Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter X: Cracks in the Masks

Kushida's next move was predictable, almost cliché in its desperation.

"I guess I'll have to even the playing field," she said, her voice taking on a darker, more dangerous edge. "Either you stop blackmailing me, or I'll tell everyone that you raped me."

A bold claim. One that might shake someone else. But not me. I had already anticipated she'd resort to something this extreme. When people are cornered, they strike back with everything they have, hoping for a lucky hit.

I looked at her with the same indifference as before. "That's your play?"

Her smile sharpened into something more vicious. "A girl like me? Everyone would believe me over someone like you. It wouldn't matter if it's true. People would take my word for it."

I didn't react, though internally, I noted how far she was willing to go to escape my control. She was trying to push me into a corner, but her moves were shallow. She had no proof, only words. And words, in this world, could be easily dismantled.

"Those are false claims."

But then she took a more aggressive step.

"That's where you're wrong, Ayanokouji-kun," she whispered, her voice laced with venomous confidence. In a quick movement, she pressed against me, forcing me back against the handrail. Her grip tightened around my wrist as she guided my hand, deliberately placing it against her breast. The smirk that crossed her face was cold, calculating.

"Now I have your fingerprints in a very telling place," she said with a giggle, her eyes glittering with triumph.

A bold move. Desperate, but clever. She thought she'd cornered me, that she had found the perfect checkmate. But there's one thing she still didn't understand: I never played by anyone else's rules.

I don't say a word, just tighten my grip. Kushida gasps, her body stiffening at the unexpected response, her eyes widening. Her hold on me falters, just as I anticipated. In one swift motion, I twist free from her grip, my hands locking onto her wrists before she can react. With a calculated pivot, I force her against the handrail, trapping her in place. My knee presses firmly between her legs, preventing any chance of escape. Her body is immobilized, and the startled look in her eyes confirms she wasn't expecting this.

"That's not how fingerprints work, Kushida," I say, my voice low, controlled. "And sure, people might believe you at first..." I release one of her wrists and swiftly loop my arm around both, securing them in a tight grip. Her attempts to struggle are futile, more for show than real effort. I'm in complete control.

With my free hand, I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone, stopping the recording I'd been capturing this whole time. I let her see the screen before putting it away. "But what do you think would happen if people heard this instead?"

The sudden shift in her expression—from smug confidence to dawning realization—is almost satisfying. She hadn't expected this, not from me. Her breathing quickens, panic starting to creep in as she realizes just how deeply trapped she is.

"You see, Kushida, you're not the only one who can play this game. You wanted leverage, but now... you've given me everything I need."

I stay silent for a moment, observing her reaction, calculating. When she mutters a weak "Y-you...," it's clear she's still not fully broken. No matter—I have more cards to play. "Hm... Now that I think about it," I begin, letting my words hang in the air deliberately, "I might have to make those allegations real." My voice is intentionally vague, laced with cold detachment, designed to unnerve her.

That does it. Her eyes widen, and this time, there's no pretense of confidence—just pure fear. She tries to pull away, struggling against my grip, but I hold her even tighter, not allowing her any leeway. "G-get off me!" she shouts, but her voice carries no weight here. We're completely alone. The school is practically deserted at this hour. Teachers in the faculty room, students in the dorms or enjoying their free time elsewhere—there's no one around to hear her, and she knows it.