5.1
Narrator: MC
Two days. It's been two damn days since that hellish exam on the uninhabited island ended, and I still can't believe I've been transferred into Ike's body, but I suspected it from the moment I woke up every damn day still in this world.
I leaned back more comfortably in the beach chair, squinting my eyes against the glare of the sun as I watched my classmates splashing in the pool as if they didn't have a care in the world. I suppose they were right to celebrate. After all, Class D had achieved the impossible: first place with 225 points. And all thanks to our resident of the shadows, Kiyone.
I mentally reviewed the numbers I had memorized from canon, comparing them to our new reality:
Before the Island (Canon):
Class A: 1004 points
Class B: 663 points
Class C: 492 points
Class D: 87 points
August (Current):
Class A: 1220 points (+96 from end-of-July exam +120 from island)
Class B: 891 points (+88 +140)
Class C: 572 points (+80 +0)
Class D: 395 points (+83 +225)
I was honestly surprised that the points from the end-of-July exams were added. Since in the light novel that addition is never mentioned. From what I understood, the points were only mentioned again at the sports festival.
A bitter smile formed on my lips because of my new reality, which I was already experiencing—butterflies even without me doing much. At least we had gone from being pathetic losers with barely 87 class points to having 395. We were still in Class D, but with the approaching exam, that could change. If I did well, we could surpass Class C. I doubted we'd surpass Class B unless all of Class D cooperated.
So the goal for this exam was to deal a devastating blow to Class A. I knew Ryuen would attack them and wouldn't attack Class D, at least not yet, although he was already beginning to have them in his sights.
I pulled my phone from my swimsuit pocket and checked my private points balance for the umpteenth time that day.
26,587 private points.
Before I took over this body, the original Ike only had 9,587 points. The 17,000 they gave us at the beginning of August had given me considerable breathing room. Although, if I'm honest, it's a real shame that the points earned in the island exam weren't added immediately. We'd have to wait until September to see that bonus reflected in our accounts.
Still, I couldn't complain too much. With the little contract I had made with those idiots from Class A—Yoshida and Matoba—I would get an additional 400,000 private points once the exam officially ended. I just had to be patient.
Four hundred thousand points for giving them false information about Horikita being our leader. I laughed internally. Thanks for your generous donation, idiots.
Of course, the real leader had been Horikita... at first. But thanks to Kiyone's maneuvers and my slight intervention to keep the class united during the underwear theft incident and the fire, the results had come out perfectly like canon. Because, despite the differences of Ayanokōji being a woman, I was able to handle it well. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't intervened?
An involuntary groan escaped my lips when a wave of nausea suddenly hit me. Shit. The motion sickness still hadn't completely disappeared.
Flashback - Two days ago.
The gentle swaying of the luxury ship had become my worst enemy.
I had never been on a plane or a ship before. The closest experience I'd had to traveling was by bus, and that was already bad enough when the roads were in poor condition. But this... this was completely different.
The ship moved constantly, a gentle swaying that my brain simply refused to accept as normal. My stomach twisted with every movement, and I felt as if the world was spinning slightly, even when I was lying in my bed.
"Hey, Kanji, you coming to dinner?" Yamauchi's voice sounded from the other side of the door to our shared room.
I swallowed the bile that threatened to rise up my throat and tried to make my voice sound normal. "Nah, I ate too much at lunch. Go without me."
"You sure? They have an open buffet, bro. Open buffet!" Yamauchi insisted enthusiastically.
Please leave. Please leave. Please leave.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I think I'll sleep for a bit." I forced a laugh. "Besides, I need to recover all the sleep I lost on that damn island."
"Well, your loss. Sudō and I are going to stuff ourselves until we burst."
I heard their footsteps walking away, followed by the sound of the door closing. As soon as I was sure they were gone, I let myself fall back on the bed, pressing my face against the cool pillow.
Breathe. Just breathe.
The motion sickness was real, intense, and absolutely humiliating. Here I was, someone who had survived a week on an uninhabited island (even if it was only a few days), defeated by a little movement. The irony wasn't lost on me.
I spent the next few hours lying in a fetal position, breathing slowly and deeply while trying to convince my stomach to cooperate. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt as if the room was spinning, so I kept them open, staring at the ceiling while counting breaths.
One... two... three... four...
Eventually, the motion sickness decreased to a manageable level. It didn't disappear completely, but at least I no longer felt like I was going to vomit at any moment. So I came to think that little by little, my body was beginning to adapt to the constant movement of the ship.
By the time Yamauchi, Sudō, and Kikuchi returned that night, I had managed to sit up without feeling intense nausea. I gave them a lazy smile when they entered, pretending I had just woken up from a much-needed nap.
"How was the food?" I asked, my voice sounding convincingly sleepy.
"Amazing!" Sudō exclaimed, patting his stomach. "I ate like five plates, bro. You should have come."
"Next time," I lied, knowing full well that I'd probably have to wait until my body completely got used to the ship's movement before risking eating a full meal. In the meantime, I'd only eat bland things that wouldn't sit heavy in my stomach; otherwise, I was sure I'd vomit.
Flashback - Last night
SNORE.
I gritted my teeth, burying my face deeper into the pillow.
SNORE. SNORE.
Yamauchi was having the sleep of his life, and apparently, his nose had decided to announce it to the entire world. I think the stupid idiot got a congested nose. Because each inhalation sounded like a power saw cutting wood, followed by a whistle when exhaling, that made me wonder if the guy had some serious breathing problem.
SNORE. SNORE. SNORE.
"For the love of..." I muttered, turning over in bed and pressing the pillow against my ears with all my strength.
It didn't work. Yamauchi's snoring was so powerful it penetrated even through the fluffy pillow. It was as if the sound vibrated directly into my skull.
From the bed on the other side of the room, I heard Sudō grunt and turn over abruptly. At least I wasn't the only one suffering.
Kikuchi, the lucky bastard, seemed to be completely unconscious, sleeping peacefully despite the snoring concert. Lucky him.
I looked at the clock on the nightstand: 2:47 AM.
Great. Absolutely great.
I considered getting up and hitting Yamauchi to make him stop snoring, but I knew that would only work temporarily. As soon as he fell back into deep sleep, the snoring would return with a vengeance.
With a resigned sigh, I adjusted the pillow over my head, trying to find the perfect angle that would block the most noise possible without suffocating myself in the process.
SNORE.
My eyes narrowed dangerously in the darkness. If this continued much longer, I was going to seriously consider the possibility of suffocating Yamauchi with his own pillow.
No, no, no. That would probably cause a commotion in the room. And probably Sudō would lose patience—who knows what would happen if that were the case. Think about the 400,000 points you're going to earn and the possible 500,000 for the VIP. Think about the points.
The points became my mantra as I desperately tried to fall asleep amid the constant bombardment of snoring.
End of Flashbacks.
I shook my head, trying to banish the not-so-pleasant memories of the last two days. At least I was better now. The motion sickness had decreased considerably, and although Yamauchi's snoring continued to be nightly torture, I had learned to live with it.
My thoughts drifted toward another important change in this timeline: Kiyone.
In canon, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka was male and shared a room with Hirata, Koenji, and Yukimura. But here, with Kiyone being female, those room assignments had obviously changed. I wondered who she had ended up sharing a room with.
Kushida? Horikita? Matsushita? Honestly, I wasn't sure unless I asked her directly or someone who knew, but since it wasn't important, I didn't bother doing it.
The idea gave me a slight headache. The simple fact that Ayanokōji was female in this universe was already a massive change in the timeline. Who knew what other butterflies had begun to flutter because of that simple change?
Although thinking about it, it didn't make much sense to worry too much about keeping canon intact. After all, I myself was planning to actively change it. The zodiac exam that would be announced tomorrow—August 10th, if I remembered correctly—was the perfect proof of that.
I already knew exactly how that exam worked. The zodiac groups, the need to discover the opposing group's VIP, the massive point rewards if you did it correctly... everything was engraved in my memory from having read the light novels.
Tomorrow, I thought with a satisfied smile. Tomorrow, the real game begins.
That exam would be perfect for increasing Class D's class points even more, and if I played my cards right, I could earn a considerable amount of private points too. Plus, it was a perfect opportunity to start forming strategic alliances.
Matsushita, Sakura, and Sudō were in the same group as Ike in canon, if I remembered correctly. I was already friends with Sudō, so I'd have to focus on Sakura and Matsushita. They could be a valuable alliance if I handled it carefully. Matsushita was intelligent, observant, and was hiding her true abilities just like me. Two people playing a similar game could come to understand each other, and Sakura... well, repairing the relationship with her wouldn't be a bad idea—I mean, making her think I'm not just a brainless pervert.
A particularly loud splash from the pool interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to see Yamauchi chasing Sudō in the water while Onodera laughed on the sidelines.
"Hey, Kanji!" Yamauchi shouted at me, waving his arm energetically. "Come join us! The water's great!"
I shook my head, smiling but not moving from my position. "I'm good here! Enjoy!"
Yamauchi shot me a skeptical look—probably wondering why the supposed pervert Ike Kanji would prefer to stay in a chair instead of joining the fun in the pool where there were girls in bikinis—but finally shrugged and went back to his game.
The truth was, I still had a slight persistent motion sickness. Nothing like the first days, but enough that the idea of actively swimming wasn't very appealing. Plus, from my privileged position in the beach chair, I had a perfect view of everything happening without having to exert myself.
My eyes inevitably wandered toward the girls.
Kushida wore a light pink bikini that perfectly complemented her fake, sweet, and friendly personality. Her figure was, without a doubt, impressive. Her breasts were quite large... very large. I had to consciously make an effort not to stare too long at how her large breasts bounced. Not to mention her ass wasn't far behind.
Matsushita wore a more modest dark blue bikini, but one that still highlighted her athletic figure. She seemed much more relaxed here than at school, laughing genuinely as she talked with Maya and Karuizawa. The three were sitting in chairs on the other side of the pool.
Horikita, surprisingly, was also at the pool, though clearly uncomfortable. She wore a black one-piece swimsuit that was probably the most conservative she could find. Her expression was one of resignation, as if she had been dragged here against her will.
She probably was, I thought with amusement.
And then there was...
My breath stopped momentarily when my eyes landed on Kiyone.
She had just gotten out of the pool, water dripping from her body as she walked toward the chair area. Her bikini was simple—a two-piece in black—but somehow, on her, it looked... very attractive. Despite her monotone face, her beauty was incredibly attractive.
Shit.
I quickly looked away, feeling how my cheeks heated slightly.
This was... strange. Very strange. In my previous life, I had never seen Ayanokōji this way because, well, he was a man. Kiyotaka was the cold and calculating protagonist of the series, not an incredibly attractive woman who made my brain short-circuit, to the point where I wondered if Ike's body was affecting me somehow.
Focus, idiot. She's the Masterpiece of White Room. She's dangerous. Don't let a pretty body distract you.
But my traitorous eyes went back to looking at her when she came closer.
The black bikini contrasted perfectly with her pale skin. The top was modest but didn't hide the fact that Kiyone had... considerable assets. Not as large as Kushida's, but definitely impressive in their own right. The bikini bottom fit perfectly on her curvy hips.
But what really captured my attention were her legs.
Long, toned, and obvious signs of intense training. They weren't the legs of someone who just exercised occasionally. They were the legs of someone who had trained their body to the limit, developing each muscle with almost perfect precision, and despite that training, her legs still looked very feminine, her beautiful thighs perfect and seeming soft to the touch, even her feet. They looked very well-cared for and attractive. The women of this world were really attractive.
Of course she's in shape, I reminded myself. She's the Masterpiece. She could probably kick my ass without breaking a sweat. Though I wouldn't mind being crushed by those thighs.
Setting aside my not-so-healthy thoughts. I briefly wondered how strong the female version of Kiyone would be compared to the male version of Kiyotaka I knew from canon. Would she be equally physically capable? Or would there be differences due to basic biology?
She could probably still destroy me, I concluded with some resignation and amusement.
I was so absorbed in my thoughts—definitely not admiring her figure, no sir—that I didn't realize she had approached until her shadow fell over me.
"I thought you'd be in the water taking advantage of the view from closer up."
I almost jumped from my chair in surprise, my heart beating rapidly as I looked up to see Kiyone standing next to my chair, looking at me with those expressionless amber eyes that somehow seemed to see right through me.
"Fuck—I mean, hey, Ayanokōji-san." I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure as I felt my cheeks heating up. "I didn't hear you approach."
She tilted her head slightly, water still dripping from her wet brown hair. "You were... distracted."
Don't look. Don't look down. Maintain eye contact. Eye. Contact.
"Yeah, well..." I shrugged, trying to act casual despite my brain screaming in panic. "I was just enjoying the sun and the... scenery."
A slight smile—so small I almost missed it—appeared on her lips. "The scenery. Of course."
Did she smile slightly, or was it just my imagination? Whatever... you know it doesn't matter. It was probably my imagination. Though I think she suspected I had been sick. Not that it surprises me—she notices almost everything.
I decided to change the subject before she could comment on how I had been staring at her. "Shouldn't you be in the water? Everyone's celebrating our victory in the exam."
"I've swum enough." Kiyone pointed to the empty chair next to mine. "Do you mind?"
Yes, I do mind because my brain clearly can't function properly when you're nearby, wearing so little clothing.
"Go ahead," I said aloud, gesturing toward the chair with what I hoped was a casual smile.
Kiyone sat elegantly, adjusting her bikini briefly—a movement that made my eyes involuntarily drift toward her beautiful legs before I forced them back to her face—and then reclined in the chair in a manner similar to mine, though somehow more elegant.
"You've been absent since we boarded the ship," she commented without preamble, her eyes fixed on me. "Most of the class has been celebrating, but you've been... hiding." She said while crossing her arms under her breasts, making them stand out even more.
I tried to ignore the gesture, and instead, a sarcastic smile formed on my lips as I looked at her sideways. "Wow, how observant. Have you been watching me, Ayanokōji-san?" I said jokingly, though I wouldn't be surprised if she did.
"I simply noticed it," she responded in her usual monotone, showing no embarrassment at being caught. "It's unusual for you. The Ike Kanji I know wouldn't miss the opportunity to be surrounded by girls in bikinis."
I snorted, unable to help the laugh that escaped my lips. "Touché." I turned to look at her more directly, raising an eyebrow with a mocking smile. "But right now I have a beautiful woman sitting right next to me. Why would I need to look elsewhere?"
I don't know why I expected some kind of reaction—embarrassment, irritation, something—but Kiyone simply raised an eyebrow without changing her monotone expression (which wasn't surprising). Though if I looked carefully, I could see a slight, amused gleam dancing in her amber eyes.
"Clever," was all she said.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Hey, I'm just being honest here."
"Mm." Kiyone tilted her head slightly as she uncrossed her arms and tucked her hair behind her ear, and began studying me with that intensity that made me feel like an insect under a microscope. "So, are you going to tell me why you've really been avoiding everyone?"
My smile became more tense. Of course, she wasn't going to let me off so easily. "I needed rest. The island exam was exhausting."
Which wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth. I was still adapting to the new lifestyle and would prefer to have some time to myself to calm my mind and think about how I got here. I couldn't do much, with the motion sickness bothering me and the worries about the annoyances of my new life.
"Everyone else was also in that exam," Kiyone pointed out. "And yet, they've been here celebrating."
"Well, clearly I have less stamina than them," I said with an exaggerated shrug. "Not everyone can be perfect."
"Ike." Her voice was flat, but there was a note of... amusement? in it. "Are you really going to make me guess?"
I stared at her for a moment, debating how much to reveal. Finally, I sighed dramatically. "Okay, okay. You've been spying on me after all, so I guess you have a right to know." I gave her a sarcastic smile. "I ate something that upset my stomach. Happy now?"
Kiyone looked at me in silence for a long moment, and I swear I saw her lips curve into the slightest of mocking smiles. "Bad food. What a shame!"
"Laugh all you want," I muttered, feigning anger in my gaze, and then crossed my arms while making an exaggerated pout. "Let's see how you laugh when it happens to you."
"I'll be careful to avoid whatever you ate," Kiyone responded in that same monotone tone that somehow conveyed amusement.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. There was something strangely... comfortable about this. Yes, Kiyone was dangerous and probably analyzing me constantly, but there was also a simplicity in not having to act as much. She already suspected I wasn't the normal Ike, so I could relax a bit. I wasn't sure what theory she'd have about me, but that didn't matter despite my curiosity.
"So," I said, deciding to change the subject. "What have you been doing these two days while I was... incapacitated? Besides spying on me, of course."
Kiyone didn't deny the spying accusation, which was... well, honest at least. Instead, she simply said: "Eating ice cream."
I blinked. "Ice cream? That's it?"
"Mm. They have a surprising variety at the buffet. I've tried seven different flavors so far. Also, I've enjoyed the ocean views."
I stared at her, trying to process the image of the cold and calculating White Room Masterpiece sitting alone, eating ice cream. It was... unexpectedly adorable, somehow. Honestly, I couldn't fully understand the obsession with ice cream, but I suppose for her, having lived her whole life in an isolated place with strict food, trying new things should be refreshing somehow, despite her monotonous life.
"Really?" I couldn't help but smile. "And which ice cream has been your favorite?"
"Vanilla," she responded without hesitation. "It's simple but effective."
"Of course you'd choose vanilla," I muttered, shaking my head with amusement. "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
"What's wrong with vanilla?" Kiyone tilted her head, genuinely curious.
"Nothing, nothing. It's just... very you, I guess." I shrugged. "Classic, reliable, maybe a bit boring for some, but perfectly executed."
There was a moment of silence as Kiyone looked at me with that inscrutable expression. Then, to my absolute surprise, I saw her lips curve into what could almost be called a smile.
"Did you just call me boring?"
"No! Well, yes, but in a good way—" I stopped, realizing I was digging my own grave. "Look, what I mean is there's an elegance in simplicity. Vanilla is a classic flavor for a reason."
"Mm." Kiyone seemed to consider this. "I suppose I can accept that explanation."
I laughed, surprised by how absurd this conversation had become. Here we were, discussing ice cream as if we were normal people instead of a reincarnated person trying to survive and a White Room Masterpiece.
Strange, I thought. But not... unpleasant.
We remained silent for a moment, watching our classmates play in the pool. Yamauchi had just tried to do a spectacular dive and had failed miserably, provoking laughter from everyone else.
"Ike," Kiyone spoke again, breaking the silence. Her tone was casual, but I could sense the question was more serious. "Do you think there will be another exam?"
I remained silent for a moment, turning my head to look at her. She wasn't looking directly at me, her eyes fixed on the pool, but I knew she was paying attention to every nuance of my response.
An amused smile formed on my lips. "Maybe," I said slowly, shrugging nonchalantly. "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if there was another exam. This school seems to enjoy keeping us on our toes constantly."
"Mm," Kiyone nodded slightly.
"Although," I continued, making an exaggerated grimace, "honestly, I hope that if there's another exam, it's not as complicated as the island one. Sleeping with my roommates piled up in that damn tent was horrible." I shook my head dramatically. "Very different from when I went camping with my parents."
I saw Kiyone turn her head toward me, and I could feel her curious gaze. "Right. You mentioned you had gone camping several times, given your experience and the help you provided in the exam."
Shit. Okay, think fast. Keep Ike's story.
"Yeah," I said, trying to sound nostalgic. "Though I'm not as expert as the Boy Scouts, I have various knowledge. All thanks to my dad thinking it was important for me to learn basic survival skills." I smiled slightly. "Though I think he really just wanted an excuse to escape the city for a weekend."
That wasn't a lie, technically. Well, it wasn't Ike's story—it was my story. My one and only camping experience in my previous life. But Kiyone didn't need to know that.
"And how was it?" Kiyone asked, showing genuine curiosity and a gleam in her eyes that she rarely showed.
I remained silent for a moment, remembering my childhood a bit. "It was... difficult, honestly. The first night, I thought I was going to die of discomfort. The ground was hard even with the sleeping bag; it was cold, and every little sound from the forest made me jump." I laughed softly. "My dad made fun of me that whole first night."
Kiyone said nothing, simply waited for me to continue.
"But in the end..." A genuine smile formed on my lips. "I really enjoyed it. There was something liberating about being away from everything, no technology, no distractions. Just us, nature, and the starry sky." I looked toward the sky, though it was daytime now. "The stars were incredible. I had never seen so many in my life."
"It sounds... nice," Kiyone commented softly.
"It was." I looked at her again, meeting those amber eyes that were observing me with a strangely soft expression. "I guess that's why I didn't do so badly on the island exam. I had at least some previous experience."
"Mm." Kiyone nodded, and then, to my surprise, asked: "Have you been well? Since we boarded the ship, I mean."
The question caught me off guard. For a moment, I thought there was genuine concern in her voice, however subtle, but I dismissed it—she was probably just curious. I made a dismissive gesture, downplaying it. "I already told you, I ate something that upset me. Nothing serious."
Kiyone stared at me for a long moment, and I knew she didn't completely believe me. But to my relief, she didn't press further. Instead, she pulled her legs up on her chair to get more comfortable, wrapping her arms around her knees as she looked directly into my eyes.
The position made her look... small, somehow. Vulnerable. Which was ridiculous considering she could probably break me in two if she wanted to, but still, there was something about the way she looked at me that made me feel nervous.
"What?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I felt my smile become a bit more tense. "If you keep looking at me that way, you're going to give people the wrong idea, you know." I paused, then added with a mischievous smile: "Not that I'm complaining."
Kiyone didn't react to my provocation, her eyes still fixed on me with that disconcerting intensity. "I don't care about rumors."
Of course you don't, I thought. She doesn't care about such trivial things as rumors.
There was another moment of silence, and just when I thought the conversation was over, Kiyone spoke again.
"Ike."
"Yes?"
"Would you like to have lunch with me?"
I froze completely, my eyes widening with surprise as I processed what she had just said. Had Kiyone Ayanokōji just invited me to lunch? Sure, if it were Kiyotaka, he'd probably still have his goal of making friends, and although I suspected she did want friends or at least to pretend she had them, I found this somewhat suspicious.
I looked at her suspiciously, narrowing my eyes. "Why?"
She tilted her head slightly, as if the question were strange. "Do I need a reason?"
"No," I responded with a sigh. "But you know my reputation isn't so good. And although I don't care, it could cause you problems about what the two of us are doing together," I responded, thinking she still wanted to go unnoticed.
ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬
5.2
Narrator: Kiyone
I observed how Ike processed my lunch invitation, his eyes showing a mixture of surprise and suspicion that I found... interesting. Most people would simply accept a casual lunch invitation without questioning it so much. But Ike wasn't like most people, at least not lately.
"No," he finally responded with a sigh, his posture relaxing slightly. "But you know my reputation isn't so good. And although I don't care, it could cause you problems about what the two of us are doing together."
I tilted my head slightly, considering his words. It was... considerate of him to worry about my reputation, though unnecessary.
"Rumors are inevitable regardless of who I'm seen with," I responded in my usual tone. "And as I said, I don't care about them."
Ike looked at me for a long moment, as if evaluating the sincerity of my words. Finally, a small smile formed on his lips.
"Okay then," he said, shrugging. "But don't say I didn't warn you when the girls start whispering about you."
"I'll keep that in mind," I responded, allowing the slightest trace of amusement to filter into my voice.
Before I could continue the conversation, I noticed a figure approaching from my peripheral vision. I turned slightly to see Hirata Yousuke walking toward us with his characteristic kind smile.
"Ah, Ike-kun," Hirata greeted us when he was close enough. His eyes briefly shifted to me. "And Ayanokōji-san. What a surprise to see you together!"
I bent down to pick up my towel, my long brown hair falling over my shoulders in wet strands that dripped onto the floor. I began to dry it with slow, careful movements, feeling the drops slide down my back before the fabric caught them.
"Hirata," Ike responded in a casual tone. "Do you need something?"
"Well, actually..." Hirata paused, looking at Ike with what seemed to be genuine concern. "I've noticed I haven't seen you much in these two days since we boarded the ship. Have you been okay?"
I finished drying my hair and reached for the light jacket I had brought, sliding it over my wet bikini. The contrast between the dry fabric and my wet skin was refreshing.
Ike gave Hirata the same sarcastic smile he had given me moments before. "I ate something that upset my stomach. Nothing serious, I just needed to rest a bit."
"I see," Hirata nodded with understanding. "That would explain why Sudō and Yamauchi mentioned you haven't gone out much with them. They were worried."
"I'm fine now," Ike responded, waving his hand dismissively. "I just needed to recover."
I sat back down in my chair and began putting on my sandals, observing the interaction between the two with silent interest. Hirata seemed genuinely relieved that Ike was better.
"I'm glad to hear that," Hirata said, his smile widening. "Actually, I came here because I was planning to invite you to lunch with me, along with Karuizawa-san and some other girls. I thought it would be a good opportunity to socialize a bit more."
I saw how Ike's body tensed almost imperceptibly at the mention of Karuizawa. His smile became a bit more mocking.
"Ah, well... I appreciate the invitation, Hirata, but..." Ike ran a hand through his hair, looking uncomfortable. "I don't think it's a good idea. Karuizawa and I don't exactly get along."
"I wouldn't say it's that bad—" Hirata began, but Ike interrupted him.
"Hirata, let's be honest here," Ike said with a sigh. "We had several... setbacks during the island exam. The underwear incident, the argument after the fire... I don't think she likes me very much right now. It would probably be awkward for everyone involved."
Hirata opened his mouth as if to protest, but then closed it, his expression showing he was considering Ike's words. After a moment, he sighed softly.
"I suppose you're right," he admitted reluctantly. "Although I'd like everyone to get along, I understand that forcing the situation would only make things worse." He took out his phone. "Let me cancel then—"
"Wait," Ike interrupted, glancing at me briefly. Our eyes met, and after a moment, I nodded slightly. A small smile appeared on his face before turning to Hirata. "Actually, I already had plans to have lunch with Ayanokōji-san. If you don't have a problem with that, you could join us instead."
Hirata blinked in surprise, his eyes moving between Ike and me. "Really? I don't want to interrupt if you already had plans—"
"It's not an interruption," I said calmly, standing up and adjusting my jacket. "You're welcome to join."
"Well, if you're sure..." Hirata smiled, looking genuinely pleased. "In that case, I'd love to. Let me quickly cancel with Karuizawa-san."
I watched as Hirata walked a few steps away to make the call, his voice too low to hear the details, but his tone clearly apologetic.
Ike stood up beside me, stretching lazily. "Well, this should be interesting," he murmured, low enough that only I could hear.
"Mm," I responded, watching as Hirata finished his call.
ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬
The walk from the pool to the ship's restaurant was... quiet.
I walked slightly behind Ike and Hirata as they chatted casually about the island exam, observing the dynamic between them. Hirata was naturally friendly, asking questions and showing genuine interest in Ike's answers. Ike, for his part, responded with that new style of his—casual, a bit sarcastic, but not unpleasant. Not to mention, he still maintained, for some reason, the accent in his voice.
It was different from the Ike Kanji I had observed during the first month of classes. That Ike had been loud, immature, and easily predictable. This Ike was... more complex.
My eyes wandered around the cruise ship as we walked. The ship was impressive in its luxury—polished floors, gleaming railings, elegant decorations that probably cost more than an average student's annual private points. The hallways were wide, with large windows offering views of the endless ocean.
Other students strolled around the ship in various states of relaxation. Some were still in swimsuits, others had already changed into casual clothes. The atmosphere was festive, almost as if the island exam had never happened.
Two days, I thought. Only two days have passed since the test ended, and everyone already seems to have forgotten it.
But that was natural, I suppose. Humans have a remarkable capacity to quickly adapt to new circumstances, especially when those circumstances are more pleasant than the previous ones.
As I silently followed Ike and Hirata, I could see the framed map of the ship. I absorbed the necessary information to be able to navigate easily.
Deck 10: The solarium and rooftop. It has a pool, cafeteria, and gym, among other facilities.
Deck 9: On this deck, you'll find karaoke, lounges, bars, izakayas, and some restaurants. It also has a banquet area known as "Buffet with Ocean View."
Deck 8: On this deck are the medical facilities, along with pharmacies and drugstores.
Deck 7: On this deck are two large facilities: a supermarket and a library. Next to the library are bookstores, a manga café, and a cyber café.
Deck 6: On this deck are spas, salons, and a large number of facilities related to relaxation and cosmetics.
Deck 5: Here are located the rooms for the ship's employees.
Deck 4: On this deck are the guest rooms for female students and school staff.
Deck 3: On a similar note, this deck houses the guest rooms for male students and school staff.
Deck 2: It was very mysterious, as there were empty guest rooms and we had no way of knowing their purpose. It was practically deserted, as almost no one passed through these areas.
Deck 1: Had the main lounge and the largest banquet area.
1st basement level: had a movie theater that screened new and old movies on a specific rotation.
2nd basement level: On this level, students will find the Live Theater, where scheduled performances can be seen. The casino is also located here.
3rd basement level: here is the nightclub, along with some more restaurants.
4th basement level: here was the switch room, where tons of distribution board facilities are located.
Of course, I haven't mentioned everything that could be found on each deck, but the others didn't seem to have much importance, so I didn't bother memorizing their locations. Perhaps in the future, if they somehow become relevant.
And obviously, some facilities are prohibited for minors and students like us.
"—don't you think, Ayanokōji-san?"
I blinked, realizing that Hirata had asked me a question I hadn't heard.
"Sorry, could you repeat that?" I asked in my usual monotone tone.
Hirata smiled understandingly. "I was saying that the cruise ship is quite impressive, don't you think? All the facilities are free, except for specific equipment loans."
"Mm," I nodded. "It's... generous of the school."
"Generous," Ike snorted with amusement. "More like a psychological trap. They make us suffer on an island for a week, then reward us with extreme luxury. It's the classic carrot and stick."
Hirata blinked at Ike's cynical comment, but then laughed softly. "I suppose that's one way to see it. Though I prefer to think the school simply wants us to enjoy our summer vacation."
"Sure," Ike said with a mocking smile. "If you say so, buddy."
I observed the interaction with interest. Ike wasn't being particularly rude, but he also wasn't showing the typical deference most students showed toward Hirata. It was... interesting, in a way. And Hirata doesn't seem bothered by Ike's informality—rather, he seems more content.
We finally arrived at the cafeteria on Deck 10. It was a semi-open space with an impressive view of the ocean, protected from the sun by a large awning but still allowing the sea breeze. The tables were arranged spaciously, and more than half were already occupied by students eating and socializing.
"There's a table there," Hirata pointed toward an empty table near the edge of the deck.
We headed toward it and sat down—Hirata and Ike facing each other, and me next to Ike. A waiter appeared almost immediately, handing us menus and taking our drink orders.
I studied the menu briefly. There was an impressive variety—from traditional Japanese food to Western, all available at no cost. I finally decided on something light: a salad with grilled chicken and iced tea.
Ike ordered sandwiches and a carbonated drink, while Hirata chose something similar to my order.
Once the waiter left, a comfortable silence fell over the table. I observed Hirata, who seemed to be gathering courage to say something. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, and there was a slight tension in his shoulders that hadn't been there moments before.
"Ike-kun, Ayanokōji-san," Hirata finally spoke, his tone becoming more serious. "Actually, there's something I'd like to talk to you about."
Ike raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair with an expectant expression. "I knew there was a hidden motive. I'm not complaining, just say it."
"Well..." Hirata paused, his eyes moving between the two of us. "I originally planned to talk only with Ike-kun, but having Ayanokōji-san here too is... actually a benefit."
I tilted my head slightly, waiting for him to continue.
Ike, on the other hand, made an impatient gesture. "Hirata, I can still claim to be a good listener, but my stomach is demanding food so... Can you give us the short version?"
A small smile appeared on Hirata's lips at Ike's frankness. "Okay. To be direct: I'd like you to be a bridge between Horikita-san and me. I think Horikita-san will be an indispensable person for Class D in the future, and I'd very much like to work with her."
There was a moment of silence. I see, so he needs Ike's help for that. I nodded as Hirata continued speaking and apologizing.
"Even the other day, it was thanks to Horikita-san's efforts that Class D had an unexpected victory. Class morale is at an all-time high. I think the number of students who like Horikita-san has also gone up, which is a big change from before," Hirata tells us.
Then Ike blinked, his expression becoming genuinely confused. "I understand, but... A bridge? Hirata, I don't know if you noticed, but I'm not exactly friends with Horikita. She probably tolerates me at best."
Ike wasn't wrong in this matter. Horikita is a solitary person with no friends. The only ability she has is the ability to be an honor student in the academic sense. But her weakness, in return, is that she's bad at interpersonal skills and often has a demanding attitude that causes difficulties when socializing.
But with Ike's recent performance, I think Horikita can tolerate Ike. After all, Ike demonstrated that despite not being academically superior, he still has a cunning that could be very useful for the class to advance in the competition. Because it's not entirely impossible for Ike to be a bridge between Hirata and Horikita.
"I understand that," Hirata nodded quickly. "But you're friends with Ayanokōji-san, and Ayanokōji-san is friends with Horikita-san." He turned to me briefly. "Also, during the last days of the island exam, Ike-kun also gained considerable recognition for handling difficult situations calmly and logically."
That was true. Even I had to admit that Ike's performance during the fire incident had been... impressive. He had taken control of the situation when even Hirata had been overwhelmed, organizing the class efficiently and preventing the situation from deteriorating further.
"Ike-kun's recognition has increased among our classmates," I continued, where Hirata left off, deciding to contribute to the conversation. "Even if it's reluctantly on the part of some of the girls."
Ike shot me a sidelong glance, as if asking if I was also in on this. I just looked back at him with my usual neutral expression.
"Exactly," Hirata nodded enthusiastically. "Right now, I feel like if she, you, and everyone else worked together, we could move up to Class C, Class B, and finally Class A," Hirata says optimistically.
If I had heard this story from someone else, I would have dismissed it as a convenient story. But Hirata brought up the topic of Horikita once at the beginning of the semester. From the start, he must have sensed the potential Horikita had.
It doesn't seem like Hirata has ill will toward Ike. And although the task wasn't so straightforward for Ike, given the relationship he has with her, it wasn't entirely impossible. But even assuming Ike manages to unite Horikita and Hirata, that won't solve the problem immediately. Horikita isn't the type who accepts interference in matters, and forcing a connection could have the opposite effect.
Ike nodded, understanding the point I was trying to make, while I just looked silently at Hirata, continuing to speak.
"I think Horikita-san will at least listen to Ike-kun more than she would listen to me directly. I know it's a lot to ask, but..." His expression became hesitant toward Ike.
Ike studied Hirata for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. Finally, he sighed. "Hirata, I'm going to be honest with you. I have no idea how this will turn out. Horikita is... complicated. Very complicated. I can't guarantee that even if I try, she'll cooperate."
I nodded, intervening and deciding to contribute to the conversation. "But even if you close the gap between you and Horikita, it won't happen so easily—Horikita is that type of person."
If she feels they're forcing the matter that way, she might actually widen the gap between her and the rest of the class in response. Her interactions with Kushida at the beginning of the first semester are proof of that fact.
"Of course, I understand that fact—Horikita-san won't open up to anyone other than Ayanokōji-san. I have no intention of forcing this matter, which is why I'd like you to be the bridge that connects my existence to Horikita-san," Hirata tells us.
Ike remained silent for another moment, then turned to me. "Ayanokōji-san? Would you be willing to help with this?"
The question was direct, unadorned. All eyes at the table turned toward me.
I considered the situation. Objectively, there was no reason to refuse. Helping to form a bridge between Hirata and Horikita could benefit the class in the long term, and Horikita could use the influence of someone like Hirata to soften her rougher edges. Besides...
I'm curious about how Ike will handle this, I admitted to myself.
"I have no objections," I finally responded. "I'll help if necessary, but being honest, it's easier said than done—generally I'm the one who follows Horikita... to be more precise, I've never given Horikita any opinion before. If I started giving my opinion on matters suddenly, it would seem strange". Despite accepting Ike's request, I also decided to be honest with both of them.
"But right now, I don't have better ideas. Even if I had to talk to Horikita-san about this, I don't have the confidence that I could convince her to work together with us. This is my last resort," Hirata confessed to us.
Ike sighs before smiling at Hirata. "Don't worry, Hirata, I'll do my best. Anyway, I was already planning to do something similar."
I raised an eyebrow at that unexpected comment from Ike. It seems Ike was planning to be more proactive regarding trying with the class—before, it wouldn't have mattered much to him, but now the seriousness in telling him was totally different.
Visible relief flooded Hirata's face. "Thank you, both of you. Really, this means a lot to me."
"Although," I interrupted before Hirata could continue, "we must be realistic about expectations. Horikita-san isn't the type who makes friends easily. Forcing a friendship could have the opposite effect."
Ike snorted. "That's an understatement. The girl has fewer social skills than a cactus in the middle of the desert."
I couldn't help it—the comment caught me off guard and I felt the slightest impulse to smile. I repressed it, but I noticed Hirata laughed softly at Ike's description.
"Well, I wouldn't put it exactly that way," Hirata said between laughs, "but I suppose the point is valid."
Ike rolled his eyes, but there was a small, amused smile playing on his lips. He said nothing more, simply took a sip of his drink that the waiter had brought while we were talking.
"It seems I'll have to rethink my approach," Hirata said, his expression becoming more thoughtful. He turned to me. "Horikita-san is a severe type of person. How have you managed to get along with her, Ayanokōji-san?"
I considered the question for a moment. "I'm not sure 'getting along' is the right description," I responded honestly. "I simply... don't pressure her. I respect her boundaries and give her space when she needs it. Horikita appreciates direct honesty more than attempts to be friendly."
"I see..." Hirata nodded slowly, clearly processing the information.
"Although," I added, "despite whatever progress I may have made with her, Horikita-san is still a difficult person who won't make friends easily. It's important to understand that from the start."
Ike snorted again. "What she's trying to say politely is that Horikita has about as much social flexibility as a steel bar. And probably the personality of one, too."
This time, I couldn't completely repress the reaction. My eyebrow rose slightly at the crude but surprisingly accurate description.
Hirata laughed more openly this time, shaking his head with amusement. "Well, I definitely wouldn't put it that way, but... I suppose you captured the essence of the problem."
Ike just smirked, clearly satisfied at having made Hirata laugh.
The waiter arrived with our food at that moment, placing the plates in front of us with efficient movements. The aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, and I realized I was actually hungrier than I thought.
"I'm sorry," Hirata said once the waiter left, looking genuinely apologetic. "I invited you to lunch just to make you listen to my selfish request. It wasn't very considerate of me."
Ike waved his hand dismissively. "It's okay, it's not like it's an absurd request. Besides, I was going to have lunch anyway."
"Mm," I nodded in agreement. "There's no need to apologize."
Hirata gave us a grateful smile, his posture relaxing noticeably. "Still, I appreciate your understanding."
We began to eat, and the conversation drifted to lighter topics—observations about the cruise ship, comments about other students we could see from our position, speculations about how much longer this period of peace would last before the school threw another exam at us.
I was about to comment on something when I noticed movement from my peripheral vision. I turned slightly to see Karuizawa Kei approaching our table, flanked by three of her usual friends. Her expression was one of determination, her eyes fixed on Hirata.
This will be... interesting, I thought.
"Hirata-kun!" Karuizawa called in her characteristically cheerful voice. "Here you are! I thought we could have lunch together after all—"
Her words were cut off abruptly when her gaze slid over our table and landed on Ike. Her expression changed instantly from cheerful to something much less friendly.
"Oh," she said in a flat tone dripping with disapproval. "You're here."
Ike returned her gaze with an arrogant, smug smile that didn't help the situation at all. "Karuizawa. What a pleasure to see you too."
Karuizawa's eye twitched. Without asking permission, she and her friends dragged a nearby table and placed it next to ours, effectively joining our group without invitation.
Karuizawa sat directly across from Ike, glaring at him. "You know, Hirata-kun, you should make better friends than Ike-kun. Your reputation could be affected."
I observed the interaction with clinical interest. The animosity between them was palpable, each word charged with barely contained tension.
Ike snorted, his smile becoming even more arrogant. "Don't listen to her, Hirata. She's just jealous of our friendship."
Karuizawa's face turned red—not from embarrassment, but from pure anger. "Jealous?! What the hell would I have to be jealous of—"
"Karuizawa-san, Ike-kun," Hirata intervened quickly, his voice maintaining its kind tone but with an underlying note of firmness. "Please, let's get along. We're classmates, after all."
His intervention was neutral, not taking sides, but effective in cutting off the escalation of conflict. At least temporarily.
Ike, however, couldn't resist having the last word. He stuck his tongue out at Karuizawa mockingly, an incredibly childish gesture that made me wonder if part of the old Ike still remained under the new facade.
Karuizawa inhaled sharply, clearly preparing for another barrage, when one of her friends—Mori Nene, if I remembered correctly—put a hand on her shoulder and shook her head slightly.
I watched as Karuizawa visibly struggled with her temper, her face going through several expressions before finally nodding stiffly and looking away from Ike.
Ike, for his part, simply scoffed silently—a low sound that probably only I could hear, given how close I was sitting to him. Then, with deliberate movements, he stood up and picked up his plate of half-eaten sandwiches.
"Well, this has been lovely," he said with dry sarcasm, "but I think I'll eat somewhere else. Hirata, see you later."
He turned to leave, and after a moment of consideration, I picked up my own plate and stood up as well.
"Excuse me, Hirata-kun," I said calmly. "I think I'll leave too."
I saw something pass through Hirata's expression—disappointment? Sadness?—but it disappeared quickly, replaced by an understanding smile.
"It's okay," he said softly. "Thank you for joining me, even if briefly."
I nodded once and then followed Ike as he walked away from the table. Behind us, I could hear Karuizawa beginning to speak, her voice rising slightly, followed by Hirata's lower, calming tone.
He's probably scolding her, I thought with slight amusement. Or at least trying to make her understand why her behavior was inappropriate.
Ike found another empty table on the opposite side of the deck restaurant, this one with a slightly better view of the ocean. He sat down unceremoniously, dropping his plate on the table with more force than necessary.
I sat across from him, placing my own plate much more carefully.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. We simply ate in silence, the sound of the waves and the distant murmur of other students filling the void.
I studied Ike as he ate. His expression was hard to read—a mixture of irritation, amusement, and something else I couldn't quite identify. His movements were more abrupt than normal, each bite of his sandwich more aggressive than the last.
"Are you okay?" I finally asked, more out of curiosity than genuine concern.
Ike stopped chewing for a moment, his eyes meeting mine. Then he swallowed and let out a short, bitter laugh.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he said, though his tone suggested otherwise. "It's just... It's a bit difficult to get along with someone like Karuizawa, you know?" Ike commented with a complicated look. His eyes watched her intently.
"Mm," I nodded, tilting my head with curiosity about the thoughts Ike was having. "The animosity between you is... notable."
"That's a polite way of putting it," Ike muttered, taking another aggressive bite of his sandwich.
I remained silent, giving him space to process his emotions. It was a pattern I had noticed in human interactions—sometimes, people just needed a moment to calm down before they could have a rational conversation.
After a few minutes, Ike's movements softened and his posture relaxed. He took a sip of his drink, then sighed.
"Thanks," Ike said suddenly.
I raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
"For following me," he responded, gesturing vaguely toward where we had left Hirata and Karuizawa. "You didn't have to."
"I had no reason to stay," I said honestly. "And besides..." I paused, considering my words. "I prefer your company."
Ike blinked at that, looking genuinely surprised. "Really?"
"Mm," I nodded. "You're more... interesting lately."
A small smile—a genuine one this time, not the arrogant one from before—appeared on his face. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an elegant way of calling me weird."
"Both," I responded without missing a beat.
Ike laughed at that, a real, unfiltered laugh that briefly transformed his expression. It was... pleasant to hear.
We continued eating in a more comfortable silence now, occasionally exchanging observations about other students or the cruise ship itself. It was a strange dynamic—not quite friendship, not exactly a strategic alliance, but something in between.
Ike Kanji, I thought as I observed him, you remain a mystery. But one I intend to solve.
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5.3
Narrator: MC
"Well, I think it's time for me to go," I said, finishing the last bite of my sandwich and wiping my hands with a napkin.
Kiyone looked up from her salad, tilting her head slightly in that characteristic way of hers. "Do you have something to do?"
"Something like that," I responded vaguely, not wanting to go into details. It wasn't that I didn't trust Kiyone—well, actually, I didn't trust her completely, but that was another matter—but even if I trusted her, I couldn't tell people about my little meeting, literally. "I just need to take care of something."
And although I was sure I could give hints without telling her directly, I also didn't want it to be known that I was going to meet with Class A students. Who knows what rumors would arrive if people found out about that.
"Mm," was all she said, those amber eyes studying me with that characteristic intensity that always made me feel like she could see right through me.
I stood up, picking up my empty plate. "Anyway, thanks for eating with me, Ayanokōji-san. Despite the... interruption," I added with a sarcastic smile, glancing toward where Hirata was still dealing with Karuizawa and her friends.
"No problem," Kiyone responded in her usual monotone. "It was... informative."
I bet it was, I thought with amusement. You're probably already analyzing the situation Hirata has put me in. I wonder what you'll do with that.
"See you later then," I said, giving her a small wave before walking away.
I left my plate at one of the collection stations and headed toward the interior of the ship. As I walked through the hallways, I took out my phone and checked the message I had received early this morning.
From: Unknown Number
Meeting. 1:00 PM. Second deck, room 109. Come alone.
Short, direct, and a bit threatening. Exactly what you'd expect from Class A students who had just realized they'd been scammed.
I looked at the time on my phone: 12:35 PM. I had enough time to stop by my room and change into my school uniform. Something told me this meeting required a more... formal atmosphere.
ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬ ᕕ (⌐ ■ _ ■) ᕗ ♪ ♬
When I arrived at my shared room, fortunately, it was empty. Yamauchi, Sudō, and Kikuchi were probably still outside enjoying the sun and the views. Perfect.
I quickly took off the casual clothes I had been wearing—shorts and a light t-shirt—and put on my complete school uniform. Pants, shirt, blazer, tie. The whole ensemble.
I looked at myself in the small bathroom mirror, adjusting my tie until it was perfect. The image that looked back at me was that of a serious and presentable student, not the supposed idiotic pervert most of the class thought I was. And although in appearance I didn't look different, now Ike's face had an aura of maturity.
Though not that mature, I thought with a crooked smile. After all, I'm only 24... well, now I'm 15 again.
I shook my head; the previous age was now irrelevant. So I proceeded to leave the room and head toward the stairs. The second deck wasn't a place where students normally spent time. In fact, most probably didn't even know it existed.
According to the information I had managed to obtain (by discreetly reading the ship maps posted in various places and visiting the place out of curiosity), the second deck consisted mainly of empty guest rooms and storage spaces. Practically deserted, perfect for meetings one would prefer to keep... private.
The stairs took me down, passing the main deck where all the recreational facilities were. The further down I went, the fewer students I saw. By the time I reached the second deck, there was no one in sight—or at least I didn't notice anyone.
The hallway was narrower here, more utilitarian. The walls were the same as on the other decks; despite how luxurious it looked, the hallway was in an unsettling silence, and the doors were numbered but nameless. It was unsettling in its emptiness, like walking through a ghost hotel.
I found room 109 without problems. It was a simple door, indistinguishable from all the others except for the number plate. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what was to come, and then knocked.
"Come in," came a muffled voice from inside.
I turned the knob and opened the door.
The room was small and spartan—just a table in the center with some chairs around it. And standing around that table were four people.
I recognized two of them immediately: Kenta Yoshida and Shinji Matoba, the Class A students with whom I had made my little "deal" on the island. Both were glaring at me with looks that could have melted steel.
The third person was clearly school staff, judging by her professional suit and clipboard. Probably someone from the administrative department.
But it was the fourth person who made me pause momentarily.
Mashima Tomonari, the teacher in charge of Class A, was standing next to his students with his characteristic expression of professional calm. His eyes landed on me when I entered, and I saw a flash of... curiosity? Concern?
Shit, I thought, keeping my expression neutral. Why the hell is he here?
"Ike Kanji from Class D," Mashima-sensei greeted me with a nod. "Thank you for coming."
I closed the door behind me, keeping my posture relaxed despite the tension I could feel in the air. "Mashima-sensei," I responded politely, then let my gaze slide toward the two students. "Yoshida, Matoba. What a surprise to see you here."
The sarcasm in my voice was palpable, and I saw how Matoba's jaw tightened.
"Enough with the jokes," Matoba snapped. "You know exactly why we're here."
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. Then I looked directly at Mashima-sensei. "Though I must admit I'm a bit confused about why a teacher is present at what should be a matter between students."
Mashima-sensei showed no visible reaction to my comment, remaining professional. "My students requested my presence to ensure this... agreement is resolved fairly."
"Fairly?" I couldn't help but let out a short laugh. "Sensei, with all due respect, this is a matter strictly between students. The fact that these two even mentioned this to a teacher already puts them on very thin ice."
I saw how both students paled slightly at my comment. Yes, they knew exactly what I was referring to. The contract clearly specified that everything should be kept confidential.
"I didn't give him specific details!" Yoshida defended himself quickly, his voice rising slightly. "I only asked Mashima-sensei to help us resolve a problem between students. He's only going to accompany us to be a witness and to make sure there's no fraudulent deception!"
"Fraudulent," I repeated slowly, savoring the word. Then I sighed dramatically and reached into the inner pocket of my blazer, pulling out the folded contract I had carefully stored. "I suppose it's time to clear up some misunderstandings then."
I approached the table and handed the contract to the school staff member, who took it with some confusion.
"Please read this," I said politely. "And then tell me if a teacher really needs to be present here as a witness."
The staff member—a middle-aged woman with glasses—unfolded the paper and began to read. Her eyes moved from left to right, and I could see how her expression gradually changed from neutral to understanding.
"This is..." she began, then looked at Mashima-sensei. "Sensei, this is a private contract between students with a strict confidentiality clause. The specific details... cannot be revealed to teachers."
Mashima-sensei frowned slightly. "Are you sure?"
"Completely," the woman nodded firmly. "According to school rules about agreements between students, teachers can only intervene if there's clear evidence of coercion or physical harm. This contract was voluntarily signed by all parties involved and contains specific consequences for breach of confidentiality."
I saw how Mashima-sensei's expression became more thoughtful. He looked at me, then at his students, and finally back at the staff member.
"I understand," Mashima-sensei finally said, though he didn't sound particularly happy about it. "In that case, I'll withdraw. Yoshida, Matoba..." he gave his students a significant look, "...Resolve it appropriately."
"But sensei—" Matoba began to protest.
"That's all," Mashima-sensei interrupted him firmly. "If this is a confidential matter between students, I cannot get involved without violating school protocols."
With that, he headed toward the door. Before leaving, however, he gave me one last look—one I couldn't quite interpret. Confusion? Curiosity? Intrigue? Whatever it was, I didn't particularly care.
The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving just me, the two Class A students, and the staff member.
The silence that followed was... delicious.
"Well," I finally said, breaking the silence as I casually sat in one of the chairs. "Now that we've gotten rid of that unnecessary distraction, why don't we discuss why you're really so upset?"
Matoba stepped forward, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "You know exactly why! You told us that Horikita Suzune was your class's leader!"
"And she was," I responded calmly, leaning back in my chair. "On the fourth day of the exam, when we met, Horikita Suzune was effectively Class D's leader."
"But she definitely wasn't your class's leader, or else we wouldn't have lost 50 points!" Yoshida interjected, his voice full of frustration. "You deceived us!"
I raised an eyebrow, letting a small smile form on my lips. "I deceived you? Interesting accusation. Tell me, at any point did I say that Horikita would be the leader for the ENTIRE exam?"
Both students opened their mouths, but no words came out.
"Exactly," I continued, my smile widening. "I told you that Horikita Suzune was Class D's leader on the fourth day of the exam. Which was completely true. The fact that somehow Horikita managed to change the class leader, which I didn't know leaders could be changed... well, that's not my problem, is it?"
"That's a technicality!" Matoba shouted. "You must have known, otherwise you wouldn't be so calm!"
"A technicality?" I leaned forward, my expression becoming more serious. "Gentlemen, you completely read the contract and how the terms were worded. You were the ones who accepted the contract without carefully reading the 'fine print,' so to speak. I simply... took advantage of the loopholes you so kindly left open."
I turned to the staff member, who had been observing the interaction in silence. "Excuse me, could you confirm something for us? According to the official records of the island exam, who was Class D's leader? Just so we're sure the contract is fulfilled."
The woman sighed and then sent a message on her phone. We waited a few minutes in tense silence. Well, more tense for the Class A students than for me. I was calm because there's nothing to worry about—after all, I complied with the contract terms.
The woman put away her phone; it seems she's consulting a file, scrolling her finger on the touch screen until she stopped—I assumed she found the relevant information. "According to official records... Horikita Suzune was designated as Class D's leader from the first day of the exam until the night of the fifth day. The leader was officially changed..." She paused, verifying the name, "...on the night of the fifth day, approximately at 8:17 PM. Class D's new leader will remain confidential. That's all."
"There you have it," I said, gesturing toward the staff member. "Horikita was the leader on the fourth day, exactly as I told you. The fact that she was changed AFTER our agreement doesn't invalidate the information I gave you."
"But—!" Yoshida began.
"But nothing," I interrupted him, my tone becoming colder. "You accepted the terms of the contract. You signed your name on it. And according to those terms, I fulfilled my part of the deal. I gave you the name of my class's leader on the fourth day of the exam, which was Horikita Suzune. The fact that that information didn't turn out to be useful for your purposes is not my responsibility."
I turned again to the staff member. "Am I correct? Was the contract fulfilled according to its terms?"
The woman reviewed the contract again, her eyes moving carefully over each line. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally nodded.
"Technically... yes. The contract specifies that Ike Kanji would provide the name of Class D's leader on the fourth day of the island exam.' According to official records, Horikita Suzune was effectively the leader at that time. The contract doesn't specify that the information must be useful for strategic purposes, only that it must be true." She looked at Yoshida and Matoba. "Therefore, Ike Kanji has fulfilled the terms of the agreement. You are obligated to fulfill your part of the deal, or face the consequences specified in the contract."
"This can't be! The consequences weren't...?" Matoba asked, his voice tense.
The woman read the relevant clause. "'Anyone who violates the conditions of this contract will face expulsion from school.' Those are the consequences YOU agreed to when you signed this document."
I saw how all the blood drained from both students' faces. The reality of the situation was finally hitting them.
"This... this can't be..." Yoshida muttered, looking like he was about to vomit.
"Oh, but it can," I said cheerfully, perhaps enjoying their misery too much. "You see, you were greedy enough to try to obtain information from multiple classes through traitors by bribing them with private points; unfortunately, you didn't think things through. And now you're paying the price."
I stood up, smoothing my uniform jacket as I gave them both a cold, smug smile. "So, gentlemen, here are your options: you can fulfill the terms of the contract and transfer me the 400,000 points you agreed to, or you can refuse and face expulsion. What's it going to be?"
There was a long, tense silence.
Finally, Matoba took out his phone with stiff, mechanical movements. His fingers trembled slightly as he navigated through the menus.
"Yoshida," he muttered. "Transfer your part."
Yoshida, looking equally defeated, also took out his phone.
My own phone vibrated moments later—first once, then a second time. I checked the screen and saw two point transfer notifications.
+200,000 private points from Matoba Shinji
+200,000 private points from Yoshida Kenta
A genuine smile—not mocking, but of true satisfaction—spread across my face. 426,587 private points. Not bad for someone who was short on points; at least now I don't have to worry about running out of points in the short term.
"Pleasure doing business with you," I said cheerfully, putting away my phone.
Matoba stepped forward, his expression dark and threatening. "This doesn't end here, Ike. You may have won this round, but—"
"But what?" I interrupted him, my tone becoming icy. "Are you going to get revenge? Are you going to make my life miserable? Please." I laughed, though there was no real humor in it. "You're stuck with me, Matoba-san. The contract specifies that all of this must be kept confidential. You can try to do something against me, but if you even hint at what happened here to anyone else, you'll be violating the terms and facing expulsion."
I saw how the realization hit them both like a truck.
"And let me add," I continued, taking a step closer, my voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, "do you think Sakayanagi will be happy with you when she finds out that not only did you waste 400,000 points on useless information, but you also signed a contract that binds you to silence? She won't save you from expulsion. In fact, she'll probably drop you faster than you can say 'sorry.'"
Matoba gritted his teeth so hard I could hear the grinding. Seeing that they didn't deny they were in Sakayanagi's faction, I continued speaking.
"So here's my advice," I said, backing up and heading toward the door. "If you want to 'settle' this, you'll have to do it without third-party interference. No teachers, no your dear class leader, no one. Just you... and me." I gave them a wolfish smile. "And honestly, I don't like your odds."
Neither of them said anything. They just stood there, trembling with helpless rage.
I turned to the staff member, who had witnessed the entire exchange with a carefully neutral expression. "Thank you for acting as an intermediary," I said politely. "I hope this concludes the matter."
She nodded professionally. "All parties have fulfilled the contract. I will consider this matter closed unless additional complications arise."
"Perfect," I said with a smile.
With that, I headed toward the door. Just before leaving, I took one last look at Yoshida and Matoba.
"Oh, and gentlemen," I said casually, "next time you try to make a deal with someone, make sure to read the fine print. It's a valuable lesson that cost you 400,000 points to learn." I joked in a mocking tone.
I left the room before they could respond, closing the door firmly behind me.
The hallway outside was empty except for... oh.
Mashima-sensei was standing a few meters away, clearly waiting for his students. His eyes landed on me when I came out, and I saw a flash of something—curiosity? Concern?—in his usually stoic expression.
For a moment, I considered whether I should say something. But then I remembered that Yoshida and Matoba would come out any moment, and I didn't want to be around when that happened.
Besides, it's not like Mashima-sensei could do anything about it. The contract was legitimate, and his students had signed voluntarily. And I was pretty sure Mashima-sensei was too fair to meddle unless there was clear evidence of something completely unfair.
Which there wasn't.
Just students being stupid and greedy.
So I simply gave Mashima-sensei a polite nod as I passed by him. "Mashima-sensei."
"Ike-kun," Mashima responded with a nod, his voice neutral but his eyes following me as I walked down the hallway.
I could hear the door opening behind me as I climbed the stairs, followed by the low voices of Yoshida and Matoba, probably explaining something to their teacher. But by then, I was far enough away that I didn't care.
A satisfied smile spread across my face as I walked back toward my room. Honestly, Yoshida and Matoba's revenge didn't worry me too much, but it wouldn't hurt to watch them and keep my guard up.
426,587 private points.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
Now I just needed to survive the next exam; I couldn't let the opportunity presenting itself pass by. Whether I'd do well or not, that's for future Ike to worry about—for now, I'd enjoy the additional free points.
Easy, I thought with irony. Totally easy.
.
.
.
By the way, did you like the chapter? If you want to support my writing and help me continue, you can do so at ko-fi.com /paxkun12. Any support is incredibly valuable to me and will help me a lot. This is not an obligation— all my chapters and stories will always be free to read. But your support would really motivate me. Not to mention, if you want me to update a particular story, I'll do my best to make it happen. Everyone is welcome to enjoy it. PDT: Every donation will go toward repairing my computer because it broke down. And sorry for any spelling mistakes that might have slipped through. Since I'm working on a tablet, it's possible something got past me, but I tried to check everything several times.