---Notice---
I was on vacation. On another note, read the new story. I'll probably update it soon.
My Discord (Best server in the world): discord.gg/Mf56mjw4
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"Where there is no common power, there is no law; where no law, no injustice. In the state of nature, profit is the measure of right. Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues." ~Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan; De Cive)
"You've done some good work. This file's thick," I said, glancing down at the folder Sakayanagi had handed me.
The weight of it was substantial—not just physically, but in what it represented. Information like this didn't come easily, even for someone like her.
She didn't look particularly proud. If anything, she seemed bored, as though this request was nothing more than a routine afternoon task.
"It wasn't much," she replied with a small smile, the kind that never quite reached her eyes. "I just hope you plan on keeping your end of the bargain."
"Don't worry. I do," I said, meeting her gaze steadily. "Ayanokoji is all yours. I'll make sure you get what you want."
I flipped through a few more pages, scanning the contents with practiced efficiency. Names and much more are meticulously documented.
"But putting that aside for now…" I tapped the folder lightly with my finger. "To get all of this, you must've convinced her to work with you."
"Yes. Something like that," Sakayanagi said without hesitation. "It wasn't very difficult. Our goals aligned, at least temporarily. And once I learned her secret, things became even simpler." She tilted her head slightly, a trace of amusement crossing her features. "I am sure you know how she is—self-interested, petty, and very concerned with protecting herself."
"I haven't spent much time around her," I admitted, "but yes, I can tell that much already."
Even from a distance, certain people's nature became obvious. The way they moved through social situations, the way they protected their territory. It was all there if you knew what to look for.
I paused, then looked back up at Sakayanagi.
"Did you formalize it? A contract or something similar?" I asked. "You don't strike me as someone who'd rely on goodwill alone."
A faint smile crossed her lips—genuine this time, as if pleased I'd bothered to ask.
"There was a contract," she confirmed. "Nothing too elaborate. Just enough to clarify what she would provide, and what she could say."
That answer made sense.
Sakayanagi wasn't the type to leave loose ends. "Do you still have it?" I asked.
Sakayanagi's eyes narrowed slightly—not in suspicion, more like curiosity. She was probably trying to figure out what I was aiming for, or whether this was somehow meant to be used against her.
It wasn't.
If my plan worked the way it should, exposing that agreement would only hurt me.
"I do," she said after a moment, her voice measured. "I have copies in my dorm. Do you want a copy?"
I nodded.
"That would be helpful."
And just like that, I found myself following Sakayanagi toward her dorm.
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the campus pathways. A few students passed by, some glancing our way briefly before continuing on. To anyone watching, we probably looked like classmates having a casual conversation after school.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Halfway to her dorm, she spoke once more.
"I must say I am a bit confused." Sakayanagi's cane tapped rhythmically against the pavement as we walked. "I expected you to begin challenging Nagumo's seat for student council president at this point."
I glanced at her briefly. The faint smile on her lips suggested genuine curiosity rather than provocation—though with Sakayanagi, one could never be entirely certain.
At the end of the day, no matter where you go in the world, a student council position for a seat like president is decided by mainly one thing: popularity. Nothing more, nothing less. The reason why many act as if Nagumo has already won the student council election is obvious enough that even a child could understand it.
Nagumo controlled most of the second year, meaning in an election his year would be undoubtedly aligned in voting for him. I—nor any other first year—has that same luxury. On the other hand, if I ran for student council president against Nagumo, many first-year students would likely make a point not to vote for me. Allowing me to win the presidency, after all, would mean more power and influence for Class B. The other classes wouldn't tolerate that so easily.
Still, Sakayanagi isn't stupid. Her confusion regarding my unwillingness to challenge Nagumo made sense from a certain perspective. She knew as well as I did that just because something is hard doesn't mean it's impossible. But the slim chances of victory—combined with the resources that would need to be expended—make competing unappealing at best, and foolish at worst.
Nagumo is essentially accepted as student council president for a reason. Trying to overturn that would be like swimming against a riptide.
"It seems a bit stupid to me," I finally replied to Sakayanagi, my tone casual.
"Stupid?" She tilted her head slightly, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "My, my. That's quite the assessment coming from you, Yagami."
"Well, stupid isn't the right word…" I paused, considering my phrasing as we arrived at the dorm building and walked toward the elevator. "I guess I moreso mean inefficient?"
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and we stepped inside. In the enclosed space, I could feel her gaze on me, probing.
"Inefficient," she repeated, as if tasting the word. "How practical of you. But surely you've considered that inefficiency in the short term might yield greater returns in the long term? Control of the student council is no small prize."
"True enough," I acknowledged. "But there are other ways to acquire influence without painting a target on your back. Sometimes the best move is to give up."
"I see. If that's your style, I guess do as you wish," Sakayanagi said as we arrived at the front of her dorm.
She unlocked her door with a practiced motion, pushing it open and gesturing for me to enter. I stepped inside but remained by the entrance, making no move to go further.
The room was exactly what I'd expected—meticulously organized, minimalist, with everything in its proper place. A few chess-related decorations adorned the shelves. Very her.
"I won't offer you anything since it seems you're planning to leave," she observed, her tone neither offended nor particularly caring. She walked toward her study area, her cane tapping softly against the floor, and pulled out a folded paper from one of the drawers. "But this here is what you asked for."
She held it out to me.
"Thank you," I said, taking the contract and examining it carefully.
My eyes scanned the document, taking in every detail—the terms, the clauses, and most importantly, the signature at the bottom. My smile grew slightly as I read it. Sadly, Sakayanagi's signature wasn't on it, but I didn't need it. I had no hostile intent toward her at this moment. This was purely about the other party.
"I see. You aren't the kind person you claim to be, are you, Yagami?" Sakayanagi said, half-jokingly, though her eyes remained sharp. "That seemed like quite the malicious smile to me."
"Doing what's right sometimes requires tough choices to be made," I replied evenly, lowering my bag to place the contract inside neatly, making sure it wouldn't crease. "And you're right—I do have somewhere to be. Although, believe me when I say it's been a pleasure, Sakayanagi."
"Likewise," she said, watching me with that same analytical gaze as I made my way to the door.
The moment I stepped back into the hallway and heard her door click shut behind me, I took out my phone.
I quickly scrolled through my contacts and found the name I was looking for: Kushida. Just like she had almost everyone's number, almost everyone had hers. It made reaching out simple.
Without a second thought, I called.
The phone rang twice before she answered.
"Yagami?" Her voice sounded slightly confused, probably wondering why I, of all people, would be calling her directly.
"Yes, Kushida. I was wondering if you had a minute to talk—in person, that is," I said, keeping my tone friendly and casual.
"Talk? We rarely talk, but I guess it would be nice to catch up," she replied, her voice brightening slightly with that practiced cheerfulness she used with everyone. "I'm actually in my dorm right now."
"Your dorm? Okay, good. I'm actually in the dorm building right now—I just wasn't sure whether you were out or not. I'll be there in a minute," I responded.
"Sounds good! I'll have some tea made!" she said warmly.
I ended the call and made my way toward the elevator.
This conversation needed to happen now, while the opportunity was fresh. Timing was everything in situations like this.
It was a quick trip. The elevator hummed quietly as it carried me to Kushida's floor, and within moments I was standing outside her door. I raised my hand and landed three quick knocks.
Quickly, I heard footsteps inside, followed by the click of the lock turning.
"You're here already! Come in, make yourself comfortable," Kushida said, opening the door wide with a bright smile that seemed genuinely welcoming—though I knew better than to take it at face value.
"Thank you. I'll do just that," I said, stepping inside.
I set my bag down carefully by the entrance and removed my shoes before taking a seat in the chair she gestured toward. Her room was surprisingly cozy—warmer and more lived-in than
Sakayanagi's sterile perfection. Posters, small decorations, and personal touches scattered throughout. The image of a normal, sociable high school girl.
All carefully assembled, of course.
Soon, Kushida emerged from the small kitchen area, carrying two cups of tea. She handed me one with that same pleasant smile.
"Here you go."
I smiled, accepting the cup gratefully before setting it down on the table in front of me. I wasn't particularly thirsty, and drinking would only slow down the conversation.
"So I can't help but be curious," Kushida said, settling into her own seat across from me. Her expression remained friendly, but there was a change in her eyes now. "It's sad, but I know you wouldn't contact me just to talk."
She was right, of course.
"Actually, related to that—Ryuen's been trying to get in touch with you since classes ended. Just earlier, he said you were, quote-unquote, 'getting on his final nerve.'" I said it casually.
Kushida laughed awkwardly. No—it would be more accurate to say the atmosphere itself flipped into an awkward one, the shift almost tangible in the small room.
"Well… I'm sure you know better than anyone that Ryuen can be intense," she said, her smile straining slightly at the edges. "I'll get back to him right away though. I was just preoccupied until a bit ago."
"I'm sure you will." I paused, letting the silence sit for a moment before continuing. "What do you think of Ryuen?"
Her eyes flickered with something—calculation, perhaps—before she responded.
"Well, that doesn't matter too much, does it? Ryuen is popular—infamous enough that everyone knows what he's like." She tilted her head slightly, her expression still pleasant, but her voice took on a new tone. "How much do you know about me and Ryuen, Yagami?"
She asked it casually, but even though she was trying her best to hide it, she was very curious. Her hands had tensed slightly around her teacup.
"Well, it's obvious," I said, taking a deliberate pause.
I noticed Kushida's expression shift—her smile freezing, her eyes widening just a fraction—before I continued.
"You two are secretly dating right now, aren't you?"
"Ehhh?!" Kushida exclaimed, genuinely surprised, nearly spilling her tea.
"Hahaha, I'm just joking. I thought it might lighten the mood," I replied, allowing myself a small laugh.
"Please don't joke like that with me, Yagami," Kushida said, her voice carrying a hint of genuine distress beneath the practiced politeness. She let out a long breath, one hand pressed to her chest as if calming her racing heart. "The idea that that's a misconception someone might have is too much even for me."
"Sorry, sorry," I said, still chuckling slightly.
The room then settled back into a stiller atmosphere, the brief moment of fun evaporating as quickly as it had come. I let the silence linger a bit longer this time, watching her compose herself, before replying.
"Anyways, I know everything, of course."
"Everything?" she asked, her voice neutral now, but her posture had changed defensively.
"Well, I know about your deal with Ryuen to expel Horikita."
Kushida didn't reply right away.
Her expression was complicated, like watching emotions war beneath a cracking mask. There were hints of multiple feelings fighting for dominance—worry and anxiousness seemed to be the major ones, evident in the slight tension around her eyes. But it was obvious she was also hiding something deeper: major annoyance and irritation, bubbling just beneath the surface.
The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken implications.
"Ha…" She finally let out a soft laugh, though there was no humor in it. "I don't think that's fair to say. I think you can understand one can have their reasons for things. The world is a complicated place, after all."
She smiled as she said it—that same bright, cheerful smile she wore in the hallways. It would be hard for anyone watching to believe we were talking about the expulsion of her own classmate given her expression. But I guess this was the more off-putting side of the girl. The disconnect between her words and her face was almost artistic in its precision.
"I also know you're quite two-faced," I continued, my tone remaining conversational. "As Ryuen has said, you're quite the bitch underneath that outgoing mask of yours. Once again, his words, not mine."
Kushida's smile instantly faded into a frown, the mask finally cracking completely as she let go of her outward persona. Her eyes narrowed, and for the first time since I'd entered her room, I was seeing something genuine.
"That damn guy can't keep his mouth shut, can he?" she muttered, her voice low and venomous.
There it was—the real Kushida.
Kushida's eyes darted to my phone resting near me before she spoke, her voice dropping low and threatening. "I swear, if you try and—"
I didn't bother letting her continue.
"Shut up," I said, my tone cutting through her words.
The shift in atmosphere was immediate. Her mouth closed, eyes widening slightly.
"Let's skip all this blackmail talk or whatever you're thinking of trying. There is absolutely no point, Kushida." I leaned back slightly, my expression calm but my voice carrying an edge that left no room for argument. "If I wanted to ruin your life or even have you expelled, I could do it in a week, and it would take me minimal effort. It's just that easy for me."
I stood to stretch, rolling my shoulders as if discussing something as mundane as the weather, before continuing.
"That's just the difference between us. While you are like a parasite with no choice but to attach yourself to people because of your lack of abilities, I am actually capable of making things happen. I have no need for others." I looked down at her, letting the words sink in. "How could you threaten me? It doesn't make sense. It would just be meaningless talk."
Kushida seemed taken aback by my tone, her carefully constructed composure cracking further. It made sense. For the most part, everyone saw me as a normal, friendly student—helpful and approachable. This direct way of managing things wasn't my usual style, but some matters require more force than others. Sometimes you have to show your cards to make the point clear.
"You're just trying to scare me…" Kushida muttered, though her voice had lost its earlier venom. "You couldn't actually do anything to me that easily…"
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Sure, I could be considered a liar about many things, but I wouldn't lie about my ability to harm low-hanging fruit like her.
"You could believe that if you want," I said, my smile not reaching my eyes. "But you can't really think so highly of yourself. Even if you don't think I could expel you—though I assure you I could—even you have to see that I could easily go after your reputation. You seem to care about it so much, given that mask you constantly wear."
The words hung in the air between us. Her greatest vulnerability laid naked.
Kushida paused for a long moment, and I could see the gears turning in her head, recalculating, searching for an angle.
"...Is this because you're upset that I'm working with Ryuen?" she finally asked, her tone shifting to something more conciliatory. "Or maybe it's because I'm trying to expel someone? Look, Yagami, we can work this out. I was already thinking of cutting my relationship with Ryuen. It was getting a bit too risky anyway with how bold he's been—that's why I've even been ignoring him, so—"
"No, it's not that," I interrupted, my voice flat. "It's actually the opposite. At this rate, Ryuen will soon lose or be expelled. The moment is right around the corner."
"Huh?" Kushida's confusion was genuine now, her brow furrowing. "So what do you want? Help stopping it?"
I shook my head slowly, almost disappointed.
"No. Do you really think so highly of yourself?" I said, my tone dripping with mockery. "If I wanted to prevent Ryuen's expulsion, then I'd do it myself. Why would I trust you for that?"
"Heheh, it's been a while since you've shown this side of yourself, hasn't it, Light?" Ryuk muttered from somewhere behind me, obviously enjoying the scene playing out before him.
"I don't understand then…" Kushida's voice had lost all its earlier confidence. "What do you want?"
I sighed, as if explaining something to a child who refused to grasp a simple concept.
"It's simple. Keep helping him until he reaches the end."
Every time I spoke, Kushida seemed to understand less. The confusion on her face was almost amusing.
"But you said he'd lose anyway," she protested weakly.
"I did," I confirmed, meeting her eyes directly. "But I want him to lose on my terms."
I let the words hang there for a moment, watching her process.
"It isn't a difficult ask. Just pick up his phone calls and run a few errands for him. And imagine the headache it will save you when you don't have to deal with me for declining."
Kushida glanced at me—it was a spiteful glance, filled with resentment and barely contained anger—but she didn't say anything right away. She was smart enough to know when she was cornered.
"This is good for you too," I added, softening my tone just slightly.
"In what way does this benefit me?" Kushida responded, as if the concept that this was anything but a risky nuisance was complete insanity.
I smiled as I looked directly at her, genuinely pleased she'd asked.
"There's something people don't understand about drowning men," I began, my voice taking on a new tone. "When you throw them a rope, they don't simply hold onto it—they pull. Desperately. Violently, even. They'd be willing to drag you from your raft into the waters just to try and save themselves." I paused, letting the metaphor settle. "What would you do in this situation?"
Kushida thought for a moment, her expression uncertain. "Well… I'd just let go of the rope?"
I nodded approvingly. "Yes, that's what most people would do. Maybe out of panic, or simply because it's their first logical line of thought. But I think that's a mistake."
I took a step closer, my voice dropping lower—like I was sharing a secret.
"You see, a drowning man doesn't realize—every time he pulls on that rope, trying to save himself, he's actually saving you. He's actually pulling your raft further forward. In every sense, his panic is propelling you. So you should hold on. Let him thrash and pull. Let him think he's pulling himself closer while he's actually dragging you across the water."
I paused, making sure she was following.
"And then, right before he becomes a nuisance—when his weight becomes too much, or maybe when he's just lost his value—then you let go. He sinks, and now you've crossed more distance than before."
Kushida stared at me, something like understanding beginning to dawn in her eyes.
"Ryuen is currently drowning," I continued, my tone matter-of-fact now. "Like I said, his loss is inevitable. But let him hold onto you. He still has value. Information is everything in this school, and as you've heard, Class D has a hidden mastermind backing Horikita."
That got her attention. I could see the shift in her posture, the sudden focus.
"Before you can even dream of expelling Horikita, don't you want an idea of who you're dealing with? This person obviously cares about their identity. If you could figure it out, you could use it to blackmail them and easily expel Horikita." I let that sink in, watching the gears turn in her mind. "This chance through Ryuen is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You just have to see the situation out to the end."
I picked up my bag, preparing to leave, and delivered my final words with perfect calm.
"Just make sure that when the day ends—when he's finally lost his value—you're not still holding the rope. The greatest mistake would be going down with him."
The silence that followed was heavy with implications.
Kushida sat there, processing everything I'd laid out before her. The threat, the opportunity, the inevitability of what was coming. I could see it all playing across her face—the calculations, the weighing of risks and rewards.
I didn't wait for her response. I'd said everything that needed to be said.
As I moved toward the door, slipping my shoes back on, I glanced back one final time.
"Oh, and Kushida?" I said, my tone lighter now, almost friendly again. "Thanks for the tea."
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Hope you enjoyed it. Slander me in the comments, share your thoughts on the story, whatever you desire, but check out my other story.