Weight and realized truth

Sienna's POV

I sat down as Sakayanagi arrived, her leisurely pace deliberate as she settled into the chair across from me. I wasn't sure if this counted as a formal meeting—I had framed it as just a casual conversation, but knowing her, it was anything but.

One thing was certain: Ai Morishita was bored out of her mind. Her fingers scrolled absentmindedly across her phone screen, her expression unreadable. It was hard to tell whether she was truly uninterested or simply maintaining the illusion of it.

Sakayanagi's voice broke the silence.

"Good afternoon, Sienna. I see Ai has come along as well."

Her tone was polite, but as always, there was something carefully measured about it, as though she were weighing every word, calculating every reaction. She folded her hands in her lap, a soft smile playing at her lips.

"Yes, Ai tagged along," I replied smoothly. "She's an advocate for what we're about to discuss."

"Fufufu."

Sakayanagi giggled, a light, airy sound laced with something else—mockery? Amusement? It was hard to tell with her.

"Well then, let's not waste time," she said, her expression unreadable. "I'm not in the mood for small talk."

What a smug little bitch.

I ignored the thought and got straight to the point.

"I wasn't sure whether to bring this up, but do you remember the swimming lessons we took when we first arrived?"

Sakayanagi raised a curious eyebrow. Her posture remained poised, but there was a flicker of something in her violet eyes—interest, perhaps? Ai, on the other hand, glanced at me before returning to her phone, though I caught the slight shift in her grip. She was listening.

"Well," I continued, "it seems that the instructor hinted at something that could be important. Possibly for the next special exam."

"The next special exam?" Sakayanagi echoed, the amusement in her gaze sharpening into something more calculated.

Ai finally looked up. "Yes. His wording was… interesting. He made it seem as though the swimming exercise was meaningless, something to be dismissed." She paused, then smirked. "But I think he meant the opposite—that we'd find it useful later."

Sakayanagi's eyes narrowed slightly. "And you believe this wasn't just a passing remark?"

"No." Ai's voice was steady, almost detached, but her observations were sharp. "It stacks on top of what Mashima-sensei said in class yesterday. He emphasized the importance of resting during summer vacation. If you think about it, that advice indirectly reinforces the idea that we'll need our physical strength for something demanding. Something like…"

"A survival-based exam," Sakayanagi finished for her, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

Ai simply nodded.

I studied Sakayanagi's expression carefully. She was intrigued, but there was also something else—suspicion.

She turned to me. "I must say, this is quite the impressive deduction. It seems you've done a good job piecing this together, Sienna."

My stomach twisted slightly.

She caught on.

I kept my face neutral, but my mind raced. Ai had been the one to present the theory, and yet Sakayanagi still attributed it to me. Was my influence that obvious? Or was she simply testing me?

I forced a light chuckle, waving a hand dismissively. "You're mistaken. Ai was the one who put everything together. I just mentioned the instructor's words to her—I wouldn't have thought much of it myself."

Ai backed me up without hesitation. "Sienna's giving me too much credit. I merely connected the dots. The instructor's comment was a minor clue, but Mashima-sensei's advice is what solidified my reasoning."

Sakayanagi studied us for a moment, her calculating gaze lingering on me. I refused to waver.

Then, she smiled.

"Oh? I never took you for someone who involved yourself in class matters, Ai," she said smoothly. "You usually just… exist in the background."

Ai's expression didn't change, but there was a sharpness in her eyes. "I'm a supporter of your faction, aren't I? Giving you this information only increases your advantage for the exam. If you plan ahead, you could secure a lead over Katsuragi."

Sakayanagi chuckled softly, but the look she gave me sent a chill down my spine.

She was still suspicious.

Finally, she nodded. "Very well. I apologize for doubting you, Ai. And Sienna… your contributions are duly noted."

With that, she gestured for Kamuro, who had been standing nearby, holding an umbrella to shield her from the sun. Kamuro obediently stepped forward, ready to escort her elsewhere.

I watched her leave, my thoughts racing.

I had anticipated her recognizing that this exam wasn't suited for her. Due to her condition, she wouldn't be able to participate, meaning she'd have to delegate the responsibility to someone else. The question was—who?

She suspected that I was the one who had truly analyzed and predicted the exam's nature. That meant she would be watching me closely.

I'd have to adjust my strategy. Lay new groundwork.

Ai had been an effective distraction, but Sakayanagi's suspicion still lingered.

Beside me, Ai scrolled through her phone as if none of this concerned her. Then, without looking up, she spoke.

"So, what now? Your prediction that she'd place us as her spies for the exam didn't pan out."

"No worries." I smiled faintly. "You did great, Ai. You still up for that ice cream?"

"Like hell I am."

---

Lloyd's POV

Class B arrived at the pool in scattered groups, their chatter blending with the sound of water splashing.

I had no interest in swimming. In fact, I had no interest in being here at all.

So why was I here? Simple. Kozue dragged me along.

Nearby, a group of Class D boys loitered near the edge of the pool, exchanging discreet hand signals and whispering behind their hands. It didn't take a genius to figure out they were up to something shady.

My eyes drifted to Whis, who was deep in conversation with Hirata. His usual composed expression had a slight crease of concern.

"Lloyd!"

I barely had time to react before Ichinose Honami bounded up to me, her usual energy undeterred by the summer heat. I quickly averted my gaze from her… assets.

"Glad you made it!" she beamed. "How's your vacation going?"

"Nothing much," I replied lazily. "Just sleeping… and more sleeping."

Ichinose laughed. "I get that! I spent mine shopping, cleaning, and—oh! I love cleaning!"

Her enthusiasm was almost infectious. Almost.

Before I could reply, Kanzaki approached, his footsteps brisk and purposeful.

"Lloyd," he said. "Care to join me for some drinks?"

I shrugged. "Sure, why not."

We walked to the Keyaki Mall in silence, though it wasn't uncomfortable. It was a silence filled with measured thoughts.

Finally, Kanzaki spoke.

"What do you think Nagumo's goal is?"

I raised an eyebrow.

"More importantly," he continued, "why is he so interested in Ichinose?"

I thought for a moment. "It's unclear. But I'll say this—Nagumo isn't just some unknown variable. His methods don't align with Class B's, meaning he could very well turn other years against us. Ichinose wants our opinions, but honestly? I don't think chasing the student council is worth it."

Kanzaki's voice dropped to a colder tone.

"Honami Ichinose… she'll be the downfall of Class B."

I turned to him, matching his tone. "You really think so?"

He didn't answer.

But his silence said everything.

Something that I had noticed, and mentioned to him.

"Why do you say so, Kanzaki?"

A Heavy Truth

My voice dropped to match his, each word carrying the weight of inevitability. For a fleeting second, I saw it—an ember of defiance in his eyes. But even he knew it wouldn't last.

"It's not that I doubt her as a person or even as a leader… Ichinose is honest—too honest. And in a place like this, that isn't a strength. It's a flaw."

A flaw that would one day become her ruin.

"In other words," I continued, my voice steady, "she'll be exploited."

We reached the pavement leading to the stores, Kanzaki's footsteps slowing alongside mine. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows on the ground, stretching ahead like a warning.

I turned to face him.

"Didn't I tell you before, Kanzaki?" My tone sharpened, each syllable deliberate. "Ichinose is unfit to lead this class. She's proven her naivety time and time again—her involvement with Sakura Airi, her decision to help Class D against Class C's schemes. How many more examples do you need?"

My lips pressed into a thin line, but I wasn't finished.

"And in time," I continued, voice colder, "our generosity will turn us into targets. The more we help others, the more enemies we make."

Kanzaki lowered his gaze, eyes fixed on the pavement as if searching for an answer buried beneath the concrete. But there was none to be found.

Finally, he spoke.

"…Then tell me. Are you saying you're the best leader for Class B right now?"

Silence.

But it wasn't hesitation. Kanzaki's silence wasn't born from doubt in me—it was the weight of realization settling in.

He was a remarkable student, both as a leader and as the backbone of his class. He could recognize Ichinose's strengths, just as anyone could. But acknowledging her weaknesses… that was different. And understanding the consequences of those weaknesses? That was another matter entirely.

I had been skeptical of Ichinose's leadership for a long time. Kanzaki shared my concerns, though he rarely voiced them outright.

I didn't want this class to spiral downward.

I would do whatever it took to keep it from falling apart.

If only… there weren't other matters brewing beneath the surface.

But no matter.

I had already begun laying the groundwork. As long as I kept my plans in motion, I could ensure stability.

As long as I had my peace.

I would be fine.

Am fine