To be honest, I can't really tell if this choice was the right one.
That's just how life is, isn't it? It's all too common to get caught up in the heat of the moment, to make a mistake on a whim or surge of emotion. And I, who was once called the "masterpiece," am no exception. I've been caught up in that same kind of hopeless passion.
"So, maybe it's okay for you to take it easy for a little while? If there's anything left that's causing you pain, Horikita and I will do everything in our power to protect you."
But if I were to regret not doing this later... rather than carrying that regret forever—
"Hello? What's up, Ayanokōji-kun?"
"I have something I'd like to talk about. Could you come to my room tomorrow?"
—I've decided to give in to this fleeting, foolish emotion.
"Wooohooooo! This is the best!"
A tropical sea. A vast blue sky. Crystal clear air. A feeling of liberation powerful enough to blow away the sweltering summer heat. It was in this paradise-like space that I heard the voice of my classmate, Ike.
"What an amazing view! I'm so incredibly moved!"
The girls' group, led by Karuizawa, came out from inside the ship, pointing at the vast ocean with huge smiles. Usually, someone would complain about the noise, but today, no one did. Each person was savoring this blissful moment. The view from the best spot on the deck, a prime seat, was truly special.
"Ah, I'm so glad we made it. Are you enjoying yourself, Arisu-chan?"
"Yes. But are you sure this was alright? You had saved up so many points, and now you have none left, right?"
"It's fine, it's fine. Just being able to travel with you, Arisu-chan, makes me happy."
From the corner of my eye, my great best friend Saitō Tsugumi and my collaborator, Sakayanagi Arisu, were being lovey-dovey. Seriously, it's a good thing Horikita isn't here. Dealing with her when she's in a bad mood is such a pain.
While thinking that, Tsugumi scanned the area as if looking for someone.
"Hey, Ayanokōji-kun! Don't just stand there, come over here!"
Apparently, the person he was looking for was me. No, I'm happy he did, but it takes a lot of courage to walk into that situation.
"This is your first trip, is it really okay for you to be looking so gloomy?"
But my fears were unfounded, and Sakayanagi seemed to welcome me as well. This must be the composure of a "legal wife" she told me about before. Later, when I casually asked if he had any other wives, she got a little angry. I honestly think that's unreasonable.
I pushed that bitter memory to the back of my mind and stood next to Tsugumi. The view from there made me gasp in admiration.
"Whoa."
The view from the middle of the deck was amazing, but it's a whole different level when you go all the way to the railing. My entire field of vision was covered by the blue sea. I'm sure that I can truly appreciate this view because I mustered up my courage that day. You did well, me.
"It's not often that a high school student gets to have an experience like this. And, well, it was a small dream of mine to go on a trip like this with friends."
"Have you already forgotten the many memories of traveling with my family?"
"Most of those were for cheering me on at my competitions, right? The rest were just because you threw a tant... 'Will you stop saying unnecessary things with that foot?' Ouch!"
Tsugumi was teasing her with a grin, but he stopped when Sakayanagi jabbed his little toe with her cane. A loose tongue can get you into trouble.
"Ouch... a foot doesn't talk, Arisu-chan."
"I am offended that you would say it as if I was the only one having fun."
...I feel a little left out since they're so close. Until now, we were mostly in class or just hanging out privately. I'm not envious or wishing that I had met him when I was younger... well, to be honest, I am a little envious.
"Attention, students. Please gather on the deck if you have time. The island will soon be visible. For a while, you will be able to see a very meaningful sight."
"A meaningful sight, huh... Ayanokōji-kun."
"Yes. I'm sure there's some kind of motive behind this."
The other students didn't seem to care and were looking forward to it. As more and more students gathered, a few minutes later, the island appeared.
"Awesome! We're really going there, aren't we!?"
Ike shouted in delight. On the other side of the horizon, a small island-like object was visible. The students noticed it and all started to gather on the deck. As the crowd surged, some arrogant male students who had been in our prime spot pushed us aside.
"Hey, get out of the way, you defectives."
"Eek!"
One of the boys shoved my shoulder as a show of force. I managed to grab the railing and avoid falling, but Sakayanagi, who was standing next to me, got caught up in it as well.
"...Are you two okay?"
"I'm fine. What about you, Sakayanagi?"
"Yes, Tsugumi-kun caught me."
The boys smirked in contempt at the sight.
"What do you think you're doing!"
Sudō immediately threatened them back, and Kushida came to my side looking worried. A guy being helped by a girl is a truly pathetic sight.
"You all understand how this school works, right? This is a meritocracy. Class D has no human rights. Defectives should just quietly stay out of the way. We're Class A."
"Are you forgetting that there are other students here besides those from Class D, Totsuka-kun?"
"Huh...?"
The one who spoke back to the "Class A" students was Sakayanagi, who had been caught in the crossfire. She spoke in a calm, flat tone, without showing any emotion.
"Sa-Sakayanagi!"
The one who reacted strongly to her voice was not the boy named Totsuka who had just given his grand speech, but a blond-haired student behind him. His face was pale for some reason, but am I really thought of as such a terrifying woman?
"Tch, why are you guys so scared... And why is a girl who lost to Katsuragi with students from Class D? There's no point in betraying your class just for revenge by hanging out with a bunch of defectives, is there?"
"Y-You idiot, stop! ...Sorry, Sakayanagi. Speaking of which, Katsuragi-san was calling for us. Come on, let's go."
Totsuka was pulled away by the other students. I don't get it, but it seems our spot was protected.
"Honestly. I told you to keep a close eye on them..."
"Phew... You saved me, Arisu-chan."
Tsugumi was stroking Sakayanagi's head as he took a deep breath. I was worried he'd carelessly lash out.
"That was a close call."
"I'm not so childish that I'd get physical in a place like this. I'd be no better than Sudō-kun."
Only Sakayanagi and I noticed, but Sakayanagi was pushed aside, and Class D was called a bunch of defectives without any apology. Even though he seemed calm on the surface, he was probably furious on the inside.
"Well, I'm just glad you two weren't hurt."
---After four months of being around him, I've realized that Tsugumi is unusually protective of the people he's close to, like me, Horikita, and Sakayanagi. It might sound like he's just a good guy, but there's a limit to everything. It's a complicated emotion, so I can't really express it well, but if I were to describe it in one word, it would be "dependence."
"I'm sorry to ask, but... why are you so kind to me, Tsugumi? I'm aware that I've brought a lot of trouble on you."
"Who knows? He's always been a busybody who likes kids, but it seems he's quite invested in you, Ayanokōji-kun. Though not as much as me."
"...I don't mean to compete, but don't you think it's a bit much?"
"...It wasn't that bad originally. But—"
I remember a conversation I had with Sakayanagi a while ago. She said she didn't know the reason for his dependence, but it's a little strange that she, a childhood friend since first grade and from a family that had a relationship with his, wouldn't have any idea. It would have been fine if I was just asking for help. But now that my background has been revealed, it's a bit unsettling to have someone with unknown motives in my inner circle.
"Look! You can see it clearly now, you two!"
Tsugumi leaned his entire body on the railing, getting excited like a small child. He said it was a dream of his since he was little, but is it really that big of a deal? I was thinking that when I caught Sakayanagi's eye. We both smiled wryly and started walking.
"You're getting a little too excited, Tsugumi-kun."
"Yeah. I'm not helping you if you fall."
"Huh? You two are being so cold."
But I sought help from Tsugumi, and he extended a hand to me. It's not fair that he doesn't tell me anything about himself, but for now, that's okay.
"We will now be landing on the uninhabited island owned by our school. In 30 minutes, all students should change into their tracksuits, carefully check their assigned bags and belongings, and then gather on the deck with their cell phones. Please leave all other personal belongings in your rooms."
"It's time to say goodbye. Good luck, you two."
"Yeah. I'll go do some work."
---Thinking that, I'm starting to feel more human again. With that conviction, I landed on the uninhabited island.
"We will now begin—this year's first special exam."
"Let's do this, partner."
"Yeah. Let's show that woman what we've got, shall we?"
============
🚀 Want Full Access NOW & Bonus Content?
"Loving this story so far? You can read ALL chapters RIGHT NOW by joining my P4tr3on!
✨ Unlock instant access to the full completed novel
✨ No waiting for daily updates
✨ Support your favorite degenerate author (that's me!)
Only $5.99 for the full experience!
🔗 Check my profile for the Link!!
Free readers - don't worry, I'll still be posting daily updates here. But P4tr3on members get the VIP treatment!
Your support helps me create more wild stories like this. See you on the dark side! 😈"