A Liquid Inspiration
Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)
One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.
That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.
For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.
It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:
"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."
This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.
Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!
Vol 3. Chapter 9.5 - Yuki's Gamble
Tsubaki Yuki
At around 12 PM, my party of four—comprising myself, Kushida, Makida, and Minami—had reached the central area of the island's western section. Our morning had been spent reconnoitering the remaining unexplored territories, making mental notes of any spots that might offer strategic value—though, truth be told, there were scant few.
Having completed the initial part of our mission, I decided it was time to brief the team on my secondary, far more audacious, objective: a direct confrontation with Class A.
As expected, the declaration was met with surprise and slight apprehension.
"Yuki-chan, are you sure that's wise?" Kushida questioned, her face tinged with concern. "Wouldn't it be safer to observe from a distance?"
I glanced towards Kushida, who was visibly uneasy about the idea of storming into Class A's encampment.
"There's no point in doing that, Kikyō-chan," I responded, gifting her a reassuring smile. "Even if we try sneaking around, we wouldn't be able to get anything aside from the external layout of their base, which, quite frankly, isn't much to go by," I replied, offering her a smile.
"What do you mean by that, Tsubaki-san? Are you saying you've already tried to scout their base yesterday?" Makida asked, raising an eyebrow.
I nodded my head in confirmation, and said, "Which is why I think that a little bit of offensive action is what we'll need to do. You guys will understand when we get there."
"Hold on," interjected Minami, his voice tinged with disbelief. "How'd you manage to cover all that ground in a single day? Are you training for the Olympics or something?"
A sly grin formed on my lips. "For starters, I was on my own yesterday, Minami-kun. No need to adjust my pace to match anyone else's."
Makida chuckled. "Ouch, that's cold, Tsubaki-san. Better up your game, Hakuo. We can't have you lagging behind and weighing us down," he said, giving Minami an amiable slap on the back.
I saw Minami's cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and mock annoyance. "Don't act like you're any better, Susumu, you asshole," he muttered, straightening his back and puffing out his chest in jest.
Chuckling, Kushida put a hand on the shoulders of the two boys. "Enough about that, you guys! If anything, it was me who was slowing us down," she said.
Her words worked like magic; the boys instantly ceased their playful banter, rubbing the backs of their heads in a display of sheepishness.
I chuckled inwardly. Men really were such simple creatures.
"Then it's settled," I said, my eyes scanning each of their faces in turn. A mixture of determination, curiosity, and a dash of anxiety colored their expressions. I relished the palette of emotions; it was the perfect blend for the audacious scheme we were about to unfurl.
"We're going to pay Class A a little visit. Any objections?"
My question was met with a collective shaking of heads. Even if they had reservations, it was clear they trusted my judgment. Good.
"Great! Let's move out," I declared, leading the way through the dense foliage towards Class A's encampment.
It took us less than twenty minutes to reach our destination. Along the way, I couldn't help but sense the heightened alertness of my classmates—every snapped twig, or rustle of leaves triggered a chain reaction of furtive glances. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.
As we arrived at the clearing that housed Class A's base, we saw a cave opening that looked like it cut deep into the mountainside. There were two temporary toilets and one shower room near the entrance. A handful of students, stern and unyielding, stood sentry at key points, their gaze sharp and scrutinizing.
That said, beyond the few students standing guard, you really couldn't see anything else of note. Unless we entered the cave, this was the best view we could afford.
"So that's what you meant," Makida muttered, turning his head in my direction. "Even if we try to sneak around, we wouldn't be able to get anything."
"I hope they won't get pissed off with us snooping around. Those guys had some mean mugs," Minami added.
"If you're gonna chicken out, Hakuo, the exit is that way," Makida jabbed, gesturing back the way we came.
Minami shot Makida a glare, but it lacked true venom. "I'm here, aren't I?" he retorted, puffing his chest out once more.
Kushida took a deep breath, looking decidedly more serious. "So, what's the plan, Yuki-chan? Are we going in, or...?"
I shrugged, locking eyes with each member of my team. "Really, what choice do we have? I doubt they'll roll out the welcome mat, but neither are they going to chase us away with pitchforks. We're going in."
Without waiting for any further objections, I strode forward, my shoes crunching lightly against the gravel underfoot. Behind me, I could hear the footsteps of my classmates, each taking a moment of hesitation before deciding to follow my lead.
Well... if they wanted quiet and sneaky, they shouldn't have followed me. I like stirring the pot, y'know?
As I stepped into the boundary of Class A's camp, a small wave of adrenaline washed over me. I half-expected someone to leap out of the shadows and challenge our presence. But no such interruption came. We crossed the threshold, walking steadily towards the cave entrance where the sentries were posted.
As we got closer, the stern students guarding the cave finally noticed us. Their eyes narrowed, sizing us up with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
"Whoa, if looks could kill," Makida whispered under his breath, though not so quietly that I couldn't hear.
Not really. They were probably just surprised we even ventured this far.
"Huh? Who are you guys? You're not from our class." A male student called out upon finally spotting us.
It was Totsuka Yahiko, the right-hand man of Katsuragi Kōhei. He was Katsuragi's most staunch follower, and according to what I've gathered, he was generally liked by his classmates. It was quite surprising, considering his below-average academic abilities, but it is what it is.
"I caught you looking at me a few times when we were in the cafeteria a while back. Are you sure that you don't recognize me?" I asked with a playful pout.
"E-eh? Of course, I recognize you, Tsubaki-san. Kushida-san, too," he replied, blushing slightly. "But who are these other guys with you?"
So he was one of those guys who gossiped about the prettiest girls in school, huh?
"Come on, guys, don't be shy. Introduce yourselves," I nudged, tossing a wink at Makida and Minami.
"Makida, from Class B," Makida stated plainly.
"And Minami, also Class B," echoed Minami.
Totsuka nodded his head at the two. "Totsuka Yahiko, from Class A," he introduced himself before redirecting his attention to me.
"So, what are Class B students doing around here?" He asked, looking slightly on edge.
That's almost laughably naïve. Only one reason brings an enemy to another's doorstep—espionage.
"We're simply scouting the area, Totsuka-kun. But it seems like we wouldn't be able to get anything from simply observing. Vinyl sheets and all that," I quipped, nodding toward the sheets that concealed the cave's interior.
For all their attempts to act inconspicuous, that vinyl sheet ironically made their base stick out like a sore thumb.
Totsuka's eyes flickered briefly to the vinyl sheets, then back to mine. "Well, there's nothing to see here. It's better if you guys leave."
I chuckled, "That's not much fun, Totsuka-kun. Now, if Sakayanagi-san were leading Class A, she'd let us in, daring us to find anything of value. That audacity, the sheer boldness—now, that's leadership." My eyes locked onto Totsuka's as I saw them narrow, evidently irked.
I smirked, tapping a finger on my chin thoughtfully. "But maybe Katsuragi's style is different? More... cautious? No, that's too convenient. Perhaps it's the only thing he could come up with... vinyl sheets, that is."
"Your point being?" Totsuka asked, a touch of defensiveness entering his tone. Clearly, I had struck a chord. "Sakayanagi isn't the leader of Class A. Katsuragi is."
What a predictable reaction.
"For now. You can't expect a crippled girl to live on this deserted island for seven days now, can you? To me, it feels like she's actually the one calling the shots, and Katsuragi was simply given a chance to prove to your class that he can lead alongside her," I countered, my smile never leaving my face.
"And about the cave," I continued, seizing the moment, "Why the theatrical drapes? Don't you think it's a bit gloomy?"
Totsuka's eyes narrowed into slits; for a heartbeat, I sensed his restraint teetering. But he regained control, exhaling a weighted breath. "What we do is none of your concern, Tsubaki-san. We don't meddle in Class B's operations, and we'd appreciate the same courtesy."
At least he had some manners. I almost thought he was going to lash out here and there.
"Uh... Totsuka-kun, this cave is a spot, right? That must be why you're trying to keep us out," Kushida chimed in, positioning herself as the voice of reason.
Honestly, that was good thinking. By asking a genuine question while at the same time providing a concession, Kushida was essentially calming Totsuka's emerging aggression.
But to be honest, my words earlier weren't designed just to rile him up. I was observing the reactions of the other Class A students who were serving as sentries. I wanted to see where their allegiances lay.
Two of the five sentries placed outside the camp were Sakayanagi's followers.
"A spot, huh? Does that mean there's some sort of mechanism inside?" Minami probed.
"Well... yeah. This place is occupied by Class A right now, so it'd be appreciated if you guys back off," he replied.
That much was obvious, but at least we now had confirmation.
"Before we go, is Katsuragi-kun inside? I'd love a quick chat," I said, flashing Totsuka a sweet, disarming smile.
Totsuka hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting back towards the cave entrance. The shadows cast by the vinyl sheets veiled any hint of what lay within. "Katsuragi-san is busy at the moment. It's not the best time."
"It's just a quick chat," I insisted, allowing a trace of urgency to seep into my voice. "I heard he applied for the Student Council just before the summer break. I wanted to ask him how it went."
A thoughtful expression passed over Totsuka's face, as though he was weighing my words against some internal barometer. Before he could formulate a reply, though, a deeper, more commanding voice echoed from the depths of the cave.
"What's going on here, Yahiko? I don't recall giving you permission to invite guests."
All eyes turned to the entrance of the cave, where Katsuragi Kōhei himself stood, his tall frame casting a long shadow that stretched toward us. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes flicked between each of us with laser-like precision.
"Katsuragi-san!" Totsuka said, almost with relief. "Tsubaki-san and her... classmates decided to pay us a visit."
Holding Katsuragi's unwavering gaze, I stepped forward. "Surprised to see me, Katsuragi-kun?"
Katsuragi's gaze settled on me, his eyes sharp. "Tsubaki Yuki. I have to admit I'm a little surprised that it is you who decided to pay us a visit," he said.
It seemed like Katsuragi was also preparing for an inevitable confrontation, but didn't expect that I'd be the one making contact.
Smiling, I replied, "Don't be disappointed, Katsuragi-kun. I'm so much more fun than Kiyotaka, I promise!"
"It's not a matter of fun or whatnot, Tsubaki-san. I am simply expressing my observations," Katsuragi replied, visibly unfazed by my attempts at a joke. "It is more likely for Ayanokōji Kiyotaka himself to visit us, considering the stunt he pulled last month with Class D."
"Quite bold of him, wasn't it?" I replied, chuckling. "Confronting a class leader right in front of his class, and doing what he did..."
"But we're not here to talk about Kiyotaka. Let's talk about you and your class. What's with the theatrics, Katsuragi-kun? The vinyl, the secrecy, and all that," I pressed, shifting the conversation to the matter at hand.
His eyes darted momentarily to the cave's entrance. "Our methods might seem unusual, but they're necessary precautions," he began, meeting my gaze once more.
"So, you've got some classified treasure hidden away in there?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.
Katsuragi exhaled, "Class A matters are for Class A. We've restricted access for a reason."
I hummed thoughtfully, "Alright, I can respect that."
Katsuragi looked mildly amused. "You seem content with that vague answer. Class C's Kanzaki was far more insistent. He even attempted to leverage school rules to gain entry."
"Well, your answers already told me everything I needed to know, Katsuragi-kun," I replied, giving him a knowing smile.
"And it seems like you weren't told anything," I continued.
Katsuragi, Totsuka, and even my own classmates sported confused looks upon hearing my words.
"What do you mean by that, Yuki-chan?" Kushida asked, tilting her head.
"Don't worry about it, Kikyō-chan. If Katsuragi-kun doesn't know, then there is no point discussing it."
Katsuragi's eyes scrutinized me, attempting to decipher the meaning behind my cryptic words. "Your words suggest a deeper knowledge, Tsubaki-san. What exactly are you hinting at?"
Somehow, someway, the bait had lured in the fish.
Now, it's time to reel it in.
I leaned in a bit, a playful smile dancing on my lips. "Well... since you want to know... I'll let you in. Did you know that Sakayanagi-san met with Kiyotaka the day before summer break? They even played a game of chess while they were at it," I revealed.
Katsuragi's eyes tightened at my words. Clearly, he was unaware of the private meeting between Sakayanagi and Kiyotaka.
"You seem to be well-informed," he responded, but I could sense a trace of curiosity betraying his outward stoicism. "What business of yours is it if two students met?"
"You see, it's not the meeting that intrigues me," I said, slowly pacing, "it's the nature of their conversation. We all know how close Sakayanagi-san is to the higher echelons of the school, given her lineage. And from what Kiyotaka told me, it was her who asked for his audience."
I paused, letting the weight of my words hang in the air. "Makes you think, doesn't it? Why would Sakayanagi Arisu, of all people, reach out to Kiyotaka just on the eve of our summer break? Especially in hindsight, when we see the current situation that our classes are in..."
"Class B had it super easy, you know?"
Katsuragi's expression became contemplative, his lips drawn thin. "Are you insinuating that Sakayanagi gave Ayanokōji inside information regarding the exams?"
As expected of Katsuragi, he was able to quickly piece together the puzzle I presented.
"Insinuating?" I responded, feigning innocence. "I would never. But you have to admit, it's a strange coincidence. Two class leaders, who never interacted before, suddenly meet on the eve of our trip."
Katsuragi's face remained stone-like. "Sakayanagi and I communicate on matters that are beneficial for Class A. If she failed to mention this meeting, that must simply mean that it was purely for leisure."
"Is that so? How can you be certain that her conversations with Kiyotaka aren't... let's say, more beneficial for her than for Class A? After all, she's always had her own way of doing things," I retorted.
"Let's say for a moment I indulge your hypothesis. What do you believe Sakayanagi's endgame to be?" Katsuragi asked.
"Oh, not an endgame per se," I began, reveling in the moment. "But if I were the daughter of the school chairman, perhaps with a vendetta against a specific student, or even a lingering need to assert dominance over him... Well, who knows what I might do?"
Totsuka looked torn. "Katsuragi-san, surely we can't entertain this wild theory..."
Katsuragi held up a hand to silence Totsuka, his eyes never leaving mine. "You're suggesting Sakayanagi-san's reasoning would be to assert dominance over me by sabotaging Class A in this exam?"
"I'm suggesting nothing," I replied coyly, "I'm merely pointing out an interesting sequence of events. It's up to you what to make of it."
Katsuragi sighed. "I can see where the theory is grounded, but it is incredibly flawed. After all, even if Ayanokōji was given information, I fail to see how it would impact our class. And even so, I refuse to believe Chairman Sakayanagi would be so partial as to give his daughter special advantages."
It was admirable how composed Katsuragi was amidst everything that was being revealed to him. But his reaction was also telling of the dynamics within Class A.
The 'Civil War' between himself and Sakayanagi had reached the extent to which Katsuragi would entertain the thought of Sakayanagi sabotaging him for her own benefit.
"Oh, Katsuragi-kun, given the history between the two of you, one might assume you'd have a clearer understanding of how Sakayanagi-san operates," I mused, tilting my head slightly. "It surprises me that you'd overlook any possibility of her leveraging whatever she can..."
"Or maybe you were thinking about it, but you simply didn't want me to know about it. Very clever of you, Katsuragi-kun!" I said, clapping my hands.
Katsuragi's gaze flickered momentarily before returning to me. "You seem to suggest a lot without making any concrete accusations."
"Isn't speculation fun? Besides," I leaned in a little, letting my voice drop to a whisper, "if I made any concrete accusations, wouldn't that put me in a dangerous situation? We don't want to have that, do we? So we'll simply let this stay as mere speculations. Especially when two of the sentries you have here... are Sakayanagi-san's followers."
Katsuragi's eyes narrowed slightly at my words. My accurate identification of the sentries seemed to have given my words more weight in his eyes.
Retracting my back, I clapped my hands together and let out a small chuckle. "Seems like I've finally gotten Katsuragi-kun to think!" I spoke in a voice loud enough for the stationed sentries to hear.
I'd be willing to bet that they missed most of our conversation as I had deliberately lowered the tone of my voice throughout the conversation.
Now, they'll be left wondering what I told Katsuragi that urged him to 'think.'
"I think it's time for you and your classmates to leave, Tsubaki-san," Totsuka interjected, trying to change the subject. I could see his eyes flickering between the two Sakayanagi supporters and Katsuragi himself.
It was easy to tell that my little exchange with Katsuragi unnerved him.
"But we've just gotten to the good part," I said with a hint of mockery, before sighing dramatically. "But fine... we won't be bothering you. For now."
Katsuragi looked deep in thought as he watched me. I turned on my heel, motioning for my classmates to follow.
"Before you go," Katsuragi said, stopping me in my tracks, "I want to warn you about your... speculations. I'd advise you to be wary of the information you spread, especially if it's still unproven. Sakayanagi isn't someone you want as an enemy."
"Oh, trust me, Katsuragi-kun," I said, offering a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes, "I've dealt with more formidable enemies than Sakayanagi-san. And as for the rumors... well, only time will tell how unfounded they truly are."
With that parting shot, I walked away, leaving the unsettled duo of Katsuragi and Totsuka behind.
Only time will tell if my gamble will pay off.
End of Chapter
A/N: We'll see if the gamble pays off or if it comes back to haunt Yuki later on.
This chapter is shorter than usual since it's basically just a glimpse of how things are transpiring from the perspective of another character. I think it did its job of giving people an idea of how Yuki plans to attack Class A. This is just the first layer of her plans.