Night Flower

Written: 10/1/2022

So, Chapter 12 will be more of a filler chapter, to kind of set the pace down and to relax, for both the characters and the readers alike. It is significant in its own way, may also start to let some romantic interests take place here. Once again, I'm not entirely sure, and this is more of an experiment to lead into something more serious.

I do plan on giving Munfurawa a relationship, but it does depend on the factors obviously. He's still somewhat invisible despite his actions, besides a few individuals outside of that.

Overall, I have some plans as we get into the next arc, you will have to wait until then. For now, here's a calmer chapter.

Chapter 12: What Holds Deep

"Everything you judge about yourself served a purpose at the time." ~ Shannon Michael Pater

Flashback (8th Grade Munfurawa)

Munfurawa sighed. The day was relatively normal, and he for one felt absolutely nothing. He watched as others communicated in droves. Students formed groups. Students had their own cliques.

It was significant. For someone like Munfurawa, groups were always a threat for an individual. It make sense. Doing these were easier the more hands you had.

Munfurawa wished he had people like that, people who understood him, and people who would approach him.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. Instead, he was met with disgust and horror. The girls would usually rate him as ugly because he was threatening. The boys would look at him in inferiority.

He never knew why. All he knew was that he wasn't as approachable as the others. No matter what he did, he was shunned, at least looked down upon and ignored.

Munfurawa sighed, as he got up and went to get some lunch from the cafeteria. This was a typical day in the life of 8th grade Munfurawa. Aside from walking to a giant dojo that took one in for 8 hours a day, almost 1/3 of your day, Munfurawa liked it, due to the isolation and lack of people that made him want to talk to others.

He was told by his dojo to not trust, and to not be emotional. In fact, that was the one thing they kept complaining about, was the fact that Munfurawa was too emotional. It surprised even Munfurawa, but atlas he tried.

As a result he was able to keep a stoic face, and only during dire situations does he change his expressions. He wasn't cold or serious, just mysterious. Rather, he on the surface had a stoic face, but would openly express himself whenever he was close with someone. Munfurawa, just did not know how it felt at the time, as he had never had that moment. Though, it would change.

"I could have sworn girls like mysterious guys…" Munfurawa heard someone comment, presumably after the lack of attention he was getting. It was something he was told, but never cared about.

Whatever, he never cared. He had stopped being optimistic since grade 2. He wouldn't let people use him again. He looked around, and once getting his lunch, began to walk up. He eventually opened the door, leading him to the outside. While other students went to the cafeteria in droves and talked to others about their lives, Munfurawa went outside and ate alone near the rooftop.

While others may sound the alarm at that, he didn't care. He just wanted to be alone. He stopped caring about what others thought about him. He was his own person.

Sipping on some juice that he enjoyed, he heard footsteps right behind him.

Looking towards the source, his eyes were met with a girl his age. At first glance, she wasn't that overwhelming. She had light brown eyes, and light blue hair that was shoulder length. She was decent looking. She was around average height for girls her age, but again nothing overly noticeable about her.

Deciding to not care and move on, he continued to look up, enjoying the small occasional breezes he would get, with the sun shining over his skin. His eyes shined well here, and he knew it.

"Hey, who exactly are you?" The girl next to him asked, and he turned his head in confusion.

It was seriously a long time since he last talked to someone who approached him. At the time, Munfurawa was awkward around those, and thus would stutter.

Still, he needed to try and tell her.

"I-…" He started, ignoring the squeaking in his voice, "Munfurawa." Was all he ended up saying.

Thankfully, it was enough for the girl, "Hello Munfurawa, I am Hayashida Noriko, I'm in like 3 of your 4 classes."

Munfurawa nodded, "Nice…" He once again said, taking a deep breathe, "It seems-"

Noriko looked at him in slight confusion, "Yes?" She asked.

"It seems, we'll be…" He panted, trying to calm himself, "We'll be seeing each other a lot more…" He finally spoke.

To his surprise, she started laughing, "It took you that long to finish a sentence?"

Munfurawa scratched the back of his head, "It's been a while…" It was true, he rarely talked to others, as he was always alone, regardless.

Noriko sighed, "It has been, I can't remember the last time you talked before this…"

Munfurawa looked on, "Perhaps…"

"It's unusual, I always see you sulking away alone, why is that?" She asked.

Munfurawa didn't have the answer, "I don't know…" Was all he said eating a chunk of his food.

Noriko sighed, it was a slow start, but a start nonetheless. She had always found him interesting, even if he was alone. Not to mention he had a strong and durable body. Any person would see that.

She then turned to his eyes, and recoiled in shock.

"I think I know…" Was all she said, before Munfurawa looked at her with confusion.

"What?" He asked.

"Why you are looked down upon and unapproachable." She said at last.

"Why?" Munfurawa asked at last, clearly intrigued that Noriko apparently knew.

"It's your eyes." She bluntly stated, and Munfurawa recoiled before sighing.

"Oh, I was expecting maybe a better answer…"

Noriko sighed, "It's clear your irises are very different from one another, maybe a lot of people are afraid of that?"

"I see…" Munfurawa stated.

Noriko then laughed, "Don't worry Munfurawa, I'll stick around you, you seem like a cool guy!" She exclaimed, smiling at Munfurawa, who looked confused at everything that was happening.

"Uhh, okay…?" Was all he could say as Noriko got close to him and shook his head.

"Hayashida Noriko, that is my name and I will be in your care, Munfurawa-kun." Munfurawa flinched at the use of that honorific, but he kept himself calm as he slowly embraced this one good person.

…

After that day, she would always visit Munfurawa at the roof, whether it was at lunch or during free time. He hated attention, and wanted to be alone. Noriko knew this, and so she would follow him.

There wasn't much they had in common, but they talked about a lot of stuff. Munfurawa told Noriko about his home life, with his mother being deceased and he was enrolled in a vigorous martial arts training program.

"Wow!" Noriko stated, before mumbling when Munfurawa asked for her home life.

"Uhhh, it's pretty normal, I guess…" Noriko did a nervous laugh after, and Munfurawa looked on in curiosity, before shrugging it off.

He remained quiet, until Noriko proposed something, "Hey, we should go out, maybe to the arcade!" She exclaimed. This was surprising to Munfurawa. They had just hung out and she was already inviting him to play with a friend? He had never had this opportunity before.

"Sorry Noriko, but I got to my martial arts class after school…" Munfurawa stated.

Noriko seemed very upset, "Oh, maybe during our next free period."

"You're asking me to sneak out?" Munfurawa asked.

"During our free period, it's not sneaking out, we are allowed to go." Noriko commented.

Munfurawa sighed, before agreeing. Noriko squealed in delight, hugging Munfurawa, who was still uncomfortable with it.

Their next free period, Munfurawa experience what it was like to play with a friend. Even if he was out of school, he had a free period and thus could spend his time with his friend, whom he was still unsure about.

Was this really what a friend was? Was this what did wanted to do with you? How exactly does one become friends?

Munfurawa sighed as he pondered the attributes and possibilities.

Eventually, Noriko was saddened that the free period ended, and that they had to go back soon. Munfurawa sighed, promising the next free period they could return. That wiped the sadness off of Noriko, as she smiled brightly.

…

Munfurawa was once walking across the hallway alone, when he noticed some boy trying to flirt with a girl. This was relatively normal, Munfurawa had seen. However when he saw the frantic face of Noriko, he acted.

He merely walked up, and attempted to pry the man off of her. When the man quickly looked over, and took Munfurawa, as a threat, he acted violently. Munfurawa quickly dodged the first blow, before he acted.

He punched the guy on the back of the head, which made him crumple to the ground. They eventually ran before he told her to meet him on the roof. He forgot a drink.

When he went back, he got his drink, but was stopped by three more students, who clearly had an interest in Noriko.

"I have no clue what she sees in you."

"Why are you even with her?"

"Are you two dating? That can't be, no one would go for a loner like you!"

Munfurawa sighed, "It doesn't matter." Was all he said before he caught a fist heading his way.

"I think it does now." Was all one of the kids mumbled, before they clearly forced an altercation towards Munfurawa.

Munfurawa did his best to protect himself, before he attacked by on his own. Landing kick after kick, and grab after throw, it was clear that despite being picked on, Munfurawa had an easy time dealing with people who wanted to trigger him.

Once he finished, one of the students on the floor mumbled, "Even if you can beat us in a fight, at the end of the day, you are just an abomination to her, tarnishing her reputation. If you really care for her, stay away from her…"

Munfurawa looked on in shock, which gave the boy enough time to get up and land a punch directly towards Munfurawa's eye. Said boy recoiled in shock, before he dodged the boy's attempt to trap him down.

"You just don't give up, don't you!" The boy angrily responded before the sounds of teachers echoed around the hall around them.

Multiple teachers came and took the aggressors away. Munfurawa was allowed to go, as Noriko had stood up for him.

"Uhh, thanks…" Was all Munfurawa could say, before Noriko gave him another hug.

"Sorry you had to go through that for me…" She responded.

The two promised, after that to be with each other and help protect one another.

They trusted each other further after that incident, ad thus only got closer, much to the uproar of many, who saw Munfurawa as this lonely and weird kid.

For quite the time, Munfurawa felt somewhat happy. At least having someone to be around, it helped him feel more inclusive, even if it was just one friend.

This went on for about two months. Two months, before everything went down. Hayashida Noriko had gone missing two months after, and despite trying to look for her, Munfurawa went on with his life. He didn't want to freak out, and avoid his own life. She probably went on a family vacation. Who knows.

Well when even the family reported her missing, then Munfurawa freaked out a bit.

"Munfurawa! Can you please send this down?!" Shibata Hana pleaded, with most of the students in their class looking at Munfurawa.

"No, the teacher gave it to you." Munfurawa sternly said, putting the paper back on her desk.

By the time he sat down, some picked up the paper for Hana and placed it on his desk. "Take it." They bluntly stated.

Munfurawa stared right in the eyes of these individuals, before he scoffed. "Whatever."

Was all he said as he snatched the papers and went out, unaware of the smirk some of the boys gave.

He was going to continue his way down, when he smelt something foul.

"What is that smell?" Munfurawa asked no one, before he turned to a closed door.

"The Biology room…" Munfurawa mumbled, as he opened the door. He immediately regretted doing so, as he dropped the papers in his hand once he spotted something he wouldn't forget any time soon.

That was the hanging, deceased body of Hayashida Noriko.

Third Person POV

To say Munfurawa was a quiet person was an understatement. His stoic and quiet personality, especially at the start of the school year put him behind Horikita in terms of communication and cooperation, an already nonsocial being. However, whilst circumstances were beginning to make her more open, Munfurawa remained in the shadows, mostly, as he, liked Ayanokouji, were playing their own games.

Regardless, it is something when you score an F in a school section, like he did, it was impressive.

Who would have thought the outcome of his work so far?

Eventually getting up relatively early, Munfurawa met up with Ayanokouji to discuss some topics, specifically their skepticism of another possible exam. While both agreed to stay vigilant for the next exam, the final announcement they gave indicated that the zodiac exam was the final type of assessment for now.

And so, it was left to the students to relax on the cruise. In honesty, Munfurawa was hoping to return to the school grounds, as it contained his martial arts club. He sighed, guessing that sparring with Azuma will have to do. He hadn't even brought his uniform, much to his dismay.

Munfurawa's relationship with Ayanokouji was a sensitive and fragile matter. Whilst it was one of respect for one another, and it was clear, that at the moment they found more reasons to cooperate over conflicting, there was a sense of suspicions towards one another, and both were only looking at the benefits for themselves.

They thought alike, but whilst one is experimenting in the new environment around him, free of the chains, the other was trying to find his true personality. They were similar, yet so different.

"You have plans to hang out at the pool with the other classmates?" Munfurawa asked, and Ayanokouji pondered.

"Highly unlikely, I'm not really acquainted with most of our classmates." Ayanokouji said at last, as he looked unsure.

"You don't like crowds, huh?" Munfurawa then asked, seeing past Ayanokouji's excuses.

The boy sighed, "Yeah, I don't, the same goes for you, huh?"

Munfurawa nodded, "Yeah, I appreciate the view out here more so hanging down there, plus I don't want to get labelled as a creep and the likes."

Ayanokouji nodded, before he noticed the strange figure of someone. Munfurawa seemed to notice as well, as Ryūen had approached them.

"Well, looks like I find my two interesting individuals out on the deck alone." Ryūen started as he chuckled, "Even in such a casual setting you two fail to hide within the group."

Munfurawa looked on, "The view is interesting, which is why I'm here." Was all he responded to, while Ayanokouji remained silent, not caring for the new individual.

"And why so? You always see it now, so why, are you wasting your time on repetitive stuff?" Ryūen asked.

"Sometimes it's best to stick with what you are most comfortable with, rather than risk the new stuff." Munfurawa spoke out, answering Ryūen's question. Said delinquent looked at the boy intrigued.

"Well, perhaps…" He chuckled, "But it's easy to spot someone who resides in the same spot for prolonged periods of time, you know."

"I'm not exactly hiding, though." Munfurawa countered.

"Sure, but you would rather hide from the spotlight, huh?" Ryūen asked, and Munfurawa pondered.

"I guess that's one way of describing me, I mean you never seemed to let me go from your sights."

Ryūen chuckled before looking straight at him, "It's clear to me that you are pulling quite the strings for Horikita. All three recent assessments and conflicts, you have established yourself in the classroom."

Munfurawa looked on, "Perhaps, but all my actions were derived from ice girl. Even if it seems low, it is to create an extra coverage for our class."

Ryūen sneered, "I find that hard to believe. As if this person." He pointed to Ayanokouji, "wasn't enough, now there's you, you both are pulling strings."

Ayanokouji once again remained quiet, not really answering. It was here did Munfurawa understood why he was silent with those assumptions.

"Does it really make a difference what we tell you? If I told you everything, I've done was because of ice girl, would you believe me?" Munfurawa asked.

Ryūen smirked, and that's when Munfurawa knew his answer. "I see. I don't think it's worth changing your perception."

"Ahh, so my eyes are right then, huh?" Ryūen asked.

"Only because you refuse to listen to the potential answers. Like a dictator, you purge those whom you disagree with." Munfurawa countered, and Ryūen chuckled.

"I know you were the VIP for your group, and I know you must have played some cards to get 150 class points. You did something out of the ordinary, just like in the island exam." Ryūen finished.

"Perhaps I did, or was it a legit strategy that just worked incredibly well?" Munfurawa questioned and Ryūen sighed.

"It's clear to me that Horikita is incapable of planning these." Ryūen stated, and the two shook their heads.

"That is where I disagree. At least for the island exam and the midterm preparations. Horikita played a significant role for those." Ayanokouji defended, and Ryūen nodded.

"Regardless, if you were the VIP, Munfurawa, why do you continue to stick out of the crowd?" Ryūen asked.

Munfurawa shrugged, "Because I do what I can do to the best of my abilities."

Ryūen smirked, "So are you saying this was all your doing?"

Munfurawa shook his head, "Nope, this was through planning and ideas in the making. You most definitely cooperated with others within Class C, we were no different. Even then, planning is just one aspect of getting things done. Especially when others are involved."

Ryūen sighed, "Well, can you tell me what you did on the island?"

Munfurawa looked on, "Why should I tell you? Isn't it more fun to find out yourself? Munfurawa teased, which clearly got on Ryūen's nerves, before he smiled somewhat.

"You really are something else, Munfurawa." Was all Ryūen replied it, before it turned silent.

"I still believe you had some involvement in the results of the island exam, and now, the zodiac exam." Ryūen was convinced.

Munfurawa merely looked at him, seeing his position and how he was holding himself, "If you are going to try and sucker punch me, at least make it a surprise."

Ryūen flinched when he had figured that out. "Fine, I won't try with you, for now."

Munfurawa sighed "What is in the past is there, we have already done what we could. Rather than continue to ask about the past, how about you prepare for the future? There are going to be more special exams, so why not lead your class through that?"

Ryūen then asked Munfurawa the same thing, "Why don't you lead your classroom, then?"

Munfurawa shrugged, "Because I don't have the qualities to. Similar with Ayanokouji here."

Ryūen chuckled, "So what happens if I tell others that you and Ayanokouji here are the real masterminds then, not Horikita?"

Munfurawa stared at Ryūen, clearly not afraid. "It doesn't matter. At this point, everyone already sees ice girl as the leader for Class D. And I plan on keeping it that way. Regardless of your stature in this school, many already see her as the leader. Remember her speech where she proclaimed herself to lead this class to the top level?"

Ryūen sighed, getting the point. "You make strong points…" As much as Ryūen hated it, at the moment he had to accept that undercovering masterminds was not a top priority for both his class and Class D.

Munfurawa smirked, "And even then, I still have some leverage over you, that we can perhaps work out."

Ryūen, instead of replying, looked out into the ocean, staring at it.

"You are right." Ryūen started, "The view is good."

Munfurawa chuckled slightly as he watched Ryūen look out. Ayanokouji was not too far, as the three surprisingly let some time pass.

"This is kind of surprising." Munfurawa started, "Seeing the delinquent Kakeru Ryūen, enjoying a view, and saying something normal."

Ryūen shrugged, "I'm just as human as you are, we all can be taken aback by certain elements of life." Ryūen explained, taking a surprisingly gentler tone for once.

"What was your main reason in confront me, then?" Munfurawa asked finally.

Ryūen shrugged, "Wanted to clear my confusion somewhat, seems that while I won't get a concise answer, I at least have some understanding."

Munfurawa sighed, watching Ayanokouji in the background.

"Well, this certainly is surprising, but I'll take what I can get." Was all Munfurawa stated.

It was here did Ryūen decided to return to his older self, "Anyways I can't wait to see what else you and Ayanokouji will do in the future."

Munfurawa nodded, "Same with you. Also, did you figure it out?"

"Figure what out?" Ryūen asked.

"The pattern to identity the VIPs, did Class C figure it out?" Munfurawa specified.

Ryūen looked at Munfurawa with intrigue, "You seriously continue to surprise and entertain me. For finding out, yes, we did find the algorithm out. However, we remained careful in our assumptions, in the event we got them wrong."

"I see, thank you for answering that truthfully." Munfurawa thanked, and Ryūen nodded.

"Just to let you know, I will come and crush those who prevent me from the goals. Right now, you and Ayanokouji are the biggest threat, meaning I will stop at nothing to crush you."

Munfurawa and Ayanokouji kept themselves stoic, unfazed by the threat, "We'll be waiting for that, Ryūen."

Ryūen then chuckled, "Tell Kushida and Horikita they look hot in their swimsuits, hehe."

Munfurawa felt himself get angry and Ryūen for that, and suddenly thrusted his fist towards Ryūen.

The delinquent looked shocked, before he noticed Munfurawa had purposely kept himself just enough away so that his fist, while close to his face, was mere centimeters away from contact.

"I will warn you about talking to ice girl like that, but I will let them know." Was all Munfurawa said, before he and Ayanokouji walked off, Ryūen chuckling.

"Those two may be the most interesting individuals I have ever met, I cannot wait to see what they will do, kukuku…" Ryūen commented, before he too left for his class.

For Munfurawa, one thing stood out for him, "I'm just as human as you…" The feeling of being human, what exactly did it mean to be human? Whilst perhaps Ayanokouji saw humans as tools for his own benefit, not caring for his own humanity, Munfurawa was more stark in his questions.

At the end of the day, Munfurawa was just trying to find his place in the world, and to enjoy it after the trials he had gone through.

Munfurawa sighed, before he turned to Ayanokouji, "Well, that's fun…"

"Indeed, what he plans could be anyone's guess."

Munfurawa then turned his eyes to the gym, "Alright Ayanokoji, I'm going to head to the gym, Sudo agree to teaching me some basketball skills for two hours."

Ayanokouji looked at Munfurawa interested, "And why is that?"

Munfurawa shrugged, "My arm muscle is lacking compared to my legs, so I'm trying to do more hand-based sports like judo, basketball, and even volleyball."

Ayanokouji peeked, "You're arms don't look bad, they're muscular…"

"Perhaps, but compared to my quads and thighs, they are underwhelming, especially compared to your upper body." Munfurawa commented, which caught Ayanokouji by surprise.

"You've seen that?" He asked somewhat quietly.

"Yeah, you have a good body, Ayanokouji, anyways, Sudo planned after to head to the pool, so you can join after." Munfurawa mentioned, and Ayanokouji nodded.

"Very well, I'll see you then." Ayanokouji commented, and Munfurawa waved as he went to the gym.

Eventually, after the two hours of practice, Sudo had complimented Munfurawa on his strength.

"You're pretty strong in your upper body and your arms; you just need to learn the proper technique to shooting and traveling." Sudo commented, and Munfurawa nodded.

In that time, Sudo had also taken some techniques from Munufurawa's martial arts. Both had taught each other something that would benefit them. In particular, he got to see how to properly punch. Not that he didn't know how to, he had punched a lot during his time street brawling. However, he preferred kicking since it was more intimidating.

Eventually, the two decided to head to the pool. Once they reached the men's locker room, Sudo greeted his friends who were talking about girls. Munfurawa sighed immediately and noticed Ayanokouji round the area. Likewise, Munfurawa had decided to put his belongings near Ayanokouji's, clearly preferring the stoic boy over the perverted group next to them.

"I can't wait to see all those bodies!" Yamauchi was clearly excited as he took off his shirt, Ike not too far behind him.

Sudo chuckled, "It's a shame the girl's won't swoon over you." Sudo commented towards both as he displayed a clearly more athletic body tone.

"I'm sure Sakura has the biggest breasts!" Yamauchi commented, which got Sudo riled up. Grabbing Yamauchi's head in a chokehold, he began scratching his captive's head.

"OW STOP!" Yamauchi pleaded, but Sudo continued.

"Don't talk about Sakura like that!" He threatened, with Yamauchi frantically nodding in response.

Munfurawa sighed at the boys' attitude, as he took off his shirt, and quickly put on swim shirt that was split in the middle. Ayanokouji raised an eyebrow at his quick actions, but proceeded to put on his swimsuit as well.

Sudo appeared to have noticed the two in the corner.

"Woah, Ayanokouji, do you workout or something?" Sudo asked, and Munfurawa looked, noticing Ayanokouji was well built, around the same level of degree as Sudo. In particular, his forearms and abdomen were clearly developed.

Ayanokouji shook his head, "Not really, it's just good genes." He had vehemently denied.

Sudo then turned to Munfurawa, "I'm going to assume for you it's because of your martial arts?" He then assumed, which Munfurawa nodded.

"Yeah." Was all Munfurawa replied, as his large quads and thighs were apparent, more developed than Ayanokouji's. While his forearms weren't on par with Ayanokouji's they weren't far off. Both had very defined abdomens, though Munfurawa's chest and abdomen were covered by a katana scar each.

That was particularly why he had wore the swim shirt, to cover it, but Ayanokouji had noticed it and was intrigued.

Eventually, the boys made it out, and noticed the private pool they had booked, and how large it was. Considering it was only for a class of around 30, it was impressive.

"Where are the girls?" Ike asked, clearly wanting for a visionary treat.

Sudo chuckled, "Man you don't even know how long it takes for girls to change?"

Ike grumbled, before he patiently began talking about the different girls, including which ones had the biggest breasts, thighs, and the likes. Munfurawa had stopped listening after Ike had accidentally mentioned Sakura, knowing the judgement he was going to get from a jealous and angry Sudo.

Plus, Munfurawa didn't want to be labelled as a pervert. He and Ayanokouji had distanced themselves as they stared at the pool. Munfurawa could clearly tell from Ayanokouji's bulk that he could probably swim exceptionally well. While he wasn't sure if his cardio was as strong as his, he didn't underestimate him in the slightest.

"Knowing Sudo and the group, they'll probably want to race in the pool." Munfurawa started, and Ayanokouji nodded.

"Yeah, I realized, if it comes to that I'll just hold back." It was strange how open he was to Munfurawa, but considering the two were similar in their thinking, he probably knew Ayanokouji would hold back.

Munfurawa chuckled as he was hiding his own insecurities, considering he was debating the same question, "I would probably do the same, but even then I don't know how well the boys can actually swim."

Ayanokouji nodded, before he sighed, "I would race you specifically, if not for the other class around us."

Munfurawa nodded in understanding, making a noise of acknowledgement, before they relaxed in silence.

"Especially with all the girls watching, the boys would clearly want to try." Munfurawa pointed out and Ayanokouji could only look on.

"Getting around the middle of the pack is always the best." Ayanokouji concluded, and Munfurawa easily understood why. It was in the area where you wouldn't get noticed and appreciated or scorned upon.

"Fair enough." Was all he replied with.

"I think maybe after Hirata would be ideal. They are known as relatively athletic, so if we stay out of their competition, then we'll be unseen." Munfurawa hypothesized, and Ayanokouji agreed.

Once the girl's finally came out, some pervious boys clearly had their lust fulfilled in their eyes as they looked in intrigue.

Shortly thereafter, the race occurred, with the girls indeed watching.

"I have to do well to impress these girls!" Yamauchi exclaimed, with Ike agreeing in the background.

Despite their pleas into doing as well as they could, they only scored seventh and eighth. Not the worst, but still pretty scorn-worthy. Munfurawa by comparison scored fourth, just behind Hirata, and Ayanokouji scored fifth.

The two got out and a mutual understanding, due to their lack of panting or fatigue indicating they didn't really try.

Eventually, they got out and sat down, waiting for whatever the others wanted to do next. They noticed many of the girls going in the swimming pool afterwards, clearly doing their best to enjoy their vacation. The only three girls who decided to remain out were Sakura, Azuma, and Horikita.

Munfurawa looked at them, observing them and the different reasons why they chose not to go.

Sakura clearly was nervous, with her wardrobe displaying it, as she chose to wear a body cover swimsuit. Sudo did seem rather relieved, as Yamauchi and Ike had made sure not to stare at her.

Horikita, was wearing her typical swimsuit, but also seemed to be sulking on her own, rather than joining, despite pleas from Kushida.

Azuma seemed to have been looking for Munfurawa, as she chose to sit down next to him, while the others had fun.

"Good to see you are enjoying yourself too, Munfurawa." Azuma started, and he nodded.

"Was kind of brought here by Sudo, but it's vacation time so it's fine." Munufurawa replied, noticing Kushida had splashed water towards Horikita. Careful there, Kushida, you might indirectly cause the pool to freeze if ice girl steps in.

"I see." Azuma started, "How about you join me in the pool?" She proposed, looking a bit hopeful, a small tint of red on her cheeks.

"With all of the other girls? That might seem somewhat creepy…" Munfurawa commented.

Azuma laughed, "And Ike and Yamauchi aren't?" She then asked, and Munfurawa looked at the two clearly trying to get near the girls.

"Of course, they are, but that won't make me better if I join." Was all Munfurawa commented. Observing the fact that Horikita had stepped away from her original spot, and found another corner to sulk in.

"True." Was all Azuma stated as she rested her head back, enjoying the air of the pool, full of chlorine which Munfurawa felt indifferent to.

As he merely watched everything that occurred, he failed to notice Horikita approach them, with her usual uninterested expression. That, however changed when she spotted Azuma, and she glared even more at her.

"Hello, Ayanokouji-kun, Munfurawa-kun." Horikita's voice brought Munfurawa out of his conversation with Azuma. He looked up and saw a surprisingly moody Horikita.

"Hey Horikita, is everything okay?" He asked, noticing that.

Ayanokouji looked on at Munfurawa's confusion, trying to decipher everything.

"I guess you could say that…" She grumbled.

"What, angry Kushida sprayed water at you? Or ashamed that if you go in the pool it'll turn to ice?" Munfurawa playfully teased which got Horikita worked up, as he wanted.

"Hey! I'm not that cold!" She exclaimed, clearly worked up, concentrating staring at Azuma, which Munfurawa took note of.

"You two want to talk?" He asked, referring to Azuma and Horikita. Both girls looked at him in confusion, before they let realized and their eye's widened, clearly not wanting to.

Munfurawa got up, "Well we'll let you two talk whatever, Ayanokouji want to go watch the boys play pool volley?" He asked the boy next to him who nodded expressionlessly.

Munfurawa and Ayanokouji moved towards the pool to watch the other boys play pool volley, ignoring the glares of Azuma and Horikita, which quickly turned to each other.

"This boy…" Horikita mumbled, not knowing to her that Azuma was thinking the same.

Sudo seemed very interested in the sport, as he and the others got in the pool with the girls. Munfurawa and Ayanokouji shortly watched as the groups began their game. Noting there would be a wager that the winner would get.

Some girls like Chiaki Matsushita, Haruka Hasebe, Mei-Yu Wang and Kikyo Kushida had decided to join. Pretty much everyone from Class 1-D attended, the pool, with the exception Rokusuke Koenji.

In fact, those four were on a team, with Sudo, Yamauchi, Ike, and Hirata. It seemed very unfair, and indeed it was.

The first round went by rather quickly, with a score of 11-5. The idea was three sets for 11 points each. Unfortunately, two of them opted out due to over strain and a case of being hit by the volleyball.

Chiaki Matsushita and Mei-Yu Wang had opted out, the former after being hit in the head by the volleyball, and the second by over strain, and a cramp on her arm.

As a result, they were trying to find replacements. The second round had gone on 7-2, and Hasebe and Kushida were not going to power through outnumbered.

Munfurawa and Ayanokouji were the two closest, and thus Sudo decided. "Hey, Ayanokouji, Munfurawa, can you two sub in?"

Munfurawa shook his head while Ayanokouji mumbled a quick, "no."

Sudo comedically grunted, "Come on! You two clearly look athletic enough to play, please?"

Munfurawa sighed, looking at Ayanokouji. "Do you want to together? We don't have to try."

Ayanokouji sighed, "Alright, let's go."

Sudo smiled, "Thanks guys!"

Kushida nodded, a bright smile enveloping her cheery face.

The two got in place, as they watched Sudo serve and volley. It was clear to Munfurawa he was the major play within the group, and thus knew he would have to put Yamauchi, Ike, and Hirata in the fray.

He volleyed the ball towards Munfurawa, who quickly reflected it with a quick smack, the strength and speed surprising the other side as they quickly scrambled, and failed to volley it back.

Some of the girls began laughing, which made Ike and Yamauchi a bit nervous. Even Horikita and Azuma, despite remaining near each other, were watching the game with Munfurawa and Ayanokouji in it.

"Tssh, lucky shot…" Was all Sudo mumbled as he allowed Ayanokouji to serve.

Much to the surprise of everyone, he served perfectly, towards Yamauchi who frantically and poorly struck it up, and towards the other side, failing to let Sudo spike it. Hasebe raised the ball up, allowing for Munfurawa to send it slightly behind towards Ayanokouji, who launched it back.

Sudo intercepted it's trajectory, with it hurtling towards Ike, who was too frantic to properly function. He missed the shot and thus gave them another point.

Sudo comedically looked disgruntled, "Alright, no more playing around!"

Much to the shock of almost everyone in the class, Munfurawa and Ayanokouji were performing on par with Sudo and the others. Even though Yamauchi and Ike weren't the greatest compared to Sudo, they were respectable when they were serious.

Unfortunately, they got frantic and tense when the other side began to play differently, and thus gave away some points. The lead they had in the second round had been turned successfully, and so they were now tied 1-1.

With the third round, which they hadn't expected to reach, were now on. Once again, while Munfurawa and Ayanokouji had remained rather humble, and just used their speed and power to retaliate it back. As a result, their third round was relatively split and even. While Sudo's group had the lead, in typical anime dramatic fashion, it was 10-10, match point.

Hirata volleyed the ball over to the net, aiming it to Kushida, who managed to hit it upwards, for Ayanokouji to smash it back towards them.

It aimed towards Hirata, but Sudo intercepted, flinging it high in the air. Sudo called out for Yamauchi to counter and smash it back, which he did. Munfurawa was quick to catch the ball and hit it up before it could fall, with Hasebe shooting it right back. Ike was the one to successfully launch it right back, with Ayanokouji sending the ball right back.

What was perhaps the most intense point they aimed for, the ball had gone over each sides a whopping seven times. Eventually, the ball was tossed poorly by Hirata, which allowed for Ayanokouji to launch it up, giving Munfurawa the time to land the ball right on the net, tumbling, with Sudo loosing his balance shortly after.

This meant that Sudo's team lost by an incredibly thin margin.

The two boys sighed, as they made it out, no doubt inevitably getting bombarded by some of the girls and even boys. Beating Sudo was clearly a shock to many. As many within the group stared at them.

Azuma and Horikita who were looking from a way, looked somewhat shocked, but considering they had their suspicions, but even then were somewhat surprised. The most came from Karuizawa who looked at Ayanokouji with a small tint on her cheeks.

Hasebe had decided to approach Munfurawa while she had the chance. The boy looked confused, before she bowed her head.

"I'm so sorry for accusing you and calling you some bad things back at the island. I shouldn't have made assumptions back then…" Hasebe apologized to Munfurawa who nodded.

"It's alright, at the moment we are past it and everything worked out." Was all he said before he and Ayanokouji made their way to the dorm.

"Damn, Ayanokouji and Munfurawa are talented…" Hirata mumbled, as he felt humbled by his defeat rather than angry. Even Sudo couldn't be upset as he felt humbled.

It was clear to Sudo that Munfurawa was the reflector, able to catch the ball first, and being able to easily react to spikes, while Ayanokouji could commit to some of the best spikes Sudo had seen.

The two boys, made their way to the boy's room, with Ayanokouji looking to see Karuizawa staring at him with intrigue. Horikita, Azuma were staring back at Munfurawa, before back at each other, staring for what appeared to be a minute.

The two said boys remained in the boy's room. Ayanokouji took a deep breathe.

"I expected them to be better, honestly," Munfurawa commented, and Ayanokouji nodded in response.

"I agree, this was why I didn't want to join…" Ayanokouji mumbled.

"Then why did you?" Munfurawa asked.

Ayanokouji sighed, looking on the ground, "I don't know, really, I think it's because you went up." He finally spoke.

Munfurawa nodded, "Yeah, I think seeing you go up influenced me in my position." He seemed to have agreed, and through this conversation, realized they were thinking the same, yet again.

As the two got up, Ayanokouji got a good look at Munfurawa's torso. He noticed the scars on Munfurawa's chest and abdomen.

"How did you get those scars?" Ayanokouji asked, clearly wanting to know.

Munfurawa sighed, "I was scared the others would look…" He clearly felt somewhat weirded out, as Munfurawa put on some clothes after drying himself.

Ayanokouji noticed his silence, and thus was waiting, "So what happened to your chest and abdomen?"

Munfurawa finished, before he merely stated, "Got slashed and stabbed by a katana. Sparring accident."

Ayanokouji was somewhat shocked at that revelation. "How?"

Munfurawa shrugged, "Wrong place at the wrong time, I guess…"

Munfurawa wasn't exactly wrong. He was at the wrong place that hated him, at the wrong time, to be at the same area as that teenager with the makeshift metal katana.

Ayanokouji clearly wasn't satisfied with the explanation, but knew very well that Munfurawa did not want to get into. As much as Ayanokouji wanted to know about Munfurawa's past, he did notice the other smaller scars across Munfurawa. Scars that at a distance weren't visible, but close, like Ayanokouji was now, it was visible.

"Those other scars… it seems he's been used quite a bit." Ayanokouji thought and assumed, not knowing full well of the extent of what Munfurawa had went through, as Munfurawa had begun to head out.

Ayanokouji went out, not noticing Azuma and Horikita looking for Munfurawa.

…

Once the cruise ship was over, everyone went back to their dorms. There was still some summer days for the summer vacation. Everyone clearly was enjoying what they were experiencing.

Munfurawa looked at his phone, and begun to analyze the information he was given.

Class A seemed to have lost quite the class points from the zodiac sign. With 150 points gained from the island exam, but a loss of 250 points from the zodiac. As a result, Class A lost 100 points, going to 904.

Class B by comparison gained some. The island saw them gain 150 points, and the zodiac exam saw them lose 50 points. They gained a net score of 100. They now had 763 points.

Class C, unfortunately for Class D, had actually gained the most from the overall cruise after Class D obviously. While on the island, they had failed to gain any points, had the most in the zodiac exam, resulting in a net score of 150 points. Now, they had 642 points.

As for Class D, they had shown to the other classes, that they were a serious threat and opponent. Gaining a whopping 255 points from the island exam, and a respectable 150 points from the zodiac exam, they had gained the most net. A net score of 405 points, were need badly to a class that only had 87 class points. Now, they had 492 points, which gave them a closer margin towards Class C. It was somewhat unfortunate that they had started with an appalling 87 points, but again, the major boost they got was needed, and it was clear to the others that Class D was rising from their near zero past.

Munfurawa sighed, and this knew that they were at a crossroads, which depended on the next assessments. If it was another test, academically or physically, then their class were going to have some problems. They will definitely need to perform better and practice more with the upcoming assessments, or else they may fall back to their defective role that the other classes has given them.

Still, this cruise ship was an overall win for Class D, as they gained the most class points by a large margin. As a result, Munfurawa gave a small smile, seeing their class rise somewhat. For now, Munfurawa had decided to go out, and see what the others were doing.

He was somewhat glad he had seen Ayanokouji yet again, but that quickly faded as their class had decided to go swimming, yet again, on the last day of vacation. Even some from the other class had decided to join, and even second years. It seemed that Ike and Yamauchi were having a field day with the amount of girls they were seeing over a short time. They stared at figures like Ichinose Honami whom they were clearly wishing they were jerking off to.

Munfurawa was so glad that he had informed Ayanokouji about their behaviour of setting up RC's.

"You told Karuizawa to remove the memory card once they all left, right?" Munfurawa asked.

Ayanokouji nodded, "Yes, Karuizawa was the last to come out, and she informed me about it."

"Munfurawa-kun! Ayanokouji-kun! Nice to see you two!" Ichinose approached the two, more like bouncing, which made Ike and Yamauchi even more excited.

"Hey." Ayanokouji merely replied, while Munfurawa nodded in acknowledgement.

She then began to analyze both of their bodies, before her eyes went to something interesting.

"Oh my, Munfurawa-kun! How did you get those scars? They look severe…" Ichinose commented.

Munfurawa sighed in relief, before noticing Ichinose was staring at them. It was then did Munfurawa realize he was in a swimsuit, with his shirt not fully covering his scars. He grunted, at least thankful most were talking to others, with Ike and Yamauchi too entranced by Ichinose's curves.

Munfurawa looked on, "Accident with a katana during sparring."

Ichinose cringed, "Ouch, that must've hurt."

Munfurawa shrugged, "Yeah it did, but it's recovered."

"Great!" Ichinose beamed, before Munfurawa saw another girl approach him. It was someone from Class 1-A, interestingly, as Masumi Kamuro had joined unexpectedly.

"Oh, hey Kamuro, what are you doing here?" Munfurawa asked. The girl just sighed, and unexpectedly sat down next to Munfurawa.

"Okay…" Was all he said, as he began to chat with Ayanokouji more. Once again, he saw Azuma and Horikita, who also approached him and Ayanokouji. It was somewhat strange, to Munfurawa who had decided to take a washroom break.

That was even weirder when Horikita decided to follow Munfurawa, stating she needed to go as well.

The walk was rather quiet, as Horikita had chosen to stick near Munfurawa.

"Is everything okay?" Munfurawa asked, and Horikita nodded.

"Yeah, just off I guess from vacationing…" She answered, and it was here did Munfurawa notice she was a bit close to him.

They both went in their gender appropriate washrooms, with Horikita waiting for Munfurawa when he exited last. Making their way back, they were met with another girl, much to Munfurawa's annoyance. In particular, because this girl both Horikita and Munfurawa knew very well.

Mio Ibuki, who was visibly shook when seeing a Munfurawa in his swimsuit. She stared directly and gazed over his body, before a grunt from Horikita made her look up.

"What are you doing here, to spy on us?" Horikita accused Ibuki with rather hostility.

Ibuki stuttered, her way through, "N-No, I was j-just on my w-way to-"

Munfurawa looked on, "Ice girl, you can go on ahead, I can take care of her."

Horikita clearly looked a bit saddened, for some reason. "Fine, I'll wait for you just before we enter."

That confused Munfurawa, but he sighed yet again.

He watched as Horikita left, and Ibuki seemed even more scared, which became apparent when Munfurawa had approached her, giving her the same feeling as back on the island.

"How the hell does he have this much control over me?!" Was all Ibuki could think before she felt a little bonk on her head.

"Silly, Ibuki, is the dog lost from her owner?" He teased, and Ibuki grunted.

"I'm already with my owner…" She mumbled.

"What?" Munfurawa didn't hear her perfectly.

"I mean, my fellow class members wants to see what is occurring at the pool, that's all…" Ibuki clearly was pushing her way clumsily through.

Munfurawa merely pushed his hand out to the wall, centimeters from Ibuki, who let out a small squeak. Once again, she was able to get a good look at Munfurawa, who was glaring at her with his mismatched eyes, which again entranced Ibuki.

The girl could feel her chest vibrating and squirming as she realized Munfurawa was in a swimsuit, allowing her to see his body.

"Crap, why does he have to be athletic, too…" She mumbled.

"You do have a tendency to lie to us, remember the island?" He asked, and his voice made Ibuki shiver in fear? Arousal? She didn't know.

"I-I should h-head back to m-my cla-aass yeah!" She then said, quickly running off.

Munfurawa looked on in confusion before he sighed, unaware that Ibuki had to wait a couple minutes to calm her beating heart.

Eventually, Munfurawa noticed that Horikita had indeed been waiting for him.

"You actually waited?" He asked, and Horikita nodded.

"Yes, I was, now are you going to keep your companion waiting?" She asked, and Munfurawa sighed.

"Very well, let's go." He said grabbing her hand, which made her blush at the sudden contact, before they walked in together.

Horikita's blush subsided when she noticed the looks Azuma and Kamuro were giving her, and she smiled slightly, realizing the situation Munfurawa had put himself in.

For now, Horikita seemed to be winning.

A.N / Okay, I lied, maybe there is a slight harem for Munfurawa. But again, Munfurawa has a twisted outlook on how people and society work. Add that with a bit of usefulness as tools and we have a character who, while like Ayanokouji in seeing them as tools, does value their feelings and emotions. Whereas Ayanokouji may use them until they dry, Munfurawa will make sure they can be continuously of use. The idea of human emotion will be significant once we delve even more into Munfurawa's and Ayanokouji's past. I am openly trying to show a difference between Ayanokouji and Munfurawa, whom I would relate to as just an ostracized individual trying to find his place.

I am excited for the sports festival, as we will see more interactions between Ayanokouji and Munfurawa. Who knows, maybe we'll stick some fluff into it while we can. Cannot guarantee anything. But yeah this was a more typical and relaxed chapter, rather than a progression of the story. It's just my attempt to put some interludes in, with a casual talk and the likes. I'm not the best, so I would like on ways to improve if I can.

As for more flashbacks, I might put one more significant one, or multiple minor ones to influence people's minds about it. I want people to come back to these chapters and get the hints I'm putting out. I like foreshadowing in stories, and it makes me feel proper in my writing. Anyways! That's it for me! I'll see you all later for Chapter 13!