The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the thin curtains.
Today was the third day of the Favoritism Exam, and also the school-designated rest day.
The atmosphere on the cruise ship was much more relaxed than the previous two days, with most students choosing to sunbathe on the deck or spend time at the cinema.
However, in a lounge on the second floor of the cruise ship, the air was far from relaxed.
Karuizawa Kei was sitting on the very edge of the sofa.
She kept her head down, her hands tightly clasped together, her knuckles white from gripping too hard.
The room was quiet, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner.
But this quiet did not make her feel relaxed; instead, it stretched her nerves to their limit.
Every second that passed was an agony for her.
'That man is coming soon...'
As soon as she closed her eyes, the scenes from the emergency exit yesterday automatically replayed in her mind.
Those extremely cold black eyes, that finger tracing her scar, and that domineering declaration that sealed her fate.
Her body instinctively shivered.
It was a complex emotion, a mixture of fear, shame, and an indescribable sense of submission.
"Click."
The sound of the door lock turning suddenly broke the silence.
Karuizawa Kei's body trembled violently, and she almost sprang off the sofa like a startled rabbit.
The door was pushed open.
Natsukawa Sosuke walked in.
He was dressed in casual clothes today, looking relaxed, as if he had just come for a meal.
He closed the door behind him and locked it.
This series of actions made Karuizawa's heart leap into her throat again.
Natsukawa said nothing, walking straight to the single sofa opposite Karuizawa and sitting down.
He stretched his arms out naturally, crossed his legs, and his gaze swept over the girl huddled opposite him.
"Lift your head."
His voice was not loud, and his tone was flat.
But Karuizawa Kei dared not disobey in the slightest.
She suppressed the fear in her heart, trembling as she raised her head. Those eyes, which usually held a hint of arrogance, were now filled with a desire to please and fear.
"How unsightly."
He made no attempt to hide his disdain. "You, right now, are like a stray dog with a broken spine."
"I-I'm sorry..."
Karuizawa subconsciously wanted to apologize.
"I don't recall teaching you to be so pathetic."
Natsukawa leaned forward, and the oppressive feeling instantly closed in.
"Karuizawa, understand your place."
"What I need is the 'Karuizawa Kei' who held sway in Class D, not this trembling, useless person."
"If you show this downtrodden demeanor outside, do you think your status in the class can be maintained for long?"
This sentence precisely hit Karuizawa's weak spot.
Status.
That was her protective shield, essential for her survival.
If she lost her identity as the "girls' leader," she would revert to the pitiful worm who was bullied by everyone before.
"I... I understand."
Karuizawa took a deep breath.
She pinched her thigh hard, using the pain to force herself to calm down.
She adjusted her breathing, straightened her back, and raised her chin.
Although fear of Natsukawa still lurked deep in her eyes, at least on the surface, she tried to regain her usual imperious demeanor.
"Is this... acceptable?"
Although her voice was still trembling, it was no longer as humble.
"Barely adequate."
Natsukawa leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest.
"As for those people from Class C, you don't need to worry."
He saw through Karuizawa's biggest inner worry.
"While Manabe and the others aren't smart, they're not fools either. If yesterday's events were exposed, they would be the first to die. I've already warned them."
"Unless they've lost their minds, they absolutely wouldn't dare to spread a single word about your matter."
At this point, a hint of coldness flashed in Natsukawa's eyes.
"If they really don't know what's good for them..."
"I promise you, next semester, those names will definitely not be on Class C's roster anymore."
Karuizawa Kei stared at him blankly.
She didn't doubt the truth of Natsukawa's words.
The terrifying force that subdued three people in an instant yesterday, and that indifferent attitude, all proved that this man possessed methods beyond ordinary imagination.
(If he says he can do it... he can definitely do it.)
An unprecedented sense of security, mixed with admiration for power, welled up in Karuizawa's heart.
This feeling was completely different from Hirata's gentle protection.
Hirata could only passively help her block attacks.
But Natsukawa possessed the absolute power to crush all enemies who threatened her.
As long as she submitted to him, as long as she was obedient... she would no longer be harmed!
"Yes... I believe Natsukawa-kun."
Karuizawa lowered her head. This time, her tone had less fear and more genuine submission.
"Very good."
Natsukawa nodded in satisfaction. "Next, let's talk business."
"The favored student of the Rabbit Group, that's you, isn't it?"
Although it was a question, his tone was a definite statement.
Karuizawa Kei suddenly looked up, her pupils slightly constricted.
'How did he know?'
'Is he really... omniscient?'
"...Yes."
Karuizawa nodded, without any concealment.
Not only that, but a sense of "as expected" naturally arose in her heart.
If he could see through her most secret scar, what was guessing an identity?
In front of this man, she was transparent.
Once this realization was established, Natsukawa's image in her mind began to rise infinitely, gradually becoming invincible, irresistible, and even... somewhat divine.
"Since you're my property, I have to set some rules for you."
"Listen carefully."
"First, you must be available at my beck and call. No matter what you're doing, no matter who you're with, as long as I contact you, you must reply immediately."
"Second, absolute loyalty. You are not allowed to lie to me, and you are not allowed to conceal any information. Whatever I ask, you answer."
"Third, and most importantly."
"You are not allowed to act on your own without my permission. Especially in a special exam like this, don't try to be clever."
"Oh, and you need to change that bad temper of yours. I don't expect you to smile at everyone like Kushida, but at least your tone and attitude should be neither arrogant nor irritable."
"Can you do that?"
These terms were not only domineering but also somewhat harsh.
But Karuizawa Kei did not feel repulsed.
On the contrary, these clear and precise instructions made her feel at ease.
It was like showing a direction to someone lost in the dark. Although that path led to bondage, at least she no longer had to live in fear.
"I can do it."
Karuizawa Kei nodded heavily, her eyes firm. "I will obey."
"Very good."
Natsukawa Sosuke leaned back, adopting a more comfortable posture.
"So, as the favored student, what outcome do you want to achieve in this exam?"
"?"
Karuizawa was stunned for a moment.
She had expected Natsukawa to directly order her to hand over points, or to use her identity to gain class points.
She hadn't expected him to give her the choice?
"This... does this mean I can choose for myself?" she tentatively asked, cautiously.
"Of course."
"I said, I never treat my own people unfairly. This is a small reward for your good performance."
Reward.
These two words made Karuizawa's heart skip a beat.
"I... I want Result One."
Karuizawa's voice was a little dry, but her eyes were very honest.
"Class points or whatever... are too distant for me."
"I want... that 1 million personal points reward."
In this school, points were everything. With points, whether it was to improve her quality of life or her fashion and makeup, it would further solidify her status.
After speaking, she looked at Natsukawa with some apprehension.
"This... won't it disrupt Natsukawa-kun's plan?"
"Disrupt my plan?"
Natsukawa scoffed. "You underestimate me too much."
"Since I've given it, just take it with confidence."
Karuizawa Kei was somewhat dazed. That was 1 million!
"Really... is it okay?"
"I don't like to talk nonsense."
"However, to achieve Result One, the premise is that your identity has not been exposed to a certain person."
"Besides Hirata, you haven't told anyone else, have you?"
Karuizawa shook her head.
She was already completely numb to the fact that Natsukawa even knew she had "only told Hirata."
"No. Only Hirata-kun knows. I also told him not to reveal it to anyone else."
"At least your head is still clear."
"Next, you just need to do one thing."
He walked over to Karuizawa and patted her head.
"Wait."
"Don't do anything, don't think about anything. Continue to enjoy the luxurious life on this cruise ship, maintain your relationships with the girls in the class."
"I'll handle the rest."
"As long as you're obedient, by the time the exam ends..."
Natsukawa leaned down and whispered in her ear:
"Those 1 million points will be yours."
Warm breath sprayed on her earlobe, but Karuizawa no longer felt the bone-chilling coldness she had yesterday.
On the contrary, a strange warm current surged through her body.
It was the sense of security from being protected by a strong person, and also an anticipation for the future.
As long as she was obedient, she would get candy.
As long as she submitted, she would receive protection.
This deal... didn't seem like a loss?
Karuizawa Kei looked up at Natsukawa, who was close by.
Those eyes, which had once been full of fear, now held a different kind of sparkle.
"Mmm!"
She nodded forcefully, a genuine smile appearing on her face.
"I'll be obedient... Master."