The third day of the exam dawned beneath a pale layer of mist. The mountain air was sharp, and even the usual morning chatter sounded subdued, muffled by fatigue and routine.
Inside our group's cabin, the smell of soup and rice wafted from the small kitchen corner as everyone worked together to prepare breakfast.
Except, of course—
"Hey, where's Kōenji?" one of the second-years asked, stirring the pot impatiently.
"He said something about 'the divine beauty of morning sunlight' and walked off toward the river," another answered flatly.
"...So basically, skipping again," I said, leaning against the wall, watching the small chaos unfold.
No one even bothered to chase him anymore. It was pointless. Kōenji didn't offer excuses, and no one had the energy to demand them. His absence was simply… accepted.
After breakfast, we moved to the dojo, where the morning course awaited us — meditation practice.
The hall was wide and open, the scent of polished wood mixed with the faint trace of incense. The bald monk in charge stood at the front, hands clasped, radiating calm authority.
"Please, everyone," he said warmly. "Sit cross-legged, straighten your backs, and let your thoughts settle."
Around me, students followed his instruction. Even Ayanokōji and the others from nearby groups sat in quiet focus. The only sounds were soft breaths and the rustle of robes.
I tried to do the same—sat cross-legged, closed my eyes, breathed slowly.
For about thirty seconds.
Then I sighed, stretched my legs, and leaned back on my hands.
Nope. Not for me.
I glanced sideways. Katsuragi's group sat like statues. Some of the others had already begun to fidget. A few were trying hard to suppress yawns.
"...That classmate," the monk said suddenly, his eyes landing on me. "Why don't you practice?"
I blinked. "No."
He raised an eyebrow. "No?"
I nodded. "This is my way of life."
For a moment, I thought he'd scold me, but instead he smiled faintly. "I see… An interesting way of putting it."
He folded his arms and spoke in a calm, serious tone. "I don't know much about this school, but since I was invited here, I have a duty to guide you. If you want to integrate into society, never forget to think about others. Courses like meditation are not merely about silence — they teach understanding. Reflection. To consider the world beyond yourself."
His gaze softened slightly as he continued, "Even if there are reasons that compel you to drag others down… you can still choose to let go, especially on the last day of your exam. Try to meditate, young man. Strength comes not only from power, but also from clarity."
I blinked at him. For some reason, that last part hit deeper than I wanted it to."…You talk like you've met me before," I muttered.
The monk chuckled softly and moved on to the next group.
By afternoon, the heat had risen slightly, and the exam's third day was in full swing.
At 3 PM, on the other side of campus, Ayanokōji exited the morals classroom and spotted Ichinose Honami running laps around the courtyard. Her breath came in steady puffs, her ponytail swaying behind her.
She looked tired but cheerful—smiling even as she ran.
(She struggled the first day, but she's completely recovered now...) he thought quietly.
He recalled what Sakayanagi had said before the exam began—"I'll crush Ichinose." Yet watching her now, there was no sign of defeat.
(She's still the same bright, dependable person... It's no wonder people naturally trust her.)
From her group, he recognized Minori Kinoshita, Hiyori Shiina, and Mei-Yu Wang. Mei-Yu was brilliant but clearly struggling with physical activities, her steps unsteady. Ichinose noticed immediately, slowed down, and began matching her pace, offering cheerful encouragement.
"Come on, Mii-chan! Just a little more!"
Shiina soon caught up, running beside them with her usual calm smile. The three girls moved together, the afternoon sun painting a warm glow around them.
(This is Ichinose's strength...) Ayanokōji thought, watching from the distance.(The ability to make everyone move forward together—even in exhaustion.)
Meanwhile, inside the morals classroom, a lesson on public speaking was underway. The students were informed that they'd be giving a speech every day, with themes changing based on their year.
"This is ridiculous," Ishizaki grumbled. "Why do we have to make speeches? This isn't a language class."
Kōenji yawned beside him. "I would prefer to practice the speech of aesthetic existence rather than moral conformity."
Kiriyama, ever the responsible upperclassman, sighed and crossed his arms. "You two, at least pretend to take this seriously. These lessons are part of the grading system."
"Eh, you care too much," Kōenji replied lazily.
Before the tension could rise further, the door slid open. Nagumo Miyabi, the acting student council president, entered with Ishikura trailing behind him.
"Kiriyama," Nagumo said smoothly, "you're a little too strict with the first-years. Some might call that bullying, you know."
Kiriyama frowned. "That's not my intention."
"I know," Nagumo smiled, "but perceptions matter. Don't overwork yourself trying to fix others. Especially when the system's already in my hands."
Ishikura, arms folded, gave a noncommittal grunt. Nagumo turned to him with that same casual charm."By the way, Ishikura, I could use someone like you. Ever thought about working together—to crush Horikita Manabu?"
Ishikura stared at him. "No interest."
Nagumo just chuckled. "Shame. Would've been fun."
As the two walked away, Ayanokōji, sitting quietly in the back row, watched them leave. His expression was unreadable.
(Feigning vulnerability again, huh? Nagumo never does anything without a reason.)
Lunch came as a welcome break. The cafeteria smelled of curry and rice, and the line stretched nearly to the door.
At a corner table, Ayanokōji sat across from Kei Karuizawa, who was fidgeting slightly as she spoke in a low voice.
"So? What do you want me to check on this time?"
Ayanokōji finished chewing before answering. "Sakayanagi and Kamuro's group. Nine members from Class A, no one from Class B. Kamuro's been saying Ichinose can't be trusted."
Kei blinked. "Ichinose? That's crazy. Everyone likes her."
"Exactly," Ayanokōji said. "That's why it's strange. Sakayanagi usually attacks directly, but this time, she's laying groundwork first—subtle, defensive. It's actually… impressive."
Kei frowned. "So what do you want me to do?"
"Just keep an eye on a few people," he said quietly. Then his tone softened. "Something stormy is about to happen, Kei. But don't worry—nothing will happen to you."
Her cheeks flushed slightly. "W-why do you always say stuff like that so casually…"
Before Ayanokōji could answer, someone called her name from the other table, giving her an excuse to turn away and hide her embarrassment.
Ayanokōji picked up his tray, ready to leave for the shared room.
At another corner of the cafeteria, I was sprawled on a bench, resting my head on Ibuki's lap while she quietly finished her meal. Her fingers absentmindedly brushed through my hair, though she'd never admit it was on purpose.
"Oi," she muttered without looking down, "don't you have any shame doing this in public?"
I grinned up at her. "Probably not. But it's comfortable."
She sighed. "Hopeless…"
After a few moments, I asked quietly, "Hey… if I actually got expelled, would you be sad?"
She froze, chopsticks pausing midair. "…Why are you asking that?"
"Just curious."
She looked away. "…Maybe. A little."
Her voice was barely audible, but it made my heart skip anyway. For a moment, I wanted to lean up and kiss her, right there in the open cafeteria. But instead, I closed my eyes and smiled.
"Good to know."
Steam filled the large wooden bathhouse as laughter echoed off the walls. The day's exhaustion seemed to melt away with the rising heat.
Of course, this being a group of boys, "relaxation" quickly turned into competition.
"Hey! Let's settle it — who's got the strongest 'innate weapon'!?" someone yelled.
Groans and laughter filled the air.
Soon enough, the ridiculous contest was underway.
In the end, there were only three of us left standing: Ayanokōji, Kōenji, and me.
Kōenji laughed with his usual godlike confidence. "Fuhahaha! Mere mortals, behold the perfection that is Kōenji Rokusuke!"
Ayanokōji sighed faintly, towel around his neck. "You two never get tired of this kind of thing, huh?"
I smirked. "Hey, you're still here, so don't act innocent."
The laughter echoed again, blending with the hiss of steam.
The forest slept beneath a sheet of silver moonlight. The trees swayed softly in the cold breeze, their shadows stretching long and thin across the dormitory walls.The faint sound of a clock echoed through the hallways — tick… tock… tick…
Somewhere inside the boys' dormitory, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka's eyes flicked open.He wasn't sure why he had woken up. Maybe it was instinct — the same sixth sense that always whispered when something felt off.
Slowly, without making a sound, he reached beneath his pillow.His fingers brushed against a small folded piece of paper.
He unfolded it, his expression unchanging even as his eyes scanned the neat handwriting.There was no name, but he already knew.
(Horikita Manabu…)
It was a simple request — a meeting, outside the dormitory.
The cold air bit at his skin the moment he stepped out.The moon hung high, cutting through the clouds like a silent blade.And there, standing a short distance away near the path leading into the woods, was Horikita Manabu — composed, sharp-eyed, his presence as commanding as ever.
He turned as Ayanokōji approached."...You came."
"I had a feeling you'd be waiting anyway," Ayanokōji replied evenly.
There was no greeting, no hesitation. Only the quiet exchange of two minds that never needed small talk.
"I'll get straight to the point," Horikita said, his tone low but firm. "Tell me — have you noticed any movements from Nagumo recently?"
Ayanokōji's gaze flickered for just a moment before he replied, voice calm and controlled."No. Nothing significant so far."
Horikita studied his face for a few seconds, then gave a soft, almost disappointed sigh. "...Lying doesn't suit you, Ayanokōji."
A pause. The wind rustled between them.
But instead of pressing further, Horikita turned away slightly, looking toward the dark line of the forest."Never mind. I expected as much. It was probably a waste of time to come here."
He adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable. "Still, there's one thing you should understand. The Student Council doesn't merely serve as a decoration for this school. We're not only administrators — we represent the students' perspective."
Ayanokōji tilted his head slightly. "Meaning?"
"Meaning that, within limits, the Student Council can influence the special exams. Adjust rules, modify penalties — not arbitrarily, but under the pretext of balancing the fairness between student classes."
Ayanokōji's eyes narrowed. "That's quite a degree of control."
Horikita nodded. "It is. But the system has been designed that way to prevent chaos. And to prevent anyone — even someone like Nagumo — from gaining absolute power."
There was a brief silence, broken only by the soft sound of leaves brushing together.
As Horikita turned to leave, Ayanokōji spoke quietly."...He might lose."
Horikita stopped mid-step but didn't turn around.
Ayanokōji continued, his tone almost reflective."More accurately — he won't slip up. He'll overcome the challenge. But… that's not all there is to this special exam. Something bigger might be coming. A change that even he can't control."
For a moment, Horikita said nothing. Then he simply murmured, "I'll take that as your warning," and began walking away down the moonlit path.
Just as he passed under a low-hanging branch, a faint sound echoed behind him —step… step…
Horikita slowed.
From the dim line of trees, a figure emerged — his black jacket blending almost seamlessly into the shadows.
It was me.
I stepped into the moonlight, the silver glow outlining my silhouette."Senpai," I said casually, "how about a deal?"
Horikita stopped and turned slightly, eyes narrowing."A deal?"
I smiled faintly. "Yeah. Ten million private points — for my assistance."
For a heartbeat, there was only silence. Then Horikita's sharp gaze met mine, serious and steady."Is it mainly because I want to borrow your wisdom?"
"Huh?" I blinked, genuinely thrown off. "Wait, what? You came here to praise me or scold me? 'Cause I'm confused."
His tone didn't change. "You should already know about my agreement with Nagumo, right?"
I scratched my head. "Well, yeah. Everyone does. It's not like that duel was private — all the guys were there."
"Then it's simple," Horikita said, folding his arms, his expression turning thoughtful. "You and Nagumo… you think alike. Not in morals, but in method. You both act based on efficiency, regardless of how others feel."
He took a step closer, his eyes cold but curious. "I want to know — if you were in Nagumo's position, what would you do?"
"Eh?" I tilted my head. "Senpai, are you seriously calling me mean in a roundabout way?"
A faint smirk tugged at the edge of his lips. "Is that how you see Nagumo? As someone despicable?"
"Well," I shrugged, leaning lazily against a tree, "it's not exactly wrong. During that whole group selection thing, the way the lists were arranged — it's obvious he influenced the outcome. Whether intentional or not, it benefited him. And he didn't care about how anyone else felt."
I looked up at the moon, my tone dropping slightly. "If the riot spreads, he'll still fight you, even if it burns the school down."
Horikita was silent for a moment, the reflection of moonlight flickering in his eyes."I see," he said finally. "So that's how you interpret him. You may be right."
He crossed his arms again. "It seems you really can anticipate what Nagumo will do next. Perhaps I was right to ask you."
"Then next time, Senpai," I said with a small grin, "when we make a proper contract, I'll tell you exactly what you want to know."
Before he could respond, I stepped backward into the shadows again, the darkness swallowing me whole.
For a moment, only the rustling of the leaves remained.Then, faintly, Horikita's voice carried through the still air."Miyamoto Sōshi… interesting."
The night returned to silence.