The sun rose soft and golden over the endless blue, painting the ocean with streaks of light. On the upper deck of the cruise ship, students trickled into the café, some clutching steaming mugs of coffee, others savoring the sweet pastries displayed behind polished glass.
At a corner table shielded from the breeze, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji sat waiting, his fingers tapping lightly against the wood. A few minutes later, Suzune Horikita approached, her posture as rigid as ever, her expression cool but faintly shadowed by fatigue.
She sat without preamble, sliding a folded slip of paper across the table.
"This is the composition of my group," she said quietly.
Kiyotaka unfolded it and let his eyes scan the neat list.
Dragon Group
Class A: Kōhei Katsuragi, Ryōko Nishikawa, Shinji Matoba, Koharu Yano
Class B: Sayo Andō, Ryūji Kanzaki, Hitomi Tsube
Class C: Takumi Oda, Hidetoshi Suzuki, Masashi Sonoda, Kakeru Ryūen
Class D: Kikyō Kushida, Yōsuke Hirata, Suzune Horikita
His eyes lingered briefly on the last name from Class C. Kakeru Ryuen.
"Quite the lineup," Kiyotaka remarked softly. "Each class has at least one representative figure. Katsuragi, Kanzaki, Ryuen. It seems deliberate."
Horikita nodded. "It must be. But notice—Ichinose isn't here. She's in your group instead. That tells me she may only be a public face for her class, not the true strategist."
Kiyotaka leaned back, silent for a moment. The list reflected more than random chance. It was a carefully stacked deck.
Horikita's gaze sharpened. "What do you think about the way they divided us? At first glance, it looks like it's by academic ranking, but there are flaws. Some weak students are mixed in with stronger groups. Perhaps it's to keep us guessing."
Before he could respond, both of their phones buzzed at once.
Horikita unlocked hers first, scanning quickly.
"...It says I'm not the VIP." She looked up. "What about you?"
Kiyotaka checked. "Same."
The message outlined the basics: the exam would begin at 1:00 PM, run for three days, and group members were required to gather immediately in their assigned rooms.
Horikita frowned, lowering her phone. "Who do you suspect the most in my group, Ayanokoji?"
"Ryuen," he answered without hesitation. "His very presence makes him the most suspicious."
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "I thought the same."
As if summoned by the mention of his name, a shadow fell across the table.
"Yo."
Kakeru Ryuen, Class C's notorious leader, strolled up with the swagger of someone who owned the deck. Mio Ibuki trailed just behind him, arms crossed, eyes sharp and untrusting.
Ryuen smirked, hands stuffed casually into his pockets. "What a coincidence. Horikita, Ayanokoji… planning strategies already, huh? So tell me, Suzune—are you the VIP?"
Horikita's expression froze, her eyes narrowing. "That's not information I'd share, even if I were. You wouldn't answer if I asked you the same."
"Hah. True enough." Ryuen plopped himself down into a vacant seat at the next table, leaning back with casual arrogance. "But you know, I can't help wondering… how the hell did your Class D pull off that island stunt? You guys aren't exactly masterminds."
His gaze slid toward Kiyotaka, then hardened with a sharper edge. "And what about that other one… Miyamoto. Where's he hiding?"
Ibuki's lips curved faintly. "Word is he's got his own little gang now. Not bad for a background nobody."
Horikita stayed silent, her eyes flicking briefly toward Kiyotaka. He, as always, gave nothing away.
Ryuen chuckled, low and dangerous. "Class D's full of surprises lately. Don't worry though—I'll figure out both your tricks sooner or later. This exam? Perfect place to peel the masks off."
He stood, Ibuki following. "See you soon, Horikita. Ayanokoji. Tell Miyamoto I'll be paying him a visit."
Their footsteps faded, leaving behind only the sound of waves and the faint clinking of cups.
Horikita exhaled softly, almost imperceptibly. "That man will be trouble."
Kiyotaka nodded once. "He already is."
Rabbit Group's First Gathering
By mid-morning, Kiyotaka met up with Yukimura and Sotomura, the three heading silently toward their assigned meeting room. When they stepped inside, the air was thick with uncertainty.
Fourteen students sat in a rough circle. Tension clung to the walls. No one seemed eager to be the first to speak.
Finally, breaking the silence, Honami Ichinose rose to her feet. Her warm smile seemed to instantly brighten the sterile room.
"Since no one else is starting, I guess I'll go first," she said. "I'm Honami Ichinose, from Class B. Nice to meet you all. Why don't we introduce ourselves, and then talk about how we want to approach this exam?"
One by one, introductions followed. Some voices were nervous, others steady.
When it was done, Ichinose continued. "I think the best outcome is the first one—working together, finding the VIP, and clearing this exam as a group. That way, everyone benefits. What do you all think?"
There were murmurs of agreement from several corners. Even Yukimura gave a curt nod.
But one voice cut through the optimism.
"No."
Everyone turned. It was Kōji Machida from Class A, his arms crossed, face hard.
"We're not agreeing to this. Katsuragi has already devised our strategy. We'll remain silent throughout the exam. That way, no one betrays anyone, and no class points shift. It's the safest approach."
Ichinose's brows furrowed. "But that only benefits Class A. You're in first place already. If we all stay silent, nothing changes, and you keep your lead."
"That's not our problem," Machida shot back. "Our job is to maintain our advantage. Yours is to try and catch up—if you can."
The atmosphere chilled instantly. Class A's students leaned back, clearly signaling they would no longer participate.
The silence was broken again by a sharp voice.
"Hey, Karuizawa. Got a minute?"
It was Shiho Manabe from Class C, her eyes narrowed like a hawk. She leaned forward, addressing Kei Karuizawa directly.
"You shoved Rika Morofuji out of line at the café yesterday, didn't you? She told me. Care to apologize?"
Kei stiffened, her hands clutching the edge of her chair. "I didn't shove anyone. I don't even know who you're talking about."
Manabe pulled out her phone, raising it. "Then let's take a picture and show her. She'll confirm."
Kei's face paled. "Stop that!"
She turned desperately toward Machida. "Aren't you going to say something? She's harassing me!"
Machida frowned. "Enough, Manabe. Taking photos by force won't solve this. Talk to Morofuji directly if you want proof."
Manabe scowled, lowering the phone reluctantly. "Fine. But I'm not letting this drop."
Kiyotaka's gaze lingered on the scene. Conflict this early… this could fracture the group entirely. Dangerous.
The remainder of the hour crawled by with little else achieved. When the bell chimed, signaling dismissal, Class A students rose first, striding out without a glance back.
Karuizawa, eager to escape, hurried for the door—only to step clumsily on Manabe's foot.
"Ow! Watch where you're going!" Manabe snapped.
Kei muttered a rushed, "Sorry!" and fled, her shoulders trembling.
The room fell quiet again, unease hanging in the air.