Ayanokoji POV
Kushida's crumpled form lay still on the ground, a stark contrast to the manipulative image she had so carefully cultivated. I should feel a sense of satisfaction, not from causing harm, but from outmaneuvering her. Instead I felt absolutely nothing, this victory was nothing. It wasn't planned, it wasn't anticipated, it wasn't needed, and it most definetely didn't warrant any response from me. Her facde had collapsed, leaving her powerless and silent. She didn't make any attempts to snatch the recording or argue; the realization of her own vulnerability must have settled in.
I crouched down slightly, taking in the scene before me-the fallen figure of Kushida, a once formidable presence now reduced to a crumpled state. It was a lamentable sight, considering the untapped potential that resided within her. Intelligence marked her as an asset, a mind that could potentially rival some of the brightest in the class and even extend its influence higher up the academic hierarchy. Yet, her downfall lay not in her lack of intellect but in the pervasive god complex that veiled her capabilities.
The thought lingered briefly in my mind, a fleeting contemplation on the what-ifs of Kushida's future. If she could only shed the weight of her perceived superiority, she might emerge as a truly capable individual. However, such expectations seemed almost unreasonable for an average student. Perfection was a rarity, even for someone of my caliber. Despite my proximity to the ideal, as my father incessantly reminded me, I remained mindful of my own imperfections.
With a calculated gaze, I observed Kushida, making eye contact with an unyielding stare. Her voice, sharp and brusque, cut through the air.
Kushida: "What are you looking at?"
My silence served as a deliberate response, an intentional withholding of words.
Kushida: "Don't look at me like that." The frustration in her voice grew more apparent. "I SAID DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT."
It was almost too effortless to dismantle her composure. A simple act of denying her the reactions she sought was enough to unsettle her. To emphasize the point, I lightly kicked her in the head before resuming my original stance. A muted grunt escaped her lips, accompanied by what I assumed were tears flowing freely.
The rooftop, witness to this unfolding drama, seemed to hold its breath in the wake of the shattered facade. The scene, bathed in the moonlight, portrayed a stark contrast between the perceived strength and the undeniable vulnerability beneath. The air carried the weight of suppressed emotions, and the rustling leaves bore witness to a confrontation that transcended the physical realm.
The rooftop encounter had been a turning point, far more fortuitous than I initially anticipated. I had always considered my plans to be straightforward and required minimal involvement, but the events that had unfolded made it clear that an opportunity was presenting itself, too tempting to ignore. While my general strategy revolved around minimal effort and maximum results, the situation had changed dramatically. Kushida's poorly disguised performance had unwittingly handed me a valuable tool. Using her as a proxy for my ambitions, a notion I had never seriously contemplated, could be the most efficient path forward. I knew that Kushida was always an option, and I had gleened that she was hiding something from a basic analysis of her actions. It's just she was not a needed part of my plan, just something that would both make it more effecient, and make it require marginally more effort. I didn't really need to make anything more effecient.
However, there was one last issue left at the moment: Ai. It was undeniable that she had sensed something was amiss. She displayed a level of perception and awareness that most lacked. It was as if she could perceive the dissonance between my actions and my supposed persona. Koenji's unfiltered remarks about me had undoubtedly sown some doubt into her mind. I needed to manage the situation before any undesired results would manifest. managing her suspicions without drawing attention to myself shouldn't be all too difficult.
My strategy, in dealing with Ai, was straightforward. I planned to downplay my capabilities, portraying myself as a somewhat intelligent person who yearned for a quiet, uneventful existence. The story itself isn't unbelievable, and I doubt that she would find any reason to distrust me. This way, I could lessen her doubts and reassure her that there was nothing out of the ordinary. It was important to keep her in line, as she was not an exceptionally intelligent or perceptive individual. It was simply unfortunate circumstances beyond my control, luck, and sloppiness on my side that had brought me to this point. If Koenji hadn't said what he said, and Kushida hadn't been so idiotic as to vent in a roof where everyone was privy to, I'm sure Ai's suspicions would have remained that way. But there was some responsibility on my part as well. I saw Ai as a redudancy, didn't foresee her ability, and pretended to be impenetrable. Of course, I was, but I needed to be more cautious in my actions.
Ai: "What now?" The voice of Ai was more confused now then fearful. The situation had shifted quite dramatically. I turned my head towards Kushida before I spoke.
Kiyotaka: "I'll send you a message regarding a favour later."
Kushida's crumpled form lay silent on the rooftop, a stark testament to the dismantling of the meticulously crafted image she once projected. The light scowl that lingered on her face reflected a feeble resistance, a futile attempt to retain a semblance of control. It struck me as almost comical-the remnants of power she clung to, despite the revelations that had left her utterly defeated. This victory, unexpected and unintentional, echoed with a subtle irony that hung in the air.
Kiyotaka: "And by the way, the study materiel you provided was excellent. I appreciate it."
Turning away from the fallen facade, I allowed my posture to ease into a state of relaxation. The rooftop, witness to the unraveling drama, became the stage for contemplation. My purpose here had concluded, and the soft resonance of Ai's footsteps behind me indicated her unspoken decision to follow. Meanwhile, Kushida lingered on the rooftop, a defeated queen contemplating her lost kingdom.
A fleeting notion danced through my mind-would she succumb to the weight of her ego, considering a drastic leap into the abyss below? The whimsical thought, however, collided with the stark reality of Kushida's resilient nature. Her ego, wounded but far from shattered, would resist such an admission of defeat. Besides, she had become a tool that fate had conveniently placed in my hands. Discarding such a resource seemed counterintuitive to my strategic approach.
As the elevator door loomed into view, I continued my measured pace, casting a glance upward at the unchanging moon. The passage of around ten minutes had encapsulated a transformative episode, altering the dynamics of the intricate game being played within the confines of the school.
Approaching the door, I halted my steps, a deliberate pause to address the presence trailing behind me-Ai. Her unspoken attempt to unravel the layers of my character demanded attention. To leave the burgeoning doubts unaddressed could potentially sow seeds of discord later. The door was a metaphorical threshold, marking the transition from one phase of this complex narrative to another.
Turning to face Ai, my gaze held an unyielding steadiness. Stone-cold and unblinking, my eyes met hers, acknowledging the quiver in her figure and the nervous anticipation etched on her face. The rooftop drama had unveiled facets of my character, and now it was time to navigate the aftermath, carefully managing the perceptions that lingered in the quiet moments between us.
Ai: "So..." Her voice wavered, a mix of uncertainty and determination evident in her eyes. It was clear she had questions, and I couldn't blame her. "That was something."
Kiyotaka: "Indeed it was."
Ai: "What do you plan to do with her?" Her voice quivered, her eyes searching mine with a mix of concern and curiosity. "You aren't going to-"
Kiyotaka: "No." I cut her off, anticipating the direction of her question. It intrigued me how, despite the threat and borderline blackmail by Kushida, Ai still cared to some extent about what might happen to her. "I can guarantee that I will not do what you think I will do."
Ai let out a quick sigh, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Well... what do you plan to do then? What is the favor you are going to ask of her?"
Kiyotaka: "It's just something I think would help the class. Though I am unsure whether it will work or not."
Ai: "Oh... well okay..."
Kiyotaka: "If that is all, I will be making my way back to my dorm." I turned to leave, knowing Ai wouldn't let me. She had more questions, and I could sense them lingering, unspoken. Having them answered now with half-truths and carefully chosen words was more convenient for me than letting her dig deeper on her own.
Ai: "Wait!" There it was. I turned around, meeting her gaze with my usual expression, though I raised an eyebrow slightly. "D-did you plan all of this? Did you somehow trick Kushida to come to the roof, to record the video? Why did you have the recording device in the first place? Did you just use me to gain something for yourself? Are you just going to throw me away now? Was all this for your own gain?" Her questions poured out rapidly, each one punctuated by a tremor in her voice and a pained look in her eyes. It was as if her emotions were spilling over, and I could see a hint of vulnerability beneath her usual cheerful facade.
Kiyotaka: I interrupted her rambling. "Calm down." I lightly patted her, which seemed to have a soothing effect. However, she also grew slightly red, puffing out her cheeks. "I didn't plan any of this happening. It was you who messaged me to come to the roof, remember?"
Ai: "Y-yeah. You're right, but-"
Kiyotaka: "And I had the video device because I recently bought it for other uses. And no. I'm not going to throw you away. I don't know where you got that idea from. Everything's fine; you just need to calm down."
As I spoke, I observed the environment around us. The rooftop, normally a quiet and peaceful place, now held the lingering tension of the recent confrontation. The wind rustled through the leaves of nearby trees, carrying with it a sense of unease. It was a symbolic reminder of the delicate balance we walked at ANHS, where appearances and alliances could shift with the breeze.
Ai took a deep breath, visibly calming herself. Her eyes, though still filled with questions, reflected a newfound composure. It was a momentary pause, a break in the storm of emotions.
Ai: "Sorry... I just... I needed to know."
Kiyotaka: "Understandable. Just don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Now, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back. You can come with me if you'd like"
Ai nodded, a mixture of relief and lingering curiosity in her eyes.
Ai: "Umm. One last thing before we head back to the dorms." I turned around to look at her.
Kiyotaka: "What is it?"
Ai: "Are you pretending to be something you aren't?"
Kiyotaka: "What do you mean?"
Ai: "It's just that... It's just that I've noticed that while you try to appear normal, you possess many qualities of someone extraordinary."
Kiyotaka: "..."
Ai: "Am I correct?" Her question hit the mark, and I could see a glint of curiosity and suspicion in her eyes. This was the moment I had been waiting for.
Kiyotaka: "It is true that I hide some of myself." I paused, making eye contact with Ai. "But I can assure you that I am nothing but slightly above average. Everything that happened today was by pure chance, as you saw. I just want to live a normal life." I softened my tone ever so slightly, crafting an illusion of sincerity.
Ai: "Oh... I'm sorry if I-"
Kiyotaka: "It's fine. I completely understand."
Ai: "Well... if it's okay with you..."
Kiyotaka: "Yes?"
Ai: "Could I join you in your plan when you meet up with Kushida tomorrow?"
Kiyotaka: "I don't see why you would want to, but sure."
The wind gently rustled the leaves around us, carrying with it a sense of secrecy and shared understanding. The rooftop, with its elevated view of the school grounds, seemed to echo the complexity of the relationships forming within the student body. Both me and Ai exchanged our goodbyes and made our way towards the elevators.
I pressed the elevator button, and the metallic doors slid open with a soft hiss. Stepping into the confined space, I felt a momentary reprieve from the outside world. The faint hum of the elevator's ascent mirrored the contemplation swirling in my mind. Ai's questions lingered, as did the shadows of our shared understanding. While she might have found solace in the reassurance I provided, my true intentions remained cloaked in the strategic dance of half-truths and subtle manipulations.
As the elevator reached my designated floor, I stepped out into the dimly lit corridor of the student dormitory. Each footfall echoed a sense of anticipation, a prelude to the unfolding scenarios awaiting me. The hallway stretched, an avenue of uncertainty, and I steeled myself for the challenges that lay ahead.
Tomorrow promised intrigue, a delicate dance on the edge of secrecy. The threads of alliance woven with Ai would tighten or loosen, revealing the intricate tapestry of intentions. With a measured stride, I approached my dorm room, keycard in hand, ready to face the enigma that awaited in the halls of Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School.
AN: Mid Chapter.
Here is a little thing I found:
https://twitter.com/meganekureyo/status/764065767264428032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E764065767264428032%7Ctwgr%5E18d4cd054a97d32d6c00b25e30b14f14a8942204%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.quora.com%2F