-Horikita's POV-
Inside my room, I sat by my study table with one leg crossed neatly over the other as I stared at the blank screen of my school-issued phone.
It was turned off, of-course as it currently served no purpose.
With nothing to occupy my time, I allowed my mind to reminisce on a certain someone's words from the night before.
"You would feel a great deal of regret if Sudo and the others were expelled."
My brows tightened slightly. Preposterous.
What does he know about me anyway? As far as I'm concerned their expulsion has nothing to do with me.
It will not affect my rise to Class A in the slightest.
If anything I'm rather confident their absence will solidify that outcome. Sudo-kun's recklessness, Ike-kun's immaturity, and Yamauchi-kun's incompetence — all of it is more trouble than it's worth.
I don't see a reason why I should help them either. So is it not better to let them drop out?
"The class will suffer a loss." I felt a faint sense of frustration well up inside my chest as my right eye twitched.
Numerically, that certainly was true, though I believe their absence would be of no consequence.
Lowering the number of heads won't put a dent in the class' overall strength. Especially ones belonging to those three time wasters.
Tapping my finger against the hardwood, my eyes narrowed a tad.
Still. It bothers me that I can't seem to get it off my mind no matter how much I try to ignore it.
The fact that three people have proposed the same idea to me, but in different formats that is.
First, Chabashira-sensei told me that my thoughts on in the criterion for enrollment were incorrect because "smart people" aren't inherently superior to those who aren't; and being good at academics alone doesn't automatically guarantee our class placement.
Like myself, Yukimura-kun and Monty-kun are very capable academically, yet we were relegated to Class D because we had some kind of "defect" that required fixing according to the school.
This further reinstates her point that us "defectives" have to rid ourselves of our faults before we can hope to shed that derogatory status. According to her, the only reason we've managed to pull ahead of the current Class D was purely due to Hirata's intervention and I tend to agree even though I'd rather not.
If not for him giving that speech I truly doubt we would have ended up with even 100 class points at the end of the month considering how badly the class behaved the first week.
I had already suspected that there was more to our point total than we were told especially since Monty-kun's question was pertaining to it as well.
However, I hadn't dug that into the matter deep so I was ultimately unable to pinpoint the actual reason behind my suspicions before he did.
Next, Monty-kun himself proposed the argument that losing the idiot trio won't bode well for our class and that we would lose points because of it.
I refused to acknowledge it simply because it was nothing short of guesswork however plausible plausible it may be.
In addition to that he seemed very doubtful of my capabilities. Even going so far as to say that I was naïve for believing I could do it on my own.
To be honest, he sounded alot like my brother.
At that thought, my brother's words weaseled its way into the forefront of my mind as my lips pressed together.
"Even now you still confuse solitude with independence."
"Pathetic."
I spaced out. The memory of his sharp, disdainful words soon faded into his broad back towering over me as I stood with my head hung low in the darkness of the night.
...
At any rate, Ayanokoji-kun as well, he...
He told have me to re-evaluate my myself.
It was the same thing Chabashira-sensei had been hinting at the class to do also so the thought of what defect I might've had plagued my mind for a while.
"It's the one flaw of the seemingly perfect person known as Horikita Suzune."
That's what Ayanokoji-kun said to me. My hand balled into a loose fist.
Monty-kun had been trying to tell me something similar, however, I don't remember him explicitly stating what he thought my flaw was unlike Ayanokoji-kun.
If their thoughts aligned fully then I might have to consider their suggestions.
Sighing, I picked up my phone and opened the messaging app.
Addressing the matter directly should, at the very least, resolve my lingering thoughts.
[Good morning. Are you free? If so, I'd like to speak with you.] - Horikita (ME)
[Not now.] - Monty
My lips pursed into a thin line. I see.
Unfortunate.
[Understood. Let me know when you're available.] - Horikita (ME)
Setting the phone down, I stood, and walked over to my bedside before ambling back and repeating the action a few times.
I paused.
Wait.
Am I...anxious?
No, that's absurd. Even if I were, it wouldn't be on those three idiots' behalf.
I crossed my arms, my palms balling into loose fists. While I do believe their absence would simplify things, it might have undesirable effects on those remaining; low morale and paranoia being the most likely.
I would be unaffected of course, however, the same can't be said for everyone else. Even if they aren't necessarily fond of the trio, their expulsion will possibly have a negative impact on the class going forward...
...
I'll never allow it.
That being the case, how should I deal with this? Monty-kun is currently occupied and Ayanokoji-kun...
Ayanokoji-kun.
"Were you the one?"
Retrieving my device, I clicked the call icon and waited patiently as my phone rang out.
"Hello?" He answered monotonously.
-.-
"So...What's the occasion?" The boy beside me queried, his fork welding hand hovering lazily over his dish.
Interlocking my fingers, I threw a question back at him, "Does there have to be a special reason behind my actions?"
"Well," He droned, "It's unusual to receive an invitation from you so I feel kind of nervous."
"Not only that, you voluntarily bought an expensive meal on my behalf so it's even more unnerving." He added airily, "Is it your birthday perhaps?"
"No." I replied. "Though it failed, I felt it necessary to reward you for your efforts towards the study group."
"Somehow I find that hard to believe."
He shifted a bit farther from me, "Who are you and what have you done with Horikita?"
"...What?" I tilted my head, confused. "What does generosity have to do with— nevermind." I sighed, outstretching my phone. It displayed my current point total, 132, 430.
"If you won't accept my kind gesture, I assume you're willing to return the 5,500 points I've spent. It's only fair that you do."
Upon hearing my words, he paused, his eyes flitting to the meal in front of him before turning back to me, "Well... I guess I can accept it."
Placing the phone into my skirt pocket, I watched as the apathetic teen took a small bite of his Wagyu Beef.
Excellent.
"I know this is kind of sudden, but I want to talk to you about something." I said.
Ayanokoji-kun seemed as though he had unraveled my plot in that moment. He swallowed what little of the beef he had bitten, got up and attempted to flee, however, I had already grabbed onto him before he could get away.
"Ayanokoji-kun," I stared up at him intently whilst struggling to keep him rooted in place.
I wore a forceful smile. "I'll ask once again. Will you listen to me?"
"Wouldn't Monty be a better option?"
"He's currently busy. You're not." I replied.
"You don't have any proof of that."
"Answering your phone as quickly as you did is proof enough."
"..."
"..."
"There's no use trying to back out of this is there?"
"Your deductive capabilities astound me Ayanokoji-kun, truly."
"Ugh..." Groaning, my listless neighbor reluctantly lowered back into his seat with a sigh, "Talk."
I looked on ahead of me as I released him.
"I need you to help me get in contact with those three idiots. I've come to the conclusion that delaying this any further will likely create complications that will hinder my plans for the class."
"I won't allow their recklessness to jeopardize my ascent to Class A."
Ayanokoji-kun looked my way before averting his gaze to his almost untouched meal. He huffed softly and pushed it forward.
"Then, how do you suggest we go about it?" Was his question.
"Simple. I want you to round them up and bring them to me." I replied, "It shouldn't be too difficult... You are their friend; all things considered."
"While that statement does hold some truth, unfortunately, it isn't so easy to get them to come." He monotoned, "Not on my own atleast."
I quirked a brow, "Meaning?"
He stared at me for a while before finally opening his mouth. I'd have preferred it if he hadn't however.
"I'd need Kushida's help."
"NO." I replied sharply, my voice colder than intended. "She's out of the question."
Ayanokoji's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, before he shrugged. "Then it'll be more difficult than you think seeing as I don't possess the kind of social skills she does."
"The answer's still no." Crossing my arms, my brows tightened into a slight frown as I thought of an alternative.
I could wait until Monty-kun finishes his business, but there's no guarantee that Matsushita-san can successfully round them up a second time. It wouldn't come as a surprise if they ignored her invitation outright either.
Leaning back in his seat, the dull boy next to me stared up at the ceiling wordlessly. I paid him no heed however.
Groaning, I lightly massaged my temples. This has become quite troublesome. I'm at a lost as to how to move forward.
The situation would not have come to this had they not overreacted.
Sigh, What should I do?
"Have you thought about apologizing to Sudo?" Ayanokoji-kun asked suddenly.
"Apologizing?" I scoffed, narrowing my eyes. "Why should I? He's the one who was being unreasonable."
"That isn't entirely true, but an apology would calm him down. Ike and Yamauchi would likely follow his lead if you managed to win him over."
I tapped my fingers against the table, contemplating his words. "You're assuming he'd accept it. What if he doesn't?"
"Even so, it is still a viable possibility. Sudo's simple-minded so a sincere apology, especially from you, would likely catch him off guard."
His matter-of-fact tone grated on me, but I couldn't dismiss his reasoning. While I disliked the idea of humbling myself before someone as hot-headed as Sudo, the potential benefits of such an act were hard to ignore. But, despite the possible gains, my pride simply won't allow it.
"Even if that were the case, he won't suddenly cooperate." I rebutted, "I imagine he'd still refuse to rejoin my study group and end up failing because of it."
The boy next to me slowly closed his eyes before reopening them as his gaze shifted to another side of the room.
"His immediate compliance was never a guarantee, Horikita," He said, "But, I doubt you'd allow him to fail the mid terms regardless of his willingness to cooperate."
I sighed, "Fine, but this had better work." leaning back in my chair I mumbled the rest.
Should this plan fail, then, a loss would be inevitable. Although I don't intend to let that happen, truth be told, I currently lack the means to prevent it.
Afterall, I can never implement the plan without first summoning them.
"We still have yet to find a way of gathering them up." I winced, "I suppose Monty-kun will have to take care of that issue."
Ayanokoji-kun nodded, agreeing, "So it would seem."
I let my lip curl slightly downward. Not only was I incapable of making a move of my own, the alternative was to have either Kushida-san or Monty-kun do it. The latter was definitely the more desirable option since I intend to limit my and Kushida-san's interactions as much as possible.
Associating with her would be nothing but an annoyance to deal with.
I huffed.
In any case, I've finished what I came here to do so there's not much reason for me to remain.
"You're leaving?" Ayanokoji-kun asked as I rose to my feet.
I nodded. "I'll contact you when Monty-kun finishes his business."
Saying that, I promptly took my leave and made my way towards the dorms before he could raise any sort of argument.
-.-
-Monty's POV-
The group chatted happily amongst themselves about the events that transpired within the room as they stepped out into the empty hall, leaving myself and another behind to close the door.
My gaze shifted to see Sato busy teasing Inogashira about her performance. Apparently she had found her reactions to be rather enjoyable to watch-if her pinching her cheeks was anything to go by.
To her right, Karuizawa had found herself latching onto Hirata's arm while conversing with Shinohara. Their conversation wasn't audible, however, from their faces it seemed to be a pleasant one.
Striding forward, Chiaki quietly followed suit with a near indiscernible expression plastered across her face as she eyed her group of friends.
"Do you still plan on hiding?" I spoke, my eyes lowering to meet her contemplative blue ones upon voicing my query.
The answer was obvious. She was unsure. But having her admit it vocally helped to pinpoint her exact reasoning.
For a moment, her lips thinned before parting with a soft huff, "...I'm not sure." She said finally, looking back to the people walking ahead of us.
"It's a pain, don't you think? Having to be the center of attention and dealing with others' expectations all the time." Saying that, her mouth parted with a huff, "You almost never have any time for yourself."
Following her line of sight, I happened upon the receding back of a certain blonde.
Ironically, every word she spoke applied to him.
He was someone who had been the center of attention from as early as the first day. Additionally, our classmates had become expectant of his performance due to him briefing them on the S-System-an action that subsequently led to our Class's promotion and his rapid rise in popularity among the girls of the first year.
Kushida was in a similar situation, though unlike Hirata, she didn't seem bothered by it. If anything she craved it.
Adjusting my glasses, I slowly articulated my reply as we stepped out into the afternoon sun, "It can be tiresome. However, it can also feel fulfilling to know that you're being appreciated."
"I get that most people want to feel needed, but I just don't feel the same way y'know?" Chiaki added with an airy shrug, "I mean, it's not like I need any validation outside of my friends."
Her current reasoning was consistent with what she said before which meant that it wasn't an excuse. She truly was afraid of the prospect of losing her friends.
That being said, I've a simple fix.
"Although you probably won't get what I mean since you don't have any." Her eyes flitted to me cheekily as she playfully elbowed my side. If I were someone else, I might've been wounded by her words.
"Unlike a certain someone, I don't need anyone's validation outside of myself," I replied, invalidating her tease while sneaking a jab at her as my gaze lowered to meet hers, "Such a thing make me seem as insecure as they are wouldn't you agree?"
It was obvious that she was attempting to change the topic, however, I allowed it. Forcing the issue could have undesirable effects afterall.
Also, I wasn't in a rush to have her reveal herself since she's already acknowledged her insecurities. All that's left is for her to take the necessary steps to overcome it.
For now though, I'll wait. I'm already content with simply planting the idea into her head.
Chiaki gawked at me, shocked that I called her out so blatantly. Her soft lips lifted into a smirk, "Ha. I'll get you back for that you prick."
"That's unlikely." I said, taking out my phone and opening the messaging app, "But I am expectant." Clicking send, I placed my phone back into my pocket as we both fell into a comfortable silence.
Turning a corner, we all walked out into the crowded main road of the Keyaki Mall Shopping Complex. Hirata and the others were still a few steps ahead of us. We were currently en route to the first year dormitory.
"Who were you texting?" Chiaki asked, a curious edge to her tone.
Seeing no reason to lie, I told her. "Horikita."
"Horikita-san?" Tilting her head cutely, she posed another question after a brief thought, "Is it because of the study group?"
I nodded.
"Huh, I thought she'd totally given up on that. Guess I was wrong." Saying that, her probing blue eyes gradually lifted to meet my glass guarded ambers, "Though I suppose you guys must be pretty close if she's willing to come to you for help."
Glancing infront once more, she closed her eyes with a shrug of nonchalance, "But then again you are pretty considerate of others needs. You even agreed to give private lessons to Inogashira-san, Sakura-san and Hondo-kun because of their introversion so it isn't that surprising that she came to you."
Within the context of what she knows, her deduction was 100% accurate. However, I've never once helped someone solely because I was being considerate. If their actions served me no benefit then I'd rather not get involved, otherwise, it would be a hassle to deal with.
My lips slowly curved slightly into an expression identical to a smile, "Is that what you think?"
Stepping into the building lobby, we all entered the elevator and came off at our respective floors while bidding each other farewell. Karuizawa had come off with Hirata and a few other students had boarded in their place, leaving the space rather cramped.
With a ding, the elevator door slid open and I stepped out.
"Talk to you later, Monty-kun."
"Yeah, see ya tutor-san~"
Both Chiaki and Sato bid me farewell.
The latter of which spoke teasingly as she eyed the former who snorted and rolled her eyes in response, "I already told you, nothing's going on."
Sato smirked, slowly raising shifting her gaze to the girl next to her as she wrapped a hand around her shoulder, "What do you think, Kokoro-chan? Spot anything suspicious?"
"U-uh, no." The aforementioned girl stuttered out with a blush, "I-I don't think anything's going on either." She was still not used to being referred to by her first name. On a related note, I've now been saddled with a rather plaguy nickname.
"Hee~ how 'bout you, Satsuki-chan?" Immediately, Sato set her sights on her next prey. It seems she was out to tease everyone today.
Shinohara visibly shuddered, "Please, I don't even wanna imagine that."
"Well," Sato shrugged, "If everyone denies it then I guess there's no point in continuing."
Snorting in amusement, Chiaki shook her head lightly whilst reaching for the elevator control pad, "Anyway, see you tomorrow, Monty-kun."
I nodded and turned as the door slid shut.
As I approached my abode at my leisure, I spotted a crimson eyed beauty standing in front of it with her arms crossed. Next to her was an unremarkable brown haired boy.
"You sure took your time." Horikita remarked. She wore simple white top that was neatly tucked into her black knee length skirt.
"Well, the elevator did take a few pit stops and he seemed to have had his hands full just now." Was Ayanokoji's dull reply. He was in a grey button up, dark blue crew neck sweater and black pants.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, "Outside of that, he wasn't exactly alacritous afterwards. Was he?"
"You do have a point." Ayanokoji relented.
Ignoring their back and forth, I opened the door with a swipe of my key card and held it open, "Come in."
Without another word, the two of them walked past me and stepped inside. Horikita took a seat at my study table while Ayanokoji stood a few feet away from her, his eyes sweeping the room before finally settling on the seated girl.
"So, my honorable tactician. What'll you have us do?" Ayanokoji asked. If his voice wasn't so monotone, I'd think he was trying to be dramatic.
Crossing her arms, Horikita replied, "First, we'll obviously need to persuade Sudo-kun and the others to participate once again. And for that to happen they'll need to be present. That task, I'll delegate to Monty-kun, seeing as you have a contact who's able to interact with them."
I nodded. "That's true, although, I doubt Sudo would consider re-joining without an apology."
While that is true, her actually going through with an apology was...highly unlikely. She was too prideful for that.
"That's..." Horikita's gaze shifted to Ayanokoji before turning back to me, "I had already intended to apologize."
Hmm. How peculiar.
Usually, she wouldn't willingly agree to something so degrading — by her standards — much less having prepared for it beforehand.
Tilting my head slightly, my eyes flickered to the brown eyed apathetic.
Could he have suggested something similar prior to this? He was the only one she interacted with outside of myself, afterall.
Nodding, I made my way over to my bed and took a seat. I then gestured for Ayanokoji to take one aswell to which he silently obliged.
"So, what next?" Ayanokoji asked no one in particular. He sat by my tea table that was situated between myself and Horikita.
Horikita tilted her head, "I don't suppose there's anything else to discuss?"
"There is. You need to find someone who can communicate properly. A person that can act as a sort of glue for your group." I answered, eyeing the two carefully, "Any suggestions?"
Horikita remained silent, her hand cupping her chin. She seemed to be thinking about who would be the most suitable candidate for the job.
"How about Kushida?"
"I thought I made it clear last time, she's out of the question." Horikita immediately refuted Ayanokoji's suggestion with an ice cold glare.
He sighed, "I understand that you hate outgoing people like Kushida. But there aren't that many options to choose from."
Horikita's eyes narrowed, her finger tapping against her forearm in a way that displayed some level of irritance, "Regardless, I don't want to interact with her."
It goes without saying, but I agreed with him. For people who prefer solitude, talkative individuals were often very difficult to deal with.
That fact was especially true in this case; Horikita rejected the very notion of friends whereas Kushida seemingly embraced it.
Due to that core difference in idealogy, it won't be easy for them to get along even if they do see eye to eye in certain situations.
Although, it must be challenging for him to convince Horikita on his own seeing as he was someone she deemed to be below her intellectually.
That could be why he brought it up with me present as she was more likely to take advice from someone she perceives as 'closer to her level' in that regard.
"Out of all the girls within class, Kushida was the most well liked. With her on board, it's highly likely that the other three will be as well seeing as they do admire her." I said, "Also, working with someone doesn't necessarily require you to like them."
"However, that dislike can lead to unnecessary arguments, can it not?" She countered.
Ultimately, her aim was to secure the class's success so her personal disagreements should never take precedence over results.
Also, getting them to work together would carry out my revenge from that time a month ago.
"That can be avoided by considering the opposition's perspective on the matter or simply disengaging from the conversation before it escalates." My eyes fell shut momentarily before flickering open with a sharp glint, "Both of which you neglected to do yesterday afternoon." I shot back and her eyes narrowed into a squint, seemingly annoyed but unable to refute. It was the undeniable truth afterall.
Instead, she released a heavy sigh of reluctance whilst soothing her forehead, "Fine.... you've convinced me." Turning to Ayanokoji with a slight frown, she continued, "I trust you'll take care of that matter, Ayanokoji-kun."
"What if I refused?"
She waved him away, "Your refusal means nothing to me. Besides, you were the one to suggest it. Twice at that."
Ayanokoji paused, before looking up at the ceiling with a blank expression and sighing, "Is it too late to retract that?"
"Yes." Was Horikita's curt response as she unfolded her arms and rose to her feet, "Anyhow, with that out of the way, I don't suppose there's anything else left to discuss."
"There is."
"There is?" Lifting a brow, she turned to me.
"Will you be using the same lesson plan?" I asked.
"Of course. There's nothing wrong with it." She replied, "I'm assuming you're still using yours?"
I nodded. "I see. But I still believe yours is incorrect as it incorporates topics that we haven't gone over during class. If anything, it seems almost identical to the surprise test."
"My lesson plan is a compilation of all the topics we've touched on during our time here." I corrected.
She frowned, "You're not making any sense. If that's the case, why use that test as reference as well? There wasn't anything suggesting that we'd be receiving questions similar in difficulty to those on the upcoming midterm examination. While yes, we didn't receive a list of topics, your choice of sourcing the reference test seems odd to me."
My eyes briefly flitted to the brown haired boy quietly seated at my tea table before returning to the black haired beauty in front of me. "Supposing I had evidence to support my claim, would you accept my lesson plan then?" I spoke calmly.
Horikita regarded me with amused intrigue as she crossed her arms, "Naturally."
It was barely noticeable, however, Ayanokoji seemed interested in the conversation as well.
Reaching into my pocket, I retrieved my phone and scrolled to a specific app, "The day we received the surprise test, Miss Chabashira said, 'This test isn't graded. It's for future reference.' Her statement can be interpreted two ways."
"First, you could say it was to evaluate our current academic capabilities. Second, it could also be indicative of it being on the mid term exam." I said, "Which seems correct?"
Falling silent for a time, Horikita finally responded, "Hmm...given the options, I understand why you believe it's the second one, seeing as use for future reference could mean that it will pop up again."
"However, my choice is the first option due to the fact that each question increased in difficulty. It seems as though they wanted to see what level of education each student capped at."
"The first one does seem more probable, but I choose the second option." Ayanokoji informed airily, his lazy eyes lifting to meet mine.
I nodded slightly, "Both are correct."
"And what's your evidence to support this?" Horikita asked.
I didn't reply. Instead, I clicked a document and set my phone atop the tea table so she and Ayanokoji could peer into its contents.
Horikita's eyes widened, "This is..."
"A past exam..." Ayanokoji finished with a slight nod, as if in acknowledgement, "Although the order has been shuffled, there's no denying that these are the same topics from Monty's lesson plan."
Horikita's eyes moved about the phone screen, gradually narrowing as it did, "How did you come by these? Surely the school wouldn't allow this if they ever found out." Were her words as she handed my device back to me.
"Anything on campus can be bought with enough points, Horikita. You just have to know who to approach." I stated simply, retrieving the item and resending her the documents.
Even if we were working together, I saw no need to inform them more than was required.
On another note, Miss Chabashira had already mentioned it on the first day-though, I suppose most people overlooked that small detail in favor of the 100,000 points they'd received-because of that, they'll never be able to connect the dots that I had befriended an upperclassmen instead of coercing them for the information. It's not like I presented myself as particularly approachable either.
Though unlikely, they could guess it correctly if they'd analyzed my actions up to this point.
"So you bribed an upperclassmen?" She asked sardonically.
Tucking my phone away, I closed my eyes, "Something like that."
Looking down my nose, I eyed the brown haired boy calmly. I could practically read out the series of questions he had on his mind. But, seeing as there's less of a need to withhold certain information now, I might as well answer two out of three of his queries.
"I relayed the information to Hirata earlier today at karaoke." I said.
"And you're saying he took it, just like that?" Horikita asked with a raised brow.
"If it's me, he won't question it."
At that, Ayanokoji slowly lifted his head, his dull brown eyes and stared wordlessly into mine.
"I didn't know you and Hirata-kun were close enough to hang out." Horikita remarked from her spot in the room. She had something like a condescending smirk playing on her lips as she said that.
She probably thought I'd befriended him for the same reason Ayanokoji sought friends or something along those lines.
"We aren't." I clarified airily before switching the topic in a beat, "However, I suggest you ally yourself with him. He's an influential figure within the class so it'll make your goal easier to accomplish."
She stared at me in silence as I turned to regard her fully.
Her folded arms clenched into loose fists as she released a prolonged sigh before fixing me with a hardened gaze, "As much as I want to deny it, you do have a point."
"This whole situation has made me realize that working independent of the class will be exceedingly challenging to do. I lack the social skills to take on the role of Kushida, neither do I possess the influence and authority of Hirata nor your now apparent intellect and resourcefulness."
"I don't particularly like working with others so I'd be a liar to claim this didn't irk me in the slightest to admit." She huffed, "But, I'm willing to put aside my feelings and come to a compromise...for now."
"So long as you understand the importance of allies, that's good enough." Slipping my hands into my pockets, I glanced at the golden light trickling through my dorm room window.
Horikita's aim was to make it to Class A even if she had to go through a field of fire. But for that to come to fruition, she had to learn her first lesson.
Isolation was not the same as independence.
To isolate oneself meant that you refused cooperation on any front, while to be independent meant that cooperation was always on the board; so long as it was on your own terms.
Horikita possessed the potential to become independent, however, her current mindset hindered her from taking the necessary strides to reach that goal.
To change that, I've composed arguments and created various situations where the flaw in her mentality shines through and actively stumps her progress over and over again. Within the span of a week she's been put into quite a few scenarios where she's been forced to acknowledge her most notable defect and, though reluctantly, strive to fix it.
Mending that defect will be just as crucial to her growth as a person as it will be in contributing to her goal.
If she manages to overcome that obstacle, it'll also increase the amount of prospects who may be able to help me achieve my own goal.
My eyes lowered slightly. It should play into his as well— assuming he even has one. He could just be helping like was asked of him.
But I haven't gotten an answer in regards to that matter just yet so I can't exactly rule out the possibility.
A beat of silence passed through the room before being promptly broken by Horikita's soft footsteps.
"I'll be taking my leave now. We'll speak with Sudo-kun on Monday. So, until then." She informed as she headed out.
She left the door slightly ajar; so there was no need to reopen it afterwards. A few seconds passed with Ayanokoji and I staring at the wooden dorm room door.
He gazed at me for a moment before sighing as he rose to his feet, "I guess I'll go too."
The room door clicked shut as he went out, leaving me to bask in the silence accompanied by the low hum of the air vent.
Checking my phone, the time read 15:30.
Having dealt with everything I set out to do today, I was now free until I head to bed. Doing nothing for 5 hours will undoubtedly be a bore.
While I could read some books, most of the ones Hiyori suggested, I've either already read them or simply disliked the plot enough to avoid it for the time being.
Rereading some of the ones I already won't bring me much enjoyment and I don't feel particularly compelled to go to the library today either....
Adjusting my glasses, my eyes lowered to the app store icon, 'It has been a while since I've played that. Though it isn't as fun as before, it'll have to do.'
After a brief moment of contemplation, I clicked on the app and typed the word 'GO' in the search bar.
Downloading the app, I quietly booted it up. Upon doing that, the main game interface popped up with three options; vs computer, vs player and vs self.
Without hesitation, I chose the first option and set the difficulty to the highest of 10 levels.
Scouring the app, I found a feature that lets one give single or multiple move handicaps to either themselves or their opponents. In chess, this would be refered to as an odds game.
After clicking the multiple moves option, I set the handicap to the provided maximum of 9 moves and let the engine run for a while. Seeing as we were playing without komi, I didn't have to worry about losing on that front.
Not that I would in the first place.
After it stopped with the last move, I analyzed the position briefly before responding with a stone to 16, 3 komoku.
Reason being, the AI had already taken all the most important points such as the 17,4 point 4,4 point, 10, 4 point and the central point which meant that I now had to stop its territorial expanse through a series of interference tactics.
While I did cede control of the opening, the game from now onwards should be much more of a challenge due to that.
As I played the game, I let my mind wonder. Thoughts of a certain dull boy coming to the forefront.
I did expect him to have some level of usefulness, seeing as Miss Chabashira had invited him to her office, whereafter Horikita created a study group, demanding his involvement.
From my observations, the best phrase to describe Ayanokoji was...non-committal.
So it struck me as odd when he decided to join Horikita's group. Granted he was threatened, but that doesn't excuse the fact that he could have simply walked away. She would eventually have to give up at some point.
But it's Horikita. So her adamance definitely wouldn't be without reason. Why would she want his help specifically? To my knowledge, he didn't do anything particularly remarkable that would warrant her interest.
Could Miss Chabashira have told her something about him that she wants to confirm on her own? That might be the case. Afterall, she did have a habit of denying anything that wasn't proven to be absolutely true or convincingly believable.
Then again, our teacher might not have been the one to tell her anything about him. Or rather, she might not have been the only one.
I tapped the 13, 8 point, enclosing a small area that led to the subsequent creation of an eye, winning me 3 stones from black.
Say she was informed of his potential capabilities by virtue of another party, The Student Council President, for example. It was quite obvious that they shared familial relations simply from her reaction to seeing him on stage.
At the time, her eyes conveyed traces of fear, respect and longing. From that I inferred her relationship with her brother wasn't what one would typically expect from a pair of siblings.
I assume they lived under the same roof prior to enrollment, but for some reason they had been distant. And even though she feared him, she still respected him. So much so, she even emulates his behaviour to a T.
She likely wants to reach Class A to prove herself to The President as well. However, that can't be done if she isn't true to herself and accepts her flaws.
...
Anyhow, back to the previous topic. She could be trying to assess the credibility of their words by receiving and testing whether or not Ayanokoji's ideas actually work.
Which is where I come in.
By having me, someone she perceives as capable speak on his proposed plans, she could receive an answer to her question, albeit indirectly.
As a result, she ended up having to grudgingly accept that Ayanokoji was right, due to both his suggestions being in line with mine.
This means that going forward she could not simply dismiss his words and instead think about how they could be applied to her strategy of reaching Class A.
Not only that, this experience served to make her understand the importance of having allies since they'll be able to bounce ideas off each other and account for the weaknesses any of them might have.
Also, her excessive hubris has slowly begun to erode after repeatedly having her flaws exposed by individuals she views to be on par and below her in intellect.
I had already lain the groundwork to deal with her mindset but Ayanokoji seems to have done something to speed up the process.
Make no mistake. I'm not overestimating his abilities as I've tested them myself earlier when I told them about my talk with Hirata.
Unlike Horikita he didn't seem surprised to hear that Hirata would listen to me without question, rather, his eyes told me he was expecting it.
Which could only mean he had already suspected I was the one who told Hirata about the S-system beforehand.
So, if anything, I may be underestimating him by thinking him someone that's only 'capable' as not even Matsushita had an inkling despite our more frequent interactions.
Then again, that might not be the case at all. I dare say I mis-evaluated his actions up to this point due to his expressionless demeanor.
But even with that possibility, there's nothing suggesting he isn't who I think he is.
Pressing the 5,6 point, black quickly responded with 5,7 cutting off my stone from support of the others, leaving it a move away from capture.
However, I'd planned to sacrifice it and immediately shifted my attention to the other end of the board with a swift 18, 15, expanding my acquired territory and threatening to connect with another of my isolated stones after two more moves.
The AI halted, taking a moment to evaluate the position before deciding to defend the attack by playing 18, 6.
By attaching its stone to my own, it could alter my structure with precise play, especially considering that it had territory that stretched up from that side of the board.
But, that allowed me to save the hanging stone by playing 6, 8, connecting it to a few others that had occupied the center.
After a few seconds, the AI realized that the position was now losing and opted to consolidate. But within a couple moves I'd breached its defense and began aggressively antagonizing its structure.
The game then continued until the computer, playing black, resigned. The time on the game clock read 1:50 - 9: 30.
Sighing from my unalleviated boredom, I laid on my back and stared up at the black ceiling.
'Ayanokoji hasn't done anything particularly outstanding yet. While yes, his plans and assumed observations were interesting enough to note it's not like Chiaki was incapable of accomplishing the same feat if given a little push.'
Gradually closing my eyes, the back of my phone wielding hand smoothed over my forehead in a languid motion; swiping away the few strands that hung loose.
'I want to see the extent of his abilities, but he isn't exactly the proactive type so it's unlikely that he'll enact an elaborate plan himself without being prompted to do so. Obviously, my direct involvement disallows that as things have been going too smooth for him to actually do anything....He's basically riding my coattails since he doesn't need to contribute much.'
'However, I can deal with that.' At that thought, my lips lifted into an expression almost reminiscent of a smile.
'I look forward to what he'll do.'