Morning light slowly slipped through the gap in the curtains of the small apartment.
The clock on the wall had just reached six when Makoto woke up. Without any hurry, he sat at the edge of his bed for a moment before standing and heading toward the small kitchen connected to the main living space.
Life in the dormitory of an elite school like Advanced Nurturing High School was far more comfortable than he had expected.
The small kitchen already had almost everything he needed: a rice cooker, an induction stove, a small refrigerator, and neatly arranged storage shelves.
Makoto began preparing a simple breakfast.
Warm white rice from the rice cooker.
A quick omelet cooked in a small frying pan.
A bowl of instant miso soup.
Nothing fancy, but enough.
He ate quietly, enjoying the simple routine without interruption. Once he finished, the dishes were washed immediately and the kitchen returned to its original neat state.
Makoto wasn't the type of person who liked leaving a mess behind.
A few minutes later, he was already wearing his school uniform.
His bag rested on his shoulder. The small MP3 player—Elizabeth's gift—slipped into his pocket as usual.
With calm steps, Makoto left his apartment.
---
Mornings at Advanced Nurturing High School were always lively.
Students walked toward the classroom buildings from every direction, light conversations filling the air. As usual, Makoto moved through the crowd without truly becoming part of it.
Not because he avoided people.
It was simply that he was used to walking at his own pace.
---
Class B was already fairly busy when Makoto arrived.
Some students were chatting. Others were busy with their phones or reviewing books before class began.
At the front row, Ichinose Honami was talking with several classmates. Her smile was as bright as ever, and the atmosphere around her felt warm.
Makoto gave a small nod as a greeting before walking toward his seat near the window.
Classes proceeded as usual.
Mathematics. Japanese language. Modern history.
None of it was particularly difficult. Most of the material even felt like review for Makoto.
He took notes when necessary, answered questions when the teacher called on him, and spent the rest of the time quietly observing the classroom.
Students in Class B tended to be active. They didn't hesitate to discuss topics or help classmates who were struggling.
The atmosphere here felt different from the competitive elite school Makoto had imagined.
---
Lunch break arrived.
Like the day before, Makoto didn't head toward the crowded main cafeteria. Instead, he brought his lunchbox and walked toward the garden behind the school.
There were several wooden benches beneath a large tree.
The place was much quieter.
Makoto sat on one of the benches, opened his lunchbox, and began eating calmly.
From where he sat, he could see the sports clubs' practice field.
Several members of the archery club were training. A senior student drew his bow with remarkable stability.
Makoto watched for a moment.
The posture was precise. The draw was clean. Efficient technique.
"Impressive..."
Without realizing it, Makoto gave a small nod.
---
After lunch, the classroom atmosphere shifted slightly.
Some students began discussing plans for the class during the month.
Ichinose stood at the front of the classroom, trying to coordinate the conversation.
"We still have quite a lot of points this month," she said cheerfully. "But maybe we should start thinking about how to use them more efficiently."
Standing beside her was Ryuji Kanzaki, his expression serious.
"We should also consider the possibility of point deductions," he added. "A school like this wouldn't provide all these facilities without a reason. 100.000 point for every student, definitely is too convenient."
Several students nodded in agreement.
The discussion within Class B proceeded in an orderly manner.
Makoto observed for a moment before slowly standing from his seat.
Without drawing attention, he quietly left the classroom.
---
Kanzaki noticed the movement from the corner of his eye. He glanced toward the door that had just closed.
"Yuki Makoto," he murmured.
Ichinose followed his gaze. "Ah… he left again." Her tone didn't sound annoyed—just slightly puzzled.
Kanzaki crossed his arms. "He never participates in class discussions."
Ichinose smiled faintly. "Yes, but he never causes trouble either."
Kanzaki didn't respond immediately. He still remembered the entrance exam results they had seen a few days ago. Makoto's scores had been perfect. Flawless.
"Do you think he's truly not interested in the school's system? No… setting that aside, I'm more concerned about whether he actually feels like part of the class or not," Kanzaki finally said.
Ichinose thought for a moment. As she watched the closed door, her mind drifted back to a conversation she had just yesterday afternoon.
[Flashback: The Faculty Office]
After school had ended, Ichinose stood before the faculty office door. She took a steadying breath before knocking.
"Excuse me, Hoshinomiya-sensei?"
"Ah, Honami-chan! Come in, come in!" Chie's cheerful voice rang out from inside. She was sitting back, surrounded by piles of messy documents on her desk. "What's up? Is Class B already finding dormitory life difficult?"
Ichinose approached politely. "No, Sensei. Everything is going smoothly. It's just... I wanted to ask more about the 'investment' for information you mentioned on the first day. About those two million points."
Chie chuckled, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Still curious, are we? Unfortunately, the rules remain the same. Without points, I can't say much. But..." Chie spun her chair around, her expression suddenly turning a bit more serious. "Why don't you try asking someone in your own class?"
Ichinose blinked in confusion. "You mean... Kanzaki-kun?"
"No, not that serious boy," Chie waved her hand dismissively. She pulled a sheet of paper from the pile—the entrance exam results. "But this boy. Yuki Makoto."
Chie slid the paper toward Ichinose. Ichinose's eyes widened as she stared at the figures.
"Perfect scores... in every subject?" she whispered.
"Not just that," Chie added, resting her chin on her hand. "Look at his interview results. His answers were flat, almost devoid of ambition, yet the logic he used to dissect our trick questions was... efficient. He didn't answer what we wanted to hear; he answered the core of the problem."
Chie leaned forward. "Honami-chan, in this school, having good grades is common. But having someone who can 'see' the system without it being explained... that is an extraordinary asset."
"You mean... Yuki-kun already knows about the point system?"
"Who knows?" Chie winked. "But remember his question on the first day? About the price of skipping class? That wasn't a reckless question, Honami-chan. It was a test. He was testing whether points here could buy 'obligations' or just 'facilities'."
Chie smiled meaningfully. "My advice? Try to get close to him. Not as a class leader, but as a friend. People like Yuki Makoto usually don't like to lead, but he is an 'anchor'—one that can keep your class stable when the storm eventually comes."
Ichinose fell silent, staring at the name Yuki Makoto on the paper. "An anchor... I see."
"Exactly. And one more thing," Chie added, returning to her playful mode. "Don't let him actually skip class! If he does, I'm the one who has to deal with the headache of the paperwork!"
Ichinose gave a soft laugh and bowed. "Understood, Sensei. Thank you for the information."
[Present Time]
Returning to the present, Ichinose looked at Kanzaki. Every time she spoke with Makoto, there was something difficult to describe. It wasn't rejection, but there was a thin distance that made her hesitate to push the conversation too far.
"Honestly, Kanzaki-kun... I'm not sure," she admitted. "But Hoshinomiya-sensei mentioned that maintaining a good relationship with him might be vital for the class."
She offered a gentle smile to reassure her friend.
"He's a kind person," Ichinose said softly. "And he's always polite to everyone. I've noticed that when students ask him about topics they don't understand, he helps them without hesitation."
Kanzaki let out a quiet sigh. "If everyone in this class were like him, we probably wouldn't have to worry about losing points."
Ichinose smiled. "True."
---
On the other side of the school building, Makoto walked along a quieter corridor.
He didn't really have a specific destination.
The class discussion was proceeding well. There was no reason for him to interfere.
As he descended the stairs toward the lower floor, someone suddenly called out to him.
"Hey? You're from Class B, right?"
Makoto stopped and turned.
A girl with short beige-colored hair stood there with a friendly smile.
"Who?" Makoto thought.
"I see you around the school a lot," she said cheerfully. "Your name is Yuki Makoto, right?"
Makoto gave a small nod.
"Yes."
Kushida's smile widened.
"I'm Kushida Kikyo from Class D! Nice to meet you!"
Her energy felt almost opposite to Makoto's calm presence.
'...Wow, her energy and cheerfulness were heavy'
Still, Makoto replied politely.
"Nice to meet you too."
Kushida looked at him with clear curiosity.
"By the way, you always seem to be alone," she said. "Are you the type who likes being by yourself?"
Makoto thought for a moment before answering.
"Not really."
"Just a habit?"
Makoto nodded.
Kushida let out a small laugh.
"That's interesting."
Her smile remained bright.
But for a brief moment, Makoto felt something about that expression was...
A subtle impression that was difficult to explain.
Like a smile that had been practiced to absolute precision.
Makoto didn't say anything about it.
"Do you need something from me kushida san, or you just greeting me?"
"Ah, right! Yuki kun, can we become friends?"
"... Friends?"
"I know you are confused, i also don't want to give wrong impression about being pushy. But, have a lot friends is kinda my goal right now. So, can we be friend and exchange contact?"
"..." Makoto looked at Kushida for a brief moment. A silence stretched between them—the kind that usually made people look away, but Makoto simply stared with his usual blank, calm eyes. Kushida kept her composure, but even she started to feel the weight of the quiet.
"Um... Yuki-kun? You don't have to if you don't want—"
"...Sure," Makoto interrupted, his tone as level as ever.
"Eh, really? Yeay!" Kushida looks happy, soon makoto and kushida exchanging contact.
"This is a first," Makoto thought as he put his phone away. "Someone being that straightforward about wanting to be friends."
"Hehe, everyone also kinda have same reaction. Anyway yuki kun, if you need help for something don't hesitate ask me okay. I am someone who like to help. Also, make sure greet me at least when we passing by each other. Don't you dare act cold, okay. Perhaps we can hang out later too." said kushida with smile
"You sure you're not actually trying pick me up?" Kushida ended up punching Makoto's shoulder, 'It hurt.'
Kushida laughing "You are funny guy yuki kun, i like you. Well, i don't want to waste your time more than this. Lets talk again when have chance".
After that kushida walk away, and makoto just look at her leaving
---
Night arrived quickly.
The small apartment was softly lit.
After taking a shower and finishing a simple dinner, Makoto sat at the edge of his bed.
The small MP3 player rested in his hand again.
He pressed the play button.
Music slowly filled the room.
Makoto lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Life at this school felt… peaceful.
No green moon.
No coffins lining the streets.
No hidden threats lurking in the middle of the night.
Just an ordinary school routine.
Makoto slowly closed his eyes.
For now, that was more than enough.
---
**End of Chapter 2**