The time was past 3:40. The special building, which had reached the end of the school day, was hotter than usual.
According to the plan, the person we were waiting for should be arriving soon.
Speaking of the plan, I omitted too many details. Let me explain.
The discussion between Class C and Class D, which took place yesterday, extended for a long time.
Our opinions were completely opposite, and we reached a deadlock no matter how far we went.
Therefore, during the extension of a whole day, the student council president, who was the moderator of this discussion, told one of the classes to confess to the lie. And thus, the first discussion came to an end.
Now, it's after school, just before the second discussion takes place.
We, Class D, have prepared a plan to secure our complete innocence in this battle within one day.
"According to the plan" means that the plan is progressing smoothly.
Of course, I'm not the one who came up with this plan. It was Horikita who devised countermeasures for this seemingly impossible violent incident.
And its content... Oops, I shouldn't be spreading rumors. Three guys from the trio approached, complaining about the heat.
There was a somewhat optimistic and happy expression on their faces.
Why are they so happy?
It's because they received an invitation email from our class idol, Kushida. They might have been dreaming of a cute girl's invitation, like a date or maybe even a confession.
However, what awaited them in the sweltering special building was a plain-looking guy who could compete for the title of the most ordinary guy in our class... It's a bit sad to say that myself.
Their fantasy was shattered when they discovered an irrelevant guy named Kiyotaka Ayanokouji.
"...What's going on? Why are you here?"
It seems they remembered our encounter in the student council room. The leader, Ishizaki, stepped forward and confronted us in an intimidating manner.
During yesterday's discussion, he acted meekly, playing the victim, and remained silent in his responses. But now, in the absence of any onlookers, he's become more aggressive.
"Kushida won't come here. That was a lie. I asked her to send the email forcibly."
Ishizaki showed an overtly displeased expression and put his hands in his pockets as he closed the distance between us.
"What the hell do you think you're doing? What's with this act?"
"We had to do this to get your attention, didn't we? We wanted to have a discussion."
"A discussion? Do we really need that? Has the heat fried your brains or something?"
Ishizaki grabbed his shirt at the chest and fanned himself, looking genuinely uncomfortable.
"I'm somewhat impressed that you guys are taking action for the sake of that violent maniac, Sudo, but give up. We were called out by Sudo and got beaten up. That's the truth, the answer."
"I don't plan on discussing that. We didn't lie. We're the victims. Why are you saying such things?"
"Hah, you guys are persistent troublemakers until the end. Are you planning to kidnap us and make us not participate? Do you intend to use violence just like Sudo? Haha, as expected of the underachieving Class D, your way of thinking is the same."
Ishizaki laughed with a smirk, and the other two clenched their fists, as if they welcomed the situation rather than being threatened.
It seems that their kind of intimidation doesn't work on them. On the contrary, they seem to be pleased.
"It's better if you give up and accept the consequences."
Realizing that Kushida is not here, they start to turn back to where they came from.
However, another collaborator obstructs their path.
"It would be better to give up, don't you think?"
Ichinose, who was waiting for all the actors to gather, appears lightly on the scene.
Ichinose Honami is a student from Class B.
Why is a student from Class B, who has no relation to this incident, here?
It's because she heard about this despicable and cowardly act of violence and, as a fellow student, crossed the boundary of classes to help us.
In a normal school, that wouldn't be surprising, but in this school where classes compete for points, it's rare for one class to offer so much help to another.
Her kindness shines through.
"I-Ichinose!? Why are you here?"
The three of them show surprise. It's natural for someone from Class B, who has nothing to do with this incident, to appear.
"Why am I here? Shall I say that I'm involved in this case too? Because I am."
"You're quite famous, Ichinose."
"Hahaha. I've had a few encounters with Class C, you know."
It seems like they have been clashing in ways that we don't know about.
The appearance of Ichinose clearly unsettles the members of Class C.
"I understand that Class B has no direct involvement in this case, but you should stay out of it..."
"That's true, but don't you think it's terrible to involve a large number of people with lies? Even if Class B has no relation to this incident."
"Are you saying we're lying? We're the victims here. Why are you saying such things?"
"Hey, the villains are quite stubborn until the end. It's about time to pay your dues!"
Trying to fend off Ichinose, Kondo, with an obviously weak attitude, is met with her sudden wide gesture as she declares:
"In this incident, I see through all of your lies and the fact that you were the first to resort to violence. If you don't want it to be brought into the light, you should withdraw your accusations immediately."
I feel like Ichinose will explain everything without me having to say a word.
"What are you talking about, Ichinose? Have you gone crazy from the heat? It was Sudo who started the fight. What part of our testimonies is a lie?"
"Do you know that this school is one of the top schools in Japan and recognized by the government?"
"...What does that have to do with anything?"
"If that's the case, you should think a little more. Your plan was transparent from the beginning, you know?"
As Ichinose becomes more and more talkative, she shows a joyful smile.
She walks around them, connecting her words.
Right now, she looks like a brilliant detective exposing the true culprits.
"The school's response to this incident, after they found out about it, wasn't it quite strange?"
"Huh?"
"When you reported it to the school, why wasn't Sudo immediately punished? Why were you given a few days to make amends? Why do you think that is?"
"Maybe because Sudo begged for mercy? That's why they gave him a formal chance to make amends. That's all."
"Do you really believe that? Maybe there was another intention behind it."
The corridor, which had its windows closed, became even hotter as it was illuminated by the high sun.
"...It seems like you've truly lost your mind from the heat, Ichinose. I have no intention of entertaining your nonsense. It's time for us to leave. Let us go."
"I'm fine with that. But you'll probably regret it later, you know?"
"What the hell are you talking about, Ichinose?"
The three turned back to leave, but Ichinose's words made them stop in their tracks.
"Don't you understand? The school knows that Class C has been lying. From the very beginning."
A few seconds of silence filled the special building. It must have been a surprising statement for the three.
They exchanged looks, showing faces that couldn't comprehend what she was saying.
"Don't make me laugh. What do you mean the school knows from the beginning? If that were true, then you should be able to prove your innocence without doing anything. There's no need for you to tell us."
Among the three, only Ishizaki, despite sweating from his forehead, calmly responded to Ichinose's words.
"Haha, it's impressive for Class D to have involved Ichinose. But even if you lie like that, it's meaningless. Sudo isn't worth going to such lengths to help."
"It's not for you to decide Sudo's worth."
Ichinose replied with a hint of anger in her voice. Her words seemed to have hit a nerve with her.
"...You're quite bold, Ichinose. Are you being defiant?"
"Not at all. I'm confident because I have concrete evidence on my side."
Ichinose continued without flinching at Ishizaki's words.
"Then show us that evidence you're talking about."
All three of them believed that there couldn't possibly be any evidence. There was no sign of agitation or impatience.
However, the moment they took the bait, their defeat was sealed.
"Can't you see it over there?"
Ichinose directed her gaze towards the ceiling area a little further down the corridor.
The three followed her gaze after a slight delay.
"Eh...?"
Their surprised voices overlapped.
Cameras occasionally swiveled their heads from side to side, as if monitoring every corner of the corridor in the special building.
"That won't work. If you're going to trap someone, you should do it where there are no cameras."
"W-Why are there cameras here?! There shouldn't be any surveillance cameras in this corridor! Isn't that right!?"
"Y-Yeah, that's right! There must be some mistake! W-We checked... This can't be... I see! It was you, Ichinose! You set this up!"
The two students became agitated and shouted at Ichinose, who was showing a composed smile. The plan was going as expected.
However, I couldn't find relief in witnessing it. Well, it's not that I'm completely relieved because victory is already assured... it's just that I have a bad feeling about Ishizaki, who has remained calm and seemed to have given up since earlier. It gives me an eerie intuition.
Unfortunately, that intuition would turn out to be correct.
"Hahaha!"
Suddenly, Ishizaki burst into laughter, his voice echoing throughout the sweltering special building.
"...What's so funny, Ishizaki-kun? Why are you suddenly laughing?"
"Oh, sorry about that. Your acting is just too amusing. Hahaha, it's a masterpiece."
"Hey, what the hell is going on, Ishizaki? Explain it so we can understand too!"
Ishizaki took out a mobile device from his pocket and showed us a certain screen that he had opened, wearing a smug smile on his face.
"Hey, Ichinose, can you see this? These are photos of the scene after the incident. Isn't it strange? There are no surveillance cameras that you mentioned anywhere in these photos, right?"
Alternating between the photos and the actual scene, Ishizaki explained with a smile.
"I don't think I need to say what this means, right?"
"S-So you were the ones who set up those cameras after all! You bastards, you're playing around!"
Ichinose bit her lip and showed a frustrated expression as she saw it. But it only lasted for a moment as she tried to create an opportunity for a counterattack.
However, the limitations imposed by the heat were not exclusive to the members of Class C. It affected me, who was remaining calm throughout, as well.
And Ichinose, who was smarter than me, was no exception.
When one is in a state of panic, the heat and anxiety dull one's thinking. The opportunity for a counterattack cannot be found.
"Why now? How conveniently you can produce those crime scene photos. Did you anticipate this outcome?"
The words I squeezed out were completely unrelated. Ishizaki proudly responded with a smug expression.
"Yeah, that's right. That person... said something like this. Even though Class D was the one who suffered the damage, they will use this method to secure their innocence. If that happens, That person said to use these photos."
That person.
From Ishizaki's words, I inferred who that person could be. I had no information, but for some reason, I arrived at a single person.
"So, that person gave you those photos... I see."
"Yeah. It's unfortunate, Ichinose. You really can't defeat that person. You were just being toyed with all along."
Confident in their victory, Ishizaki and the others smiled without hesitation.
"You guys don't seem scared, which means it's not Ryuen-kun... Class A is not involved in this incident, so it's impossible. That means there's only one person in Class C who is respected by them... By process of elimination."
Mumbling to myself, I saw Ichinose drenched in sweat as she accelerated her thinking process. She was getting closer to the right answer.
"Hey, what's wrong, Ichinose? Did you break do──"
"...Could it be Kamukura-kun?"
"!?!"
"...That surprised reaction confirms it, I guess. Well, knowing who it is wouldn't make a difference anyway."
Ichinose's voice sounded resigned. It seemed she had realized she was at a disadvantage.
And my guess was correct. It seemed that the long-haired man had made a move.
He can't be underestimated.
I am convinced that he will become a significant obstacle for Class D in the future.
But Kamukura Izuru, you were careless.
If you had intended to win, you should have been here in person.
"So, it's meaningless... Hey, Ichinose, we're going to inform the Student Council President that we've installed fake surveillance cameras... What do you think will happen in that case?"
Ichinose remained silent.
Well, there's no choice. Let's pass the baton.
"If you can't answer, let me tell you! It's because the ones who set it up are──"
"...Is there a possibility of being punished?"
"...Huh?"
I interrupted Ishizaki, who had become unusually talkative, with these words.
"Unfortunately, Ishizaki, that's not the case. After all, our 'lies' were used as a means to expose the truth. While it may not be praiseworthy, this 'lie' can be recognized as one of the methods."
"What the hell are you talking about? Where's the evidence for that, huh? We haven't done anything wrong. The ones who committed wrongdoing are the biggest defect in Class D, Sudo. The method you prepared is the worst means to frame us, the innocent. How can you say that would be accepted? Don't you think the same?"
Ishizaki sought agreement from the two. Naturally, both of them immediately agreed and responded.
"What you're saying sounds correct, but it only stands under the assumption that you haven't committed any wrongdoing... And that assumption is false. So, your opinion is incorrect."
"...Sorry, but I don't have time to entertain your nonsense. We'll be late for sure."
Once again, Ishizaki and the others tried to head towards the Student Council room.
But before that, I showed them a screen just like Ishizaki had shown me with the crime scene photos.
"!?... It's on recording mode? What does that mean?"
"W-Why are there cameras here?! There shouldn't be any surveillance cameras in this corridor! Isn't that right?!"
"Y-Yeah, that's right! We checked... This can't be... I see! It was you, Ichinose!"
I quickly manipulated my phone and let them hear a decisive part of the recording.
"There shouldn't have been any surveillance cameras, we checked. So, what does this mean? Tell me, Komiya, Kondo."
"...That means──"
"Ishizaki, I'm not asking you. I'm asking these two."
I once again interrupted Ishizaki's words and asserted myself with a hint of intimidation.
Ishizaki showed a moment of confusion but seemed like he was about to continue speaking, so I quickly demanded answers from the other two.
"So, what's the answer, Komiya, Kondo?"
"W-We didn't say anything like that, it's nonsense!"
"No, I recorded it, so that's not true."
They were already in a state of panic and had become rats in a sack. It was just a formality.
Remaining silent or making excuses, it was all futile.
The special building was a place that was rarely used in everyday life and had hardly any surveillance cameras.
There wasn't even air conditioning. That's why it was so hot.
Is there any reason to confirm the position of surveillance cameras in such a place?
If there is, it would be to do something suspicious there.
That's the extent of what my feeble brain can come up with.
However, a violent incident did occur in such a place.
Who would believe such a convenient story? Almost everyone would suspect foul play.
"Ayanokouji-kun, that's amazing. You even prepared a recording."
"...That was also Horikita's instruction. We were told not to let our guard down until the end and to record it."
"...I see, as expected of Horikita-san. Well, this is quite troublesome."
After a short silence, Ichinose regained her composure and said to me.
"Oh, Ishizaki-kun! Who are you trying to call?"
"!?"
Taking advantage of the moment when Ichinose and I were talking, Ishizaki quickly moved his mobile phone and held it against his ear.
"If you hand it over, then... I won't get you guys expelled."
Ishizaki's phone rang once.
"..."
Twice.
"In that case, I have no choice but to give this recording to the Student Council President."
Three times.
"...W-Wait!"
Four times.
"Then you know what to do, right?"
Five times.
"Fine, fine! I'll hand it over, I'll hand it over!"
Completely shaken and with his thoughts in disarray, Ishizaki even handed his own weapon to Ichinose.
This was as good as surrender.
Ichinose's slender and beautiful hand held Ishizaki's phone.
On the LCD screen, the name of the person she had guessed earlier, Kamukura Izuru, was written.
However, even after so many calls, the person didn't answer the phone.
Either that person couldn't answer due to an emergency, or that person abandoned him.
Well, it didn't matter either way.
Ichinose finally refused to answer the call.
"Now, Ishizaki-kun. What are you going to do?"
"...Damn it..."
Ishizaki bit his lip in frustration.
"Hey, Ishizaki. If that recording is submitted, we might get suspended or worst-case scenario, expelled. Hey, let's give up, okay?"
"Kondo, we've told such a massive lie. It's not the worst-case scenario. The three of you will definitely get expelled."
I fired the final bullet, digging into his heart.
"Ugh, ugh... Hey, Ishizaki! Please! We messed up, so please try to... g-gain mercy from that person..."
...His voice was trembling, filled with fear?
These guys didn't show any signs of fear towards Kamukura Izuru before.
If anything, they respected him.
But their attitude had changed drastically. Could it be that person isn't him?
No, maybe someone other than him has power and controls them with fear.
"...Ichinose... We... we withdraw our accusation."
"That's settled then."
Ichinose informed the three of them with a serious tone.
There are still some things that don't make sense, but for now, the incident has come to a close.
We made preparations to take the three of them to the Student Council room.
We had to do this, or else they might contact someone again, just like before.
Surprisingly, they were calm now.
"Well, we were certainly caught off guard,"
"Yeah... Horikita's unexpected plan... And Kamukura had taken measures against students like us."
"That's right. Honestly, I didn't expect him to get involved in this incident since he's usually passive... But I underestimated the situation."
Ichinose had a pessimistic look on her face.
Don't make that kind of face.
I couldn't offer her comforting words like Hirata Yousuke, who is like the prince of Class D. So, I said that to myself in my mind.
During the journey to the Student Council room, I engaged in casual small talk with Ichinose.
As expected, she felt responsible for the parts she wasn't satisfied with, so I tried to lighten the burden a little... or so I intended.
And at the same time, I had this thought.
Kamukura Izuru is indeed an unknown enemy.
The person who dominates Class C with fear is also a troublesome opponent.
But we won.
We won this conflict.
I was the one who emerged victorious in the end.
So, it's all good.
I reset my mind that was filled with doubts and unease as if tricking myself.
Once I cleared my mind, or rather, returned it to its original state of clarity, I regained my composure.
We arrived at the Student Council room and successfully secured Sudo's innocence.
***
I'm having fun.
No other emotions, sensations, can be felt right now.
An "equal," "pure," and "purely competitive" match against a superior opponent.
With every move, I can't help but feel a surge of dopamine flooding my brain.
Sometimes I make moves in a matter of seconds, other times I ponder for a while.
But the long-haired genius I'm facing moves his pieces with just a few seconds of thought.
To an observer, it might seem like he's moving his pieces haphazardly, but I can feel myself being cornered moment by moment, yet undeniably.
But the defeat isn't sealed yet.
To turn the tables from here, I need to think faster and sharper than ever before in my life, up until this very moment.
I finish my 38th move after using my allotted time to think thoroughly.
However, even the move I deemed most optimal in this situation is swiftly countered within seconds.
The two letters of defeat slowly start appearing in my field of vision.
"Ah."
An impolite laugh escapes me unintentionally.
Ah, I have never been more grateful to my father for enrolling me in this school.
This is the real deal. A genuine genius who won't allow anyone to surpass him.
But I won't give up.
There's still a chance, a move that can reverse the situation. I can make it happen.
While chess involves a certain degree of psychological warfare, I can't expect that with him.
He truly is like a machine. But he's not a perfect machine.
There may not be a sense of superiority or impatience, but that doesn't mean there are no emotions.
Sometimes, albeit faintly and momentarily, the corners of his mouth lift.
There is a move for a comeback. And my chess skills are not so low that I can't recognize it.
"...How about this, then?"
With confidence, I make a move that aims for a reversal.
I look directly into his eyes, awaiting his response.
"...I see. So you're forcing me to think deeply."
His first words uttered since the start of the match.
His expression as he says those words ── my heart can't help but feel an indescribable excitement.
There's something that can't be conveyed through words, a relentless impulse akin to desire, and it only intensifies.
After his first period of deep contemplation, he exhausts his time and finally makes a move.
"That was fun, Arisu Sakayanagi. Playing with you was not just a pastime."
The distinct sound that chess makes echoes as he declares his victory.
The people around us begin to stir.
After all, this move didn't put his king in check.
It was just an ordinary move. It seemed like a move to solidify the position.
But I didn't see it that way.
It was the best and greatest move.
Despite anticipating every possible move, none of them were reflected in that move.
With a single move, my chance for a comeback was crushed, and eight moves later, my certain defeat was prepared.
"Resign."
With frustration, I declare my surrender in a clear voice and flick my king with my finger.
"Ugh, it can't be true."
A voice that conveys an inability to accept the reality in front of the Club President echoes in the club room.
"It's not a lie, President. It's my complete defeat."
"What in the world is going on?"
"Not 'what in the world,' President, it's Kamukura Izuru-kun."
"I didn't ask for a name."
The President's frustration is understandable.
And he truly embodies those words.
"Now, President, please show me your phone."
"...Fine."
With those words, I swiftly operate my phone and transfer one million points to the President.
It may seem like a significant blow, but I still have seven digits worth of points on my device, so there's no problem there.
"This is about 30% of what I took from you. I'm returning it."
"...You really make me mad."
"Thank you."
"I'm not complimenting you."
We finish our casual conversation with the President.
Afterward, the other club members apart from the President leave.
And finally, I speak to him.
"Izuru-kun, it's your victory."
I extend my hand towards him, seeking a handshake.
He notices it and without showing any resistance, he clasps my hand.
His hand is big, beautiful, and yet cold.
I can't help but think that this is how it feels after finishing intense physical exercise, while also pondering that I want to hold his cold hand forever.
It was a gripping match, causing my hands to sweat. As I realized that, I felt a slight blush on my cheeks due to embarrassment while trying to let go to not dirty his hand.
From an outsider's perspective, it might seem like a young girl who is happy and embarrassed to shake hands with him, and I'm aware that it's exactly what it looks like.
It's truly regrettable, but I loosen my grip on his hand.
However, my hand didn't let go.
Because he was still holding onto my small hand.
"Um, Izuru-kun? Can you let go now...?"
"...I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
"No, I'm not uncomfortable, and there's no need to worry about it."
That's what I said, but in reality, I was embarrassed.
It's my first time holding the hand of a man other than my father, so my heart was beating faster with nervousness.
He releases my hand and looks at his palm.
"...Did you dislike shaking hands with me after all?"
"That's not the case."
"...Then, what's the matter?"
I wait for his next words while adjusting my heartbeat that gradually returns to normal.
"Your hand is very warm."
What does he mean by that? I wanted to ask, but his expression made me speechless.
Ah, I see. You're just like him...
Realizing something, I put on a smile to hide my agitation.
"...Haha, I see... But Izuru-kun, you're the winner. Let's make a promise. I want you to give me an order."
"That's right."
"Just to reiterate, I'm willing to accept any order except for my life. Information about all the classes, including Class A, requests for additional points, my own body, and so on. If necessary, I can even put it in writing. I won't lie."
As I lost in the "equal" match, there must be a significant risk involved.
This is the world of competition. That's why I don't intend to hold any grudges against him, no matter what order he gives.
What I resent is my own weakness.
"...Well, as a man, decide quickly. We need to close up soon."
"Alright. Then let's decide quickly."
"...I'm telling you, even so..."
"Then, the order I'm giving you is───"
His sharp gaze directed at me pierces through him.
"Your..."
...Ah, it's a bit happy, but also a little sad.
So he's also a young man. That age, I see...
The President's eyes become even sharper.
"...Contact information,"
"Eh?"
Taken aback by the unexpected words, I let out a foolish voice.
"You're a coward."
"...This seems like an appropriate judgment,"
I turn red as I realize I had silly expectations, but there was no reason for it.
"Izuru-kun, that doesn't fulfill the condition of 'equality.' There's no risk for me."
"You're the loser. It's only reasonable for you to obey any order. I won't tolerate any backtalk."
"...But, it's just..."
"Then consider the risk I give you as humiliation. You're still nothing more than a barking puppy at my feet. And from such a lowly existence, I don't need information or points... Moreover, you call me a true genius, but do you think I'm incapable of such things?"
When I proposed this idea, I didn't have such thoughts in mind. It was just an impulse to want to play chess as soon as possible.
But if I think about it, it's true.
What I can do, he can probably do as well.
"...Alright. I'll accept your order."
"That's settled then."
We exchange contact information by operating our phones.
He stands up from his chair.
I also lean on my cane and follow him slowly.
Conveniently, the clubroom door opens.
"...There you are."
A girl with beautiful purple hair looks at me and speaks.
"Good timing, Masumi-san."
"Oh, really."
She replies with her usual cold and indifferent attitude.
I hand her my school bag as she approaches.
"Izuru-kun,"
I call his name once again.
He turns around immediately and looks at my face.
"This time, I lost, but next time, I will win. So, would you like to play again sometime?"
"If you can entertain me, anytime is fine."
"Haha, I'm also growing day by day. The next time we play, I'll be even stronger than this time."
"Let's look forward to it."
With his long hair swaying, he passes by me.
His voice remains vivid in my ears, playing over and over again.
I lean on my cane and follow behind him.
Matching our footsteps, I quickly catch up to his side.
"By the way, Izuru-kun, why didn't you choose my body? Did I lack appeal?"
"It just didn't justify the one million points."
"Oh, that's good to hear."
"...Huh? What are they talking about?"
As we leave the clubroom and head home, Masumi-san, who can't keep up with the conversation, is left behind. Let's enjoy the conversation with him.
At first, I was merely interested in him due to my own uncontrollable curiosity and instincts.
But today, my purpose has changed.
Instead of seeing myself reflected in his eyes, I want to become an equal presence, standing by his side.
And from there, I want to teach him the warmth of a person.
Even without talent, the warmth that can be known.
So, first of all... let's become friends, shall we?
Haha, it seems like there's a long way to go.
The intimacy between geniuses has increased for both of them!