??? POV
??? Time and Location.
" Eh ? " As soon as I heard the words come out, I instinctively shifted my head and exclaimed. Staring intensely at the man sitting at the desk, with shock written on top of my face. " Are you serious ? "
" Do I look like I'm joking to you ? " The acting director shifted his eyes off the screen and glared at me, with a serious and frightening gleam in his eyes. He didn't look joking at all
" No. But- " I was cut off.
" No buts, Takuya. I have already told you what I have. " The Acting director glanced at his watch, before looking back. " If you have any questions it's your job to figure it out, I'm only here to provide you information. Now leave before anybody sees you "
Just when he uttered that command, I took a moment to organize my thoughts before nodding and taking my leave. As soon as I closed the door I scanned my surroundings, before aimlessly strolling, pretending to be passing by.
What in the hell ?!
I felt my face slightly contort in confusion, as I was walking past the corridors. I immediately straightened it up while I was immersed deeply into my thoughts.
How did he trust her so easily ?!
Ayanokouji-senpai has just accepted Ichika's partnership request, confirming their pair for the upcoming special exam. Tsukishiro has just relayed this to me, and now I'm left flabbergasted by it.
How ? Did he go crazy ? Did he decide to trust her on a whim ?
It wasn't outside my realm of expectations that Ayanokouji-senpai would accept Ichika as his ally, since she is siding with neither of us. However, I didn't expect it to be this fast.
She must have told him that she is a white room student, that is sent to expel him. Yet he decided to put his faith in her hands anyway..... Why ?
Did he actually go crazy ? He knows he shouldn't trust her, yet he did.
No, that doesn't sound right. He must have something, something lying underneath.
If he is the same person they talked about, then this must be the case, some type of insurance in case Ichika betrays him.
A Trap hidden behind what seems to be a foolish move, a clever trick that sounds exactly like how they have described him, and it's the most likely case.
I heaved a sigh as I drew towards a conclusion, getting more relaxed before joining in the populated areas. I'm still not sure on which type of insurance he has, but it is something I'll have to discover later on.
Hmm... What if he is manipulating me into thinking this way ?
I abruptly stopped and started considering the sudden idea crossing my mind. However, I immediately heaved another tiresome sigh
This is very troublesome
Kiyo POV
" Ayanokouji-kun~! "
Amidst the loud bustling of the cafeteria, a voice reached out to my ears and called, causing me to abruptly stop my search and look towards them, to find Matsushita sitting at a table and waving at me, trying to catch my attention. I immediately redirected my heels and started walking towards her, with a wrapped lunch box on top of my hands.
I woke up this morning to a small message from Matsushita, requesting a meeting for what seems to be an urgent matter. She didn't seem to be worried about secrecy, so the cafeteria was the option we agreed upon.
However, just as I started walking close by, I spotted two more figures sitting on each side of hers in a close approximation, seemingly her companions. They all looked at me with gentle bright smiles as I kept approaching their table.
" Good morning Matsushita. " I slid off the chair and sat down, while placing my lunch box on top of the table. Matsushita nodded brightly at my monotonous greeting, before I shifted my gaze towards both of her companions. " Good morning to you too, Karuizawa and Sato. "
Similarly, the chair beside me also slid as an identical lunch box was placed horizontally on the same line as mine, as the chair slowly got occupied. All gazes were directed towards her as she started speaking, while I was unwrapping my lunch.
" Good morning Matsushita-san ! Sato-san ! and Karuizawa-san ! " Honami with her usual cheerful tone greeted all three of them as she sat on my left, with a beaming smile plastered on her face.
" Good morning to you too as well Ichinose-san ! and Ayanokouji-kun too ! Thank you for accepting my invitation and coming here. " Matsushita bowed down her head in gratitude.
" No worries. " Just when I said that, Matsushita raised her head and looked back at us again, with a warm smile on her face. " Anyways, why did you call me here Matsushita ? "
I decided to take the initiative and talk since I am the one Matsushita called for. Honami is pretty much a bystander, one who decided to just tag along. She quietly sat on her seat, observing our interaction while munching on her food.
" Firstly, before we start, I would like to apologize to you Ayanokouji-kun " Matsushita's warm smile suddenly vanished, as it got replaced by a serious one, seemingly getting down to business. I slightly cocked my head, showing my confusion to her. " I know I said that this is urgent, but it's actually a pretty selfish request of mine that I hope you'll hear out, Ayanokouji-kun "
" Hmm ? " It seems that Matsushita had to lie in order to ensure my presence in this meeting, whether it's actually trivial or not, this seems to be pretty important to her. " Well I guess that happened. Go ahead, I'm all ears. "
Matsushita's eyes brimmed with joy as a small smile crept back into her face, when I agreed to hear her request. Both of her friends also smiled, before allowing Matsushita to take the lead again.
" Great~! Thank you Ayanokouji-kun ! " Matsushita bowed her head again, which both of her friends mimicked. Before looking up and glancing at both of her sides. " Right, if it's not too much trouble
" Can you help me provide a partner for both Kei-chan and Maya-chan ? "
" Hmm ? " I furrowed my eyebrows at her, displaying my slight skepticism towards her request, while chewing down my food. Honami stopped eating as well, and emitted a similar reaction.
" You see, there are only 5 days left for the exam and most of Class D still haven't found any good partners, nor do we have the money to pay for some, since we've been on 0 points for ages now. " Matsushita explained sternly, with an apathetic expression plastered on her face. Grimace flashed on both of her friend's faces, causing them to slightly hung their head low as they listened to her attempts to save them. " However, I thought that you may try and help me look for partners since all the first-years are attracted towards the three upper-classes. I know this is selfish of me, since I'm asking you to help an enemy class, but please Ayanokouji-kun, help me save Kei-chan and Maya-chan. "
Matsushita bowed again. However, it was more deeply. Karuizawa and Sato followed suit, bowing their heads in front of me, begging for my cooperation. Unlike last time, their heads remained in the same spot, waiting for my next words.
What Matsushita said was completely the truth, The first-years have fully abandoned Class D and went for the higher three classes since they offer a way better option, leaving Class D in the dust. It didn't help that they were thoroughly broke in a pay to win situation, while some exceptional few made it out, the rest weren't fortunate enough.
Matsushita, one of those exceptional few, tried to use her connections with me to secure partners for both of her friends. While I would have liked to think more about this, I simply didn't want 3 girls to be bowing down at me any longer, especially out in the open in front of everybody. So I immediately spoke up
" Alright... " At my small response, all three of them slightly raised their heads and looked at me, with anticipation in their eyes. I leaned more into my chair, while tracking every gaze of theirs. " Since our Class is already done with securing our own partners, I wouldn't mind helping you out. "
" Really ? " All three of them blurted out in unison, which rang differently in my ears. When I let out a confirming nod, all three of their faces quickly morphed, into a joyful and excited expression. " Thank you Ayanokouji-kun~!!!! "
Sato lively exclaimed her gratitude while looking at me with shining eyes and red tainted cheeks, seemingly happy about my cooperation. Karuizawa looked at Matsushita with a grateful look, before instantly dashing her arms at her and hugging her. " Thank you so much Chiaki-chan ! "
" Thank you Chiaki-chan ! " Sato snapped out before following Karuizawa and hugging Matsushita from the other side.
" Eh~ Ehheh~ " Matsushita started struggling against the sheer forces from both sides, as she desperately tried to balance herself out. However, Karuizawa and Sato only increased their grips further, causing her to falter even more.
While Matsushita did have a troubled smile, she didn't look displeased at all, in fact, she looked quite happy herself. The mood took a major swing compared to moments ago, unlike then, the atmosphere has gotten quite lively
While we still haven't figured out a way to solve the main issue yet, they were already celebrating like they have won the world cup. However, I didn't dare to be a killjoy and point it out, and simply turned towards the pair of eyes that have been examining me for a while.
" Kiyotaka~ why did you help them ? " With a calculative gaze in her eyes, Honami looked at me and asked, seemingly trying to decipher my face while I just looked back at her.
" What do you mean ? "
" Don't take it the wrong way, I'm just curious about the reason why you decided to help them out " Honami elaborated, before narrowing her eyes and examining my expression.
Moments later, the celebrations quieted down, as the three of them curiously looked towards us, while we were engaging in a staring contest. Honami deeply peered into my eyes, trying to win this little battle. However, seeing her space out while staring at me like I was an alien object was quite amusing. This amusement brought a sudden idea towards my head.
" A reason huh ? " I mumbled, with a small teasing grin forming into my face while peering back at her. Honami slightly cocked her brow at this small change of my expression, I threw a quick glance at three girls in front of me, before looking back at her. " I dunno, maybe it's because they are potential wives in the future. "
" Eh ? " At my small tease, Honami's concentrated expression crestfallen as a grim frown took over her face, staring at me with a shocked face that was a vessel for multiple emotions at once. However, when she noticed my small grin furthering up, her lips closed down as her eyebrows furrowed back on top of her eyes, glaring at me with an angry expression.
" I'm sorry, it was a joke. " With my amusement remaining intact, I patted her head, with my smug never leaving my face. Honami huffed exasperatedly under my hand, before looking off somewhere, with a small pout on her face.
I retracted my hand, feeling satisfied with the turmoil I set before looking back towards the girls, to find them in their own dilemmas too. Matsushita was blinking her eyes at me, while staring at me with a confused smile. Karuizawa and Sato were nervously looking at their food on top of the table, with flushed cheeks.
" Oh, I'm sorry if I disturbed you. " It seems that my joke went a little too far and caused them to be disturbed, to which I quickly realized and offered an apology. I thought it was fine, since I saw pretty much the same scene in one of the Mangas, where the ladies either had the same reaction as Matsushita or laughed at it. However, that doesn't seem to be the case.
" No, you didn't Ayanokouji-kun. I was simply stunned because I didn't expect you to say that. " Matsushita snapped out, alongside her friends before all of them shook their heads in denial, with some lingering aftereffects. Matsushita, noticing the small awkwardness in the air, tried to divert it by changing topics. " Anyways, What ar- "
" Excuse me Senpais, I heard that you're looking for partners ? " Before Matsushita could even delve in, a voice shimmed in and cut her off, causing her to instinctively look towards the source. Following her line of sight, a boy with brown hair and green eyes was sitting directly behind her alone, with a lunch tray on top of his table and looking at us with a gentle smile. " I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but hear your conversation earlier since I'm currently waiting for my friends. Are you looking for partners Senpai ? "
" Yes, I'm looking for a partner for both Kei-chan and Maya-chan so they won't fail the exam. " Matsushita spoke on behalf of our group to the boy, who gave off an understanding nod.
" I see. " The boy mumbled loudly, before taking a full swing. Facing us with his front while putting his back against his table. " Well I still haven't paired with somebody yet, so I might as well hear your offer. "
" Really ? " Matsushita exclaimed loudly, to which the boy gave a nod. " But both Kei-chan and Maya-chan have a low academic rating, are you sure you want to risk receiving a punishment ? "
" Oh ? Don't worry about that Senpai, I have an A in academical rating myself, so as long as they manage to score decen- "
" Don't worry, they both have a D+ so it should be fine. But I have been tutoring them hard and their level is definitely beyond that ! " Matsushita exclaimed optimistically, to which both of her friends backed up with cheerful nods. They looked pretty confident in their statement, which led both of me and the boy to believe that it's the case.
" I see. It would have been pretty disastrous if they were any lower than that. " The boy chuckled a little at his own words, to which the three girls smiled even more. " Well, I don't have any problems with cooperating with you Senpais. However, if I do that it'll ruin my chances of getting some rewards. "
" Huh ? " Both Karuizawa and Sato exclaimed in surprise, halting off their celebrations after getting caught off guard by the boy. " What do you mean ? "
" What I mean is, since I would be partnering up with one of you. My chances of receiving some private points from the exam would be very slim. I'm also risking my class's standing by allying with you, since all of our classes started with an equal amount of points, this exam pretty much determines the standings of our classes. " The boy explained, without a single stutter. Causing both Karuizawa and Sato to widen their eyes in realization, he shifted his posture before continuing. " So it would be nice if you guys offer me something in return, if not then I'll sadly have to decline. Of course I'm not gonna ask for something absurd, since my chances of getting in the top 5 spots are pretty low now. I'm asking for at least some compensation for the risks I'm taking. "
Since all of the high-rated students of our grade have already partnered up, the chances of him getting in the top 5 spots are already dead. With the people left he could still make it to the top 30%. However, it seems that he is looking for a better option by striking a deal with us.
He is currently our best shot in saving one of those two, he isn't willing to ask a lot for his cooperation unlike most of the first-years and he seems to be reliable enough to carry out the job. While they say that there is always a bigger fish, he is currently the biggest fish available.
" I see, we understand. " Matsushita nodded in comprehension, before taking out her phone. " I don't have a lot of private points currently, but please just state the price and I'll try to pay you. "
While Matsushita was opening the school app, I noticed how discreetly she did it while hiding the screen from all the prying eyes, and how she immediately faced it to the ground as soon as her balance came out. The boy stared at her momentarily, before opening his mouth.
" Well.... How many points do you have.. Matsushita-senpai ? " He thought for a small moment, before striking a question to Matsushita, seemingly measuring her wealth.
" Well, I currently have 36.000 " She gave a short reply.
" I see.. " The boy mumbled, before trailing off. Brushing his chin with his right hand while immersed deeply in his thoughts. Moments later he looked up again. " I really wanted to ask for something around 40.000, but I can settle with 30 if you don't mind. "
" Well, I can pay for that. But... " Matsushita mumbled the last part under her breath before turning to glance at me, seeking guidance through her gaze. She has no problems paying for this. However, after she does, she would have no points left to pay for another student, and it'll be pretty much left for me to cover the expenses later on. I gave her a reassuring nod. " Great~! I'll transfer the points to you right away ! "
Matsushita energetically picked up her phone again, before starting to tap. The boy pulled out his phone as well and unlocked it, before handing it over to her. Matsushita started transforming the student's information towards her phone. However, just as she handed it back, I called out.
" Before you do that, may I have your name ? " My call abruptly interrupted the process, causing everyone to shift their gaze at me, including the boy, who I already know his name.
" Oh ! My name is Yagami Takuya. " Yagami quickly introduced himself, after his eyes slightly widened in realization. " I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself earlier. "
" That's no problem. " I shook my head, before facing him again. " Anyways Yagami, why would you want to ally yourself with us ? "
" Huh ? What do you mean Senpai ? " Yagami furrowed his eyebrows, looking at me with a curious gleam.
" The other two classes would have definitely offered a larger sum of points for your talents, since you're clearly valuable. However, you decided to settle with us, who won't pay you nearly as much.
" Do you have any other reason for allying with us ? "
I raised my eyebrow as I peered deeply into his eyes, examining his body from head to toes. If he wanted money then he could have gone to Sakayanagi and Ryuuen who would have paid him handsomely. However, he was fine with settling with us for a small amount of points, which was definitely odd.
All humans act according to their self-interest, and are pretty selfish by nature. There are way better options for him to take, if he wants the money route, yet he decided to settle with us. What else would he earn by partnering up with us ?
" Well... " Yagami scratched his head with a wide bitter smile while looking elsewhere, seemingly trying to think of some excuses. However, he quickly heaved a sigh, as if giving up, before facing me. " Well, yes I do have another one. I wanted to get on your good side, Ayanokouji-senpai. "
" My good side ? " I parroted, to which he nodded.
" Yes, you guys are currently the strongest class in the secon- No, you are the strongest in the whole school. So I wanted to get on your good side so we can become allies in the future. '' Yagami explained, with a hint of embarrassment in his voice.
By offering himself for a low price compared to the other first-years, he'll manage to make himself appear in a better light. More so, helping the chances of his main objective, which is allying himself with us.
" I see, that makes sense. " I mumbled loudly, before looking at him and giving him a nod and taking out my phone. Both Yagami and Matsushita tilted their heads, staring curiously at me. Before Yagami's phone beeped, he immediately checked it out before slightly widening his eyes at the transaction I sent him. " 40.000 points should be sufficient, no ? "
" Ah. Yes, it's more than enough, thank you so much Senpai. " Yagami smiled, before shifting his towards Karuizawa at first, and darting it towards Sato. " So.. who should I partner up with ? "
" You can discuss that with them. " I took my last bite off my Bento box, before closing it down and starting to clean up. " I think we're done here. "
I glanced towards Honami who had finished her food a while ago, and she gave me a bright nod before standing up with me, and starting to take our leave.
" Have a good afternoon Ayanokouji-kun, thank you for helping us. " Matsushita smiled at me, while giving me her farewell.
" Thank you Ayanokouji-kuuuun~ " Both Karuizawa and Sato shouted, while waving at me.
" See you soon, Ayanokouji-senpai " Yagami also waved at me.
I received all of their farewell with a wave of my own, before finally disappearing into the hallways and walking back towards the class, with our empty lunch boxes.
" Hehe~ look at you go and make girls even more obsessed with you~ Honestly, what am I gonna do with you now ? " As soon as we entered the hallway, Honami, slightly lacking behind, started teasing me, with a big smug on her face.
" What are you on about ? You're the only girl obsessed with me as far as I know. " I looked back with a smug of my own, teasing her back.
" Heh~? Is that a bad thing ? " Honami pushed forward and latched at my arm, hugging it warmly while resting her head on it.
" I don't know, I'm the one to talk. " I reciprocated her embrace, as we kept nearing down the hallway.
" Kiyotaka, why did you help them ? "
" Hmm ? " Honami suddenly uttered a question, in the middle of the comfortable silence. I glanced at her to find the same expression as earlier. " Didn't I tell you ? It was- "
" Stop teasing me~! " Honami gripped my arm more tightly, with an angry but cute pout on her face. " Don't give me that. I'm simply curious about the reason, that's all. "
" Hmm, the reason ? " I mumbled, to which she nodded. I thought about it for a moment before answering. " To be honest I'm not sure. But Matsushita is my friend and I decided to help her out. "
" I see..." Honami shifted her eyes and stared at the ground, seemingly deep into her thoughts while we were marching down our class. However, her lips suddenly curled up, into what seemed to be a proud happy smile.
" Hmm ? Why are you smiling ? " I called her out, with a deadpan suspicious expression on my face.
" Hehe~ Who knows~? " She snapped back and grinned at me, while mimicking my words.
" I'm simply curious about the reason, that's all. " I mimicked her words earlier as a response, before we both engaged in a lighthearted banter.
I wasn't lying about the reason when I said I didn't know. However, I wasn't saying the whole truth either. I did want to help Matsushita since we are allies. However, there was another reason behind my assistance :
Karuizawa Kei, currently the most influential student in Class D. She doesn't hold that big of an influence outside. However, her connections within the class makes her the most influential in Class D. There may come a time where Class D's input would come in handy, so I'd like to preserve her as much as possible.
War time is coming pretty soon, and it seems that the white room student had no plans of attacking me during this exam. Since Tsukishiro steps down by the end of this term, it seems that they are both preserving their energy to make one big attack.
Whatever is coming next
It's gonna be brutal.
SORRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
I delayed this chapter way too much, I thought I'd take a break for a few days but ended up taking pretty much the whole week.
It didn't help that my stupid brain always hinders me from writing and trying to find the perfect wording each time, it's so annoying argh.
Anyways, I'm sorry for delaying this, you guys may give me a spankies for it~ But I don't mind, since I like pai-
Anyways, next chapter is gonna be the last, and it's probably gonna be a short one. If it's long know that there is LEMONZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Chao, sorry for delay again, cya in the next one :D
Bae~
Bish.