"Hey, explain what you were talking about yesterday." The noise in the classroom died down abruptly. Apparently, all of the students had decided staying behind was the correct choice. An almost unspoken agreement after the sudden outburst from Ryuuen just a day ago. No doubt plenty of questions were wandering in the minds of even the least suspecting students.
"What's this? Have the ignorant finally come to grasp a smidgen of common sense?"
"Shut up and explain already. What the hell were you even talking about? Becoming class A? Sounds like you were talking out of your ass." Oda matched Ryuuen's fire, flame for flame.
"And yet you're all sat patiently in those seats expecting me to explain everything? Why don't you use your heads for a second? I'm sure even a bunch of idiots can come to a conclusion if you rub those peanut brains together."
I whispered beside me. "Isn't this a perfect opportunity?"
"I choose when to make that call. Shut up." And yet he still wasn't moving from the seat. Relying on his methods will only cause him further pain in the future.
Ryuuen folded his arms behind his head, resting back in his chair as if he didn't have a single care in the world.
"Seeing as everyone has decided to stay behind... I would like to propose a discussion, if no one has an issue with that." Tokitou took a moment of silence to gather his thoughts before standing, ambling towards the teacher's podium.
"Taking charge, Hiro? I don't mind staying, but a discussion about what?" Oda was quick to assist.
"It's clear from Ryuuen's actions and the fact we all decided to stay and witness whatever is about to happen... Something is strange with this school. I propose that we try and uncover whatever it is."
"What, you think this is some scooby doo mystery or something? Hilarious." Manabe and her friends giggled a little.
"It may not go that far. However, I think it would be useful to talk about anything and everything that may cause a feeling of unease. No matter how trivial it may seem at first glance."
"Certain people make me feel uneasy. I'd prefer to speak about this without them present." Manabe tossed in that aside. It was a generally decent plan, the easiest way to affect someone was to make them feel present in a hostile environment. She didn't want any feeling of closeness in the class. No, she didn't even want us to feel as if this were our classroom.
"...Do others feel the same way?"
A few students relented under Manabe's harsh gaze. Tokitou nodded silently.
"I don't suppose you'd agree to leaving the classroom?" He posed that question to the entirety of the class, though it was obvious who he referred to.
I heard a rustle directly behind indicating Ibuki was about to get up.
"Sit down, Ibuki. There's no reason for us to leave."
"I can't exactly force you out of this room... but do you have to make things difficult?"
"You're making it difficult on yourselves. I've already explained I hold no animosity towards any of you. Besides, you're making a mistake."
"How's that?" Oda spoke up. Tokitou seemed to already realise this wasn't conducive to the goal of such a meeting. He must've weighed the difference between civility and aggression during the conversation.
"Excluding any person from this conversation would be a detriment to your goal."
"Huh?"
"He means that it lowers our chances of finding out whatever's up with this place, right?" Okabe spoke up quickly.
"Correct."
"You really think you can contribute to the conversation? You barely speak as it is." Manabe added in a haughty tone.
"So then you already have some ideas of how this school operates?"
"Well, no I-..."
"Didn't think so."
"Does that mean you do?"
"Who knows? Even if we don't it doesn't make sense to exclude us on that basis."
"Answer the damn question!" Oda slammed his table in frustration.
"I've made my point."
"I take it that means you won't share your information with us, Ayanokouji-kun?" Tokitou asked warily.
"I never said I had any to share... I'm simply making the statement that neglecting any other view on this topic would be careless. Especially if everyone is so worried about the outcome."
"That's-... hard to argue with. I suppose that brings us back to you, Ryuuen."
"Kukuku. Why don't you get up to the board and draw a word cloud, dumbass." He pushed his foot back on the desk, teetering on the chair dangerously close to falling. Snickering to himself as his eyes wandered over each of the students.
"So you still plan on taking over this class but won't even tell us the reason?"
"Already said it. I don't like to repeat myself."
"Why would we want to become class A? How would we even do it? What is the purpose? If there were some sort of goal or reward in mind, perhaps we could have a discussion about it? Is that not the best way to handle this?" Tokitou presented himself as the voice of reason and sensibility, a role that someone like Ryuuen would never respect.
"Have your tea party and conference meeting whenever you want, the only thing I'm concerned with is doing what I want, when I want. Your feelings and thoughts on the subject don't matter in the least."
"And you suppose we'll just hand over leadership of the class to you? After saying as such?"
"It's not about giving me anything. I'll just take it." The rocking stopped as his feet met solid ground and he stood from the assigned seat, wandering towards the front of the classroom. Towards Tokitou.
"How do you propose that?"
Ryuuen threw his hand forward in a claw like fashion, poking Tokitou's eyes with half-extended fingers, before promptly kicking him in the stomach sending him reeling back and colliding with the back wall.
"Like this." He stood above Tokitou, placing his hands back in his pockets. Smiling all the while.
"Bastard!" Oda rushed up from his desk like a stampede.
"Ugh- Stop. Takumi." His arm looked to have taken the brunt of the shock, still it must've connected roughly or he would've stood by now.
"..."
"Are you insane? Do you really think you can get away with this? That the school will look the other way?"
"Hmmm? We'll just see, won't we?"
"..."
"Have fun. Oh, Ayanokouji, Ibuki. Explain the rest to them." Did he really just task me the problematic job? What a pain. I guess the direct route was a bit easier... Knocking on Ibuki's desk I urged her up to the front with me. Albeit confused she followed after me.
I offered my hand to Tokitou, still winded on the floor.
"Sorry, I wasn't aware he would do that..." Only Ryuuen would attack someone in what should be an agreed upon cease-fire area.
"I'm fine. I see you were lying about not having information to share..." He looked over my hand for a moment before standing on his own two feet, pushing off the ground with his hands.
"I wasn't." Ryuuen didn't share any of his ideas with us. Which means he either thinks I know all of this myself... or he wants to watch as we meander in circles clueless to how this school operates. Either would fit his sick and twisted tendencies.
"...?"
"I don't plan on sharing anything." I wasn't some convenient MacGuffin that dropped the answer in your lap. Anyone in this place that doesn't figure the S-system out for themselves doesn't deserve what success they find here. Besides, a bigger problem would be headed my way if I did that...
"Huh, but he just said-?"
I turned to the seated students. Preparing for my own class as it were. "Let me ask you all; do you think what he said is the truth?"
"...I mean, something's weird... I just can't put my finger on it."
"Shiina Hiyori."
"Ah- um, yes. Ayanokouji-kun, was it?"
"I believe you said that you enjoyed mystery novels?"
"Indeed, I do. Among other genres of course, but predominantly mystery captures my heart unlike any other."
"As an avid reader did you notice anything off with Sakagami's explanation of the rules or perhaps with the general state of the school?"
"Hmmm... There were a few particular wordings looking back on it... Perhaps. I'm misremembering or it was a miscommunication..."
"Trust your gut. Anything's fine."
"Then... he did say that everything in this school is decided upon merit. From where I'm sitting, it doesn't add up."
"Huh? Wasn't that just for getting in the school? Doesn't this school have like tens of thousands of applicants every year?" Kondou said in response.
"That makes it even more strange."
"...?"
"Ishizaki Daichi."
"What's up, Ayanokouji?"
"Do you have good grades?"
"Well, I mean-... Define good."
"The answer's obviously no." Both Komiya and Kondou said in unison.
"Guys?! What the hell?!"
"Don't act surprised. Anyone could see it coming a mile away. It'd be sadder to pretend you aren't an idiot." Kondou happily added.
"...Traitors."
"My scores usually aren't much better, Ayanokouji. Same goes for Kyogo. Sports are all we're good for."
"...?"
"Then you guys should understand why that's strange already."
"I guess it is a bit odd... But y'know it could just be... like a fluke? I mean the test felt pretty good when we took them. Maybe we just got good scores for once."
"I thought I bombed it to be honest..."
"Yeah, I just didn't question it because I was so happy to get in."
"Seriously?"
"Uhuh."
"Chance versus knowledge of the right and wrong answers don't even compare. Plus that's more than three students that would've needed luck to surpass other students applying nationwide. The chance becomes statistically improbable." I would like to count myself amongst the incapable's number. However, I have no idea if Ryuuen will eventually use my test scores against me. That sounds like something he would do, especially if he wants to give this class a fighting chance.
There were only two ways to increase their capabilities; cheating or genuine study over time. Cheating wasn't a long-term strategy. So that left the painstaking method of individually raising their capabilities.
The actual study wasn't the main part. The fact that routine and diligence could be instilled and imparted upon them was the main objective of such leadership. I imagine Ryuuen would push them into that corner the way he knew best.
By instilling fear.
"...Maybe they look for other things?" The resident capitalist shuffled slightly in her seat, muttering into her hand whilst staring at the table.
"Nakaizumi Tsumugi?" I urged her to speak, just as any teacher would.
"Yes, sensei!" She threw her hand up in an exaggerated fashion. Raising from the table with a short hop, pointing at me in a way I couldn't take as rude, just expressive. "Interviews. We also had that kind of thingy, maybe it's a mix?"
"Granted. However, do you think some people would be here, if that were the case? I can already think of three or four people that would be excluded on that merit alone."
"Ahem... it is hard to imagine Ryuuen-kun speaking politely to some random teacher." Nakaizumi wilted back into her seat with an aura of repressed dismay.
"This class has a large proportion that doesn't care about their grades. They probably score around the median of this country's grades." Deciding to move forward I spilled my actual thoughts out for the class.
"We haven't even had scores back, what makes you think that?" Rather than offended or angry Kondou expressed confusion and genuine interest.
"Class behaviour. Is that it, Ayanokouji-kun?" The silent flower of Class C decided to speak up. Isoyama Nagisa, she sat with a regal posture and a thin but pleasant steady smile forming over her lips. She also had a good view of the rest of the class from her rear row seat. Safe to say she had noticed the same thing.
"Correct."
"How the hell can you tell grades from that?"
"What do you think is more likely: someone using only their free time to study and catch up on material whilst not paying attention in class or a student diligently listening in class, so they don't have to spend as much free time on studies?"
"I mean the second one, but that doesn't mean-"
"You can tell a lot about a person's motivations and priorities from their actions in this setting. A large percentage's priority is socialising and enjoyment. Thus the intent to study drops."
"I still don't get how it all matters, though."
"Japan is one of the leading nations when it comes to education and outcomes for graduates. Most go on to achieve diplomas and enrol in important sectors of the work force, even going overseas. If you keep in mind the main reason most people even apply to this school, it should become more obvious."
"I just wanted some freedom." One of the boys said, a sentiment I resonated with. I had enrolled with a similar intent.
"...It's not a bad reason, but different from the major incentive."
"100% employment rate..." One student muttered.
I latched onto it. "It's a wonder, isn't it? After living in this place for the last few weeks I can say with confidence it is almost impossible for this to be the case."
"Huh?"
"Shiina, you must find them discordant as well."
"...There's no valuable incentive."
"For what?"
"To be competent academically. We get an exorbitant allowance, a guaranteed employment rate and... despite all that we're free to not pay attention in class. In fact, if you take the allowance at face value, it's almost as if the school itself is telling us to indulge and not pay attention to our studies." Perfectly summed up. She's sharp.
"I still don't get how it matters! So if it isn't grades, maybe it was the interview or something else, it doesn't change the fact that we're all here now."
"It doesn't, that's true. However, that makes it even more important to find out why."
"Morofuji Rika." I called upon a small mousy girl that I had remembered from the class introductions. It was ironic that the very fact she wanted to remain invisible had drawn her presence into my scrutiny that much more.
"Fueh-! Um- yes!"
"Do you think you were successful in the interview stage, and could you explain why that is?" Upon my instigation the rest of the class's eyes focused on the meek girl of the front row.
"I- um, eh. I-... I don't know..." She fumbled with her words constantly, her eyes teetering around the classroom trying to find an escape. Her face quickly flushed from the embarrassment. The situation was different, but my point still stands. As an elite academy, there were plenty of people that shouldn't be here off principle alone. Whether it was the academic exams or interviews, it was the same. A farce. I wasn't the only student with questionable origins. By all logic and reason I shouldn't be here, yet I am. The same could be said for other students. From Ibuki to Ryuuen to Oda to Manabe. Each had their own troubles and issues, volatile behaviour and a general lack of the ideal student attitude.
"I apologise, Morofuji. I didn't mean to put you on the spot." I think I illustrated it well enough. I didn't want to place a bunch of answers before people, I wanted them to make their own conclusions and make peace with the choice they made after. It was the same thing I had wanted for myself.
Agency.
For bad or good. Just the right to make my own choices and live with the aftermath, even if that meant the flames of the proverbial house fire consumed me.
...
"..."
"Wait, then how were we accepted?"
"Could it be a raffle or lottery?" Tha main character asked, which was ironic.
Luck. This was an ignorant question from the start, if you remembered what this school supposedly stood for.
"Are you stupid?" A boy pushed up his glasses along the gnarly protrusion that was his nose. Kaneda Satoru. He stood out from this class of delinquents in a different way from myself, Shiina and Isoyama. A class of delinquents. He was their natural prey.
"Who the hell asked you four-eyes?"
"F-Four eyes? This is a class discussion, it's only right that I offer something as well." The boy stood resting his hands behind his back as he addressed the rest of us. Well-trimmed hair in a bowl cut allowed his beady eyes and large glasses to frame his face. Way to add to the allegations that all people that wear glasses are smart. He was the stereotypical nerd-archetype. I half expect I might happen across Ryuuen or Oda giving him a wedgie or stuffing him in a locker at some point.
"Go ahead then, enlighten us. I only hope your contribution isn't as 'stupid' as mine."
"Advanced Nurturing Highschool. Otherwise known as ANHS. This school on the brochure is advertised with the specific phrase 'Custodian of the future leaders of our great nation.' Would you really leave a decision like that in the hands of fate? Or a raffle as you called it?" It was a good point. For other schools you might be able to waive it off as no more than propaganda to save face. However, this place was special. It had an entire island and ecosystem created solely for its existence. It would be a waste to not use such facilities for the leading figures of the next generation.
"Urgh... I guess not..." The boy relented albeit reluctantly.
"Going further. This school has pick of the litter, despite that, I haven't seen many company president son's or daughter's or even politician's children. This man-made island should be teeming with them, and yet the only one I've even heard about is some playboy from Class D. That's it." He punctuated the sentence with another flicker of his glasses. A toothy grin threatening to peek out from under his hand.
"Maybe they're just keeping a low profile? Or it could even be because of the recent... 'drama'." His adversary said whilst looking at me. "They've been pushed out of the spotlight. Simple as that."
"We can test it right now. Simple show of hands. Is anyone here the heir to a conglomerate or notable family in politics or similar fields?" I wouldn't call my father notable, but that wasn't the reason my hand remained unmoving.
"Heh, as I thought. Nobody." I was expecting at least one hand to go up, but perhaps I was being a bit presumptuous in my assessment of Isoyama Nagisa. She had the disposition of a noble well-bred lady. A collected cool seemed to ebb and flow from her almost effortlessly.
"ARGH! It just doesn't make any sense! Why are we even here?"
"Ishizaki's 'bout to crash out."
Tokitou quickly gathered their attention back to a common point. "For now. Let's review what we know. First, we as students have been told that this school places importance on merit and ability yet doesn't force our hand. Second, we aren't accepted purely on grades or the interview. Third, there's no incentive to be productive. Graduation is promised and the allowance almost dissuades students from focusing on studies. Fourth, Ryuuen wants to take leadership of the class and 'rise up'?"
"Would that be correct to say, Ayanokouji-kun?"
"That seems to be the gist of it."
"...We still don't have a purpose. What's the point of it all? Some weird social experiment or are we just overthinking everything?"
"Well, now the dust has settled it seems everything has become clear. It was useful to talk about this. Apologies, but I'll be taking my leave. Thank you for bringing these things to our attention, Ayanokouji-kun." She gathered her books soundlessly.
"I didn't do anything."
"I suppose you led us to the conclusion rather than explaining away, I do prefer that." I wasn't exactly trying to hide my more proactive methods, but she still seen through them seamlessly.
"You know... if we're deciding on a leader for the coming months, I wouldn't be against you taking the mantle rather than Ryuuen-kun. I don't suppose that would be an option for you?" So she had reached the conclusion, I wonder if this conversation aided that process in any way... Or did she already have her own hypothesis?
There was only one way to respond to that request. "I'm inadequate for the position."
"Is that so? I think you would make a rather good leader." I don't know why her faith in me had suddenly skyrocketed. It could be that she simply wants someone, anyone else, to take the responsibility. If we were looking for candidates, she would be up there as well. If her student council application was anything to go off of.
"And uninterested in it. What about you? I don't suppose you'll offer yourself up for the privilege?"
"Haha... No. I think I'll let those that want to bear the burden do so. Considering he asked this of you, does that mean we can take it as you standing on Ryuuen-kun's side?"
"Oi, why are you guys talking as if everything is all over?" Oda interjected, I simply ignored him. There was something more important going on. Besides, it was just bad manners.
"I simply owe Ryuuen a favour, nothing more. Otherwise, I wouldn't say I'm on any side. I just want to live here in relative peace and enjoy the coming years." Any developments I hoped for weren't particularly pertaining to the coming discourse between classes.
"I don't know if standing by Ryuuen's side would afford that."
"Standing against him means conflict. Like I said; I stand on neither side. I'm a pacifist, after all." I don't want to get unnecessarily involved in the class conflict. No more than needed. Ryuuen would eventually self-destruct depending on the extents of his methods, I just needed to make sure the rubble didn't become dust after the fallout. So long as there was the chance of reconstruction.
"I wonder if that's the truth. Well, it was wonderful talking to you, Ayanokouji-kun. I'll bid the rest of you farewell, I have an appointment to make."
"Huh? Wait, what conclusion? We haven't even decided yet!" Oda shouted towards the girl as she left, her unhurried steps stopping just before the door.
"Ara? I thought it was quite obvious?"
"Nothing's obvious here... Spell it out for me, would ya?"
"Now that's just bad manners."
"P-l-e-a-s-e." He already looked fed up with her behaviour.
"That's better. Now you should use that attitude and ask the same thing from Ayanokouji-kun."
"Huh? As if I'm going to ask this bastard anything."
"Oh my. What a travesty."
"...?"
"Being so utterly misguided not only by the school but also the people beside you. I apologise, but the only way for you to progress is by having a bit more perspective. Please, bite your tongue and do what needs to be done. I would hate to see someone remain so woefully ignorant for so long." I guess some people had caught onto the holes in Manabe's story. Was that just to sow the seeds of doubt in Oda, or to reassure me that I hadn't done anything wrong?
"Oh, and a last warning. Form up and resist against, Ryuuen-kun. He is not fit to be a leader. Not in the least. The only other choice would be subjugation."
"Misguided? Perspective? The hell is this girl on about? Why should we be worried about that? He'll just get himself expelled or suspended at the very least. Right?"
She lingered at the door a moment longer. "...You have been warned. I would be remiss to see this classroom devolve into a battlefield. It's much too barbaric. Farewell."
Tokitou watched over her escaping figure, muttering under his breath, fingers massaging the flat of his chin in thought.
"Isoyama's right. The answer's fairly clear, you're simply looking at this school too literally."
"Literally?"
"Let your imagination fly. Think of this school not as a place of learning for normal people. Think of this as the setting from the stories you might read about. That which is improbable is possible here. The purpose doesn't matter. Nor does the narrative. What matters; is what this place is."
"...I just don't see it. We aren't being punished for obvious behaviours that would be called out in any other school. It doesn't make any sense..."
"There's an obvious answer you're avoiding."
"...?"
"Justice isn't always swift." That was the last hint I would provide. Any more would be the same as handing them the answer sheet. I didn't need them reliant on my information or instructions. I needed them to think independently, that was the only way to provide them what they need to stand against Ryuuen.
If he amused himself for too long, it would only be at his own expense.
Tokitou and Shiina gave an audible gasp at nearly the same time.
"Ayanokouji... does this mean?"
"We haven't been punished yet, at least that's what it seems like... That just means a punishment is on the way."
"Wait, what punishment?!"
"...What would be the worst thing that could be taken away from you here?" Tokitou needled the answer from the nearby students, hoping they could reach the same conclusion.
"You mean-"
"Private points." Kaneda added whilst nudging his glasses further up his nose.
"No way! But they said every month-!"
"Sakagami-sensei just said points. He never said how many." Shiina added in a confident tone.
"Wait a minute, the worst thing to lose would still be the guaranteed employment... right?"
"...Shit. Do you think-?"
"It's both."
"?"
"Think realistically. Forty students that haven't paid attention to lessons for three years, you really think they'd find guaranteed jobs in high-earning sectors for them simply because they passed the introductory tests? There's no way. We were blinded by the money thrown right in our faces and forgot to pay attention to basic teachings we learnt through elementary and middle school..." Tokitou rested on the teacher's lectern, the realisation sinking in as his body did further into the desk.
"Now it makes sense... That's why Ryuuen said it. If he wants to rise to Class A that must mean, there's a certain prize related to it."
"Don't tell me..."
"It might be too early to get ahead of ourselves... but that certainly seems to be the case."
"Hang on... we're really going off of the idea that Ryuuen's, right? I get that some things fit together, but isn't a lot of this just inference upon inference? What happens if we're wrong? Wouldn't that look completely stupid?"
"Alternatively, if we ignored the signs at this point, wouldn't that make us even stupider?"
"Tch..."
"You're only an idiot if it turns out you were wrong. There's no detriment from acting as if this is true. If we're wrong, then we can simply go back to how we were just yesterday."
"...I suppose so."
"Ryuuen wouldn't have any reason to take over a class if the students are reviewed for employment individually. That must mean class is tied to that in some way. Going the simple way it's descending, like grades. Class A are the golden eggs and everyone else has to vie for the prize."
"Just one class?"
"The alternative makes the competition less fierce."
"Because you could just try to be class A or B, I guess..."
Discussion was running rampant in the classroom. Now was the time to disappear. I tapped Ibuki's shoulder, ready to depart.
"Hold on, Ayanokouji! I think Isoyama-san was correct in her statement earlier. Would you not take it upon yourself to lead the class?"
"I don't think that would be appropriate, after all some people aren't comfortable with me here."
"Hmph." Manabe turned away in short order. It seemed like even she realised that pushing against me at this moment would just be a negative for her. Thus, she relented. Not like it mattered, I never felt the inkling that she took any of the business between us particularly personally.
"It's a selfish request; but I believe uniting us on a common front behind a good leader, without the threat of violence, that's how we should move forward. I don't think Ryuuen or anyone else in this class are capable of such a thing." How pushy. I've already exposed my utter lack of interest in doing so. Even if they were in need, that didn't mean I had to put myself in such a position.
"What about you?"
"Me... No, I could never..." So he was the interim leader. The one that stepped up when no one else would and then quickly faded into the background when another more capable arrived. You might be satisfied with that Tokitou, or perhaps you've convinced yourself that that's your role. However, it just means that you were never wiling enough to take real accountability. You're just waiting for someone else to come in and clean up the mess. Stopgaps are just that, they never solve the real issue.
One that touts justice without ever taking accountability for the masses behind them was no more than an unreliable shepherd. The only correction for such a person was throwing them in the deep end.
Tokitou Hiroya had to be forced to become a hero. By no choice of his own.
Because I wouldn't save them. I had enough trouble just trying to salvage the small parts of myself.
"I've done my part. The rest is on your shoulders, Tokitou." I left him with those words.
A few voices gathering by his side as we departed. In reality he had others to rely on, he wouldn't be alone. Not completely. However, for him to take this seriously. For a person as lacking in self-belief as Tokitou, it was needed for him to take this with a level of seriousness that could contend with the violence and brutality that Ryuuen was capable of.
Because if he truly thought that Ryuuen wouldn't use that same method against him, then he was underestimating this place.
In this school the most dangerous enemies aren't other classes, they're your own classmates. Betrayal can only come from those close by.
"..."
"What is it? You've got a serious look on your face."
"I always look like this."
"Kinda. I don't know, something seems weird this time around."
"..."
"Ah, I got it. Constipation?"
"No."
"Tired."
"No."
"Hungry?"
"No."
"Bored?"
"No."
"...Horny?"
"...No." What would her response have been if I said yes?
"Heh. You paused."
"I was surprised you asked."
"...Didn't think you were still listening."
"I enjoy talking to you, even if it's only listening."
"...You really come out of nowhere with sappy crap like that, don't ya?"
"Doesn't change the truth."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, you sentimental robot."
Still a robot. But this one had some implanted feelings, I guess. Slightly better than before.
"Hey... have you known all that for a while?"
"Why'd you think that?"
"Unless he spoke to you alone, that bastard never explained anything about this school. Then suddenly made us explain to the rest of the class. I thought you were just gonna let them talk amongst themselves. But then... you were clearly feeding answers. And that at the end... I didn't think anything of it in the moment, but... you said something eerily close to it on the day I got sick. We'd have points deducted for bad behaviour... You were right on the money."
"..."
"Was it... were you giving me a hint?"
"May I change the topic a moment?"
"...Uh, sure, I guess. You certainly pick your moments, don't you..." She scratched her head slightly irked by my interruption.
"This class, the idea of guaranteed employment, Ryuuen's threat, Tokitou's intent to keep the class together, the reason our applications' were accepted. All of it. I couldn't care less about."
"...Hah?"
"What do you want to do, Ibuki?"
"Even if you ask me that... how the hell am I supposed to know the answer?"
"I just want these three years in this place to be memorable. To have no regrets. That's it."
"That's it?"
"That's it."
"You really don't care about the guaranteed employment? Or hell, even just running out of money every month?"
"My path after this is already decided, regardless of the outcome here. As for the money issue, it might be a pain, but it's easy enough to live on this campus without any income whatsoever." It was made with that possibility in mind. Even if this academy functions irregularly, they still have to follow basic bylaws and give access to human needs such as clean water, hygiene facilities and food every day. Without it this school couldn't have remained open for so long, even with their tight hold on information preventing the school system from being publicised.
"You already know what you want to do?"
"It'd be more accurate to say I haven't found another path to follow instead."
"I see. Family business, huh?" A deep sigh followed after. I almost wanted to ask, but that would force me to show my own hand. I didn't want to outright lie to Ibuki. It was antithetical to how I wanted this friendship to progress. But still... it might bring me closer to her.
"That sigh sounded vaguely understanding."
"I wouldn't say I don't understand it... Tch. Sorry, forget about it." She said whilst hastily kicking a stone, promptly rolling and bounding several steps off the beaten path and onto a grassy patch of campus.
"I see..."
...Silence permeated for a moment, a slightly awkward one. It wasn't so much terse as it was forcing us to find anything to talk about. In such a situation, socially awkward people often latched to the last topic brought up in an attempt to revitalise the atmosphere.
"...I-"
"Ibuki, you don't have to feel pressured to talk. Everyone has their own unique circumstances. My family is no different." I didn't need background checks happening right now.
"You could say that again..."
"You should understand I don't feel comfortable sharing anything about them either."
"Yeah... I can get that."
"But..."
"?"
"...I would like for that to change in the future. That's why; I don't think we have to rush to get to know each other. We should just go at our own paces. However slow that might be."
"...You just assume it's going to be slow?" She said in a haughty manner, pretending to be offended by the statement.
"Am I wrong?"
"No, not really."
...
"Hey... do you want to do something, like... just the two of us?" Am I imagining the atmosphere right now? A faint blush and forced eye contact as if she has to physically stop herself from turning away...
"Huh?" She didn't just say this to disprove me a moment ago, did she? Besides, when was it anyone but just us two hanging around anyway? That being said, it still felt like an odd request. Against my better judgement I held my hand against her forehead... it was somewhat cool. She wasn't sick again. That just raised another question.
"Wha-"
"If you ask me 'What have you done with the real Ibuki?' I swear I'll... be incredibly annoyed." She sighed a hearty sigh, before pushing my hand aside. For some reason that disappointment may have been more effective than her usual strikes, and that was quite something considering her expertise when it came to dealing damage to me.
"Well... What did you have in mind?"
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Word count: 5965
Wanted to have the class discussion be realistic and impactful, though maybe it just seemed like they were going in circles. Hopefully it wasn't too boring. I didn't want to gloss over the explanation, because that would just make everyone else seem like mindless robots.
Look forward to their little outing in the next chapter. A date? Who knows?
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Hopefully you all enjoyed the chapter. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Until next time.