12 COTE

I guess I tired her out too much. Ban's regeneration was really amazing, even after hours of continuous sex I felt zero exhaustion.

Technically I didn't need sleep so I idly stared at the ceiling with my thoughts wandering. I couldn't make any movements since Kiryuin's head was stuck to my chest and her hands were wrapped around my waist.

Her sleep would be interrupted. She needed the rest.

I created a blood tentacle from my hand and pulled a blanket over. After draping it over both of us I gently stroked her hair.

It was really soft, it felt as if I was touching silk itself. Natural platinum blonde hair in itself was something weird but I'll leave it be considering I've seen blue, orange, red and pink already.

What a weird world.

I really hated the night. It was depressing and lonely, the occasional twinkle of the stars that I could see through my window reminded me how real this world was.

When left with nothing but oneself to converse with humans tend to overcomplicate things in their thoughts, and I was no different.

It was the same question every night.

Why was this fictional world real?

System... Heavenly Spirits... Fate Bearers.

It all sounded like supreme bullshit. Yet I wasn't one to complain, I was merely curious. Who was I to question this parasitic system?

I checked my phone and browsed through the notifications. There were three messages from Nagumo, one message from Suzune, one message from Manabu and eight messages from—

Eight messages!?

Who the hell is this?

Eh, Ichinose?

Wow, wasn't she giving me the cold shoulder?

I ignored the rest and opened Ichinose's chat.

[Ichinose: Hello Yamamoto-kun, I'd like to talk. I apologise about earlier, I was just stressed out (⁠*⁠﹏⁠*⁠;⁠) ]

This was the first message, it was sent at 4 pm. Approximately an hour after we met at the library.

For her too suddenly, message me like this...

Ignoring the cute emoticon at the end of her message I thought about why she would change her mind so quickly.

Did she notice already?

How interesting.

She looks cute and harmless but she's quite sharp, isn't she?

Along with Shibata, I had targeted 12 other students from Class B. The rest weren't as serious as what I did with Shibata, in fact, I didn't even make an appearance in the nightmares I forcibly induced as I did with Shibata.

For Shibata...

It was necessary to give Ichinose enough hints that I was the cause or probably at least related to the cause of the sudden nightmares for about a dozen students.

For now, I simply wanted to get a light hold on Ichinose.

I had initially thought she would contact me just before the Island Exam but this was quite the interesting twist.

Before the talk with Nagumo, I just planned to have Shibata drop out on his own. It would've been so funny how the class she promised to take together till the end would already have a dropout without any clear reason.

And at worst there would just be blind suspicion towards me.

The original goal was just to scare Ichinose but things have changed.

If I want to save this world then I'll have to first fuck it up.

I had to completely destroy the foundations this world was built on.

In a perfectly natural way, I will integrate Dream Dungeons into this world and that would be the start of the chaos.

And the grand finale of this chaos?

Hehe, soon... Very soon.

I closed my eyes and told Ichinose to meet with me tomorrow before forcing myself to sleep in embrace of my sweet and sharp Kiryuin.

...

The morning rays pierced through the window and landed on the bed illuminating both Tatsuya's and Kiryuin's faces.

Kiryuin's eyes fluttered open. She rubbed her eyes before letting out a yawn. She picked herself up and separated from Tatsuya, propping herself against the backrest.

She winced from the soreness she felt. Her entire body felt like it was receiving jolts of electricity. She brushed her hair with her hand checking her body.

Not a hint of any smell or sweat. She felt unprecedentedly clean and she almost felt like she didn't even need to shower.

Her eyes landed on the sleeping Tatsuya. His hair wasn't done and messily covered half his face. He almost looked adorable... Almost.

Magic was truly convenient.

She sighed and pulled the blanket over herself before caressing her stomach. Her eyes fixed themselves on the pack of pills lying on the table beside the bed.

It was birth control.

"Magic again? When did he get these?" She whispered to herself before leaving the bed. She noticed the new set of clothes on the floor.

Kiryuin's lips twitched as she eyed the ripped uniform in the corner. Now that she thought about it, when did he rip her clothes apart?

Feeling a little confused Kiryuin noted this small detail before getting dressed. She picked up the pills before leaving the room.

She didn't bother informing Tatsuya because she knew at this point he didn't care whether she left or not.

...

The moment Kiryuin left the room Tatsuya opened his eyes and let out an amused smile.

"She took the pills with her huh...? I wonder what she'll choose, she seems torn about it."

Tatsuya rose and got dressed as well before heading to meet Ichinose, leaving the fate of him being a father entirely on Kiryuin.

He genuinely wanted to see what choice she would make and he would in no way interfere.

After all, that was what made life interesting.

-x-X-x-

On a fine Saturday morning, I made my way to the most popular cafe in the school.

Pallet Cafe was really a great source of beverages, this was something I had to admit. While the prices were a bit over the top, according to Hirata you could get one re-fill which in my opinion justified the price.

Ignoring the occasional stares I received I made my way towards the cafe after exiting the dorm. Ichinose should be waiting for me there already.

But surprisingly the campus wasn't as crowded as it should be on a Saturday. Could it be because of the end-of-term exams?

If I'm correct after two weeks we'll have our exams and just after that would be the Island Exam disguised as a Cruise Vacation.

It'd be funny seeing the looks of despair on the faces of my classmates.

I should quickly wrap the matter up with Ichinose and her class.

Thinking of this I pushed the door to Pallet open and entered the cafe. After turning my head a bit I spotted the fair hand waving at me from afar.

The lock of cherry blonde hair was hard to not notice after all, despite Pallet almost being full.

There were a few people around Ichinose. I didn't recognise them but after seeing me they took a step back in apprehension.

"Looks like Yamamoto-kun's here everyone, we'll talk next time." Ichinose waved at the few students surrounding her.

"Alright, cya later Ichinose-san!"

They bid goodbye and left together as a group. I didn't pay them any attention and merely sat down in front of Ichinose.

An interesting thing to note was that one of the male students from earlier had discreetly taken a picture of me and Ichinose.

Why would he do that? What was the point of that photo when Ichinose and I were sitting in public?

Shaking my head I greeted Ichinose.

"I'm sorry for calling you out of the blue like this!" Ichinose spoke with a weary tone full of exhaustion and I finally noticed a few details.

Her face was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes.

"It's fine, I wanted to talk to you as well." I replied without much interest before revealing a reminiscent tone, "It's been quite a while since we've had coffee together, hasn't it?"

"Mmhm," Ichinose smiled sadly while humming in agreement. "Before we talk I'd like to apologise on behalf of Kanzaki-kun. He really didn't mean to say such hurtful things, he was probably just stressed out by the situation with Shibata-kun."

"Hmm? Are you referring to him insulting Suzune?"

I remember Kushida telling me about this.

Ichinose nodded before muttering, "Looks like both of you are really close to each other..."

"It's nothing special but Ichinose," Even I couldn't help but feel a little pity for her, "Why do you force yourself like this?"

"What do you mean Yamamoto-kun?" Ichinose tilted her head in confusion and at the same time, both of our coffees arrived.

Ichinose's eyes lit up and she wanted to grab her cup of coffee but hesitated before eyeing me. Rolling my eyes, I drank first, savouring the taste.

Seeing me enjoy the coffee Ichinose also picked up her cup and took a sip full of contentment. Her eyes practically lit up.

She really was in need of that coffee.

I guess being the guest she wanted me to have the first drink. Well, not that I was too familiar with Japanese customs.

"Why do you force yourself to be a leader Ichinose? You're not suited to be one."

I spoke bluntly but Ichinose wasn't mad, she lowered her head and gripped her coffee cup, silently listening to me rant.

"You don't have to take the burden of the class on your shoulders. You don't have to force yourself to feel responsible for your classmates. Look at you, you're looking like shit and what for?"

"Hehe," Ichinose giggled and I let out a sigh.

"It's somewhat cute how you're worrying about me, Yamamoto-kun." Ichinose shook her head with a smile, "It's true that I'm a bad leader. It's true that I'm not suited to lead the class. It's true that I don't have to force myself to accept this role but Yamamoto-kun..."

She raised her head and locked her gaze with mine.

"They trust me."

"The class wants me to be the leader. How can I break their trust so easily?" Ichinose's hands started trembling, "That's why... That's why I really really need help Yamamoto-kun. Please help me..."

The sheer sincerity in her voice made my heart help. It was admirable how much she was willing to bear for her classmates.

"You're asking me about the nightmares half your class is facing, right?"

Ichinose flinched, probably wondering why I knew this but a moment later happiness flickered in her eyes. My words had given her enough hope.

Since I knew the situation beforehand perhaps I also had a solution...

That was her train of thought.

"But what if I'm the cause of it? Wasn't that your suspicion after seeing Shibata's condition?" I smiled and asked.

Ichinose hesitated briefly before shaking her head with a bitter smile. "I'm sorry for accusing you like that. It was really rash of me... The rest of the students haven't said anything about you, instead, they keep telling me how all of them are repeatedly getting killed by monsters in their dreams... I'm so lost... I'm so lost... I just don't know how to deal with this situation."

"...I'm tired, Yamamoto-kun." Ichinose took another sip of her coffee and I contemplated her words.

"Why do you think I can help you? Getting killed in their dreams by monsters? That's a ridiculous thing to complain about, tsk." I clicked my tongue and drowned the rest of my coffee.

Ichinose stiffened from my response.

"I..." Ichinose sighed, "I guess I was just trying my luck."

Interesting.

Bam!

At the same time, a loud sound erupted from behind us. Someone had kicked the door of Pallet rather roughly causing all the students inside to jump in their seats.

Ichinose jerked in her seat, probably taken aback due to her drowsiness.

I turned my head and was met with an unexpected surprise.

A group of five students had brazenly entered and walked arrogantly across the cafe. It was a group consisting of two females and three males.

My lips twitched as I crossed gazes with the leader of the intruders.

"My my, If it isn't the Tyrant of Class D and the Angel of Class B. Don't tell me both of you are out on a date like this while both of your classes are in shambles? Wouldn't that be exciting news to tell?" A rather uncouth voice sounded.

The tall man with magenta-colored hair gestured with his finger and the large black muscular student wearing sunglasses behind him clicked a photo of me and Ichinose.

Another sigh escaped my lips as I muttered the name of the man that just entered the cafe.

"Ryuen..."

But if this wasn't enough there was another surprising guest.

Shiina Hiyori.

The corners of my lips inevitably rose.

My eyes were instantly drawn to the slender girl with hair colour similar to a glacier.

It was beautiful.

Her eyes were a shade of purple carrying a gentle yet distant look in them. It gave off a contradictory feeling of wanting to be alone and yet needing companionship.

A split second was all I needed to note these details and I averted my eyes from her. I didn't need to give Ryuen a new excuse to tease me.

"You're quite the busybody aren't you?" I chuckled and ignored what he said.

"How rude. You think that low of me?" Ryuen feigned sadness before pulling a chair over and sitting down forcefully propping his hands on the table.

The other four remained standing so I'll assume he doesn't plan to linger for long. Though I do find it amusing how subservient they are.

And what was Hiyori doing with the school bag in her hand on a Saturday morning? Don't tell me she's walking around with books.

"I don't remember inviting you, Ryuen-kun," Ichinose spoke flatly and Ryuen was a bit surprised.

"How harsh... You usually act like some saviour of the world. That mad I disturbed your little rendezvous with your secret boyfriend huh?" He laughed before sending Ishizaki to get him some coffee.

"Looks like you're bored of pestering the little girl." I spoke remembering a little incident from last week, "A molestation charge was a bit much no?"

Ryuen's expression didn't change, he simply laughed my question off, "It's sad what happened. I can't believe I could witness such behaviour from a student of the little girl's class."

"Uhm... Is little girl Sakayanagi Arisu?" Ichinose seemed perplexed as to why both me and Ryuen were talking like that.

I ignored her and so did Ryuen, he looked at Ichinose for a few seconds making the air awkward before turning to me.

"I heard Class B's having a rough time due to you." Ryuen leaned back into his chair in a relaxed manner.

"I did nothing."

I wonder, is he trying to gauge the truth from me? But it doesn't seem like he should care much about what I was doing with Ichinose.

"Oh really? Why was she pointing fingers at you about how the football boy was crying while ringing your name out? It'd take a dumbass to not believe you did something."

"Trying to shift the topic from your fake molestation charge huh?" I snickered and Ryuen sighed.

"I knew it..." Ichinose muttered and Ryuen targeted her, "What do you know? Focus on your own class blondy."

He snorted before turning to me again, "Don't make light of the case. Don't tell me you look down on poor Manabe for getting molested. How disgusting."

"You're quite talented with words despite looking like a brute."

Ryuen's lips twitched, "You're no different."

"Wrong. I'm way more elegant than you."

I joked and stole the coffee that was meant for Ryuen and took a sip slowly and gracefully.

A vein popped up on his forehead and Ibuki was on the verge of losing control of her laughter. At the same time, Ichinose giggled and Ishizaki looked helpless.

Hiyori had a soft smile on her face while Albert looked no different from usual.

Why the fuck is he wearing sunglasses inside a cafe?

"It's amazing how similarly annoying both you and the little girl are. Especially that runt, she talks as if she would've taken the world over if not for her disability." He snorted in disdain and I shrugged.

"So where were we? Oh right, the fake molestation cas—"

"Can you stop bringing that up? It's as if you're sad you weren't the one molesting her." His crude words made my eyebrows rise.

"I would never molest anyone," I spoke seriously and Ryuen was taken aback.

"Woah, why getting so serious? I was just making a harmless joke, right?" He looked back at his gang and they nodded their heads.

"What do you think Hiyori, Does Yamamoto look like a molester?"

Hiyori shook her head and I felt happy.

Getting approval from others for not looking like a molester was so amazing!

...

What the fuck is this conversation even about anymore?

I shook my head, looks like Ryuen won't let me talk about it.

"The poor guy is getting judgemental looks from most of the students on campus because of you, Ryuen-kun."

Ichinose was always dubious of the claims of molestation precisely because it was Ryuen who was part of it.

"You're only saying that because we didn't have much evidence to incriminate the loser who molested Manabe." Ryuen shook his head, "I expected more from a woman like you."

"Let it be Ichinose, a man is guilty until proven innocent in this world. That's just how it works." I said to which Ryuen laughed.

Ichinose ignored him and got up from her seat. She bowed lightly before me, "I'm sorry for disturbing you like this. I guess I needed to vent out a little, see you later Yamamoto-kun."

...

She left and Ryuen got up before sitting where Ichinose was. He smiled and looked at me, "The eye candy left. Let's talk about more important things now shall we?"

"So that's why you've been disgusting her huh..."

Ryuen shrugged, "She'd add nothing to the conversation in the first place."

"This wasn't supposed to be a conversation between you and me in the first place you retard. She left because of you, tsk."

"Eh so the cold and ruthless tyrant of Class D is a lecher?"

"You'd have to be impotent to not be attracted to her. Do you...?"

"What the f*ck?" Ryuen cursed out, "Yeah she's hot but she ain't my type. Now stop changing the topic and tell me what's going on between you and the student council."

"That's a bold and foolish question." I shook my head, "Even if there was something why would I tell you? You can't be this dumb, Ryuen."

"Well, yeah. I tried talking to the Council President but he didn't even bother responding. That Nagumo guy just laughed and said I'm overreaching. I thought I'd try my luck with you."

"Sorry to tell you but you're out of luck."

Why were he and Ichinose both trying their luck out?

"Hmm..." Ryuen went silent for a few seconds before laughing out loud, he then pointed behind him and smirked, "Are you lucky enough to survive a beating from Albert?"

His words made me pause in my tracks as my face stiffened.

Was I getting threatened right now?

Hiyori frowned and Ishizaki looked excited. Ibuki's face on the other hand didn't change just like Albert's.

"This is amazing, hahaha~" I unintentionally laughed, "Are you serious?"

"Of course not. It's just a joke..." His tone definitely indicated otherwise, was he afraid that I was recording our conversation?

Oh wait, he's probably recording the conversation instead if I think about it.

"So if I don't reveal why I have so many points you'll beat me up, is that right?"

Ryuen crackled and grinned, "Obviously not, I'd only do that if I were a bad person."

My lips twitched.

"I'm glad, after all, you're such a good guy Ryuen. Thank god you're not a brute that thinks violence is the answer to every question."

"Snarky little asshole aren't ye?" Ryuen clicked his tongue in distaste before ordering another coffee after pulling a waiter over.

"You guys should sit down as well." I gestured for the rest of them to take a seat because of Ibuki and Hiyori.

Precious little dolls like them shouldn't have to exert themselves like this, especially Hiyori.

They each happily took a seat from a nearby table and sat down in a circle. The table wasn't too big considering it was supposed to be only me and Ichinose but it was manageable.

Ibuki sat on my right while on my left was Albert. Ishizaki, Ryuen and Hiyori sat in front of us.

"It's nothing special, I've got a little hold on the president, that's all."

"Is it related to that cold beauty?" Ryuen raised a brow and asked in interest.

It wasn't hard to make a connection since that was probably the only way a first-year like me could get a hold of the Student Council President.

"Perhaps," I muttered while taking another sip from the coffee that was supposed to be Ryuen's.

"Isn't that interesting?" Ryuen tapped the table, "Yamamoto, let's make a deal." He grinned and his eyes shone in excitement.

"Hmm?"

Ryuen spoke of his plan and I found myself staring at him incredulously. What a bold idea he had. Even his companions seemed to not be aware of this decision of his.

Hiyori in particular was frowning. But she wasn't one to object to the leader's decision. She might advise him later against it but I doubt it.

"So that's why a molestation case in particular..." I muttered, "I guess it only worked because you picked the right guy for it."

I praised him and he smirked.

"That slimy bastard's already gotten two girlfriends in the span of a few months. It'd be stupid to target anyone else besides him. Plus it seems like he, Kito and Kamuro are already on the little girl's side. Hashimoto dug his own grave kukuku."

Ryuen crackled in amusement and I nodded as he continued.

"Not to mention those bastards from Class A really think they're some hot shits huh? Had to drag them down from their pedestal. Though that does make me wonder... You—" Ryuen narrowed his eyes, "Why are you in Class D?"

"... I don't know."

"Really? Seems pretty suspicious you know?"

"I think no differently. Look at it, Koenji, Horikita Kushida and even someone like Hirata is in Class D. What's the big deal with me being there too?"

"Koenji is a completely arrogant loner. Horikita has nothing but book smarts. Kushida and Hirata don't seem competent besides having a good social network." Ryuen seemed to be convinced of his reasoning but he frowned at the same time, "Though that doesn't seem to merit Class D. There's definitely some interesting reason behind the allotment."

"Maybe." I shrugged, "Well I agree with your plan, do as you wish. Though I'll warn you, despite being an arrogant crippled runt, Sakayanagi isn't someone easy to deal with. Helping Katsuragi might just backfire on you."

"You don't have to worry about it." Ryuen waved his hand and enjoyed his coffee.

"Alright, I'll take my leave then."

I got up and made my way past them. I intentionally went past Hiyori and glanced at her bag, I feigned a surprised expression which she should've caught.

Ryuen probably noticed it too but he didn't pay attention, it seemed like there was something on his mind.

"Oh by the way Ryuen," I turned back and smiled, "Don't touch Suzune."

"Oh my, how scary." Ryuen's voice echoed in my ears as I left, "And what if I do?"

"I'll kill you."

...

I left the cafe and made my way towards the dorm. Since Ryuen interrupted my conversation with Ichinose I had to go finish it.

There wasn't much time left so I had to make sure it was dealt with.

I quickly called her, "Where are you?"

Ichinose seemed surprised by the blunt question but since the earlier conversation was probably still in her mind she decided to answer.

[Ichinose- I'm in my dorm room.]

"Alright, I'm coming over."

[Ichinose- Huh, Wait—]

I hung up the phone and quickly reached her dorm room.

I could hear the sound of frantic footsteps which made me chuckle. I knocked on her door and a few seconds later a small slot was opened from which Ichinose peeked out, "Uh...Hello?"

My lips twitched.

"Open the door."

"But, but..." Ichinose mumbled, "My room's a mess right now!" She blurted out and embarrassment clouded her flushed face.

"Alright, I'll wait."

Being the gentleman I was I smiled and pulled the door towards me closing it, surprising her.

I could hear a muffled thanks and the frantic footsteps began to appear again.

"How adorable."

...

"What's he so arrogant for?" Ibuki muttered while drinking her milkshake with a content look.

"Let's beat him up, Ryuen-san!" Ishizaki pumped his fist in the air and Ryuen gave him a hard slap.

"H-Huh..." Ishizaki muttered while rubbing his cheek, "Why...?"

"Are you retarded?" Ryuen snorted in disdain and contemplated whether he should slap him again but after looking at the pitiful face he was making he let it be.

"What do you think Hiyori?" He asked her and Hiyori seemed to be thinking of something.

"Oye, I'm asking you something."

"Oh..." Hiyori muttered before lowering her head, "I don't think there's anything in particular we can do against him though at least we've got something on him now."

Ryuen nodded in agreement, "Looks like the Ruthless Tyrant of Class D is a sweety at heart. Kill me? Kukuku."

Ryuen chuckled but the look in his eyes was anything but jest. Only he knew how serious Yamamoto was when he was speaking.

"Does he really think he can beat us all in a fight? I feel irritated." Ibuki muttered with a frown and Ishizaki seemed happy that she was agreeing with him, "See!"

"Are you asking for a beating? Privileged little kids like you won't stand a chance." Ryuen laughed in their face and a vein popped up on Ibuki's forehead, "Who are you calling a privileged kid?"

"You don't have it after all." Ryuen spoke before relaxing in his seat with a pondering look, "You didn't feel the bloodlust at all."

"Stop being cringe," Ibuki made a disgusted face.

"I don't know about Yamamoto but I'll definitely kill you." Ryuen rolled his eyes, "I've lived my life on the streets. Do you have any idea how many times my life was in danger? Kukuku. I've sensed it many times, and chances of me dying have occasionally popped up. It's a feeling that even drowns the adrenaline coursing through my body while brawling."

"Hmph, useless thug," Ibuki muttered to herself, though she did admit fighting had its own pleasure.

"Why would I lose to him? I've trained in martial arts all my life!" She argued and Ryuen showed an interested look.

"Alright, go fight him. Ask him for a friendly spar, I heard that Yamamoto introduced Martial Arts as his hobby no? Go and test it out yourself kukuku."

"You think I won't? Just you wait. I'll knock that smug look off his face." Ibuki harrumphed and stormed out of the Cafe.

"Oye Ishizaki, follow her from now on. If she fights Yamamoto then record the fight."

"Ryuen-san," Hiyori whispered, "...Will she be alright?" She seemed concerned.

Ryuen seemed to be thinking about it.

"Nope."

-x-X-x-