, all in a bid to observe his daily routine for any alterations and to decipher the causes behind those changes.

At the outset, my constant presence seemed to irk him, or so I surmised. Perhaps my persistent intrusion into his personal space and habit of commandeering his exceedingly comfortable bean bag chair contributed to the subtle but persistent annoyance across his face.

I was reasonably confident that I held the distinction of being the first person capable of eliciting anger from him, and it was a rather memorable experience.

The catalyst for this occurrence was his acquisition of a gaming console and our inaugural session with Mario Kart. I, being the dominator of the 200 CC mode, relentlessly beat him, hurling blue and red shells in his direction without mercy.

Observing his gradually tightening grip on the controller and the inevitable eruption of his suppressed frustration was, to put it mildly, quite an entertaining spectacle.

It elicited a rather colourful response from him, to say the least.

...

"FUKA, FUCK OFF! ACTUALLY!"

I stared at him in a mix of shock and amusement, my eyebrows arching in response. A maniacal grin danced on my face as I witnessed even the most composed person I'd ever met succumbing to an incoherent torrent of curses and insults.

"I'LL TURN YOU INTO A FUCKING KOOPA TROOPA!"

Laughter overcame me, and I clutched my stomach tightly, coughing and crying from the hilarity of the situation. I tossed my controller aside, unable to contain myself.

"OH HAHAAHAAHA KOFF! KAHAHAHAHA OH! HAHAHAHA."

"I FUCKING HATE YOU STOP STOP STOP STOP!"

My laughter continued unabated, and I covered my mouth in a futile attempt to muffle my uproarious outbursts.

"YOU LITERALLY LOOK LIKE A PIECE OF MELTING SNOW WHY THE FUCK AND ARE YOU IN MY HOUSE!?"

"YOU LOOK LIKE A FUCKING MONKEY WITH WHITE HAIR I SWEAR TO GOD!"

"YOUR LAUGH SOUNDS LIKE A HIPPIE ON CRACK, SUPPLIED BY RONALD RAGEN HIMSELF, DYING, SLOWLY AND QUICKLY AT THE SAME TIME WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY FUCKING ANOTHER HIPPE ON WEED, IN A FUCKING MINI VAAAAAAAN!"

The barrage of insults washed over me, but I cared little for them. My focus was on the sheer absurdity of the situation, which only fueled my laughter further.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAH" I wheezed, clenching my stomach. It hurt so bad but it was so funny.

It was remarkable how such a reaction had been triggered by a simple game of Mario Kart.

I wonder if he liked Monopoly?

"HAHAHAHAHAHAH! LOOK AT YOUR FA-HA-HAEEEEECE, KIRIYA!" I wheezed again, managing to point weakly at him while still sprawled on my back, my laughter showing no signs of waning.

"I'M GOING TO—" He abruptly stopped himself, cutting off whatever insult he had been about to hurl.

I struggled to regain control over my giggles as I sat up and observed his demeanour. To my surprise, his face had shifted from the anger and frustration he had just displayed to an almost eerie blankness.

His previously furrowed brows and angered posture disappeared in an instant, leaving him devoid of any discernible emotion, not even his default smile.

It was undeniably strange.

"I'm going to take a cold shower..." he muttered, breaking the silence, and then walked away toward the bathroom, leaving me alone with my bewildering thoughts.

...

"Awwe! You actually locked it?" I playfully pouted.

"Yeah! I did! What're you gonna do about it!?"

"Booooo~ Kiriya hates fuuuunnnn~" I teased, my tone dripping with mischief.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Fuck off, Fuka." I heard the shower turn on, drowning out his words with the sound of running water.

"Booooo~ Go along with the joke~!"

"Your ideal joke is to shower with me?" He questioned, voice a bit muffled.

"KYAAAAA~ Fuka-Senpai~ you pervert~!" he accused in a overly exaggerated
girly voice while assumably covering his chest.

"HAHA! I never heard you speak that way before," I grinned, noting how he's fairly good at voice acting.

Is there anything else you're good at?

"Duh, I'm behind a locked door, and the water is super cold," he spoke simply. I couldn't help but smile, though.

It was a simple moment, but it felt like our dynamic had irreversibly changed, all unexpectedly, thanks to a racing game.

It's strange how the world works, huh?

...

...

I was fairly sure Kiriya was the person responsible for the multiple expulsions and suspensions across the entirety of the second year, even though he never admitted it. My gut told me he was the one.

Class C was in shambles, having lost three people, which resulted in their Class Points plummeting by 300. It was a shame that the Clown couldn't save anyone; he took a lot of flack for that.

Class D was accustomed to having expulsions by this point, having lost four students before this, and now, five, whether through special exams or other means.

Class B, my class, was also hit, but not with expulsions. Instead, some of the less competent students received suspensions. No details about these suspensions were given to us.

Kiriyama, the Mutt, wanted to launch an investigation into everything, but I initially didn't care. If the Clown wanted more people expelled for opposing his new rule over the second years, then so be it.

More and more class bickering meant that I didn't need to get involved.

But, curiously, all the people expelled were either avid supporters of the Clown or vehemently opposed him. It was strange, in my opinion.

I found it ironic, though. While those imbeciles were trying to find the culprit within their year, unintentionally splitting the second years into a frenzy of paranoia, I had found the culprit, a first-year in class D.

How ironic. The source of the second-year's problems at this moment was someone who I interacted with on an almost daily basis.

Heh...

I stared at the necklace in front of me, silently, in my room. The shiny silver reflected the soft rays of light filtering through the window.

It had been a belated birthday gift from him. I remembered how I reacted when he gave it to me and couldn't help but grin.

How embarrassing, I thought.

Kiryuin Fuka, that's me, getting all worked up over a gift from someone I still barely knew.

Did my heart really skip a beat because of a necklace?

I cringed at my own reaction. Speaking in such a soft, girly manner – it was so unlike me.

I berated myself, wondering why this gift felt different. People had given me presents before, so what made this one so special?

Haaaah... It's the way he talks... it's like a drug, the more and more you listen the more you want to listen, to do what he wants.

Haha, damn...really?

That's all it was, hm?

The more time I spent around Kiriya, the more he led me on a wild goose chase. He dropped little breadcrumbs about himself to quench my curiosity but never gave away the big details.

I knew what he was doing, yet I couldn't help but be captivated every time. Each tangent, each playful banter, it all diverted my attention and made me forget my pursuit.

You give others the illusion of steering the conversation, only to steer it back for yourself, don't you?

You enjoy teasing me, don't you, Kiriya?

It's both fascinating and frustrating.

What are you hiding?

What do I need to do to make you reveal it?

I really wanted to know, you stupid enigma.

"Hahaha..." I softly chuckled to myself, my cheeks feeling warm, my entire body buzzing with anticipation.

A swarm of butterflies, as cliché as it sounds, fluttered in my stomach.

If Kiriya could elicit this reaction from me, I wondered how much competition I'd face from others who were lesser than me.

I grinned once more, pondering.

...

...

As if anyone could even compete with me...

...

...

"Hello, Fuka," he greeted me with his signature gentle smile as I briskly walked into his dorm room after completing the task, once again with ease, as always.

He hadn't asked much from me, actually, ever since we made that little pact. Sometimes, he would request intel on a particular person, and in return, he'd let me drag him along for something like a spa visit.

I found it rather endearing how much I could get away with by doing things he was too lazy to do himself. He was more than capable of handling these tasks, but he chose not to, always off doing something I didn't even know about.

This time, he had asked me to do some reconnaissance on his classmate, Sakura, was it? His class was apparently in some trouble, and this jittering, blushing girl was the only witness to the entire situation.

Pathetic.

She seemed wary of Kiriya for some reason, and he thought it best that I observe her rather than him.

Her task for the day was to get her camera fixed, with a bunch of other people tagging along, including some of Kiriya's friends.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was one of them, a rather bland-looking guy with brown hair, brown eyes, and a perpetually straight face. I wasn't as interested in him as I was in Kiriya.

Kiriya referred to him as his "Adopted Introvert" for some reason.

I think if he were to give me a nickname he would give me the boastful title of his, "Wife". That would be fitting.

Now, if I could somehow contact Mama and Papa about this...

Kushida Kikyo was another, popular girl who seemed to hide a second face beneath her bubbly exterior, at least from what I saw in the video Kiriya sent me.

Finally, there was Sakura Airi. Not much to say about her. She was very timid and prone to stuttering so much that she sounded like a revving motorcycle.

"Rude," Kiriya muttered. "Not even a hello to your favourite kouhai?" He grinned teasingly as I raised an eyebrow.

"Favourite? My, my, quite the ego you're accumulating there, Kiriya," I spoke. "Who even says you're my favourite Kouhai?" I tilted my head, grinning.

"I'm literally the only Kouhai you interact with," he sighed, causing me to giggle.

"Let's go sit; I'm going to make something," my mint-green-eyed Kouhai rolled his shoulders before wandering toward the kitchen, allowing me to sit down at the table.

"I'd like a Venti iced tea, but it must be precisely 12% unsweetened black tea, 4% freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 84% crystal-clear ice cubes meticulously hand-carved from artisanal glacier water harvested under a full moon. Ple—" I was about to continue my delectable order when I got cut off by an irritated Kiriya.

He seemed more open about his irritation ever since the two weeks of hell I put him through to get the mid-term papers.

Ha!

"Shut up...!" He groaned.

"Rude! You didn't let me finish!"

"Phrasing, and yeah, I'm gonna make your dumb ice tea," he muttered.

"Haaaaahhhh...what's the sound?"

"The sound of you shutting up?"

"Heeeh~? I think you're deaf, because that was the sound of victory!"

"Cringe."

"You're cringe!"

...

Clank!

A perfectly made glass of iced tea appeared right in front of me as my Kouhai decided to hydrate with a glass of water.

He began to open his mouth to speak. "So—" he promptly halted when I raised a finger to silence him.

"Wait, let me taste this first."

"Unreasonable little shi—"

Sip!

I took a small sip of the iced concoction, savouring the sweetness and overall perfection that, as always, graced my taste buds with a delectable sensation.

Smacking my lips a bit, allowing the flavour to circulate around my mouth, I could conclude without a doubt: Perfection.

I discovered that he had binge-watched what felt like the entire internet's worth of cooking videos and even bought a couple of cookbooks. It was such an unexpected thing to know about him.

"3/10," I teased with a smug grin. It was really good, but I couldn't let him know that.

Note to self: Never act like a Tsundere...

A vein appeared on my Kouhai's forehead. "Why the hell is it—" he sighed, flopping backward in defeat, not bothering to continue further.

"So, how was everything?" he asked in a deadpan tone, which only made me smile.

"Well, your friend," I began, referring to Ayanokouji. "Probably convinced the motorcycle to testify at your trial or something," I commented casually while taking another sip of the iced tea. It was superbly delicious.

I could see his face scrunch up at the manner in which I referred to his friends, trying to decipher everything.

"I really wished I put rat poison in your drink..." he muttered, sitting back up.

"Mhm, what else?" Kiriya was already accustomed to my way of relaying information to him, reluctantly accepting it.

Maybe I should up the ante a bit in the future?

Wait, did he just mention rat poison?

"Well~"

Sip!

"There was this store clerk that I wanted to beat up," I mentioned. "He looked overly excited upon seeing the motorcycle, honestly." I scowled.

I had an aversion to weirdos, especially adult weirdos who lusted over younger people.

Just remove their ability to reproduce, honestly.

"Gross."

"Can I beat him up then?"

"No. No beating up anyone..."

"But what about—"

"That was because the guy got violent first, and he was a clueless 3rd year," Kiriya quickly clarified, prompting me to chuckle.

"Mhm, sure, sure..."

Kiriya then flopped onto his stomach, a familiar posture that signalled deep contemplation.

I watched him with curiosity. Whenever he was planning something or pondering a matter intensely, he would assume this position, closing his eyes and focusing entirely on the task at hand.

"Can you tell me what else happened? No cryptic speak or any of that, please," he asked politely, a request that deviated from our usual banter.

"Boooo~ Fujiwara Kiriya, Ruinier of the Fun~!" I playfully whined.

"Kiryuin Fuka, Chaos incarnate~ oh please tell me your secrets~ for I do not have the brainpower to dissect your brain~!" he responded in jest.

I let out an amused laugh. "Fine, fine, I'll humour you," I relented, hearing a sigh of relief escape him. "But!"

"FUCK! OF COURSE THERE'S A BUT!"

"HAHAHAHA! But you've gotta get me more iced tea!" I declared, taking the last sip of that perfection he called iced tea.

"I thought you said it was a 3/10 though...?" his mint-green eyes met mine with a hint of vulnerability.

Oh.

Now I feel bad.

I grinned mischievously. "What? I never said that! Go get me another; it was good!" I chuckled.

Second note to self: Kiriya doesn't like jokes about his food/drinks being bad.

"You're lucky I'm in the mood for your shenanigans today," he muttered, pushing himself back up and picking up my empty glass.

"Mhm~ of course, of course, ~ I know you love me!" I teased.

"Sure, whatever makes you sleep at night, Fuka," he grumbled as I watched his retreating figure heading back into the kitchen.

I pondered for a moment, wondering how my life would be if he hadn't come into it. What would we both be doing if we hadn't met?

...

...

Heh.

...

...

I guess we'll never know.

...

...

_

Words: 3594

Shorter chapter with Fuka's perspective on things.

What do you think?

I'm fairly uncertain if I got her mindset down. I haven't read enough material to properly get down her personality and stuff to a T, so I'm wondering if there's any tips for you to give me.

See ya soon.

Vol 2.4 - Am I Not Me?

Queasy: Hello, children! Hopefully, you're all doing well, did your day at the kindergarten go well? Was Natalie a bitch as usual?

Fuck you, Natalie.

I'm personally enjoying the longer breaks between chapters, it gives me more time to actually think, rest and not go, full-blown dumbass, while writing.

Anyways, enjoy~!

Two figures perched on the rooftop of ANHS, one a teenager, and the other an adult. The breeze flowed through their hair, casting an air of seriousness over the scene.

It was the day of the mid-term results, and the star of the show, Horikita Suzune, stood before her teacher, Chabashira Sae, who had her back turned toward her student.

Suzune had just orchestrated a daring rescue mission to save Sudo Ken from expulsion by employing the radical idea of buying test score points. She had undoubtedly gained loads of clout for that endeavour.

"Quite the performance, Horikita," the stoic instructor complimented in her characteristically cold tone, taking a drag of her cigarette.

"Enlisting Hirata and... surprisingly, Fujiwara into the whole affair," she remarked, glancing briefly at the student behind her.

To Sae, Kiriya was a popular but seemingly lazy student, albeit subtly so. She had observed him doodling in his notebook and entering trance-like states with an enigmatic expression as if lost in a realm beyond comprehension.

To her, this was why Kiriya belonged in class D, not the odd reason the school had assigned. What did they mean by "documents?" she didn't know and certainly didn't have enough time to dig further.

He appeared more focused on leisure, himself, and doing nothing productive for the class's benefit.

But there was a twist to this narrative.

Kiriya was undeniably intelligent. He had cracked the hint behind the mid-term papers, and Sae was convinced he played a significant role in the leak of the S-System's inner workings.

The meticulous wording and accuracy of the descriptions pointed to someone who had practically replicated the entire S-System.

It was like a dream come true.

This behaviour was a complete contradiction to his usual demeanour. She knew it, and she yearned for evidence of the grand scheme he was undoubtedly concocting.

What was his endgame?

Sae's mind wandered back to a few weeks prior.

Perhaps, with enough digging, she could entice this green-eyed student to wholeheartedly pursue class A instead of whatever enigmatic endeavour he was currently engaged in.

What could it possibly be?

As Suzune replied, "It was their own decision. I acted solely for my benefit," Sae couldn't help but chuckle softly at that answer.

She met her student's gaze and posed another question, one that intrigued her more than she cared to admit.

"Tell me, Horikita, do you know who transferred the 100,000 points into your account?" The teacher's curiosity drove the query, more so than any intention to extract answers from the younger Horikita.

Suzune fell silent, contemplating her predicament, sifting through established facts. She prided herself on being observant, capable of discerning subtle details and crafting logical explanations.

But those points... who had sent them? It couldn't have been a member of class D; their financial status was too modest and broke.

So, could it be a student from another class?

Yet, this raised a new set of questions. Why would students from other classes interfere in Class D's affairs? What could possibly motivate them?

Suzune was disconnected from high school social circles; she didn't even know anyone who had her phone numb—

Then, her eyes widened as a sudden but plausible conclusion formed, surprising even herself. Her sensei's smirk only grew at her revelation.

How did they even know?

She then spoke out before Suzune could say her answer. "There has never been a class D in the history of this school that has risen in rank before," She remarked, taking another drag of her cigarette. "And to reach class A..." she trailed off.

"Getting to know Fujiwara Kiriya is imperative."

This statement held significance for both of them. The faster they unravelled the motivations of that enigmatic, green-eyed student, the better...

I, personally, though, doubt their abilities to do so.

Her eyes widened once more as she bolted away, an urgent need to catch up to that enigmatic figure, leaving no room to notice the stoic-faced individual who had been eavesdropping on their conversation.

...

...

It was the day after Sudo was accused by class C, and everyone was searching for people with any knowledge of the incident. Of course, I knew Sakura was the witness but I needed some insight on, well, a few things.

That's why I asked Fuka!

Yay!

By the way, for you less observant in the audience, this is before Kiyotaka, Kushida and Sakura went on their electronics store adventure. So this is before Vol 2.3 where Fuki-Wooky observed the entire thing, m'kay?

Timelines are a bit strange and my fourth wall breaks are pretty helpful!

Ding!

Ooooo~ a text!

[Pink Gummybear: Hello Fujiwara-kun!

Hello Ichinose-san! [Me]

[Pink Gummybear: Wanna search around the Special Annex with me now?

I pondered Ichinose's text for a moment before replying.

I'm down. Wanna meet in the lobby? [Me]

[Pink Gummybear: I'm already walking toward the Special Annex, so...

Oh, no worries then, I'll catch up then! [Me]

[Pink Gummybear: Wait, I'll send you my location on the map...

[Pink Gummybear: [Image JPEG]

[Pink Gummybear: You get it?

Mhm, be right there: [Me]

Wait, can you meet me there, I need to get changed: [Me]

[Pink Gummybear: Got it! ᕙ( •̀ ᗜ •́ )ᕗ

I then threw my blazer onto the floor like a parent does to a child they don't want.

I'm not going to roast myself alive, thank you very much.

...

As I stood in front of the vending machine, I couldn't help but wonder what type of drink Ichinose might like. I scanned the options.

It's so hot...

Orange juice, apple juice, mango juice, water, matcha, juice, juice... Wait, what's this?

Milk?

Milk?

Mom?

Strawberry milk... white milk... chocolate milk... strawberry milk...

"Milk...good for bones"

Bones?

Bones?

Did you know, that one or two servings of full-fat dairy each day are beneficial for ovulatory function and fertility? Milk is good for bone.

Ichinose's hair colour is kind of like strawberry milk, isn't it?

Strawberry milk... white milk... chocolate milk...

Milk...

Why is there milk in a vending machine? Strawberry milk...

White milk...

What kind of drink would Fuka like?

She would probably say something along the lines of. "The great Kiryuin Fuka will only drink whatever interests me" or something like that.

That's way more sexual than I meant it to sound like. Great, now I'm turned on.

Milk...

Oh... ohohohohoahahahahaha!

I really don't know what to choose, now do I?

I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. What would be the perfect drink for Ichinose?

Milk.

...

I chose orange juice and mango juice.

There's too much milk in my brain.

I'm fairly sure Ichinose has very developed back muscles.

I mean what?

Milk Balloons.

Ding!

[Fuka•ᴗ• ️: What the hell are you even thinking about right now?

Balloons [Me]

[Fuka•ᴗ• ️: Weirdo

Stop invading my thoughts, you stupid psychic [Me]

[Fuka•ᴗ• ️: LU2

[Me]

...

I firmly believe that air conditioning is a gift from the heavens. Think about it – it literally conditions the air and manipulates it to the person's desires. You want it to be hot, it's now hot. You want it to be cold, it's now cold.

I have no idea why, though, you'd want it to be warmer. Unless you're from that hellhole known as Canada.

cough

It was as simple as that.

So, you can imagine my practical and unbearable discomfort at the fact that I'm in this stupid Special Annex building, slowly roasting myself while holding two cans of soon-to-be-room-temperature juice.

Not in a literal sense, mind you. I'm not actually cooking, but in a metaphorical sense, dear reader. I'm just experiencing what people call global warming but on a much smaller and more personal scale.

Because right now, I feel like a little head of iceberg lettuce in a greenhouse.

...

"...So that's what happened. This story hasn't made its way to Class B yet. Hey, isn't this a pretty big problem, though? It doesn't really matter who lied since it's an issue about violence, right? Shouldn't you be hurrying to uncover the truth?" Ichinose's voice rang out.

There was someone else here?

"That's why we came here to look. But we haven't really found much," a monotone voice affirmed my thoughts.

Why's Kiyotaka here?

"So you believe Sudou-kun because he's your classmate... And your friend, of course, that much is obvious. So Class D is in an uproar because Sudo is being falsely charged, right?"

"What would you do if Sudou-kun was the liar? Suppose evidence came out that proved his guilt. What then?"

"I'd report on it honestly. After all, covering for a lie would only come back to haunt us later."

"Yeah, okay. I think so, too."

"Same here," I finally stumbled into their conversation, revealing myself, much to the surprise of...Horikita?

She's also here?

Oh dear, she's gonna pester me about being with Ichinose, isn't she?

Whatever.

"Oh, Fujiwara-kun, glad for you to join us!" Ichinose said with a smile while I took a sip of my mango juice.

I nonchalantly stole a glance at my other classmates. Kiyotaka looked at me with a tilted head, and Horikita with a half glare, questioning why I was there.

"Here," I handed Ichinose the can of orange juice. "Just a small apology for being late."

"Ehehhh you didn't have to..." my pink-haired friend took the can, placing the cold-ish metal to her cheeks to alleviate the heat.

"It's hot," I mumbled, before turning my eyes to the others, sighing. "Should've gotten more..."

Horikita settled on addressing Ichinose first, wanting to address me later, "Are you finished? You heard what you wanted," she spoke sharply and with a sigh, trying to drive Ichinose away.

"And Fujiwara-kun, what are you doing here?" She finally addressed me.

Ichinose and I exchanged glances, and I motioned for her to speak first, as the telepathic communication between us told her that my brain didn't want to function today.

"Well...I have a suggestion; how about I help you out? To look for the witness, or whatever. You're bound to get further with more people, right?" She glanced at Kiyotaka as well for support.

Those two were acquainted with one another, we'd all go to karaoke together, and mess around, though most of Kiyotaka's interactions with others were through me.

You poor introverted soul, being given the title of "Fujiwara's friend".

"Why would a student from Class B offer to help?" Horikita asked, eyes narrowed, switching gazes between me and my pink-haired friend.

"Are Classes D and B completely unrelated to each other? We don't know when these cases will spring up, or whom they'll involve. Since the classes are in constant competition, there's always the chance that this will happen. This was merely the first case. If the party that lied wins, that'd set a bad precedent. Also, I personally can't turn away now that I know what happened."

I lightly sighed, as Kiyotaka and I have witnessed, on a few occasions that we've hung out with her, she was an altruist at heart, taking it upon herself each time to help others in need.

That kind of behaviour would've landed her in class A, by all circumstances. So why wasn't she in class A?

Yousuke and Ichinose. Two kind individuals placed in classes that they didn't deserve to be placed in. It was fascinating.

"If Class B works with you, wouldn't that dramatically improve your credibility? Though I suppose the opposite could be true, too. Class D may suffer greater consequences if the truth's uncovered..." Ichinose continued. "What do you think? I don't believe it's a bad suggestion."

I glanced over to see what Horikita thought.

She was still looking out the window, unmoving. I wondered what she thought about Ichinose's offer. Of course, we were worried about what effect this would have.

If Class D tried to prove Sudou's innocence by themselves, our credibility would be low unless we managed to find evidence that absolutely, 100 percent confirmed Sudo's innocence.

If a student from Class B got involved, there might be tremendous implications.

"Fujiwara-kun," Horikita finally addressed me. "Is that why you're tagging along with Ichinose-san?" Her implications were what Ichinose had just said. If I got Ichinose on the case, our credibility would skyrocket.

All Eyes on Me. Like that one Tupac album.

Except all eyes were staring into my soul.

Please don't look into my soul, there are scary monsters in there. I have like, two wolves inside of me.

Rawr xD

Rawr x3 *nuzzles* how are you *pounces on you* you're so warm o3o *notices you have a bulge* o: someone's happy *nuzzles your necky wecky~* murr hehehe *rubbies your bulgy wolgy* you're so big :oooo *rubbies more on your bulgy wolgy* it doesn't stop growing ·/· *kisses you and lickies your necky* daddy likies (; nuzz—

PAAAAUUSEEEE.

I took a sip of my juice. "I wanted to tag along because Ichinose-san wanted me to and I was curious myself," I spoke simply. "I don't know, really, I just wanted to do something that was maybe helpful..." I trailed off.

"You would rather collude with another class than inform me?"

"Collude is an intense word," I said lazily. "I wasn't informed about anything regarding a search, so there's that."

"Hm..." Horikita lightly hummed, nodding slightly.

What didn't go right in my mind was how she brought Kiyotaka but not me. RUDE! I'm jealous now. HMPH!!!1!

She then looked at me with suspicion a bit more, before glancing out the window a second time, lips pursed, deep in thought.

"I'll...accept your help, Ichinose-san," she finally spoke.

Ichinose smiled, showing off her white teeth.

"Then it's decided! Umm..."

"Horikita."

"It's nice to meet you, Horikita-san. And you too, again, Ayanokouji-kun we should all hang out again sometime!" She chirped, finally opening the orange juice with a satisfying pop of the can.

"Ou, yeah we should!" I called out after taking a sip. "I wanna hear Kiyotaka-kun's singing voice!"

"Yeah, I've never heard Ayanokouji-kun sing before, fufu!" Ichinose chuckled.

"Uh..." Sorry, my adopted introvert, I'm throwing you under the bus!

Horikita, in the background, cleared her throat, getting our attention once again. "By the way, we already found a witness. Unfortunately, it's a student from Class D."

Ichinose let out an exasperated sigh. "Well, that means there isn't another witness. I mean, I guess someone from another class might have witnessed it, but it isn't likely."

I wanted to know something. "By the way, who is the witness? I'm curious."

"Sakura, the one with the..." Kiyotaka tried to explain it by combing his hand through his hair, making a slick-back motion.

"Sakura-san doesn't have a slick back, Kiyotaka-kun," I raised an eyebrow as my brown-haired classmate looked off toward the side, looking like he was ready to pass on to the next life.

Ichinose giggled beside me. "Sakura-san...the one with the glasses right and..." She then took a tuff of her strawberry blonde hair. "kind of like mine right?"

"I'm fairly sure," Horikita afirmed.

After wrapping up the conversation, where Horikita left the three of us to talk among ourselves, we left for the dorms together.

By the way, I pulled a fast one and slipped my black-haired classmate a note with my number on it in her pocket.

You know, like a guy like me usually does.

They don't call me Saduciwara Flirtyirya for anything.

My name doesn't do puns well. Good job, Kiriya.

...

"Wait, I wanna take a picture," Ichinose suddenly blurted as we made our way back toward the dorms.

"...Why?" Kiyotaka blinked, his voice questioning.

I, on the other hand, rolled with it and brought my brown-haired introvert closer between us, shoving him in the middle of us.

An extroverted sandwich, with an introvert in the middle. A perfect name for a sex tape.

"Just 'cuz why not? Friends do this all the time!" she smiled as he reluctantly tried to pose.

"Kiriya's lesson for the day: Having friends is nice!"

"Say 'Cheese'!"

"EHHHHH?! BUT I'M LACTOSE INTOLERANT ICHINOSE-SAN!" I suddenly shouted.

"PFFFFFT—"

CLINK!

The camera's shutter clicked, capturing the moment.

Me and Kiyotaka then glanced at the pink-haired gummy bear who was covering her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter.

"Wait-wait-wait, let's see it...hehehehe~" We huddled together to witness a photo that could put Pablo Picasso himself to shame.

Let's visualize it now, dear reader.

⁽⁽(੭ꐦ •̀Д•́ )੭*⁾⁾ ( ._. )（ ' థ౪థ）

That's me on the far left, Kiyotaka on the right, and Ichinose on the far right, struggling not to burst into laughter.

Notice how Kiyotaka's forehead appears massive. This visualization isn't an exact representation of what happened, but it captures the essence.

Anyways...

"HAHAAHAHAHAHAHA!" I and Ichinose burst out laughing at the sight.

"A-Ayanokouji-k-kun, I'm sorry, but you look so confused fufufuHahahaha~!"

"Hey..." Kiyotaka tried to look hurt, but his blank face and monotone voice made it all too funny.

( ._. ) -- This is what his face still looked like.

"heheheheHAHAHA" The two of us smiled and laughed, big laughs as we held our stomachs.

I'm so sorry, Kiyotaka, but you've been reduced to comedic relief, for now.

Oh dear, I love friendships like this.

And—Oh?

There's a change in Kiyotaka's eyes. A small, twitch in them, a subtle one, but noticeable to me.

Perhaps it was fondness that they were trying to convey? Or perhaps the heat is making me hallucinate?

I have no idea.

...

It was the next morning, and Kiyotaka and I sauntered over to school, small eyebags plaguing our eyes, a sign of insurmountable tiredness.

"Oy! Fujiwara-kun! Ayanokouji-kun!"

"Ichinose-san, hello," I greeted with a yawn. My pink-haired friend observed me for a moment before giggling to herself.

"You've got a bit of bed-hair, did you sleep well?"

I stole a glance at Kiyotaka, who looked like he hadn't slept a day in his life. Probably because he was doing one of his "How to be Normal" nights where he goes on the internet and plays YouTube videos on how to appear confident in conversation.

I'm not speaking from experience, totally. I totally didn't come into his room one day and see multiple tabs on his computer saying "How to talk to girls" and "How to tell if a girl likes you." I totally never, ever saw that.

I mean, I did, but I'm not going to tell him that. I think he would curl up into a ball and cry. If he had the capacity to do so, that is.

Anyways...

"Yes ma'am," I spoke with a mock salute. "I slept like a baby," I said, smiling a bit.

"Hehe, that's good. What about you, Ayanokouji-kun?" she turned her attention to my brown-haired friend who appeared a bit taken aback again.

You poor sod, Kiyotaka.

I smiled fondly as we chatted.

"Good morning, Class Rep Ichinose!"

Two girls who were getting off the elevator called out to Ichinose. She said hello back.

"Class Rep? Why Class Rep?" Kiyotaka asked, his eyes following the two girls.

"I'm my class's representative. It seems like that, anyway."

"Your class's representative? Do all classes except for D have someone like that, too?"

That was the first I'd heard about this. Normally, I would've been surprised, but considering who our homeroom teacher was, she'd probably decided to leave that part out.

I'm gonna leave her out of my little tea party later then, humph!

"No, that's just something Class B set up on its own. I think it's good to have some assigned roles, right?"

I understood her point, but we certainly weren't going to assign our own class representative. "Are there other positions besides class representative?"

"Yeah. Whether or not they serve a function is a different question, but we do have other roles for formality's sake. Stuff like vice class representative and secretary. They could be more useful when we have a cultural fair sports festival, or something. We could try deciding things on the spot, but that might lead to trouble."

Wanting to get a move on, I gestured for them to follow me while they talked. My brain hadn't woken up yet, and I was operating on autopilot, so I just listened to their conversation in the background.

"Seems like you've taken the lead. Of Class B, I mean." It appeared Kiyotaka expressed his honest feelings on the matter. "Do you think it's weird? It's all purely informal. Besides, there are quite a few troublemakers. We have to deal with a lot of stuff."

As she said, "We have to deal with a lot of stuff," Ichinose laughed.

"Maaaa, do you think I'd make a good class representative, Ichinose-san?" I inquired a bit zoned out.

"Hmmm~" She hummed a bit. "I think so~ fufu, as long as you get proper rest, young man!" she playfully turned into a nagging mother, chuckling a bit while doing so.

Kiyotaka and I exchanged a brief glance, and he spoke as well. "You'd probably enforce mandatory naps during lunch break," he spoke monotonously.

I snorted. "Maybe~ maybe not~ hehe~" I grinned mischievously.

"Fufu~" Ichinose chuckled in the background as we made our way to the school of our dreams—I mean nightmares, chattering and doing whatever the hell a normal teenager does nowadays.

"Oh! Uh...Ayanokouji...kun...could you uh...help me with something?" I didn't bother listening in on the conversation in the back, as I just wanted to go to school, buy a coffee, and disassociate myself from reality today.

...

Now, dear readers, let's go a little bit more into the future! The author totally didn't show that extended flashback sequence because he totally forgot about that last scene and subsequently messed up the timeline.

Hahahahaha!

Anyways~!

I left my dorm with the information that Fuka had just given me, mulling it over as I made my way to my destination.

Fuka was a puzzle, a double-edged sword. Her usefulness stemmed from her insatiable curiosity, which I had managed to ensnare in an ever-expanding web of my eccentricity.

She was undoubtedly intelligent, and it was likely she had already deciphered much of my scheme. However, this only seemed to deepen her fascination with me.

Her entire persona revolved around whatever intrigued her at the moment, and if that intrigue could be sustained, she would remain an asset for an unpredictable duration.

That was the thing about Fuka – her predictability lay in her unpredictability.

I'm fairly sure she had the worst case of ADHD on the planet, though I cannot prove that fact, I will when I find her meds.

If she has any...

Augh... It's perplexing, this...relationship. Was it even a partnership? I'm starting to overthink it again... Is it a partnership or...?

I unintentionally smacked my forehead, looking for answers to my conundrum.

I mean, all I did was ask her for help with something I wanted to do. She agreed instantly, and from there, it morphed into this peculiar, transitional type of connection we shared. If I were to describe it, it would be symbiotic?

No...I would say it's probably more than that at this point.

Sometimes I requested her assistance, and in return, she demanded something equally odd, like a trip to the nail salon or the purchase of a video game for us to play together. Minecraft came to mind.

She "tried" to teach me, only to lead those green Creeper creatures into my house, causing it to explode! That was rude and mean; I was a noob! I still am!

Do you have any idea how long it took to rebuild my house? It was quite a while, given that Fuka pulled "The Lorax" and decimated the entire forest like an overzealous lumberjack on steroids.

It was fun, though.

Great, now I'm imagining her as a lumberjack, wearing a black and red checkered flannel with overalls...and...oh...great, now I'm turned on.

Speaking of houses...

I'd say our relationship was largely built on risk. If anyone outside of the few already involved were to uncover our dealings, it could spell trouble. I had some countermeasures in place, but keeping everything discreet was paramount for now.

I mean, there were only about... four of us...? I think I wasn't entirely certain about the fifth individual because they seemed unusually cautious around me.

Hey, it's not like I completely disrespected them to their face and disrupted the entire meeting just to assert dominance. No, I'm far more calculating than that!

Heh...

Hehe~ It's like those underground revolutionary movements from the early 20th century, but without the famines, genocides, and... other atrocities... heheh~

Unintentionally, I found myself massaging my temples as I contemplated the tasks at hand, not just for the present but also for the next five minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months. Overthinking could certainly take a toll on one's mind, and mine was no exception.

Heh, like a fictional character, such as me would ever—

STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP!STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP!STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP!STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP!STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP!STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP!STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP! STOP! STOP STOP STOP!

I AM KIRIYA!

"You're a magnificent child..."

IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT! IM NOT!

"To think you'd...it's fascinating"

I DON'T HAVE STRINGS. I'M NOT A PUPPET.

"How would you like to..."

STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP!

"Of course, they'll love you! You're gonna be you!"

I'll sever my strings...

"I pity you, in all fairness..."

HEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHAHEHEHEHEHEHEAHAHAHAHAHA!

"STOP IT...THEY'RE GOING TO..."

"Breathe."

Hehe~ Oh dear reader~ Please disregard that section for now; I was simply letting my intrusive thoughts run wild. Hahahahahaaaaa~!

Please take your meds, dear reader, I don't want my adorable onlookers to magically hallucinate and go through an identity crisis.

I mean, everyone questions their existence from time to time, right?

Hahahaha~

That's good; it's healthy not to be, hahahahaha!

This is a safe space, after all, and definitely not a place where I insult you all mercilessly as if I were some kind of cold-hearted sociopath on a quest to maximize my own amusement!

Hahaha!

A-anyways... I found myself at the Keyaki mall, heading toward the electronics store to drop something off.

Goodness... Never wear hoodies in the summer. Sure they conceal things well, like pieces of paper, but I'm burning in here, man.

I feel like an idiot.

Nice one, Kiriya.

...

I returned to my dorm and pushed the door open, stepping inside.

"You know, you're kind of messed up," Fuka remarked casually as soon as I entered, prompting a weary sigh from me.

"Didn't you—never mind..." I had grown used to these peculiar accusations about my character. I removed my sweater, leaving me in my gray t-shirt.

But seriously, I wasn't the one who engaged in a thirty-minute debate about the potential benefits of consuming honey straight from the honeycomb, Fuka.

Sure, I could see the argument for eating the wax, possibly providing more nutritional value, but I preferred not to emerge from the experience covered in sticky residue and bee stings. Thank you very much.

My silver-haired senpai suddenly stood up, a smirk playing on her lips. "Heading out to turn down another guy?"

"Mhm," she hummed in agreement before raising her eyes from her phone, a mischievous glint in them. "Want to observe?"

I shrugged, uninterested. "Meh."

"Hmph, suit yourself," she retorted, heading toward the door. "I guess you don't want me to exploit the poor sod in some way?" She added with a snarky tone.

I gave her an odd look. "No...?" Where on earth had she picked up the word 'sod'? Did she recently become British?

"Heeeeeh... boring~" Fuka sighed dramatically before unlocking the door. "A simple 'See you later, Fuka' would be appreciated, you know?"

"Bye-bye, Fuki-wooky-pookie-chan~ Have a whole lotta funny-wunny on your confessy-wessy~!" I responded in an uncharacteristically cutesy voice, mimicking an overzealous anime enthusiast, complete with a neckbeard and an obsession with "1000-year-old vampires".

"PFFFT—Close enough," she chuckled before departing.

Clank!

The soft sound of the door closing behind my senpai echoed through the room, leaving me with a sudden sense of loneliness and...jealousy...?

Ding!

Oh, a text message!

Hahaha, suckers! I'm not lonely at all. I've just grown so accustomed to relying on someone else for social interaction that I've become dependent on their presence. With them leaving, I'm suddenly hit with what others might call the "Big Sad"!

Hahahahaha!

[Bakataka: What does "Swag" mean?

Dude... [Me]

Oh...you pure summer soul...

...

BORRRINNG! LET'S SKIP TO MONDAY! THE DAY BEFORE THE TRIAL!

...

After homeroom finished for the day, we asked Chabashira-sensei to see us in the faculty room. I tagged along as well, not wanting to leave my introvert alone with Kushida.

"A witness? For Sudou's case?" Chabashira-sensei said, with furrowed eyebrows.

"Yes. Sakura-san saw everything from start to finish."

Kushida called for Sakura, who stood quietly behind her. She stepped forward, looking slightly nervous.

"So according to Kushida, you saw the fight between Sudou and the others."

"Yes. I saw it."

It's not that our teacher didn't believe us, but I felt ill at ease before her skeptical gaze. Sakura, true to her word, slowly gave us the truth. This was the first time that we had heard the full story. None of us, not even the teacher, spoke a single word or even moved until the very end.

"I understand what you've said. However, I can't simply accept what you're telling me," Chabashira-sensei said.

I would have thought that, as Class D's homeroom teacher, she would've been delighted to discover a witness from Class D. Kushida, betrayed by this turn of events, was flustered.

"Wh-What do you mean, sensei?" she asked.

"Sakura, why are you testifying now? When I reported the issue during homeroom, you didn't step forward. It's not as though you were absent that day, right?"

"Well... That's... I'm just not good at talking with other people..."

"You're not good at talking with other people, and yet you've decided to testify now? Isn't that strange?"

Chabashira-sensei started hounding Sakura, as was typical. If Sakura had stepped forward back when she'd first called for witnesses, though, I wondered if Chabashira-sensei would honestly have welcomed it.

"Sensei, Sakura-san is..."

"I'm speaking to Sakura right now." Chabashira-sensei cut Kushida off sharply.

"Umm... Well, it's because our... class is in trouble now, and... I thought if... if I testify, I can help..."

Sakura wasn't the type of person to talk to others. Even during my attempts to know her, or rather our indirect conversations, she seemed wary of me for an unknown reason.

Even right now, she seemed more on edge than she would've been if I wasn't present.

Strange.

Hopefully, I could help her.

"I see. So, then you mustered up the courage to come forward?"

"Y-yes..."

"I see. Well if you are a witness as you say, naturally I'm obligated to relay that information to the school. However, while the school will listen to the whole story, Sudou may not be declared innocent."

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"Are you really the witness, Sakura? That's what I'm getting at. I think that it may be a lie made up by Class D because the students are afraid of receiving a negative evaluation."

"Chabashira-sensei, that's a horrible thing to say!" Kushida cried out.

"Horrible? If you really had witnessed an event, you should have come forward on the first day. It's natural to feel suspicious when someone steps up just in the nick of time." Our sensei snapped back.

"Considering that the witness is from Class D, it's doubly suspicious. Any reasonable person would have doubts. Don't you think so? Conveniently, a student from the same class happened to be in an infrequently visited building and happened to witness the entire event?" she finished her argument.

Chabashira-sensei had plenty of good points. The fact that Sakura had witnessed the incident was too convenient. People would obviously have their doubts.

If I were a third party, I'd probably think Class D had made this story up. Judged impartially, it was only natural to consider this eyewitness testimony weak.

Sensei then sighed. "However, a witness is a witness. I cannot determine if she's lying, so for the time being, I will accept her testimony. So, Sakura, I will ask for you to join us on the day of deliberation. I understand that you do not like to associate with others, but can you do this?"

Chabashira-sensei's words shook Sakura as if she were testing the girl. Sure enough, Sakura, upon imagining this, turned pale and anguished.

"If you don't like it, you do have the option to withdraw. Also, we'll tell Sudou that he will be participating in the deliberation."

"Are you okay, Sakura-san?" I spoke gently, and her face tensed up a bit.

"Y-yeah..." Sakura's reply lacked confidence. In addition to having to give her testimony in front of others, she was also going to have to sit alone with Sudo. It seemed a little cruel to force her...

Oh dear... what in the world am I gonna do?

Am I gonna brick it?

YES!

...

...

Words: 5473

Hello~

Sudo's trial will be next chapter.

By the way, I wanna know something. I just want to measure something about the audience right now.

What are some theories on what the MC is doing in the background?

That's all from me!

See ya soon~!

Vol 2.5 - Am I Not a Genius?

This is a repost, I wanted to add and edit a few more things

"You survive, you have strings. I live, and I am me, that's the difference between us."

-Fujiwara Kiriya, Thick Hips Sink Ships CEO

The first person I would consider a "friend" in this school is a remarkable individual named Fujiwara Kiriya.

Our paths crossed on the very first day of school, a moment that would ultimately rescue me from the quote "loner" archetype that I have seen in many manga.

To him, I owe a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot express.

Our circle of friends, or what he playfully calls the "Popular Kids" group, included a handful of familiar faces: Karuizawa Kei, Hirata Yousuke, Matsushita Chiaki, and Sato Maya.

These were the individuals with whom I often engaged in conversation within our group.

I initially felt very out of place.

I must admit, that I cherish having friends by my side.

As for my own popularity, it's a bit of a mystery. Google Chrome and a few personality quizzes have pegged me as the "Quiet Kid."

I can still hear Kiriya's laughter, a friendly tease that somehow stings: "RATATATATATATATATATATATAT."

What exactly did he mean by that? The meaning eludes me.

But I have a plan. Soon, I will have my revenge.

Curiously, I find myself gravitating towards Kiriya, and the reason behind this magnetism eludes my understanding. It may have had either a positive or negative impact on my social standing; I can't quite place a finger on it.

Once, a group of girls approached me, inquiring if I had Kiriya's phone number. Was I merely a middleman? Such a thought leaves a dent in my self-esteem.

Kiriya, they say, is Class D's "Prince Charming." The origin of this moniker is beyond me, but when I inquired, his reaction was nothing short of horror.

"That's a horrible name," he muttered, looking downcast. "It sounds like some sort of...oh my god, it's horrible." His mint-green eyes betrayed his unease.

Was it truly that bad? Nonetheless, it beats being known as "Fujiwara's friend," that's for certain.

Kiriya is a bundle of emotions, I wish I could do that. His expressions range from joy to happiness to a touch of arrogance. He possesses a wide palette of feelings and an uncanny knack for Western pop culture references.

One Saturday, he kidnapped me and sat me down in front of his television, embarking on a marathon of "Star Wars," "Harakiri," several "James Bond" movies, "The Lion King," and more.

To my surprise, I enjoyed it.

He referred to it as a "Boy's Night Out," a slang term I had to look up. At least there was food involved.

Kiriya consistently pushes me to socialize, even though I occasionally resist. His web of connections rivals that of Kushida.

I often wonder why he's so determined to help me.

"I'm doing this because I can," he once explained abruptly, as if reading my thoughts. "And besides, it's fun. You don't talk much, and you're clearly socially awkward." He snarked, sipping on his beloved mango juice.

"Ouch...words hurt," I retorted.

"Heh," he snorted. "And...I don't know, I don't really like..." His expression grew pensive. "I don't like the feeling of seeing someone who doesn't want to be alone, be alone, you know?"

There it was, that gravitational pull. His words were so genuine, unlike Kushida's facade. There was no hidden agenda or mask to conceal his true feelings.. .I think.

"Because I can."

"It's fun."

"I don't like the feeling of seeing someone who doesn't want to be alone, be alone."

"You're clearly socially awkward." (Please disregard that last one.)

Those words echoed in my mind, sparking my curiosity. Kiriya was like Hirata, unfiltered. He resembled Kushida but without the facade. He was like Horikita, minus the constant threat of a compass.

Kind, charismatic, and sometimes snarky, Kiriya seemed relatable to almost everyone in the class. He could discuss anything and everything for hours on end.

He could be a valuable tool...

I'm genuinely curious about him. What makes him tick? What are the building blocks of Kiriya's character? I want to know.

What secrets lie beneath those chaotic mumblings of his?

"Kiyotaka-kun, don't watch 'Two Girls One Cup' is totally not absolutely disgusting" He tried to wipe away the vomit on his face.

Yeah...I'm not doing that...

...

That's absolutely... disgusting...

Ding!

A text message from...

[Kiriya: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Why...? [Me]

[Kiriya: Balls. LMAO xD

What does that even mean?

I will make you suffer for putting me through this Kiriya.

...

I found myself lost in my memories once more while in class on the day of the trial, not bothering to acknowledge the copious amount of tension in the air. From what I knew, if we lost, we'd lose about... 50 Class Points.

That would bring us down to 97 from the 147 we currently had, a seriously unfortunate turn of events, to be completely honest.

Heh, like I'd let that happen, dear reader. It's the author's story after all, and he needs my character to be showcased way more than it has already. I mean, seriously, you all know me, right? Why would you need to know anything else?

Are you planning on stalking me?

Like some sort of brown-haired, blue-eyed, absolutely stunning stalker-chan named Matsushita Chiaki who I've been suspiciously running into a lot recently while on my super-secret Mission Impossible meetings I've been having.

I thought you were interested in Kiyotaka! You're meant to be interested in him, I think!

Or are you, my dear reader, thinking of looking into my past?

Trying to understand my motivations?

I'm trying to understand you if you know what I'm saying.

(๑•̀๑) wink

I'm not hiding anything, dear reader, I swear! I swear on my mama, papa, your daddy, your sister, and the other mister, the one that keeps coming over to your mama's house to fist her!

Hehehehehehe~

I'm Ayanokouji for real, for real!

...

"So, how does this...help...the second-years?" Kiyomi-senpai murmured, scratching her head after I finished explaining my battle plan for this small trial.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't know, just go with it, and it'll be a very big funny!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands together with a mischievous grin.

My brown-haired senpai deflated, responding with a raspberry.

Cute.

"Wait... never mind, I get it now," she finally realized what was going to happen.

I smiled and nodded in agreement. "If Red-Hair-kun goes, bye-bye, you can't mess with 'Hi-Hi Notice Me Senpai,' am I right?" she said in a casual tone, twiddling with her brown locks.

"Yup~!"

"Text me when you're done... yawn, and I'll set everything up, okay? It's so hot outside..." She muttered the last part, unbuttoning her blazer.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, keep your blazer on, I'm not trying to—oh...ok..."

She draped her blazer onto me, giggling as she did so. Hidaka Kiyomi, everyone...

"Fufu~ Fuka-chan 3, Kiyomi 1, I'm catching up~"

"What?"

"Nothing~"

"Weirdo—Ow!"

"Rude! Don't speak to your senpai's like that!"

"Sorry—Ow! STAAAAP!"

"Nope~!"

...

BRIINNGG!

The bell rang, signalling the end of classes. The tension in the class was palpable as we all collectively knew what was about to go down.

"Have you prepared for this, Sudou-kun?" Horikita spoke.

"Yeah... I'm good. I was born ready."

Press X to doubt.

As if mentally preparing himself for what lay ahead, Sudou closed his eyes and folded his arms. But then he slowly opened his eyes again.

"You might call me a complete idiot and make fun of me, but I'm me. If you have something you say it now"

"Don't do anything selfish. Actually listening right now would be the clever thing to do, yes?" Horikita said in her signature stern tone.

"Ugh, you always act so high and mighty, lady."

When you saw them like this, it did seem as though they fought like cats and dogs.

But at the very least, Sudo didn't hate Horikita. If he did, he would've absolutely refused her help, no matter how advantageous her offer was.

I decided to speak as well. "Don't say anything unless spoken to," I said, adopting a lawyer's tone.

"Don't try and start an argument, which means yelling," I drawled out that last part. "Keep your mouth shut, like a erm...a very muscular doll..."

I've actually read up a few things about the law on the side when this trial was announced.

Apparently, if the defendant doesn't turn up to court they are "in contempt of court" and could lead to severe punishment. I will let you readers take that as you will.

And no, I did not poison anyone.

Yet...I'm kind of saving that for the island...

Have you guys heard of the multiple cases of contempt of court in the USA, specifically in Florida? No? Yeah, because I made it up, duh. But I'm fairly sure, considering Florida's reputation, that is possible.

Fuck you, dear reader.

Sudo snorted at my remark before taking a deep breath. "You sound like a damn lawyer, Fujiwara..." he sighed, lips pressed together before speaking again. "But yeah, I'll...I'll try!" He grinned with determination.

Sure you will. I'm literally counting on it, you Santa Claus-looking monkey.

Woah, that was a bit rude, Kiriya!

Shut up, Kiriya.

"I'll have you all know that I've read three articles, half a page of text, and prayed to the god of luck to tell me how trials work," I spoke with humour, trying to lighten the mood.

Sudo shook himself out, clearly anxious. "No time for jokes, Fujiwara, but I feel a bit...better, I guess."

"Do your best, Horikita-san. Sudo-kun." Kushida cheered us on.

Horikita didn't respond at all, but Sudou pumped his fist to show resolve. I turned to check on Sakura, who was still sitting down, her body rigid. She stood, her lips trembling slightly.

I tilted my head. "Sakura-san, it's time to go, are you alright?" I spoke gently, causing her to tense up further.

"Yeah... I'm okay. Thank you..."

Sakura was far tenser than I'd expected. If she was in this psychological state before the meeting had even begun, she might not be able to speak satisfactorily.

I then felt Kiyotaka's presence come up beside me. "Big day..." he breathed out, and I hummed in response.

"Big day, big...erm...something, I'm not sure where I was going with that..." I chuckled a bit, feeling a vibration in my phone.

Yeah, I know! Shut up, don't text me!!

"Let's go. We'll make a bad impression if we're late." Horikita beckoned us.

The discussion was scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. It was already 3:50 p.m. We couldn't afford to take it slow. When the five of us got to the faculty room, a teacher waved at us to come on inside.

"Yahoo! Hello, Class D students!"

The homeroom teacher for Class B, Hoshinomtya-sensei, gave us this happy-go-lucky greeting. "It seems like something rather incredible has happened, hmm?"

Her eyes sparkled as if she enjoyed sticking her nose into other people's business. (Well, she did).

"Ah! Kiriya-kun~ it is so nice to see you again~!" She practically teleported in front of me, taking my hand and shaking it enthusiastically.

"Ne, ne~ What happened? There's 5 of you, what happened?" She spoke, moving closer and closer.

I need an adult—

Wait...she is an adult...

"Hello, Hoshinomiya...sensei..." I spoke cautiously, as I felt the suspicious stare of Horikta on my back.

"What are you doing this time?" Chabashira-sensei muttered, coming out from her place to my rescue.

Thank you, Sae-chan-sensei, I will pray to your admirable thighs before I go to bed—I mean what?

"Oh no. I've been found out already, huh?"

Chabashira-sensei glared over at Hoshinomiya-sensei as she exited the faculty room. "Whenever you sneak out, that's around the time I start to feel suspicious."

Hoshinomiya gave a cute wink as if saying, Teehee, you got me! "So I guess I can't join in, huh?" she pouted.

"Of course, you can't. You know that outsiders cannot participate."

"Aw, that's too bad. Well, that's all right. The results should be out within the hour, I guess."

Chabashira-sensei forcefully pushed Hoshinomtya-sensei back into the faculty room.

"Nooooo I wanna speak to Kiriya-kun moreeee~!" she cried before the door shut behind her.

"Thank you, mom." I graciously bowed to my sensei. I would've hugged her, but she had that metal clipboard in her hands, and I didn't want to get hit by it.

I mean I would like to...I mean what?

What?

"What?!"

"What?"

Sensei's exasperated expression morphed into one of resignation, sighing."...Whatever, shall we be going?" she asked us.

"We're not going to do this in the faculty room, are we?" I queried with a head tilt.

"Of course not. This school does have rather complicated rules, but in cases such as these, a settlement is reached between the homeroom teacher of the class in question, the concerned parties, and the student council."

Horikita froze the very moment she heard the words "student council." Chabashira-sensei turned and glanced sharply at Horikita's face.

"If you want to stop, now's the time, Horikita." Chabashira sensei said firmly.

Sudo, who didn't understand why Horikita would react that way, looked confused. It was almost as if a giant question mark was floating above his head.

Our teacher, as usual, had revealed an important detail right at the last minute.

Asshole. You are now off my "bridesmaids" list HMPH!

"I'll...go. I'm fine."

Horikita quickly glanced at me. Her look probably meant something like, Don't worry on my account.

We left the first-floor faculty room and walked up three floors to the fourth. A placard that read "Student Council Room" was affixed to the wall near the doorway.

Chabashira-sensei knocked, and we went inside.

Even though Horikita had winced, she immediately followed us.

Inside, long tables had been arranged in a rectangular formation. The three students from Class C had already arrived and were seated.

Beside them sat a bespectacled male teacher in his 30s.

But he looked like a testicle? How's that possible?

I came up to Horikita's ear and whispered into it. "Breathe."

My words seemed to reach her somewhat, as her eyes shot over to my direction for a brief second, followed by the sound of a deep breath.

I was unsure, though, if these words would actually affect her in any shape or form.

"Sorry we're late," our sensei said.

"It's before the scheduled start time. There's no need for apologies."

"Have you already met?"

Sudo, Horikita, and Ayanokouji did not know the teacher in front of us. I did, though.

"This is Sakagami-sensei, the homeroom teacher for Class C. Now then." he introduced himself, speaking calmly.

One lone male student seated in the back of the room attracted everyone's attention.

"This is the student council president."

Horikita's older brother, without so much as even a glance at his sister, pored over the documents on his desk.

There was a brief flicker in his eyes, though. Our eyes met for a microsecond before he went back to his documents.

Did my headbutt cause him to have PTSD? How amusing~

Why are there so many papers on this stupid desk? Who in their right mind gives an 18-year-old this many papers!? I'm fairly sure that this school supports unpaid internships.

WORKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE! REEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Horikita directed her gaze at her brother for a short time, but when she realized that she wasn't his focus, she lowered her eyes and sat down in front of the Class C students.

How unfortunate.

Will I have to do the quote Operation Funny?

I hadn't sat down yet, but Horikita and the others had.

"Ne, Horikita-san~" I gently whispered into her right ear.

Often the right ear responds more to speech, making it so that when whispering to another individual, their right ear is the most logical choice.

No response. Did she just completely shut me out?

How rude!

I closed in even further, the skin of our cheeks now touching each other's as I whispered once again, my voice tender as I spoke in a certain tone.

"Suzune...?"

"Hyaa!?"

Horikita let out an uncharacteristically girly squeal for some reason.

Her head then jerked to face me, only to find our faces mere centimetres apart, our noses practically touching. I tilted my head, smiling at her. She then turned beat red at my actions as well as the proximity.

Oh, dear...Horikita Suzune...you poor summer soul

Initiate phase 2!

I took my hands and gripped her sides and began to tickle her.

Hold!

Oh...she's super soft—ANYWAYS!

Her face was still red as she tried to reason with me. "W-Wai— Fuji—Eeek! S-stop F-Fujiwara—!"

Sometimes, when someone is dazed or in a daze-like state, and you want their full attention, the best thing to do is to, well physically stimulate them.

By that I mean, physically pinch their sides and make your hands do all the magic as I did.

I wonder what other type of magic my hands could do~?

( •̀ ᴗ - )

Oh dear, CoTE fan base, you're such a riveting bunch of characters, aren't you? I meant that I could be a top-tier surgeon with the level of fingering skill I have.

Anyway, after I had properly judged that I had tormented Horikita enough in front of about...a dozen individuals, I let go.

Horikita looked like she was about to cry, stab me, you name it, as she glared at me furiously, face redder than the reddest of roses.

So cute~

Ah, right I need a justification. "Get a grip of yourself, Horikita-san. The only way to achieve victory is to fight! If you give in now, we're gonna LOSE."

Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second as I went back to my seat, not bothering to acknowledge the many eyes that were on me at the moment.

I heard a click of Horikita's tongue in annoyance at my actions, but she sat down nonetheless, muttering spells on how to make my life a living hell.

I'm gonna get stabbed with a box cutter, am I?

"Hehehehe~" I tried suppressing my giggles, them turning into a round of hiccups.

"...Well then, I would now like to discuss the violent incident that occurred last Tuesday with the members of the student council, the involved parties, and their homeroom teachers. You may begin the proceedings, student council secretary Tachibana," Horikita Manabu spoke.

Secretary Tachibana, a young lady whom I've already met, had her eyes flicker over to me before bowing politely.

Why are all these senpais so interested in me, I wonder?

Oh, I know! They must be in love with me! That's got to be it! Hahaha! Don't worry, dear reader, I don't swing that way!

I'll only swing a bat at your head! Hahahaha!

"Of course, considering the magnitude of this dispute, there are times when the student council president will take over.

There are several unusual things about this incident. Other than that, the bulk of the proceedings will be handled solely by Tachibana, as usual," the elder Horikita explained.

"Because I am quite busy, there are certain agenda topics upon which I will defer. As a general rule, though, I would prefer to attend to these issues, as I'm entrusted to lead this student council."

Secretary Tachibana then summarized the situation from both sides in an easy-to-understand manner. There wasn't any need for further explanation.

"Based on the aforementioned facts, we would like for you to identify which version of events is true."

After completing her explanation and the preface to the proceedings, Secretary Tachibana turned her eyes toward us in Class D.

"Komiya-kun and two other members of the basketball club went to the special building after Sudou-kun called them there. There, they claim to have been beaten up in a one-sided brawl. Is this true?"

I glanced over toward Sudo, who looked like he was going to burst.

Oh god... this is going to be a long day...

"What those guys said was a lie. I was the one that got called over to the special building," Sudo said, immediately getting an eye twitch from me for blatantly disregarding my advice.

"That day, after practice, Komiya and Kondou asked me to go to the special building. Honestly, I thought it was kind of annoying, but I also thought it might've been because they were always hostile towards me. So, I went to meet them." He continued.

He seemed to be unaware of the fact that in trials, speaking first and giving leeway toward your opponents is a bad thing. Especially without solid evidence, there was nothing he could say, without evidence that would be considered valid.

I sensed Horikita's eye twitch as well, also probably coming to the same conclusion, but also staying silent.

"That's a lie. Sudou-kun called us over to the special building."

"Don't screw with me, Komiya! You were the one who called me, you jerk!"

"You don't seem to remember your position here."

"You—!"

"Sudo-kun," I spoke finally. With one set of words, he froze in place.

"But—!"

I gave him a look that said, "They're baiting you, stay quiet" and Sudo pressed his lips together before glancing toward the Class C students before sitting back down.

"...Puh, fine..."

"Both parties insist that the other called them over, so the accounts conflict. However, the stories share some commonality. There was a dispute between Sudou-kun, Komiya-kun, and Kondou-kun, correct?" Tachibana-senpai said gently, the tone in her voice staying level.

"I wouldn't call it a dispute. Sudou-kun's always picking fights with us," Komiya said.

Tachibana-senpai narrowed her eyes slightly at the wording. "'Picking fights'?"

"Sudou's better at basketball than we are, so he's always bragging about it. We practice with everything we've got, but it doesn't exactly feel good when he makes fools out of us. So we often butt heads."

Sudo, with a more calculated mind this time, spoke out. "Not one bit of what Komiya said was true. Those guys are just jealous of my talent. When I practice, they constantly get in my way. That's the truth."

I sunk into my chair, bored. Why was I here again?

Oh...right...because I asked to...

I'm bored...something fun happen now, please~

"Both sides have given their grievances, but now we have to come to a judgment with the collected evidence."

I perked up at that thought, sitting back up properly in my chair and leaning forward, Horikita also did so, and we made eye contact, a silent conversation between us.

I motioned for her to go before me and she nodded.

Let's see how this goes~!

She stood up from her chair. "May I ask a question to the 'victims', President?" My black-haired classmate interjected, her voice stern as she turned on the signature Horikita stare.

Fufu~

The elder Horikita, with his hands interlocked in front of his chin, hiding his mouth, said, "I'll allow it."

She then cleared her throat. "Earlier, you said that Sudo-kun called you over to the special building. But who exactly called him over, and why?"

I bit the inside of my cheek, trying not to giggle at this situation. It wasn't like I was making fun of her; I was making fun of the Class C students, who all looked stupidly at one another as if asking, "Why are you asking us that?"

Komiya decided to speak. "...Kondo and I didn't know why he called us over...When we had just finished up for the day and were changing, he said he wanted to talk to us for a minute. Wasn't the reason just that he didn't like us?"

I pity these children, honestly.

"So," Horikita then turned her gaze toward Ishizaki. "Why exactly were you in the special annex then, Ishizaki-kun? By my recollection, you're not on the basketball team, so you do not have any connection to this case." She started with narrowed eyes, causing the person in question to tense a bit.

"I'd think your presence there would've been rather odd," she finished off her attacks.

I remember leading Horikita on a wild goose chase type of debate where I said that the Left Twix was superior to the Right Twix. To say that she's a right Twix supremacist is an understatement.

How did she get the documents of the war crimes done by the Left Twix in the first place?

I'm lying again, that never happened, but that's a funny thought to execute in the near future.

"That's...because I came as a precaution. There were rumours that Sudo was violent as well. He's also in better shape than we are, so I had to go, didn't I?"

"So in other words, you felt the situation could turn violent?"

"Mhm."

"Yeah."

"Yes."

The trio exclaimed in unison, almost as if they had expected these types of questions. It appeared that Class C was...a bunch of morons? But very rehearsed morons, I would say.

"I see... So you brought along Ishizaki-kun as your bodyguard since he was reputed to be a rather good fighter. Just in case there was an emergency..." Horikita murmured loud enough for everyone to hear.

"It was to protect ourselves," Komiya said. "That was it. Besides, we didn't know that Ishizaki-kun was known for being good in a fight. We just considered him a reliable friend," he finished, wincing a bit from the pain his injuries had on him.

You would think that considering the fact that this incident was almost a week ago, there would be less purple on their skin than before. But with the footage of the video I have, there's a clear discrepancy.

There are more injuries now than there were before. It's almost as if someone beat the snot out of them just before the trial.

Curious.

Horikita listened to their responses with an enigmatic expression on her face. Despite the rather embarrassing moment she had just before the trial, with me squeezing her sides like she was some sort of teddy bear, she rebounded quickly and was actually going on the attack.

That's good.

"I do have some knowledge of martial arts, if only to a certain extent..." she began slowly.

"I understand that when you're fighting against multiple enemies, victory becomes exponentially more difficult. So I don't understand... how you were defeated so handily and how the fight could be so one-sided when you had a skilled fighter like Ishizaki-kun with you."

"It's because we didn't intend to fight."

I narrowed my eyes at that statement.

Horikita and my eyes met for a brief second, and I signalled her to continue as I was still thinking.

Why are you staring at me all of a sudden? Are you interested in me perhaps? Jeez, Suzu-chan, this ain't some dumb isekai anime where the main character gets all the women! Save some for the boys!

"Are you trying to imply that, during the time when the fight broke out, the three of you, including Ishizaki-kun, who you brought along due to your safety concerns, simply stood there and accepted his assault?" Horikita pressed.

"If I'm correct, the three of you are quite athletic students. In that case, even if he did go berserk, it's really strange that the three of you 'athletic students' were beaten so badly by a single student. There's something that doesn't fit, don't you think?" She finished them off, causing them to freeze in place at her deductions.

So obvious~

I decided to speak, finally. "Oh! Speaking of discrepancies," I stood, taking out my phone. "There were a few pictures sent to me. May I show them, President?"

I received a nod from the elder Horikita as well as some nervous stares from the three Class C students as I hooked up my phone to the projector and moved to the front of the student council office.

The pictures loaded up onto the screen, and the Class C students went...pale.

I cleared my throat. "What you're seeing right now is, well, what you could call before-and-after pictures of my lovely Class C friends, senpais, and senseis alike. Let's take a gander, shall we?"

I had compiled a sort of PowerPoint presentation of all the photographic evidence that had been collected throughout the week from sources that range from unknown to known if you catch my drift.

That means the five amigos I've put together, dear reader.

The first set of images was, well... let's take a look.

"Now," I began, waving the remote in the air. "Here we have a few before-and-after pictures. What can we see?" I asked rhetorically.

"Well, we can see that, in the first set of images, which were taken on Saturday, and..." I clicked the remote, switching to the next image. "Monday, just a day ago." I finished.

There were a few soft gasps in the room, thank you, Chabashira-sensei, for appearing to care.

"Now, I would like the President to identify which two of the pictures," I flipped back and forth between the two. "Do they appear the most severely injured? The first set or the second set?"

Horikita Manabu narrowed his eyes. "I would say the second set." he simply stated.

"That's great, now—"

"Hold on, may I ask a question, Fujiwara-kun?" Sakagami-sensei interrupted me.

I tilted my head as if to say, "Go on."

"Digital photos can have their dates manipulated, so I would ask you, how do you know these are practical evidence and not fabricated?"

I still smiled, not faltering in a moment. "That's a good question, Sakagami-sensei," I then pressed another button, going to the next slide.

"Most bruises form when small blood vessels, capillaries, near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark."

"Within 1–2 days of receiving the bruise, the hemoglobin, an iron-containing substance that carries oxygen, in the blood changes, and the bruise turns bluish-purple or even black. After 5–10 days, the bruise looks green or yellow."

I then switched back and forth between the two images, trying to get my point across.

The President then spoke. "Can we move along, Fujiwara, we are on a tight schedule,"

I mentally cursed this heathen for interrupting my attempts to stall but smiled nonetheless.

"Of course, President," I said. "My point here is, that there is a massive discrepancy between these two images," I turned my attention to the three

"Unless Ishizaki-kun, Komiya-kun, and Kondo-kun all fell down the stairs collectively yesterday, or their immune systems are somehow compromised and need to get checked by a doctor, I cannot see, in any universe, that something happened that aggravated your injuries that much in the span of 24 hours."

"Unless there was?" I finally said, glaring, causing them to flinch in response and murmur among themselves.

I don't understand why no one would think or be suspicious about the state of their injuries. Given that they had over a week at this point to recover, and came to school looking MORE injured than before.

Did anyone not notice this in the LN? Geez these people are blind~

I also heard something about...stalkers. Huh...?

Sakagami-sensei appeared nervous. "T-that's merely speculation, Fujiwara-kun, it's hardly enough—"

"Sakagami-sensei, what would your reaction be if I said we had a witness?"

The room fell silent at my declaration. I simply smiled, though.

I had hijacked the entire procedure. It was quite fun, honestly, stalling for time, because the more and more time that's wasted...the closer I get to...well..do what I wanted to do.

Crush Class C.

"Sakura-san~ you can come out now~ I'm finished~" I sang, going back toward my seat. I could feel the nervous stares of the Class C Students coming in my direction.

How unfortunate.

"Well then, Class D—if Class D's witness would please enter?"

Sakura, looking worried and restless, walked into the student council room, her gaze fixed on the floor as if afraid of danger.

"1-D, Sakura Airi-san."

"I thought I'd heard something about a witness, but you're a Class D student?" Sakagami, the Class C's homeroom instructor, snickered while wiping his glasses.

"Is there a problem, Sakagami-sensei?" Horikita said with narrowed eyes.

"No, no, please. Go ahead."

Sakagami-sensei and Chabashira-sensei exchanged looks.

"You may begin your testimony, if you wouldn't mind, Sakura-san."

"Y-yes, okay... Well... I..." She stopped speaking. A period of silence followed.

Ten seconds. Twenty seconds. Sakura steadily looked further downward, and her face became increasingly pale.

The more time it takes for her to respond, the more impatient the President gets. This is good.

"Sakura-san, you can do this," I smiled gently, my tone of voice resembling an older sibling.

Her breath hitched, and she looked at me with shaking eyes before breathing out. "R-right...thank you..." she said.

"Apparently she didn't witness anything. More of this would just be a waste of our time."

"Why are you in such a hurry, Sakagami-sensei?" Horikita replied. "Are you scared of where the direction of this trial is headed?"

"I want to speed this along. If we waste time, my students will suffer. These students are the joyful heart of their class, so I've no doubt that their many friends are worried about them. Also, they're striving to improve their basketball skills, and we're depriving them of valuable practice time. As a teacher, I can't overlook this."

Bullshit.

"Maaaa~ overlook these nuts~!" I muttered to myself, but it seemed like I...oops I said that too loud. Now everyone's looking at me again.

Good job Kiriya...

"What did you say?" Sakagami-sensei looked toward me, his expression cautious.

"Nothi—"

"I definitely saw what happened!" Sakura finally shouted. "The students in Class C threw the first punch! There's no doubt about it!"

It was certainly Sakura's voice, though it took me several seconds to recognize it. What most struck me was the volume of her voice.

It's so fascinating, the need, the want to change, that people take on completely other characters just to do so. Heh...how...heh...

"Excuse me, but may I say something?" asked Sakagami-sensel, raising his hand. "Normally, teachers are asked to speak as little as possible, but this situation is just too pitiful. Student council president, do you mind?"

"I'll allow it." said the elder Horikita, checking the clock's time. "Make it quick..."

"In regards to what you've said, Sakura-kun, I do not necessarily doubt you. However, I have one thing to ask. You've stepped forward to testify as a witness, but you were rather late in doing so. May I ask why? I would think if you really did see something, you would have come forward much earlier."

Sakagami-sensei harped on the same point that Chabashira-sensei had previously said.

"That's... Well, that's... I didn't want to get involved..."

"Why didn't you want to get involved?"

"Because I'm not very good at talking with other people..."

"I see. I understand that. However, I'd like to say something else. You're not good at talking with others, and yet when the week was nearly out you stepped forward as a witness. Doesn't that seem rather odd? To my mind, it seems Class D secretly put a story together and is having you act as a false witness to give phony testimony." The Class C teacher finally finished his statements.

Sakura pursed her lips and breathed in. "I-if you want p-proof!" She sputtered over her words, trying to get them out. "I-I'll show y-you!" she declared, causing Sakagami-sensei to freeze for like...the 5th time today.

Learn a different expression to have, dude.

Or maybe teach Queasy how to write better.

"Please, let's not force this situation to continue. If there really was evidence, you would have presented it at an earlier stage—"

Sakura loudly slammed her hand on the desk and threw down what looked to be a few small, rectangular pieces of paper.

"What are those?"

"This is proof that I was in the special building that day!"

Secretary Tachibana walked over to Sakura. Though she hesitated at first, she then reached for the paper. No, those weren't pieces of paper like I'd thought. They were photos.

Oh...oh god...that's Sakura...

FUKA! YES! FUKA! THINK ABOUT FUKA! I REMEMBER NOW! HAHAHAHAHA! NO NEED TO LOOK AT—is she wearing a bathing suit...?

How do those things even fit on her body...? Holy shit...

"President..." Tachibana-senpai spoke with wide eyes.

After looking at the photographs, Secretary Tachibana handed them over to the student council president. Horikita's older brother, after looking at the pictures for some time, laid them out on the desk so that we could see.

We saw Sakura in those pictures, but this Sakura wore a lovely expression that looked both similar and dissimilar to the Sakura with us now. It was the idol, Shizuku.

"I'm...I was looking for places where no one was around so I could take pictures of myself. The pictures also show the date and time, which proves that I was there when I said." Sakura said

The date on the pictures definitely showed that they'd been taken in the evening one week ago. That would've been around the time that Sudou and the others finished their club activities for the day.

Horikita and Kiyotaka unintentionally gasped in response to this new evidence. We began to see changes in the three Class C students, who up until now had been playing the part of victims.

They were visibly shaking, again.

Lol.

"What did you use to take these photos?" asked Sakagami-sensei.

"A digital...camera."

"Y-you can alter the date rather easily with a digital camera, though. If you manipulated these photos on a computer, you could effectively set them at the time and date of the incident. This are inadequate evidence."

"But Sakagami-sensei, don't you think this photo is different?" Horikita's older brother slid out one of the photos we hadn't yet seen and handed it to the teacher.

"Th-this?!"

The photo showed the fight itself; clearly, there was no need to nitpick the time. The setting sun bathed the hallway in dusky light. The picture seemed to show what had happened immediately after Sudou hit Ishizaki.

"I think that you'll believe I was there after seeing...this."

"...Thank you, Sakura-san." I breathed out, smiling. She nodded her head in response, still shivering.

"I see. Well, you do seem to be telling the truth about witnessing the incident. That much I simply must accept. However, I can't ascertain how the situation started from this picture. This doesn't prove that you saw the entire incident."

It was certainly true that this picture made it look like the fight had already ended. We couldn't call this definitive evidence.

"So, what do you think, Chabashira-sensei? Why not look for a compromise here?" Sakagami-sensei asked.

"Compromise?" Sensei then looked toward the elder Horikita for a sign to go ahead. After all...

"I'm afraid we'll have to shelve that for later, Sakagami-sensei," Horikita Manabu stated, causing the Class C delegation's eyes to widen in shock.

"While both sides have presented their arguments, and from what I've learned today is that each side has an exact opposite claim. In that case, one side is propagating an extremely malicious falsehood."

"President..." the Class C Sakagami-sensei muttered. "Surely we have enough time to hear my suggestion, yes?"

"Unfortunately, we do not, so I will say this." He then eyed Class C, causing them to shrink under his gaze. "I'll ask you, Class C. Have you lied to us today?"

"Of...of course not!"

"Well, what about you, Class D?"

"I haven't lied. Everything we've said has been the truth." Horikita said firmly

"Then we will regroup here for a retrial tomorrow at 4:00 pM. If by then it hasn't been clearly established which party has lied or in the event, that no one admits that they were at fault, we will pass judgment based on the evidence we've collected thus far. Of course, in that case, we may have to consider the possibility of expulsion from this school. That is all."

After offering that statement, Horikita's older brother ended the proceedings. If the trial was set to reopen at 4:00 tomorrow, that was a very small window of time in which to uncover new evidence.

The two of us shared a look, and the never-ending smile on my face just got a bit bigger.

Thank you, Horikita Manabu for making my day.

...

...

Words: 6464

Hello children! How are you? I added a few things, the original chapter was around 5400 words, because I missed some exposition, among other things from my notes.

What do you think of the chapter? Anything you liked, or disliked?

I'll finish up Volume 2 in the next chapter, so~ got any theories? I like reading them

I got a bunch of inspiration for this scene from that one Fic, called: Outsider by Jomboy

Go check it out, it's got some good shit.

Anyways, see you soon~

Vol 2.6 - Am I Not a Little Crazy?

Making edits, don't mind me.
_

Advanced Nurturing Highschool Database:

Name Hidaka Kiyomi

Student ID: S01T004578

Club Affiliations: Technology Club

Date of Birth: August 7

Evaluation:

Academics: A-
Intelligence: B
Decision-Making: A-
Physical Ability: B
Cooperativeness: C

Notes from Interview:

During the interview, Kiyomi displayed a quiet confidence, speaking clearly and concisely. She stated that her goal was to excel academically and achieve success in her chosen field.

When asked about her hobbies, Kiyomi mentioned that she enjoys reading, tinkering with tech, and studying history, particularly ancient civilizations. She also has an interest in art and enjoys painting and sketching in her free time.

While she may not be the most social or outgoing individual, her analytical skills and problem-solving abilities would make her a valuable asset to any team.

Looks:

"Kiriya... what are you doing...?"

-Hidaka Kiyomi, Future Technocrat

"I will kick a child I don't give a shit. I believe everyone is equal in the eyes of these hands!"

-Fujiwara Kiriya, Knuckle Sandwich Giver

"...okay then..."

???

I found myself in a familiar hospital waiting room, wondering how I got there. The sounds of a crying baby filled the air, suggesting a newborn had just arrived.

I glanced at the clock, which read 4:04 in the morning, an unusual time to be in a hospital. Curiosity led me to follow the cries of the baby. As I approached, I saw two parents, a young Japanese couple in their mid-20s, clearly overjoyed with the arrival of their child.

"Congratulations! Look at you two!" I offered my warm congratulations as the nurse handed the newborn to the mother. However, something strange happened next.

"What have you decided to name him?" I asked, but those weren't the words I had intended to say. Confusion washed over me.

What's going on?

The mother smiled, her striking ocean-blue eyes meeting mine. "Well..." She glanced at her partner, who let out a soft chuckle. "Heh... we were hoping you could actually name him if you're okay with that," she admitted, slightly embarrassed.

"Huh?" I was taken aback.

The husband chimed in, "You've helped us so much over these past few years, Keitatsu-san. We thought, well, maybe you could decide." He seemed a bit sheepish.

Who the fuck is Keitatsu?

Why would you let someone like me name your child?

I started involuntarily speaking again. "A-ah I'm just your average Uni student, Fujiwara-san, t-there's no need for..."

"No, really we insist! Really, we both agreed to this, right, dear?"

"Mhm!"

The baby stirred in my arms, his tiny hands moving about, and his eyes slowly opening. It was a profound moment. His black locks looked fuzzy. So youthful...

The boy's eyelids scrunched together, signalling that he was about to wake up.

He will grow up to be strong and sharp. He will be different from his parents, unlike those who kept stumbling through life.

How far has the Fujiwara Clan fallen...?

He wouldn't be like those monkeys.

The baby opened his eyes, revealing a pair of Cherry-Red irises.

Those eyes briefly met my Mint-Green ones before shifting towards his mother, who beamed at him.

"I think I have a name for him, Fujiwara-san..."

"Mhm...?"

...

"How about K̴͚͍̦̪̫̟̜͉̟̗͎̩̬̬͍̮̣̔ͅį̸̡̬͕̳̠͎̓̄̄͋͑͛̊̏͌̄̒̽̋̀̽͆̀̓̓͒̓́̓͂̌͗͑̈̔͘͘͝͝r̵̛̥̩̩͖͚̱̋͐̈̽̌̂̾͊͌̌̋̉̀̄̄̕̕ȉ̸̢̨̛̲̰̘͓̱͕̘͕͓̦̫͕̭͇͕̜̣͌̀̐̈̓̓̽̒̂̿̑͊̎́̏́̄̊̄̐̎͊͐̕̚͘̕̚̚͜͠͠͠͝ ÿ̸́̇ ̧̫͉̱̭̝͍̟̪͙͍͈͈͉̻̞̗̮̙̔̌̈́̾͊͒̔͆̅̊̀̀͆͒͊̏̒̆͑̈́̐̆̍͒̓̄͌̉̑̏̏̄̏͛̌̚̕̚̚͝͠͝ā̷̡̛͍̦̬̼̙͍̌͐͋͆̐͂̂̽̋̋̆̐͑̐̌̇̎́̈́̚̕͘͝ ?"

...

A name like that...would hold significant meaning in the lives I presided over.

...

What?

...

Huh...? What just happened? Where am I? Oh, right, the student council meeting... It got adjourned for the day and postponed until tomorrow at 4:00.

What happened again?

Oh, right, I'm feeling a bit disoriented again... how unfortunate...

Who was that person, again?

I'm not sure.

Mint-green eyes... white hair... huh... Strange, really, but nothing to worry about. After all, I am me, and I'm not anyone else. There is only me to think about, probably.

I noticed Horikita staring at me with an enigmatic expression as if pondering my extended state of silence. I glanced over at her, catching a glimpse of Kiyotaka and Sakura walking outside, followed by Chabashira-sensei and the Class C delegation.

I stood up abruptly, my usual smile absent for some reason. Unfortunate.

"Fujiwara-kun," my crimson-eyed classmate called out from behind me, approaching with a disapproving glare. "Can we talk about what you did today?"

Oh, come on~ I just lightly touched your sides... can't you let that slide~

"Hm, sure..." She seemed taken aback by the softness in my response, evident from her raised eyebrows.

"Did you hit your head or something? No snarky remarks or the usual drivel?"

"No, but can we talk later? I'm not feeling up to it," I said, my tone filled with an unusual melancholy.

Why melancholy?

Her lips parted as if she were about to retort, but then she held back. "I'll be at your dorm room then," she said, her tone carrying a hint of a threat as she walked away.

"You don't even know—"

"Ayanokouji-kun does."

"He would never!"

"We'll see about that!"

You better not sell me out, you brown-haired, lady-killer!

...

"You're still here?" Horikita's older brother and Secretary Tachibana emerged from the student council room. Secretary Tachibana began locking the door with a key.

You know, for the greatest student that ANHS has seen, you have terrible eyesight. What I'm trying to say is that you have eyeglasses, Horikita Manabu-senpai.

"What do you mean?" I asked, tiredly.

"I thought that when you came here with Suzune, you'd unveil some kind of master plan. Though, this wasn't what I expected."

"What? Me yapping my ass off?" I retorted, smirking as I did so.

Tachibana-senpai gasped. "Rude Kouhai! Don't speak to the President like that! Apologize!" She snapped angrily.

"Apologies, President, I'm... Baugh...Just a bit tired..." I amusingly exhaled to convey my tiredness, and I could see Tachibana-senpai's face become less tense as if sympathizing with me.

After all, yapping my ass off was a trait of mine you dear readers have become accustomed to.

Manabu stared at me for a brief moment before...

THUD!

Have you ever found yourself in a "Kabedon" scenario before? Because this is my first time being in a "Kabedon" scenario, and I'm around Fuka a majority of the time.

Simply put, she usually is the type of person to pin her target onto the ground, not do...this...

But~ I do have a chance of teasing a certain someone~

Fufu~

"You're an interesting one, you know?" Horikita Manabu said, leaning in closer for a ki—I mean for a better look.

I flushed my face with blood as if trying to say I was flustered. "S-s-senpai, d-don't do it here! W-We can save it for later KYAAAAAAA~" I squealed in an over-dramatic feminine voice.

"Hold on—!" he realized he had just fallen into my trap, and had his eyes widened in surprise.

"S-s-senpai, I-I don't know when you sta-started seeing me t-this way, b-but I-I-I..." I tensed up my entire upper body, flushing it more with blood. "I-I'm ready to hear your confession of love!"

""EEEK!"" A duet of two feminine voices rang out, one from Tachibana-senpai and one from...somewhere down the hallway.

I wonder who?

THUD!

Tachibana-senpai fainted, mumbling a mantra of sounds that ranged from "President and Kouhai" to "Horikita-kun and Fujiwara-kun..."

Oh no...

"HAHAAAAAAAHHHH—" I wheezed going over to my collapsed senpai.

"Poor Tachibana-senpai~" I amusingly giggled, picking her up in a princess carry.

Horikita Manabu, who was still in the Kabedon stance slowly retracted his hand from the wall. He then looked at his left hand, the one he "Kabedon'd" me with, contemplating his life's choices.

After all, you fell for the cheapest trick in the book.

I silently gave the passed-out Tachibana-senpai to him, to which he robotically accepted, looking defeated, more defeated than the time I headbutted him.

We stared at one another for what seemed like a long time, while the secretary mumbled incoherent mantras flooded the background.

I simply grinned mischievously.

Horikita Manabu then sighed, smirking a bit. "You really are unpredictable, Fujiwara. I cannot understand your agenda, nor what's going on inside your head." He admitted

"What are you trying to do? Chaotic, unserious but clearly exceeding all..."

We stared at each other more and more as he said those words. He seemed to have regained his composure.

"Just who are you exactly?"

What a double-edged question...Who am I? Am I Kiriya or am I Kiriya?

I could be your mother!

I could be your lover!

I could be two souls sharing the same body!

I could be a nutsack with a brain!

I could be a girl named Kanami with black hair, red eyes and a smug expression on her face!

ZOOO-WEEEE MAMA!

Wait...why red?

The possibilities are endless! Hahahaha!

"Who or not to whom, that is the question," I replied. "But to be serious...I dunno man," I spoke informally, shrugging my shoulders.

There was a brief period of silence that permeated throughout the hallway, Tachibana's mumbles quieting down.

"May I ask why, then?"

"President...?" Tachibana senpai woke up. "What's going..." she then looked down to the floor, then up to the elder Horikita, then down to the floor, repeatedly.

She turned redder than the reddest of roses.

Awe~

Please invite me to your wedding~!

"P-p-president?!"

"Ah, you're awake," He set her down.

"W-wh-wh—" She turned toward me, as I winked and trotted down the hallway, giggling my ass off.

I could hear her protests and interrogations going on as I made my way down to freedom.

HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAH!

I LOVE MOOD SWINGS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

...

"...I sincerely appreciate the offer, but it's not necessary." Horikita casually approached a group, consisting of Ichinose, Kanzaki, and Ayanokouji, probably to discuss the trial that had just taken place.

Horikita, who I thought had returned to the dorms, suddenly stood alongside us. Had she been waiting for me?

"Not necessary? What do you mean, Horikita-san?" Ichinose spoke, her head tilting with curiosity.

"We cannot get Sudou acquitted. Even if a new witness were to come from Class A or B, it would be impossible. However...there is something I would like you to prepare for us. It is the only possible solution."

"Preparing something?"

"That's—" she began explaining her plan, but her voice grew quieter, making it impossible for me to hear. So, I did this...

"Horikita-san! Kanzaki-kun! Hey!" I called out from behind everyone, waving. Horikita immediately stiffened, and her ears turned red.

"T-that's just the gist of it. A-Ayanokouji-kun, please text me if they accept the request or not!" She shouted abruptly, startling everyone in the group with her sudden raised volume. "I-I have to go!"

"Wait!" I called out, just joining the group as Horikita rushed into the dorms. "What're you even talking about?!"

"Nothing! Ayanokouji-kun will tell you!" she shouted back, getting into the elevator and pressing her floor number rapidly. The elevator door closed quickly.

What the hell???

"IS THIS BECAUSE YOUR BROTHER ASKED ME OUT?!"

"N-NO!"

"TELL ME THEN, BESTIE!!! IS IT BECAUSE YOUR BROTHER IS INTO YAOI!? IT WAS A JOKE!!"

"NO—" The elevator door closed, cutting off her speech.

It seems like I have the ability to make people switch sides, and Horikita is embarrassed about it.

Was it because I was attractive, or because I'm just that repulsive?

I then turned toward my friends and gave them a questioning look.

"What was that?" Ichinose whispered to Kanzaki, clearly bewildered at the scene.

"No clue," Kanzaki muttered tiredly, he was already used to my hyper behaviour when I was around people I was comfortable with, so he often tried to keep me in check sometimes.

"Sometimes" has a big asterisk though.

Kiyotaka, on the other hand, came up and whispered the plan into my ear, and my eyes widened at the audacity of it.

"Oh...ok...that's what you guys were talking about..."

"Yeah," muttered Kiyotaka. "What did you mean about Horikita's brother—"

"Nothing, right Ichinose?"

"Huh—oh! Y-yeah! Right, Ayanokouji-kun, N-nothing at all!"

Oh, dear...I need to text Kiyomi...

...

It was past 3:40. With classes for the day finished, I headed home, with a rather intentional encounter with a senpai that conveniently allowed me to borrow an electronic device.

Back in my room, seated at my desk, I relaxed, patiently awaiting a specific signal...

Bzzsrt!

An electronic buzzing sound is activated.

Kiyomi-senpai wasn't just a pretty face who happened to be involved in my antics; she was a true tech genius. Honestly, I had no idea how this stuff was even manufactured.

All I knew was that this device was wireless, equipped with its own internal clock, and even had a microphone built into it.

She could easily work for a tech giant like Apple; they'd need her skills.

Ding!

[Tech-support: Working? Should be...

Yeah, it is, thanks! ('｡• •｡') [Me]

[Tech-support: Yay! Good luck, dumb-dumb o( )o

Thank you bigger dumb-dumb [Me]

[Tech-support: By the way, about the other thing

[Tech-support: You know, the creepy dude?

[Tech-support: Yeah, got that on lockdown~

Nice~ [Me]

[Tech-support: You're kinda messed up yk that?

Meh, it's because the dude's messing with my classmates yk [Me]

[Tech-support: True, I'll see you soon

Yeah [Me]

I smiled at my phone before...

"What's going on? Why are you here?"

Apparently, they remembered whoever was on the other side of the room from the student council room.

Ishizaki, the group's leader, stepped forward as if to intimidate him. Ishizaki seems rather forceful when no one is around to see.

"Kushida won't be here. I asked her to send an email to compel you all to come." The surprising voice of Kiyotaka came through the other side of the microphone, his voice a little bit static-like in nature.

Ishizaki seemed ill-tempered as his footsteps marched toward my brown-haired friend.

"This isn't funny. What did you do this for, huh?"

"If I hadn't used an underhanded method, you would've just ignored me, right? I wanted to talk to you."

"Talk to us? Why would we want to do that? Has the heat scrambled your brain or something?" Ishizaki, who clearly was affected by the heat, grabbed his shirt and flapped it, by the sound of everything.

It seems like I have a long way to go, huh?

Now, dear reader, with your attention span, would you like for me to go through this entire conversation?

Meh, me neither, let's skip to the good part~

...

"I've got no idea what you're talking about. Ah, damn it. It's so hot!"

One's ability to think, that is to say, to concentrate, decreases as heat increases. One cannot exhibit sufficient logical, creative thinking outside of a comfortable environment. The more content you cram into your head, the more your brain will overload.

"Whatever, I'm out of here. I'm going to boil alive if I stay."

"Is that really okay, though?"

" What do you want, Ichinose?" They didn't seem to understand what she was getting at.

"Don't you understand? The school knows that you're lying, Class C. They've known from the beginning."

This statement probably came as a surprise to them. None of them had imagined such an outcome. Ishizaki and the others looked at each other for a few seconds, then snorted with laughter.

"Don't make me laugh. We lied? And the school knows it?"

"Ha ha ha ha. You guys are so funny," Ichinose said. "You've been dancing to my tune all this time."

"That's a nice try, Ichinose. But we're calling your bluff!"

"I have actual evidence," Ichinose continued, unfazed by Ishizaki's threats.

"Oh? Well, let's see it. Show me what evidence you—"

They thought there was no way we had any evidence, of course. Even after what Ichinose had said, they weren't shaking. However, when she began to speak, their defeat was decided.

"Did you know that there are security cameras installed everywhere around the school? It's a measure they've taken in order to monitor what we do every day."

"Yeah. So what?"

They seemed to have already known about the security cameras. Ishizaki and the others appeared unconcerned.

"Well, then. Did you not see that?"

There was a brief silence. I also silently cursed Kiyomi for not adding a camera feature, but what can you do...

"Huh?"

They voiced complete disbelief. A security camera hung in the hallway and occasionally swung from left to right, capturing everything.

"That's too bad, isn't it? If you want to set a trap for someone, you'd need to do it in a place without any cameras."

"Buh, wh-what camera?! You're lying! But, there weren't any cameras in the other hallways, were there?! It's weird that there's only one installed here! Right?!"

The sound of desperate nodding followed, it seemed like they were already on edge.

"You can't trick us like that. You guys installed that camera yourselves!"

"You're right that, by and large, cameras aren't installed in most of this building's hallways. However, there are exceptions, and several places in which security cameras have been installed, like in front of the faculty room and the science lab."

Ichinose then took a breath, the heat almost getting in the way of her manner of speech.

"Obviously, there are many valuables stored in the faculty room, you know? Additionally, the science lab has many chemical products. Since the science lab is on this level, it's only natural that a camera would be installed here."

For the first time, Ishizaki and the other seemed to be at a loss for words. Ichinose did not fail to notice how they faltered.

"Have you looked back there, behind you? There's one there too, right?"

"So if we'd installed a camera like you said, would we have prepared one on that side, too? Besides, how exactly would we have prepared surveillance cameras when we can't even leave campus in the first place?"

We were cutting off their escape routes one by one. And I'm making sure...the entire thing...is mine...

"Th-that's impossible... That... I mean, we...checked back then... We should have..."

"This is the third floor, but did you really check? Maybe you only looked at the second or the fourth? Perhaps the cameras were truly set up here as a trap?"

The three of their breaths were fastening, panicked, more and more. Fascinating.

"So, so... That time... No way..."

"The security cameras couldn't record the sounds of your voices, but they definitely captured the decisive moment you threw the first punch."

"The school's waiting, right? Go ahead and tell us the truth. After giving you a grace period, the student council president himself asked if you had lied. If you think back, don't you realize that the student council saw through everything?"

The three of them were probably frantically wracking their brains to recall what happened at the meeting.

Of course, the student council had not seen through their lies at all. However, the student council had their doubts about who was telling the truth. If the Class C students interpreted that question to be focused squarely at them, it lent itself a certain credence.

"That's... I didn't hear about anything like that! It's all over!" Komiya buckled under the pressure.

You're going to be out first, monkey.

Ishizaki wasn't buying it, though. " W-wait a minute. I'm still not convinced. Okay, let's say the security cameras did capture some footage. You should've been able to prove Sudou's innocence without having to really do anything, right? You didn't need to call us out here to tell us this. You could have just presented it at the trial. But you guys called us here, right?"

"Innocence? That depends on what you're innocent of. We know that both parties took damage during the incident. No matter the circumstances, Sudou hit the three of you. That's undeniable. Of course, if the security footage can prove that Sudou wasn't the one who called you three over here, he'd probably receive the lightest possible punishment. However, his position as a regular would still be threatened. He might not be allowed to participate in tournaments."

Ichinose spoke in a manner I hadn't heard from her, ever.

"What the hell? Well then, if it's like you people say, the security footage shouldn't be any trouble at all, right? We'll be fine as long as we can get Sudou suspended for even one day."

"If that happens, you might be expelled . Are you fine with that?"

Clearly, they hadn't thought that part through and didn't notice the dilemma they faced.

"If someone checked the security camera footage, it would expose your lies. If that were to happen, chances are good you'd be expelled. Anyone could see that."

"Wha!"

"W-wait, why expelled? You didn't say that we lied!" Kondou was trying to save himself, his voice weak and strained.

"The school is testing us. They're testing to see if we can solve problems, and what kind of conclusions we draw. Don't you think that's consistent with everything else in this case?"

"Why would... I-I definitely don't want to get expelled!" Yelled Kondou. Hehehe~

"H-hey, Ishizaki. It's not too late to tell them we lied! If we do, the school might forgive us!" yelled Komiya.

CHECKMATE.

I WIN.

...

I listened in for a brief few moments, realizing that I didn't need anyone else expelled.

Only one of the three would face expulsion. The punishment for the others would be lesser.

All I needed to do was make an example, a small one.

Don't fuck with my class, and you won't face consequences.

They're mine.

They're my friends.

The small recording device was actually a transmitter, a sticky transmitter, that I had hooked up to my phone, to play into, while having it in record mode.

I was present, yet distant at the same time.

It was like having an earpiece, but not.

It's like having a spy's toys, but not.

I do love some James Bond!

I whipped out my phone and texted a certain someone with the audio file attached.

You know what to do [Me]

[Mp3 File] :[Me]

[No Fun Allowed: I see...

[No Fun Allowed: Will be done

How intriguing...

Now, it's time to stow away all this electrical clutter and head to the student council room...

Ding!

I glanced at my phone and noticed a message – a point transfer.

How curious...

[1,500,000 Private Points have been sent to your account!]

[Total: 5,379,983]

Huh... I wonder how many points store clerks make per day.

Probably minimum wage, to be honest.

Fucking disgusting monkey.

...

I decided to take a leisurely walk, heading toward the mall. Not to buy anything, no, I've already indulged myself in enough purchases.

Do you ever feel not happy?

Or, let me rephrase that question.

What does it feel like when you achieve something?

For me, it often feels like nothing. It's an experience I've grown accustomed to, to be honest. Achieving all these things and not deriving any real satisfaction from them anymore.

Perhaps my goals should be more abstract, so unattainable that I'll always strive to reach them. Then, every small goal as a stepping stone to the larger one might feel more satisfying.

I'm not entirely sure about this line of thinking, though. It already feels like I've—

Ichinose and Kiyotaka? What are they up to...?

I glanced up and noticed the electronics store's sign. Ah, right... It's happening now, isn't it?

I robotically approached the duo, and they both looked at me in surprise.

"What's...?" I poked my head out and saw...

"Stop... Please, stop it!" Sakura shouted. She took something out of her bag. Letters. It looked like dozens... no, hundreds of letters. I wondered how many this man had sent.

"How do you know my room number? Why do you keep sending these?"

"Why? Of course, I would know your room number and send you letters. It's because our hearts are connected."

"Please stop it. It's bothering me!"

She tossed the bundle of letters to the floor, rejecting the man's unrequited love.

"Why... Why would you do something like that? Even after I wrote out my feelings to you!"

"D-don't come any closer!"

The man closed the distance between him and Sakura. He walked with an intensity that made it look as though he were about to attack. Latching onto Sakura's arm, he shoved her up against the store's shuttered door.

"I'll show you just how much I love you now... If I do that, then you'll understand, Sakura."

Ichinose took panicked glances at the two of us. A plan formed in my mind. I was already recording the entire thing, so...

"No, not yet..." I muttered coldly, surprising my two friends at the sudden change in tone.

"W-what do you mean, Fujiwara-kun? Sakura-san is suffering; we have to—"

"I know." I stared forward, a blank expression on my face. "You grab security, if you don't want to watch. I will keep recording."

"B-but—!"

"Proper evidence, Ichinose. I hate him. He shouldn't be doing this. I want him gone."

As I said those words, I let my disdain for individuals like him seep through, causing her to purse her lips together.

"I-I understand. B-be safe, Fujiwara-kun, Ayanokouji-kun..." She said before running off to get campus security.

Kiyotaka looked at me, and I could sense his gaze. The man was about to do something terrible to one of my classmates, and I watched, silently recording the entire thing.

Once he unbuckled his belt and pulled down his pants, I gave Kiyotaka a signal, and he nodded, executing the plan.

"OY!" Kiyotaka and I shouted at the top of our voices, startling the man and causing him to let out a sound.

"THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!?" I shouted at him.

"Y-yeah! What are you doing!? Are you some sort of pervert!?"

We adopted the personas of delinquents, well, I did. Kiyotaka just tried to imitate me.

"Oy oy oy! Kiyotaka looks like we got ourselves a pervert!!"

"Heh, right! Imagine this, 'Adult assaults high school girl.' I can just see the headlines tomorrow; it'll be a huge scandal! Right, Kiriya?"

"Hehehe~ right~" I narrowed my eyes into a glare, signalling him to approach and secure Sakura.

"N-no! That's wrong. You're all wrong!" The man shouted, releasing Sakura and waving his hands in front of his face, but we didn't believe him in the slightest.

I really wanted to punch him.

"How the fuck am I wrong, Monkey? Your belt's undone, your pants are halfway down, you look really punchable right now if you know what I'm talking about!" I glared more, my mint-green eyes boring into his skull.

"Eeek!" he let out a girly squeak before attempting to run. Kiyotaka had already secured Sakura, so our mission was done already, now we had to wait. "G-goodbye! I won't do that ever again!"

TUG!

I grabbed the back of his collar and stood in place, halting him where he stood.

"Where do you think you're going, Monkey?"

"H-huh?! What are you—Let me go, brat!!" he attempted to run away.

I pulled on his collar more, effectively dragging him to the floor. "You're not just gonna leave, monkey," I whispered into his ear. "You think you can do something like that and get away with it?! HUH?!"

I was really angry with this person.

The man sputtered in an attempt to respond to me.

"SPEAK, MONKEY! WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?!"

CHOP!

I then harshly chopped the back of his neck, knocking him out.

I was breathing heavily, my emotions clearly taking control of my body. How unfortunate...

"Ayanokouji-kun...Fujiwara-kun...what are you doing here...?" Sakura was most definitely shaken up at my display, as she was being comforted by Kiyotaka.

"We exchanged contact information with each other, remember?" Kiyotaka explained.

I, on the other hand, was holding the knocked-out store clerk by the collar, trying to regain my composure.

"I-I just so happened to be passing by...and...came across this..." I slowly started without making eye contact.

If Sakura was scared of me before, she'd be terrified of me now. That display was in contradiction to what Kiyotaka did. I was violent, he was calm. I shouted, he was serene. I was vulgar he was not.

Due to her nature, she would gravitate toward him.

That was fine; she's useless as long as she stays in this socially awkward shell of hers.

While they had their conversation in the background, I became entranced in my thoughts once again.

What was the point of all this? What am I doing? This was all because someone was messing with my class, right?

All that set-up, telling this stalker Sakura's mail, everything. Was all to get that man off campus, and away from anyone else who may fall victim to him.

This was all for me. Only me. I just wanted the points. I could give less of a fuck about what happened just now.

What?

That's horrifying to think about. What the hell is going on inside my head?

Hehehe~ oh my god... I really am a bit crazy, am I?

Is this why I was placed in class D?

I'm unsure.

"Oii! Fujiwara-kun! Ayanokouji-kun! Sakura-san! Are you all alright?" Ichinose's voice came from afar.

As it seemed like the stars aligned, Ichinose came with campus security.

I was still holding the knocked-out man's collar, breathing stabilizing. I then dragged the man toward the wall of the electronics store and placed him there before trying to get back into character.

"—I was so scared, Ayanokouji-kun! I was so scared! I thought something unthinkable was going to happen to me!" Sakura cried into Kiyotaka's arms, much to his surprise, though he didn't show it.

She then turned toward me. "T-thank you, too, Fujiwara-k-kun!" she tearfully thanked me as well.

"You don't resent me for...?" I looked toward the man.

"N-no! I-I'm just so glad!" She said, hugging Kiyotaka tightly. I glanced at him as he gently stroked my classmate's hair.

Where's my hug at?

I smiled. At least she didn't hate me.

That was good.

The police officers, alongside Ichinose, finally reached the crime scene.

Once they noticed the knocked-out store owner, they looked toward me and Kiyotaka.

"I also have the footage of the entire thing; this guy too." I gestured my head toward Kiyotaka.

"Hm, take him to the car," the lead officer said. "We'll contact the two of you if we need further evidence, understood?"

One of the officers inspected the man before they picked him up. There was a massive bruise forming on his neck, where I had chopped. He looked surprised for a moment, taking a glance at me before taking the man.

"Hm."

"Understood."

Kiyotaka and I muttered in agreement.

It seems like... everything is good, for now.

...

"You're kind of amazing, Fujiwara-kun," Ichinose complimented as soon as the officers left, leaving me, her, Sakura, and Kiyotaka alone.

I kept staring into space. "Am...I?" I spoke, sounding a bit airheaded.

My friend noticed my change in demeanour and looked at me with concern, patting my back. "That was really stressful, huh... dealing with something like that?"

"Hm..." This was the first time I had lost my composure in a while. It was scary.

No not really...

She then pursed her lips again. "You actually considered Sakura-san's safety and the future while dealing with the situation at hand," she stated abruptly, surprising me.

"You did a good job!" she smiled, causing me to exhale in relief.

"Yeah... I guess... I just... never mind..."

"You don't have to tell me, Fujiwara-kun, you know?"

"Hn..."

After that conversation, Ichinose guided Sakura to the dorms. Kiyotaka and I sat on a nearby bench, silently.

"I'm so fuckin exhausted, man..." I muttered, not bothering to filter my words.

"Hm... that was really stressful," he agreed, leaning back on the bench.

I smirked a bit. "What? The whole incident or... your delinquent roleplay?"

"Both..."

"Heh..."

...

"Hey, Kiriya,"

"Yeah? What?"

"Are you okay? You look half-asleep..."

I groaned a bunch. "Augh... yeah, probably just sleepy or stressed or whatever..." I muttered incoherently.

"Want to go back to the dorms or...?"

"Ouuuu~ That would be a good idea~ but I'm going to go to the trial thingy~" I slapped my knees and abruptly stood up.

Before...

THUD!

"Ow..."

"I think you need more iron in your diet—"

"Shut the hell up."

"Ouch"

"Your mom is an ouch!"

"Double ouch"

...

...

I waited outside the student council room until the meeting concluded. The students from Class C had gloomy expressions as they left. Sakagami-sensei departed first, followed by Sudou, who seemed unusually cheerful.

"Looks like it went well," I commented.

Sudou turned to me with a grin. "Man, I don't understand what happened, but Horikita did something for me. Right?"

I tilted my head in confusion. "What happened?"

Sudou chuckled. "I don't know, man, but Komiya got expelled, and the rest of the guys got suspended for 3 weeks!"

"Haaaaaaah! Yes!" I exclaimed, patting his back as we shared a bro hug.

Sudou's mood lifted even more. "Oh, bro, I forgot to thank you for yesterday, pointing out all that bruising shit, I was suspicious about it too," he grinned.

I shrugged. "Haaah, It was just something I thought about, you know?"

"True, true. Well, I'll see you soon!" Sudou suddenly stopped and turned back. "Dude! We should have a party later, I think! Ayanokouji's room, alright?"

"I'm down! Text me!" I agreed enthusiastically.

He yelled down the hallway, "See ya, man! I'm going to go do club activities! Thanks a lot!"

"Why are we yelling!?" I chuckled.

"Haha! No clue!"

With that, Sudou left the premises.

"Excellent work," the student council president's voice resonated through the hallways, and Tachibana-senpai followed closely behind, avoiding eye contact with me.

I wondered if my prank had been a bit too bold.

"Class C's Class Points will be reduced by 100 due to the expulsion of Komiya Kyōgo. Ishizaki Daichi and Kondō Reo will also have to pay compensation to Sudo Ken while being suspended for 3 weeks," the president announced.

"Oya? That's quite something, President," I remarked, tilting my head and narrowing my green eyes.

We stared at each other for a moment, and I contemplated making a snarky comment, but I decided against it.

The elder Horikita cut straight to the point. "Tachibana, do you still have one seat open for secretary?" he asked, glancing back toward my purple-haired senpai.

"Yes. A first-year Class A student applied the other day but was rejected after the first interview," Tachibana-senpai replied.

I snorted audibly. How unfortunate for that kid. Who was it again? Katsuragi, I think his name was.

Apparently, Class A had some sort of leadership issues, and there were two of them, one being Katsuragi, the other being some sort of loli I couldn't remember the name of.

"Why are there so many small children in this school?" I mused aloud.

"Fujiwara, if you wanted it, I would appoint you to the position," the president offered.

I was surprised, but Secretary Tachibana appeared even more shocked than me. "S-student council president... Do you really mean that?" she stammered, her brain moving at a thousand miles a minute.

"Do you disapprove?" he asked.

"N-no. N-not really... But..." Tachibana-senpai's voice trailed off.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Meh... I have an application form in my room somewhere," I mentioned, earning an eyebrow raise from the elder Horikita.

"I'll do it later, but...I'm not really into doing anything important at the moment," I spoke in a bored tone.

Secretary Tachibana appeared shocked and somewhat relieved at the same time. "You're rejecting his offer??" she asked.

I leaned in slightly and spoke in a conspiratorial tone, "Listen, Tachibana-senpai, if I ever joined the council, I would become the matchmaker between you and Horikita-senpai, and I don't think you'd like that..."

I paused, then added with a mischievous grin, "Or maybe she would, I don't know."

"No, Senpai, I'm half rejecting it," I clarified. "It's like when you put some leftovers in the fridge, you understand?"

"A-ah..." Tachibana-senpai nodded, beginning to comprehend my analogy.

"Let's go, Tachibana," the president said.

"Y-yes."

A short time later, Horikita and Chabashira-sensei appeared. Chabashira-sensei just gave me a slight glance before leaving without saying anything in particular.

"Hello~!" I raised my hand in greeting Horikita, but her intense glare caught me off guard. She quickly returned to her neutral expression.

"What were the results?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"You'd already know, right?" she replied.

"I'm glad to hear that. Looks like your strategy worked well." I attempted to break the tension.

Chop!

I winced as Horikita's hand made contact with my side.

"Ow! What was that for—Ow!"

"That was for touching my sides," she said, glaring at me. "Walk with me," she instructed firmly, leaving no room for arguments.

"Jeez...you hit me, you run from me...I don't understand you..."

"Hmph..."

We walked in silence down the hallway, the atmosphere tense. It seemed that Horikita was contemplating something.

"Thank you," she suddenly blurted out, surprising me with an uncharacteristic amount of gratitude. I raised an eyebrow in response.

"Huh? What do you mean by 'Thank you'?" I asked.

"I'm saying thank you for what you did during the trial."

"What? Me yapping my mouth or touching your side—Ow!" She chopped my side again.

"The first one."

"A-ah...right..."

"If you hadn't...yapped..." She seemed puzzled by my choice of words. "We wouldn't be here, so, thank you," she admitted.

I smiled a bit. "You're welcome—"

"But I want to know something," she interrupted.

Of course, there was a catch.

"What are your goals?" She stated bluntly, her eyes sharpening. "I want to know," she demanded.

I frowned at the fact that she had sweet-talked me into a false sense of security.

I shrugged. "To help you reach Class A—"

"Your true goals, Fujiwara Kiriya-kun," she cut me off. "Not Class A or anything else, the truth."

"I..."

A male student walked toward us. This wasn't a conversation that we wanted overheard, so both Horikita and I fell silent. We waited for him to pass, but the guy stopped in front of us.

It wasn't an accident. He had magenta hair, styled so it was worn long. He appeared to be around the same height as me, maybe a little shorter. I glanced at his profile and noted that he wore a wide grin. His smile looked ominous.

"Setting up a camera? Getting one of my classmates expelled? You really did something funny, huh?" The boy didn't even turn to face us entirely as he spoke.

"And you are?" Horikita asked the mystery student, seemingly perturbed.

"Next time, I'll be your opponent. I look forward to it."

I blinked before a mischievous smile crawled up onto my face. "Bye bye Minus-100-kun! See you next time!"

Class C was now down 100 class points, meaning that they were down to 452 Class points, I think.

"Tsk!" the student clicked his tongue, leaving me and my black-haired classmate behind.

The boy walked on without answering Horikita's question. We never got a clear look at him. We were only able to watch in silence as he walked away.

"Well. I'll be heading back now." I had the feeling it would be better for us not to be seen together and turned my back on Horikita.

"Wait. We're not done talking, Fujiwara-kun," She called out to me.

"I'm done talking." I kept going without looking back.

"You promised, right? You promised you'd help me reach Class A."

"I did, yeah, while my damn hands were freezing,"

Horikita then pulled another card out, undeterred by my language. "Don't allies talk intimately about this kind of stuff?"

"Yeah, kinda,"

"Then—"

"I don't know, man!" I snapped, causing her eyes to widen in response. "I'm just here to throw my fucking dick around like I'm some sort of Chinese martial artist with nunchucks! There are no goals!"

Horikita went silent, her mouth sealed shut.

"I thought, you needed some help, so I gave you help, it's simple," I said, referring back to the day when I confronted her brother.

"There are no ulterior motives, no grand goals, no nothing," I spoke, my eyes twitching in annoyance at how far this person would go for information.

I'm lying through my teeth, but I don't care much.

"I will help you, it's as simple as that," I said. "You just need to rely on me, as a friend, not a tool or puppet, as a friend."

I HAVE NO STRINGS I AM FREE.

"You understand?" I finished with a huff.

Horikita nodded, a bit shaken from my speech. The words I had just said ping-ponged throughout her head. She seemed taken aback by my honesty, probably thinking that I wouldn't divulge that much information.

Jokes on her, though.

My black-haired classmate then...smiled...? What?

"You...don't seem to be lying, so...I'll believe you, Fujiwara-kun..." She then began walking with me to exit the building.

"I-I guess I could consider you a...f-friend..." she sputtered, grinding her teeth together as if that was the hardest thing she could've ever said.

"Hoooh?" I regained my signature smirk, and she turned away before chopping my side again.

CHOP!

"We'll have to work on that mouth of yours, Fujiwara-kun,"

"We'll have to work on your obsession with your broth—ITAAI!"

"I AM NOT OBSESSED WITH NII-SAN!"

"SURE YOU ARE! ITAI! DON'T HIT—ITAI!"

Oh, dear...

...

...

"Haha! What happened to you?" A familiar voice greeted me. It was Fuka, with her long silver hair, crimson eyes, and, oh yes, she was my senpai. "You look like you saw a bag of puppies drown," Fuka snarked.

I groaned, rubbing my side. "I just got my sides chopped by my classmate a total of—"

"23 times," she interrupted.

"Yeah—Wait, how—?"

"Don't question me."

I sighed in exasperation.

...

...

...

"WHY WOULD YOU DROWN PUPPIES!?" I shouted in shock. "WHAT THE HELL?!"

"HAAAAAH! YOU ONLY NOTICE NOW?!" Fuka laughed.

"FUKA! WHAT THE HELL?!"

She giggled.

I sighed once more. "Oh my god... I hate you..."

"Aweeee~" She brought me into a playful hug, and my head ended up, well, you know, near her chest. "Kiriya loves puppies? Noted~" She sang mirthfully.

I chuckled, despite myself. "I like cats better, honestly."

"Hoooh? So you prefer pus—"

"AYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAAYAYA—MMPH!" I shouted over her, only for my silver-haired senpai to cover my mouth, plugging her free ear with her free hand.

"Shut. Up," She said, pushing my body away from her... buxom...

"Make. Me."

Why was she staring at me like she was a predator and I was the prey? Why did I say that? Why is she pinning me to the ground? Why—HELLO!?

Hello?

HELLO!?

HELLO!?

WHY AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS!?

...

"Just kidding~"

"Fuck you, Fuka"

"Whaaat? Were you actually expecting something, perverted Kouhai?"

"No, I was expecting a birthday gift. No shit I was, idiot."

"Ha! Gotta wait a bit more for that!"

"Boooooo~!

...

...

I lay here, or rather, I'm fading away. Heh... the irony is almost poetic, isn't it? A life filled with accomplishments, yet here I am, dying so young, heh...

Dying so close to the young man I once considered my own son.

How unfortunate your fate is, Keitatsu...

Heh... I'm so sorry, my boy. When you awaken...

You're bound to be a little disoriented, a little lost...

A little crazy...

...

...

_

6867Words

[Vol 2. End]

Sup, Children, me again.

I wanted to round out this volume as fast as possible, due to me wanting to regain focus on my other work, so...

If you see me updating this one, specifically, it's because I'm gonna go on an editing spree for the time being.

I'll upload the intermission whenever I get the chance but don't expect regular updates for at least the remainder of September or the first half of October.

Anyways, what do you think? Always up for some constructive criticism.

See you soon~

Intermission - Second Year Fragments

Queasy: Hello~! Welcome to your intermission!

Premise: A series of moments from YEAR 2 with Kiriya

Note, these are subject to change whether it be the timeline of events, the creation of new events or, heck even if I write this fic for that long. All is subject to change, and not set in stone.

Enjoy!

_

"What does 'Swag' Mean?"

-Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, Genius Idiot

Scenario One (I Am Me):

I stood before my senpai, his blonde hair whipping in the island's tempestuous winds, his piercing blue eyes locked onto me, giving him an almost Aryan appearance. Haha.

Come on, Kiriya, say something amusing for the audience watching!

Of course, I would, you idiot. After all, I emerged victorious. I won, like always.

Wait...No that's not right...I lost a few times too, huh?

"Oh? What's with that expression, Senpai?" I grinned mischievously. "Is the little baby angry? Not getting the victory you yearned for, huh?" I taunted him, my body trembling with excitement.

I had him once, but that slippery bastard got me. I lost to him somehow.

It was luck Kiriya, calm yourself.

Right... it was luck...

Losing once, then losing again, and getting my friends expelled – all of that was this man's fault. The man standing before me.

He took my cherished friends away from me.

He will stay, as punishment, he will never have the option of dropping out. That is his punishment for FUCKING with me.

He will lose again and again and again at my hands. He doesn't have the choice to drop out, all he has to do is take it like a fucking man.

What? Don't look at me like that, reader; this person in front of me is a manchild.

He became furious because he wasn't placed in the class he believed he deserved and wanted to establish a meritocracy, which I might have agreed with if it didn't entail expelling so many people, but that's beside the point.

You've done precisely the same thing to get to where you are now, Kiriya. What are you talking about?

Shut your mouth, you lost, and I won, Kiriya. Doesn't that prove I'm superior?

"..."

That's what I thought. Now be quiet and let me continue my monologue, Kiriya.

How immature, how impure, how PATHETIC.

The former student council president glared at me before bursting into laughter. "Hahahaaha! You truly are something else, Fujiwara!" he exclaimed. "I finally understand what goes on inside your head! Hahahaha! I know why Kiryūin was so intrigued by you!"

I cocked my head and narrowed my eyes. My fiery red eyes bore into the soul of the person before me. "Hm? What are you getting at, President?"

She was interested in me because she found out what I was up to first, nothing else. Right?

Are you that naive Kiriya, of course not.

SHUT THE FUCK UP I'M NOT NAIVE I—

Am free, yes, yes you say that all the time, yet, that isn't true, fool.

The blonde continued to laugh heartily. "It's because—!"

His words aggravated me a ton. Why would he ever say something so cruel? I thought we were buddies...

You're disassociating from reality again, relax. Don't look at the fourth wall, it'll make it worse.

Oh, thank you...

"Can't you hear yourself talk!? Hahahahaha!" He didn't appear to be overly concerned about the fact that he was about to have all of his remaining supporters expelled. His focus was entirely on me.

"Huh, what do you mean?" I blinked.

What was he talking about?

He couldn't be talking about that—right?

Hahaha~!

RIGHT!?

"Hahahahaa! Oh, my goodness, that's why... I get it now... I get it..." He let out a hearty cackle as he gazed at my bewildered expression. What was happening?

"Do you not understand, Fujiwara? YOU—"

My eyes widened in shock at what he revealed to me. It shattered the entire identity I had built for myself; everything suddenly felt... what?!

WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME!?

...

I snapped, completely shattering the weapon I held in my hand.

"You take that back right now," I threatened, my hand starting to bleed as splinters and fragments of the broken weapon dug into my skin.

SHATTER

But he didn't back down; he continued to speak. "Ohhohoho! It seems like I've hit the jackpot, Fujiwara! Come on now! All I have to do is figure out what makes you tick, and boom! Hahahaha—GANGH!"

I bolted forward and harshly kicked him backwards, the back of his head hitting the back of the cliff I had cornered him to.

He knew too much. I had been too careless. He knows too much. I must force it out of him. He won't remember anything.

My eyes turned toward the cliff, the drop of about...10 meters...that's not that bad. He'll live.

I looked around, the puddles of rain and water dredging the ground into a muddle quagmire (giggity)

I unconsciously looked at my reflection.

My eyes flickered from green to red, WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING TO ME!?

He just fell off a cliff, right?

Right, that's the excuse.

Right...He fell off a cliff...

Both of our watches are broken. He just fell off of a cliff, that's it. I was never here.

You never saw this, reader.

STOP BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL!

I'm sorry...

I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY! I'M NOT CRAZY, YOU'RE CRAZY!

SHUT THE FUCK UP

I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU

I HATE YOU KEITATSU!

I HATE YOU.

...

...

I was too caught up in my musings to even acknowledge, though, my...brown, black and silver-haired stalkers.

How unfortunate.

...

...

Scenario 2 (Paranoia):

Creating a surveillance state within this school is remarkably straightforward. In fact, it's remarkably simple to have eyes and ears everywhere without physically being present.

All it takes are these small devices. Attach them discreetly under a bench, chair, or table, and they record audio effortlessly.

The school administration doesn't need to be aware of these activities. I've earned the privilege to do so with my actions during my first and early second years.

The constant feeling of being watched and listened to instills fear and caution, making it impossible for individuals to discuss class matters in public spaces. This forces them into one location: the dormitories.

The strategy is simple. Plans don't need to be heard directly; they just need to be leaked.

Identify two key individuals entering the dormitories, and there you have it.

Bribe a housekeeper to install bugs in specific areas of a dorm, even in the most private spaces, and you're done.

All of this induces a pervasive sense of terror within the school.

It's the dictatorship, the absolute monarchy that Ryuuen desired.

A complete surveillance state, where every conversation must occur behind closed doors or be meticulously tracked through computer logs.

Communication is restricted to sanctioned channels, which are checked, monitored, and screened by paid "employees." And of course, there's a fee involved.

Secret meetings are a thing of the past.

Privacy is a distant memory.

The intellectuals, the ones who could potentially oppose this regime and figure out the truth, are effectively silenced. The rest are transformed into loyal puppets. I win.

I've won from the moment I set my sights on something. Sure, there were setbacks, but bouncing back is my specialty.

We've always had each other's backs.

They're now puppets, incapable of moving without instructions, devoid of life. The semblance of class competition has evaporated. There's no need for it anymore.

Sakayanagi's class collapsed after my repeated attacks. They haven't won a single special exam in nearly a year now— how time flies.

They've gone from Class A to D, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Ichinose and Kanzaki's classes are completely loyal, regaining their Class A status, thanks to my assistance. Ichinose is blinded by gratitude and trusts me almost blindly, and Kanzaki sees a partnership with me as the only way to stay in Class A.

Speaking of her, she can be surprisingly ruthless nowadays, during exams, always attacking the bottom 2 classes but leaving us alone.

If this was the pink-haired strawberry gummy bear from a year ago, I would've said you're smoking some hella fine crack.

My class, Class B, is mine because I wanted it. Everyone rallied behind me, including Horikita, to root out the traitor, Kushida. You should've been there, it was fascinating. Revealing everything about her.

All that bait she took, dug her grave deeper and deeper until...poof! She was gone! Hehehe~!

Yousuke and I had a falling out over that issue, but we could get back on track if he stops being so moody about it.

I mean, come on! What's a little expulsion gonna do to you, Yousuke? Hurt your feelings? Hahahaha!

Hahaha~!

The only Class with a semblance of resistance was Class C. But even they aren't able to hold out this long.

Soon though they'll collapse and it'll be smooth sailing from there.

Half a year's worth of work paid off DIVIDENDS!

Kiyotaka...

I'd rather not talk about him. A simple miscalculation on my part could unleash the brown-haired monkey's wrath, and believe me, I still have PTSD from that one incident.

It's hard to believe that the introvert has become my greatest source of stress all due to one incident. He can't do anything now, since I've finally set everything up and created this state, but...

I can't shake the feeling that he's allowing me to do this for some reason. Augh...stupid brown-haired lady-killer...

Sigh...

All of this... because... I was bored.

No, that's not true; it's because you're paranoid.

Shush, that's the truth—

It is not.

You're facing a dilemma again. You need to control yourself before it gets too late.

Augh...

Ding!

A text...?

[Blonde puppy: [Image attachment]

[Blonde puppy: Could you help me with this, senpai?

[Blonde puppy: Ishigami's making a move, what should I do?

I smiled gently at the text and sent my reply. Out of all the naive people on the planet, this person probably took the cake. Enemy to my most loyal ally in the first years... fascinating what lying could do.

Unable to verify facts, someone can only take your word for it. And well, my way of speaking is the best.

[Me]
Send it through this link, unmonitored [Link]

[Blonde puppy: Oh! Okay...thanks!

I lay back in the karaoke room, alone. It seemed like I'd been coming here more frequently lately, always by myself.

Everything had become so strange recently.

I opened my eyes and to my surprise...

Eh?

What?

"Hello? Can I help you...?"

The white-haired man blinked slowly, his eyes conveying a sense of melancholy, disappointment, and...

"I'm so sorry, my boy..." he said, his voice all too familiar, but I couldn't put my hand on it...

I blinked, struggling to comprehend what was happening. Was I suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning or something?

Or...?

"My boy...this is so wrong...What you're doing..."

You hate this man.

"WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT'S RIGHT AND WHAT'S WRONG!? HUH?!"

"These people are mere children, my boy, it—"

"IF I KNOW EVERYTHING, I CAN FIX IT! INFORMATION, OLD MAN! HAVE YOU EVER—"

"These people are suffering...because of you..."

...

"No, they're suffering because of YOU . You can't tell me that, you're the reason for everything, you monkey."

"I'm sorry..."

I clenched my teeth, my body tensing with a growing sense of unease. If he keeps talking, I swear to god, I'm going to do something unspeakable.

"No, you're not." He spoke, almost as if...

I froze in place, a chill running down my spine. He's reading my...

"Please, my boy... release all of them... cut their strings, let them be teenagers..." His voice softened, and he moved closer to me, exuding a fatherly aura. "Why would you do this...?"

I did this because it seemed like the best course of action.

I did this because I wanted to.

I did this because it was thrilling.

I did this because...

"..." I remained silent.

The man's brow furrowed at my lack of response. "I hope you can find healing..." he said before departing, disappearing almost as quickly as he had appeared.

Was that what they meant?

Oh no... I'm in deep trouble...I'm so fucked...my head hurts...

I buried my face in my hands...

...

...

"Okay I just need a glass of water, everything's fine... O-or maybe an Advil...or three..."

...

...

Scenario 3 (Maid Outfits):

I floated over to Chabashira-sensei, wearing an enormous, satisfied grin on my face.

"Sensei~!" I called out in a sing-song tone, causing her to jump at my sudden appearance.

Geez, have I given everyone in this school a bit of PTSD in one way or another?

Get over it, folks, LOL! Sure, I gave you all a near-constant sense of being watched but if you just ignore it, it doesn't exist!

Hahaha! Come on~ Don't look at me like that, I'm nearly harmless!

She regained her composure after a moment. "What is it you want, Fujiwara?" She narrowed her eyes at me but couldn't resist being drawn into my orbit once more. After all, I did technically make her dream come true.

Tehee~!

How unfortunate you are, Minus-300-Chan~

"Could you do me a favour and check something for me?" I asked, blinking innocently. She didn't seem to like my innocent act, though.

Rude! I'm acting this way just for you sensei~!

"What do you want me to—"

"How much would it take for you to don this maid costume and grace the maid cafe for the last hour of the event?" I said, producing a maid outfit out of thin air, that just happened to be her size.

Her face contorted in complete surprise, as evident from the sound she made.

"W-what?"

"You heard me, Sensei!" I chirped. "I want you to wear this maid outfit and be one of the maids," I revealed my plan, like always (not). "You don't have to do anything; just stand there and strike some cute poses or something!"

"I can't possibly—"

"Please! It'd be good for the class~!"

"N-no teachers aren't—"

"Teachers can't participate in the sales of the entire event, but it didn't say anything about participating, did it~?" I clapped my hands together, widening my eyes, letting my mint-green orbs pierce through her soul.

She stared at me silently, I swayed back and forth like that one chaotic mess of a Kouhai does, Ichika.

"Wear the maid outfit, Sensei!" I said, my smile not reaching my eyes.

"Ugh... Hold on; let me check..."

"It's 100,000 points, Sensei! I've checked already!"

"How do you even—"

"I knew from the beginning; I just wanted to fuck with you! Tehee~!"

"Oh my god, you're just like Chie..."

"Oh, what a fantastic idea, Sensei!" I exclaimed, then pressed a particular button on my phone. "You just gave me an amazing idea!"

[100,000 Points Transferred!]

[Total: 22,425,598]

I pocketed the device and handed over the maid's uniform. "You wear it beautifully now! I know your three sizes!"

"What!? Fujiwara!?"

"No-no-no! It's Master to you, Maid-Chan-Sensei!" I cackled and winked while running off toward Class A's area.

I wonder how my other "favourite" sensei would react...?

Fufu~

I might just get molested, but I have a secret weapon!

(｡ •̀ ᴗ -) wink!

...

It's called the law, and you're not allowed to touch children Hoshinomiya-sensei.

I am a child.

What's one thing worst than a rapist?

*tears down paper* Boom!

*Gasp* A Child

No—

...

...

_

Words: 2456

Longer intermissions~ and this was the last draft for me to publish from summer, woohoo!

Anyway, this is the official end of Vol 2!

See ya...whenever Vol 3 comes out!

Bye, kids!

Vol 3.1 - Liberté est Fausse!

"I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else's freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity."

-Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa

You know, reader, I've had it up to here with this whole "freedom" nonsense.

There's a phrase that I've picked up during my life, it is called: Liberte est Fausse or the direct meaning, "freedom is false"

People prattle on about how we're free individuals, masters of our own destiny, but let me tell you something – it's all a load of fucking horseshit.

First of all, let's dissect this idea of freedom.

You think you're free?

You wake up in the morning, and the first thing you do is check your phone. You don't do it because you want to; you do it because you're tethered to that screen. It's like an electronic umbilical cord. You're a slave to notifications, to social media, to that tiny device that fits in your pocket.

It's called operant conditioning.

You get a little hit of dopamine every time your phone lights up.

Ding!

[Someone liked your post!]

Ding!

[You got a message!]

Ding!

[Send Nudes!]

Ding!

[Wake up! You've been in a coma for 4 years and have been hallucinating living your entire life with fictional women! Wake up!]

Ding!

[Sigma balls lmao XD!]

Ding!

[Let's hang out again! I need that thing in me again~ ]

Ding!

Ding!

Ding!

You're hooked, my friend, and I am too.

You're like a lab rat pushing a lever for a food pellet, except the pellet is a digital thumbs-up.

And it doesn't stop there. Look at your job. You think you're free to choose your career, right? Wrong.

Society tells you that you need to make a living, so you pick a job, any job, to pay the bills. You're a cog in the machine, a pawn in the corporate game. You think you have choices, but really, you're just following the script written by society.

Ever heard of the concept of "false consciousness"? It's when you're led to believe that your interests align with the ruling class's. You're convinced that you're working for your own benefit, but in reality, you're lining someone else's pockets. They've got you by the strings, and you dance to their tune.

Let's talk about relationships. You fall in love, and it's all sunshine and rainbows, right? Wrong again. Love is just another set of strings.

You're beholden to someone else's emotions, expectations, and demands. You think you're making choices, but love makes you do crazy things.

You'll compromise, sacrifice, and even put up with their annoying quirks just to keep the peace.

That's not freedom; that's emotional bondage.

And I'm into that shit.

And let's not forget the government. They say you live in a democracy, where your voice matters. But does it really? You cast your vote, thinking you're shaping the future, but do you ever wonder who's pulling the strings behind the scenes? It's a puppet show, my friend, and you're just one of the marionettes.

I live in a fucking MONARCHY!

I'm all for kings, they're cool and I want to touch one. It's like an exotic object that runs back thousands of years. Heck, we have an EMPEROR!

Tenohira Banzai!

Remember the old saying, "The best slave is the one who thinks he's free." Well, there's a nugget of truth in that. We're all tied to something – our phones, our jobs, our relationships, our government – and we delude ourselves into thinking we're calling the shots.

Me? Am I free?

No, god no.

But am I closest to being the freest?

Yes.

Information is key.

And I know...so much...

...

...

"Nagumo-san!"

I was engrossed in a pile of documents and papers related to the school's administration – financial records, club budgets, special exams, you name it. My focus was unwavering until one of my subordinates burst into the student council room without warning.

That peculiar tension that had gripped the school during the first month of my second year returned.

It was strange, considering I had already asserted my dominance over most of the second-year students.

The only ones left to conquer were the remnants of the former Class A, now Class B. However, that tension had resulted in a major setback.

Multiple expulsions and suspensions had occurred, seemingly at random. The victims came from Classes D to B, but my own class, Class A, was curiously untouched.

Heck, it even happened to a lesser extent to the third years, only that all classes were targeted.

Among the casualties were both fervent supporters and staunch enemies of mine. It was as if someone was simultaneously helping and hindering my cause.

How did I know this was the work of an individual? It was the reports from my subordinates. The victims claimed they were lured into various areas around the school and subjected to vile acts by the perpetrators.

That's what the official school report stated, at least.

I tried to gather more information, but I encountered an unexpected roadblock. My attempts to access certain information were thwarted, and it left me baffled.

As the student council vice president, I should have had greater authority. Yet, for some reason, my access was restricted. I couldn't dwell on it for long; there were other pressing matters.

One of the most significant casualties was the leader of Class C, along with three others, totalling four victims in the span of three weeks. Their class points had plummeted to a mere 100, rendering Class C virtually powerless.

Class C was in ruins, and they could only blame me for failing to prevent it. It was unfortunate, but I needed more time to consolidate my power.

Class D had descended into chaos, but they were of little consequence. They had already suffered numerous expulsions, and even if they joined the revolt, they would eventually come crawling back to my side.

Class B, on the other hand, faced suspensions but nothing more severe. Their class points had only decreased by a measly number.

They, along with Kiriyama and possibly Hidaka, were on my list of potential culprits behind these acts.

However, the logic didn't add up. Kiriyama lacked the audacity for such actions and was a staunch supporter of Horikita-senpai, a by-the-book individual who wouldn't engage in underhanded tactics like these.

He may have supported the elimination of my supporters, but given its impact on his own class, he couldn't be the perpetrator. Why would anyone shoot themselves in the foot while targeting someone else?

Hidaka was too engrossed in the Technology Club, and her interests leaned toward technology rather than power.

She had her quirks, but she was unlikely to conspire against me in this manner. If she aligned herself with me, her goals would likely involve turning the school into a technocracy, a concept she often talked about in her messages.

Why couldn't she be more like Asahina? At least she was relatively normal.

I don't like Hidaka, she's just pretty. Pretty in terms of looks and pretty in terms of crazy.

She's not actually crazy, but...well...you know...? She's a little too fanatic about...tech.

Then there was the "Other One." She was certainly capable, but her motives were inscrutable, making her a challenging puzzle to solve.

Horikita-senpai remained a possibility, albeit a tenuous one. He possessed the flexibility and ambition to carry out such acts, unlike Kiriyama. He was a "maybe" on my list.

Imagine if he challenged me~ Hahaa like a dream come true~!

Maybe it was someone from the first years? But upon looking at them, Sakayanagi may be the only one able to think of something as aggressive as this, considering she was the chairman's daughter.

No...actually, she wouldn't be interested in this sort of thing, I think.

Who was that person again? Katsuragi? Yeah, she has bigger fish to fry, literally.

How the hell are you bald at 16?

I leaned back in my chair, contemplating who might be behind these actions. The school had witnessed 30 suspensions and 11 expulsions since the beginning of the second year, none of which I had orchestrated.

Even Horikita-senpai was looking a bit tense at the fact that there was so many, paperwork and all. There was a brief period where he looked, normal, per se, but now...it was just tension.

Was their mission to clog up the student council's time by flooding us with paperwork? Augh I don't know...

The situation was baffling and convoluted. Without my leadership, the entire second year could have collapsed under the weight of these incidents.

It was evident that someone or some group was aiding me and undermining me simultaneously.

Could it be a collective effort? My mind raced with questions and possibilities, and it was frustratingly difficult to discern the truth.

"Um..." my subordinate hesitated, looking somewhat flustered. "I rushed here as soon as I could, but Shiriga has been expelled..." he stammered.

Shiriga, a member of Class A, my class, had been expelled.

"What..." I uttered in disbelief. "What did he do?" I turned to my subordinate, who flinched.

"H-he attacked someone in the third year for—for..." I raised my hand, signalling him to stop.

"Heh...damn..."

The gap between Classes A and B had narrowed to 200 points.

I had no clear leads and no concrete evidence.

A conspiracy perhaps? All 3 years against me? Not likely.

The first years hadn't even experienced their first special exam yet, so unlikely. Second years, third years...

Augh! I can't think properly!

I'll need someone to watch the first years and everything...

Ohohoho~

Whoever you are, I hope you provide me with something. Anything to alleviate this boredom.

This boredom, this lull, I want it all gone, I'm tired of winning.

Whether it be this convoluted, complex, whatever you call it, plan, or something completely different. As long as this boredom of mine is gone, it doesn't matter.

Heh...like anyone could provide me with that...

...

...

It was the final day, or rather, the last few hours before I embarked on my two-week cruise vacation with class D.

I lounged on a bench in the early morning hours, sipping a cold, vanilla-flavoured mocha, with a familiar face by my side.

"Can we make a bet?" I suddenly proposed, earning a raised eyebrow from my silver-haired senpai. Her grin grew wider as I continued.

"Hooh? What's on your mind, Kouhai?" She seemed to already anticipate my query, which was rather unfortunate.

I've been spending a bit too much time with her lately, haven't I?

I decided to draw it out, just to mess with her a bit. "Just a small bet, just a tiny weeny bet," I teased.

Fuka and I locked eyes on the bench. She had a habit of taking up more space than necessary, a peculiar way of asserting dominance over the bench. I sometimes did it just to push her buttons, but she always managed to reclaim her territory.

Fuka was Fuka, and Fuka owned the bench.

I wanted at least half of the bench, but nooo~ she just had to take it too huh?

"Alright, I'm listening," she said with a knowing look, her crimson eyes locked onto my green ones.

I began explaining my side of the bet, and Fuka's eyes sparkled with intrigue and interest. She chuckled when I finished my explanation.

"You know, it's these kinds of things that pique my interest in..." She trailed off, making a little circle in the air with her finger. "This person right here," she admitted, her grin never fading.

"Am I just a person now...?" I quipped.

Fuka snorted. "No, you're way more interesting than that." She then pulled me into a side hug, disregarding personal space, as usual, causing me to scowl.

"Remember, it's a public area. Don't do that," I reminded her, even though it was still dark outside. I was always paranoid about being seen together. Fuka knew this and took full advantage of it.

"Hoooh? Like you care about doing things in public," she retorted, making me even more uncomfortable.

"I care about a lot of things, including my public image. Let's get back on—" I tried to steer the conversation back.

"But we can talk about so much!" Fuka interrupted.

"Could you—!?"

"Like how insecure individuals link public image to their own self-esteem!"

"Let's stay on topic, please—"

"And how people use public validation to justify their heinous behaviour and advocate for reforms that would, in the long term, damage the institutions that keep our society functioning!"

"That's an interesting point, the people do have power, and—WAIT, DON'T GET ME INVOLVED IN THIS!"

"Like Mr. Notice-Me-Senpai, for example!"

"Fuka—!!"

"What? We were having such a passionate discussion~!" she teased, grinning mischievously at having roped me in, even if only briefly.

"If I win the bet, let's go out somewhere," I finally stated, a gentle look adorning my face.

...

"Did I hear you correctly, or did hours of screaming at each other over Mario Kart make me go deaf?" Fuka blinked, clearly suffering emotional whiplash from the abrupt shift in our conversation.

"If you wanted to go on a date, you could've just said so," my senpai teased. "No need for all of this—Ohhhh, that's why you're saying this now, you cheeky—!" She suddenly caught on, causing me to smirk.

Considering the timing, with our time to board the buses toward the cruise ship set for 5:00, the fact that it was still dark out, only 3 AM and that we wouldn't see each other for 2 weeks...

You get the picture.

I grinned triumphantly before standing up, pointing, and laughing. "Haha! Look at your face~!" I sang. "Someone's angry~!"

Fuka stared at me, a smirk fighting to hide her irritation. "So, what do I get if you lose?" She inquired about her end of the bet.

That's right, if I did lose, which was unlikely, I would have to provide something in return.

Oh, noooo~

"Don't know, you decide—" My gut response slipped out unconsciously, and my eyes widened, my face paling as Fuka sported a massive grin.

I curse my slip-ups...

"You have to do whatever I say for an entire day, and you can't say no," she quickly stipulated, spreading herself across the entire bench in triumph.

"Can I add a condition..." I asked with resigned eyes.

"Sure~"

"Nothing inappropriate, please."

"No guarantees."

"I really dislike you."

"I love you too."

"If you did, you wouldn't torment me on a regular basis."

"But where's the fun in that?" She snarked, her crimson eyes brimming with mischief and hints of affection.

I rolled my eyes, leaning into the Tsundere act.

"Fuck you."

"Fuck me yourself, you coward."

"I would if you weren't so annoying" I admitted with a tired look, my silver-haired senpai laughed at me.

"Ha! At least you're honest!"

I downed the remainder of my mocha and wandered off. Or, I would've, if it weren't for Fuka's voice calling out to me.

"Wait, what about those annoying papers you wanted me to make?"

Crap.

I slowly turned around, meeting my senpai's mischievous gaze once more.

"Hand them over," I simply stated, reaching out, and then...

Swipe!

"Fuka, I swear to god, give me those!"

"Hehehe~"

"You're so—PETTY!"

"You almost got them! Come on now!"

Why has this person become such a prominent figure in my life?

I have no clue.

Augh...at least I got that one paper...saves me a bunch of headaches...

...

"Why did you draw your face...on...oh my god," I muttered, trying to decipher the eccentric artwork.

Upon the canvas, along with the contents that I wanted, there was the strikingly detailed portrait of her face that held my attention. It was a surprisingly well-drawn piece of art.

"It's FUN! And, besides, you'll have a picture of my beautiful face to keep with you while you're on your trip!" Fuka exclaimed, catching up to me and matching my pace.

"Do you really expect me to..."

"Mhm~!"

I couldn't help but shake my head in amusement.

"I'm..."

"You better not erase it. I will literally cry," she warned, her voice carrying a playful edge.

"As if you're capable of shedding tears," I retorted, wearing a smirk.

"Rude! I bet I can out-cry you any day of the week!"

"By watching Titanic or..."

"Are you basic or something? No, by watching videos of veterans returning home!"

"Oooo, that's a good one~"

"Hmph, of course, it's good. It's the best because I said so!"

I paused, considering another idea.

"Don't you have a superior memory? Why would you need something like this?" Fuka asked.

"I got an 83 on the final, mind you; I'll need something for reference," I explained.

Fuka responded by pulling me into yet another side hug. "Or is it because you knew I would bless you with a beautiful sketch of my face~? Oh, Kiriya, you sly dog!"

She pulled me in even closer, our cheeks now touching.

She changed her perfume...

I escaped from my troublesome senpai's grasp, wearing a scowl once more. "I didn't know you'd 'bless me' with a sketch. I just needed something for reference, once again."

"Sure, sure—wait." Fuka suddenly realized something. "You got an 83?! On the Final?! HAAH!" She mockingly taunted me for my less-than-stellar performance.

Allow me to clarify that the reason I didn't score a perfect 100 was that I didn't show my work and lost marks as a result.

It's ludicrous; I provided the answer and part of the explanation. What more do they want? Sure, you want me to explain my answer more, but all you need is the result, you fool!

"Well, I wasn't serious!"

"Weak! I remember my first final, I got a—"

"100, yeah, I know, you old hag—ITAI!" She smacked me over the head in response to my comment.

I deserved that, but I do enjoy getting under her skin. After spending nearly 500 hours with this troublesome person, I had a firm grasp of what made her tick.

"Such insolence; I'm only a year older than you. And interrupting me? For shame!"

"Imagine being born in April."

"What's the problem with being born in April??"

"Everything...? It's cold and wet and stuff, you know?" I poked my senpai's side with a grin.

"..."

"I'll take your silence as admittance—OW!" She smacked me again, smirking as she did so.

"Such uncloth behaviour, Kouhai, where are your manners?"

"You're the last person that should talk about manners..."

As we continued our stroll back to the dorms, our conversations grew increasingly bizarre. Still, I couldn't deny that I enjoyed these quirky exchanges.

Augh...I hate tests!

...

...

...

" Hahaha! That's a good joke, sensei," I remarked, a playful grin on my face, in response to my sensei's surprising statement.

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the ship. We had been on board since around midday, exploring every nook and cranny, indulging in delicious meals, and partaking in various shipboard activities.

Most vessels, particularly ones like this, had a carrying capacity of around a thousand passengers. Considering that the entire first-year class and staff were aboard, that brought the total headcount to a little over two hundred.

The luck of the draw had assigned most of us to shared rooms. However, I found myself among the fortunate few who enjoyed a room all to themselves. I attributed it to my undeniable awesomeness, of course.

But, in all honesty, I despised the sea.

We had an unfortunate tendency to succumb to seasickness rather swiftly, turning the ocean voyage into a less-than-pleasant experience. Nonetheless, as the saying goes, "Thug it out."

Returning my attention to Chabashira-sensei, I noticed her narrowing her eyes at my comment. "Do you believe I'm joking, Fujiwara?"

I tilted my head innocently, locking my mint-green eyes with hers. "Why, of course, sensei," I responded with a nonchalant tone. "I never knew you possessed such a sense of humour. Is that the sole reason you summoned me for this chat?"

In the background, the ship's entertainment featured a performance of "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles. The play delved into profound themes such as Fate versus Free Will, Truth, Sin, and Tragedy, among others.

It revolves around Oedipus, the tragic protagonist. As the tale unfolds, Oedipus relentlessly seeks the truth about his origins, unaware that he is digging his own grave with each revelation.

It's a classic tale, honestly.

I do find it a bit weird, how, though, Oedipus kills his father and marries his mother. I'm not into incest.

Maybe Horikita is? Hahaha!

I should've chosen a better play for this metaphor...

Chabashira-sensei stared at me. "What I am saying is, it would be unfortunate for you to be expelled if light was shed on the recent doings of—"

TUG!

I seized my sensei's collar with a fierce grip, yanking her closer to me. Our pairs of irises locked in a tense standoff, and my strength was so overwhelming that I unintentionally lifted her slightly off her seat.

Despite my actions, I maintained my smile, masking the turmoil beneath. "Are you suggesting that you want to collaborate with me?" I inquired gently, aware of the discomfort my physical demonstration had caused.

I bore holes into her skull as I said these gentle words, my tone betraying my seething anger.

"We are all connected by strings..." A voice in the back of my head muttered.

"It's your choice, Fujiwara," she replied, her voice steady, even in the face of our peculiar predicament.

Releasing her, I allowed Chabashira-sensei to settle back into her seat. Fortunately, we were positioned at the rear of the theatre, ensuring that our conversation remained private amidst the play's unfolding drama.

"To think an utter FAILURE like yourself exists," I sneered, choosing words that visibly unsettled my sensei. "You'll come to regret the day you attempted to manipulate me."

"...The freer you are, the less you have..." the same voice muttered, causing my anger to rise further.

Chabashira-sensei swiftly regained her icy composure, her gaze inscrutable as it bore into me. "I already have many regrets."

"I AWeAdy HAB mAUNY REGWeTS!" I parodied in a mocking, high-pitched voice. "Shut the fuck up, MONKEY."

"What is your decision, Fujiwara?"

"I don't give a fuck. To me, you're nothing more than a piece of shit on the side of the road," I hissed, my voice dripping with resentment.

"...I see—" she began before I interjected once more.

"DIs IBs UUr TWuuw SeLB," I taunted her with another childish impersonation. "No, I'm fairly certain I'm the most straightforward student you've ever had. I just loathe you at this point," I confessed.

My sensei seemed impervious to my biting words and directed her gaze toward the ongoing play.

After I had cooled down somewhat, I glared at her. "I'll agree to work with you to ascend to class A, but I want something in return..." Leaning closer, I whispered my terms into her ear.

Chabashira-sensei stared at me in disbelief. "Do you understand what you just said?"

"Yeah, dipshit, I do."

"You do understand the trouble, correct? What if I had a recording?" she probed.

"You don't. I know you were captivated by my hold on you," I retorted in a snarky manner.

"Seems like you enjoyed it, sensei...tsk tsk tsk!" I playfully wagged my finger as she pursed her lips.

"Bad, bad Sae-chan-sensei~" She flinched at the nickname, a reaction that often followed whenever her students used it. "You enjoy being felt up don't you~?"

"Fujiwara—!"

"Have a pleasant evening, sensei~" I chirped, making my exit and leaving her to watch the play alone.

But just before reaching the exit, I stopped, positioning myself within earshot so she could hear. "Watch closely, sensei. I'll emerge victorious in these Special Exams."

I didn't need to look back to know the expression on her face.

I wore a triumphant grin.

Victory was nearly assured now.

You're so cruel, Kiriya.

No, I'm not.

You didn't describe to the audience what feeling up Chabashira-sensei was like~!

She felt like cotton candy, when feeling up her thigh area, I thought they were marshmallows. Are you happy now?

Yes sir!

Ah! Remind me to make plans to put her in her place in the future, okay?

Yeah yeah, sure~

Augh...where's Fuka when you need her? At least she'll just drag you to the massage parlour instead of blackmailing you with your super secret, I'm going to do something funny, type of plan.

...

...

"Don't do what you're about to do, Bakataka-kun," I muttered under my breath, my eyes darting towards the curious, cat-like figure that was Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Over the past few months of getting to know him, it became increasingly clear that Kiyotaka had an uncanny resemblance to a cat. Always curious, he often found himself in absurd situations, much like the one we were currently embroiled in.

Have you ever seen a 16-year-old boy make liquid nitrogen just so he could see what it feels like in his hand? No? Me neither, but that's something he would do, at this point.

cough

We had been casually exploring the cruise ship and stumbled upon a cafe whimsically named "Ocean Sunrise." Not the most creative title, to be honest.

True to his nature, Kiyotaka had ordered a refreshing lemonade along with a hearty breakfast pancake. In contrast, I opted for yet another Mocha, this time in delectable chocolate flavour, accompanied by a French-inspired breakfast loaded with bread and pastries.

Did you know bread makes you fat?

Bread makes you fat?

Shut up, Napoleon! Wrong story!

Anyway...

He briefly fixed his gaze on me, clutching a ketchup packet in his hand, which hung perilously close to his pristine lemonade.

It was sunny and unblemished – just how I liked my women.

"..." He remained silent, his eyes darting between me, his lemonade, and the ketchup packet.

"Don't do it..." I muttered once more, an inkling of dread creeping in.

With deliberate slowness, he began to tear open the ketchup packet.

"Don't..." My muscles tensed, ready to intervene before he committed whatever culinary atrocity he was contemplating. If he mixed that—

"What're you gonna do about it?" Did he just sass me? The cheeky prick—!

I reluctantly set down my croissant, although I craved taking a bite. This brown-haired cat had obstructed my culinary delight by wanting to create a culinary disaster.

"I'm going to restrict your baby-making privileges, plain and simple," I declared, my tone laced with a menacing edge.

But Kiyotaka, the cat that he was, remained undeterred. He continued to tear the packet, gazing deeply into my soul.

"I'm going to do it."

"If you claim curiosity as your motive, I'll inform Yousuke and the others that you have an affinity for ketchup-laden lemonade, Ketchup-Kouji," I retorted.

"Try me." The ketchup packet was almost fully torn, and the crimson tomato sauce was poised over the lemonade, much like nuclear bombs looming over Nagasaki before their tragic detonation.

But this time, instead of causing the death of over 100,000 people, it would simply ruin my day. Which was worse? I couldn't say, but I had no desire to find out.

Drip!

The first drop of ketchup plunged into the lemonade, sending waves of anger and revulsion rippling through my entire being.

Sir, a second plane—I mean ketchup drop has hit the south tower—I mean lemonade glass.

It was akin to witnessing a human, raised in an institution, losing their humanity and then attending school, only to remain mentally trapped in that facility.

The disgust I felt was more profound than what institutionalization does to an individual, turning them into a mere product of their culture.

It was utterly abhorrent, a sight that would forever haunt my memory.

This is worse than the Holocaust—that's too edgy I'm sorry.

Slowly, I turned away, unable to bear the abomination unfolding before my eyes. I could sense Kiyotaka's unwavering, blank stare penetrating my very soul as I recoiled in sheer horror. This, without a doubt, marked the pinnacle of mental torment I had ever endured.

And then...

Sluuurrrrp!

Oh no, he was drinking it!!!

"Stop drinking it!"

SLUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRP!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I loathed this brown cat with a passion!

STUPID, HANDSOME BROWN-HAIRED MAID CAT!

WHAT!?

I thought his thighs would be thicker, but whatever...Game is Game, after all.

what

...

"All students, your attention please."

The announcement crackled through the loudspeakers, instantly capturing the focus of every student on the ship.

Kiyotaka and I had just indulged in relaxing massages at the spa, and it was an understatement to say that we were both in a state of sheer bliss.

Following the chaotic ketchup-lemonade incident, I insisted we visit the spa to cleanse his mind of any impure thoughts.

I longed for an introvert who didn't constantly ponder culinary disasters, thank you very much.

"Augh..." I groaned, feeling the reverberations of the announcement through my body. "So loud..."

Kiyotaka hummed in agreement behind me. "Perhaps... we should consider inviting Hirata and the others to join us next time," he suggested slowly, referring to Yousuke by his last name, as was his usual custom.

I arched an eyebrow at his choice. "Why not use their first names? Didn't we agree we could?" I questioned, curiosity lacing my voice.

"The island will come into view shortly, " the voice on the loudspeaker announced, filling me with excitement as the forthcoming event loomed closer.

Yesterday, at 8:30 AM, the passenger ships had set sail from the port once all the students were on board.

Now, it was the following day, and after breakfast in the lounge, students were granted the freedom to explore the entire vessel. What made this even more delightful was that we could use any of the ship's facilities free of charge.

We had been aboard this vessel for approximately 29 hours at this point, getting acquainted with the ship and its rhythmic movements.

I, however, hadn't quite acclimated to the swaying of the ship; my stomach felt uneasy, and my body was far from comfortable.

You could say I was feeling a bit... Queasy...

"I'm still not entirely at ease with it," Kiyotaka confessed, his shoulders rolling as he spoke.

At this point, he was only comfortable using my first name and surprisingly, Chiaki's as well.

I attributed this to their stubborn personalities and their seemingly endless childish, old couple-like bickering—about what, I no longer knew.

"Maaaaa~" I exhaled softly. "Take your time. You'll get there," I encouraged him with a cheerful smile as we made our way towards the ship's deck.

"For a short while, you may see scenery of particular significance," the announcement concluded ominously.

"Oooo~!" I perked up. "What if we go mountain climbing with everyone? That could be so much fun!" I suggested enthusiastically as we stepped out into the refreshing sea breeze.

There it was—the island!

Kiyotaka and I moved towards the side of the ship where the island came into view.

"I don't believe islands have many mountains, Kiriya," he remarked.

"Ehhh? But Japan is an island, right?"

"Multiple islands, technically."

Who put you on this planet, smartass, HUH!?

"Well, my life just sucks!" I melodramatic pout formed on my face, my cheeks puffing to show that I had, in fact, the largest cheeks in this school.

That came out wrong...

...

An announcement resonated over the PA speakers.

"We will disembark in thirty minutes. Please assemble on the deck. All students should have changed into their jerseys. Make sure to check your designated bag and your luggage, and do not forget your cell phone. Please keep all other personal items in your room. There is a possibility that you will not be able to visit the bathroom for some time, so please do so now."

The news of the impending disembarkation spread among the students like wildfire. Ike and his friends rushed off energetically to change into their jerseys. I, too, decided to head back to my room to change.

Once inside, I swapped my clothes for the gym class jersey and returned to the ship's deck, joining the throng of students eagerly awaiting our arrival at the island. As we drew nearer to the landmass, the enthusiasm of the first-year students reached its zenith.

There was no need for me to seek out landmarks on the island; I was already familiar with its layout.

"I have destroyed the Austrian army by simply marching," I muttered to myself, a quote from the French Emperor Napoleon echoing in my thoughts.

As the island drew ever closer, the first-year's excitement surged even higher.

"We will disembark now, starting with the students from Class A. Cell phones are prohibited on the island. Please hand your phone to your homeroom teacher as you leave." The loudspeaker's command prompted students to file down the stairs in an orderly manner.

"Come on. Hurry up! Even though we're wearing thin clothes, we're all sweating!" grumbled someone in the crowd, clearly bothered by the scorching sun beating down on the ship's deck.

The Class D students, including myself, waited patiently despite the sweltering heat. Horikita eventually joined us.

At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but there was a subtle difference—something was amiss.

Even Horikita, who was usually meticulous about her appearance, seemed a bit dishevelled. Her hair, in particular, was not as immaculate as usual.

"Horikita-san, glad of you to join us," I greeted her, approaching from behind with a friendly smile. She glanced at me briefly, acknowledging my presence. "Did you have a good rest? Did you do anything interesting?"

"I slept well, and I was simply reading a book in my room. 'For Whom the Bell Tolls.' You probably haven't heard of it," she remarked.

"Ehhh? Isn't that...Ernest Hemingway?" I mused. Horikita appeared somewhat surprised by my familiarity with the book.

"Have you read it before?" she inquired.

"I do have an interest in war books and history," I replied as we waited for the next announcement. "Isn't it set during the Spanish Civil War?"

My black-haired classmate, appearing slightly dazed due to the heat, answered, "Y-yes, I believe so... Sorry, it's just so hot."

"That's true... So, how far along are you in the book?"

"Uh... I'm about a quarter of the way through... Chapter... 13, I think... the one where..." She hesitated, seemingly searching for a specific point in the story.

"Robert and Maria become do the deed?" I suggested, referring to the scene where the two love interests shared a moment of intimacy in the forest.

It was an unusual place for such an encounter, to say the least.

"Y-yes," she stammered, appearing a bit flustered that I had brought up such a topic in broad daylight. However, given my nature, she had likely grown accustomed to it.

"Hm..." A brief silence fell between us as I spotted Kiyotaka chatting with some of our classmates on the other side of our group. He had become surprisingly adept at engaging in conversations.

I felt like a proud parent, watching my child grow. I even pretended to wipe away imaginary tears at the thought.

"What are your thoughts on this trip, Fujiwara-kun?" Horikita suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

"Hm? What do you mean?" I inquired.

"...Considering the school's...reputation until now," she began, her voice hinting at her skepticism. "I was a bit wary of...everything," she admitted.

"And you wanted my perspective on it?"

"You strike me as somewhat above average in intelligence, so I thought I'd gauge your opinions."

"First of all, ouch! But fine, I'll have you know I scored an 83—"

"91," Horikita interjected with her own final test score, delivered in a surprisingly snarky tone.

Who was this and what had they done with Suzu-chan?

"And secondly... why are you suspicious? We're here to relax during our break," I mused, tilting my head as my green eyes met her red ones with curiosity.

"I'm anxious about what awaits us since we're not allowed to bring personal items, and considering the points I mentioned earlier... you get the idea," she grumbled, clearly dissatisfied.

"You think we'll be required to do..." The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. "Oh...!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in realization.

"Mhm... there's probably something we'll have to do on the island... maybe..." Horikita conceded, rubbing her arm and taking a deep breath.

"Hm..." I contemplated her words before addressing a more pressing issue. "You're doing all right, though, right?"

"I'm... fine," she replied, her tone signalling that she didn't wish to delve further into the topic.

Although she faced away from me, I noticed her breathing heavily, more than was typical for her.

I could also feel a certain someone's gaze directed toward us. I wonder who that could be...?

"Are you sure...? We just had an entire conversation, and you didn't threaten or hit me once..."

"Tsk, do you want me to?" She turned to glare at me, though it lacked its usual bite.

I chuckled. "No, not really." I turned to walk away, heading toward my other friends. "Just give me a shout if you need anything, okay, best buddy?" I teased.

"Ugh... you're impossible... but..." Horikita paused, considering her response. "but... fine..."

"Fufu~ Bye bye~ Suzu-chan~!"

"If I had my compass—!"

"Sure you would~!" I waved, finding someone else to annoy.

...

"Then, from this point on, we will be conducting this year's first special examination"

...

OH FOR FUCKS SAKE!

THERE IS NO FUN ALLOWED!

...

...

_

Words: 6050

Author Notes:

Boom, bam bap, Vol 3, coming in hot!

This volume will be slower in its release. I'm not entirely sure how I want to change and structure it to be.

Like I said in Vol 2.6, Chapters will be slow and I'll be mostly editing most things, focusing on school work, etc.

So, as a treat to satisfy you all, I'll give you this thing, and disappear from the face of the earth for a while, okay?

What do you think of the chapter, by the way?

See ya soon!