A pact in the shadows

Lloyd's POV

Kanzaki and I walked through the hallway, heading toward Class C's domain. The air around us felt heavier than usual, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

I had pitched an idea to Kanzaki—a proposition that could potentially shield our class from Ryuen's schemes. Whether it would work was another story entirely.

But taking the initiative was always better than waiting to be attacked.

---

Flashback

"So you think Ryuen might make a move that could cost us class points?"

"That's a possibility," I replied. "But we'd be idiots to ignore it after what he pulled with Class D."

Kanzaki, ever the responsible type, wore a troubled expression. He wasn't as naive as Ichinose, but he still held onto his ideals.

"I understand..." His words were measured, calculated. He was already running through scenarios in his head, figuring out how best to protect our class.

"Rather than waiting for him to strike first, why not make an offer? Something that benefits him just enough to keep him off our backs."

"You're suggesting an alliance? With him?" Kanzaki frowned. "That's a dangerous gamble."

"It's necessary," I countered. "Ryuen isn't just targeting us—he's after the whole grade. He won't stop until he's on top. If we don't secure our safety now, we'll be forced to react later, and reacting means playing by his rules."

Kanzaki exhaled sharply, still hesitant. "Shouldn't we involve Ichinose?"

Ichinose, of course. Always the moral compass.

"She won't agree to it," I said bluntly. "Ryuen's methods don't align with her ideals. But this is for the class's long-term benefit. Even if she doesn't like it, she'll have to accept it."

Kanzaki studied me for a moment. I maintained my usual expression, unreadable.

After a few seconds, he nodded. "Fine. But I still don't approve of his methods."

There was no need to.

---

Present

We arrived at Class C. The atmosphere inside was as hostile as expected. The students there were rowdy, almost territorial. Even if their uniforms were the same as ours, the aura they gave off was entirely different.

I stopped just before the door, my instincts screaming at me to stay outside.

Kanzaki noticed. "Something wrong?"

"Not at all," I said.

"Then why aren't you coming in?"

I gave him a deadpan look. "Your responsibility as a leader. Besides, try convincing Ryuen to step outside. I'm not compatible with Class C's students."

"They scare you?" Kanzaki smirked.

I shrugged. "Something like that."

With a chuckle, Kanzaki stepped in. I leaned against the wall, waiting. Through the window, I could faintly see him approach Ryuen, who lounged at his desk like a king addressing a subject.

A minute passed. Then another.

Finally, Kanzaki emerged, followed by Ryuen.

As expected, Ryuen's gaze immediately locked onto me, studying me like a predator sizing up prey.

"This your lackey, Kanzaki?" He grinned. "He looks stupid."

Great, I'm already a target.

"Why didn't you come in?" he asked, amused.

"Your classmates scare me," I repeated, my voice completely monotone.

"Kukuku! Now that's funny." He turned back to Kanzaki. "Alright, what's this about?"

Kanzaki held up a paper.

"A contract?" Ryuen snatched it, raising an eyebrow. "You're kidding, right?"

"It's an offer," Kanzaki said firmly. "Mutual benefit."

Ryuen glanced through the document, his smirk fading slightly. His sharp eyes skimmed the details—our class offering assistance when necessary in exchange for immunity from his schemes. If either side broke the agreement, a fine of 50,000 private points per student would be enforced.

I watched him closely.

This is where he tests us.

A long silence followed. Ryuen wasn't someone who accepted deals at face value. He would poke, prod, and exploit any possible weakness before even considering signing.

"Tch." Ryuen tossed the paper back at Kanzaki. "What makes you think I'd agree to this bullshit?"

There it is.

Kanzaki didn't flinch. "Look at the long-term benefits, Ryuen. A temporary alliance keeps us from stepping on each other's toes. It guarantees your safety as much as ours."

Ryuen leaned forward. "You think I need your safety? If I want to crush your class, I will."

I resisted the urge to sigh. Of course he'd say that.

Come on, Kanzaki. Make him bite.

"You haven't even made a move yet," Kanzaki countered. "But everyone knows you will. It's what you do. And when that time comes, we won't be the only ones who see it coming. The teachers will. Other classes will. People will adapt."

Ryuen's grin faltered, just slightly.

"Your biggest advantage is surprise, but that advantage won't last forever," Kanzaki continued. "This deal guarantees you a safety net. If things go south, Class B is an extra hand to play."

Not bad. He was making it sound like a win-win situation.

Ryuen clicked his tongue, clearly unimpressed. "Still not worth it."

Kanzaki pushed harder. "The penalty fee ensures no one betrays the contract. If I wanted to double-cross you, I'd lose just as much as you would."

Ryuen rested his chin on his hand, considering.

"Your offer is good," he admitted. "Too good. Which is why I don't trust it."

I internally sighed. Knew it.

If Ryuen did accept so easily, it'd mean we underestimated him.

"I'll sign," Ryuen said suddenly. "But only if you answer a question."

Kanzaki narrowed his eyes. "What question?"

Ryuen's smirk returned. "Why are you bowing to me before I've even made a move?"

Kanzaki squared his shoulders. "It's not about bowing. It's about foresight."

"Oh?"

Kanzaki met his gaze. "The upcoming exams are uncertain. Rumors are flying. We don't know if they're true or not, but what is certain is that people will use them to their advantage."

His voice was calm, resolute. "You will do something, Ryuen. And I refuse to sit and wait for it to happen."

Ryuen watched him, unreadable.

Seconds ticked by.

Then, finally, he chuckled.

"Kukuku... Not bad, Kanzaki."

He pulled out a pen and, without hesitation, signed the contract.

"Well," he said, waving us off. "Looks like we're in business."

As Kanzaki took back the paper, I exhaled silently.

One problem down.

---

Ichinose's POV

My application for the student council was rejected.

I wasn't sure why. Maybe I wasn't up to their standards.

But Nagumo Miyabi promised me a spot if I supported his vision. His vision of a more meritocratic school.

I told Kanzaki and Lloyd about it. They gave me advice, but Lloyd in particular told me to question how meritocratic Nagumo truly was.

Lloyd… I don't understand him. Sometimes he's patriotic about our class. Other times, he's distant. It's almost like he avoids conflict—yet he's always aware of it.

Lately, I've noticed him coming from the second-year block.

It's not like I'm stalking him or anything… just normal observation.

Regardless, the upcoming exams are bound to shake things up.

And I intend to give it my all.