Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XVIII: Class E, Familiar Faces

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"We are all ready to be savage in some cause. The difference between a good man and a bad one is the choice of the cause."

William James

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POV: Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

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The sound of my footsteps reverberated through the empty stairwell as I ascended toward the rooftop. Reaching the door, I opened it slowly, the faint creak breaking the otherwise still air. Closing it behind me, I leaned back, silently waiting for the others to arrive. It wouldn't take long.

The sharp scratch of a match being struck cut through the silence, followed by the faint crackle of burning paper and the subtle exhale of smoke. A voice, unmistakably familiar, soon followed.

"Well, well. I suppose it ain't much of a surprise, huh, Kiyotaka?"

I sighed and turned toward the source of the voice. "Of course it has to be you..."

Leaning casually against the railing, Akifumi Mesekkai balanced his weight on his cane, the other hand deftly holding a cigarette between his fingers. His round, red-tinted sunglasses shielded his eyes, but the smirk curving his lips was both smug and polite. The picture of controlled nonchalance.

"Right now, Class A's going through its civil war arc," he drawled, tapping ash off the end of the cigarette. "So they needed someone who isn't tangled up in their ridiculous politics."

I raised an eyebrow. "You're acting like it's a genuine issue."

He shrugged, unconcerned, and flicked the half-smoked cigarette over the railing, letting gravity claim it.

"It really isn't. I'll probably end up working with everyone, but never for anyone."

Typical. Akifumi always played both sides, but he was careful enough to keep just enough distance to avoid being caught in the fallout when one side inevitably collapsed. It was a strategy that suited him perfectly—cold, calculating, and immune to sentiment.

I crossed my arms, studying him for a moment. "That approach will only get you so far."

He grinned, a flash of teeth beneath his smirk. "Far enough for me."

It was pointless to argue. Just like always, Akifumi would operate on his own terms.

"Anyway," Akifumi continued, his voice smooth and conversational, "curious about the students from Class B and C? Got any... predictions?"

I let out a noncommittal hum. "No, not really. I don't know enough about Class B to make an accurate guess. As for Class C... same reason." It was the truth—I didn't particularly care.

Akifumi's smirk deepened. "Hm... I think Class C's representative will be... let's see here... Shirakawa Kaname. Does that ring any bells?"

I sifted through my memories before answering. "Not personally, no. But I've heard of her." Uruma had mentioned her a few times. Apparently, she'd shown interest in joining the inter-class book club that Akifumi, myself, and a few others were part of.

Akifumi nodded slightly, satisfied. "I figured. Her personality doesn't exactly scream 'team player.' But I have a feeling that's intentional."

I raised an eyebrow. "And why's that?"