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Class 1-D
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka's POV
Exhaustion settled in my limbs as I leaned against my desk, contemplating whether I should bother exerting any more effort today. Horikita, however, had other plans—her sharp gaze fixated on me with an intensity that made it clear she was brooding over something.
"Is there a reason you keep glaring at me, Horikita?" I asked, breaking the silence.
She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "I was thinking about the midterm exams. Chabashira-sensei dropped another hint—this time about studying. But honestly, those three idiots are more of a problem than the exams themselves."
Ike and Yamauchi were one thing, but Sudō was in a league of his own when it came to academic shortcomings.
"And what does that have to do with me?" I replied, feigning disinterest.
Horikita sighed, the intensity in her gaze dulling slightly. "Nothing... forget it. I'll handle it myself."
Her obsession with reaching Class A was an undeniable truth, but it had nothing to do with camaraderie—Horikita Suzune was a pragmatist, acting purely for her own gain. With a dismissive turn, she ignored Kushida's attempts at conversation and exited the classroom.
I decided to leave as well, but just as I reached the door, someone fell in step beside me.
"Ayanokouji, you heading after Horikita?"
I glanced at the source of the voice—Whis Kurushima, an average student by all outward appearances. His defining features were his foreign-looking eyes and sharp nose, traits that subtly set him apart. He had mentioned before that he wasn't originally from Japan.
"Not really. I was just going to check out the mall. I need to buy some groceries."
"Mind if I tag along, Kouji?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Kouji?"
"Your name's kinda long, y'know? Figured Kouji was easier."
He had a point. I'd never been particularly attached to my full name. People could call me whatever they wanted—it didn't change anything.
"I don't mind," I said. "But if we're going with nicknames, I'll call you Whis."
He grinned. "Fair enough."
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Third-Person POV
Ayanokouji and Whis navigated the grocery store aisles, their conversation light, though Whis seemed somewhat distracted. He had asked to come here instead of the mall, mentioning that he was getting too many stares.
"Is it normal for Japanese people to stare at foreigners this much?" he eventually asked.
Ayanokouji considered the question for a moment. His upbringing in the White Room meant he lacked firsthand experience with societal norms. Still, he responded with what he knew.
"It depends. Japan is a homogenous society—outsiders stand out. People here are polite, but they can also be reserved, even wary of what's unfamiliar." He studied Whis briefly. "Your features are distinct. That might be the reason for the attention."
Whis scoffed. "Figures. They should really learn to be more subtle about it."
After finalizing their purchases, the two stepped outside.
"Hey, Kouji, are you planning to join the study group?" Whis asked.
"I don't know… Maybe."
"If you do, hit me up."
Ayanokouji tilted his head slightly. "If I'm the reason you're hesitant, then just go without me. I won't be around much anyway, and exams aren't far off."
Whis exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not that, man. I just don't like being stared at. You feel me?"
"Fine."
"Nice!"
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Whis Kurushima's POV
As we walked, Ayanokouji's phone vibrated. He hesitated for a second before answering.
(??): Ayanokouji, meet me at the cafeteria. Now.
It was Horikita. She was one of the few people he actually spoke to.
(Ayanokouji): Uh… yeah, but why—
(Horikita): Just be quick. I have things to do.
She ended the call without another word.
"Sheesh, she's intense," I muttered. "What did she want?"
"Nothing important. Just telling me to meet her." His tone was as unreadable as always.
"Alright then. I'm heading back to my dorm. See ya."
I waved him off, walking in the opposite direction. But once I turned a corner, far from his line of sight, I pulled out my own phone and answered the vibrating call.
(??): What's your situation?
(Whis): Class 1-D is a mess. A few competent ones, but nothing special. Hirata seems reliable. Other than that, they're below average.
(??): My class is in turmoil over leadership. But our mission remains unchanged.
(Whis): Yeah. We're here to flush out the White Room successor. Has He been informed yet?
(??): He keeps ignoring my calls. Every time I check his class, he's gone—like he's deliberately avoiding me.
(Whis): And Lloyd?
Silence.
(Whis): …I see. We'll arrange a meeting soon. We need to push forward with exposing the White Room's existence.
(??): Understood.
The call ended.
---
Class 1-A
Katsuragi Kōhei's POV
The classroom buzzed with tension. Unlike other classes, Class A had fractured into two opposing factions, each vying for dominance.
My opponent, Sakayanagi Arisu, stood before me, her cane in hand, a smug expression painted across her face.
"Are you sure you want to continue this debate, Katsuragi?" she mused. "You do realize you're on the losing side, don't you?"
Her confidence was grating, but I remained composed. "I don't plan to concede."
She chuckled. "How predictable. While it's true that we're at the top in class rankings, your leadership has stagnated our growth. This class lacks the structure to secure its position. Even you must see that you're an inadequate leader."
She was taunting me, and to my frustration, it was working.
"I acknowledge your intelligence, Arisu. That's why I propose we work together. If we cooperate, we can ensure that Class A remains undefeated."
"Oho?" She tilted her head in amusement. "I'm afraid that's not an option. It's all or nothing."
It was clear—she wanted control. She wanted to prove her superiority.
Before I could respond, another voice cut in.
"How about this?"
I turned to see Sienna Langley, one of Sakayanagi's close supporters. With striking blue hair tipped in red, she carried an aura that didn't quite match the reserved nature of most Asian students.
"Let's assign Katsuragi as the temporary leader," she suggested. "If he proves himself, he keeps the position. But if he fails…" Her smile widened. "Arisu takes over."
I narrowed my eyes. "This sounds like one of her games."
"Afraid, Katsuragi?" Sakayanagi's voice was almost sing-song, her taunt deliberate.
I clenched my fists. I wasn't afraid—I just knew she had something up her sleeve. Sienna's smirk confirmed that much.
"…Fine. I accept."
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Arisu Sakayanagi's POV
As we left the classroom, Sienna beamed. "That was a brilliant move, Arisu. Giving Katsuragi a false sense of control before setting him up for failure? Genius."
I picked up my chess piece, sliding my bishop into position, forcing a stalemate on the board.
"You flatter me," I murmured. "But this game is only beginning. True victory lies in long-term control, not just momentary wins."
Sienna leaned closer, her orange eyes gleaming.
"Tell me, Arisu. Do you believe geniuses are made… or born?"
She was prying. Testing. Probing for information.
I hid my reaction, sipping my tea.
"There is only one kind of genius that threatens me," she continued. "The kind that surpasses human limits—one that adapts beyond reason."
Her words sent a chill through me.
Does she know
The false genius.