Night Flower
Written: 9/1/2022
Chapter 8!
Here is the third part of the deserted island exam. As for most stuff, we are seeing a transition from Munfurawa's character. From being invisible, he realizes he cannot fulfill that promise. This brings us to Munfurawa wanting to benefit from his actions. His main purpose is to benefit while he lives his life.
We will learn, and this is something that we realize as we progress, how similar he is to Ayanokouji. This will be explained when we delve further into Munfurawa's past. In general, while it may be rather confusing to see how Munfurawa acts, I kind of like this. He is meant to be mysterious and confusing.
Anyways, we'll see what happens this time, here's chapter 8. Also happy September, the hated month for every young person since summer is officially over, sad face…
Chapter 8: Deserted Island Exam Part 3
Third Person POV:
After the three successfully got their questions answered from Ryūen, the three proceeded to make their way over to Class B.
In truth, it was something Munfurawa wanted to do, especially after Ryūen had commented that two students had defected from their class. It was relatively strange.
If this other student was in Class B, then it would prove two things on Munfurawa's mind.
The first is the alliance between Class A and C. If Class B had the other defect from the class, then it was strange, and one could assume Class C wants to bring the others down by having to provide for another individual.
The second, would be the suspicion that they are spies. Ibuki already made it easier to suspect this accusation Munfurawa was debating on. However, heading to Class B would make this easier, and answer his questions and suspicions.
As a result, he merely walked in peace with the three, as they made their way back.
After kicking Ryūen for his inappropriate comment towards Horikita, the said girl had been quieter around this time. Rather than leading, she had chosen to stick behind next to Munfurawa. Ayanokouji by contrast had walked quite the ways ahead, taking the lead for the trail this time.
As Munfurawa continued to walk, pondering over Ibuki and the possibility of her being a spy, Horikita was conflicted. In particular, how Munfurawa had defended her from Ryūen. Was it due to his hatred of the delinquent, or did he really care for her in a weird sense?
She never knew. All she knew was that she couldn't let this get to her, especially with her ailment.
Eventually, they made it to the camp for class B. They were likewise met with Ichinose, again, who was happy to see them.
"Hey! Ayanokouji! Horikita! And Munfurawa, it's good to see you again!" Ichinose exclaimed in excitement, and Munfurawa knew it would be a guarantee that she would accept someone in need, say, getting kicked out of their class by their delinquent leader.
As Ichinose bounced her way towards the three, she welcomed them, while Kanzaki looked skeptical of them, but keeping himself proper.
"So what brings you all back here?" Ichinose asked, and Munfurawa nodded.
"We had a small brief tussle with Class C." Was what Horikita stated, finally speaking out after the incident.
As Horikita and Ayanokouji continued to talk to Ichinose and Kanzaki, Munfurawa somewhat scanned around, observing the interactions between the other students. That isn't until he noticed someone off. This individual clearly spend their time alone, and was evident that they were feeling alone compared to the rest of the class.
"Who is that?" Munfurawa asked, pointing to the student he was staring at.
"Oh, that's Nakanishi." Ichinose responded and answered, as Munfurawa continued to stare them down.
"I don't remember seeing him the last time we came." Munfurawa responded, pointing out his observation skills.
Ichinose nodded, "Yeah, he apparently was kicked out of his class."
Munfurawa's eyebrows raised at that, "So he's from Class C?"
Ichinose nodded, "Yeah, surprisingly, he's been very formal."
Munfurawa immediately tensed, just like Ibuki, this student was kicked out of Ryūen's class. This was such a strange coincidence. Considering both Class B and D now had someone from Class C, it clearly was displaying Ryūen's sinister's plan.
There was no doubt to Munfurawa that this had to be staged. Class A was the only class who didn't and with his suspicions towards Class A and C's alliance, this now strengthened his suspicions.
Say what it is, his intuition was incredibly strong once he cared.
As a result, he knew what he needed to do.
"We also picked up a student from Class C, Mio Ibuki." Horikita mentioned offhandedly, and Ichinose's face turned to more of a thoughtful expression.
As Horikita explained the situation, Ichinose seemed to showcase a small form of seriousness, which was somewhat surprising for Munfurawa. However, seeing the duel personality of Kushida, this was nothing to him.
"I think we need to discuss something important." Munfurawa butted in, looking to Kanzaki before he took a serious tone.
"And what is that." Ichinose asked.
Munfurawa sighed, "Well, it is rather strange that both of our classes have picked up someone from Class C."
Ichinose thought about it, nodding, "Perhaps, does anyone know if Class A had as well?"
The three shook their heads, "I'm afraid Class A is very difficult to infiltrate, we found them settling near a cave."
Ichinose hummed, as she began to think.
"What is your worry?" She asked at last.
Munfurawa looked to Ayanokouji, "The two of us agreed that it was strange on the circumstances that led Ibuki to our class."
Ayanokouji nodded, "Indeed, in addition, to this, Ryūen had openly stated two of his classmates had defected in similar circumstances. It is a strange coincidence, that these two went specifically to our class."
Munfurawa added in, "Considering our mutual intel agreement, it is strange."
Ichinose pondered, "This is strange, we will continue to update you, and let you know if they do anything."
"Same here." Horikita stated at last, before she began to head out. "Let's go you two."
Ichinose chuckled hitting Munfurawa on the side, "Sheesh, that girl is really cold, huh?"
Munfurawa nodded, "Yeah, she is ice girl after all."
Horikita pouted after that remark, her face reddening a bit, before she put more stomping power in her feet.
Both Ayanokouji and Munfurawa looked on at her, noticing she was wobbling a bit.
That concerned both of them, as they ran off to look over her.
"See you later, Ichinose." Munfurawa said at last, before they turned to follow their classmate.
Ichinose chuckled, "Those three, I tell you…" Before she went on with her day, checking over her camp.
As the three went out, they finally decided to check on Class A. Here, Ayanokouji excelled at this, due to the fact he had spotted their base before they had planned. Call it a lucky timing, but it is what it is.
Eventually, they made it, and had noticeably more trouble.
Katsuragi was clearly being a bodyguard, Totsuka not making it easier, but what could they do, besides reassure them they were just exploring.
After ten minutes of arguing and concessions, they were finally allowed to be able to walk in, with the specific condition to not destruct anything.
Munfurawa sighed, as he began to explore, alongside his two classmates. Still, they weren't really given a lot to work with. Still, Munfurawa had one question.
"Excuse me Katsuragi, I have a question for you." Munfurawa questioned, Katsuragi looking over.
"In the past days, have you brought any foreign student in your camp?" Munfurawa asked, careful with his wording. He had specifically state foreign, to make sure they wouldn't necessarily assume Munfurawa wasn't onto them.
Katsuragi grunted, before answering, "No."
Munfurawa nodded, getting the answer he had suspected, thus giving him enough to assume and answer this mystery.
"Thank you, we'll be on our way." Was all Munfurawa stated, as Ayanokouji followed. Horikita looked a bit confused, but continued.
Katsuragi looked at the three. Seeing them acting like this was weird, and unusual for a typical Class D student. Perhaps he would have to pay more attention to them.
This was somewhat concerning, as Munfurawa thought. He looked at Ayanokouji, and immediately noticed he was gathering an idea of what was going on. It made sense, considering he was quiet and rather observant with what he witnessed.
Eventually, they managed to gather enough information. Munfurawa had decided and noticed enough to make some solid statements with what he was noticing.
That in particular, Class C had purposely sent out spies in Class B and D, perhaps to assist Class A in addition.
This meant that if they did find out the leader of the classes, they would lose 100 points, due to Class A's association. This meant again, that Class A and C were indeed in an alliance.
Munfurawa sighed, but as they head back, he was tired. He was going to tell his class his suspicions later tonight, but due to the fact that they had gotten back late, he was too tired to talk.
And so, he left the rest just relax and do their thing. It wasn't much, and therefore, Munfurawa fell asleep first.
Horikita was the first to notice and put a blanket above him.
Eventually, the class went to sleep, not thinking of the circumstances and drama they would find themselves in.
It was around six in the morning, when most of the girls were up. Munfurawa sighed, as he got up, noticing the stiffened looks they were giving him. Hirata was also out there with them looking rather serious by gloomy.
"Is everything okay? What happened?" Munfurawa asked Hirata, who got up and pulled him away from the girls.
"We need to gather everyone up, this is somewhat serious." Hirata seriously stated, and he sighed.
Munfurawa was somewhat confused, but went on, considering the girls were all up.
Waking up all the boys, they eventually got together. Munfurawa noticed some girls were missing, but he looked towards Hirata.
"Karuizawa's underwear went missing." Was all Shinohara stated, noticing the looks of the boys turn from confusion to worry.
Almost every boy was now alarmed at the information. It was here did Munfurawa noticed some girls were missing.
"Where are the others?" Munfurawa asked, and Onodera nodded, knowing what he meant.
"The other girls are consoling Karuizawa, she's too ashamed to leave." Was all she replied with. "She's been crying for quite some time."
Munfurawa sighed, "So why are we making a big deal about this?" He asked, his stoic expression surprisingly still there.
Many of the girls' looked at him in shock, but realizing he didn't understand what they were thinking, knew they had to let their suspicions go.
"We think one of the boys rummaged through our bags and stole it." Shinohara stated, and immediately the boys began mass denying any involvement in this.
Munfurawa still didn't get it. He had a confused expression showing on his face. "What, Munfurawa?" Horikita then asked, getting out of the tent.
"I'm merely confused…" Was all he said, "I'm trying to think."
Horikita sighed, "Thinking about how to safely get yourself away from accusations?" She asked with a cold glare. Munfurawa could easily see and get what she was trying to imply.
"Bold of you to assume I'm the culprit ice girl, but whatever happened to not placing blame in the dark? Huh?" Munfurawa retorted back with an equally cold tone, which made Horikita realize her mistakes.
"Sorry…" Was all she said, which did surprise Munfurawa that Horikita was capable of apologizing and realizing her mistakes.
As the boys began to pin the blame on each other, Munfurawa could only look on in a bit of awe and disgust, at how easily the class could pin each other down.
With, however, that was how human society worked. While on a high day you can befriend everyone, you never know who will be genuine and stick with you when time goes to shit.
They only associate with you, due to seeing themselves benefitting. Society is masked under the ideal of helping everyone live their lives, when in reality, it's a connection of people trying to abuse other's help for their own personal gain.
This was a perfect example. All the connections, friendships, and hardworking to befriending people, gone to waste over a small incident. It showed how people were willing to pin the blame on someone to move on with their lives.
It sickened him to the core, and his memories of his own past of being ostracized and blamed for something that wasn't his fault, began to haunt him.
Why do people blame others rather than solving the issue? It made Munfurawa angry, as he gritted his teeth, his canine's sharper than the average individual.
The memories of being blamed for the death of his supposed friend, he remembers the police calls, and how everyone wanted him to be charged with murder and killed. That girl wasn't even his friend, she was only nice to him because she pitied his loneliness.
Staring at Ibuki, who was looking at everything, Munfurawa had snapped.
"Shut the hell up." The cold, yet calm collected tone of Munfurawa had everyone shivering.
They stared at the void eyes of Munfurawa, who clearly had a massive change in personality. Even Ayanokouji was looking in interest, with Ibuki feeling the chill from there.
"We cannot have the class unity crumble over an underwear thief. I will have you know, that I will not tolerate pinning the blame on a specific person. If this is going to happen, remember the whole class will suffer." Munfurawa calmly spoke. "We will assist in searching for it, and will let you girls know what we find."
He then turned to Hirata, then the others, "Get the boy's suitcases, if none of you are not guilty, then you will have no problem showing everyone what you have. This includes the girl's briefcase. No one is getting off, even our guest." Munfurawa then eyed Ibuki with pure hatred, which made the girl flinch.
Ibuki felt a somewhat exciting and tingling feeling from Munfurawa. it was clear he was designed to be a leader, despite his somewhat quiet moods. This, was different. it was almost we were seeing a more sinister and cold version of him, that she didn't even know he was capable of.
She found herself interested in the boy now, lust filling her eyes and chest as she was excited to see what he would do next.
Even if this was a massive breach, he would make sure everyone suffered equally. There would be no ostracization here. Not ever again.
He already had a deep suspicion that it was Ibuki to secretly transfer the underwear into someone's bag. Thus, Munfurawa had agreed with Hirata and Ayanokouji to do their best to not showcase it to the class.
At the moment, class unity was a priority, and they could reveal it after this whole thing is over.
As they continued to look through everyone's bag, Ike had a nervous face, who was next to Sudo, Yamachu and Ayanokouji.
Munfurawa who was looking over Ibuki, wasn't able to focus on what was going on. If someone did have it, they would be in trouble, and they could continue with their own plan to getting those points.
That was ultimately his job as the leader, and he would stick to that. Deciding to look in the tent, he noticed they were hiding something, before they sighed. "It's just you, Munfurawa…" Ike breathed out, before they heard the footsteps of girls.
"It's not in all of our bags." Shinohara stated, staring at the boys intently, "Well…"
Hirata sighed, "Neither for us, it is highly likely Karuizawa had lost it."
Shinohara didn't believe it, at least fully.
Peeking into the tent, while they believed their statement that it wasn't in the bags, one of them could have it right now.
"Why are you three looking suspicious?" Shinohara then accused before the two boys raised their hands.
"We do not have it, see?" Yamauchi exclaimed, and she sighed.
Munfurawa got up, "I'll search their bodies, do a check, but if they don't have it, I'm afraid we'll have to assume Karuizawa lost it on the island."
Shinohara nodded reluctantly, still hesitant.
As Munfurawa began to check them, he noticed Hirata had felt something in Ayanokouji's back pocket.
"None of the boys have it," Hirata and Munfurawa said at last, looking at the fiery expression Shinohara have fade into hopelessness.
"Oh, I seriously thought a boy stole it… Well, it's clear that that was not the case. We'll accept this…" Shinohara finally said, before the girls went back to inform Karuizawa about the development.
Munfurawa then told them, "Ayanokouji, Hirata and I are going to look around, we'll let you know if we come across something."
As they walked near the river, Hirata then asked, "So that was the underwear, huh?"
Ayanokouji nodded. Munfurawa sighed.
"Well, how about we put it on that branch above the river, soak it and then make it look like it washed onto it." Munfurawa replied, pointing to the river and branch.
Hirata was impressed, "That's a good idea…"
Ayanokouji merely walked and place the underwear on the branch, with it all wet due to the river, it looked like it was washed away by the river.
With that settled, they went back.
Ayanokouji then stated, "I don't know who did it, but it was in Ike's bag."
Munfurawa sighed, as long as the situation was dealt with, then it was whatever.
Once they came back, they noticed the girls trying to move their tents further away from the boys.
Karuizawa had finally shown up, clearly traumatized from the whole ordeal. Horikita was with her, helping as the continued to.
"Hey, Hirata, can you come help us move the tent?" She asked, a bit of anger in her voice.
Despite Hirata's hesitance, Munfurawa motioned to help them.
"If this will keep the unity in check, then so be it." Was all Munfurawa stated, before he went off noticing most of the boys had gone back to sleep, acting as if nothing had happened.
He noticed, that Sakura and Sudo had somewhat snuck off to do their own thing. He was confused, until he spotted the two just sitting near the river, trying to silence the commotion clearly.
"Is everything okay?" Munfurawa asked, the two, and Sudo sighed.
"Yeah, poor Sakura was scared so I took her a bit away to give her some fresh air." Was all Sudo stated.
"I-Is the issue f-fixed?" Sakura asked, rather timidly, and Munfurawa nodded.
"It seems the issue has been solved for now. The girls will be sleeping a bit further away if it makes them feel more comfortable after this." Munfurawa added.
The two nodded, before they got up and then went their own way to the tents.
As they left, he eavesdropped on the conversation. He heard some things that ultimately hurt, but he glossed over it.
"I wouldn't trust Munfurawa, he's such a mysterious guy. Did you see how riled up he got?" He heard the voice of Haruka Hasebe and Nene Mori, as they began to suspect Munfurawa, since he took charge.
"I know, he's such a creep!"
Horiktia then added, "I don't trust Munfurawa with this neither, it is clear Ayanokouji isn't trustworthy, but Munfurawa had acted suspicious."
"Maybe we should complain to others about him."
"He should be stripped of his role."
Horikita sighed, "He clearly isn't worth what I thought he was…" That last one kind of hit, for Munfurawa.
He merely walked out, displaying he heard everything. His stoic face showing little of what he heard, while Hasebe, Mori, and Horikita flinched in realization.
"Are you all done with moving the tent?" Munfurawa asked instead, ignoring the guilty faces of the three girls, including Horikita.
"Oh ummm, not yet… We need one more helping hand," Kushida exclaimed, and Munfurawa sighed.
Assisting in moving the tent over, he finally put it down with the rest.
He began to walk off to the boys, ignoring the looks he was given by the three girls who had just talked behind his back. It was Horikita who hurt the most, but it reminded him never to trust. It was such a fraud that could only get you in trouble.
There was no room for trust in this world.
Once again, the girls were still arguing, and this made Munfurawa get up once again, to relentlessly berate them.
He had clearly had enough, and was going to give them his piece of mind.
"Munfurawa-kun! Stop, that's enough." Horkita coldly stated, trying to get Munfurawa to stop.
"Was talking behind my back not enough for you? How about you tell me what you really wanted to say about me." Munfurawa clapped back, not caring for her surprising face.
"This isn't about a side. Right now, the topic of a culprit is not known. We cannot prove innocence nor guilt on everyone. As of right now, we are wasting time. It's almost attendance, so unless you want to contribute to the potential penalties, then be my guest."
Munfurawa said at last, before he packed up and went ahead to the attendance meet, not caring for the girls staring back at him.
"Munfurawa… I'.-" Horikita was going to apologize, but it wasn't a proper timing.
"Save it, Horikita." Munfurawa had cut in, and it wasn't until he left her vision did she realize Munfurawa had called her by her actual family name.
Horikita felt bad, emotionally and physically, as she tried hiding her illness.
"W-what do we do now?" Kushida asked, and Horikita looked on.
"We attend the attendance, let's go." Horikita replied, not caring about anything, but only feeling shame for herself, for speaking so badly about their leader.
Horikita specifically went to Ayanokouji, who looked at the whole situation unfold.
Sighing, she motioned for Ayanokouji to follow her. Looking into the tent, he noticed the fan, carpet and pillows, in stark comparison to the boys'.
"Hirata is aware of this, and he kept quiet. I didn't want to boys to come in for this reason." Horikita stated.
Ayanokouji sighed, "I understand, the unity is already shot with the underwear incident. As of now, we'll have to find the thief…"
Horikita nodded, "Agreed."
Ayanokouji looked a bit harder at Horikita before speaking, "You're sick, huh…"
Horikita flinched, "What?!"
Ayanokouji nodded, "I think Munfurawa noticed as well, but you were wobbling a bit, and your face is red. You've probably been sick since this started" He then felt Horikita's forehead, and she was burning up."
Horikita sighed, "I'll try not to push myself, but-"
"It's not just that, what you said about Munfurawa was not right."
Horikita looked down at the mention of that, how she had said such a hurtful comment to Munfurawa. He had heard the comment, and just helped them move the tent further down, as if he was ignoring the comments she and those other girls had stated.
"I tried apologizing, but he shut me down." Horikita said at last.
"That's kind of expected, no one appreciates being talked behind their back. If anything Munfurawa is taking it better, especially since he feels the need to help everyone move on. It's rather impressive, honestly." Ayanokouji commented.
Horikita sighed, "Perhaps, but he has been rather nice to me, so I feel that was uncalled for."
"You don't say? You should rest."
Horikita shook her head, "No need, I made it through these five days, I can make it through another two."
"Suit yourself," Was all Ayanokouji stated, before he walked off.
After that incident, Munfurawa had kept to himself, focusing on gathering as much points as he could. He was moving very efficiently and calculated, to the shock of many. Despite the unity fracture regarding the underwear incident, Munfurawa had moved on like nothing had happened.
He was instead working more efficiently than they even thought was possible. Even Ayanokouji felt that this was unexpected, and what was even more concerning, was he still felt he wasn't trying his hardest. Rather he was distracting himself.
When he was about to swipe a location, he would call Horikita up and they would swipe it alongside some other classmates. Munfurawa had stopped talking to others altogether, and it was almost like he had reverted back to his self before he knew everyone.
Sudo and Sakura had tried reaching out to him, but he merely responded that he had more work to do.
It appeared that Munfurawa was distracting himself. Whether it was searching and swiping extra spots for extra points, or the likes he was working.
As for Munfurawa, he had shrugged off the comments, and was working up on something for quite some time.
It was something he noticed he could do when the rules were given, and while he had found loopholes prior, he had multiple. Considering the state of the group, he decided he should act on one of them.
He looked at the keycard he was holding, his name emboldened onto it: Munfurawa. He had purposely asked not to write his full name, rather that one only. Considering he was the only Munfurawa here, they allowed it.
This was quite the risk he could do, but he knew what would happen.
He just needed Ibuki to act.
And therefore, he had spent his time, moving across, eyeing more stuff, as he continued to return with supplies.
Most of the girls looked on in worry, as he clearly was distracting himself. Munfurawa didn't care. He was the leader of this exam, and thus he would be focused on getting as much points as he could. He would do his best to perform damage control.
Even the boys worried. Hirata was the biggest opposition, but Munfurawa shrugged him off.
Eventually he had finished, and once everything was in place, he looked around, noticing the others relaxing. Some were staring at him, concern in their face, as they realizing the strain Munfurawa was under.
However, he kept his distance. Walking over to Horikita and Ayanokouji, he motioned for them to come.
"Yes, Munfurawa?" Ayanokouji asked, and Munfurawa nodded.
"Apparently, Class C as a whole as retired, or at least Ryūen's group." Munfurawa stated.
"Well then, why is Ibuki still here?" Horikita asked, and Munfurawa sighed.
"It's very obvious, Horikita, she's being ordered by Ryūen, I assume." Munfurawa stated at last. For some reason Horikita missed being called ice girl.
Most of the time right now was spent on getting extra spots, while watching out for potential traitors or scouts. Munfurawa had brought multiple people to occupy free checkpoints, and thus they had hoped the extra points would be helpful.
He was playing somewhat aggressive, but he preferred that in a way.
While he always looked at the importance of defending, he no doubt agreed that offensive strategies are always better.
Counterattacking is an offensive strategy. In war, you only have to defend once your attacked. In order to gain land, you will need to push an offensive. It made sense, if they wanted to gain points, they had to push an aggressive offensive.
And that's what Class D was doing. They only left a couple around, and maneuvered well, using their knowledge of the topography of the map.
The end of the last day was approaching, and they had gotten back, proud of their accomplishments. It would be difficult for a scout to see who swiped the card if most of the group ran in a fashion, an arms length away from the checkpoints.
Making it back, he noticed Ibuki looking at him with intent. He pretended not to notice, and thus he knew what he needed to do. There was no doubt that with the limited time left, she might make a move now.
Therefore, now was the time for him to act.
"Horikita." Munfurawa called out. The girl looked at him with a bit of nervousness. She had never gotten the chance to apologize for everything, and whenever she would he would leave. She found herself really wanting to be called ice girl again.
At first it made her angry, but not, it made her realize it made her feel special in a weird way. No one else gave her a nickname, and even if it was ice girl, it was something.
She sighed, "Yes, Munfurawa-kun?" She asked.
Munfurawa looked around, "I think my suspicions are right. Ibuki was responsible for stealing Karuizawa's underwear."
Horikita raised an eyebrow, "I was suspicious of her, so why now?"
Munfurawa looked, "It makes sense, if she's working as a spy, wouldn't her job be to fracture the unity of our group? It's easier to enter a broken wall than a complete one."
Horikita sighed, "You make a good point, but why exactly are you telling me this?"
Munfurawa took out his keycard, "Hold onto my keycard for the time being. Ibuki has been suspecting and watching me for quite some time. I always had a suspicion she was a spy from the moment she was here, however, this is brought to a more stern condition, since time is limited and scarce."
Horikita nodded, "How will this change anything?" She asked.
"She will need proof to confirm this. Ryūen is sneaky. Even if his whole class retired, doesn't mean Ibuki hasn't. This just might be there way of preparing to get points through guessing our class leaders."
"So why not Ayanokouji?" Horikita asked.
Munfurawa looked on, "It makes sense to give it to you, since we're always together when swiping the checkpoints. Obviously others are here as well, but Hirata would be too out there, and Ayanokouji has his own roles."
Horikita sighed, "Very well, and Munfurawa…?" She decided to try and ask again.
But he had nodded, and left, much to Horikita's frustration.
"He's still avoiding me… Is this what it feels to hurt someone?" She asked no one in particular, letting out a cough before she left.
Eventually, she made it back and noticed Munfurawa was rallying, kind of.
"So, the last day we'll forge for some basic necessities, are there anyone else who wants to come?" Munfurawa asked, "I'll split you into two groups, so we can cover more space."
A number decided, including Ike, Kushida, Sakura, and Sudo. There was no doubt that these four wanted some alone time.
"I'll go!" Kushida raised her hand, "my friends are on that time of the month so…"
Munfurawa raised his eyebrows at that, "time of the month? What?" His questioned made Sakura and Kushida gasp in shock, before their face turned red.
Even some boys like Sudo and Kushida were shocked Munfurawa didn't get the memo. But Munfurawa digressed
"Very well, Ike and Kushida, Sudo and Sakura, Ayanokouji and Horikita will go as a group, splitting off eventually." Munfurawa commanded.
"Why are we going?" Horikita asked.
"To make sure they don't do anything reckless." Was all Munfurawa stated, before he went to check on the others.
"I'm going to see what this, time of the month even means…"
"DON'T!" Sakura and Kushida pleaded, while Horikita looked at Munfurawa in shock.
"Okay…? I guess I'll do some fishing…"Munfurawa stated, clearly confused at their reactions.
"Does he seriously not know?!" Kushida asked in shock, while Sakura shivered. "It seems so…"
"Let's head out." Ayanokouji was the one to tell them. Unbeknownst to everyone, but Ayanokouji, Munfurawa had begun to follow them.
However, Ayanokouji said nothing, he was intrigued on what Munfurawa was doing.
The four did some mere bantering, with Kushida doing her best to bring Horikita into the conversation. Once that failed, Kushida clearly looked upset, before she backed off to go with Ike,
Once they had split off, Horikita decided to speak.
"Ayanokouji-kun…" She started.
"Hmm?" He asked, looking at some berries closely.
"Munfurawa has given me the keycard, in an attempt to hide it from Ibuki." Horikita revealed.
"So you have it?" Was all he asked.
Horikita nodded.
"Pass it here, I want to check something." Ayanokouji stated.
Horikita hesitated before handing Ayanokouji the key card.
He looked, noticing it did match in a similar design to the one Totsuka and Katsuragi were holding.
"So they were holding the keycard…" Ayanokouji mumbled.
"Who were?"
Ayanokouji looked at the bolded letter of, Munfurawa, before handing it back to Horikita.
"Totsuka and Katsuragi, I spotted them while with Sudo and Sakura, they were looking around a cave that was their base when we saw the second time." Ayanokouji mentioned.
"I see, so…" Horikita started.
"They had a card like this." Ayanokouji stated at last. "However the colour pattern is a bit different, perhaps to identify which class it belongs to."
"Perhaps." Horikita mumbled, as they remained quiet.
As they began to look around, Munfurawa was around the area. He had begun to follow them when Ibuki had gone mysteriously missing. Thinking it was too much of a coincidence, he wanted to make sure his suspicions were right, and that Ibuki was a spy.
He had spotted a smoke pillar around their camp. That was worrisome, but he figured the rest of the class could handle it. Right now, he was focused on searching for Ibuki.
Thankfully it seemed that Ibuki had chosen to sit on a rock near a river. Almost like she was waiting for someone.
Munfurawa had managed to hide himself well, so he assumed and hoped he wouldn't be spotted.
Horikita then ran out and approached Ibuki, panting as her illness clearly got to her.
"Well, look who took her sweet beauty time." Ibuki taunted.
Horikita had none of it, "So it was you, you are the one who stole the underwear, you are the one who burned our survival manual…"
Ibuki smirked, "And what if I am?"
Horikita sighed, "You also stole the keycard, I should've known you were a spy, working for Ryūen's disgusting group."
Ibuki chuckled, "Does it make a difference that you found out now? Right now I'm in the advantage…"
Horikita merely looked straight in Ibuki's eyes, "Give us back what is ours. Return it immediately."
Ibuki then threw a punch towards Horikita, in which she dodged.
"Not bad, didn't think you were capable." Ibuki commented.
Horikita sighed, "Violence is a disqualification, you know."
Ibuki chuckled, "But there's no one here to enforce this." Little did Ibuki know, that Munfurawa had taken a photo of her assaulting Horikita.
As she began to kick and punch her way, all Horikita could do was defend herself and block all the incoming blows.
Eventually, Ibuki chuckled, "You are right, I stole the keycard, I stole her underwear, and I did burn your things."
It seemed that Munfurawa was hearing more than he was wishing. He had a perfect recording of this, that he could use for his own purpose and benefit.
Horikita's eyes widened, as her breathing rate increased, seems she was tired, and because of her sickness.
Before she knew it, Ibuki had performed a surprising low kick that swung Horikita off her knees, as she tumbled painfully onto the ground.
"It's a shame, I have to go now, thanks for the points!" Ibuki concluded, before she ran off.
Munfurawa then began to chase Ibuki. She wasn't that fast, and she was panty relatively heavily. Either she put in more energy fighting Horikita, or she surprisingly sucked at endurance, something Munfurawa excelled in.
Regardless, he eventually found himself stopping, as two figures appeared next to Ibuki.
"I got the item you wanted." Ibuki said to Ryūen.
"I am aware, let me see." Ibuki had handed Ryūen the keycard. He looked it over, before looking out.
"You come here as well." Ryūen had called out, and a new figure had joined them, which had caught Munfurawa in shock, mainly at how right his intuitions were.
Katsuragi had shown up, taken the keycard, and looked at it vigorously, making sure it was right.
"Seems like the real thing, how did you get it?" Katsuragi asked Ibuki.
"Heh, I stole it, simple as that. It's a shame the digital camera was broken…" Ibuki commented.
"Hmm, at least we got the leader, right?" Ryūen asked, and Katsuragi nodded.
"This will help the class know of a capable leader. This will boost your reputation, and you won't be put under the shadows of that cane girl." Ryūen sneered as he left.
Ibuki had merely dropped the keycard, the tool having served their purpose.
He quietly got out of his hiding spot, once he was sure they had left, picked up the keycard, and made his way back to the fallen Horikita.
He was surprised to find Ayanokouji looking over an unconscious Horikita. He made his way towards him, as they acknowledged each other.
"Hey." Munfurawa started, and the emotionless boy sighed.
"So Ibuki was indeed the culprit, it seems I was right." Ayanokouji stated at last.
"Mhm." Munfurawa nodded, "You seem calm for someone who may lose up to 100 points."
It was then did Ayanokouji looked Munfurawa right in the eyes, "That may not be the case, as I feel you have something up your sleeve…" Munfurawa was kind of shocked, but also not considering Ayanokouji had figured him out.
He gave a small smile, before looking at the unconscious girl in his arms.
"We should probably get her back. Let her rest." Munfurawa said at last.
Ayanokouji nodded, "Did they take the keycard?"
"No but they know the name on it." Munfurawa stated.
Eventually, the two went back, as they discussed what Munfurawa had done. Likewise, what Ayanokouji himself has as well.
The two eventually realized they had thought of the same ideas, and were working well with each other to make them happen.
"We're a lot similar…" Munfurawa commented, to which Ayanokouji nodded.
"So it seems…"
Eventually, they brought Horikita back to the camp. Munfurawa had decided to hold onto her, as the rest of the class looked on in worry.
"Is she okay?!" Kushida asked in worry, while Sudo and Sakura looked solemn.
"She'll be fine, just some rest…" Munfurawa stated, as he placed her comfortably in the tent, "Let's just let her rest…"
"I'm so mad…" Sudo started, "But I am at a lost for words on what to do…"
"I am as well…" Hirata stated.
Munfurawa decided to barge in, "The way I see it, if were lucky, we'll be getting roughly over 100 points."
The class nodded in shame. They had the possibility to do well, but now were going to lose due to a spy.
"I know this is difficult, but we must accept this. As a leader of this class, I'm sorry." Munfurawa said at last, shocking the class with his apology.
The class tried their best to assure Munfurawa it was not his fault, but he made them quiet, emphasizing Horikita was resting.
Eventually, he went in, and noticed the bruises on her head and legs. Sighing, he pulled out some small medical stuff he had kept just in case. Seems the numerous wrappings, clothes and coverings would come in handy.
Wrapping up Horikita's leg injuries and her bruised head, he made his way out, and continued to analyze the damage, as well as everything they could do.
He decided to just wait it out. By now, everything was working out well, for Munfurawa.
"So, is this all we could do?" Hirata asked, and Munfurawa nodded. Only Ayanokouji knew the full details of what just happened. The both of them, surprisingly had thought the same, and had contributed to this.
Once night came, everyone went to sleep, ashamed at the circumstances that had occurred.
Munfurawa had stayed up, observing the night. He always loved the night. His name did mean, moon flower, and thus he felt a connection. It was times like these that made him actually miss living on the islands. It was a time, but the people made it terrible.
Sighing, he heard light and irregular footsteps. He turned around, and saw Horikita quietly sit right next to him, on the same branch.
They remained quiet before Horikita started, "I… I'm so sorry…"
Munfurawa sighed, "It's fine, we'll just work with what we got."
Horikita shook her head, "Not just that, the comment I made about you, I didn't realize how much it hurt until I said it…"
Munfurawa looked on, "It's fine, I've heard worse before."
Horikita looked at him, confused, in particular when his eyes showed no emotion. It was clouded with a wall she couldn't break down.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"That is a story for another time, Horikita." Munfurawa said.
"Can you not call me that…"
Munfurawa looked at her in confusion, "What?"
"Call me ice girl, you can…"
That was a shock to Munfurawa, why did she want him to call her ice girl now?
"I know you're mad at me, because you started calling me by my name… and I know it was you who rubbed the isopropyl alcohol on me, cleaned up my bruises and helped my fever slightly…" Horikita sighed, clearly getting a bit emotional at how he had cared for her despite her hurtful comments to him.
Munfurawa seemed to have not realized that, "Huh, I guess I thought you wouldn't tolerate me calling you it anymore… I guess if you want…"
"Thank you." She shared a small smile, before she took a deep breathe.
"How's the illness?" He asked.
"It's better, did you do anything?" She asked.
Munfurawa nodded, "Wrapped and cleaned your bruise, I also fed you some vitamin C. Most of the improvements are due to not overworking and resting."
"I see…" Horikita mumbled, before they went to a quiet atmosphere, where they just enjoyed the night time environment.
"I hate being a burden… I don't want to be useless…" Horikita mumbled.
"You're not any of those. You have the passion to help those." Munfurawa replied.
"I just, want to do things alone, and well, so I can impress my brother… You know how annoying it is seeing you and Ayanokouji impress my own brother, while his sister isn't even looked at…" Horikita sighed.
"There's nothing wrong with asking for help from others. It shows you know your limit, and that is the first barrier to cross before you can rise beyond your limit." Munfurawa explained.
Horikita sighed, "But will it be enough to impress my brother?"
Munfurawa looked on at the sky, "I can't tell you the guaranteed answer, but right now, let this be a lesson to properly communicate with others."
Horikita remained silent before she answered, "I've never really had a friend before…"
Munfurawa chuckled, "Same here, no one wanted to be with me."
Horikita looked at him in shock. "Seriously?"
Munfurawa nodded, "I never knew why, but I realized everyone didn't like me because of my mismatched eyes."
Horikita scoffed, "Stupid kids, your eyes are nice, the mismatched eyes honestly make you look better."
"Thank you." Munfurawa responded, finding it a bit weird that Horikita had just complimented him.
"I'm feeling a bit better, so I think I can last until tomorrow." Horikita stated.
"Perfect." Munfurawa responded, before he felt Horikita look down. "What's wrong?"
"I want to do things, and show I'm capable…" Horikita kept going.
Munfurawa looked at her, "I'll tell you this, there's only so much a person can do. Some day, you have to realize you will need people with you to help you to your goals. You cannot do anything alone, nobody can, not even your brother."
Horikita sighed, "But he always displays such a perfect image…"
Munfurawa rolled his eyes, "Okay bro-con…"
Horikita suddenly perked up at that, "I'm not a bro-con, I just am jealous of him, he's so gifted and then there's me."
"So, you think getting praise from him will help your inferiority?" Munfurawa asked.
Horikita was unsure, "Maybe…"
Munfurawa then answered, "You do realize the whole class praises you. When you helped Sudo with the assault incident, with the midterm review stuff, and even now, you have people praising you."
Horikita looked on, "But it doesn't hold the same weight."
Munfurawa pondered, "Well, even then, you must realize that the way you are doing things will not efficiently get you to your goals. You need to accept the people who are with you, okay?"
Horikita nodded at last, before she looked down.
As they looked onto the moonlight, they eventually decided to head back to their tent. Horikita then stated.
"Munfurawa-kun…"
"Yes?"
"I've always told myself, I'd do things by myself, to show the potential of individuality, but I know there's instances where I must cooperate. Even if I don't have the skills, I'll try…" Horikita said at last.
"As long as you try, then that's fine."
"I just…" Horkikita, then laid herself down on the ground, "I don't want to burden anyone… I don't want to seem weak; I don't want to seem reliant on others, but I want to succeed…"
Munfurawa sighed, going down and sitting, while Horikita laid on the ground, "Let others help you with your goal, I've been trying to emphasize unity this entire time…"
Horikita merely nodded, as she got up and rested her head on Munfurawa's lap.
"Uhh, Horikita…" Munfurawa called out, but she didn't say anything.
"Oi, ice girl, I can feel my lap getting cold…" Munfurawa then responded again, not noticing the small smile envelope on Horikita's face as he called her, ice girl.
Munfurawa sighed, "She's sick and yet chooses to sleep outside…"
Calmly getting up, he picked up Horikita, and calmly placed her back in her bed. She was relatively small when he was holding her, and he was quiet enough to not wake up anyone else.
Once he placed Horikita down, he went to his own tent, heading to bed.
However, he noticed that Ayanokouji was awake, staring back at him.
A.N / So that's the end of the Deserted Island Arc. However, we do have the results and the explanation to get through. This is pretty much the end of season 1, or light novel volume 3 so far. The next arc will probably start on chapter 10. Chapter 9 will be more for explanations and a more casual chapter.
Some may be confused about Sudo and Sakura. Essentially, instead of Horikita being on Sudo's appreciation and infatuation, it's Sakura. I feel the two actually cancel each other out very well.
Once again, I'm still unsure about any interest in Munfurawa. I made it know he is rather blunt and ignorant when it comes to romance LOL.
Anyways, see you later for chapter 9.