Ren sat in class, his eyes focused on the board as the teacher explained the lesson. The sun had just risen, filling the atmosphere with a morning freshness, and the classroom's silence made for a comfortable start to the day.
Ren placed a hand on the table and rested his cheek on his fist, his gaze never leaving the board.
' Surprisingly, I can keep up with today's explanation. Although I already know everything about calculus. '
His eyes flicked sideways. ' And I see a lot of faces I don't recognize. It's surprising the class has this many seats.'
As he stared at the board, he continued his observation. ' Well, none of that matters anyway. I just don't like that when the stage had just started, I was taken off the board. Now I'm stuck playing hero.'
He began tapping a finger on his desk while the teacher carried on. ' Rick and Tatsuya… they've stepped into territory they're not familiar with. '
His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked to the side. ' I'm not too worried about Rick. As long as there's chaos, he'll come out on top. But Tatsuya… Well, it should be easy if he plays his cards right. But… '
His red eyes narrowed slightly, ' The nature of the stage being set up smells like trouble. It's like a game of Russian roulette—depending on luck, no one will die or everyone will die. However, those are the least likely outcomes. '
He let out a small sigh before muttering to himself, "Well, I'll just play my part and hope Horikita will put on a good show."
With that, the lessons carried on, Ren analyzing his situation as time flew by.
Sometime later, Rin was sitting at the end of a long table, a book held close to her face, her eyes moving back and forth at a fast pace.
A girl with short dark purple hair and black coloured eyes approached, holding a stack of books. "Congratulations on getting first place, Riri. Or should I say, President," she said, her tone slightly playful, before sitting down.
"Come on, Shiori," Rin responded, closing the book and placing it on the table. "You know it feels weird when you, of all people, call me that."
"Hehe," Shiori chuckled as she leaned against the table. "I know, I know, Rin. It's just impressive. You're the president of the literature club as a first-year. Most clubs only have second years as presidents, and the first years who are president aren't taken seriously. But everyone in this club respects you."
Rin's face turned pink as she adjusted her glasses. "Where is all this coming from?" she asked, avoiding Shiori's gaze.
After a few seconds, Rin let out a deep breath and adjusted her seat. " So, is it self-study for your class too? "
" Well, yeah. The teachers are having this big meeting since there have been more cases of the collapses, " Shiori explained.
" I didn't even know there were new cases. It's great to hear the teachers are taking the situation seriously, " Rin added. She then muttered to herself, " This situation is depressing. I wonder if I can use it for my novel. "
Noticing Rin mumbling, Shiori smile grew and she asked, " So, are you going to show the results to your parents? "
Rin looked down, her expression darkening. She replied in a low voice, " Well, I wish I could, but I don't think that's a great idea… "
Her sentence was cut off by the sound of the bell ringing. Immediately, Rin moved her chair back and got up, she then grabbed a huge blue lunch box.
" Rushing out in a hurry again? " Shiori asked, watching Rin approach the door. "I thought we were going to eat together today? "
" Sorry," Rin said with one hand in a praying position. " I promised Ren we'll be eating together. I'll make time for you tomorrow."
Shiori with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, " What's so special about this Ren guy, anyway? Lately, he's the only person you talk about, " her tone sounded very uninterested.
Upon hearing the question, Rin pushed her glasses back into position, repeating the words, " What's so special… What's so special? "
She then smiled, her voice cheerful but calm. " Well, that's easy. He's like a character who escaped from my favorite book. "
Then she cheeks turned red as she avoided Shiori's gaze, " Naturally, I can't help but be drawn to him. "
Shiori had a serious look in her eyes as she replied, " Oh, is that so? Well, good luck then. "
With that, Rin walked out door. Alone in the room Shiori leaned against the table, flipping through the book, her black coloured eyes with a slightly down.
Meanwhile, the trio where walking in the hallway. Surprising as they walked no one was talking.
Ren was slightly in front, hands in his pockets his red eyes slightly covered by his black hair.
Rick walked slightly behind, hands behind his head with a disappointed look on his face.
Tatsuya also walked slightly behind Ren, bags under his blue eyes as he stared at his phone.
Ren glanced back, studying their expressions. ' Surprisingly, they've managed to shut up. Rick is upset because nothing happened to Kaide. I mean, I don't think anything would happen to her mid-class. '
His gaze then shifted to Tatsuya, ' and Tatsuya is probably a bit surprised he's still okay, despite his quest being brutal. Somehow, they're not arguing. It's like there's a flaw in their code… and somehow, I don't mind the quietness. '
For about a minute, they passed a few students until they reached the cafeteria. It was loud with the sound of students eating.
The three joined the long line of students waiting in front of the food trays. Tatsuya joined the line first, Rick stood in the middle, and Ren was waiting at the end of the line.
Rick turned his head back noticed Ren waiting he immediately said, " Boss man, you don't have to wait in line. I can order your food for you ."
" There's no need, " Ren replied calmly.
" This is something I want to experience. " He then turned his head, looking around. "Who knew the cafeteria was this lively? I never paid much attention before, but there are a lot of people at this school. And look at that. "
Ren gestured toward a girl with a mountain of food on her table.
Rick raised one eyebrow, " You usually don't pay attention to things like that, I'm surprised you noticed It's strange. "
The line grew shorter and shorter. Tatsuya and Rick ordered their food, and then it was Ren's turn, he approached the Trays.
" What do you want, boy? " a buff-looking man asked, holding a large spoon.
' I don't even know what's served here. None of the food exactly raises my appetite, ' Ren thought, scanning each tray.
" Well, um… can I have today's special? " Ren said, raising a finger, his calm intact.
The buff man put his spoon down gently and slowly. " Today's special, huh? Where's your card? " he asked, his voice slightly lower this time.
Ren maintained a neutral expression. I just tried my favorite line when ordering stuff, and somehow I've triggered a special event. Now what's this about a card?
" Come on, kid, don't you know how to play along? " the man said, his voice tinged with laughter. " We don't serve 'specials' here. Now, what are you having, boy? I don't have all day. "
' Well, talk about a bad joke. At least some of these characters are detailed, ' Ren complained to himself.
"Just give me a small portion of everything, " Ren stated raising a finger up.
A smile appeared on the man's face. " That's good. Eat, eat and put some muscle on that body you look scrawny. " He served a portion from each tray.
After that, Ren grabbed his tray and scanned the cafeteria. He spotted the others at a table with two empty seats and walked over, holding the tray in both hands.
' Well, I guess it's time to start strategizing for this stage. Now that everyone has their role, the game will truly begin. '