Ayanokouji looked idly out his window, watching the city's scenery change, the bus picked up more and more passengers. Most of them were young people wearing high school uniforms.
There was also a frustrated salary worker, who looked like the type to have once mistakenly groped someone aboard a crowded bus. An unsteady elderly lady stood in front of Ayanokouji, wobbling so badly he thought she was in danger of falling.

Ayanokouji was fortunate to have found a seat, but it was still crowded. He forgot about the unfortunate elderly woman and patiently waited to arrive at his destination, his mind clear as a passing stream. The weather was especially fine today, not a single cloud in the sky. It was so refreshing that Ayanokouji nearly fell asleep then and there. But, the peace didn't last long.

"Excuse me, but shouldn't you offer up your seat?"

Ayanokouji's eyes, which were about to close, snapped back open.

Huh? Could this person be angry with me?

But Ayanokouji realized that it was someone else being scolded. A young, well-built blond man of high school age had sat down in one of the priority seats. The elderly woman stood right next to him, and another woman stood beside her. This second, younger lady appeared to be an office worker.

"Hey, you there. Can't you see that this elderly woman is having trouble?" the office lady said.

She seemed to want the young man to offer up his seat. Her voice carried quite well throughout the quiet bus, attracting several people's attention.

"That's a really crazy question, lady," the boy said.

Ayanokouji wondered whether the boy was angry, unobservant, or just painfully honest. In any case, he grinned broadly and crossed his legs. "Why should I offer up my seat? There's no reason for me to do so."

"You're sitting in a priority seat. It's natural to offer up those seats to the elderly."

"I don't understand. Priority seats are just that: priority seats. I have no legal obligation to move. Since I'm currently occupying this seat, I should be the one who determines whether or not I move. Am I supposed to give up my seat just because I'm young? Ha! That reasoning is nonsense."

This boy has a point. He's under no legal obligation to move from his seat. He got there first, so it's his decision whether or not he moves. That's how life and society works. Whoever becomes successful have no obligation to help those are poor or struggling. It's the sad and cruel reality of society.

He didn't speak like a normal high school student. His hair was dyed blond, which made him stand out.

"I'm a healthy young person who certainly wouldn't find standing inconvenient. However, I'd obviously expend more energy by standing than I would by sitting. I have no intention of doing such a pointless thing. Or are you suggesting I should act a bit livelier, I wonder?"

"Wh-what kind of attitude is that to take with your superiors?" she demanded.

"Superiors? Well, it's obvious that both you and the old woman there been alive longer than I have. There can be no doubt about that. However, the word 'superior' implies that you're referring to someone of a higher position. In addition, we have another problem. Even though our ages are different, wouldn't you agree that you have an impertinent attitude and are being
extremely rude?"

"Wha— You're a high schooler, aren't you?! You should be quiet and listen to what adults tell you!"

"It's f-fine, whatever..." the elderly woman mumbled.

She apparently didn't want any further commotion and tried to calm the office lady. But after being insulted by the high school student, the younger woman still seemed very upset.

"Apparently, this elderly woman is more perceptive than you, which is nice. Also, I haven't given up on Japanese society yet. Please enjoy your remaining years."

After flashing a pointlessly vigorous smile, the boy slid his earphones in and began listening to rather cacophonous music. The office lady now clenched her teeth in frustration. Though she tried needling the boy by arguing further, his smug, self-important attitude remained fixed.

"Um... I think that the lady is right."

The woman received unexpected support from someone standing alongside her. The helper, a girl wearing my high school's uniform, gave her brave and frank opinion to the boy.

"And the new challenger is a pretty girl, eh? It would seem that I'm rather lucky with the fairer sex," the boy said.

"This poor woman appears to have been suffering for quite some time now. Won't you offer up your seat? While you might consider such courtesy unnecessary, I think it would contribute greatly to society."

"A contribution to society, you say? Well, that is a rather interesting opinion. It's certainly true that offering up one's seat to the elderly could be viewed in such a positive light. Unfortunately, I have no interest in contributing to society. I care only for my own satisfaction. Oh, and one more
thing. You're asking me, the one in the priority seat, to give up his spot, but couldn't you simply ask one of the other people seated on this crowded bus? If you truly cared for the elderly, then something like priority seating would be a rather trivial concern, wouldn't you agree?"

He's right. Why focus on him specifically? He already refused to give up his seat. I would've ask anyone else on the bus since this boy seems to be stubborn in his narcissistic ways.

The boy's haughty attitude remained unchanged. Both the office lady and the elderly woman simply wore bitter smiles in response. However, the girl didn't back down.

"Everyone, please listen to me for just a moment. Won't someone give up their seat for this woman? It doesn't matter who. Please."

Ayanokouji debated whether or not to give up his seats, his mind weighing the pros and cons of the decision.

The elderly have undeniable worth to Japan. But we, the youth, will continue to support Japan into the future. Also, considering that our society ages more and more every year, you could say that our youthful value only increases. So, if you were to examine both the elderly and the young and ask yourself which group is more valuable, the answer should be obvious.

I see two kinds of people: those who had pretended not to have heard anything and those who looked hesitant.

However, the girl sitting next to Ayanokouji was different. She alone wasn't swept up by the confusion. Her face remained expressionless. While Ayanokouji unintentionally stared at her, our eyes met for an instant. Even without speaking a word, Ayanokouji could tell that we shared the same opinion. Both of them considered it necessary to give up our seat.

Suddenly, Ayanokouji felt a mind-numbing electric shock in his body. His eyes slightly widened as it was the shock that God had described to him.

Oh no... this is it, isn't it?

The girl that became Ayanokouji's soulmate is a beautiful long black hair girl with a braid tied with a pink bow. She had a stern look on her face with a slim, but well-endowed body. She had this mature look, but have an imposing and solitude aura around her.

The black-haired girl and Ayanokouji stared at each other for a few moment. Ayanokouji noticed that the girl, who was now blushing slightly and her stern expression slowly dissipating. The girl noticed that Ayanokouji was looking at her and she cleared her throat, her face stop blushing, but still remained a little red and her face began even more stern. It was like she's unconsciously noticing and seeing Ayanokouji through a new perspective.

**********************************************

Horikita POV:

No.

No...

NO!

This can't be. This is inconceivable. Why is my heart beating so fast in front of this boy? It can't be it... can it?

I only just met this boy. I'm not a weak hearted, easily swapped, and pathetic maiden that can easily fall in love. But, I feel something off about me. My usual harsh and superior attitude is slowly dissipating. Something that I haven't felt for a long time is rising out of the depths of my heart.

It's something I find unpleasant, yet I seem to enjoy it. Who is this boy? Is he someone that's special to me like how Nii-san is to me?

What's wrong with me? I can't believe that I compared this boy to Nii-san. He's nothing compared to Nii-san. Nii-san is much more superior in every aspect.

But...

In my heart, I feel that statement is a contradiction to what my heart says.

Horikita cleared her throat again and steeled her resolve again before speaking, "Wait!"

Ayanokouji turned towards Horikita. Horikita's checks began to heat up again. Ayanokouji's golden eyes are like shining headlights that made its way to Horikita, shining on her as Ayanokouji diverted his attention to her. The warm feeling in her heart came back to Horikita and intensify when Ayanokouji stared at her. Horikita clenched her teeth and fists to calm herself down.

"Y-you were looking at me. Why?" said Horikita.

"Sorry. I guess I was just interested, is all. I mean, you didn't think about giving up your seat to the old woman, did you?" said Ayanokouji .

"That's right. I didn't consider giving it up. Is there something wrong with that?"

"Oh, no, not at all. I didn't intend to give up my seat, either. In fact, I firmly abide by the philosophy of letting sleeping dogs lie. I dislike trouble."

"You dislike trouble? Then I don't think you and I are anything alike. I didn't give up my seat because I thought it would be pointless. That's all."

"I feel the same."

"That's the last thing we'll agree on."

Horikita turned her head away from Ayanokouji and continued reading her book, Crime and Punishment. In reality, Horikita is using that as an excuse to hide her red face.

Why?

WHY?!

Why is happening to me? It's finally my chance to catch up to nii-san. Why am I feeling this way towards this guy? I didn't catch his name...

Horikita internally sighed at herself for being foolish and push her thoughts away as she focused on her book.

**********************************************

Ayanokouji POV:

The bus stopped in front of the ANHS, the place Ayanokouji will call home for the next 3 years. Students began to disembark from the bus and Horikita quickly left Ayanokouji. Ayanokouji got off the bus by himself and studied the front gates. Students dressed in the school uniforms walked passed Ayanokouji and through the gates.

It looks like she wanted to get away from me...

Just my luck. The first girl I ever laid my eyes on at this school happens to be my soulmate.

Ayanokouji sighed and proceeded to walk through the gates and followed the general direction of the new students to gymnasium for the welcome ceremony.

Ayanokouji disliked the entrance ceremony and imagined that many first-year students probably felt the same. The principal and the students exchanged excessive words of gratitude, there was far too much time spent standing in lines, and, with so many irritating things to deal with, it all felt like a huge pain in the butt. But those weren't my only complaints. The entrance ceremonies for elementary school, junior high, and high school all mean the same thing: the start of another major trial for children. In order for students to enjoy their time at school, they must make friends, and there are only a few key days after the entrance ceremony to properly do that. Failure to do so signals the beginning of a rather tragic three years.

Ayanokouji scanned the entire first year student population. He took noticed on key figures and interesting individuals from each class. There was a tall, well-built, bald student from Class A who seems like a leader. Another person that caught Ayanokouji's attention was a petite girl with lilac hair who was using holding a cane. Ayanokouji identified them as potential leaders. From Class B, Ayanokouji noticed a cheerful, smiling, beautiful strawberry-blonde hair. Standing by her side, there was a serious young man with violet-bluish hair. From Class C, there was a smirking young man with magenta hair that looked at his class with amusement. Next to him was a large and well-built black student who looked like his bodyguard. From Ayanokouji's own class, he spotted Horikita, a boy with dirty blonde hair, and a smiling girl with short beige-colored hair.

After the entrance ceremony was concluded, Ayanokouji made his way to the classroom by himself. He noticed that some people are already making friends and walking with them to their classroom. Ayanokouji wanted to try that, but decided to stop himself for any future embarrassment.

Ayanokouji entered the classroom and found his seat. His seat was against the left side of the classroom, in the back and right next to the window. Ayanokouji sat down and observed the classroom, seeing groups starting to already formed. Ayanokouji wondered if he should join in. Before Ayanokouji can gather the courage and try, the same girl he met on the bus sat down next to him.

It seems like we're neighbors. Coincidences can be freaky.

"What a surprising... coincidence." said the girl.

"It seems that we're in the same class. " said Ayanokouji.

"..."

"I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. What's your name?"

"..."

The girl seems to be quiet and look away from Ayanokouji. Ayanokouji studied her and decided to look stared out of the window. Ayanokouji felt someone's gaze on him, he turned and look in her direction. She quickly averted her gaze, but Ayanokouji already got on.

"My name is... Horikita Suzune." said Horikita, shyly.

"Nice to meet, Horikita." said Ayanokouji, raising his hands for a handshake. Horikita stared at it for a moment before taking it. Horikita's hand is soft and warm, Ayanokouji wondered if that's what a girl's hands feel like, the handshake was short and firm. Horikita looked away at Ayanokouji in embarrassment before clearing her throat and asking, "Is there any hobbies you have?"

"Not really. I tend to have an interest in everything. The book you were reading earlier was Crime and Punishment, isn't it." said Ayanokouji.

"Well spotted. It is. It's a very interesting book and I would recommend it. Have you read it already?" replied Horikita.

Ayanokouji was surprised that Horikita is actually talking to him. She gave off an aura of solitude and superiority, making hard for people to approach her. She also seems like the type of person to not interact with people at all.

Eiichiro would've called her an ice queen.

"I have read it before. I won't spoil it for you."

"That's good. If you did, I was going to kill you."

"Something tells me that you're not joking about that."

Horikita gave out a small smile before freezing up and changing it back to a neutral expression.

"Very amusing, Ayanokouji-kun."

"You should smile more, Horikita. It suits you and you look very cute."

"C-ccute..."

Horikita looked away from Ayanokouji, blushing furiously. Ayanokouji tilted his head in confusion and wondered why Horikita is feeling embarrassed by his comments. He was merely telling the truth.

I thought girls like honesty in guys.

There's the reason on why Eiichiro called Ayanokouji, a dense protagonist.

"I-idiot. Y-you're an idiot, Ayanokouji-kun."

The duo sat in silence. After a few minutes, the first bell rang. At that precise moment, a woman entered the classroom. When Ayanokouji first saw her, his initial impression was that she firmly believed in discipline. If Ayanokouji had to guess, he would have placed her age at thirty. She wore a suit and had delicate features. Her hair seemed long, and she'd tied it into a ponytail.

She's like the older and mature version of Horikita.

"Ahem. Good morning to you, students. I'm the instructor for Class D. My name is Chabashira Sae. I usually teach Japanese history. However, at this school, we do not change classrooms for each grade. For the next three years, I will be acting as your homeroom teacher, so I hope to get to know all of you. It's a pleasure to meet you. First, I will distribute written materials with information about this school's special rules. I will also hand out the admissions guide."

"I will now hand out your student ID cards. By using your card, you can access any of the facilities on campus, purchase goods from the store, and so on. It acts like a credit card. However, it is imperative that you pay attention to the points that you spend. At this school, you can use your points to buy anything. Anything located on the school premises is available for purchase."

Our points, loaded onto our student ID cards, acted as a kind of currency. The lack of paper money would prevent many students' financial troubles. However, students needed to keep a watchful eye on their spending habits. At any rate, the school provided these points free of charge.

"Your student cards can be used simply by swiping them through the machine scanner. The method is simple, so you shouldn't get confused. Points are automatically deposited into your account on the first of every month. You should all have received 100,000 points this month. Keep in mind that one point is worth one yen. No further explanation should be necessary."

The classroom erupted when they heard the news.

In other words, we had received a 100,000-yen monthly allowance from the school upon admission. I'd expect nothing less from a massive institution run by the Japanese government. 100,000 yen is a rather large sum of money for a high schooler.

Something seems off about the school. The school is spending 4 million yen for an entire class every month which means the school is spending 16 million yen every month on every students in the same year. It'll totaled up to 48 million yen for every student in the school per month. That means the school spends 576 million yen per year for all of their students.

Very suspicious. I believe there's a catch to this. That's an insane amount of money for the school to pay out of pockets for students. Chabashira-sensei mentioned 'this month'.

"Shocked by the amount of points you've been given? This school evaluates its students' talents. Everyone here has passed the entrance examination, which itself speaks to your value and potential. The amount you've received reflects the evaluation of your worth. You can use your
points without restraint. After graduation, however, all of your points return to the school. Because it's impossible to exchange your points for cash, there's no advantage to saving them. Once points have been deposited into your account, it's up to you how to spend them. Do as you like. In the event that you don't want to spend your points, you may transfer them to someone
else. However, extorting money from your peers is not allowed. This school monitors bullying very carefully."

As bewilderment spread among the students, Chabashira-sensei looked over the room.

"Well, it appears no one has any questions. I hope that you enjoy your time here as students."

Many of my classmates could not hide their surprise at the large amount of points.

It seems like my classmates haven't caught on the clues Chabashira-sensei gave out. It was subtle, but I have some theories on it. I just need evidence to support it.

"This school doesn't seem as strict as I thought," Ayanokouji muttered.

Ayanokouji thought he was talking to myself, but Horikita looked in my direction. She must have imagined he was speaking to her.

"This school is extremely lenient, isn't it?"

Despite all of the restrictions, like being forced to live in the dormitories, being forbidden to leave the campus, and being prohibited from contacting anyone on the outside, no one here seemed to have any complaints. In fact, you might even say that we'd been given such preferential treatment that it was like we'd been transported to paradise. Of course, the Advanced Nurturing High School's most impressive statistic was its near 100 percent placement rate for students advancing into higher education or entering the workforce.

It's too perfect of a school for its students. There's something off. Is it just me or Chabashira-sensei is looking at me?

Chabashira-sensei looked at Ayanokouji and gave him a knowing smirk before she left the classroom.

"What are you think, Ayanokouji-kun?" asked Horikita.

"I have some theories based on what Chabashira-sensei said. I'll tell you later."

A student with the air of an upstanding young man quickly raised his hand. His hair wasn't dyed and is natural dirty blonde. He looked like an honors student. Based on his appearance, Ayanokouji got the impression he wasn't a delinquent.

"Starting today, we're all going to be classmates. Therefore, I think it'd be good for us to introduce ourselves and become friends as soon as possible. What do you say?"

He'd just done something incredible. The majority of students were lost in thought, unable to speak up.

"Agreed! After all, we still don't know a thing about each other, not even our names," someone shouted.

After the ice had broken, the previously hesitant students began to speak.

"My name's Hirata Yousuke. Back in junior high, lots of people called me Yousuke. Feel free to use my first name! I guess my hobby is sports in general, but I especially like soccer. I'm planning on playing soccer here, too. Nice to meet you!"

Hirata had effortlessly introduced himself to the class. He seemed exceptionally brave. And he'd talked about his love for soccer, too! His level of popularity must've increased two, no, maybe four times. Why, the girl seated next to Hirata had hearts in her eyes! Scratch that: a majority of the girls are looking at Hirata with hearts in their eyes. If someone like Hirata became our class's linchpin, Ayanokouji wondered if he'd keep everyone honest and motivated until graduation.

The cheerful short biege-colored hair girl is the same girl who'd helped out the elderly woman on the bus that morning.

"My name is Kushida Kikyou. None of my friends from junior high made it to this school, so I'm alone here. I'd like to get to know all of your names and faces right away and become friends as soon as possible! My first goal is to become friends with everyone. So, after we're finished with introductions, I'd love for you to share your contact information with me! So, after school or during vacations, I want to make all sorts of memories with lots of people. Please feel free to invite me to lots and lots of events! Anyway, I've talked for a long time, so I'll end my introduction here."

Kushida instantly captured the hearts of most of the boys in the class. Given that some of them are huge perverts. It doesn't change the fact that Kushida is a extremely attractive girl with a well-endowed figure with an equally attractive personality.

If I was a normal boy, I probably would've fallen in love with her.

The introductions continued on throughout the class. A red-haired boy that looked like a delinquent stormed out the classroom and refused to participate in the introductions. Several students joined him and left the classroom. Horikita looked like she wanted to join them, but saw Ayanokouji not leaving. She decided to stay there.

"it's time for the next person. Can you please introduce yourself?" said Hirata, looking at Ayanokouji's direction. Ayanokouji looked around and realized that Hirata was talking to him.

Ayanokouji stood up quickly and realized that he haven't prepared for his introduction. He has no idea on what to say.

"Um. Well, my name is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. And, uh, I don't really have any special skills or anything. I'll do my best to get along with all of you. It's, uh, nice to meet you."

Ayanokouji sat back down and buried his head into his hands.

I've failed miserably. There goes my social life for high school.

"It's nice to meet you, Ayanokouji-kun. I always want to be friends with everyone, just like you. Let's both do our best, okay?" Hirata responded with a refreshing smile.

"You're next." said Hirata, looking over to Horikita.

Horikita stood up and did a basic introduction, "Horikita Suzune. It's nice to meet you."

Horikita quickly sat down after her quick and simple introduction.

"Uhh... okay. Is that it, Horikita-san?" asked Hirata.

"Yes. I have no obligation in telling you more about me." said Horikita, coldly. Hirata agreed and most of the girls are glaring at Horikita. But, Horikita just shrugged them off and didn't seem affected by it.

**Timeskip (30 minutes later)**

Ayanokouji and Horikita are making their way to the convenience store to pick up some essential supplies before stopping at the dormitory. People in the class were giving them a strange look, not expecting the unexpected duo. Some of the more perverted boys are glaring at Ayanokouji, cursing at him for getting ahead of them.

Horikita and Ayanokouji began shopping together, picking up essential supplies as they slowly perused and walked throughout the aisles. Horikita grabbed some shampoo, conditioner, kitchen supplies and essentials, hygiene products, and other goods.

It looks like she's going with the cheapest options just like me.

"I thought girls usually made a fuss over what kind of shampoo they bought." said Ayanokouji.

"Well, that depends on the person, doesn't it? I'm the sort who doesn't know when you might need money," she replied.

"Ayanokouji-kun, please stop inspecting people's goods when you're shopping." said Horikita, giving a glare.

"I'm sorry. But I tend to notice things around me. It seems that you're suspicious of the amount of points you received from the school."

"Yes. It's too good to be true."

"I won't be surprised if our classmates blow through all the points with the first month."

"As expected from those idiots. You seem to be quite cautious yourself, Ayanokouji-kun."

"Yeah. There's got to be a catch. The school looks like a paradise." said Ayanokouji, scanning the end of aisle.

"Look over there."said Ayanokouji, pointing over a shelf with a bunch of stuff: toiletries, food, and other miscellaneous goods. The sign on the shelf labeled "Free" with a sign marked "3 items per month."

"Free?" asked Horikita.

"Why would the school provided 100,000 points to student have a section of free goods?" replied Ayanokouji.

Horikita began puzzled by Ayanokouji's sudden question and started to think.

"It must be emergency relief supplies for students who used their points. The school is incredibly lenient."

"I believe you have a good point. Let's be careful on how to spend our points."

"I agree with that, but..." said Ayanokouji, making his way to cup noodles section. Ayanokouji began to examined the cup noddles selection to determine which one he should get.

So, do boys really like this kind of stuff? I can't imagine that it's healthy," Horikita said.

"I like them just fine, I guess."

Ayanokouji picked up a noodle cup and examined the price tag. It said 156 yen, but I couldn't tell whether that was expensive or cheap. Even though the school referred to its credit system as points, the prices were all listed in yen.

"Hey, what do you think? Is this price high or low?"

"Hmm. I'm not sure. Why, is there something curious about it?"

"No, I was just wondering."

The store's prices seemed reasonable. One point appeared to really equal one yen. Given that the average freshman's allowance was around 5,000 yen, the amount of money we'd received seemed impossibly large.

Horikita, noting Ayanokouji's odd behavior, gave me a quizzical look. Ayanokouji grabbed a noodle cup to avoid suspicion.

"Wow, this is enormous. It's a G Cup, huh?"

Apparently, that stood for "Giga Cup." Just looking at it made me feel full. On an unrelated note, Horikita's breasts were neither small nor huge. They exquisitely straddled the line between the two. The perfect size.

"Ayanokouji-kun. Were you thinking about something stupid just now?" she asked.

"N-no..."

"I felt like you were acting strangely."

She could sense his inappropriate thoughts just by looking at Ayanokouji. She was a sharp one.

"I was just wondering whether or not I should buy this. What do you think?"

"Oh. Well, I suppose that's fine. Anyway, do you really think you should buy that? This school offers far healthier food options. Don't you think it's better to avoid eating junk?"

"It doesn't hurt to try." said Ayanokouji, adding the G-cup to his shopping basket. Ayanokouji and Horikita made their way to the cashier and heard a loud voice interrupting the store's peaceful atmosphere.

"Hey, shut it! Just wait a sec! I'm looking for it right now!"

"Come on, hurry up. You have a line of people waiting on you!"said another voice.

"Oh, yeah? Well, if they have any complaints, they can take it up with me!"

Apparently, trouble was brewing by the register. A dispute had broken out between two young men who were glaring at each other. I recognized the one with the thoroughly ill-tempered look on his face. It was the student from my class, the guy with the red hair. He had his hands full of noodle cups.

"What's going on here?" Ayanokouji asked.

"Huh? Who are you?"

"My name's Ayanokouji. I'm from your class. I just asked because it sounded like there was trouble."

"Oh. Yeah, I remember you. I forgot my student ID card. Forgot that it pretty much acts as our money from now on, too."

"I can pay for you. I mean, it'd be annoying if you had to head all the way back to the dorms. I don't mind."

"That's true. You're right, it'd be absolutely annoying. Thanks."

Ayanokouji paid for the boy's cup noodles and his own before handing the noodles back to the boy.

"My name's Sudou," he said. "Thanks for helping me out. I owe you."

"Nice to meet you, Sudou."

Sudou handed me his noodle cup, and Ayanokouji walked over to the hot water dispenser. After watching their short exchange, Horikita sighed, aghast.

"You're acting like a pushover right from the start. Do you intend to become his servant? Or are you doing this to make friends?" she asked.

"I didn't care about making friends. I just wanted to help. No big deal."

Ayanokouji poured the hot water into his noddles and grabbed his cup noodles and left the store with Horikita. They noticed that Sudou was arguing with three people, Ayanokouji believed that they were senpais judging from their appearances. Ayanokouji decided to approach them and interfere with the upcoming fight. Suduo looked like he's ready to start swinging his fist.

"You got a lot of guts, asshole." said Sudou, clenching his fists. Sudou was about to swing his fist, but Ayanokouji caught his fist with his hand and used his other arm to stop Sudou from charging.

"That's enough, Sudou." said Ayanokouji.

"Ayanokouji? Let go of me, man. Let me kick these assholes!" yelled Sudou, trying to get past Ayanokouji. Ayanokouji tightened his grip on Sudou's fist and push them back slightly with a slight push of his arm. Sudou's eyes widened a little after seeing Ayanokouji's strength.

"Oh! Another underclassman. You're smarter than that red-haired dog you have there." said one of the upperclassman. The other two laughed at that comment.

"What do ya say about me?! C'mon here, so you can die!" shouted Sudou.

"That's enough, Sudou." said Ayanokouji.

"..."

"Be a good boy and let your senpais talk." said one of them.

"What class are you in? I bet the brown-haired is in a higher class than red dog." said another.

"He's obviously in Class D." laughed the last senpai.

"Yeah, so what?" snapped Sudou.

They started laughed again, "You hear that? He's in Class D. It's a dead giveaway!"

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean? Come back here!" shouted Sudou. The three upperclassmen started backing away, laughing. One of them turned back, "You poor thing. Since you're 'defective', we'll let you off the hook for now."

"Don't run away from a fight!"

"Yea, yeah. Keep yapping, you dog. You'll be in hell soon enough anyway."

In hell? So, the school has a dark or hidden side.

Ayanokouji let go of Sudou and he glared at the 3 retreating figures of the upperclassmen and Ayanokouji. He muttered curses at them before slamming his half-eaten noodles on the group and walking away with his hands into his pockets. Horikita finally approached Ayanokouji.

"You said you wanted to avoid trouble? There you go again, running into trouble." said Horikita.

"I didn't know that you cared about me that much. Did your heart raced seeing in leave you?" said Ayanokouji.

Horikita blushed at Ayanokouji's comments and she slightly averted her eyes from Ayanokouji. Her ears turned slightly red before looking back at Ayanokouji with a cold glare.

"You're an idiot..." she hissed.

Ayanokouji looked at the wall and noticed cameras at the convenience store. He gestured to Horikita and her eyes widened.

This could cause some problems later.

Ayanokouji bent down and began cleaning up the mess. After that, he and Horikita left together and head towards the dorm.

At the reception desk, Ayanokouji received a keycard for Room 401 and a handbook containing information about the dorm's rules, then boarded the elevator with Horikita, who received her keycard and handbook. Ayanokouji quickly flipped through the handbook, which only detailed the most basic things that we needed for our daily routines. The dates and times for garbage disposal were listed, as well as a notice about avoiding excessive noise. I also saw notes about not wasting water or electricity, and so on.

Ayanokouji assumed that the school would deduct the cost from our points. This school really went to great lengths to have a perfect system for its students. However, Ayanokouji was a little surprised that they'd implemented co-ed dormitories. After all, this was a high school, so the rules stated that unsuitable romantic relationships were frowned upon. In short, sex was strictly forbidden.

"So, they don't place restrictions on electricity or gas usage?" said Ayanokouji.

"Yes, that's a bit strange. The school is really lenient" replied Horikita.

"Yes. This supports my theory."

"Theory?"

"Curious?"

"No... maybe. Fine, I'm a little curious, you have a knack of observing things."

"I suppose I won't mind telling you. Why don't you come to my room and we'll discuss it?"

"Y-your room?!"

Horikita began to panic and her face is turning a little red. Ayanokouji looked at her in confusion. Horikita began muttering curses at Ayanokouji's lack of social awareness and how dense he is sometimes.

Horikita cleared her throat, "Fine. Which floor and room are you on?"

"Room 401."

"I'll be there in a few minutes. I first have to make a quick stop at my room."

Ayanokouji nodded and the elevator stopped at the fourth floor. Ayanokouji gave Horikita a nod before leaving the elevator and going to his room.

Why is Horikita panicking? It's just a friendly visit in my room.

Ayanokouji entered his room and checked out his new room. It was a medium size room with a bathroom and kitchen. The room is empty with no furniture expect for a already-made bed. Ayanokouji began unpacking the supplies he picked up from the convenience store. Ayanokouji began making some green tea for his visitor and himself.

A few minutes later, a knock came from the door. Ayanokouji opened the door and Horikita walked into his room. She took a quick look at Ayanokouji's room, "It looks like all the rooms are the same."

"Your's is empty too. Sit on my bed."

"H-huh?"

"I have no furniture or seats for you. It'll be too uncomfortable for you to sit on the floor. Just sit on my bed, I don't mind."

Horikita looked at Ayanokouji's bed for a moment and hesitated. A few moments later, she sat on Ayanokouji's bed with her face slightly red.

Ayanokouji served Horikita some green tea and he took a sip of it. Ayanokouji placed his cup on the ground and turned to Horikita.

"Now... should I explain my theory to you?"

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Author's Note

Another chapter done!

For this one, I made Horikita a little willing to listen to Ayanokouji, since she's love with him rather than ignoring him. She'll still have her cold usual personality from the earlier volumes of COTE. But, she's a little more open to Ayanokouji and willing to listen to him. I thin you guys already know who's going to be the next girl!

For this story, I'm going to incorporating more people's POV then just Ayanokouji. I'm thinking about making this story focused more on Ayanokouji and his interactions with his 100 soulmates rather than special exam.

Until next time, my dear readers

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