The fifth day of Yukimura's study group began like any other: stacks of notebooks, a faint smell of instant coffee, and the low murmur of exhausted students.But that day, the classroom felt far too cramped — the air too thick with tension after a week of relentless studying.
"Let's change the scenery," Yukimura finally said, rubbing his temples. "We'll study outside. Maybe somewhere less suffocating."
Haruka Hasebe yawned, stretching her arms lazily. "Finally, Yukimura, you're acting like a human again. I was starting to think you'd merge with that textbook."
Teruhiko shot her an annoyed glance. "You'll thank me when you actually pass the exam."
Akito Miyake grinned. "I'll second that. Let's head to the mall — there's that café, right? The one near Pallet?"
"Yeah," Mei Yu Wang chimed in, eyes bright. "Their lattes are divine!"
"Fine," Yukimura agreed reluctantly. "But we're not there to waste time."
And so, our little crew — the Miyamoto gang, as the others jokingly called it — packed up and left the classroom: Yukimura, Hasebe, Miyake, Mei Yu, Kyosuke Okitani, Wataru Ijuin, Airi Sakura, An Maezono, and me, Soshi Miyamoto.
It was rare for all of us to be free together like this. Maybe that's why the air felt a little lighter as we walked toward Keyaki Mall, laughing about random gossip and old blunders from the sports festival.
Pallet Café was predictably packed — the usual crowd of upperclassmen, couples, and tired second-years filled every seat.So we ended up at a smaller café nearby, the kind of place with soft jazz, minimalist wooden décor, and the faint aroma of roasted beans that could almost make you forget about exams.
Yukimura ordered black coffee, naturally. Hasebe and Mei Yu both went for caramel lattes with extra cream, while Airi quietly chose something simple — a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream she stirred absentmindedly.
We filled two tables near the back, books spread across them in perfect, chaotic harmony.
"Okay," Yukimura began, flipping open his notes. "Today, we'll focus on liberal arts. Ayanokōji, you handle the first question."
Ayanokōji looked up from his quiet corner, expression blank. "Me?"
"Yes. You've been too quiet. Time to show us your brilliance."
"I'm not particularly good at liberal arts," Ayanokōji replied mildly.
"That's fine. Just answer."
He did — with calm precision, the kind that made even Yukimura frown in disbelief.
"...You really aren't good at liberal arts, huh?" Teruhiko muttered sarcastically, earning chuckles from the group.
The atmosphere was easygoing. Even I couldn't help smiling. It was nice — a momentary illusion of normal school life.
Until Hasebe stood up.
"I'm gonna grab more sugar," she said, carrying her half-empty cup.
But halfway to the counter — she slipped.
The cup hit the floor, coffee splattering across the tiles.
Before anyone could react, a polished shoe stepped onto the fallen cup, crushing it underfoot.
The café's chatter quieted for a heartbeat.
Ryūen Kakeru.
His name didn't need to be spoken. Everyone recognized that signature smirk and cold, predatory confidence.
Behind him stood Hiyori Shiina, the calm girl who always carried a book — her presence a strange contrast to Ryūen's dangerous energy.
"Yo," Ryūen said lazily, his grin widening as he surveyed our group. "Sorry for the interruption. I was just in the neighborhood."
Yukimura straightened up immediately, jaw tightening. "Ryūen. What do you want?"
"Just checking on a few things." His gaze moved slowly between us before landing on Ayanokōji. "Tell me, did you get my little gift?"
"Gift?" Yukimura repeated.
Ryūen tilted his head. "A message. 'Who are you?' Ring any bells?"
Yukimura frowned. "No idea what you're talking about."
Ayanokōji added with perfect calm, "Same here."
Ryūen chuckled darkly. "Really now? You two have great poker faces."
Then he turned slightly. "Shiina. What do you think?"
Hiyori looked at the two boys thoughtfully, her soft voice slicing through the tension like silk. "Their expressions are steady. But… there's a hint of tension behind Ayanokōji's tone. Yukimura's denial was too direct — defensive. They're hiding something."
Ryūen smirked. "As expected. Guess I brought the right analyst."
That's when I stood up.
Without warning, I walked over and grabbed Ryūen's shoulder.
"Hey," I said, my voice low but firm. "You got a problem with Yukimura? He's my subordinate."
The entire café went quiet.
Ryūen turned his head slowly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Your subordinate, huh? Interesting choice of words."
"You heard me."
He stared at me for a long moment before chuckling. "Relax, Miyamoto. I'm not here to start a fight."
"Then stop stepping on my friend's cup."
He looked down, shrugged, and moved his shoe. "Fair point."
A few passersby whispered — but Ryūen only grinned wider, clearly entertained.
"Well, this has been fun," he said finally. "Let's go, Shiina."
He turned on his heel, leaving behind an air of static tension.
But Shiina didn't immediately follow.
Instead, she lingered, her gaze thoughtful. "I'll stay a bit," she said softly, ignoring Ryūen's raised eyebrow. "I'll catch up later."
When he left, the café felt oddly quieter — like the storm had passed, but the thunder still echoed.
Shiina knelt to pick up the spilled cup pieces, placing them carefully on the counter before ordering a new one.
"Here," she said gently, setting it in front of Hasebe. "The same drink. I added the exact amount of sugar you had before."
Hasebe blinked. "How'd you—?"
"I have a good memory," Shiina said simply. "Don't worry, I'm not his spy. Ryūen only asked me to come along because he wanted my observation skills."
"Observation skills?" Mei Yu repeated.
Shiina nodded. "Class C is trying to find the mastermind behind Horikita Suzune. That's why he's been looking into all of you."
Hasebe's mouth fell open. "Wait— what? Mastermind?"
Miyake frowned. "He's still on that?"
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table. "What about Ibuki? How's she handling Class C right now?"
Shiina blinked in surprise. "Ibuki-san? She's… enduring. Ryūen doesn't trust her fully, but she's still in his circle. Though…" She hesitated. "She's different lately. More distracted. Maybe because of you."
I smirked. "Guess I left an impression."
Shiina smiled faintly. "That might not be a good thing."
Yukimura finally sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Shiina-san, I think you should go."
Before she could respond, I stopped him. "Let her finish."
Shiina studied me for a moment, then said quietly, "Ryūen's getting closer. He'll make his move soon."
Then she stood, bowed politely, and left.
For a while, no one spoke. The sound of the espresso machine filled the silence.
5. Of Ice Cream and Interrogations
After Shiina's departure, Yukimura tried to refocus everyone on studying — with limited success.
But soon, the topic drifted toward Ayanokōji again.
"So," Hasebe said, grinning mischievously, "you and Satō, huh? Things getting serious?"
Ayanokōji blinked. "What?"
"Don't 'what' me! She's been practically glowing whenever you're around. Are you really that dense?"
He looked away. "You're misunderstanding."
"Then who do you like?" she pressed. "Kei-chan, maybe?"
Ayanokōji's silence only deepened the teasing.
"Fine, fine," Hasebe said, laughing. "If you're too shy to say, ask Karuizawa for advice! She's like… the queen of relationships."
He gave her a flat look. "If I could do that, I wouldn't be in this situation."
"Then maybe ask Kushida—"
"I'll pass."
The table erupted in laughter. Even Yukimura cracked a small, reluctant smile.
Then Akito stretched and said, "Alright, enough romantic drama. Who's up for ice cream? My treat."
The tension dissolved instantly.
"Me!" Mei Yu and Airi said in unison.
Even I nodded. "Count me in."
The group cheered as they packed their books, the air light again.
Later that night, after everyone had returned to their dorms, the quiet hum of the air conditioner was the only sound in Ayanokōji's room.
His phone vibrated — Horikita.
"Good work today," she said simply. "You've gotten closer to Yukimura."
He leaned back against his chair. "And you've gotten closer to Hirata."
There was a short silence.
"…Tch," she admitted. "Anyway, we have a strategy meeting tomorrow. 8 p.m. Don't be late."
"Understood."
As the call ended, another notification appeared — Karuizawa Kei.
Kei: Shiina's scary smart. You'd better be careful.Kei: She notices things normal people don't.
He replied quickly:
Ayanokōji: Got it. I need you to do something tomorrow during the meeting. I'll send details later.
There was a brief pause before her next message arrived.
Kei: Okay~ Oh, and…
A sticker popped up — a chibi cake with candles.
"Happy Birthday 🎂🎉"
Ayanokōji blinked, staring at the screen.
Birthday?
He frowned slightly, unsure how she even knew the date. His thumb hovered over the message, about to delete it — but he hesitated.
For some reason, he couldn't.
Instead, he opened her profile, quietly scrolling to her birthday. He wasn't sure why he did it — maybe curiosity, maybe something else entirely.
The glow of his phone lit his face in the dark room.
He didn't smile. But he didn't delete the message either.
That night, as I sat by the window of my dorm room, Ibuki's message flashed across my screen.
Ibuki: "Ryūen's been restless lately. Be careful. Whatever he's planning — it's big."
I stared at the text for a long moment before replying.
"I know. I'll handle it."
Outside, the moonlight reflected against the windows of the school buildings. The faint hum of the city beyond the island sounded distant, unreal.
Things were moving again — beneath the surface. Ryūen's search for the mastermind. Kushida's quiet anger. Horikita's gamble.
And somewhere in the middle of it all — Ayanokōji, the real "X".
I smiled faintly, closing my phone.