COTE Collection

by TsukasaKawaii

Collection of Cote Fanfic from many authors

29. (3) Ayanokouji's Return - Chapter 21-24

COTE: Ayanokouji's Return

By : tobi7th

...

Chapter 21 - 24

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Chapter 21 - Mutual Benefits

Kiyotaka's POV

After my meeting with Horikita-senpai and Asahina-senpai, I headed back straight to my room.

I didn't want to wander around outside anymore, especially since many people were looking at me during my walk.

It's not overstatement to say that in just a few hours I became kind of celebrity among the students.

I was expecting my fame to rise, since Horikita-senpai made a promise to make me Vice-President, but I didn't want to be recognizable by so many people so early.

I could see Horikita Manabu's idea behind it, since it made me have some more options to play in the open, but it also reduced my movements in the shadows.

It was even more evident, when some senpais started to glare at me, when I was passing by them.

For the second-year students, I was definitely an enemy of their leader, Nagumo Miyabi.

Even if he wouldn't put me under surveillance, some people would still watch me on their own account.

From now on, my battle with Nagumo would begin openly and many people were going to be affected by it.

But my current priorities didn't change.

Until the end of this month, I needed to establish some contacts with the other classes and find someone to lead mine.

Thanks to Horikita-senpai, I was in charge of the interviews of some key figures from Class A and Class B.

If I played my cards well, I could make some allies in Council during Nagumo's absence.

Ichinose and Katsuragi were good candidates, but their stances may change in the next month.

I needed something to make them see me as an appealing ally despite the class competition.

As for Yamauchi...

Ugh...

Just thinking about him makes my head hurt...

For some reason, I just couldn't make myself believe that there was a chance that he actually had some hidden potential...

Apart from being a cannon fodder, of course.

If only someone capable from Class D applied instead...

There was also an issue with no application from Class C.

That class was still the biggest mystery for me.

Something fishy was going on there.

I needed to find out what in order to make some progress with my plans.

Fortunately, Horikita-senpai's decision unlocked a new option for me.

If there's no applicant from Class C, I can just try to recruit someone on my own.

Speaking about my plans, I needed to check out things with Professor.

Depending on what he managed to smuggle into this school, it may increase the amount of moves I could make in the future.

After all, at the first glance, the odds against Nagumo looked not favorable for me.

Although I obtained the same authority, which was my goal, my reach was only limited to the oblivious freshmen.

The older students were definitely not going to treat a kouhai with respect so easily, even without Nagumo's influence.

I also didn't have as much money and personnel as that donkey.

For a normal student, such a situation may be hopeless.

But I wasn't a normal student.

I was actually looking forward to this battle.

I came back to Japan to realize my father's dream.

If I couldn't even handle the current situation, how could I ever think about conquering this country in the future?

This was my first challenge here.

And I was going to win.

Despite many curious gazes at me, no one tried to stop me to talk, so I quickly managed to get to my room.

I took a shower and made some simple dinner for myself.

There was no need for some celebration.

It was just a starting point for my journey.

After I finished cleaning up, I left my room and went to Professor's room.

He was living on the third floor, so I took staircase and quickly arrived before his room.

After a few seconds, the door opened.

Professor: "Welcome to my humble place, my lord! This little one greets you!"

Professor appeared before with some unique, enthusiastic greetings.

...

Kiyotaka: "I'm sorry. I got the wrong room."

His role-playing was still going overboard, despite my warning to him.

I was relieved that I was the only one, who witnessed this scene.

Otherwise, this would be an awkward moment not only for me, but also for the third party.

Professor: "W-Wait! Wait a second, leader! I apologize!"

Professor started to panic.

Kiyotaka: "I thought you promised to change your antics."

Professor: "Well, yes, but..."

Kiyotaka: "But?"

Professor: "You were so cool at the club fair, great leader! You became Student Council Vice-President in just three days! That totally was the protagonist's scene! I can still feel my blood's boiling!"

Professor looked really excited about my new status.

Looks like I got myself a fan.

Professor: "A sudden appearance of hidden genius! The result that no one was expecting! From now on, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's legend will begin!"

Okay, now he was getting a little too excited.

We were still on the corridor.

Kiyotaka: "I get it, I get it. Stop shouting. Can I come in? It would be troublesome, if we stay here too much."

Especially if he was going to shout more and some people would hear that.

Professor: "Of course!"

I finally managed to get into Sotomura's room.

Compared to my room, his room was kinda messy and colorful.

There were some anime posters on the wall and some figures on the shelves.

There was a long pillow with some anime character on his bed.

Every place in this room was giving me an otaku vibes.

Professor: "What do you think about my little paradise, leader?"

Kiyotaka: "That this place could be anything, but humble."

Professor: "Hahaha! I guess so. Please sit down wherever you want, leader."

He was quite cheerful.

He sat on the chair near his desk and looked at me with some expectation.

Kiyotaka: "What?"

Professor: "I just wonder what incredible thing are you going to do next, leader. Everyone was talking about you, you know. You are practically the star of the school now."

Kiyotaka: "I see. How about our classmates? What were they saying about this?"

It was good to know what people were talking about me behind my back.

Professor: "Huh? W-Well, they were mainly enthusiastic about it..."

Professor made an awkward face.

Kiyotaka: "Why did you stutter just now?"

Professor: "You know how it is in every anime, don't you, leader? When MC suddenly gains so much attention, especially from women, many guys start to get jealous and spout some nonsense."

Kiyotaka: "What do you mean?"

Professor: "I was with Ike, Yamauchi and Sudo at the club fair, as you know. And near us was Kushida-san's group. After you left the gym with President, they started to excitedly talk among themselves about you. And those three didn't like it much."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Professor: "Well, Sudo took it far better than the other two, probably because you helped him yesterday. But Ike and Yamauchi were openly badmouthing you, saying that you were probably Chairman's illegitimate child or something."

Kiyotaka: "Oh, so that's what you meant."

Professor: "But Kushida-san berated them, saying that it's not nice to say something like that about a classmate. She seriously is so nice. Ike behaved a little, but Yamauchi went wild and started saying that since you could join Student Council, then he could too. And... don't be surprised... he even applied to it in front of us!"

Kiyotaka: "..."

So Yamauchi applied to Student Council thinking that it's going to be easy to join?

And only to impress Kushida?

Just how shallow was that guy?

Professor: "Oh? You are not surprised by that, leader?"

Kiyotaka: "I already heard about that, when I was speaking with Horikita-senpai. But I am still utterly speechless by that guy... He is hopeless..."

Professor: "Haha, we were as well. Do you think there's a chance that he would be approved?"

Kiyotaka: "Hell has bigger probability to freeze than that."

Professor: "I thought so, too."

Kiyotaka: "So, our classmates were rather happy about that, but some have doubts because it's too quick, huh..."

Professor: "That's a nice summary to that."

Kiyotaka: "What about you, Professor? Don't you want to ask why was I chosen so quick?"

Professor: "I would be lying, if I said that I am not interested, but I have chosen to trust you, leader. I won't ask any question."

I was surprised by the amount of trust I got from someone, who didn't know me well.

I couldn't help but started to doubt him.

Kiyotaka: "Really?"

Professor: "Of course. It's a common story - a protagonist has a big secret that he couldn't say to anyone. Then the higher-up of society suddenly starts to promote him after witnessing his greatness. Everyone is surprised and interested in him , but he stays mysterious to the end. It's a common MC trait, leader."

He looked at me as if it was not a big deal.

That kinda annoyed me.

Kiyotaka: "I see. I was actually going to tell you tonight, but if that's your wish, then I will abide to it."

Professor: "What?! No, no! Please tell me! I am actually dying to know!"

Professor jumped out of his chair in excitement.

Kiyotaka: "But that would be rude to your magnificent resolve. I just can't do this to you, Professor. I can't break the customs of the common MC."

Professor: "Screw those customs! I am actually a very weak-minded person! Come on, just tell me!"

Sotomura practically knelt before me.

Kiyotaka: "Fine, fine. I will tell you. But you can't tell anyone for now."

Professor: "Of course!"

And I told him.

About how I used my knowledge about S-System to suspend Nagumo after he tried to mock me.

About Horikita-senpai's interest in me and his troubles with current Vice-President.

About the incident with Suzune, apart from the kiss scene.

And about my current mission to recruit some allies to Student Council.

It's not like I trusted him that much.

I needed him.

His equipment and his skills would be a big boost to me in this school.

But my fight with Nagumo wasn't something that he needed to get involved with without a reason.

I wanted him to join my side, while knowing the actual situation.

Professor was listening quietly with a serious face.

Kiyotaka: "What do you think? My position stopped being so enviable now, didn't it?"

Professor's body started to tremble slightly.

Kiyotaka: "Professor?"

Professor: "Woooaaahhh! Damn it, this is so cool! So many protagonist's flags in just three days!"

Kiyotaka: "Eh?"

Professor suddenly started shouting with huge excitement.

Professor: "Having the protagonist seat... Figuring out the big secret of the school... Gaining an attention of the powerful person, who may become a big ally... Unlocking two potential heroines... And a powerful foe, who needs to be defeated... What a MC combo!"

Although I was aware of what Professor was talking about, I wasn't sure why it excited him so much.

But it was good for me that it didn't scare him away.

Professor: "Fufufu, to think such an anime-like situation would happen just before my eyes!"

Probably...

Kiyotaka: "Looks like my story was interesting to you."

Professor: "Of course, it was. This development is unexpected, yet exciting."

Kiyotaka: "But it would also endanger the entire class, including you. The second-year students were already glaring at me."

Professor: "W-Well, that's true. B-But it's not like you did it without any plan, right?"

Professor slight stuttered at the beginning, probably because he just realized the situation.

Kiyotaka: "Yes, I have a few ideas, which is why I came here today."

Professor: "?"

Kiyotaka: "I would like to ask for your help, Professor. You mentioned earlier that you managed to smuggle some equipment to this school. If it's okay with you, I would like to see what you have here."

I was wondering if he would hesitate to show me what he had.

But Professor didn't waver for even a second.

Professor: "Sure. That's what our deal was about anyway, right? If there is anything I could help you with, please tell me, leader."

What a straightforward fellow.

Professor: "But I would like you to go to the bathroom for a second, leader. I need to open my secret stash."

Kiyotaka: "That's alright."

Professor decided to not show me where he was hiding his stuff, which was a wise move.

If I knew where he was hiding his stuff, then his school life would really be in my hands.

I could hear some noise from the bathroom, but I wasn't especially interested.

I just looked around and saw some necessities, like a toothbrush or a toothpaste, with some anime-related themes.

At this point, I wouldn't be too surprised, if his smuggled equipment would be like those too.

Maybe that's how he managed to smuggle the goods into this school.

Professor: "You can come out, leader!"

I sighed slightly, wondering what I would see soon, and opened the door.

Professor: "Ta-daah!"

On Professor's table was laying loose some equipment.

The first thing that came to my mind was...

Luckily, it's not anime-themed goods!

The amount of things on the table weren't much, but it was still more than I thought.

Mini cameras, bugging devices, small recorders, tracking devices...

All of those were really useful for me.

But in my head one urgent question was born.

Professor: "Looks like you know what all of those are, leader."

Kiyotaka: "Why did you bring this stuff to this school? Are you planning to open some spy shop here or something? "

Although it wasn't my business, I still couldn't contain my curiosity to ask him.

Professor: "Well, you are kinda right, leader... It's for marketing purposes."

Kiyotaka: "Seriously?"

Professor: "I've told you that my family is making those things, right? But recently the business isn't going too good. Although we are making the best quality goods, the amount we can do is not that much as some big factories or government facilities. That's why I came to this school. It's the place, where future elites of this country are being groomed, right? I thought that it could be a good place to meet some business partners."

Kiyotaka: "I see. So I am your first potential client, huh?"

Professor: "Yes."

Kiyotaka: "And you trust me?"

Professor: "My family was doing this kind of work for many years. One of the reasons we are still in the business is because we can tell what kind of people our customers are. The ability to know if the guy before me is a scum or someone to trust is a must in this kind of business."

Kiyotaka: "So, for some reason you concluded that I could be trusted?"

The professor shook his head.

Professor: "No, you are the third and the rarest option - an unreadable one."

Kiyotaka: "So why?"

Professor: "My father says that unreadable ones could be an opportunity or a disaster. It takes a lot to work with someone like that, but the benefits from that are enormous, if you succeed. And my guts are telling me that you are exactly like that - someone, who could bring me an opportunity. So I decided to trust you. It's my real reason to work with you."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Someone, who could bring an opportunity, huh...

Professor: "I showed you what I got. That's my sincerity towards you. I hope we can be friends from now on."

Professor took his hand towards me.

I looked at him for some time.

Professor was looking for someone, who would be beneficial for his family business in the future.

He found me and decided to gamble.

He sure had guts.

Someone like that won't betray me easily, if I manage to answer his expectations.

My answer was obvious.

Kiyotaka: "The pleasure is all mine."

I shook his hand.

Professor: "Great!"

Although we barely knew each other, yet because of the mutual benefits, the bond between us was formed, and we became friends.

Now I just needed to create more things that we could help each other with.

Which means...

Kiyotaka: "Starting from tomorrow, you are going together with me to the gym at 6:00 am for every day. No excuses accepted."

Professor: "H-Huuuh? This... wait, why suddenly... But I am really not prepared..."

KIyotaka: "Relax. I will turn you into a dependable man soon. Even if I will have to turn into a demon myself."

Professor: "T-This sounds kinda ominous, great leader. C-Could you please reconsider it?

Kiyotaka: "No."

Professor: "B-But..."

Kiyotaka: "Are you already defying this great leader? That's some loyalty you have, Sotomura."

Professor: "What? N-No... I mean... This..."

Professor looked terrified just by the idea, but finally gave up.

What a lazy bum he was.

Kiyotaka: "Don't cry. I will introduce you to someone interesting one of those days."

Professor: "Don't tell me... It's some beautiful maiden?!"

Sotomura looked at me with some expectations.

Kiyotaka: "No, it's a guy."

Professor: "Gahh!"

Professor became sad by this revelation.

He and Henry were kinda similar type of people.

I was sure those two would hit off well with each other quickly.

Kiyotaka: "It's only the third day. How was I supposed to know someone to introduce to you?"

Professor: "B-But... You already entered two heroines routes. If it's you, great leader, it would not be that surprising."

Kiyotaka: "Unfortunately, you still need to wait for your chance. Also, I am currently eyeing not two, but six girls, you know."

Professor: "Buhh...!"

'Sotomura received some mental damage. It's super effective.'

Professor: "S-Six?! G-Great leader... So you were the great harem protagonist all along!"

Kiyotaka: "Calm down. It's just that I am interested in some girls here, okay? It's not that surprising. If you meet every girl in this school, you would take a liking to some as well, wouldn't you?"

Professor: "But six in three days? Aren't you a little too quick, great leader?"

Kiyotaka: "You are so annoying! So what, if there are six? Yamauchi and Ike would probably date anyone considered cute in this school."

Professor: "You even compare yourself to that two? That's kinda lame, you know."

Kiyotaka: "I don't want to hear that from someone, who needs my help to date a girl."

Professor: "Don't get the wrong idea, great leader. Even if 3D girls would abandon me, I still have my 2D waifus!"

Professor puffed this chest in pride.

Kiyotaka: "..."

Professor: "..."

...

Kiyotaka: "Let's take things slowly for now, okay? I'm sure 3D girlfriend-dono is definitely somewhere in this world waiting for you."

Professor: "Yes."

Kiyotaka: "I also happened to bring some stuff to this school. Want to check it out tonight?"

Since he showed me his sincerity, I also should show some of mine.

Professor: "What?! Great leader, are you actually my competition?!"

Kiyotaka: "No, dumbass. I brought some equipment to be able to contact the outside world."

I told him about my attempt to hack the school system.

Professor looked at me dumbfounded.

Professor: "G-Great leader, are you even human? Just many things did you manage to do in just three days? You are not some golden fish that I was looking for, you are a platinum shark!"

Kiyotaka: "Stop being so dramatic. Do you want to see what I have or not?"

Professor: "Of course, I want to see."

Kiyotaka: "Good. Hide this equipment and let's go to my room."

Professor: "Ah, wait a second, leader. There's something I wanted to show you."

Kiyotaka: "Hm?"

He was still hiding some more stuff?

Professor: "Do you remember the bug devise that I planted in the guidance office? I still couldn't find an opportunity to remove it. So I could still secretly listen to what people were talking about in that room. And today I just happened to listen to the talk between Sakagami-sensei, the homeroom teacher of Class 1-C, and some Class 1-C student named Nishino. I think you may be interested in their conversation."

To think I may get some information about Class C from Professor.

What a lucky coincidence.

On top of that, it was Nishino's conversation.

My curiosity practically doubled.

Kiyotaka: "What did they talk about?"

Professor: "It seems like Class C have some troublesome individual named Ryuuen. Apparently, he started intimidating his classmates using violence. That girl named Nishino was complaining about it to Sakagami-sensei, but that teacher seemed not too interested in her talk. He was such a jerk that I felt sorry for her."

Class C was being intimidated by someone?

That sure was interesting news.

Professor: "Here's a record of that conversation."

Professor took a tablet from his desk and showed me the recording.

Sakagami: "Nishino, you said that you wanted to consult something with me. What happened?"

Nishino: "Sakagami-sensei, why the school didn't intervene to stop Ryuuen-kun's actions? Everyone is scared of him."

Sakagami: "Ryuuen's actions? What are you talking about?"

Nishino: "What am I talking about? Are you not aware that Ryuuen-kun is trying to intimidate our class to make us submit to him? He already thinks of himself as the king of our class."

Sakagami: "I am not aware of anything that would be prohibited by this school. Do you have any proof that Ryuuen is breaking the school's rules?"

Nishino: "There are many proofs to that. He fought with Yamada-kun and Ishizaki-kun. He tried to scare some girls that tried to talk back to him. He almost punches Ibuki, when she tried to ignore him. At the lunch break, he is forcefully making us stay in the classroom to listen to his words."

Sakagami: "I see. But do you have the proof of that, Nishino? Where are those victims that you are talking about? If what they claim is true, then they should be here with you, shouldn't they?"

Nishino: "That's what I am talking about. Everyone was threatened by Ryuuen-kun. They are scared that he would attack them, if they would inform the school. That's why I came here to consult it with you, sensei."

Sakagami: "Nishino. If there's no proof that Ryuuen is breaking the rules, then the school couldn't punish him because of your accusation."

Nishino: "Accusation? That's the truth."

Sakagami: "Currently, it's just your one-sided story. If you show some valid proof of what you are speaking about, then the school will take appropriate measures."

Nishino: "Are you saying that the school won't ever investigate this? But it's about the safety of the students."

Sakagami: "Of course, the school cares about the safety of the students and implemented many means to ensure that safety."

Nishino: "Then..."

Sakagami: "Which is also why I am saying that currently there is no valid proof for the school to punish Ryuuen."

Nishino: "But that's ridiculous. Are you saying that everything is actually alright?"

Sakagami: "Without the proof, nothing you say could be treated seriously. If that's all that you wanted to talk about, then our conversation is over. It's almost time for a meeting. I'm going to close the guidance office, so please step outside."

Nishino: "Damn it..."

...

Kiyotaka: "What a dick."

Professor: "Right? Compared to him, Chabashira-sensei seems like a proper teacher."

From the conversation just now, I figured out the reason of Nishino's recent behavior.

To think there was an individual capable enough to intimidate the entire class, especially with someone like Yamada in it.

Ryuuen, huh?

Kiyotaka: "The school sure is taking it easy this month."

Professor: "Do you think it's because S-System is not announced yet, leader?"

Kiyotaka: "It's hard to say. It may be also because that Ryuuen is cunning enough to not get caught in action. But it's worth investigating."

Professor: "Do you want to get involved?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Ryuuen may be a threat, after all. On top of that, I am Student Council Vice-President. I should at least check out the situation, right?"

If what I heard was true, then this may be my opportunity to befriend Class C.

Depends on the situation, I may be able to earn some gratitude of students.

I was also interested in what kind of person that guy named Ryuuen was.

Kiyotaka: "Nishino said that Ryuuen is making their class stay in the classroom at the beginning of the lunch break. I guess I will pay a friendly visit there tomorrow."

Professor: "Are you not scared of that guy, leader?"

Kiyotaka: "I picked up a fight with the leader of all second-year students. Why would one more person matter to me now?"

Professor: "That's... true. Do you want me to tag along?"

Kiyotaka: "No. It's just a friendly visit. I am not planning to make any commotion, Professor. Also, no offense, but you would be useless there. But I appreciate that you wanted to help."

Professor: "I see."

Kiyotaka: "Let's go to my place for now."

We left Professor's room and went to mine.

Professor: "Leader, are you a minimalist?"

He looked around with somehow disappointed face.

Kiyotaka: "Were you expecting a room like yours?"

Professor: "No, but this room is practically empty. Did you not bring anything from your home?"

Kiyotaka: "No, I didn't bring anything like that. But I will make sure to take care of this emptiness in the future."

Professor: "If that's the case, then I can give you some posters and figures!"

Kiyotaka: "No, thank you. That would be troublesome in another way."

Professor: "Gahh!"

Kiyotaka: "Go to the bathroom, Professor. I need to bring out the stuff."

Professor: "Okay, okay."

We went through the similar procedure, but our positions reversed.

I pulled out some stuff that I wanted for Professor to see, but decided to omit a few things, just in case.

Then, I called him out of the bathroom.

Sotomura was checking things out happily.

Professor: "Damn it. That's some high-tech stuff you have here, leader. And pretty expensive, too. Just who are you?"

Kiyotaka: "Just a student like you, Professor."

Professor: "I see, I see. I guess you are right, great leader. It was a stupid question."

Kiyotaka: "I guess you know what everything's here is without me explaining, right?"

Professor: "Pretty much. I am glad, since my stuff and your stuff are not the same."

Kiyotaka: "I wasn't planning to open a spy shop here, you know."

Professor: "I think what you are trying to do here is even more dangerous. How much system's security did you manage to bypass?"

Kiyotaka: "I only started mapping things out. I will try to make some progress tonight."

Professor: "Then, do you want me to help you?"

Kiyotaka: "You also know about hacking?"

Professor: "If you help me establish a safe entrance to the system in my laptop, I should provide you with some assistance. Typing is my strong point, you know."

At this point, I started to wonder if Professor was some gift to me from heavens for the good deeds I probably made in my previous life.

Kiyotaka: "Then bring me your laptop, Professor. Let's see your skills."

Professor: "Sure!"

In an hour, we managed to make Professor's laptop have the same secret desktop like mine.

Then, we started to work together to check out his skills.

They weren't bad.

But it was obvious that he didn't have that experience much in the field.

However, he managed to support me to some extent, making my own work easier.

That much was good enough for me.

We decided to try things out against the school's system.

Just when we managed to break through the initial wall, a small surprise was waiting for us.

We found out that we weren't the only ones to break through.

Professor: "Huh? Leader, someone is doing the same thing as us."

Kiyotaka: "WinterDrop?"

It was indeed a hacker nicknamed WinterDrop, whose signal was close to us.

Looks like he or she was trying to make some progress tonight as well.

Professor: "Do you know this person, leader?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, we talked once. WinterDrop is also trying to infiltrate the school's system like me."

Professor: "To think such a coincidence would occur. Is the other party an ally or an enemy?"

Kiyotaka: "Who knows."

Professor: "What should we do?"

We were still hidden from the other side.

We could just avoid the meeting, but I decided to confront that person once again.

Kiyotaka: "Since we already met, some greetings won't hurt. It may be an opportunity to team up."

Having Professor as a support was great, but if I managed to get one more person to help, the difficulty of my work would drop significantly.

[King T-Rex]: Hello again, WinterDrop.

Professor: "King T-Rex? Quite a domineering nickname you have, leader. I approve."

Kiyotaka: "Thanks."

Looks like Professor wasn't aware of the fame of that nickname, which I was grateful for.

It was also good that he didn't ask about the origin of this nickname.

Since I don't like to brag about it.

I looked at my laptop, wondering what's going to happen.

WinterDrop didn't try to run away.

Just after my greeting, I got a reply.

[WinterDrop]: Hello, King T-Rex.

[King T-Rex]: It's a good evening for some work, don't you think?

[WinterDrop]: That's true. I was currently testing some things after the advice I got from you. Once again, thanks :-)

[King T-Rex]: No problem. I hope you won't get caught.

[WinterDrop]: Are you planning to break through some of the security?

[King T-Rex]: No. I am also just testing some things out with my new helper.

[WinterDrop]: A helper?

[2D4LIFE]: Welcome, traveller. To think we could meet in this endless abyss. I can only call it a fate.

[King T-Rex]: ...

Kiyotaka: "..."

Professor: "What?"

Kiyotaka: "Nothing. Nice nickname."

Professor: "It's my life's motto!"

The road to get a girlfriend may be quite long for Sotomura.

[WinterDrop]: Hello...

[King T-Rex]: If it's alright with you, do you want to join us?

[WinterDrop]: Do you want me to cooperate with you?

[King T-Rex]: We are just testing out some things. It would be beneficial for all of us. I can give you some advice as well.

This time, WinterDrop didn't reply immediately.

I guess that person was wary of us, which was understandable.

Asking a stranger for cooperation may be a critical mistake.

I was confident enough to escape with Professor, if something dangerous happened.

But WinterDrop may not have the same confidence.

[WinterDrop]: Fine. There are some questions that I wanted to ask you.

Professor: "Looks like we just got an another teammate, leader!"

Kiyotaka: "It's just for some practice, but let's cooperate with that hacker. If our goals are the same, we may help each other more in the future. It may be an opportunity."

Professor: "Got it."

[2D4LIFE]: Welcome to King's Team, WinterDrop!

[King T-Rex]: Please ignore this dumbass...

[WinterDrop]: LOL

And so, me, Professor and WinterDrop had some quality time testing some things.

It was mainly me teaching things to Professor and answering some questions from WinterDrop, but I wasn't complaining.

It was a good chance to deepen my relationship with those two.

Mutual benefits were always the foundation to create powerful bonds between various people.

Today, I created some new bonds based on that rule.

Only the time will show how powerful those bonds actually are.

.

.

.

Chapter 22 - Ryuuen

Kiyotaka's POV

Where there's a will, there's a way.

This quote was something that people would say, when they were facing a hard challenge with difficulty to accomplish it.

It's a motivation sentence with the goal of making people believe that they can achieve whatever they want as long as they will tirelessly try to do it.

I was also one of those people.

I believed that I could accomplish whatever I set myself to do.

And today, on the 4th April, this belief was put to the big challenge.

Kiyotaka: "..."

I looked at the half-dead person next to me.

This lifeless, almost unresponsive pack of flesh was named Sotomura Hideo aka Professor.

At first glance, one may say that he just came back from some kind of hell, but the truth was different.

Yesterday, we became friends after recognizing each other's value.

Because of that, I decided to become Sotomura's personal trainer, and today was his first day of training.

At 6 am, I went to Professor's room to pick him up and go to the gym together.

I didn't know what kind of challenge was waiting for me, yet.

After ringing his doorbell a few times and waiting for five minutes, there was still no response from the inside.

Then, I decided to call him.

On my second try, Professor picked up the phone.

Professor: "Please leave my order before the door..."

He said drowsily and ended the call.

That's when I understood the situation.

I have told this dumbass to go to sleep after coming back to his room, but apparently he didn't listen to me.

I put my finger on the doorbell and stayed like that.

Finally, the door opened and a zombie that looked like Professor appeared before my eyes.

Kiyotaka: "Good morning, Professor. What a lovely day to start the new chapter of your life."

I said with an innocent smile.

Professor: "Ugh... Great leader, I..."

Kiyotaka: "What? You can't wait to go to the gym? That's the spirit, Sotomura."

Professor: "..."

I went into Zombiemura's nest without saying more.

No matter how much that lifeless creature begged me, I stayed strong and after some time we finally managed to leave the dorm together.

I decided to pay for his membership at the gym as a slight token of friendship towards him.

I thought that since I managed to get Professor into the gym, the hardest part was behind me.

Little did I know about how low Sotomura's physical performance actually was.

After half an hour of training, I grasped the limit of his abilities.

The result was...

Kiyotaka: "A granny would be able to kick your ass, you know."

I expected him to be rather weak, but his level was beyond my range of expectation.

What a hopeless case he was.

Professor was speechless or rather he was so tired that he couldn't even make a comment.

His body was soaked in sweat, and he was trying to catch a breath.

Kiyotaka: "But there's no need to despair, my friend. Now that I know your limits, I will create a perfect training schedule for you."

His eyes seemed even more lifeless as if he almost gave up on his life.

Kiyotaka: "Like I said yesterday, we are going to train in this gym every day before lessons. I will make sure to pick you up like today, but I hope the next time you would be awake before I start to ring your bell. "

Professor slowly raised his hand.

I thought that he wanted my attention, so I became silent, but then he started to wave slightly to no one in particular.

Professor: "Grandma... My late grandma... She is waving at me with a smile..."

I hit his head lightly.

Kiyotaka: "Stop overreacting. I am actually going easy on you. Let's get back to the dorm. I will make you some breakfast, since you probably don't have anything good to eat at your place."

Professor: "I can't, great leader... I won't make it... I'm taking a sick leave... for one week..."

Kiyotaka: "After exercising for thirty minutes?"

Professor: "Right... for two weeks..."

Kiyotaka: "..."

The road before us was going to be very challenging...

...

And that's how I ended up slowly walking to the school with Professor, who looked as if his soul would leave his body any second.

Despite my efforts to make him a tasty breakfast and even some lunch, he was still barely able to move around.

Fortunately, there weren't many students going to the school at such an early hour, so we didn't get much of attention.

When we finally managed to reach our classroom, only a few boys were already there.

Professor, feeling that our trip was over, threw himself at his desk with a huge sigh of relief.

Kiyotaka: "At the very least, please try to not fall asleep, okay?"

Professor: "Wu, wu... demon... no, devil..."

His antics slightly alarmed the boy, who was sitting just before him.

It was a magenta-haired boy, who up to this point wasn't particularly active or sociable among my classmates.

At least that's what I noticed during my observations of Class D.

The boy: "What happened to him?"

He asked me with some curiosity, looking at Professor.

Kiyotaka: "He started going to the gym. Today was his first day."

The boy looked surprised by my answer.

He looked again at Professor.

The boy: "Just how much did he exercise to end up like this?"

Kiyotaka: "Oh, he did some small, beginner training for half an hour."

The boy: "What?"

The boy looked astonished.

Professor: "Hell... It was hell..."

Kiyotaka: "You barely managed to do anything..."

Professor: "I thought that I was done for..."

Professor was mumbling thoughtlessly.

Kiyotaka: "Please ignore comments of this lazy bum, uhm..."

The boy: "Miyake. Miyake Akito. Nice to meet you."

Kiyotaka: "I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Nice to meet you."

Miyake: "I know you. You are newly appointed Student Council Vice-President. I was at the club fair yesterday."

Kiyotaka: "Looks like I'm going to be famous for some time."

Miyake: "Probably."

Kiyotaka: "Did you join some club, Miyake?"

Miyake: "Yes, I was in the archery club in junior high, so I decided to keep it up here."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Miyake looked athletic, so I wasn't surprised that he joined some sport club.

Despite my first impression of him, he was actually quite friendly and talkative.

We talked for some time, while Professor was resting on his seat.

Meanwhile, our classmates started to gather in the classroom.

I could feel some curious gazes on me from time to time, especially from girls.

I guess rumors about me being Vice-President were spreading quickly.

Miyake: "Looks like your popularity really skyrocketed, Ayanokouji."

Miyake also sensed the gazes towards me and said with some tease in the voice.

Professor: "Leader is... a protagonist, after all."

Professor also added his two cents.

I sighed slightly.

Kiyotaka: "It would be good if it would end at only this level."

I could only hope that I won't be treated like the second Hirata.

Hirata: "Everyone, good morning."

Speak of the devil...

Hirata came to the classroom with a bright smile and a few girls, including Matsushita, Satou and the blonde pony girl.

After looking around, he spotted me and started walking towards me alongside the blonde girl.

Matsushita also spotted me and smiled beautifully, while waving slightly to me.

Noticing that Hirata was going in my direction, she followed him, which made Satou and the other girls follow as well.

Here comes some challengers...

Hirata: "Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun, Miyake-kun, Sotomura-kun."

Despite me being his main goal, Hirata greeted my companions as well.

What a nice guy.

Professor, seeing that a bunch of girls and Hirata approached us, quickly sat straight.

Miyake greeted the group and slightly stepped back, as if giving us some space to talk.

Was he trying to read the room, or did he not want to talk with Hirata?

Kiyotaka: "Good morning."

Matsushita: "Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun. Congratulations on becoming Student Council Vice-President."

Kiyotaka: "Thank you, Matsushita."

Hirata: "Congratulations, Ayanokouji-kun. It's the great news."

The pony girl: "It's more like it's the surprising news, Hirata-kun."

Hirata: "Karuizawa-san, that's kinda..."

Kiyotaka: "I agree. I was also surprised by the President's appointment."

I looked at the pony girl and the other two girls, which names I didn't know.

Kiyotaka: "We didn't have an opportunity to introduce to each other. I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Nice to meet you."

The pony girl: "Karuizawa Kei. Nice to meet you."

The girl#1: "Mori Nene."

The girl#2: "Shinohara Satsuki."

Satou: "We already meet with Ayanokouji-kun, right, Matsushita-san~?"

Matsushita: "Satou-san, please stop teasing me."

Shinohara: "Now that I think about it, yesterday Matsushita-san went alone to buy a juice and came back with Ayanokouji-kun."

Matsushita: "I told you that I was thirsty. I met Ayanokouji-kun by coincidence."

Satou: "How suspicious~"

Kiyotaka: "That's true. I was going back to the classroom from the cafeteria and met Matsushita by chance."

Matsushita: "See?"

Karuizawa: "But I heard that Ayanokouji-kun went to the cafeteria with some platinum-haired girl. And they were actually quite intimate with each other. Is that your girlfriend, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Hirata: "Karuizawa-san, that's Ayanokouji-kun's private matters. I don't think there's a need to question him like that."

Karuizawa: "Ehh? Why not? It's not that big deal."

Karuizawa looked at me, waiting for my answer.

The other girls seemed interested as well.

Hirata made a troubled expression.

He probably didn't expect the conversation would quickly go into such direction.

Miyake looked at me as well, but with the sympathetic look.

He was also a nice guy.

Professor was the calmest one, since he knew the truth.

At last, he finally didn't look like a corpse.

To be honest, I was expecting that someone would ask me some questions, especially since many people saw Fuka coming to our class to pick me up.

But Karuizawa asked in such blatant manner that I was kinda speechless.

Was it because she was actually interested in me?

Or did she ask to clarify things out for the other girls?

Or maybe she was just that kind of person?

Whichever was it, my answer to her question wouldn't change.

Kiyotaka: "We are just friends. Fuka is not my woman."

Yet...

Karuizawa: "Ehh? Is that true? People were having a different impression of you two, though."

Kiyotaka: "I don't have any girlfriend right now. I already told Matsushita the same thing yesterday."

The girls looked instantaneously at Matsushita.

Karuizawa: "Is that so?"

Matsushita: "T-That's true."

Satou: "Heh... Matsushita-san, you sure work fast."

Matsushita: "That's not it. It just... came out with the conversation."

So Matsushita didn't tell anyone that I asked her out for a lunch.

That was kinda troublesome.

I wanted to make class D students be aware of the free lunches at the cafeteria and ponder about the meaning of it, but saying openly right now that I asked her out for some investigation would just give me even more attention.

And I had more than enough attention at the moment.

I needed to take it easily for now.

Hirata: "Anyway, I was wondering if you would like to have lunch with us today. We didn't have an opportunity to get to know each other, since you were absent on the first day."

Here goes the question that I was expecting for him to say.

Although Hirata was the one, who was asking, all the girls, even Karuizawa, looked at me with some expectations.

Ugh...

This is something that I wanted to avoid the most.

If I join that group, the girls would start to treat me like Hirata.

I wanted to hold a positive image of myself in front of everyone, but not at the cost of such burden.

I wasn't looking for something like that.

Fortunately, today I had an excuse for such a case.

Kiyotaka: "I'm sorry, Hirata. I have some Student Council's work to do during the lunch break, so I can't join you."

Thanks, Ryuuen.

Hirata: "Is that so?"

Hirata looked disappointed.

Karuizawa: "Ehh... They are already giving you some jobs to do? You can just do your work after the classes, can't you?"

What a troublesome girl...

Kiyotaka: "Unfortunately, I can't. I need to go to Student Council's room after the classes."

Karuizawa: "More work? That sounds so troublesome. Being Vice-President sucks."

Hirata: "Karuizawa-san, Ayanokouji-kun has many responsibilities right now. We can't expect him to just leave everything to join us."

I must say that Hirata was doing a great job at being my lawyer.

Karuizawa looked annoyed, but she didn't say anything more.

Hirata: "Today's too bad, but I hope you could find some time to join us some day."

Kiyotaka: "Of course."

After small chat, Hirata and his group left to their seat.

Looks like I let them down, but I wasn't going to give in to their expectations and become second Hirata.

Professor: "Hirata-dono seems like a really nice guy."

Miyake: "True. I spoke once to him, and he was giving me a nice kind of vibe."

Professor: "Because of that, many girls swarm towards him. Leader, you can't lose to him!"

Kiyotaka: "Don't be stupid. I don't like this kind of attention. It's just burdensome."

Miyake: "Leader?"

Kiyotaka: "Professor started to call me that after I became his personal trainer. Right?"

Professor: "Y-Yeah."

Miyake: "I see. Are you interested in becoming some sports trainer, Ayanokouji?"

Kiyotaka: "No, it's just for that lazy bum here. But if you want, you can always join us, Miyake."

Miyake: "Maybe. I will think about it."

Soon after, Miyake came back to his seat and Professor started to read some manga he apparently missed because of our early gym visit.

The more and more students were coming to the classroom.

Kushida: "Everyone, good morning!"

With the same energy as Hirata, Kushida Kikyo entered our classroom.

And just the same as Hirata, Kushida, after spotting me, decided to walk towards me with a bright smile.

Here comes the next challenger...

At least she didn't bring the entire team like Hirata.

But since most of our classmates were already present, the stares that I was getting were much more intense, especially from boys, but also unexpectedly from Karuizawa.

Kushida: "Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Good morning, Kushida."

Kushida: "Congratulations on becoming Student Council Vice-President. Everyone was so surprised at the club fair."

Kiyotaka: "Thank you, Kushida. Well, it just happened."

Kushida: "From the class ghost to Vice-President. Looks like Ayanokouji-kun's full of surprises."

Kiyotaka: "I was grinding levels like crazy."

Kushida: "Hehe, you are funny, Ayanokouji-kun. I didn't know that you were aspiring for Vice-President position. Were you also in Student Council in your junior high school?"

Kiyotaka: "No, I was living a peaceful life in the past three years."

Kushida: "Is that so? Then good luck, Ayanokouji-kun. That President seems to be a really strict and serious person."

Kiyotaka: "True, Horikita-senpai seems to be such a person. But don't worry, he is actually a good guy."

Kushida: "Eh? Are you in good terms with President, Ayanokouji-kun? Did you two perhaps know each other from before?"

Hm?

For a split of second I got some bizarre vibe from Kushida.

Now that I think about it, she seemed to know Suzune, so she probably should also know her brother.

Was Kushida actually trying to dig some information from me?

Interesting...

Kiyotaka: "If I wasn't in good terms with Horikita-senpai, he wouldn't appoint me as his successor, right?"

After all, I was his future brother-in-law.

Self-proclaimed, but still.

Kiyotaka: "As for whatever we knew each other from before, it's actually a se-cre-t."

Once again, for a slightly longer time than before, I felt something different from Kushida's gaze.

It was a cold feeling, kinda like bloodlust.

To think I would feel something like that from this cute girl.

I already told her that I didn't know Suzune, yet the news that I knew Suzune's brother triggered a subconscious reaction from Kushida.

Maybe it's not about the younger Horikita, but the older one?

That's one of the possibilities.

From what I just felt, it's definitely not something good.

Truly interesting.

Kushida: "Haha, how mysterious, Ayanokouji-kun."

Despite the feeling I got, Kushida was smiling sweetly at me.

If that was a facade, then this girl was seriously impressive.

Kushida left me soon, walking towards her friends, who seemed really eager to interrogate her.

I guess every female that would speak to me would get this treatment for a while.

I looked through the window to not make some unnecessary eye contact.

There was still one person that I needed to talk with.

The lesson was going to start soon, when I felt the presence of the girl that I was waiting for.

Of course, she also noticed me, but pretended not to see and sat nonchalantly on the seat next to me.

Kiyotaka: "Good morning, Su-zu-ne."

Suzune: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Oh, could it be that you are actually nervous and don't know what to say to me? Don't worry, Suzune. In my heart you will always be that cute scaredy-cat that..."

Suzune: "Good morning, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Oh my, to think you are so nervous that your reactions become so slow. How cute."

Suzune: "..."

Kiyotaka: "But there's one thing that you should correct even if you are so nervous, Suzune."

Suzune: "Ayanokouji-kun, you..."

Kiyotaka: "It's Ki-yo-ta-ka-kun now, right?"

Suzune: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Ki-yo-ta-ka-kun."

Suzune: "..."

Kiyotaka: "But you can also call me Kiyo-kun or Taka-kun. I wouldn't mind, Suzune."

Suzune's face turned dangerously dark.

I could see a vein pulsating on her forehead.

She looked like an active volcano about to erupt and destroy everything around.

But I wasn't even one bit worried of that.

Kiyotaka: "By the way, your brother sends you his regards."

Suzune's body shook violently.

She was about to erupt, yet because of my last sentence, she was caught off the guard and swallowed her words instantaneously.

She was looking grudgingly at me, wishing to burn me to crisp.

Kiyotaka: "Should I send your regards to him as well?"

Suzune: "My brother wouldn't do something like."

Kiyotaka: "Yes. Just like he wouldn't make me Vice-President. My Suzune knows her brother best."

Suzune: "Shut up."

Kiyotaka: "..."

There was silence between us.

We only stared at each other for a moment.

Suzune: "What did you do?"

Kiyotaka: "Hm?"

Suzune: "What did you do to make my brother appoint you?"

Kiyotaka: "Are you interested?"

Suzune: "I can't think of any reason for my brother to appoint you normally, so you must have done something."

Kiyotaka: "Are you saying that I threatened your brother or something?"

Suzune: "No. My brother isn't someone, who could be threatened by a scum like you."

This girl should get a reality slap some day.

Kiyotaka: "How harsh. I want to cry."

Suzune: "Enough of your nonsense. Tell me what did you do."

Kiyotaka: "Nothing. Your brother appointed me because of his own judgement."

Suzune: "That's a lie."

Kiyotaka: "No matter how much you deny it, it's the truth."

Suzune: "If you won't tell me the reason, I'm calling our bet out."

Kiyotaka: "You can't call the bet out just because you can't accept your lost."

Suzune: "If you don't tell me how you did it, then I won't acknowledge this result."

Kiyotaka: "I was just the perfect guy for the job, and your brother noticed that fact. Accept your lost with dignity and let's go on a date this weekend."

Suzune: "Since you are going to speak lies, then I refuse."

Kiyotaka: "You are going to go back on your word? How shameless, Suzune. I'm sad. So sad that I would probably weep in Student Council's room later on, lamenting in front of your brother how cruel you are."

Suzune: "If you dare to speak about it to my brother, I will never let you off, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "Oh my, Suzune. Just when did you conclude that your brother wasn't aware of our bet?"

Suzune: "What?!"

Kiyotaka: "Didn't I say earlier that I have your brother's blessing? When I told him about our bet, he happily agreed to make me Vice-President. He sure was cooperative. We hit off so well that he even made me a coffee during our talk. Although he didn't seem like the guy, who would do it often, he can make a really delicious coffee, Suzune. But I'm sure you are already aware of that, right?"

Suzune looked at me as if I was an alien.

The shock was painted on her face.

Suzune: "B-Brother did... No, impossible... You must be lying... You are lying!"

Kiyotaka: "Lying about this, lying about that... What a troublesome girl. But it's easy to show you the truth."

I took my phone.

Yesterday I managed to obtain phone numbers of Horikita-senpai and Asahina-senpai.

I wrote Suzune's brother a small message.

[Kiyotaka]: Good morning, President! I would like to thank you again for appointing me as Vice-President. I am really thankful for helping me out like that.

After half a minute, I got a reply from him.

[Manabu]: Good morning, Ayanokouji. I hope you will work hard for the Student Council's sake. We have a meeting after the classes. Don't be late.

This person was so serious.

[Kiyotaka]: I won't, don't worry. By the way, would mind telling me where did you buy the coffee that you made for me yesterday? It was delicious. You should consider becoming a barista in the future.

[Manabu]: Tachibana can tell you the address at the Council's meeting. It was nothing much, so don't overreact like that.

I showed Suzune my phone with a winning smile.

Kiyotaka: "See that? Your brother was the one, who made me Vice-President. I have his approval, Suzune. Do you think he would make a coffee for someone he dislikes?"

Suzune looked at my phone with utter disbelief.

Her lips were opening and closing again and again, like a fish.

No matter how much she wanted to reject the reality, she couldn't find appropriate words to do it.

Now that the possibility that my claims may be true entered her head, she couldn't stubbornly deny it without a good reason.

Because if my words were true, denying them anymore would be like denying her brother's will.

The stubborn princess was trembling slightly, probably wondering what to do.

Wonderful.

Just as I suspected, using her brother against her was the most effective way to make her give in.

I decided to give her the last push.

Kiyotaka:"Apparently, the disputes between students in this school could be solved through Student Council. If you want to call the bet off, then I can give you the phone number to your brother. Here."

Once again, I showed Suzune my phone with Horikita Manabu's phone number on it.

She didn't move an inch to get it.

She was absent-minded, as if she was experiencing a breakdown.

I took away my phone.

At the same time, the door to the classroom opened and Sae came.

Sae: "Take your seats. We are starting the class."

The timing was about right.

Pushing Suzune more could be counterproductive.

I let her slowly accept the facts.

Even if Suzune would learn the truth, there was no reason to call the bet off.

After all, I didn't do anything wrong or illegal to get that position and the older Horikita literally told me to do whatever I want with his sister, so he couldn't really complain.

Sae: "Before I start, I would like to congratulate you, Ayanokouji. It's the first time in the history of the school that the freshman would be appointed as Vice-President so fast. Not even the current Student Council President, who is also considered the best in the history of this school, managed to obtain this position so fast. Congratulations."

To my surprise, Sae decided to congratulate me in front of the entire class.

Although she probably was pleasantly surprised, when she heard about this news, I was sure that currently it wasn't just about that.

She concluded that I was appointed because Horikita-senpai knew about the fact that I figured out S-System on the first day.

She was trying to bring the entire class attention to me and my abilities by pointing out how incredible it was for even a teacher like her.

Her eyes were telling me a simple message - move your ass and start to manage this class, you bastard!

How sly, Sae-chan.

But it's futile.

I wasn't someone to give in to the pressure of society.

Kiyotaka: "Thank you, Chabashira-sensei. I just got lucky to catch the attention of President."

I decided to play low-key for now.

The class was observing me closely.

Most of the girls were looking at me with smiles.

But that just made half of the boys to start glaring at me.

Sae's vision was trying to freeze me to my death.

Knowing that this woman was practically boiling inside was really conforming.

I was almost sure that she was treating the school competition a little too personal for a teacher.

If my assumption was right, then there's a room for some fruitful cooperation in the future.

But for now, I was happy from the other positive factor of that announcement.

Suzune's face turned even more pale after hearing that I was actually better than her brother.

She was trying to compose herself, but she couldn't hide her confusion.

She didn't dare to look at me.

That state continued to the lunch break.

I was eager to tease her some more, but I had a more urgent matter to solve.

Professor: "Are you sure you want to go there, leader?"

Professor turned around to face me.

Kiyotaka: "Don't worry. It's just a small visit."

I felt kind of sorry for making him worry, when I wasn't worried at all.

I stood up and walked towards the door.

Suzune straightened her posture, when I was passing her, but I just smiled at her.

Some of the people were watching me leave, including Hirata, Kushida and the others, who tried to invite me earlier.

I closed the door of the classroom and directed my steps towards the classroom of Class C.

---

Nishino Takeko's POV

The bell announcing the lunch break rang loudly.

The teacher quickly left our classroom, leaving us alone.

Normally, it was the time, when students would start to form some groups to go to cafeteria or unpack their own lunch, but our class wasn't like that.

Everyone stayed in their seat in silence.

Over half of my classmates were looking nervously at the magenta-haired boy responsible for that strange atmosphere.

Ryuuen Kakeru.

A self-proclaimed leader of our class, who started to threaten anyone, who would oppose his decisions.

The start of the lunch break was his time to speak to the entire class.

But more than speaking, he was rather provoking anyone, who wouldn't tolerate his way of doing things.

It was apparent in the past few days.

Our class was constantly harassed by Ryuuen-kun.

He didn't care whether it was a boy or a girl.

When someone wasn't listening to his orders, then he was starting to use violence against that person.

It was apparent, when he almost punched Ibuki for talking back to him or when he attacked Ishizaki-kun.

Even Yamada-kun, who was physically stronger than him, couldn't do anything to contain Ryuuen-kun's unlimited violence because of his peaceful nature.

In the end, in just a few days, the entire class became fearful of Ryuuen-kun and his antics.

The result of that was the current silence in the classroom.

I also stayed silent, but my reason was different from the others.

Because I knew who Ryuuen Kakeru was even before we became classmates.

And I hoped he wouldn't notice who I was.

Luckily, we never really met face to face before, so for now I should be safe.

I thought that maybe the school would punish Ryuuen-kun or even expel him, but after my talk with Sakagami-sensei, my wishes were cruelly crushed by the reality.

I decided to live my life here quietly, out of Ryuuen-kun's vision, hoping that things wouldn't get troublesome.

Ryuuen-kun silently stood up from his seat, then he walked towards the teacher's podium.

It was his throne, from where he was overlooking the entire class.

Ryuuen: "Looks like no one is missing today. Good, good. You guys are finally starting to have some brain cells, kukuku."

Ryuuen laughed, totally looking down on us.

Ibuki: "What did you say?!"

Ibuki shouted, looking really irritated.

She was one of the few people in this classroom, who were openly stating their dissatisfaction to Ryuuen-kun.

Even that moment, when Ryuuen-kun almost punched her face, didn't make her succumb to his tyranny.

She had guts, but she didn't have appropriate qualities to change the situation.

If there was something this class was definitely lacking, then it was a leader.

Someone good enough to oppose Ryuuen-kun and make the others follow him in that.

Because no one was up to the job, Ryuuen-kun took the throne forcefully.

Ryuuen: "What's wrong, Ibuki? That was a compliment. If you didn't understand it, then come to my room tonight. I will explain it to you thoroughly."

Not only Ibuki, but also the rest of the girls, looked at Ryuuen with disgust.

Despite being good-looking, there's probably no girl, who would go to that guy's room voluntary.

Ryuuen-kun was provoking our class like that all the time.

I sighed, waiting patiently for the end of this to go to the cafeteria.

I wondered if today I would meet that guy again.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

The boy, who just yesterday became very famous throughout the school for being appointed as Student Council Vice-President.

Despite exchanging phone numbers with him, we weren't exactly close.

But I must admit that I was kinda interested in him.

The scenes in the bus and at the police station were stuck in my mind.

I grew up among some hot-blooded guys, so his cool and mature behavior was quite attractive to me.

But because of the situation in this class, I didn't have time to try to get closer to him.

If only I was in the different class.

As a result, a girl like Kiryuin was being next to him during the lunch break.

It was obvious that she was interested in him, and they seemed closer than a few days ago.

On top of that, I was sure that now he was getting even more popular as Vice-President.

Just how did he manage to get appointed in such a short time?

It was the biggest mystery that people were talking about.

I sighed internally.

What's the point of thinking about that, when I had the bigger thing to worry about...

Let's forget about Ayanokouji-kun and try to stay low for now.

Suddenly, the door to our classroom opened and a handsome brown-haired boy walked in.

It was Ayanokouji Kiyotaka that I just was thinking about.

What was he doing here?

Don't tell me...

He came to meet with me?

This simple thought made me slightly nervous.

Ayanokouji-kun looked at Ryuuen-kun, then looked around our classroom.

When his eyes met mine, he slightly smiled.

It made my heart skip a beat.

But instantly his vision left me and scanned the rest of my classmates.

Ayanokouji: "Excuse me. Am I interrupting something?"

Ayanokouji-kun asked, probably sensing that something was off with us.

After all, it was a lunch break, yet everyone stayed in their seats without even thinking of eating.

Ryuuen: "Kukuku, you are. Get lost."

Looks like Ryuuen-kun wasn't present during yesterday's club fair and didn't recognize Ayanokouji-kun.

Because of that, he treated him like some passerby, who came to meet with someone in this class.

Ayanokouji-kun looked at Ryuuen-kun, unfazed by the latter's rude words.

Ayanokouji: "Is that so?"

Ayanokouji-kun turned around.

Eh?

He was going to leave just like that?

When the most of us thought like that, Ayanokouji-kun closed the door to the classroom and walked towards our seats.

Then he stopped towards the only seat that was empty.

Ryuuen-kun's seat.

As if he wasn't doing anything extravagant, he sat on the chair with a leisurely expression.

My classmates looked at him with utter terror.

To be honest, I was just as surprised as the others.

Because unless Ayanokouji-kun was oblivious of his actions, then this was a naked provocation.

Ayanokouji: "What's wrong? Please don't mind me and continue. I can wait."

Ryuuen-kun looked sharply at Ayanokouji-kun, who sat comfortably as if this was his seat.

Ryuuen: "Do you know whose seat did you just sat on?"

Ayanokouji: "Eh? Isn't it the seat of Ryuuen, the troublemaker of Class C?"

Ayanokouji-kun asked with an innocent impression.

The atmosphere froze, when everyone realized that it wasn't some sort of mistake.

This was an open provocation to Ryuuen-kun.

Ryuuen: "Kukuku, interesting. Who are you?"

Ryuuen-kun smiled fiercely.

It was the same smile, as when someone from our class started to oppose him.

Our classmates were looking at the one and the other, not knowing what to think about the current situation.

What's the meaning of Ayanokouji-kun's actions?

Ayanokouji: "When you ask someone for his name, you should introduce yourself first. It's good manners."

Ryuuen: "You have guts to speak about manners, when you just barged into someone else's classroom and are sitting on someone else's seat."

Ayanokouji: "I'm sorry. Recently so many strangers were looking at me while knowing who I was that seeing someone, who really don't know me was kind of refreshing, so I decided to be a little mean to you."

Ryuuen: "Are you some kind of idol? Should I ask for your autograph or something?"

Ayanokouji: "Oh, you want one? I could give you, if I had pen and paper."

Ayanokouji-kun looked at the person nearby, who was also Ryuuen-kun's seatmate.

It was a cute girl with mid-back length silver hair that has black ribbons tied behind it, whose name even I, her classmate, didn't know.

She never really talked with anyone.

I only heard that one of our classmates were calling her a bookworm.

Ayanokouji: "May I borrow your pen and some paper?"

Ayanokouji-kun smiled at the girl.

The girl had the same disinterested look as always, despite the situation.

But nevertheless, she nodded and opened her bag to look for some paper.

Seriously, what was happening here?

I bet everyone was asking themselves the same question.

Ayanokouji: "Oh? That's some excellent mystery novels you have here. Are those yours, or did you borrow them from the library?

The girl instantaneously stopped moving and looked at Ayanokouji-kun.

Her expression underwent a huge change.

The girl: "Do you like books?"

The girl asked in excited tone.

It was the first time I saw her being so lively.

Ayanokouji: "Of course I do. I read so many already, yet it's just a drop in the ocean known as literature. I was planning to drop by the library soon to check out what kind of books this school has to offer."

Ayanokouji-kun's expression also become more lively and earnest, as if he didn't just provoke Ryuuen-kun at all.

The girl: "You definitely must visit it then. The library here is huge. I'm sure you will find some interesting titles. If I may recommend you something..."

Bang!

Suddenly, Ryuuen-kun slammed the podium.

Ryuuen: "Are you done fucking around?"

He had irritated look on his face for being such blatantly ignored like that.

Ayanokouji: "Ah, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Man, you are such an impatient fellow."

Then he looked at the girl.

Ayanokouji: "Let's continue this conversation some time later, maybe in the library."

The girl made a disappointed expression, but nodded with a smile.

Ayanokouji-kun stood up from the seat and started to walk towards podium.

Ayanokouji: "My name is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. I'm from Class 1-D. Nice to meet you, Ryuuen and the rest of Class C."

Ayanokouji-kun smiled towards us.

Some of the girls looked down with a blush on their faces.

I must say that he possessed a big firepower against a girl.

Ryuuen-kun's eyes once again became sharp, then he started to laugh wildly.

Ryuuen: "Kukuku, so you are that famous Vice-President Ayanokouji. No wonder you are acting like some big shot. Maybe I should have waited patiently for your autograph."

Ayanokouji: "I can still write one for you, even with dedication."

Ryuuen: "Sure, why not? It's always good to have something to wipe my ass with."

Ayanokouji: "Then I will make sure to write the dedication for you clearly and grandly so that all the excrement would stick to it perfectly, ehm... What was your name again?"

Ryuuen: "Ishizaki Daichi."

Ishizaki: "What the hell?!"

Hearing Ryuuen-kun's words, Ishizaki-kun stood up irritated.

Seriously, most of us are flabbergasted by this conversation.

Ryuuen: "Right, wiping myself with your sorry name would be nasty. My bad, Ishizaki, kukuku."

Ishizaki: "You!"

Ishizaki-kun was about to rush towards Ryuuen-kun, but Yamada-kun stopped him.

Ayanokouji: "For me, having any boy's name near my ass would be nasty, but I won't condemn you. Everyone have a freedom to choose their taste. If I'm your type, then it can't be helped."

Ibuki: "Ppfff... buhahaha..."

Ibuki couldn't stay still and started to wildly laugh.

Some of my classmates couldn't help, but smiled.

Both of the sides were throwing punches with their words on the same level.

Ryuuen-kun looked at Ayanokouji-kun.

He also wasn't fazed by Ayanokouji-kun's jabs on him.

Ryuuen: "I'm Ryuuen Kakeru, the leader of this class. To what do I owe this visit, Ayanokouji-sama?"

For the first time, Ayanokouji-kun seemed surprised.

Ayanokouji: "You, the leader of this class?"

Then, he chuckled as if he heard some kind of joke.

Ayanokouji: "Unlikely."

Once again, the atmosphere tensed up.

This was probably the biggest insult for Ryuuen-kun in the past few minutes.

Ayanokouji: "On what basis do you think you are qualified to be called a leader, Ryuuen?"

Ayanokouji-kun calmly asked with some interest.

Ryuuen-kun was glaring at Ayanokouji-kun.

Ryuuen: "You sure do love to act like you are some big shot, Ayanokouji. But you should beware of to whom you are speaking to, otherwise your pretty face may change its form forever."

Ayanokouji: "I know to whom I am speaking right now, that's why I asked that question. Why do you think you are the leader of this class, when all you do is just intimidating your classmates, Ryuuen?"

!

Don't tell me... the reason Ayanokouji-kun was here was because he learned about our situation?

But how?

Everyone's scared to report Ryuuen-kun, which was why I took the risk to talk with Sakagami-sensei in secret.

I looked around, trying to discover some hints from the others, but everyone's were looking around just like me.

Ryuuen: "Looks like someone's here have a long tongue."

Ryuuen-kun also understood the meaning of Ayanokouji-kun's words and looked at us with some venom.

Some students stiffened like frogs glared by a snake.

Ayanokouji: "Do you think one of your classmates snitched on you? Please. This is a school with the huge amount of government's money invested in. You surely don't think that your actions would stay unnoticed, do you?"

So the school actually knew about Ryuuen-kun's actions?

But that's different from what Sakagami-sensei said yesterday.

Did something change?

Ryuuen: "So you are here to punish me?"

Ayanokouji: "For now, to just warn you. I was also interested in the guy named Ryuuen."

Ryuuen: "That's so sweet of you, Ayanokouji. Should I stay blushing?"

Ayanokouji: "You sure are trying hard, but unfortunately, you are not my type, Ryuuen. Let's stay as friends."

Ayanokouji-kun slightly lowered his head, as if he really was refusing a confession.

Ryuuen-kun was clearly amused by his actions.

Ryuuen: "So you want to know why I consider myself as a leader of those good-for-nothings? That's simple."

Bam! Bam!

Ryuuen-kun slammed twice the podium.

The timid students shivered, clearly fearful of his actions.

Ryuuen: "Because violence is the most powerful means in this world. Only those, who possess an unparalleled capacity for violence, can rule over the others. One look at my classmates is the all I need to prove my point."

Ryuuen-kun's words made the entire class tremble.

I heard the rumors about him, but this was above my imagination.

This person was crazily dangerous.

If one day he would figure out who I was, then my life here may be over.

No one dared to say anything against Ryuuen-kun's words, and the silence fall upon the classroom.

Chuckle...

Suddenly, in the silent classroom there was a small noise near Ryuuen-kun.

I looked at Ayanokouji-kun, who just snickered at Ryuuen-kun's words.

Ayanokouji: "I thought that you were smarter than that, but looks like I was mistaken."

Ryuuen: "Ho? Are you trying to say something like it's bad to be violent or there's no way I could go long on such principles? Please spare me this bullshit."

Ayanokouji: "That's not what I'm trying to say. I asked you why you labeled yourself as the leader of this class, yet you started talking about your dictatorship through the fear. The one, who should end with the bullshit, is actually you, Ryuuen."

For the first time, Ayanokouji-kun looked at Ryuuen-kun with disdain.

Ayanokouji: "A leader is someone, who has followers willing to go under his command and execute his orders. But in this classroom, Ryuuen, you are alone. No one respects you, no one trust you, no one admires you. Am I wrong?"

Ryuuen: "So what? I don't need those things. As long as they fear me strong enough to follow my orders, then I am their ruler."

Ayanokouji: "That still doesn't undermine my point. You are a tyrant, not a leader, Ryuuen. The second your classmates stop fearing you, you will be thrown away without hesitation."

Ryuuen: "Do you think I am stupid enough to be cast away by them? I will destroy anyone, who will get in my way, including you."

Ayanokouji: "Then why don't you show me that violence you are so proud with?"

Huh?

Don't tell me...

Ayanokouji-kun wanted to start a fight here?

Ryuuen: "Do you think that I won't dare to attack you?"

Ayanokouji: "Did you not notice, Ryuuen? Ever since I hinted that the school was aware of your actions, the fear that you installed in your classmates started to dissipate slowly. The reason for that should be obvious, right? Student Council Vice- President was giving you a warning at your fourth day in this school. That's not a good beginning for your rule by force, don't you think?"

That was true.

Although Ryuuen-kun's terror was still here, knowing that the school was actually aware of our situation was giving us some hope.

Just knowing that someone like Ayanokouji-kun was here for us was also relieving.

Ayanokouji: "Right now I, the outsider, am also paying attention to your movements. Even if you make everyone in this classroom fear you to the point of not reporting you, it would be meaningless, if you won't solve that problem, right?"

Ayanokouji-kun spread his arms and looked at Ryuuen-kun's with provocative gaze.

Ryuuen-kun stared at Ayanokouji-kun for a while, then started to laugh.

Ryuuen: "Kukuku, to think I would be challenged like that. Either you must think that I really won't attack you, either you have some confidence in your strength. Whatever gives you that confidence, you are going to groan under my foot soon."

Ryuuen-kun left the teacher's podium and started to walk towards Ayanokouji-kun.

Ayanokouji: "You want to know from what my confidence comes from? I could tell you, but you definitely won't like me saying it in the front of your classmates."

Ryuuen-kun stopped one meter in the front of Ayanokouji-kun.

Both of them were smiling at each other.

The fight would probably start any second.

Ryuuen: "Please, enlighten me, Ayanokouji-sama."

Ayanokouji: "Of course, I have confidence that you would not attack me here. After all, there are some high-tech video cameras installed in this classroom. Your every action is recorded in 4K right now."

Ayanokouji-kun pointed at some spot in the classroom.

Huh?

There were cameras in this classroom?

Now that I look closely, there really was something at that point.

Ayanokouji-kun pointed at another spot, closer to me.

This time I saw it clearly.

There were really some hidden cameras here.

Which means...

The school really knew what's happening in this classroom.

That's big, good news.

The classroom couldn't stay silent at this discovery, and my classmates started to whisper among themselves.

Ayanokouji: "Looks like you noticed those cameras earlier, didn't you? But since no one else figured it out yet, you could harass the others freely. But that ends right now. If you think I'm wrong, you can still attack me to prove it."

Everyone looked at Ryuuen.

Considering Ayanokouji-kun's revelation, he was at the losing position.

Ryuuen: "Kuku, so you think you figured it out, Ayanokouji? I admit that you are a little smarter than my classmates, but..."

Ryuuen-kun's expression turned really fierce.

Ryuuen: "You are wrong!"

At the same time as he ended the sentence, Ryuuen-kun performed a high kick towards Ayanokouji-kun's body.

It was a surprise attack that no one was expecting.

I looked in terror, as Ryuuen-kun's leg was closing towards Ayanokouji-kun.

But before the scene that everyone's were expecting to occur happened, Ayanokouji-kun's body made a slight movement.

Bang!

Some girls: "Kyyaaa!"

A few of my classmates screamed because of the noise.

I looked towards two boys in the front and my mouth subconsciously opened.

Ryuuen-kun's leg was still in the midair.

But Ayanokouji-kun wasn't kicked.

His hand was firmly holding Ryuuen-kun's leg near his face.

Amazing!

Ayanokouji-kun managed to block that surprise attack.

On top of that, seeing his smiling face, it looked as if he did it effortlessly.

He was strong.

Many people looked at him with astonishment and awe.

Ayanokouji: "You sure are a wild one, Ryuuen. I guess I owe you an apology for underestimating you. You have qualifications to be called a tyrant."

Ayanokouji-kun let go of Ryuuen-kun's leg and was standing calmly, as if nothing really happened.

He seriously was looking so cool right now.

Ryuuen: "Kukuku, interesting. I guess you weren't all talk, Ayanokouji."

The two boys were looking at each other for some time, as if their eyes were talking instead of their mouths.

Ayanokouji: "Want to continue?"

Just when I thought that Ryuuen-kun was going to attack Ayanokouji-kun the second time, the magenta-haired boy put his hands in his pockets and started going towards not Ayanokouji-kun, but the door.

Ryueen: "It's not over, Ayanokouji. The true winner is the one, who stands on the top at the end. Crushing you will be pleasurable."

When he was passing Ayanokouji-kun, Ryuuen-kun stopped for a second to say his parting words.

Ayanokouji: "I look forward to it, Ryuuen. Don't self-destruct before. If I hear next week that you are expelled, then I'm going to be disappointed."

Ryuuen-kun chuckled at Ayanokouji-kun's words and left our classroom.

The classroom has sunk in silence.

My vision focused on the handsome boy in front of me, who was gazing at the door.

This person was getting more and more mysterious.

Many thoughts couldn't help but start to cross through my mind.

Maybe I should reconsider the way I wanted to live in this school.

.

.

.

Chapter 23 - Food Trap

Kiyotaka's POV

After my conversation with Ryuuen, I quickly left Class C.

I must say that this was quite a fruitful lunch break.

Not only I managed to make a good impression in the front of so many students in the few minutes, but also I met an interesting individual like Ryuuen.

No wonder the entire class was having trouble to contain him and the school decided to not interfere without some solid evidence.

Ryuuen wasn't only wielding violence quite well, but was also really cunning.

I was impressed he managed to withstand the pressure of exposing the cameras and still attacked me, despite knowing that he lost a lot of the influence over his classmates.

I had no doubt that he would rule Class C in the future.

Once the class competition would start, the entire class probably won't have any other choice, but to acknowledge him as a class leader.

Unless someone with guts would appear or Ryuuen would get expelled.

But both options were unlikely to happen without the interference from the outside of Class C.

In other words, it's currently up to me what road Class C may take in the future.

?: "Ayanokouji-kun!"

I heard a familiar voice and turned around.

It was Nishino.

Kiyotaka: "Hello, Nishino. How can I help you?"

Nishino: "Are you going to the cafeteria right now, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Kiyotaka: "No, I have my own lunch today. I was going back to my classroom to eat it."

Nishino: "I see."

Nishino made a disappointed face.

Kiyotaka: "You should hurry up to the cafeteria, if you don't have your lunch, Nishino. There's not that much time left."

Nishino: "I know. I wanted to thank you for... you know... warning Ryuuen-kun."

Kiyotaka: "It's nothing much. I finally understand why you were behaving differently recently, Nishino. I hope Ryuuen didn't cause you much trouble."

Nishino: "No, I mean... I was practically the same as the others."

Kiyotaka: "I see. If something may happen, contact me. I will do my best to help you."

Nishino: "Thank you."

Nishino blushed slightly.

Nishino: "Ayanokouji-kun, if you have time, do you want to hang out after the school?"

Kiyotaka: "Unfortunately, I need to go to Student Council after classes. It's practically my first day as Vice-President. I need to learn much right now."

Nishino once again made a disappointed face.

Kiyotaka: "But I would like to hang out with you, Nishino. How about this weekend? Are you free?"

Nishino looked at me with some surprise, then she smiled.

Nishino: "No problem."

Kiyotaka: "Great. Then it's a promise."

I also smiled at her.

I said my farewell with Nishino and started to walk towards my classroom.

In my head, I was considering Class C's problem with Ryuuen, its potential future course, as well as what would be the best way for me to stay close to that class later.

I arrived at my classroom and went inside.

Not many students were there, but it wasn't surprising.

Professor: "Ah, leader!"

Professor waved at me with a happy, relieved face.

Miyake, who was also here, looked at me.

I sat on my seat, passing the empty seat of Suzune.

Did she go to toilet or something?

Kiyotaka: "I'm back, Professor."

Professor: "H-How did it go, leader? Did you meet with that Ryuuen?"

Miyake: "Huh? Ryuuen?"

Because of being overly excited, Professor spoke a little too loud and Miyake heard him.

What was unexpected was Miyake's reaction after hearing about Ryuuen.

Miyake: "Are you perhaps speaking about Ryuuen Kakeru? He is in this school?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, I just met him. He is a problematic student from Class 1-C. Do you know him, Miyake?"

Miyake: "I've never seen him or anything, but Ryuuen is quite famous back where I'm from. He and a guy named Hosen are really famous for their violent behavior."

Professor: "Ehh? You went to meet someone dangerous just like that, leader? Are you okay?"

Kiyotaka: "We had a friendly conversation."

Miyake: "You had a friendly conversation with Ryuuen? It's kinda hard to believe. Are you really alright?"

Kiyotaka: "Nothing serious really happened. Class C is currently having problems with Ryuuen and I went to check out the situation. In the end, I met with Ryuuen and talked with him for some time. Well, he tried to kick me at the end, but I can hold my ground against that level of opponent."

Miyake: "That's... seriously impressive, Ayanokouji. I guess you weren't appointed as Vice-President for nothing."

Professor: "That's amazing, great leader!"

It was one thing to impress Professor, but to think Miyake was also impressed by that.

Kiyotaka: "Thanks, I guess."

Miyake: "You should be careful, Ayanokouji. Ryuuen is known for being oppressive and tenacious against his enemies."

Kiyotaka: "Thank you for the warning. You know Ryuuen quite well, Miyake."

Miyake: "Well... The place I'm from is famous for attracting all sorts of delinquents, so I heard this and that..."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Professor: "Don't tell me... you are a delinquent too, Miyake-dono?!"

Sotomura looked at Miyake agitated.

I hit his head lightly.

Kiyotaka: "It's not good to assume things like that, Sotomura. If you were overheard by someone, then it would be troublesome for Miyake, so be quiet."

Professor: "Ah! II apologize, Miyake-dono."

Miyake: "It's okay. I kinda was like that before, but it's all in the past now."

Kiyotaka: "I see. That's just like me."

Professor: "..."

Miyake: "..."

The two of them looked at me with surprised expressions.

Kiyotaka: "What?"

Professor: "Ehhh?! Great leader, you were... Ouch!"

Before Sotomura said his sentence, I hit him again, but this time with some force.

Miyake: "That's... really unexpected, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "My story is kinda complicated, you know. But it's all in the past now. You can relate, can't you?"

Miyake chuckled.

Miyake: "I guess."

After slightly talking about ourselves, we really hit off with Miyake.

I didn't expect this guy to be a former delinquent, but this was Class D, so maybe I shouldn't be so surprised.

The information I got about Ryuuen was also very interesting.

I spent the rest of lunch break talking with Sotomura and Miyake without any care.

Suzune came back just before the bell ending the lunch break rang.

She looked different from when I was leaving.

There was no waving in her like before.

Could it be that she went to meet her brother and knew everything already?

No, she couldn't escape our bet by just knowing that I lied about her brother knowing about it.

I won fair and square.

But her change was kinda disturbing.

She wasn't looking at me, but I knew she was paying attention to me.

Looks like she was plotting something against me.

Interesting.

Since the classes started, I couldn't speak with her freely, so I waited patiently until the end of our lecture.

I was planning to test the waters, but an unexpected thing happened.

Suzune came to me first.

Suzune: "Ayano... K-Kiyotaka-kun, can I have a minute?"

On top of that, she just said my name obediently.

The threat level just increased by a point.

Kiyotaka: "Of course you can, Suzune. I see that you started calling me by my name. That's some progress."

I decided to play a fool, but still being an annoyance for her.

Suzune: "I thought about this and you were right. I was just stubbornly trying to avoid admitting my loss. I apologize for my behavior from earlier."

Kiyotaka: "Don't worry, Suzune. I don't mind. That stubborn disposition of yours is kind of cute, you know."

Suzune: "Thank you for your understanding, Kiyotaka-kun."

I tried to provoke her, but she didn't mind at all.

That's... seriously... some progress...

Kiyotaka: "Does that mean you are okay with going on dates with me?"

Suzune: "Actually, I was about to ask you about it. I know that according to our bet you are the one, who should choose the place for our date, but I was wondering if I could be the one, who would choose the place for our first date."

Hoh?

Kiyotaka: "Of course, it's not a problem. Is there somewhere you would like to go? I will take you anywhere you want."

Suzune: "Actually, I was thinking if you wouldn't mind coming today to my room for a dinner? We don't know much about each other yet, so I was thinking that going out somewhere without knowing about each other's preferences may be troublesome."

She wants me to come to her room?

That's not character development, that's an evolution...

Suzune: "Please think of it as me apologizing to you for my rude words earlier. After knowing more about each other, I could be more at ease while going with you outside."

Suzune looked slightly away, as if she was actually getting shy about it.

A normal male would probably start to salivating right now imagining having dinner with her and maybe something more after it, but my only thought was...

Who the hell are you and what did you do to Horikita Suzune?!

I was having some serious goosebumps by just listening to her.

What the hell was that crappy performance just now?

Was this girl seriously thinking that I would be fooled by that?

Kiyotaka: "Seriously? Of course, I agree. I'm sure your handmade cooking will be amazing, Suzune. I have seen how good your bento always was. To think I could eat a dinner made by you. I'm so happy."

Suzune: "Thank you, Kiyotaka-kun."

Saying that, Suzune left me and started to pack her bag with stoic face.

I looked at her for a moment, then shook my head.

No matter how I looked at it, it's a trap.

I didn't know what kind of, but definitely a trap.

But even if I knew that it was a trap, I definitely intended to go.

Because such a situation may be a real opportunity to finally tame this little kitty...

After bidding my goodbye with Suzune, Professor and Miyake, I left the classroom and went towards Student Council's room.

My thought were drifting between Class C's situation and Suzune's behavior.

My life here was anything, but peaceful.

I sighed, while arriving at my destination.

This was the first time I went to this room alone, but I wasn't nervous at all.

I knocked on the door with ease.

Manabu: "You can enter."

I heard Horikita-senpai's voice.

So he was already inside.

I opened the door and went in.

There were only two students in the room.

Kiyotaka: "Good afternoon, Horikita-senpai, Tachibana-senpai."

Manabu: "Good afternoon, Ayanokouji."

Tachibana: "Good afternoon. It's good that you are not late, kouhai."

Tachibana-senpai looked at me with a serious face.

Kiyotaka: "Why would I be late on my first day, Tachibana-senpai?"

Tachibana: "You don't seem like someone, who would abide the rules, kouhai."

Kiyotaka: "What a discouraging thing to say to your newest member, Tachibana-senpai. My heart just shattered."

Tachibana: "See? That's what I'm talking about."

Kiyotaka: "I'm not sure how those two things are connected, Tachibana-senpai."

Tachibana: "Hmph..."

Looks like Tachibana-senpai wasn't fond of me.

Kiyotaka: "Tachibana-senpai, I would like to ask you something. Would you mind telling me from which store Student Council is buying the coffee? Yesterday, Horikita-senpai made me a really delicious one, so I would like to purchase some for myself."

Tachibana: "P-President... made you a coffee?"

For some reason, Tachibana-senpai seemed really shocked by this information.

Her reaction was kinda similar to Suzune's.

She turned around to look at Horikita-senpai, who just looked at her and nodded his head, while sighing slightly.

Manabu: "It was just a courtesy towards my kouhai."

The confirmation from him made Tachibana-senpai even paler.

Tachibana: "But... you actually never..."

Tachibana-senpai mumbled slightly a few words, but I managed to hear it.

I see.

To think it was such a big deal...

Horikita-senpai was such a blockhead.

I internally gave Tachibana-senpai my condolences.

Tachibana: "I will make some coffee..."

Kiyotaka: "Senpai, about the address..."

Tachibana: "I will write you a note..."

In low spirits, the purple-haired girl went to the coffee maker.

I sat on the chair near Horikita-senpai, who was looking at some documents, undisturbed by the small event that just happened.

Kiyotaka: "Senpai, do you have a moment?"

Manabu: "What?"

Horikita-senpai asked without raising his vision from the documents.

I felt sorry for Tachibana-senpai, but I needed to interrogate this guy about some of my assumptions.

Kiyotaka: "I don't want to be inquisitive about your life, but do you happen to have an ex-girlfriend named Kushida?"

THUD!

The big coffee bag that Tachibana-senpai was holding fell on the floor with some noise.

Her expression once again paled.

Horikita-senpai looked at her a moment, then at me.

Manabu: "I don't. What kind of nonsense are you talking about, Ayanokouji?"

Kiyotaka: "Then, do you know a girl named Kushida Kikyo?"

This time, Horikita-senpai was in thought for a few seconds.

Manabu: "Why are you asking?"

So he knew her.

Some things started to become clear.

Kiyotaka: "She is my classmate. I think she knows about you and Suzune from before this school, but pretends not to. She is trying to get close to your sister, but without any progress. Today we were talking about you and I sensed that she had some kind of ill intention. So I was wondering if you happen to have a story with her. If not you, then probably your sister."

Manabu: "I don't know her."

Horikita-senpai said with an indifferent voice.

This person was hard to read.

Kiyotaka: "Are you sure? Maybe she confessed to you, but you rejected her coldly, and she bears a grudge?"

Manabu: "No."

Kiyotaka: "Eh, really?"

I wasn't satisfied with his answers.

Tachibana-senpai sighed relieved, then made a furious face.

Tachibana: "Seriously, how rude of you to question President like that, kouhai!"

Kiyotaka: "I was just worried about President being a target of some ill intent, Tachibana-senpai. It's a form of respect."

I looked at Horikita-senpai.

Kiyotaka: "But you know her from somewhere, don't you?"

Horikita Manabu sighed.

Manabu: "I only know that she was attending the same junior high school as me and Suzune, that's all. I never met her nor contacted her."

Kiyotaka: "I see."

Manabu: "Satisfied now?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. If it's like that, then her target is actually Suzune or..."

I smiled at Horikita-senpai.

Kiyotaka: "Maybe Kushida actually is thinking of trying to confess to you now, senpai? She didn't have the courage to confess her love in the junior high, but now she decided to go all out. She may be testing the waters through me and Suzune, but I misunderstood her intentions."

Tachibana: "What?!"

Manabu: "Ayanokouji..."

Kiyotaka: "You can't really deny the possibility, President. Kushida is quite a sweet candy, you know. Are you not even one bit interested?"

Manabu: "No. I don't have interest in something like dating. And if you are going to speak any more nonsense, then you can go home."

I guess I overdid it a little.

But at least I got the information I wanted.

As expected, Kushida was targeting Suzune for some reason.

Since the older Horikita didn't know anything more, then I should interrogate the younger one sometime.

Tachibana: "Seriously, this kouhai is nothing more than trouble. To waste so much time on such stupid topic. Did your parents not teach you how to be respectful towards your seniors?"

After hearing Horikita-senpai's declaration, Tachibana-senpai received some emotional damage herself, but held bravely, while trying to scold me again.

Unfortunately, she didn't pick a good topic to mention.

Kiyotaka: "My parents are dead, Tachibana-senpai."

Tachibana: "Eh?"

Tachibana-senpai turned stiff by my sudden confession.

Tachibana: "I-I won't be deceived this time. You are just lying to make me feel bad, aren't you?"

Kiyotaka: "I was motherless from my birth and my father died, when I was 12. Why would I lie about something like that?"

Even if my biological mother was alive, she was as good as dead for me.

Manabu: "It's actually true, Tachibana."

So the school gave him some information about me.

I guess it's inevitable for him to investigate me.

Tachibana: "This... But... I mean... I didn't really..."

The atmosphere became awkward and the purple-haired girl started to become agitated by her mistake.

Tachibana: "I-I'm sorry, Ayanokouji. I didn't really mean anything bad by saying it..."

Kiyotaka: "It's okay, Tachibana-senpai. You didn't know. I don't mind at all."

Tachibana: "R-Really?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes. I was just teasing Horikita-senpai a little too much, so it's true that I was rude to him. You did nothing wrong by pointing it out. Let's call us even with this."

Tachibana: "I-I see. Yes, I guess we are even with that. I will also forgive you for being rude to Horikita-kun."

Shouldn't Horikita-senpai be the one to forgive me?

I decided to let it go and make peace with Tachibana-senpai.

Tachibana: "Ah! I still didn't make a coffee for you, President. Please wait a little bit more. While I'm at it, I will make some for you too, Ayanokouji."

Kiyotaka: "Thank you very much, senpai."

Tachibana-senpai left us with some enthusiasm.

My vision met with Horikita-senpai's and I smiled a little.

Kiyotaka: "Tachibana-senpai is also quite a candy. Don't you think so too, senpai? A little spicy one, but overall really sweet."

Horikita Manabu shook his head slightly and returned to his work.

A little later, while we were drinking some delicious coffee, another candy known as Asahina Nazuna came together with some guy, who turned out to be another member of Student Council - Kiriyama Ikuto.

He was also a second year student, which was probably why he was glaring at me, when I introduced myself to him.

Fortunately, I wasn't working with him, but with Asahina-senpai.

I seriously couldn't thank President enough for this arrangement.

After getting to know the current state of affairs, I could start my own work as well, while sometimes consulting with Asahina-senpai.

Tachibana-senpai also became a little more open and friendly towards me.

As for President...

Well, nothing really changed.

Just before 6 p.m. I stood before Suzune's door in the casual clothes.

There was no need to specially dress up for her trap, but it may still be considered a date with a girl.

Since I came prepared, then there wasn't anything to be afraid of anymore.

Suzune was living on the 10th floor, just like Fuka.

I pushed the button and waited.

In a few seconds time, the door opened and Suzune appeared before my eyes in casual clothes and a cute green apron.

Kiyotaka: "Hello, Suzune. You look pretty. Especially that apron adds some cute vibe to your beauty."

I spoke what I really thought at the moment.

Suzune: "Hello, Kiyotaka-kun. Please come inside."

Suzune stayed unfazed by my praise, and with a serious face she invited me to her room.

At least she still called me by my name.

I looked around after coming inside.

It was almost a copy of my room.

Everything was neat and there wasn't any decoration or accents that a girl was living here.

Well, it was Horikita Suzune's room, so I wasn't especially surprised, but I still had a slight expectation for a girly room.

I guess I can't complain about people, who visited my room now.

Suzune: "Please take a seat, Kiyotaka-kun. The dinner is ready."

Kiyotaka: "Thank you. Maybe I could help you with something?"

Suzune: "No need."

She cut me harshly, so I decided to just sit and wait.

Suzune was definitely an accomplished cook.

The dinner she put before me looked like from some fancy restaurant.

The aroma from it filled the room.

The black-haired girl sat on the other side of the table.

Suzune: "What's wrong, Kiyotaka-kun? Aren't you going to eat? It may be a bit spicy, but I can guarantee the taste."

Suzune looked at me intensively.

There was definitely a catch here, no doubt about it.

I thought she wouldn't poison her food, but the mention of the spiciness of the dinner made me be conscious of the possibility.

If she wanted to hide some medicine's flavor in her food, making a spicy meal was the best option.

The question was what kind of medicine would she put in?

She couldn't get some serious poison in the school grounds.

Kiyotaka: "Ah, I'm sorry. It just feels kind of nice to eat with you, Suzune. I'm surprised you are such a good hostess."

Suzune: "Are you making fun of me?"

Kiyotaka: "No. I just see you in the new light."

I took my chopsticks and started to eat.

Even if this food was dosed, this step needed to be done to reduce her wariness.

If I felt anything weird, I would just dash towards the exit and ask for some help.

The moment the food went into my mouth, the pleasant sensation started to spread through my body.

Delicious.

And more than anything, I didn't taste anything weird in it.

Strange.

If she didn't do anything to the meal, then what's her plan?

I looked at Suzune.

She also started to eat the dinner.

Suzune: "It's rude to stare at someone's face like that."

Did I misunderstand her?

For a second, the thought crossed my mind.

Kiyotaka: "It's delicious, Suzune. I seriously think that."

Suzune: "Is that so? Thank you."

She still had that straight face of hers, like nothing could move her.

But I already saw so many faces of her that I didn't mind.

I kept eating the food without a care.

The atmosphere was kind of stiff, but not bad.

Suzune didn't start any topics herself, but still talked with me.

We finished consuming the dinner fast.

Kiyotaka: "Thank you for the meal. I think you could go into the professional world with your skills. What do you think?"

Suzune: "I mainly cook for just myself. I don't have any interest in doing that for the others."

Kiyotaka: "Too bad. And you look so good in the apron."

She glared at me and I rose my hands in surrender.

Kiyotaka: "Then, what plans do you have for your future, Suzune?"

Suzune: "It's got nothing to do with you."

Kiyotaka: "I was just curious. This school will definitely open the door for your future, Suzune. I thought you already knew what you would do later."

Suzune: "Even if I had something in mind, I wouldn't tell you."

Kiyotaka: "Didn't you invite me to learn more about each other?"

Suzune: "No, you're wrong."

Kiyotaka: "Hm? Then why did you invite me?"

Suzune: "It seems like you will keep bothering me in the future, so I will clearly state it right now."

Suzune looked at me with an intimidating expression.

The fun time was over in an instant.

Suzune: "From now on, please stay away from me, Ayanokouji-kun."

She said it in the tone that wouldn't tolerate any refusal.

She stopped her facade and went straight to the point.

Kiyotaka: "And why should I do that? Our bet states that we should meet at least once her week. And I'm your seatmate. How do you expect me to stay away from you?"

Suzune: "To be honest, I think our bet was too forced to be actually called fair."

Kiyotaka: "What do you mean by that?"

Suzune: "I still don't think that my brother would appoint you as his successor, Ayanokouji-kun. But that doesn't mean there wasn't any way for you to be appointed. If, for example, you were appointed from the start because of someone else's decision, then my brother couldn't do anything about it, even if he didn't like it."

I swear, this girl...

Horikita-senpai, what did you do to this idiot?

Kiyotaka: "I don't think your brother dislikes me, though. You saw the messages between us."

Suzune: "I saw. But that doesn't oppose my thinking, though. He may be polite to you because of your status."

Kiyotaka: "My status?"

Suzune: "If your parents are some influential people, then the school may be forced to accept you as Vice-President, right? I thought that it was weird for my brother to appoint you so openly on the stage, but if it was ordered by the school, then that would make sense."

But it was all the older Horikita's plan...

Kiyotaka: "Do you seriously think so?"

Suzune: "Considering how confident you were, when you asked for the bet, the possibility exists that you knew that you would be appointed."

Kiyotaka: "Yes, I admit that I knew about it. But it was because your brother accepted me himself. It has nothing to do with our parents or the school's management."

Suzune: "I don't believe you."

Kiyotaka: "..."

How troublesome.

Kiyotaka: "Even if that was the case, our bet never considered your brother's decision, right? The only condition was for me to become Vice-President before the end of the month. It never stated that I needed your brother approval as well."

Suzune: "It also never stated about the punishment of breaking the agreement, right? So even if I won't abide the bet's conclusion, I won't be punished."

Kiyotaka: "That's true, but that's kind of shameless of you, Suzune. You are just being a sore loser right now."

Suzune: "To begin with, what was your goal to make a bet like that, Ayanokouji-kun? You have someone like Kiryuin-san on your side, so why would you bother with me?"

Kiyotaka: "Fuka is not my woman."

Suzune: "Of course, she isn't. For a womanizer like you, she or me are probably just some goals you set for yourself, right? After going on a date with me, your ego should be satisfied now. You can just bother Kiryuin-san after this. There's no need to involve me anymore."

Kiyotaka: "Do you think I just wanted to go out with you because I set you as my goal to conquer?"

She wasn't entirely wrong, but my actions weren't based on something so shallow.

I was actually greedier than that.

Suzune: "We are technically not going to go out, right? This was something you said yourself so yourself. Then there's no need to think more about it. Let's end it right now."

Kiyotaka: "I don't think that's how it works, you know."

Suzune: "You ate the food that I made for you, right? The dinner. It was a wonderful, delicious meal, wasn't it?"

Kiyotaka: "Yes, it was. But it was included in our date, right?"

Suzune: "Unfortunately, that wasn't my aim at all. I had an ulterior motive. The bet was only about spending some time together, right? The free meal was never mentioned in it."

Kiyotaka: "But you said in the classroom that you wanted to apologize to me for being rude with your assumptions, which was why you invited me here, didn't you?"

Suzune: "Did I? I don't remember saying such a thing. You must have misunderstood it, Ayanokouji-kun."

Kiyotaka: "No, you clearly said it."

Suzune: "Do you have any proof of that?"

Kiyotaka: "..."

Suzune: "Looks like you don't have anything to prove your claims, Ayanokouji-kun. I invited you for a dinner to call off our bet. You came and ate it and even said it was delicious. We are even now."

I was seriously speechless by her shameless attitude.

It was kind of funny and cute, but overall just shameless.

Kiyotaka: "What if I said that I don't want to? What if I am seriously interested in you or want to befriend you?"

Suzune: "Doesn't matter. I didn't come to this school to make some friends, let alone a lover. If you truly don't want to give up on that..."

Suzune stood up from the seat and came over to me.

Suzune: "Then I have no choice but to dole out rather merciless punishment to you."

She was trying to intimidate me right now, but I wasn't scared by her one bit.

Kiyotaka: "I don't think violence would resolve this dispute."

Suzune: "Oh, really? Violence has existed since the dawn of time. It has proven to be the humanity's most effective means of achieving resolution. If you want to make the others to listen to you or safety deny their demands, then this is the most reliable method. Even abroad, in many countries, the police is enforcing the law by using handguns or batons."

Kiyotaka: "Are you threatening me right now?"

She gave a grand speech, insisting that she would resort to the violent method if I didn't pull back.

She and Ryuuen would probably get along well.

Suzune: "What's your decision, Ayanokouji-kun?"

She was looking down on me, probably thinking that I was just a good-for-nothing pervert.

I chuckled slightly.

Kiyotaka: "Well, it's not like I am unreasonable person. If you sincerely said that you didn't want to spend time with me and apologized to me, I would let you off and stopped bothering you. But not only you didn't apologize to me and acknowledge that you lost the bet, you even tried to fool me and are currently threatening me. You probably think you are in the right, while I am in wrong. It's so annoying that I..."

I looked straight into her eyes with some provocation.

Kiyotaka: "I don't feel like forgetting about the bet at all."

The atmosphere in the room turned cold.

Suzune: "Then I will employ violence to rehabilitate you, Ayanokouji-kun. Someone like you is not qualified to be by my brother's side."

Kiyotaka: "We already fought once, didn't we? You attacked me with the intention to harm me, yet I saved you when your brother tried to expel you, and that's how you are going to repay me?"

Suzune: "It seems like you didn't learn your lesson, Ayanokouji-kun. We were in open space back then, so you could avoid me, but this time it's different."

Suzune suddenly walked away from me.

She arrived before her door and closed it with her keycard.

Suzune: "This time you can't escape."

Don't tell me...

Kiyotaka: "You think I can't escape just because you closed the door? No... Do you think I even need to escape from someone like you?"

Suzune: "Then are you going to take my keycard by force, Ayanokouji-kun? Men, who raised their hands against women, are called lowlifes or cowards by society. As Student Council Vice-President, is this something you are going to do against me?"

This girl couldn't be this stupid...

Suzune: "Even if you were to make such an action, then it's over for you."

She took the keycard and put it somewhere under her shirt.

Kiyotaka: "Did you just... put your keycard in your bra?"

I was seriously speechless.

Suzune: "That's right. Now, it's not only about whatever you can use violence against me, but if you can actually sexually assault me. I will tell you this, but if you truly went after the keycard, then I will definitely make an official complaint to the school."

So peace was never an option, huh?

Kiyotaka: "What if I just stay still like that? You can't keep me here forever, can you?"

Suzune: "That's alright with me too. Once you stay here long enough, I can just complain to the school that you tried to assault me. I was nice enough to believe in you and make you a dinner, yet you started acting like a beast. Fortunately, I managed to run away from your evil clutches and inform teachers about your despicable actions."

Damn it, this girl was pure evil!

Suzune: "It would be troublesome for you, right? But I will be nice and give you a solution - delete the recording about our bet and swore that you will never bother me again under the condition of expulsion. Also, leave Student Council right away. Then I will let you off."

The girl in front of me looked dead serious.

My mouth couldn't help, but twitch slightly.

Did she seriously think something like that would work?

Kiyotaka: "I can just shout that you are holding me hostage here. Your neighbors will hear me."

Suzune: "You can try, if you think it will be useful."

Could it be that she knew about the soundproofing?

It may be so, looking at her confident face.

Suzune closed some distance between us.

Suzune: "I'm giving you the last chance, Ayanokouji-kun. Give in before things will turn bad for you."

She seemed to think that she cornered me.

Even though she was speaking to me with the civility befitting the honor student, she was practically a devil.

If I was a normal student, I would be terrified by her.

But I wasn't a normal student.

So the only reaction she received was...

A big smirk on my face.

Kiyotaka: "I refuse. If I give in to something like that, then I would be nothing more than a loser."

Suzune face turned ice-cold.

Suzune: "I see."

After ending the sentence, Suzune instantly closed the distance between us.

I checked out, if she was going to wield some weapon, but this time she was bare handed.

Since it was like that, I could let her do whatever she wanted.

Kiyotaka: "Ouch!"

Suzune kicked my stomach with some force.

She wasn't holding back at all.

Kiyotaka: "Did you seriously just kicked me?"

Suzune: "It's your rehabilitation time, Ayanokouji-kun. Blame yourself for being stupid."

Suzune attacked me again.

I had some suspicious about it, but she really turned out to be a martial artist.

She was quite strong for a high school girl.

For some time, I let her beat me mercilessly.

Kiyotaka: "Ouch!"

Suzune's breath was slightly disordered.

She was still glaring at me.

Suzune: "You spoke big, but in the end you couldn't really hit me, Ayanokouji-kun. Stop being stubborn and do as I say. Otherwise, I will really call the school."

I chuckled slightly.

Kiyotaka: "I'm Student Council Vice-President. Of course, I wouldn't hit you. But do you seriously think that everything you did will go unpunished?"

Suzune: "It's your word against mine. Do you think your position or background will help you? You won't be able to hide behind any of that."

Kiyotaka: "No, I never really relied on something like those."

I smiled at her.

Suzune: "What's so funny?"

Kiyotaka: "Ah, I'm sorry. I just want to check out something."

I quickly took my phone from my inner pocket and showed it to the black-haired girl.

I stopped the recording that I turned on before coming to Suzune's floor.

Then I played it from the beginning.

Everything that happened during our dinner was nicely recorded.

Suzune's face was turning worse and worse, from the slight uncertainty to utter terror, as she realized what's going on.

Kiyotaka: "I thought that something was definitely wrong, when you asked me out, but to think I would receive such an unjust treatment from you, Suzune. I think the school and your brother will be really interested in this recording that expose a dangerous person like you, who just threaten an innocent student like me for some selfish reasons."

Suzune: "You..."

Kiyotaka: "I had nothing but good intention towards you, Suzune. You may not believe me, but I really had it. But this time I won't let you off."

Suzune's face was really pale.

Kiyotaka: "It seems like this is a goodbye, Suzune. It was a short time, but you leave me no choice..."

Before I managed to leave the sentence, Suzune ran towards me and tried to kick me again.

But this time, I easily avoided her attack.

Kiyotaka: "Ah, right. It seems like you still are mistaken about one thing."

Suzune attacked me fiercely again and again.

Kiyotaka: "It's not like I was avoiding you, because I was scared to face the consequences of doing so."

I avoided those with an ease.

Kiyotaka: "It's because it would be troublesome to attack you during the recording."

Suzune madly tried to take away the phone from me.

Kiyotaka: "But now I don't need to hold back anymore."

I said in the cold voice and moved towards Suzune.

Suzune: "Hya!"

It was an easy task to tackle her to the ground.

I took one of the items I prepared just in case - a short rope.

Since I knew about her violent behavior, having something to constrain her movements was a given.

I pinned her to my legs and tied her hands from behind.

Suzune: "W-What are you doing, Ayanokouji-kun?! Untie me this instant!"

Suzune was red from the rage and embarrassment.

I sat on her bed and pulled her to my side.

It was a payback time.

Suzune: "Let me go, you bastard! I will sue you! If you dare to make something to me, I..."

SLAP!

With a huge bang, I spanked Suzune's butt with some force.

Suzune: "Aaaaah?! What are you doing?!"

Kiyotaka: "Looks like you are lacking in the common sense department, so I decided to take it upon myself to teach you, Suzune. If you act bad towards people, then the consequences will kick your ass one day, which in this case means this."

SLAP!

Suzune: "Kyah!"

Kiyotaka: "This is your punishment for looking down on me."

SLAP!

Suzune: "Ouch!"

Kiyotaka: "And this is for trying to entrap me."

SLAP!

Suzune: "Ouuch!"

Kiyotaka: "This one is for not showing any gratitude towards me."

SLAP!

Suzune: "Aaaah! You bastard!"

SLAP!

Suzune: "Stop it! Stop it this instant! How dare you..."

SLAP!

Suzune: "You pervert, stop it!"

SLAP!

Suzune: "The school will learn about it!"

SLAP!

Kiyotaka: "If you don't show any signs of regret, I will keep going with your penalty."

SLAP!

No matter how Suzune howled and cried, I kept spanking her butt.

At first, I only thought about teaching her a lesson, but...

SLAP!

The feeling of slapping her butt was so great that it may be addictive.

SLAP!

I felt like something was awakening inside of me.

Suzune: "Huff... Huff... W-Wait, Ayanokouji-kun..."

SLAP!

Kiyotaka: "It's Kiyotaka-kun, right?"

Suzune: "K-Kiyotaka-kun..."

Suzune's face was beet red.

She was trying to grasp her breath desperately.

Her eyes were moist from tearing up because of pain.

She looked so valuable and fragile that I...

SLAP!

I wanted to slap her some more.

Suzune: "Ah! Why did you hit me again?!"

Kiyotaka: "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't expect you to obediently listen to me so quickly, so I went with the flow. My bad, Suzune."

Suzune: "You scum... let me go already..."

SLAP!

Kiyotaka: "Just when I thought that you finally started to become obedient, you returned to your old attitude. I told you, didn't I? I will continue to do this until you apologize to me."

Suzune: "Dream on! I will make sure you will see hell after..."

SLAP!

Suzune: "Ouch!"

Kiyotaka: "Still going on it, huh? But you seem to forget about an important detail."

I played again the recording of today's dinner.

Kiyotaka: "No matter what you are going to tell anyone later on, this recording will negate your accusations thoroughly. And even if I would be punished for something, it's not like you would be clear of your wrongdoings, so there's no need for me to stop."

SLAP!

Kiyotaka: "Apologise to me, Suzune."

Suzune: "Y-You..."

SLAP!

Kiyotaka: "Apologize."

SLAP!

Kiyotaka: "Apologize."

SLAP!

...

I was spanking Suzune's butt for some time, while speaking only the word 'Apologize'.

Suzune: "Guu... Huff... P-Please stop... K-Kiyotaka-kun..."

Suzune was sweating profusely.

Her body was slightly twitching.

There was a trace of saliva coming from her mouth.

Although I was controlling my strength to make sure she didn't have any marks on her body later on, she was still slowly reaching her limit.

Kiyotaka: "I still didn't hear the important sentence from your mouth, Suzune."

Suzune: "..."

Despite everything, she still remained stubborn and didn't want to apologize to me.

I sighed.

Kiyotaka: "How disappointing. No wonder your brother treats you like that."

The mention of her brother made Suzune's eyes recover some fire.

Suzune: "Shut... up..."

Kiyotaka: "Did I say something wrong? You are just a useless, defective sister for him. Maybe letting him expel you would be a better choice."

Suzune: "Shut up, you pervert! What do you know?!"

Kiyotaka: "More than you think. But you are right. It should be your brother's decision, not mine."

I chose Horikita Manabu's number on my phone.

Suzune: "What... are you doing?"

Kiyotaka: "I'm calling your brother. I have the means to expel his useless, yet dangerous sister. He should be the one to judge, if you should stay here. Let him hear everything that happened today and decide."

Suzune: "Stop it! You... You will face the consequences as well!"

Suzune's strong front was destroyed instantly by mentioning her brother.

She looked at me with some panic in her eyes.

Kiyotaka: "Yes. But unlike you, I don't think he would punish me harshly. You see, your brother kind of needs me, which is why he appointed me as Vice-President. Who knows, maybe he will even approve that I was acting in self-defense manner and not punish me at all. But you... You don't have that kind of value in his eyes."

I looked coldly at Suzune.

Suzune: "S-Stop it! I... I will keep quiet about everything that happened today."

Kiyotaka: "But I don't want to keep quiet about it, which is why I want to call your brother right now. Where's your previous bravado? I'm sure President will understand your reasoning and motives."

SLAP!

I pushed the call button while spanking her butt once more.

Suzune: "No... You can't... I..."

Suzune's body was trembling even more than before, but this time it was from the fear.

After being abused by me for some time, her defenses were low right now.

Suzune ( in low voice ): "I... II apologize..."

Kiyotaka: "Hm? What?"

Suzune: "I apologize! I'm sorry! So stop it righ... hum!"

I quickly put my hand on Suzune's mouth.

Because my call was answered.

[Manabu]: Good evening, Ayanokouji. Why did you call me at such an hour?

Suzune looked terrified.

Her body stopped trembling and was stiff like a statue.

[Kiyotaka]: Ah, senpai. I'm sorry, I must have chosen your number by mistake. I apologize for bothering you.

[Manabu]: I see.

[Kiyotaka]: See you tomorrow at Student Council, senpai. Take care.

[Manabu]: You too, Ayanokouji.

I ended the call and looked at Suzune.

The black-haired girl was breathing hardly, as if she just remembered to even breath.

She seemed tired, but relieved.

Kiyotaka: "So, Suzune... Mind finishing the sentence you were trying to speak before my call?"

Suzune: "..."

Suzune tried to glare at me, but wasn't even half as good at it than before.

Kiyotaka: "I can still make a call, you know."

Suzune: "..."

She looked away.

Suzune: "I... apologize."

I chuckled.

She was practically begging me just a minute before, then again returned to her proud self.

Kiyotaka: "I guess that's good enough for today. I accept the apology."

Suzune: "Then let me g... Kyaa! What are you doing?!"

Suzune cried in surprise, after feeling my hand touching her butt.

Kiyotaka: "I just thought that it must have hurt a lot, so I will rub where I hit you as an apology."

My hand started gently and carefully rub the places I spanked earlier.

Even if it was hidden under her clothes, I could still feel how soft her big rear was.

This girl had some serious firepower here.

Suzune: "S-Stop..."

Despite her refusal, I still continued to lightly stroke her butt for a moment.

Kiyotaka: "This is kind of fun."

Suzune: "You pervert! Stop it!"

I really reluctantly stopped my hand.

It was time to finish today's date.

Suzune's face was resembling a tomato.

I bet this was the most intense day in her life so far.

I gently untied her and placed her on the bed.

She was so weak that she didn't even have strength to lash out on me.

Kiyotaka: "I'm sure you are aware, but if you go against me again, I will give the recording to your brother. You won't receive any more favors from me from now on. Remember that, Suzune."

Suzune glared slightly at me.

Kiyotaka: "Unsatisfied? It's the result of your actions, so you can curse only at yourself. Even if you hate me, this ass-slapping punishment was actually a lucky outcome for you. I could do much more to you right now and make your life truly a living hell."

Suzune: "Get lost, you bastard! I never want to see you again!"

Kiyotaka: "I intended to, but there's one problem with that, Suzune."

I unscrupulously looked at her chest.

Suzune took a few second to realize.

Suzune: "You pervert!"

She put her hands on her breasts and turned to the side, facing the wall.

Kiyotaka: "I'm not the one, who put that keycard in your bra, you know. Also, are you sure you want to turn your ass to my side, Suzune?"

Suzune turned around and faced me with an ominous face.

I smiled at her and put out my hand.

Kiyotaka: "Your keycard, please."

Suzune: "..."

Kiyotaka: "Do you actually want me to take it myself, Suzune? You sure aren't honest with your feelings. I don't mind exploring another part of your body today. Or... do you want me to stay with you all night and explore more than just a part of you?"

Suzune: "Take it and go to hell!"

Suzune quickly put her hand under her clothes and took the keycard.

She threw it at me furiously, but I easily caught it.

Kiyotaka: "See you tomorrow, Suzune."

Suzune: "I hate you, Ayanokouji-kun. I'm going to hold the grudge against you for the rest of my life. You'd best prepare yourself."

It was seriously impressive how she still remained the same even after all that.

What kind of life did she live to be like that?

I was really curious.

Kiyotaka: "Which means that you are going to stay close to me for the rest of my life, almost like a wife. I look forward to that, Suzune. "

I took a good look at her pretty face for the last time and left the room.

.

.

.

Chapter 24 - An Ally

Third person's POV

Second-year student: "Nagumo will learn about it, you cocky freshman. Remember that!"

With faces full of irritation, two second-year boys looked at two freshmen before leaving.

The black-haired freshman sighed in relief, while the brown-haired freshman smiled slightly while waving to them.

The brown-haired freshman: "Make sure to send him my greetings."

He wasn't surprised at their anger.

He just blackmailed them of the all of their private points, after all.

Anyone would be furious.

The brown-haired boy: "Good job, Professor."

The black-haired boy: "Haha, even if we did it a few times, it's still so stressful."

The boys were called Ayanokouji Kiyotaka and Sotomura Hideo.

They were currently on mission to earn some poin... cough, cough... to punish the wrongdoings of upperclassmen towards the freshmen.

?: "Fufu, that's why you are a splendid bait, Prof."

The two boys looked at the third accomplice of their mission.

She was a great beauty with platinum hair called Kiryuin Fuka.

Professor: "I have a mixed feeling about this praise, Kiryuin-dono."

Ayanokouji: "You are earning a big sum of money in exchange for that, so stop whining."

The brown-haired boy was right.

It was the third time they managed to blackmail their seniors, and the number of private points they managed to earn was reaching one million per person.

Ayanokouji: "I even let you off from this weekend's training program, so you could be more flexible."

Professor: "After a few days of hell, I finally feel like a human being again."

Sotomura felt as if he would seriously cry.

His entire body was still feeling heavy, but he finally woke up at the normal hour and didn't have to experience the physical torture.

Kiryuin: "Kiyotaka, you are a personal trainer now? That's great."

Kiryuin's slender arms hugged Ayanokouji's neck, greatly reducing the distance to the boy.

Kiryuin: "My body is also in need of training, Kiyotaka. Will you help me?"

The platinum-haired beauty asked in a seductive voice.

Sotomura, being a man of great culture, imagined a full training program for Kiryuin within just a second, but then quickly shook those thoughts, fearing for his life.

Ayanokouji also understood the double-meaning of the girl and smiled provocatively at the girl, while his arms slightly hugged her waist.

Ayanokouji: "What kind of training would you like?"

Kiryuin was never hugged by a boy before, so her body shivered a little because of the closeness, but quickly started to enjoy the intimacy between them.

Kiryuin: "You know, some stretching here and there... But also some intense workout would be nice... I wouldn't mind some rough treatment as well, you know~"

Both of the boys had the same line of thought about what kind of training the girl was asking for.

Ayanokouji: "I think I have some ideas already."

Kiryuin: "Great. I look forward to it."

Both of them looked at each other, smiling dangerously like the predators they were.

Professor couldn't bear it any longer and looked away with moistened eyes.

Professor: "Damn it... I want a girlfriend..."

After experiencing the antics of those two for some time, he had a sudden rush of loneliness.

When Ayanokouji proposed this mission for him, Sotomura thought it would be just the two of them.

Since Ayanokouji was famous, Professor was going to be a bait for some hot-blooded senpais or the ones, who tries to blackmail kouhais like in Sudo's case, while the brown-haired boy was using his position as Student Council Vice-President to pressure the upperclassmen after they were caught in the trap.

He only learned of Kiryuin's participation, when they started to hunt down their seniors.

Not that he was against the presence of a beautiful girl like Kiryuin in this team, but it still made him uncomfortable, since he wasn't very good at conversing with 3D girls.

Fortunately, Kiryuin was rather nice to him, and it was easy to speak with her, which made Professor feel that his communication skills grew up a little.

But there were still some awkward moments.

Especially when those two were flirting with each other from time to time.

Kiryuin: "Look. It seems like we have another case."

The trio was going back to the dorm after deciding to end things for a day, when the platinum-haired girl pointed at some group a little further from them.

There were three guys, upperclassmen, who surrounded one girl, who seemed familiar to the two boys.

The girl could be considered highly attractive with a well-endowed body, waist-length blue hair that has bangs going on either side and orange eyes with a mole visible beneath her left eye.

Especially, her chest was really of high-caliber, making her a worthy opponent of even a girl like Ichinose Honami.

Ayanokouji: "That's a girl from our class."

Sotomura: "Hasebe Haruka."

Professor confirmed the identity of the girl.

Ayanokouji: "Let's check things out."

The trio carefully reduced the distance to the other group.

It was indeed a student from Class 1-D, Hasebe Haruka.

The girl was currently greatly annoyed.

After spending some time with several girls from her class, including Kushida Kikyo, she decided to go back to the dorm.

She disliked being around many people, who were more like strangers than friends to her.

Apart from Kushida, she couldn't find anyone, whom she could feel comfortable to talk to, which was why she left the group earlier.

When she was in the middle of going back, the three upperclassmen came to her, trying to invite her out.

Hasebe already had some experience with such a situation.

Due to her large bust, she was a target of attention many times before.

The boys tried to act like gentlemen, but she could feel their eyes on her chest, which made her incredibly uncomfortable.

She was trying to refuse them, but they were stubbornly blocking her way.

After a few tries, she was growing irritated by them, but unfortunately, the other side was also stopping being nice.

Hasebe: "I already said that I don't want to hang out with you. Please leave me alone."

Senpai 1: "Don't be like that, kouhai. You are treating us like some bad guys."

Senpai 2: "That's right. We saw you walking alone and thought that maybe you would like some company, yet you are making the big deal out of it."

Hasebe: "I refuse. Excuse me, but I need to go."

Hasebe tried to force her way out, but one of the boys caught her arm.

Senpai 3: "Oy, what's your problem, girl? You are treating us like we are some bugs. Is this how you should treat your senpais?"

Hasebe: "Let me go! I will call the teachers."

Hasebe tried to act strong, but she started to be afraid because of forcefulness of her upperclassmen.

Senpai 1: "You seriously are looking down at us, kouhai. We were trying to be nice to you as your senpais, but you just started to cause a ruckus like that. This is insulting, you know."

Senpai 2: "If anything, it's us, who should call the teachers for being treated like that by you."

The three students were pressing the girl, refusing to let her go.

Hasebe, feeling helpless and afraid, was seriously thinking of shouting for some help, when suddenly, a hand caught the arm of the boy, who was holding Hasebe.

Unbeknownst to all the four people, a person appeared just before them with tyrannical speed.

Ayanokouji: "I don't think the teachers are needed. For degenerates like you, I should be more than enough."

The group of four became surprised by the unexpected appearance of another student.

Hasebe looked at the brown-haired boy with astonishment.

She recognized him.

It was a famous person from her class, Student Council Vice-President Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

Senpai 3: "Who the hell are you, brat? Let go of me this instant."

Ayanokouji's grip became stronger and stronger.

The senpai, whose arm he was holding, let go of Hasebe with a pained expression.

Senpai 3: "Aahh! Let... go... you..."

He was trying to punch Ayanokouji, but the brown-haired boy caught his other hand and gripped it as well.

Senpai 3: "Aaaahh!"

The upperclassman couldn't help but scream in pain, while falling on his knees.

Ayanokouji let go of him with a cold face.

The other two senpais felt an unease, while looking at their friend.

Senpai 2: "Who are you? How dare you attack us?"

Senpai 1: "Wait a second. You're that kouhai, who recently became Vice-President of Student Council, Ayanokouji."

Senpai 2: "What?"

The revelation made the trio understand how much of a troublesome situation they were currently in.

They wouldn't be afraid of some normal boy.

At most, they would let go of the big-breasted chick for now and try to find her later.

Even if the teacher was called, it would still be their testimony against those two, so the school wouldn't punish them without any solid proof.

But a member of Student Council was different.

The school may treat his opinion of the matter higher than theirs.

Fortunately, he was still an underclassman, who wasn't aware of the rules of the school as much as they.

Senpai 1: "Kouha..."

Ayanokouji: "It's Vice-President for you. I won't lower myself to the point of having someone like you three as senpais."

Ayanokouji coldly expressed his dissatisfaction.

Senpai 2: "What did you say?!"

Ayanokouji: "What? Feel insulted? Want to call the teachers for being treated like that?"

Ayanokouji looked at the guy with a mocking expression, repeating bold words the other side said to Hasebe just a moment ago.

Senpai 2: "You..."

Senpai 1: "Stop it! Vice-President Ayanokouji, it seems like there's a misunderstanding here."

Ayanokouji: "Is it?"

Senpai 1: "Yes. We just saw that this girl was walking alone and asked her if she wanted to hang out with us. That's all."

Ayanokouji: "For me, it looked as if you wanted to drag her away with you by force."

Senpai 1: "This girl was acting rude towards us for our goodwill, which was why my friends became irritated by her."

Hasebe: "That's not true. It was you, who was rude to me. I just wanted to walk away from you, but you were trying to force me to stay."

Senpai 1: "My friend just wanted you to apologize to us for your ill manners, that's all."

Hasebe: "That's a lie!"

Ayanokouji looked at the bickering of the two sides with some interest.

Hasebe's heart grew slightly anxious that he would actually believe those bastards.

After all, despite being classmates, she never really interacted with him and only heard some rumors about the boy.

Ayanokouji: "I witnessed it as an act of bullying towards the girl. But if you are not convinced by that, then we can just ask another witness."

Senpai 1: "Huh?"

Ayanokouji waved his hand and the black-haired boy appeared.

Hasebe also recognized him.

It was an otaku from her class, who was hanging around with Ayanokouji, Sotomura Hideo.

Ayanokouji: "What do you think about the situation, Sotomura?"

Sotomura: "It was clearly a harassment. I even dare to say that they were trying to assault her, Ayanokouji-dono."

Hasebe rejoiced by this statement.

Her classmates were clearly by her side.

She couldn't help but feel grateful towards them.

Senpai 3: "Bullshit! Brat, don't speak irresponsibly like that!"

Senpai 2: "That's right! This is serious slander."

The two senpais became angry out of anxiety, trying to intimidate Sotomura, but the black-haired boy already knew how the things were going to end here.

Sotomura: "I have a recording of them. I think we should hand it over to the school."

Sotomura played a movie on his phone.

Ayanokouji: "That's good, Sotomura. Then we should let the school decide what to do with those three."

The upperclassmen looked shocked by the development of the situation.

If the school finds out about it, then there would be some serious repercussions for them.

Senpai 1: "W-Wait a minute! There's no need to involve the school in this matter. We will apologize to her."

Senpai 2: "That's right. We didn't have any malicious intentions."

Senpai 3: "I only caught her arm by reflex. Kouhai, I'm sorry."

The trio started to apologize to Hasebe in hurry.

Hasebe, not knowing what to do, looked at Ayanokouji for some solution.

Ayanokouji: "How shallow of you. If you really wanted to apologize to her, you should give her some offering, you know."

Senpai 1: "An offering?"

Ayanokouji: "Yes. For example, private points."

Senpai 3: "Huh?"

Ayanokouji: "I think 100000 private points per person should be enough for her to feel your sincerity. What do you think?"

Ayanokouji looked at Hasebe with smile and winked to her.

It took a few moments for the girl to understand what the brown-haired boy was proposing.

Hasebe: "I think it may be good."

Still confused, Hasebe decided to listen to the advice of Ayanokouji.

Ayanokouji: "Great. Then it's 100000 private points per person for the victim and 50000 private points per person for each of the witness. Please give us altogether 600000 private points and we are good."

The three upperclassmen looked at Ayanokouji with disbelief.

They also understood the meaning of the boy.

Senpai 2: "You..."

Senpai 1: "We agree!"

Just when one of them started to say something with indignation, the other one stopped him, fearing that the things may escalate more than this.

He understood that there's nothing they could do and just losing some private points was a small prize to pay comparing to the other possible consequences.

Finally, the three of them paid their fees and left.

Two boys and one girl from Class 1-D stayed in some silence.

Hasebe: "Buhaha, did you see their faces, when they left? As if they ate some lemons whole."

Hasebe burst in laughing, giving vent to her emotions.

She felt so satisfied and relieved that she couldn't help but laugh.

The two boys looked at her with some smiles.

Ayanokouji: "I'm sure you are aware already, but I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. We are classmates. Nice to meet you."

Sotomura: "We already know each other from the introductions at the first day, but I'm Sotomura Hideo."

Hasebe: "I'm Hasebe Haruka. Nice to meet you, Ayanokouji-kun, Sotomura-kun. Thank you very much for your help just now."

Ayanokouji: "No problem. I apologize for letting them go after they scared you."

Hasebe shook her head.

Hasebe: "Don't be. I don't mind. Rather, I feel so satisfied and refreshing right now. Their faces were priceless."

Fortunately, Hasebe didn't want to pursue the matter to the end.

Ayanokouji: "Thanks. If they or someone else would bother you again, call me. This is my number."

Ayanokouji gave Hasebe a small note with his number.

Hasebe looked at it for a moment.

She just received the phone number from the most famous boy from her class.

Many girls would go crazy for that.

Hasebe couldn't help but start to have some girly thoughts about this accomplishment.

Hasebe: "Thank you. I will remember this. Although..."

Hasebe looked at Ayanokouji with a mischievous expression.

Hasebe: "I didn't think that upright Student Council Vice-President would resort to such means. I remember that you helped Sudo-kun in the similar way. You are actually a bad boy, aren't you, Ayanokouji-kun? "

Ayanokouji gave Hasebe a similar expression to hers.

Ayanokouji: "Who knows?"

Hasebe: "Fufu, looks like I hit a bullseye. Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."

Hasebe discovered that she didn't feel any discomfort, while speaking with the brown-haired boy.

She even teased him a little with ease, despite just meeting him.

The blue-haired girl couldn't feel any lustful gaze from him towards her chest as well.

It felt refreshing and comfortable to be around him.

On top of that, from the previous situation, it was evident that he was definitely a physically capable boy - something that Hasebe appreciated the most in the opposite sex.

This person may be someone for her.

But she quickly let go of such thoughts.

It was too early to evaluate Ayanon so highly.

The trio of Class D talked a little, then Hasebe said her goodbye to the boys, while promising to treat them sometime for something delicious and expensive.

After Hasebe disappeared from their sight, Ayanokoji looked at Sotomura with a smile.

Ayanokouji: "Looks like we did another good deed today."

Sotomura: "Looks like we did."

Ayanokouji: "What about Fuka?"

Sotomura: "She went with the recording of the situation to get the rest of those guys' private points and should be here soon."

Ayanokouji: "I see."

Sotomura: "Couldn't we just take all of their points right from the start? I know that we would need to divide it with Hasebe-dono as well, but it would be less troublesome than this."

Ayanokouji: "It may be, but think about the future as well. Once this month ends, our class will face a massive reduction of points. At that time, the ones who have more points will be targets. It's already a well-known fact among our classmates that Sudo and I possess more points, so we are going to face some problems at the beginning of May."

Sotomura: "Do you think Hasebe-dono will speak about today to the others like Sudo-dono?"

Ayanokouji: "She seems more careful and rational than Sudo and the situation is rather delicate for her, but the possibility remains. Make sure to be prepared, since you may be a target as well, Sotomura. No one should know how many points we currently possess."

Sotomura: "I got it."

The two boys stayed like that for a few minutes before the platinum-haired girl came.

Kiryuin: "Sorry for making you wait."

Ayanokouji: "How was it?"

Kiryuin: "They were refusing at the beginning, but after I almost called the school, they gave in."

Ayanokouji: "You worked hard, Fuka."

Kiryuin: "Not as hard as a certain person, who performed the famous play ' the hero saves a beauty '. Looks like another girl is about to fall into an evil clutches."

Ayanokouji: "You are overthinking it."

Kiryuin: "I wonder."

Kiryuin looked at Ayanokouji with a profound meaning.

Ayanokouji: "What?"

Kiryuin: "That girl sure was big, wasn't she?"

Ayanokouji: "That's true."

Kiryuin: "I wonder which one is bigger - her or Ichinose."

Ayanokouji: "I think it would be a close match."

Kiryuin: "I see. You couldn't measure her that closely yet."

Ayanokouji: "My preferences stay in thighs and butts, Fuka."

Kiryuin: "Hoh? I actually never asked about it."

Ayanokouji: "I just thought that I would make myself clear, since someone's mood seemed sour."

Kiryuin: "I wonder who that someone is."

Ayanokouji: "Someone with great rear and nice thighs."

Kiryuin: "What a pervert you are, Kiyotaka."

Ayanokouji: "I was obviously speaking about myself, Fuka. Wanna check them out to improve my mood?"

Kiryuin: "What a perverted narcissist you are, Kiyotaka."

Ayanokouji: "So you don't wanna?"

Kiryuin: "Who knows?"

Sotomura looked at the pair, who were once again boldly flirting with each other, with only one thought:

'Hurry up and marry already, you pair of horny lovebirds.'

---

Nishino Takeko's POV

Takeko: "Hmm... Maybe this one?"

I looked at myself in the mirror, asking the same question to no one particular once again.

Today I was going to meet with Ayanokouji-kun and I had some problems with what outfit should I wear for that.

It's not like I was an indecisive person.

It's just that I wasn't sure what kind of meeting it was supposed to be.

Was it just a meeting between friends?

Or was it actually a date?

My head was full of such thoughts.

Takeko: "Should I play it safe or risk it all?"

I sighed, once again asking the empty space.

Meeting with a popular boy was a troublesome thing for a girl.

But since I had an opportunity, I should try out my luck.

In the end, I decided to go with a pretty date-like outfit and small make-up.

Even if it's not a date, trying to figure out Ayanokouji-kun's attitude towards the idea was also good.

At least, as a girl, I was hoping to hear some compliments from him.

I left my room satisfied and entered an elevator.

We decided to meet at the dorm's entrance, so it didn't take much time for me to find him.

Ayanokouji-kun was wearing a nice-looking shirt and pants, which made me realize one thing.

It was probably a date.

Once this became clear, my heart skipped a beat.

I rejoiced on my choice of outfit.

He noticed me and smiled slightly, which just made my heartbeat even quicker.

He was really handsome.

I came closer to him.

Before I managed to greet him, my nose noticed some good perfume, making my feelings swing a little more.

This totally was a cheating.

Ayanokouji: "Good afternoon, Nishino."

Takeko: "Good afternoon, Ayanokouji-kun. Did you wait long?"

Ayanokouji: "No, I just arrived."

Takeko: "That's good. Where are we going?"

Ayanokouji: "Since we are still not familiar with the campus, I thought about exploring some places, but I don't know now..."

Ayanokouji-kun seemed to think deep about something.

Takeko: "?"

Ayanokouji: "Seeing how pretty you look right now, I don't have a confidence to walk with you. Just how many people will I antagonize after today?"

Ayanokouji-kun made a troubled expression, as if he seriously was considering it.

What?

Realizing that he was actually complimenting my look, I felt my cheeks burning a little.

I was expecting some comments, but still I was caught off the guard with his words.

This guy...

Takeko: "Thank you, but that should be my line, Ayanokouji-kun. You look so handsome right now. The vision of becoming an enemy of so many girls makes me feel pressure."

I also made a troubled expression, answering a tease with a tease.

Ayanokouji: "I don't think it may be a problem for you, Nishino. I know that you are a brave person."

Ayanokouji-kun spoke confidently.

I didn't know why he was so sure of that, but it didn't feel bad.

I was only hoping that he wouldn't notice the blush on my face.

Ayanokouji: "Okay, I think I gathered enough courage now. Shall we go then?"

Takeko: "Yes, let's go."

After this small exchange, we walked together out of the building and headed towards the entertainment area.

Since both of us didn't really know what's where, we just moved from place to place.

At the beginning, I was wondering if the conversation between us would be too stiff, but my worries were groundless.

Ayanokouji-kun was a good talker.

He also teased me a lot, which was kinda unexpected, but enjoyable.

The only problem was his fame.

Since it was weekend, there were many people around.

Some of them recognized Ayanokouji-kun and were talking about us.

I could feel some envious stares from a few girls.

I thought that I would be more bothered by it, but the mood was so good that I just ignored it.

Ayanokouji: "Nishino, are you hungry? I know a place not too far from here. It's not that extravagant, but also not too shabby."

Takeko: "Sure."

He led me to a small restaurant on the sidelines of the school ground.

Considering the localization of the place, I suspected that Ayanokouji-kun also realized that we were getting some attention and wanted to take a break from prying eyes.

I was grateful for that.

On top of that, it was a good place for some privacy.

We entered the building.

?: "Welcome... Tch, it's you, Kiyotaka."

We were greeted by some workers here, but when he saw Ayanokouji-kun's face, he looked annoyed.

Did he just call Ayanokouji-kun by his name?

Ayanokouji: "Hello, Henry. It's nice to see you again, too."

Looks like Ayanokouji-kun and that worker knew each other.

Is that why he proposed this place?

I had many questions right now.

Ayanokouji: "Looks like you don't have any customers at the moment. Isn't it bad for the store?"

Henry: "Leave me alone. It's still an early hour."

The man called Henry looked at me, then his expression became surprised.

His vision scanned me slightly.

Ayanokouji: "We would like a table for two."

Henry: "Tch, lucky bastard. Come."

He gave us a table near the window and left us to decide on a menu.

Takeko: "Ayanokouji-kun, it seems like you know that waiter."

I couldn't bear my curiosity and asked a question.

Ayanokouji: "Yes. Actually, he is a distant relative of mine. Also, he is an owner of this place."

Takeko: "What?"

That person was Ayanokouji-kun's relative?

That was a big, surprising news.

Ayanokouji: "Before you ask, I didn't know that he would be here. I just learned about it a few days ago."

Takeko: "I see. What a coincidence, Ayanokouji-kun."

Ayanokouji: "I think so, too. It's a little secret of mine. I hope you will keep it."

Ayanokouji-kun winked at me.

Takeko: "Of course."

A secret, huh?

It felt kind of nice that he told me about it.

We ordered our food.

Ayanokouji-kun was teasing Henry-san slightly, making him irritated and grumpy.

I could tell that those two were rather close.

It reminded me of my brother.

I hoped everything was okay with him.

Henry-san came back quickly with our order.

Everything was pretty good.

Ayanokouji: "By the way, Nishino, how's the situation in your class currently? Did Ryuuen harassed someone again?"

Takeko: "Huh? No, actually, he became silent after meeting with you. Everyone was surprised, but relieved by it."

Ayanokouji: "I see. So he took my advice..."

For some reason, Ayanokouji-kun's expression became serious.

It made me uneasy a little.

Takeko: "Umm...Is there a problem with it?"

Ayanokouji: "No. It just means that Ryuuen is a smart person. Wether it's a blessing or a curse for your class will be clear in the near future."

Takeko: "What do you mean by that?"

Ayanokouji-kun looked deeply at me and sighed.

Ayanokouji: "Actually, there's one more secret I would like to share with you, Nishino."

Takeko: "Huh?"

And then I learned the truth about this school from Ayanokouji-kun.

I had some suspicious about it, but this was beyond everything I thought about.

Class competition?

Our income based on the score of the entire class?

This...

Takeko: "This is madness! Why our teachers didn't say anything about it? Such important information should be explained on the first day of the school."

Ayanokouji: "From my investigation, I concluded that this is a test for us in this month - trying to figure out S-System on our own and prevent the reduction of points as much as possible. That's why our income was so high from the start. I expect a big reduction of it on 1st May, then we will probably fight among ourselves to increase it again."

Takeko: "This..."

After hearing the full explanation from Ayanokouji-kun, I understood how much naive me and the other students were.

Takeko: "How much sure are you about that, Ayanokouji-kun?"

I still couldn't believe it.

Ayanokouji: "Practically 100% sure. Because I managed to figure it out so quickly, I was approved as Vice-President of Student Council. That's the true reason of my appointment by President Horikita."

So that was why...

Now everything made sense.

The school's secret and Ayanokouji-kun's sudden nomination.

I closed my eyes, trying to organize my thoughts after those revelations.

Takeko: "Wait. Since there's the class competition, then you and I..."

Ayanokouji: "We are enemies, that's right."

Ayanokouji-kun confirmed my worries with a stoic expression.

Takeko: "Then why did you tell me this?"

Ayanokouji: "Well... To be honest, I told you because I have some ulterior motives."

Ayanokouji-kun scratched lightly the back of his head, looking a little embarrassed.

Takeko: "Ulterior motives?"

Seeing him like that and hearing this sentence made my heart jump a little.

Ayanokouji: "But firstly, I would like to ask you a question, Nishino."

Ayanokouji-kun changed his expression to a serious one.

Ayanokouji: "Why did you report Ryuuen to Sakagami-sensei, Nishino?"

Eh?

This...

Takeko: "Why do you know about it, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Did Sakagami-sensei told him about it?

Ayanokouji: "I heard about it from the trustworthy source. It's not Sakagami-sensei though."

Takeko: "Then who?"

Ayanokouji: "I would like to keep the identity of that person hidden for the time being. Would you mind answer my question? Why did you go to Sakagami-sensei?"

Takeko: "I... I wanted the school to do something about Ryuuen-kun."

Ayanokouji: "Then what about now, Nishino? What do you think about Ryuuen's presence in the class?"

Takeko: "Huh?"

What do I think about it now?

Takeko: "I suppose Ryuuen-kun won't listen to us and will be a hindrance anyway."

Ayanokouji: "That's true. I also think that Ryuuen won't listen easily to anyone. He probably will continue his violent acts in the near future."

Takeko: "If he becomes violent again, then he should be punished for that."

Ayanokouji-kun smiled a little and shook his head.

Ayanokouji: "Unfortunately, Ryuuen won't be easily punished, Nishino. And once the class competition will be known for everyone, the chances for his punishment may even decrease."

Takeko: "What?"

Ayanokouji: "From now on, this is just my speculation, but I don't think the class competition will be purely based on our academic and physical progress. Our classes probably will face some more challenges that are outside those fields."

Takeko: "What kind of challenges?"

Ayanokouji: "Unfortunately, I am currently unable to answer. But this suspicious isn't groundless either. Making us figure out S-System on our own may be a good example. There's also an issue with Sakagami-sensei's attitude towards Ryuuen."

Takeko: "Attitude?"

Ayanokouji: "Our homeroom teachers are supposed to monitor and help their respective classes. If this was just competition based on exams and sports, then Ryuuen may be a problem, like you said. But Sakagami-sensei never intended to reprimand him or help you guys. Unless there would be a clear evidence of Ryuuen's actions, he probably won't do anything."

That was exactly what Sakagami-sensei said to me.

Takeko: "So it's intentional? But why?"

Ayanokouji: "Yes, it is. I believe the answer is in the format of class battles. If we are going to compete in non-standard things, Ryuuen may be a powerful asset to your class. His violent tendencies aside, he is a strong and sly person. He has qualities of ruler, although they're tyrant-like ones. To have a good, functional class capable of competing with the others, there's a need for a class leader."

I looked at Ayanokouji-kun with astonishment.

Takeko: "And you think it's gonna be Ryuuen-kun?"

Ayanokouji: "I don't know your class well-enough to be sure, but Sakagami-sensei's attitude suggest that he probably thinks like that, which is why he won't do anything in Ryuuen's case."

That was true.

Apart from Ryuuen-kun, I couldn't think of anyone, who may become a class leader.

Ayanokouji: "Once the class competition will be known for everyone, Ryuuen may put your class in the front of the choice - him as a leader or him as a hindrance. If there's no one capable enough to present the third choice, Ryuuen will become a class leader."

Takeko: "But you said back then that the school may expel him soon."

Ayanokouji: "I only warned him that the school is aware of his actions, which is true. Thanks to that, he stopped harassing you guys for the time being. But if he won't make any wrong moves, there's no reason for the school to expel him."

Just when everyone started to think that everything's going to be okay, the school actually prepared a hidden bomb.

Ayanokouji-kun's analyze was great and probably true.

So there's a big chance that not only Ryuuen-kun will stay in the school, but also become a leader of the class.

Which means that I...

What should I do now?

Ayanokouji: "And this brings us back to my first question, Nishino. Why did you report Ryuuen?"

Nishino: "..."

Ayanokouji: "Considering the situation, I can think of two possibilities. Either you are such a good and brave person that you couldn't stand Ryuuen and wanted to protect your classmates despite the risk... Either you have some personal reason to act against Ryuuen... To be honest, I'm greatly leaning towards the second option."

My body trembled a little.

Ayanokouji-kun's vision pierced me through.

It wasn't that friendly Ayanokouji-kun from a few minutes ago.

He was more cold and imposing.

Nishino: "Why do you want to know that?"

I looked straight into his eyes, trying to figure out what this person really wanted from me.

Ayanokouji-kun narrowed his vision slightly.

His smile looked somehow dangerous.

Ayanokouji: "Because I want to make you mine..."

...

Huh?

My heart jumped fiercely, realizing what I just heard.

What did he mean by that?

Ayanokouji: "Ehem... My ally. I'm sorry, something stuck in my throat."

...

I looked at Ayanokouji-kun, who was smiling innocently at me.

I could feel my face burning up greatly.

Did he do it on purpose, or did he genuinely have something in his throat?

Whatever it was, I felt like choking him right now.

Ayanokouji: "Whatever reason you had, it means that you are against Ryuuen more or less. But after this month, you will be forced to become Ryuuen's ally and subordinate. Depending on how much of the enemy you see in Ryuuen, this future doesn't seem good, does it?"

Takeko: "That's true."

Ayanokouji: "Could you tell me why, then?"

Takeko: "..."

Telling Ayanokouji-kun my situation may be good, but it involved my family, so I was reluctant to say it.

Ayanokouji: "Of course, I won't force you to say it. I only want to understand if there's a possibility for Ryuuen to target you right now."

Takeko: "Why do you think Ryuuen-kun would target me?"

Ayanokouji: "Since you have a personal reason to act against him, there's a chance that he may act against you as well. After figuring out the situation in your class, I became worried about you, so I wanted to know."

'I became worried about you.'

Those words somehow stuck in my mind, making me feel a little warm inside.

I didn't know how many times this boy made my cheeks blush today.

After a few moments of consideration, I decided to speak about some things.

Takeko: "I've known about Ryuuen-kun even since before the school started. But I'm not sure, if he knows who I am. He may target me, if he finds out."

Ayanokouji: "I see. That's more than enough for me. Thank you for telling me."

Takeko: "I was hoping that the school would do something about him, maybe even expel him. But after our talk, it seems like I need to accept my current situation and hope that I won't be recognized."

I sighed, feeling down.

Ayanokouji: "That's not exactly true, Nishino. Rather than laying low and be afraid of an uncertain future, I think you should build up your worth in the class and in the school, making yourself someone, who Ryuuen won't touch easily even if he had something against you."

Takeko: "Huh?"

Ayanokouji-kun's words made me surprised.

Build up my worth?

Ayanokouji: "Nishino, what do you think about joining Student Council as my secretary?"

...

...

Takeko: "Me?"

Ayanokouji: "Yes, you."

Takeko: "What do you mean by that, Ayanokouji-kun?"

Ayanokouji: "President Horikita made me be the one responsible for the recruitment of freshmen for Student Council. I'm currently looking for some students, who are willing to join us. And I would like to invite you."

Takeko: "This..."

To think the conversation would go into such a direction.

I never actually considered such a thing.

But...

Takeko: "How joining Student Council will be of help to me? If anything, I think that would make me a target of Ryuuen-kun faster."

After Ayanokouji-kun became Ryuuen-kun's enemy, becoming his secretary may be at last thing to do to stay away from Ryuuen-kun.

Ayanokouji: "Of course, that comes with the risk of being targeted by Ryuuen. But that doesn't mean he would actually do anything to you yet. Considering how careful he became after our meeting, he won't openly attack you like before . The risk for him to do that would be much greater than if he harassed any other student from your class."

The brown-haired boy smiled at me reassuringly.

Ayanokouji: "You will be a member of the strongest student organization in this school. Not only I would be your ally, but also most of the other members, including President Horikita. Ryuuen would think twice before doing something to you. The school also would treat your words with bigger attention, since your authority would be higher than a normal student."

He spoke with confidence and pride, once again making me realize that he wasn't just a random student of this school.

Ayanokouji: "Student Council will also give you many perks, including more private points and even Class Points. You will also possess access to more information than the other students. For your class, you may become as important asset as Ryuuen. You will have his attention, but as long as you won't fight with him over the position of class leader, the demerits of attacking you will outweigh the merits."

I became stunned by Ayanokouji-kun's words.

I just learned about the class competition, and my current thoughts were only about how to avoid Ryuuen-kun and lay low in my class.

But to think there was also such an option as well.

It's true that I would definitely get an attention from the magenta-haired boy, if I became a member of Student Council.

But it was also true that this choice would make me a much harder target to bully, especially with so many strong allies like Ayanokouji-kun or President Horikita.

Even if he would recognize me in the future, Ryuuen-kun won't be able to touch me easily.

However...

Takeko: "Why would you offer me something like that, Ayanokouji-kun? You said earlier that you wanted me as your ally. What do you expect me to do in exchange?"

There's no free meal in this world.

We barely knew each other, and our classes were going to be enemies.

No one would believe that there was no catch here.

Ayanokouji-kun smiled at me.

Ayanokouji: "You see, when I became Student Council Vice-President, I gained not only popularity and power, but also some enemies. And to be more precise, since I am second Vice-President, I immediately became an enemy of first Vice -President, Nagumo Miyabi."

Takeko: "Because you are his competitor for the chair of President?"

Ayanokouji: "That's right. Nagumo-senpai is a second-year student, who possesses a huge authority among his peers, which makes him a formidable opponent for a freshman like me."

Takeko: "And you are looking for allies to help you. I see. But why me? I'm sure there were some freshmen, who applied for Student Council."

Ayanokouji: "You are right, but unfortunately, the situation is more serious than that. You see..."

Ayanokouji-kun told the about the current atmosphere in Student Council and Vice-President Nagumo's feats.

To be honest, I was surprised by how deep the situation in there was and how big of a challenge Ayanokouji-kun took on himself.

Takeko: "Still, why me? There are others, who may be of help to you. In the first place, I don't think I would be accepted to Student Council easily. I'm not that academically gifted, you know. "

Ayanokouji: "That's because becoming a member of Student Council and becoming an enemy of the leader of second-year students are two different things. Horikita-senpai made me the one in charge of interviews to recruit people I wanted. Don't belittle yourself , Nishino. I know you are capable enough."

Ayanokouji-kun looked deeply at me.

Ayanokouji: "You acted against Ryuuen despite the risk, which proves that you have the courage to fight against someone stronger than you. I remember our talk about the school a few days ago. You are smart and observant enough to figure out that something was wrong with the way the school treats us. I believe someone like you wouldn't betray an ally easily, which makes you a perfect candidate for me."

Ayanokouji-kun was praising me, making me feel somehow proud, but the amount of information was getting bigger and bigger, making me start to have a headache.

To be honest, this was such a big deal that I wasn't sure how to respond.

Ayanokouji: "I assure you that I will make sure nothing bad will happen to you, Nishino. You are my friend and ally. If someone dares to move a hair of yours, I will crush him with any means possible. If there's a need for it, I will involve not only Student Council, but also the teachers or even Chairman Sakayanagi. You have my word. I will protect you."

Ayanokouji-kun made a huge statement with an imposing aura.

His eyes were dead serious.

'I will protect you.'

I've never considered myself to be the type to be moved by such a thing, and yet...

He was looking so handsome right now.

My head was spinning, and my cheeks were boiling.

I was experiencing so many emotions right now.

Ayanokouji: "I'm sure you want to think about it after arranging your thoughts. You can reply about it later on. Actually, if you decided to agree to this offer, please submit an application to Student Council. I will make an interview appointment for you, and then we will discuss everything at ease. That way, it will be less obvious that you are actually affiliated with me, which may confuse Nagumo and Ryuuen about your motives to join."

I couldn't do anything, but nod.

Ayanokouji: "Thank you, Nishino."

Ayanokouji-kun smiled at me, looking satisfied.

We didn't linger at the restaurant for much longer.

After everything that happened, I just couldn't focus properly.

My thoughts were drifting towards the invitation.

Ayanokouji-kun was being the same as earlier.

He probably was trying to be considerate and didn't want to put more pressure on me.

I was grateful for that.

We came back to the dorm in good atmosphere, despite my absent-mindedness.

Ayanokouji-kun said that he would escort me to my room.

I realized that from the beginning to the end, he was treating our meeting as a date, giving my head another spin.

We came before my room's door, not being disturbed by other students.

Ayanokouji: "Thank you for today, Nishino. It was fun."

Takeko: "Yes, me too. Thank you."

Ayanokouji: "And I'm sorry for dropping all of this on you like that. I should've been more considerate and do it at a better time and place."

Takeko: "No, don't be. Thanks for sharing so much with me."

He smiled slightly.

Ayanokouji: "Then, I shall be going. Have a nice evening, Nishino. See you at the school."

He turned around, starting to leave.

I looked at his back.

His offer was still occupying my mind.

He said that he would protect me.

Despite having a strong adversary himself, he wouldn't hesitate to make another enemy because of me.

He could choose someone less troublesome for an ally, yet he asked me.

I...

Takeko: "Ayanokouji-kun!"

Ayanokouji stopped and looked at me.

Takeko: "I... I think... I will submit my application for Student Council."

My heart was beating fast.

There were still some uncertainties, but my decision was already made.

Ayanokouji: "Are you sure? You can take your time with this, you know."

He asked me, showing some concern.

I nodded my head.

The brown-haired boy looked surprised for a second, then he smiled widely.

Ayanokouji: "I see. That's great."

He seemed happy that I agreed.

After actually saying those words and seeing his reaction, I felt so much better.

Ayanokouji: "Then, please take care of me from now on, Secretary Nishino."

I didn't have any idea how much my life would change because of that choice.

But I wasn't the type, who liked being in passive.

Be it Ryuuen-kun's case...

Or my own feelings...

Takeko: "My name."

Ayanokouji: "Hm?"

Takeko: "Since we are friends and allies, please call me by my name."

I made a small request, fighting with an embarrassment.

Ayanokouji-kun walked towards me and stopped dangerously close to me.

Ayanokouji: "Takeko."

My body shivered, experiencing some huge waves of heat.

To think I would feel so bashful from hearing my own name.

Takeko: "Yeah, thank you. Then, goodnight, Ayanokouji-kun."

Now it was my turn to turn around, trying to escape.

Ayanokouji: "Please call me by my name as well, Takeko."

The brown-haired boy made the similar request.

I looked at him.

That smile...

That damned smile...

Takeko: "Kiyotaka."

He was totally cheating.

Kiyotaka: "Mm, sounds nice."

Takeko: "Then, see you at the school."

I opened the door and entered my room quickly.

With a burning face and a heavily beating heart, I threw myself at the bed.

I buried my head in the pillow, recalling everything that happened today.

It was going to be a sleepless night for me.

To be continued..