Season 2 Episode 10
In Keyaki Mall, the Ayanokouji Group is hanging out and seated around having drinks.
"In the end, no one from any class was expelled from the Paper Shuffle." Akito spoke first.
"Even so, our class beat Class C and we earned 50 class points." said Yukimura. "And with that, the allotment of private points were already deposited into our accounts."
"I think it's pretty nice that we wouldn't exactly enjoy seeing some of our classmates get expelled." said Sakura.
"I mean, it'll be great if we all could get along." said Haruka. "But the way the school works makes that kinda hard."
"Indeed. If we don't dominate the other classes, they'll dominate us in turn and worst case scenario, our class will be extinct." said Yukimura as he looked at the time. "They should be here by now."
"Who Keisei?" Haruka asked when, "Hi guys!"
"Nice timing Hamaguchi and Beppu!" Yukimura greeted as he fist bump the two 1-B students. "Oh my...we got ourselves new members of the group!" Haruka realized as they sat with them. "Nice to meet the rest of you! We already knew Ayanokouji and Yukimura before so yeah, it was his idea to invite us." Hamaguchi spoke first.
"You knew them?" Akito asked. "Cruise Ship Special Exam. We're in the same group." Ayanokouji revealed. "Oh yeah! You guys got Case 1 and a lot of private points I heard!" Haruka remembered as she took charge now. "Since we have 2 new members, I welcome you guys into the Ayanokouji Group. There, we hang out, study together as a group of friends and we address each other by our given names or nicknames."
"Cool! I'm Tetsuya!"
"And I'm Ryouta!"
"Nice to meet you guys." Akito shook their hands followed by the girls.
Once the intros are done, "Huh? Guys look over there!" Sakura pointed at something from the distance as the other 6 members looked at it.
It appears that Honami and Sakayanagi are hanging out together. "Kinda rare to see the leaders hanging out like friends despite being in different classes." Akito stated.
"Aren't they suppose to be rivals or something?" Haruka asked.
"Well I know for sure, Ichinose gets along with anyone." Akito stated on with Beppu nodding in agreement.
"To be honest, she makes me kinda uncomfortable. I mean, she just seems way too perfect in everything. It's kinda like, how can she even be real? A person might have a few or some flaws even if he or she is perfect right?" Haruka asked with her own statement.
"Well one thing's for sure, if Class D outranks Class C, your class is our next targets." Yukimura told the two 1-B boys. "And have you been staring at Ichinose the whole time Kiyotaka?"
"Nani?" Ayanokouji blinked in surprise as all stared at him. "You look really interested in her Kiyopon." Haruka noticed it now. "Actually, they've been hanging out a lot for some time." Beppu revealed. "Yeah! And Ichinose is also interested in him." Hamaguchi revealed some more as Haruka squealed in excitement. "This is too good to be true on one hand but on the other hand, let's talk on more important things! Like Christmas which is coming soon this month!"
"Why do you wanna talk about it?" Yukimura asked.
"Because one thing's for sure, we'll be seeing lots of couples in school hanging out for this holiday!" Haruka stated as Sakura thought of this. "So do you have plans on this holiday? Like which boy would you like to hang out with?"
"Well...I'm not so sure about that..."
"Says the girl who often talks about Akito-kun and comments about him a lot of times." Sakura's words really bombed Haruka as she turned red and Akito was too stunned to hear all this. While these 3 interact, "Hamaguchi, Beppu, how was the Paper Shuffle for your class?" Yukimura asked.
"We sort of lost to Class A." Hamaguchi answered.
"By only 2 points! So close yet so far!" Beppu added. "We were also tasked to craft the questions but wow, never thought they beat us well."
"If I remember, Sakayanagi's faction did the question crafting and stuff. Even Katsuragi for once played along." Hamaguchi added as they talked some more.
Ayanokouji on the other listened and observed the interactions in the group but even so, he caught a glimpse of 2 silhouetted figures. One on his left and the other on his right hiding in plain sight.
Somewhere around the mall, Karuizawa is looking at some new clothes at a display area of a boutique shop when she got a text message. "Sigh...time to play my part for Kiyotaka." She thought after reading it.
Midnight...
"Someone's been tailing you?" Ayankouji asked via phone call.
"Yeah. He was from Class C. I think he's Ishizaki-kun and he looks very dangerous." Karuizawa told him as she looked out at the window.
"This happened while you're walking home with Satou and Manabe right?"
"Exactly. So any advice?"
"They're unlikely to do anything so you can safely ignore them." Ayanokouji assured to her.
"Wakata."
"And also, did you do what I asked you to do?"
"Yes. I took the pics and there were indeed 2 people stalking you or something during your study sessions. But they were girls and they're not from Class C. I'm pretty sure they're from Class A and they seem new to me." Karuizawa explained and a flashback shows her making the moves undetected.
"Wait, they're from Class A?"
"Yeah. I'll send you the pics now." At that moment, the call ended as, "Oh come on! That is so rude of him to do that!" Karuizawa sighed as she sent the pics.
At his dorm, Ayanokouji got the images revealing Kamuro and Miki. "Class A...on Sakayanagi's initiative perhaps?"
The next day...
At Class D, everyone's waiting and hanging out when Sudou arrived feeling a bit frustrated as, "You okay Ken?" Ike asked him. "A little. Komiya and Kondou are trying to pick a fight with me in the hallway while I'm making my way here. Those jerks...haven't they learnt their lesson already from the last term?"
"And you didn't bash them up did you?" Yousuke asked.
"Heck no! After what happened last term in which I was set up and put on trial, I ain't wanting to become hot headed and go monster mode on jerks like them even if they're attempt to provoke me or stir trouble on me! When I give my word, I keep it!" Sudou assured and the next scene shows Ayanokouji and Horikita eavesdropping a bit.
"He's quite a faithful dog." Ayanokouji described.
"At least he's improving on his decency starting on the basic level." Horikita stated. "Still, Class C's been growing more active, haven't they?"
"Yeah. I heard that there's a number of students in our class being stalked or provoked."
"In the Paper Shuffle, they lost to us." Horikita stated. "Sufficient reason to take drastic measures."
"And I wonder what they're after now..." Ayanokouji asked while looking out at the class window.
"I think you know. Ryuuen-kun's been trying to identify the mastermind of our class." Horikita brought up. "And now, I don't think Ryuuen-kun is buying that ruse regarding me anymore."
"How can you be sure?"
"Unlike the other students, he hasn't approached me at all ever since the Paper Shuffle."
"Naruhoto..."
"Now tell me Ayanokouji-kun, how are you going to deal with him?"
"No idea and I'm not gonna do anything about it."
"Leaving me out of the loop it seems..." Horikita sighed as, "Still, you'll help me right? To bring this class to Class A?"
"Yes. As long as it remains necessary." Ayanokouji answered her and then, she stood up and placed a book on his desk. "Farewell My Love. From Raymond Chandler...what is this?" Ayanokouji asked after reading the title and author name.
"It's due today. Would you help return it back to the library?"
"Fine. I'll do your assignment."
"Please do. And along the way, if you wanna read a couple of pages before the return, feel free to do so for you can return it any time today."
"Sure. If I feel like it and as long as I return it by today exactly without making it overdue."
"Agreed. And thanks."
So later in the library...
Ayanokouji got approved of the return and is now looking for the bookshelf where it was borrowed from. He even read several pages along the way. As he continued looking around, "Huh? Is that..."
Yes. Hiyori is here also and trying to reach up for a book on a high shelf. As she struggled, a hand took the book and it startled her so upon seeing the person who took the book. "No way...it is you! Ayanokouji Kiyotaka of Class D right?"
"Yeah."
"Ah...it didn't take long to finally remember your face." Hiyori told him as Ayanokouji handed the book to her. "Are you fond of Emily Bronte?"
She looked up at the label that categorizes the bookshelf, mystery. She then looked at the book and answered. "No...I just saw this book placed in the wrong section and I wanted to put it back to where it belongs."
"Naruhoto." He replied when, "Wait...is that Raymond Chandler's Farewell My Lovely?" Hiyori took notice of the book as, "Yes it is."
"Cool. It's such a masterpiece!" Hiyori never felt excited in her heart as, "So...have you read anything by Dorothy Leigh Sayers?"
"No. I haven't gotten around to it." Ayanokouji replied as Hiyori bent down and began searching for a book from the mentioned author and, "Found this one. I really would recommend this to you. The first novel in her Lord Peter series."
Ayanokouji was most surprised as, "Oh...I just...seeing the book in your hand made me assume that you want to look for a book to check out. I hope I'm not too pushy." Hiyori told him. "It's okay. As long as I'm here, I'll perhaps flip into a page or two." Ayanojouji replied.
"That's wonderful! In my school life here, there's no one in Class C or in any of the other classes in our level I can talk about books with. Until now" Hiyori stated with a smile.
"Are you sure though? You do what's going on in your class right?" Ayanokouji asked and also thought of this. "Damn her smile is pure and angelic."
"No need to worry. I'm one of the few exceptions that aren't involved in all the fighting and stuff." She replied.
"Souka."
"I think it's best if everyone can get along." said Hiyori.
"That's possible." Ayanokouji told her and he had an idea. "You've seen me before with my friends right?"
"Sort of." She replied. "If it's best for everyone to get along, we can give it a shot with you."
"You mean it?" She asked. "Of course. You wanted to talk with one of them after the exams right?" He revealed and she did remember. "But do you think they'll accept me? I mean, I'm from the class that's been ruled with violence and stuff."
"It's nothing to worry. Just yesterday, 2 boys from Class B were initiated into our group. I'll do the talking for you."
"Wow...I guess things might change around me. Who knows? I can talk about books with them. Thank you for the invitation to your study group Ayanokouji-kun. Looking forward to it!" Hiyori then added. "Also, I'll help you return the book you have."
"Sure thing." He handed the book to her and she left to return it back to it's original place. "This library trip sure created an interesting coincidence." Ayanokouji spoke to himself when, "Ah there you are Ayanokouji."
"Can I help you Chabashira-sensei?"
"Come with me. We need to talk."
Soon enough...
The 2 of them are seen outside the reception room as, "This talk is extremely important. For you have a visitor."
"A visitor?"
"See it for yourself." Chabashira-sensei then opened the door as they went inside. "Your son is here Mr Ayanokouji. I'll be going now." She then left him to a middle-aged man dressed in a business suit. "At long last, you've come Kiyotaka."
The 2 of them, father and son stared at each other as the father took a seat. "It's been a year and a half..." Ayanokouji thought as, "Come. Have a seat." His father ordered. "I can't imagine staying long enough to need one." Ayanokouji replied.
"Hmmpf. A man is dead because of you." The father revealed. "You remember the butler, Matsuo? He told you about this school and helped you to escape from me. I was forced to dismiss him as punishment. After that, he committed suicide by burning himself dead last month."
Ayanokouji continued listening as, "This also left his son out in the cold I'm sure. I don't know what else happened to him after he witnessed his father's tragedy but that one result of your insistence on defying my orders is to enroll in this school." He then looked at his son who displayed no reaction at all after telling him all this. "Your reaction to the death of a benefactor is shockingly indifferent."
"You sure don't really expect me to feel guilt over that, do you?"
Ignoring that sentence, "Let me ask you Kiyotaka, what in the world inspired you to enroll in this school?"
"I might agree with the premise that you gave us the ultimate education. All the more reason, I took interest in the "worldly society" you rejected as pointless." Ayanokouji answered.
"A decent answer. But there can be no path greatly than the one I laid out for you."
"I intend to choose my own path." Ayanokouji replied.
"And I intend to not waste my time here." The father then took out a pen and placed in beside some form on the table. "Now make it easy for me and sign it."
"I see no reason to withdraw from this school." Ayanokouji refused.
"But I'm ordering you to do it."
"The only place in which your orders were absolute..."
...
...
...
...
...
"Was within the White Room."
"Oh so you still remember it? Well then, the White Room has resumed operations after being closed down for some time. I haven't yet had the fortune to witness a talent comparable to yours. Remember, you are my finest, most valuable, prized possession."
"I hope you're not about to say "because you're my son"."
"And I hope you wouldn't be deceived by such a transparent lie."
"True enough." Ayanokouji can agree as his father sipped his tea a bit. After that, "This is my final warning. Sign the withdrawal form and nothing else will go wrong between us and for you."
But at that moment, there was a knock on the door drawing their attention and entering the reception room, "Excuse me." A middle aged man with light grey hair entered the room and, "It's been quite some time Ayanokouji-sensei."
"Ah Sakayanagi. Indeed it's been quite some time."
"Yes. 7 or 8 years ago I left my position as your secretary and took over for my father as the chairman of this school." He then turned to Ayanokouji. "I believe this is our first meeting time Kiyotaka."
"Cut the chatter Sakayanagi. What brings you here?"
"The principal told me everything. You're here to get him to withdraw right?" Chairman Sakayanagi asked.
"Precisely. When a parent makes a request, the school has an obligation to fulfill it immediately. Am I right?" Professor Ayanokouji replied.
"Incorrect. This is not how it goes in this school for your case. You see, this school, at least, prioritizes it's students' independence." Chairman Sakayanagi explained.
"An interesting turn of phase." He replied as he finished his tea. "I know that the entrance exams and interviews here are formalities. So how did my son get accepted into this school?"
"You're as well-informed as ever."
"A recommendation was given in secret which resulted in his acceptance. Had it not happened, he would have been rejected." Professor Ayanokouji theorized correctly.
"It's true his name was originally not on our acceptance list. For I chose to approve his enrollment personally. Now that he's a student for 18 months, it's my duty to preserve him." Chairman Sakayanagi revealed. "Until he decides to drop out, I cannot approve of his leave."
"Hmmpf. You know very well that this is pure sophistry." Professor Ayanokouji stated with a sterner look at his old associate. He then stood up and announced this. "Very well. You have your way. But this one time and no more. You'd do well to remember that."
Ayanokouji watched as his father took his leave but before that, "Sakayanagi. I leave my son in your care, for now." He then took a quick, stern glance at his son for a second and left the reception room.
Now that he's gone, "Whew! I suppose he withdrew out of respect for me." Chairman Sakayanagi exclaimed with relief as he faced Ayanokouji. "It's been hard for you hasn't it?"
"No. Not especially. But I know for sure he won't stop."
"Agreed. He'll one day use his followers to do the job who knows?" Chairman Sakayanagi assumed as, "I have a question chairman. There's a student enrolled in Class A-"
"Arisu you mean? She's my daughter." The chairman revealed to him. "But obviously, I don't give her special treatment. As this school's prime authority, I follow the rules and protect the students within those rules."
Which means the only help he can offer is what falls within those rules
"I've known about you for a very long time just to let you know." Chairman Sakayanagi stated. "Then you know all about the White Room?" Ayanokouji asked. "Don't worry about that. Focus on your studies here. I think you'll soon see the purpose of our educational policies." He replied with assurance.
"Understood." Ayanokouji then thought of something. "If possible, may I ask for a request?"
"Oh? What is it?" He asked as Ayanokouji whispered it him. "Oh I'm afraid not. I told you about the rules right? Even I have to follow them despite my prime authority. And it's too much for me and the principal to approve."
"That's not the case." Ayanokouji replied. "I ask for a request. Only one request and after that, I will not ask anyone for the rest of my school life." This left the chairman in deep thought.
Some time later, Ayanokouji left the reception room as, "How did it go?"
"Don't bother about it sensei. Because I knew all along you lied. You claimed you knew my father but it's very biased. You have no connection."
"What makes you think of that?" Chabashira-sensei asked.
"The Chairman told me everything and I confirmed it. So you can drop this pointless deception." Ayanokouji replied. "I was told you're obsessed with reaching Class A but you hadn't been gifted with the right students in the past which explains your many regrets. Until this year."
She listened on as, "As the supervising teacher, you heard about me from the chairman and will do anything to use me to rise through the ranks even if it involves lying about your connection to my father. But today, his presence exposed your lies."
"Naruhoto. The chairman is giving you special treatment." Chabashira-sensei noticed.
"Matter of fact, he did. And with that, I am not needed anyone from you to do as you ask. You can't even expel me." Ayanokouji replied shaking his head.
"So you'll stop reaching for Class A even though the class has made some major breakthroughs?"
"I could care less about getting involved now." He replied and this made her react strongly. "Ayanokouji! What will you do now?!"
"Nothing. But to add another regret in your life now." He then left and for once, he angered his teacher to the point that she clenched her fists and she can't bear it upon herself. "Regardless, she has yet to realize the promise between Horikita and I. I only said this to make sure she knows her place." He thought as he left the building.
And outside, "Eh? Kiyotaka?" Unexpectedly, he ran into Honami as they looked at each other. "Honami. Can we talk?"
"Sure! What is it that you want to talk about?"
"Well...meet me at Keyaki Mall. I'll be seated beside a Christmas tree."
"Alright."
And that night...
Honami arrived in time and noticed Ayanokouji talking on the phone. He then ended the call as, "Did I disturb you?"
"No. I was talking with Karuizawa over some stuff." He replied as she sat beside him.
"Is there anything troubling you?" She asked.
"Not much."
"Okay...what were you talking about with Karuizawa?"
"She asked me about standing out but I prefer to be in the background not wanting a lot of attention. I also did some patching up with her." Ayanokouji replied but he never mentioned the part where the call between them will be the last and his choice to remove her contact number from his phone and to delete their communication records. "So that I can continue to protect her even if I no longer need her services..." He thought.
"I see..." Honami then looked at him. "Anything else troubling you besides your call with Karuizawa-san?"
Ayanokouji said nothing as he thought a bit. And then, "Firstly, I want to thank you helping me experience the freedom. I get to enjoy the normal school life but I'm afraid it might not last that long."
Honami was surprised to hear this as, "What are you talking about?"
"One day, I may be unable to protect you or maybe, be in a difficult position which will affect my school life. Regardless, this won't stop me from continuing my education here." Ayanokouji replied when Honami grabbed his hands. "Don't say this Kiyotaka. When I first met you, you are something special. You may in Class D but I know your true abilities ever since I saw it with my own eyes. You were open to me about your personal life and this is why I want to help you! When things are difficult, you never hesitate to help your class and in special exams, you crack all the hints and worked hard to survive and do your best! And also, I understand you want to protect me and I truly appreciate it." The last sentence made her blush a bit as Ayanokouji stared at her.
"Hmmm...so it seems a glimmer of hope has entered me thanks to her..." He thought as he smiled. "Thanks for putting my mind at rest."
That made her smile also when, "By the way, do you know these students?" He showed the pictures to her as she looked at them for a few seconds.
"Yes! The one with the purple hair is Kamuro Masumi! It was said that she's the first to join Sakayanagi-san's faction and she's a member of the art club. She has a knack for sketching. The other one I believe is Yamamura Miki. She's pretty smart but blends in the background a lot. Also a member of the faction and is only called for assistance when needed."
"Just as I thought, Sakayanagi might be planning something..." Ayanokouji thought as, "How did you get those pictures anyway?" Honami asked. "Got Karuizawa to take a picture of them. Seems like they're stalking me for some unknown purpose." He answered.
"And I was out with Sakayangi for some bonding. Didn't expect her followers to lurk in the shadows and check you out." Honami replied as they looked at the Christmas tree. "Kiyotaka. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Yeah. Just like you. It shines brightly like your smile and it brings joy to everyone like you do to me." Ayanokouji thought as they sat together for the next several minutes admiring the Christmas tree. The holidays will soon be exciting with joy and happiness.
I sure worked on the specialized changes in the reception room meeting and the talk between Ayanokouji and Honami replaces the one between him and Karuizawa.
And yes, Hamaguchi and Beppu joined the study group. And Hiyori gets invited to join as well! How exciting can it get for the Ayanokouji Group?
Private Points List
Class 1-A
1. Arisu Sakayanagi-736,870
2. Kohei Katsuragi-1,117,673
3. Yahiko Totsuka-610,104
4. Masumi Kamuro-612,479
5. Masayoshi Hashimoto-608,296
6. Hayato Kito-607,437
7. Takuro Morishige-1,114,382
8. Koji Machida-1,139,990
9. Shigeru Takomoto-1,135,177
10. Miki Yamamura-614,985
Class 1-B
1. Honami Ichinose-3,275,300
2. Ryuji Kanzaki-875,316
3. Chihiro Shiranami-397,885
4. Yume Kobashi-797,332
5. Mako Amikura-381,218
6. Sou Shibata-418,207
7. Tetsuya Hamaguchi-887,313
8. Ryouta Beppu-904,557
9. Sayo Andou-844,538
10. Norihito Watanabe-363,446
Class 1-C
1. Kakeru Ryuuen-745,070
2. Mio Ibuki-762,137
3. Hiyori Shiina-357,075
4. Albert Yamada-206,379
5. Daichi Ishizaki-213,504
6. Kyogo Komiya-227,495
7. Reo Kondou-236,072
8. Satoru Kaneda-253,221
9. Shiho Manabe-732,072
10. Nanami Yabu-735,057
11. Saki Yamashita-736,047
12. Rika Morofuji-214,990
13. Minori Kinoshita-203,411
Class 1-D
1. Soshi Miyamoto-129,716
2. Satsuki Shinohara-140,527
3. Kokoro Inogashira-142,525
4. Nene Mori-141,638
5. Teruhiko Yukimura-621,695
6. Yosuke Hirata-593,487
7. Kei Karuizawa-539,629
8. Kayano Onodera-160,486
9. Kikyou Kushida-640,559
10. Ryotarou Hondou-138,523
11. Hideo Sotomura-450,787
12. Chiaki Matsushita-140,586
13. Rokusuke Kouenji-473,320
14. Haruka Hasabe-134,402
15. Haruki Yamauchi-108,517
16. Akito Miyake-120,705
17. Wang Mei Yu-119,629
18. Kyousuke Okitani-110,939
19. Maya Satou-89,730
20. Kanji Ike-128,152
21. Kiyotaka Ayanokouji-659,965
22. Suzune Horikita-601,448
23. Wataru Ijuin-156,983
24. Airi Sakura-118,739
25. Ken Sudou-109,778
Class Points
A-974
B-753
C-442
D-395
And conflict will soon begin with Ryuuen still searching for the Mastermind's identity. Brace yourselves for the next 2 chapters. See ya!