"Kusuo... is he really that terrifying?"
Sakayanagi Arisu bit her lip, struggling to accept Ayanokōji's words.
There were students in the school better at chess than Ayanokōji Kiyotaka.
Though Sakayanagi Arisu knew Kusuo was capable, she never imagined he'd surpass Ayanokōji in chess.
She looked down at the board in front of her.
*During the review, I didn't even notice Kusuo's intentions until later. He predicted every move Ayanokōji would make... Thinking back, it's terrifying, as if he saw through my very thoughts.*
Sakayanagi Arisu's forehead glistened with sweat.
"But... if Kusuo is so skilled, why choose rock-paper-scissors? Isn't that mostly luck? Even with psychological prediction, it only increases your chances slightly..."
Sakayanagi Arisu asked, confused.
"Kusuo is different."
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka shook his head.
"His understanding of people's personalities and minds is extraordinary. Even I can't predict everyone's actions, but Kusuo can."
"You mean... even in rock-paper-scissors, Kusuo can guess my moves perfectly?"
Sakayanagi Arisu struggled to believe Ayanokōji's words.
"Yes."
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka nodded.
"That's like a superpower, isn't it?"
"In a way, it's not impossible. Through psychological research, a person's actions, environment, and other factors can influence their thoughts. Maybe Kusuo has already influenced you somehow, making you act as he predicted."
"That's... absurd, but not entirely impossible."
"I'm just presenting a possibility. If the school system didn't choose rock-paper-scissors, Kusuo's actions would be meaningless. You could call it luck, and you wouldn't be wrong."
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka stood up.
"Of course, this assumes the school exam system wasn't tampered with."
"Hmm..."
Sakayanagi Arisu nodded, a chilling thought crossing her mind.
*Perhaps Kusuo prepared everything before the exam. Otherwise, there are too many 'coincidences'...*
She even wondered if Kusuo had influenced the draw.
"During this exam, Tsukishiro didn't act. His reaction to Kusuo last time has me curious."
Sakayanagi Arisu said slowly.
"Maybe he's already made his move. In my experience, he's not one to do nothing. But something unexpected might've happened, like not knowing Kusuo was our class's command tower. I should go—staying too late will draw attention."
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka said, preparing to leave.
"Yes, I should keep my promise too."
Sakayanagi Arisu nodded.
"Ayanokōji, I'm not your enemy. I've admired your chess skills since I saw you in the White Room. I've always wanted to play against you, and that's why I'm here today. I'll keep my distance to avoid suspicion. Please tell Kusuo I won't cause him any more trouble."
"Understood."
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka nodded.
---
Meanwhile, Kusuo was on his way back to the dorm when a familiar figure appeared.
"I just heard about you, Kusuo."
It was former student council president Horikita Manabu, his tone lighter than usual, a faint smile on his lips.
"By the next ranking update, you'll replace Class A. Their leader, Sakayanagi, is capable, but her methods are too extreme. I never invited her to the student council. Beating her isn't easy, but you did it. Impressive."
"It's not my doing. We were lucky, drawing our strengths. Our classmates tried their best, and most importantly, your sister planned everything. I just followed her lead."
Kusuo said slowly.
"Suzune told me the results."
Horikita Manabu replied.
After the exam, Suzune immediately told Manabu about her rise to Class A. She was conflicted, not knowing Manabu's results, but she shared the news with her brother.
This honesty reduced the distance between them.
"Suzune's been asking about you. I kept my promise and didn't say much."
Horikita Manabu said.
*From D to A in a year—well done, Suzune!*
Though his face remained expressionless, Manabu was proud.
"You've done something remarkable. You'll influence the school more than I or Nanase ever could."
Horikita Manabu praised Kusuo.
*I don't want that kind of responsibility...*
Kusuo thought, but said,
"I just want to graduate peacefully."
"Suzune's changed a lot this year, beyond my expectations. A year ago, she followed my every word—studying, exercising, even mimicking my tastes. But now she's realized her dependence and stopped chasing my shadow... She's a gem that will outshine me."
Horikita Manabu shook his head, then looked at Kusuo.
"If I'd shared my thoughts sooner, she might've grown faster. She'll surpass me and become someone you can't ignore... I'm leaving Suzune in your care. She'll grow even more with you."
Horikita Manabu turned and left.
Kusuo, alone, thought:
*Are you abandoning her to me?*
---
March 23rd marked the end of the term, and the graduation ceremony began.
The entire school, teachers, and guests gathered in the gym to witness the event.
*In two years, how will I feel standing there?*
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka thought, looking at the stage.
Kusuo, hearing his thoughts, turned to look as well.
*I probably won't feel anything special.*
He thought.
"Next, the Class A representative will give the farewell speech!"
The host announced, and the crowd fell silent.
Everyone wondered who the final Class A representative would be.
*Brother, it must be you!*
Horikita Suzune stared at the stage, her heart racing.
*Indeed.*
Kusuo confirmed in his mind.
He already knew the answer from his last meeting with Manabu.
"The representative of Class A—Horikita!"
Horikita Manabu stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.
"On this day, filled with the scent of plum blossoms and the warmth of spring, we celebrate graduation—"
---
After the ceremony, Chabashira Sae led the class back to the classroom.
It was the last few days of the first year, and she had much to say.
About their class ranking, for instance.
"You've amazed me! Rising from Class D to A is historic! Be proud!"
Chabashira Sae smiled, her eyes glistening.
*Finally, I did it!*
She thought.
"This is my fourth year teaching, and you're my second class. You're far more exceptional than my previous Class D—even better than Class A. But maintaining this rank will require continued effort."
Chabashira Sae tapped the blackboard.
"Tomorrow's the closing ceremony. Even without classes, remember to attend. Dismissed."
As she left, the students prepared to depart.
Kusuo, however, caught a thought:
*I've been curious since the final exams. It's about Kusuo...*
*If I tell someone, they'd call it a crush, but it's not. I've developed a strong wariness toward him. Others wouldn't understand, but I'm finding answers my way.*
*Exams, sports festivals, rankings—everything overlaps. Kusuo's presence in class grows stronger, and he's involved in it all. I know this.*
---
'Hmm... Another troublesome person, huh?'
Saiki pretended not to notice.
The voice belonged to someone who wasn't particularly urgent, especially since Saiki had only recently learned her name.
Matsushita Chiaki.
Chiaki wasn't a standout in class, but Saiki's telepathy allowed him to pick up her thoughts.
Since the class ranking system was announced in the first semester, Chiaki had been thinking daily about how to lead the class to A-Class—
In a way, Chiaki was like Ayanokōji and Saiki, hiding her true abilities while secretly observing other students to find someone who could help her achieve her goal.
Saiki hadn't paid much attention to Chiaki before. Partly because she hadn't focused on him yet, and partly because he figured she wouldn't cause trouble once they reached A-Class.
But... things weren't going as planned.
Chiaki not only shifted her attention to Saiki but also grew more curious about him after they reached A-Class.
"Saiki, you're hiding something, aren't you? I really want to know more about you."