Horikita and Ayanokoji both turned toward the source of the noise.
"???: You think you're better than me? HUH?"
One of the seniors, with a hint of arrogance, pointed his finger at the loud student. "You're in Class 1D, aren't you?"
"???: Yeah, so what? What does it matter to you?"
The seniors didn't like his attitude.
"That's no way to talk to your seniors," one of them said. "You better learn some respect, and fast."
Just as the Class 1D student was about to snap back, he checked his phone. He read the message and seemed to think twice about his next move. He stayed silent.
(Inside the store)
Ayanokoji noticed the situation outside.
"Isn't he in our class?" he asked Horikita.
"Yes, he is," Horikita confirmed.
"Should we do something?" Ayanokoji asked.
"Send him a message to remind him of today's lesson," Horikita suggested as she scanned her items at checkout.
Ayanokoji quickly sent a text, and the hot-headed student outside, Sudo, seemed to have calmed down. He even gave the seniors a confident smirk, which didn't sit well with them.
"We'll let it slide this time," one of the seniors said, glaring at him. "But you're in for a world of pain."
They walked away, still giving him dirty looks.
Ayanokoji stepped outside, and Sudo thanked him.
"Thanks, man, I was just about to lose it."
"No problem," Ayanokoji replied. "It was all thanks to-"
"Good job, Ayanokoji," Horikita interrupted. "You managed to avoid a disaster."
Sudo, who seemed relieved, grinned. "Anyway, thanks, dude. I got to see those seniors' annoyed faces because of you. See you tomorrow."
As Sudo walked away, Ayanokoji asked Horikita,
"Why'd you cut me off?"
"As a class leader, you should maintain good relationships with everyone," Horikita explained.
"That makes sense. I should prepare for the meeting later, so I'll see you later," Ayanokoji says.
"See you" Horikita replies
Ayanokoji went back to his dorm to relax. He turned on the TV, watched a few episodes of a show, and took a nap. When he woke up, he felt refreshed and ready for whatever came next.
He checked the time and headed to Horikita's dorm for dinner.
He arrived precisely on time and was about to knock on the door when a gust of wind blew it open, revealing Horikita sitting in a chair, smiling and waving at him.
"How did you make the door open like that?" he asked, a little taken aback.
"Coincidence can be scary," she replied with a playful smirk.
Ayanokoji couldn't help but think, 'This can't be a coincidence. She's one of a kind.'
"Let's eat before it gets cold," Horikita suggested.
"Agreed," he said as he stepped in, closing the door behind him.
He immediately noticed the delicious aroma of the food.
Everything was ready to eat, and it looked amazing.
Ayanokoji was starving, and just by looking at the food made his stomach rumble.
He sat down and dug in, savoring every bite. Horikita watched him eat with a hint of amusement.
It was clear he was enjoying the food, but the speed at which he was eating suggested he was struggling to pace himself.
Horikita found his enthusiasm charming and couldn't help but giggle. After dinner, they sat in silence for a moment before Ayanokoji finally broke the ice.
"Thank you for inviting me," he said, his face as expressionless as ever.
"Thank you for coming," Horikita replied while sipping her tea.
Horikita then asked if he'd like to play some chess.
He agreed, and she pointed to the chessboard. Horikita stood up and sat on one side of her bed, suggesting that Ayanokoji sit on the opposite side. He was a bit surprised by her casual invitation to sit on her bed, but he didn't hesitate.
They set up the chessboard and began playing, with the intensity of the game quickly building.
Both of them were deeply focused, each making strategic moves while subtly observing the other's reactions. It was a test of skill, wit, and subtlety, with neither willing to give an inch.
...
The chess game ended in a draw,
much to the surprise of both Ayanokoji and Horikita but despite their shock, they maintained their composure.
"You're good at this game," Ayanokoji said, acknowledging her skill.
"Likewise. I enjoyed today's game," Horikita replied with a warm smile.
After that, they eased into casual conversation, talking about various topics.
They discussed school, sports, and other subjects that came to mind.
The atmosphere was light and relaxed, it seemed as if they'd known each other for much longer than a day.
The unexpected draw had brought them closer, and they were enjoying the chance to connect outside the usual classroom dynamics.
Horikita asked, "Wanna go for a walk outside?"
Ayanokoji replied, "Sure. That chess game was pretty intense."
Horikita and Ayanokoji stepped outside for a stroll, chatting as they walked ... When they reached a nearby building and were about to turn the corner, a girl with silver hair suddenly approached them.
???: "You must be the girl who beat the seniors in a betting game."
Horikita and Ayanokoji turned to see who was speaking. Horikita looked surprised, and Ayanokoji leaned in to whisper, "Is she someone you beat?"
Horikita replied quietly, "No, I've never met her."
Horikita then addressed the stranger, "Sorry, you might have the wrong person. We're from Class 1D, the 'defectives.' We're not good at anything; actually, we're the worst class in this school. You shouldn't waste your time on us. There are more interesting people out there."
???: "You might fool others, but not me."
Horikita offered a polite smile. "I'm not trying to fool anyone, just helping a lost soul find its way."
???: "I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm interested in you. A first-year student who not only collects points but also challenges seniors on her first day? And in Class D, no less. It wasn't easy tracking you down, Horikita Suzune."
Horikita smiled. "Good observation. Okay, you got me. What's your name?"
???: "The name's Kiryuin Fuka."
Horikita replied, "Nice to meet you. This is my friend, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji."
Ayanokoji gave a small wave. "Hey."
Kiryuin continued, "You should be proud to have caught my attention. Not everyone manages that, especially on their first day."
Horikita nodded, "Duly noted."
Kiryuin leaned against the wall, her grin playing across her lips as she eyed Horikita. "Isn't the student council president your brother? Funny, he never mentioned having a super-talented sister. In fact, if I remember correctly, he said his sister was... dead."
Ayanokoji blinked in surprise, glancing at Horikita for a reaction. But she was as calm as a cat on a sunny windowsill.
"As you can see," she said, her voice smooth and controlled, "my brother has such a low opinion of me that he doesn't even acknowledge I exist. He might as well have declared me dead."
Kiryuin raised an eyebrow. "If that's true, don't you think saying his sister had died would be risky? if you're as talented as you seem, there's a good chance you'd end up at this school anyway. Wouldn't it have been easier for him to just pretend you didn't matter?"
Horikita shrugged without a trace of worry. "I wish I could tell you, but I don't know why he does what he does."
She then took a breath and scanned the area with a faint smile. The sky was as clear as glass, and the breeze was soft and warm. "Nice day, isn't it? Let's make the most of it," she said, turning to leave. Ayanokoji followed her like a shadow.
A thick silence lingered as they walked away, leaving Kiryuin alone with her thoughts. It wasn't just silence, though. It was a deep, unsettling feeling bubbling up inside her, a cocktail of frustration and determination. "I have never felt so outmatched," she thought, her jaw tightening. "I hate this. I hate feeling like I'm not good enough. I can usually tell when I can take someone down, but those two? They're on another level. Winning is everything, but if I can't win... what then?"
Kiryuin decided to break the silence with her usual boldness. "Mind if I join you guys?" she called out, trying to sound casual.
Ayanokoji and Horikita turned their heads, their expressions blank but friendly enough. "Do as you wish," they said in unison.
Kiryuin joined them on the walk, keeping her stride confident and her smile bright. But inside, she was already planning her next move, determined not to let this sense of inferiority keep her from being at the top of her game.
Authors note: "The specifics of their conversation, as well as other discussions they had, will be disclosed in due course."."