Another Like Me - Part I (CoTE x OC) ✔

Chapter 27 - Dictator

"So you aren't going to tell me? Kuku, maybe then I could tell the grade about your involvement as the Class D mastermind? You wouldn't like that, would you? As someone who prefers to stay in the shadows, your actions will be out in the open. You'll be defenseless."

"I wonder about that."

"Hmm?"

"I have much greater influence over the grade than you, Ryuuen. Your words don't mean jackshit compared to mine. Even if you go around telling the whole grade that I'm the mastermind, no one will believe you. You don't have the trust of a single person in your class, leave alone the grade. Besides, everyone is already convinced that Horikita is the Class Leader. Your threat does not hold any value, and it does not bother me in the least."

Ryuuen, instead of being provoked by my harsh judgement, merely laughed, and placed himself to my right on the deck. He looked out into the ocean, before staring at me with an unnerving gaze.

"The view is actually good," he said unexpectedly.

"I'm sorry?"

"I said the view is good. You hard of hearing?"

"I heard it. I was just surprised that someone like Kakeru Ryuuen would say something normal like that," I muttered under my breath.

"Kuku, you think I'm not marveled by beauty? I'm a human just like you, eh?" he said, taking a sudden gentler attitude towards me.

"Is this the only reason you came to talk to me? To tell me that I half-assed the Zodiac Exam?"

"Maybe, maybe not."

"Tch." It's been a while since someone actually pissed me off. Ryuuen is someone who can irritate people just by being there. While his personality is down in the dumps, I cannot refute the fact that he is an able leader, one who will be a major hurdle in my path to Class A.

"I hear that you and Shiina got along well," he suddenly stated, taking the conversation on an unexpected tangent.

"We have a lot in common. We're both solitary, and we both love books. We could bond over these simple terms. I believe she's in your Class, Ryuuen?"

"She is. I would've never expected that nerd to actually get friends."

"You're talking down to her, Ryuuen. She's a great person. You'll know once you realize that she's an amazing person to talk to."

"I know, and I've come to extend my sincere thanks to you for talking to her."

My mouth dropped open for the second time in this conversation. I had expected that this conversation would not go well; I was expecting some form of alliance, or looming threat when Ryuuen arrived. But surprisingly, he was docile, and willing to actually come give his gratitude. I still couldn't be sure if he was joking or not. But knowing his personality, he probably was.

"I'll get going, I have an appointment with the rest of my Class now," I said, as I prepared to leave for my Room to get my swimming trunks.

"I'll personally come and crush you, Takeyama," Ryuuen suddenly said, turning towards me. "You can't cower under Suzune's shadow anymore. Now that I know, all my attacks will be focused on you. You better be ready if don't wanna get your ass whooped."

"I'll be waiting for it, Ryuuen." I turned around to leave.

"By the way, did Class C figure it out?" I asked a last question.

"Figure out? The hell you're talking about?"

"I meant the VIP's. You guys figured out the pattern, did you not?"