I fingered the buttons on the small plastic device. Similar to a phone, yet in this school it was so much more than that. The tips of my digits caressing the grooves as they fidgeted with the implement in my hand. They tremored intermittently, it wasn't so much a quiver as it was a shiver. Like the kind of movement one might make after being shocked lightly with a small static charge.
My heartbeat elevated slowly. My eyes recognised the figure reflected in the picture. A boy and girl of the same age were stood what looked to be on the rooftop of this same building. Some sort of controversy was attached to the image. But that didn't matter. The girl didn't matter, the situation. None of it did. The only thing of importance was the boy presented before me. He was older than when I had last seen him… well, obviously. But it was him. I wouldn't mistake him even after all this time. Right? Perhaps I dreamt him up in some strange fever dream. That could be the case, but I chose not to believe in that idea. Despite being sure of that, I couldn't help myself from confirming it multiple times. Like an OCD person checking the number of steps they take on a path or rechecking that they had in fact locked the front door for the seven millionth time before finally leaving…
I closed the message board once more, reopening the app and attempting to find the same post once more. I was almost sure that this time it would disappear, and my same boring days would return. I scrolled lightly, my eyes taking in every single pointless or useless post that a student had added. My eyes attempting to capture every single thing on there, they wouldn't allow a single pixel to escape my scrutiny. But I knew the real reason. I just didn't want to be disappointed, even if the reality was almost assured, I didn't want to find out that he wasn't here. Soon enough the same message and attached image was revealed and I opened it again. And I was filled with the same surprise seeing it another time.
I was seriously worried over my mental health. Is this dementia? Early onset Alzheimer's or something? This isn't right.
Each time my eyes wandered to his face the heartbeat would escalate. It was an exponential curve of excitement. Once, twice, thrice, four times now. Deftly my hands perused the phone's inner applications time and time again. Practiced movement as the implement remained in my grasp. My mind wandered as my finger constantly opened and closed the picture presented before me. Almost prepared to admit that its very existence was a fallacy, one that my mind had concocted through boredom and idleness. But each and every time I was overcome with more surprise at reality. This photo existed. His name was uttered. He was here in the flesh.
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.
Masterpiece.
The only true successor of Professor Ayanokouji's facility.
The White Room.
A reality that was so far removed from me, one that only existed in memory now. I had to look back to experience it, but it never truly left me. It was always something that creeped alongside me.
My digits deftly entered and exited the app several times. Opening and closing the image again and again. Each and every time I couldn't believe it.
Seeing was believing. Yet rather than the reality setting in, I couldn't help but feel that it was even more fantastical, even more unbelievable whenever I see the image another time.
So he's here…
So I can see him again…
So it wasn't some strange dream…
I had so many questions to ask him.
Why is he here?
What does he plan on doing in this school?
Had he already understood everything?
Knowing him, that should be the case.
I wanted to get up right now and go see him. But that wouldn't be the best idea at the moment. I don't know what his motives for coming here are… Or what mine are with seeing him…
…
The end of the month. That's what I'll wait for. I can check whether he plans to stand out in this place and make use of his skills. On the other hand should he desire to stay backstage or uninvolved then I can make contact in a different way. One that won't bring him much trouble.
For now, anyway.
In the meantime, I can decide just what it is that I want from this as well…
The sound of the sliding doors dragged me from my thoughts, the familiar sound of high heels treading on the floor pervaded into the classroom. Calmly, the teacher stood behind the lectern addressing the class with a monotonous but not at all strict voice. The dark hair of a certain teacher lightly swayed as she stood behind the podium. The gentle spring breeze pushing through the windows aided that venture.
So it was History now? Not like it mattered either way, classes here were so boring… I suppose that's the benefit and detriment to having a state-of-the-art education.
"Good morning class, open your textbooks to page 54." Her tone indicated it was more of a suggestion than a directive. That lackadaisical attitude of hers effortlessly emitted through each of her actions. It was a stark difference to the education I had received throughout childhood. I had seen those with little talent and those with plenty to spare. Even with the same materials before them, some would grasp it instantaneously, others with plenty effort, some could never wrap their heads around concepts. Talent, effort, motivation… There were numerous factors impacting a student's level of progress. But I couldn't help thinking that genetics must be the most profound factor, the most vital ingredient to creating a superior individual. My life experiences formed that understanding. That fundamental understanding was the same quandary challenged by the White Room. Can the most common denominator human become something incredible? The track record of successes in that place speaks for itself.
Hah…
It's going to be hard to focus on anything else now, with him in the picture again…
I guess I should at least pay attention to the class for now. It wouldn't paint the best picture otherwise… I could already feel a pair of eyes narrowing in on me…
Maybe I shouldn't have told them about my misgivings with the s-system. That might make the coming battles closer… Well not that they would be very close if I'm here…
Or that should have been the case…
The urge to check my phone once more despite being in class loomed over me like a shadow. One more chance to prove that he really was here, that I hadn't just mistaken the visage of an old acquaintance. That a doppelganger hadn't simply appeared in this place, a completely unrelated entity that shared the same features as the boy I had met all those years ago.
As much as that feeling tried to overcome my better senses; my mind focused on the boring, dull and droning tones of Chabashira-sensei as she continued to teach. The blackboard scritching and scratching every so often as chalk left an imprint.
My dull life might finally regain some of its colour…
To think it would take the emergence of someone that was deprived of it all his life for that to be the case. Ironic. Isn't it, Ayanokouji?
My gaze shifted slightly to the window beside me. The same sky that was no doubt occupying his attention during these boring classes. That gesture alone made me feel slightly closer to my old acquaintance. Even if only a bit.
Now all I had to do was count down the days…
[Civil War]
My hand rasps against the staffroom door a few times. From what I had gathered Sakagami makes a habit of visiting here for ten minutes after the school day finishes. A strange habit for someone like him. I was under the impression he took his job seriously enough to get the job done, but there wasn't a sense of passion or enjoyment from him as far as I had seen. Did he just leave some materials here? Every day, though… seems a bit of a stretch.
"Come in." Urged on by the instruction, I obliged. Was he the only one? Things would be a bit more complicated if other teachers were present.
"Ryuuen-kun. This is certainly unexpected. Can I help you? Is there a reason you've come to the staff room of your own accord?" Unexpected he said; that small smirk conveyed the contrary. I glanced around the flush furnishings. Not bad. Luckily none of the other teachers seem to be around.
"I have some questions, teach. I plan to take some of your time."
"Hah, you certainly get to the point, don't you? Ask away, if I can answer I'll do it to the best of my abilities." If? I pondered over that question as I slumped onto the comfortable couch opposite my homeroom teacher. He didn't seem to mind my behaviour, which only made me more comfortable. If I were hungry, I might even have a look in the communal fridge…
"You said we could buy anything in this place, right?"
"Well, broadly speaking. Everything, bar some obvious exceptions have a price attached, don't they?"
"Mind giving me an example of what doesn't?"
"Those that ethics dictate shouldn't be for sale. You already received that answer on the first day."
"Whose ethics?"
"The school board and society at large."
"Then what I asked for would be permitted."
"Violence that isn't justified. It wasn't self-defence, what you asked for was premeditated assault; in other words, a crime." He replied coolly. Completely unperturbed by the question.
"My original idea might have been off, but I can achieve the same end goal using this system."
"You sound so assured of that."
"As you said; the school board and society at large dictated the rules. The same way that crimes can be waived for fees all I would have to do is pay bail. In the same way I might not be able to buy permission to enact violence, but I can pay for the annulment of that record. Tell me teach, that's the truth, isn't it?"
He chuckled lowly, under his breath. More to himself than me. "So, you're saying even if the means are different the end result will be the same?"
"You tell me. Or can you not answer that question?" I don't know if he can even outright deny or agree with these face value questions. Everything seems to be a misdirection. Never answering or denying the possibility but shifting it subtly. Trying to change the question itself.
"I'm always entertained by the new interpretations students get for these rules. Yours is fresh even amongst them. Well done." I couldn't tell whether he was mocking me or genuinely congratulating me. "That being said I can't permit unnecessary violence. Rules are what make animals civilized, after all. Otherwise, chaos would run rampant. Besides, your argument has a flaw in itself. Some crimes can't be waived; bail isn't a universal option."
"Heh, true enough. But in the same vein, a crime isn't recognized as one so long as it goes unreported." For a moment his gaze descended upon me, narrowing behind those frail glasses. Scary. So, there was feeling in him. Well, that's enough playing around.
"The real reason I wanted to see you, Sakagami… sensei." I added. "Information."
"You're going to have to be a bit more specific…"
"On the class. I want the admission scores for each of my fellow classmates; how much would that amount to?"
"…Assuming you could even purchase them, they're official documents kept by the school. Do you really believe the school would hand them out for so cheap?"
"So, I wouldn't have enough… I take it you also can't reveal how much they are. Annoying. Then just one student, how much?"
"…What's gotten you so invested in your classmates? I had thought you intended to remain uninvolved with any of them."
"Some of them caught my attention. Besides, I need peons for the next part. How else are we going to reach class A?" It was short lived, but his pupils suddenly shrunk. He probably had his predilections, but this confirmed it. I knew. He tried to keep his cool, but I could tell his head had tilted towards the walls… That corner. They even had cameras here… Huh?
"…Who? Which student?" Can I take that as I have enough funds at this moment? I hope he isn't extorting me; that's my job.
"Ayanokouji… Forgot his first name. The one that sits to my left." A brief shift in the atmosphere. His finger rapped against the desk slowly. Anger, frustration, anticipation or was it… impatience? Whatever it was left the room and Sakagami's features as soon as it arrived.
He sighed. "Bring your student ID. The documents do not leave this room. You will not record them. You will not reveal them to any other students. Is that fine?"
"Yeah." Well, not like either of them have to know…
"Come here." He ushered me to the side of the laptop he suddenly unfolded and powered up.
Navigating through files deftly, a familiar face greeted me on the screen along with a litany of other information. The admission scores, presentation and interview stage… As I thought… How interesting.
[Civil War]
I slammed my fist onto the desk, barely restraining myself until Sakagami had bothered to leave the classroom. The dull collision of my knuckles against the wooden furniture ached nicely. The silence that erupted from that action was even more delicious. Now I wonder how many have their suspicions about this place. This school is gonna be way too dull if it's just him…
"Kukuku. Kukukuku." The laughter fell out naturally. There was no need to force anything, I wasn't that sort of person in the first place. When something's interesting; I enamour myself with it as much as I please. That's what power is; the ability to choose whatever you want at whatever time you dictate. Power is freedom. The only way to be the freest person was to be the strongest in the surroundings. That wasn't through sheer physical power, academics, endurance or any of that other shit. It was plain and simple grit that bypassed any fear. A determination that was all-consuming. You wade your way through the shit that we call life by making a pathway constructed by those lesser than you, all so you can walk unfettered by the filth. In this hierarchical school we were viewed as, second to last. Not rock bottom, but far from exceptional…
So be it. You think I belong here? I agree!
Let me use up every ounce, every resource, of these useless things so that I can drag myself to the top and usurp the throne. I didn't have any grievances with this position I had found myself in, if anything I was thankful for it. I waited for the last few pairs of eyes to lock onto me. With the attention firmly grasped I'd probe the class first.
That was the reason I didn't care what these people thought of me. What they would say after this event, how they would detest me or even laugh in the face of my threats, none of it registered in my mind. It didn't matter what their reactions would be, all of them would certainly lie on the floor and expose their bellies soon enough, like a good dog that knew its place. I can't lie… just thinking about it gets me excited, when their resistance, when the will to fight is at its highest, that's when I get the most enjoyment. I gazed over my 'classmates' certain figures kept in my mind's eye for later. Rather than let the silence linger I made my first move.
"As I thought. This school really is interesting. It's more than it shows on the surface that's for sure." I looked around the room, hoping for someone to make a movement, perhaps look towards the cameras or something else similar. Unfortunately, no one did. The main focus of my tirade was also feigning sleep at the moment. The bell for lunch break had only just rung, obviously he was pretending, though he hadn't even shifted as I punched the desk… It wouldn't be that easy, would it? No matter, that just makes it even more fun!
I addressed the class once more. "But I bet you dumbasses haven't gathered anything, have you?" Punctuating my question with a slam on the desk, the surroundings quietened. Most of their eyes seemed to register me as some oddity. Whatever his name was, kept hesitating whether to stand or not. Him and his friend looked like delinquents, if I had to guess… they'll be the major faction that everyone crowd around after today. Possibly one or two more as well… Those guys at the front of the class, the three that tried to step in as I was making a move on Kikyou. They'll probably be another… What about you two?
My mind focused on my neighbour to the immediate left and the giant seated in front of him. Those were the two I had my eye on. For very separate reasons. Well, I guess Lil' blue; Mio, was the same. Though, that was just to get at my comatose neighbour…
The seat directly after my neighbour spoke up, acting as the voice of the class itself. "Hah, who the fuck are you talking to, dumbass?" Manabe… She acted pretty quick to cement her position in the classroom. The first day, immediately creating conflict with Mio, using that bus incident to place herself a few steps above in the social hierarchy and then the recent scandal with Ayanokouji. Safe to say she liked attention. If that's what you want; I'll give you as much as you desire and more… Judging by the fact she was with Ayanokouji before… She'll probably join with those two delinquent guys. Irrelevant 1 and irrelevant 2.
I didn't bother responding to her, that attention would wait for another day. But rest assured I'll get to each and every one of you with time… Instead, I addressed each and every person present. Noone was allowed to leave until I was finished talking, or at least that was the atmosphere I had created. "Listen up small-fries, I'm gonna take over the class. We'll reach Class A and get the rewards that come with it. You'll all be working for me till then. By the way, this is non-negotiable." Enough to think about, but the threat should push them all away. Then all I have to do is divide and conquer. If I take it slow… I can focus on this class for the first few semesters, depends how easily they break. Then the other three classes…
Will I even have enough to do for the next three years? Oh well. If I can't find the fight I desire here, then I won't find it anywhere else. No point thinking about things like that. I want their hate, fear and anger directed solely on me. To which it seemed that decision was unanimous. The more vocal students were quick to jump on the bandwagon and direct curses and other colourful language towards me.
Still too scared to make a move in the classroom. Who would possibly risk 100% guaranteed employment for such a thing? That's what they're all thinking… Simpletons. Even if I spelled it out, they couldn't understand. At the very least the more violent ones didn't have a firm grasp of the rules yet.
A show of force… Oh, how I want to do it right away…
But I'll wait.
I can't waste that opportunity. I don't need to for this first pawn.
"Kukuku. And the first one I'll get is you." My comatose neighbour was unmoving. I had to be a bit more proactive. You might think this is the right way to go, but you just make this more entertaining for me, you know.
"I can tell you're awake, you might look dead most of the time, but I can still tell."
"You've got guts ignoring me, bastard. Kukuku, let's see how long that goes on." It didn't matter what I did either. He had isolated himself, the easiest prey was that which stood alone. I shuffled behind his seat, grasping the metal support and with an immediate tug the chair slid out.
Though, the person attached had yet to fall. Instead, he stood unremarkably. Gathering his materials into the open bag, feigning a yawn and ultimately said. "Well, I'll be off." Escaping from the classroom.
"Kukuku." I quickly gave chase.
"Oi, sleepyhead. C'mon, you know what I'm talking about don't you? You were there when I noticed those upperclassmen, right?"
"What're you talking about?"
"The three fucking idiots that tried to scam me a week ago. You passed by but pretended to see nothing."
"I'm surprised you remember me from that, but I just passed by. So, I have no idea how that relates to the current situation."
"Well, was there any reason to pass by there? You went in the direction of the school despite it ending. You who has no friends, no bitches, no club. No other facilities were in that direction, so what were you doing?" Apparently, Manabe.
"Well, that's..."
"No use dumbass, if you think I'll let you run from this then your head's as empty as your eyes."
"Is there a reason I have to explain myself? I simply passed by, other than that whatever you're saying is escaping me."
"See, that's much better. You didn't bother listening in class because you already have an idea about this school. You just don't care I reckon."
"No, I just didn't want to be dragged into whatever death wish you have going on."
"Sorry, but you'll be dragged into it either way. You aren't close to anyone else in class. For better or worse, the person you've interacted the most with is me."
"When all those idiots start antagonizing me, who do you think they'll eventually turn to?"
"I can just tell them the truth. I dislike interacting with you, you just force me into it."
"Yet, they won't believe you. Think, that stunt you pulled in class. You show me no fear, quickly escaped and never changed your expression. If anything, some of them might be more freaked out by you than me."
"…"
"Never mind the fact that I'd just follow you around, possibly bully and torment you until you eventually give in. I can be very persuasive, you know."
"So? What exactly do you want from me?"
"Exactly what I said in class."
"Sorry, I was asleep."
"Pain in the ass. You'll work for me to reach Class A and unite this class beneath me. That about sums it up."
"Except a couple things; we can't change classes and why would we even want to? Also, I don't feel like working for someone my entire Highschool life. I'd much rather enjoy myself quietly."
"I wonder, do you word yourself like that purposely? Of course, our class can become Class A. There's no need for the students to change classes, just the ranking. For the last part, you don't want to work for another person but there's no issue with all other students being forced into labour?"
"That's a rather disingenuous interpretation, not to mention a bit of a stretch in logic."
"Are you gaslighting me, Ayanokouji?"
"No, I just never said those things."
"I said all these interesting things, yet you don't blink an eye. I mentioned competition, ranking and rewards. Yet, you mentioned none of these things. Are you not curious?"
"That's because you're most likely lying about half of the stuff you talked about."
"Oh, and which part is that?"
"The class rankings and rewards. Forcing the class into subjugation and bullying others seems like your ideal pass time. I have no doubt you were serious about the latter."
"Despite understanding that, you still don't seem too afraid of that."
"You've painted a target on your back, most of our classmates will be aiming for you now. I think it's just a matter of time before they save me from this inconvenience."
"Kukukuku. Inconvenience you say. I'm deadly serious, you know. Bullying is a terrifying thing, it can bring a person to the very brink of death. When done correctly."
"Then I'll simply talk to one of the many teachers. Sakagami-sensei for example. He handles class affairs so I'm sure he'll help me."
"He won't help either."
"Why?"
"So long as the result improves the class standing, he'll allow it."
"What basis do you have for saying that?"
"How else do you think?"
"Just so you know, Sakagami will also give information out for the betterment of his class. Of course, there's a price attached but let's say, entrance exam results? That sort of thing. Kukuku." I pictured the same results in my mind once more. No matter how you spin it, just not normal. Never mind having the ability to do it, what sort of person would actually choose to do that… It was ballsy, kinda admired it.
"Exam results? Why bring that up now?" He was still playing dumb. What was the point if you made it so obvious? Was this guy just screwing around?
"Oh you know, a benevolent man such as me has to care for the idiots in our class. You know there's this incredible dumbass in our class that got 50's in every subject. Ring any bells?"
"No. We don't get those results back Ryuuen. But what a coincidence, frightening really."
"Hmm... Yeah, coincidence."
"Whatever, this cat and mouse is getting boring. What's it gonna take Ayanokouji? If you work with me money, fame, women. All can be easily attained inside and outside this school, so long as I reach the peak. The rest of you will be the horse, and I the generous Commander that allows you to come along for the ride."
"This is the only time this offer stands, otherwise the next time I see you I won't be so friendly."
"This is you friendly, huh?" You might interpret it as such, but I have no intention of making friends here. I never have. I don't even know if I'm capable of it. Friends were two people that stood on the same level seeing eye to eye and respecting the others outlook, I can say in all of my life I've never found someone like that. Given enough time I always stood above them. Because they never stood back up. Driven into the dirt once or twice and that was all they had, how disappointing they were.
"Want me to change my attitude right now?"
"Nah, I'm good."
"Then decide. Now."
"Hah... Not giving me much of a choice here..."
"That was the point. Violence and coercion are powerful tools, Ayanokouji."
"Fine. If it gets you off my back for a bit."
"Then, first order of business. I'll have you..." As I was preparing for my first plan of action, I was interrupted by a sudden blur of blue barrelling into the conversation.
"STOOOP!"
"Huh?" What the hell is it now?
"Ibuki. What are you doing here?" Ayanokouji asked, though he didn't actually seem all that confused.
"Why the hell are you making a deal with this crazy bastard?"
I chuckled. "After being rejected so many times by you he's become lonely. Aren't I just so generous for allowing him to be friends with me? Feel free to thank me, Ayanokouji." I flashed a sarcastic smile at the two.
"…I owe him. That's all."
"Owe him? It doesn't really matter what he did for you, you can surely tell this is a bad idea, right?" She pointed at me exaggeratedly, I felt as if a neon sign was depicting me as an obvious hazard. C'mon, I haven't even hurt anyone yet.
"…"
"What? Stop staring at me like I'm some sort of alien, will ya?" She said solemnly, nudging my neighbour a few times in the ribs.
"Sorry, I was just under the impression we weren't talking anymore. Not that I'm dissatisfied or anything… Did I misunderstand something from the other day?"
"Urgh…" She squirmed and looked away immediately. How amusing.
"Kukuku."
"Stop with that creepy ass laugh! What the hell are you even laughing at, you sado-freak?"
"You should thank me Ayanokouji, seems my efforts repaired that weak-ass relationship of yours."
"The hell did you do? You've been spewing nothing but verbal diarrhoea for a while now, first the class now here, you don't have to listen to this guy."
"…"
"Your boy toy over here might have never found you if I didn't direct him. Don't worry about it, you can compensate me in points... Or..." I was about to add something a bit more graphic but decided against it. Not sure why… I wasn't against devouring low tier goods; I mean even cup noodles hit the spot now and again. Still, I preferred a bit more meat on the bones.
"Not my… boy toy, nor am I giving you any points, you prick. I can't believe you had to rely on this guy, of all people." She deflated visibly. The idea that I saved their friendship… ooh, I could have fun with that. Mio was rather animated when talking, her reactions were entertaining to watch…
I enjoyed seeing just how much a single word could bother her beyond all belief.
"You were pretty persistent in avoiding me. The only other way would be to stalk you. I figured Ryuuen's method was at least a better alternative compared to that."
"If I remember correctly, you stated they were pretty much the same, no?" I reminded him of the conversation we shared in the shop just a few days ago. I knew he would backpedal, I just wanted to hear the justification for it.
"There are some nuances involved. But it wouldn't be wrong to say that they're similar." Ayanokouji stated simply.
"How reprehensible. Ayanokouji is the type of guy to justify any action he takes, I guess." I shrugged my shoulders as if offended by his morals.
"I preferred that to losing my friendship with Ibuki, but I can't disagree, you're not wrong." Slick. It isn't strange for someone to justify wrong actions to themselves. But even if it's framed in a good light, he's still unapologetic. I'm beginning to get a clearer picture of how he thinks. I still need to figure out why he's so unmotivated to succeed in this school. Even if he doesn't care about guaranteed employment, the private points we will all receive throughout these three years will impact our quality of life immensely. Is he used to bad environments or perhaps thinks the rest of class will pick up enough slack to make a decent living here? Too many undecided factors for now.
The main points to keep in mind:
Academic scores which can probably reach top marks in every subject. I can't imagine purposely getting 50s on every test, unless I had a cheat sheet in front of me, I doubt I could ever achieve the same feat. The chances he had done that very same thing aren't zero, but low enough I can ignore it as the truth.Good environmental awareness and instincts, he noticed the seniors' meals and provided a hint to all of us at the time. He was also smart enough to pass it off as a random observation.Very few friends or acquaintances. For some reason he's attached to Mio. Why? Who's to say? It doesn't matter. He could've accepted Manabe's advances and avoided trouble by doing so… The guy's motives are all over the place. Either way, if I can keep a hold of Mio. He'll remain in the palm of my hand as well.
"How the hell can you say that with a straight face…" Mio sighed deeply, cradling her head in a single outstretched hand.
"Because it's the truth." He said simply, his gaze didn't waver for a second. That guy actually said something that embarrassing with a poker face. Did I accidentally stumble into a fucking shoujo manga or something?
"…" The hell's with this sweet atmosphere? Knock that shit off. Immediately.
"So, was that the reason you came here Ibuki, to warn me?"
"…That too… But." She glanced over at me for a moment, slowly forming into a glare. What? You want privacy…
Kukuku, no! Ah, what bliss. Infuriating people, it just makes me enjoy my own day that much more.
"We can talk about this a different time if you want." Oi! Don't stop on my account. By all means, carry on. I was never into romcoms but seeing two socially retarded dumbasses make moves on each other might make me rethink that prejudice. I should've brought popcorn.
"…No. Ayanokouji! I apologise for running away the other day. Y-Your friendship… means a lot to m-me. Alright! T-there I said it. I don't mind anyone else hearing that, even if it is this bastard." She looked at me through dead eyes.
"Wow, what a declaration. In that case you mind repeating one more time for the camera?" I had already pulled out my phone.
"…I- I will actually murder you…"
"Oh c'mon, repeat that. It was like a scene out of a movie. 'Ayanokouji, I promise I'll never let you go. I don't care if the world knows!' Go ahead. Take 1. And action!"
Before the greatest movie of our lifetime could be recorded Ayanokouji had already begun dragging the blue midget away before she could get any funny ideas. Ayanokouji had firsthand experience with the danger those legs could pose. My first underling was already doing a great job of protecting me… Unless he was taking the hits because he liked that sort of thing?... Who am I to judge? Masochists make for very good peons.
What a good find!
I watched as Ayanokouji carried off the rabid animal, with a faint sense of amusement.
I think I'll come to like this school.
---
Word count: 5740
Wanted to add Ibuki's POV, might do that in an additional chapter. I wanted to have them make-up in a different setting, but this works as well. I think Ryuuen's machinations would also force her to actually confront her feelings and act to change herself. Which allowed them to actually state they are friends. Whoop! And we finally reach the time of the first chapter. This pace might be very slow, but please try to understand that I'm trying to integrate new relationships and characters that either have very little screen time and characterisation or straight up new characters in the chapters. So that's how it is.
By this point 2 weeks have passed in the school. FYI.
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