"Well, I'd be lying if I said my interest wasn't piqued."
"A score of 50 in every subject. What do you make of it, Kōenji-san?"
"It's obviously deliberate. Chalk it up to coincidence? No way. I assume that's your thinking too, sensei?"
Chabashira smiles at my response and pulls out another sheet.
This time, it's the same student's form, but for the mock exam we had in April.
"As you can see, here too, he scored exactly half the points in all five subjects."
As I take the new form to review, Chabashira comments.
"This time, there's no room for doubt. To pass math, you needed to answer at least two out of four questions correctly. However, the last three math questions were significantly harder than the first. An average student wouldn't have solved any of them, but he managed one."
While she speaks, I finish reviewing the form and place it with the other on the desk.
"That said, sensei, I don't see where you're going with this."
Her eyebrows shoot up.
That's likely not the response she expected. Still, she returns to her neutral expression.
"Your classmate is desperately hiding his abilities. He's probably as smart as Yukimura-san or you. In the coming months, a class war is coming, and you'll need all the help you can get. I suggest you push him to reveal his skills to secure Class A's position. If needed, I'm willing to help persuade him."
I chuckle. And chuckle.
It's not forced—I'm genuinely amused by Chabashira's words.
My reaction makes her frown.
"Sorry, sensei, I couldn't hold back that laugh."
"What's so funny?"
She's clearly on edge.
I manage to stifle my laughter.
"It's just that I've known from the start he's deliberately hiding his abilities."
"What…?"
"I'll let you in on something, sensei. I have a gift. I can read anyone's personality with a single glance."
"What kind of nonsense are you spouting, Kōenji-san?"
Chabashira asks, skeptical.
"Believe it or not, it's true. Also, Ayanokōji-kun isn't the only one hiding their abilities in our class. I could name two others. You're probably wondering why I've let them slide until now, right? Simple: I'm enough. As long as the class has me, everyone's free to act as they please, so long as they don't hinder our progress. And so far, Ayanokōji-kun hasn't done anything to the contrary."
"Don't you have too high an opinion of yourself, Kōenji-san?"
"It's not overconfidence, sensei. I'm stating facts. No one in our year—or this school—can compare to me. I'm absolute."
My words seem to stun Chabashira, who stares at me silently for a moment.
"You've achieved something unprecedented, I'll give you that. But it's a mistake to think the class will stay in A just because you're here."
"That's where you're wrong, sensei. I've never planned to face the other classes alone. A good leader brings out their team's potential. My classmates each have immense potential, and I intend to draw it out. I don't need an ace or a trump card when I can turn the whole class into one."
"Fine. We'll see how far your pretty words take you. I'll stay an observer, but I'll step in at the slightest misstep. Agreed?"
Chabashira checks her watch, then puts the forms away.
"I've taken enough of your time. You can return to class."
I stand, bow, and head to the door.
"I look forward to your future achievements, Kōenji-san."
Chabashira says as I reach for the handle.
I pause.
"Then stay seated and don't miss a moment of what's coming."
With that, I open the door and leave.
'Class war, huh? I can't wait…'
May 1st came and went. Before we knew it, a week was already over.
It's Sunday, the end of the week. I'm in my apartment.
8:00 a.m.
As I sit in the living room, admiring myself in a mirror to pass the time, the doorbell chimes, signaling someone at my door.
I put my beloved mirror away before checking. I say "checking," but that's just a figure of speech—I already know who it is.
With a soft click, I unlock the door.
A faint floral scent tickles my nose as cool air drifts in from the hallway.
"Good evening, Kōenji-kun."
"Good morning, Kushida-chan. You're early."
I greet my guest, none other than Kushida.
Today's the study group leaders' meeting.
"I had nothing else to do, so I came over. Hope that's okay."
"No problem at all. Come in."
"Yeah. Thanks."
I invite Kushida inside.
She slips off her shoes at the door and settles into a living room chair.
After locking the door, I join her, sitting across from her.
With someone here, I can't indulge in my mirror-gazing pleasure.
"I've got natural juices. Want one?"
I offer Kushida.
"Love one, thanks."
I head to the kitchen and open the fridge.
"There's orange, grapefruit, and pineapple. What's your pick?"
"Hm, pineapple, please."
"Got it."
I grab two fruit drinks from the fridge door—one pineapple, one orange, my favorite.
"Here."
Back in the living room, I set the pineapple juice and a glass in front of Kushida, not forgetting the coasters.
"Thanks."
With a graceful smile, Kushida thanks me. I pour her a serving before sitting and pouring my own.
"So, what's up? It's unusual for you to show up this early."
'We've got less than an hour, so I figure it's best to cut to the chase. You think so too, right?'
"There's something I'd like to discuss."
"Really…?"
Feigning surprise, I continue.
"I thought you hated me and didn't want to talk about stuff anymore."
And that's understandable, given what happened at the library the other day.
"It's not that I hate you. I just thought you'd rather avoid interacting with me."
'Oh?'
"Hahaha! Fair enough! Well, it's true."
I reply, laughing heartily.
"While I'm not sure I can help, I can definitely listen."
At my words, Kushida's expression shifts.
Her angelic, pure demeanor vanishes, replaced by a harsher, darker look. No, it's not that her expression changed—she just dropped the mask she always wears. This is the second time I've seen this face up close. The first was only a fleeting moment.
"I hate that smug look you've got right now."
"Smug look? What do you mean, Kushida-chan?"
I tilt my head, acting clueless about her comment.
'I'm having fun.'
"You think you're above everyone, don't you?"
A scornful smile curls on her face.
"Will you stay so cocky when the class falls into chaos?"
"What do you mean?"
I ask, still smiling, but the warmth in my eyes fades.
'So that's what you've decided, huh…'
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