"Underidoderidoderiododeridoo."
—Winston Churchill.

New writing style. Beware of dog. And remember to vote or, uh, no goth girls to crush your head?
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A bustling school cafeteria, filled with the hum of chatter and clatter of trays. Long tables, mismatched chairs, and the aroma of reheated food. Students line up for pizza slices, mystery casseroles, and cartons of milk. Bright fluorescent lights cast a sterile glow over the lively, chaotic scene.

Well, aside from Koenji over there with his three-course, five-star exquisite dishes. Combing his hair as a couple of well-defined seniors spoon fed the ego maniac his grapes.

—But that's beside the point!

Right now, this very moment on the first official day of school in ANHS, was I! Alongside my life-long companions: Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, Hirata Yosuke, Karuizawa Kei, Sato Maya, Matsushita Chiaki... And Shinohara.

Yippee!

Alas, those will be my classmates for the following three years of my life, if I don't get a surprise brain aneurysm for my birthday in the following months.

Shinohara: "Huh, L/N-kun!?" called out the brave feminist against the tyranny of myself, "You can't just say these types of conspiracy and source yourself!"

She points at me who was evilly sipping his lemonade, the shadows of my locks casting towards my eyes.

Karuizawa and her fellow gyaru comrades were, understandably, confused. The blonde, alongside other girls, thought this day would be peaceful day. Full of Hirata and my occasional funny quips.

Well, that was the case five minutes ago. But, unfortunately, I had fully immersed myself with the role of the lemonade villain!

Y/N: "But it is true!" I defended my claims with honor. "Through my extensive research into vampire lore, I've uncovered a disturbing trend: vampires, with their centuries-old existence and immortal youth, could technically be considered eternal adolescents."

 "Imagine, beings who never age past their teenage years, roaming the night and forever fixated on teenage love interests! I mean, how else do you explain a 300-year-old vampire swooning over a high school senior? It's a paranormal case study waiting to happen, and I'm convinced there's a dissertation, perhaps a thesis in here somewhere—'Vampires: Eternal Adolescents or Immortal Predators?' It is a fascinating concept, on paper. They should at least wait until the person matures emotionally! That argument could be made with what people know as 'loli', too. It is a strange world we live in."

Ayanokoji, my favorite cutie patootie, was (totally) into it. I could tell from a single glance that he does NOT regret my invitation by even the slightest inch. I would be greatly depressed if THAT were the case.

Shinohara was obviously flustered from my statement and was on the verge of exploding onto my face. Not my perfect scarred face! I needed to divert.

Perfect? Far from it, you—

Not now, inner demons. Double it and give it to the next person.

You'll regret this.

Y/N: "Rejoice!" I proclaim, as I slam my vitamin C glass onto the desk, startling my fellow classmates and possible innocent passerby. "For, I, am about to monologue!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round as we delve into the untold saga of lemonade—yes, the humble, refreshing beverage that, believe it or not, altered the very fabric of Japan's economic landscape."

"You see, while others were distracted by trivialities like 'technological innovation' and 'global trade agreements,' the true powerhouse of economic reform was none other than the unassuming lemonade stand."

"Picture it: a hot summer day, the sun blazing down, and there, on a bustling street corner, stands a young entrepreneur—armed with nothing but a pitcher of freshly squeezed lemons, a cup of sugar, and the audacity to charge a premium for a cold, tangy delight. Little did they know, they were sowing the seeds of a citrus-fueled economic revolution!"

"Now, in a country renowned for its technological prowess and intricate tea ceremonies, one might wonder how a simple lemonade could wield such influence. But let's not underestimate the power of vitamin C! For, you see, it wasn't just the vitamin that boosted immunity—it was the economic immunity that these lemonade stands provided."

"In a time of financial uncertainty, when stock markets were as unstable as a Jenga tower in an earthquake, lemonade became the liquid gold that stabilized the economy. With every sip, consumers were not just quenching their thirst but also pouring money into a burgeoning industry." 

"The 'Brad Effect'—as we scholars of lemonology have dubbed it—saw a surge in the cultivation of lemons, the rise of artisanal lemonade makers, and even the birth of the 'Lemon Futures Market,' where investors speculated on the price of citrus. Who knew that such a sour fruit could yield such sweet profits? Of course, we must acknowledge the irony that a nation so deeply rooted in tradition and meticulous craftsmanship would find its economic savior in a child's lemonade stand."

...

My yapping session came to a halt as it concludes.

Let it be known.

Let it be known that a lemonade monologue is the longest monologue in this book.

"..." I left my table speechless. Matsushita was giving me a kind smile, but I could tell I had her dumbfounded with my eloquent speech.

Hirata: "T-That's so cool, L/N-kun!" He chuckles nervously and wipes a droplets of sweat from his forehead. "It's good to know we have such an energetic and passionate classmate with us!"

While Shinohara and Sato were still recovering from the whiplash of information I forced into their brains, it seems Karuizawa was giving me a poutful glare.

Karuizawa: "Ne~ Hirata-kun, you're way too kind." She voiced, scooting closer to Hirata. "Last I checked you're Japanese, not Yappanese, L/N-kun."

I was shot, boiled, deep-fried, cooked and died on the spot.

...not really. My eyes only widened and use Sato as a shield.

Y/N: "S-Sato-san, a talking lemon is threatening me!" I stuttered like a frightened child seeking refuge with his mother. "Save me, she has a knife!"

I should probably mention that I was seated between Ayanokoji and Sato. Across from me were lemon-chan and feminist-chan. Matsushita was beside lemon, to her left.

Karuizawa the Lemon: "What the—" It happens that I struck a nerve of hers and boldly getting up from her seat and slamming her palms on top of it, making me shriek. "I'm just trying to enjoy lunch and you're out here picking a fight!"

Defensively, Sato Maya, spread out her arms. Her blue orbs sparking as she stares down the the violet irises of Karuizawa. I was there and pretty in the background. Hi!

Sato: "Stay back, foul Demoness— or rather, foul Lemoness!" her brave voice echoed throughout the group.

The scenery around me changes, there was no longer a cafetria. Instead, a dimly lit cave with golden stacks and stacks of lemons spread throughout it. Within it was a brave knight named  Sato Maya, shielding the innocent, pure and frail prince/bard (that's me!) from the blast of a dragon named Karuizawa. 

Matsushita: "Oh my, looks like you won't be able to escape the lemon allegations, Lemon-chan~" giggling, the elven cleric teased the beast. "So please don't bully L/N-kun, Karuizawa-chan."

Karuizawa, Death, the Destroyer of Worlds: "M-Matsushita—you as well?!"

The half-orc barbarian, rather Shinohara, was still recovering mentally from the vicious essay. The archwizard, Ayanokoji, was silent. His words were only reserved for battle with his cool and dull eyes. He rose a brow in amusement... or judgment, perhaps.

Hirata, a ranger we picked throughout the forest, was holding back the bea—

Shinohara: "Enough!" 

Suddenly, the reality around me shattered like my hopes and dreams and I was back in school.

Tsk...

Shinohara Satsuki points dramatically at me, like a defense attorney who does not know I had updated the autopsy report last minute.

Shinohara: "How did you derail this conversation to lemons when we were reviewing Twilight?!" her outburst led me to believe that she was slightly upset.

"..." I steal a glance at Koji-kun to which he shrugs before I address the group.

Y/N: "The hell is Twilight?" 

That was a genuine question from my side. From my one month of researching media before attending this school, I did not come across... whatever Twilight was.

For some reason, the girls thought I was a sinner from the deepest grounds of inferno, not even Virgil would get me out of this one, considering that Hirata himself was surprised.

AYANOKOJI, SAVE ME!

It so happens that Ayanokoji can alter reality. The moment he sunk his teeth into a sweet bun, music started to play from the speakers, and an announcement followed.

"At five PM Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in the Gymnasium Number one. Students interested in joining a club, please gather in the Gymnasium. I repeat—"

It was a girl with a rather sweet voice that spoke those words. Now, now. This is rather intriguing. A club? Should I join one? I'm not one for after-school activities. Never has been, despite not having a choice within that household—if you can even call it that...

But right now I have the liberty of choice, the freedom of speech and action. I doubt I'll join one because I'm a lazy ass guy, but this IS a conversation topic card that was given to me as a freebie. Maybe a possible hangout action. Life truly is weird and I am all for it!

Y/N: "You guys thinking of joining a club?" I took initiative with the topic, despite the fact it'd be brought up no matter what. It is a canon event. Hirata was the first to reply.

Hirata: "Well," he cleared his throat, "I want to check out the socc— I mean the football club!" 

Being the gentleman that he is, he quickly corrected himself in my presence. I suppose he does not want me to fall of my chair twice.

Unfortunately for this little group of ours, I saw the horde approaching.

Women, men of woe. They had reached us before we could even react.

And their goal is simple...

"Hirata-kun! Do you want to walk with me—"

"Will we see you practice—"

"Can you oil up or my dog gets diabetes—"

"I don't know why I'm here."

Karuizawa: "H-hey!"

Well... that was unfortunate.

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After the unfortunate separation from the group due to Hirata's unlimited charisma, Ayanokoji and I were the sole two survivors of such scandalous event. I must say, it hurt a bit seeing that none of them came with us two.

I reckon that they don't see me in the same charismatic way, rather a comic relief. Oh well, it did go better than I imagined. Can't have too much expectations with my first real lunch hangout. We were strolling and passing time together.

Y/N: "You were rather quiet there," I said to my chest-nut haired companion. "I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."

Ayanokoji: "No, don't dwell on it. There were too many people for me to interject, L/N." He replied with his usual dryness. "Plus, it'd be weird if I spoke of topics I am not involved in nor know of."

I nod, stretching my arms upwards with a heavy sigh.

Y/N: "You're probably right," 

It was unfortunate, I was rather hoping to see how social can he be when forced into it. But then again, the girls mostly overtook the topics with what sorts of clothing they bought, or what café they should hang out with. 

I merely gave my two cents before I started to mess with the boring topics and derailing them elsewhere. That, or maybe this is how conversations go... Yeah, that's possibly it.

Still wondering on what I should do for my first prank that won't get me suspended. There was the idea of putting firecrackers that initiate when the toilet led gets opened. It'd lead to health problems towards... y'know.

Y/N: "So..." I put forth a halt to our march before smirking at him. "Who's your type?"

After all, the girls we hung out with today could be considered, in my subjective opinion, some of the most beautiful girl's within our classroom. And, from sources I've read, one of the main topics high-school boys and girls converse and bond over are relationships and crushes.

Ayanokoji: "Hm," he ponders a while, giving my words consideration. "I didn't take you for the type to talk about that, L/N."

He's not surprised by my question, for better or worse.  Yet, it still hurt from the way he said it.

Y/N: "Hey now," I scoff with folded arms. "What's that supposed to mean?" I said feigning offence. "Are you saying I don't have a romantic bone in my body, Ayanokoji-san?"

He raises a brow, his expression unreadable. 

Ayanokoji: "Not at all," He replies evenly. "I just didn't expect you to be interested in gossiping about crushes, that's all."

Y/N: "Well, excuse me for being curious about your taste in potential life partners," I retort, trying to lighten the mood with a playful grin. "Or is that too mundane for the 'enigmatic' Ayanokoji?"

I made sure to add flair in the last sentence while pointing playfully.

Ayanokoji: He chuckles softly (well, he tried), a rare sight. "Fair enough," he concedes, his stoic demeanor softening slightly. "If you must know, I admire intelligence, independence, and someone who isn't afraid to challenge conventional norms."

Oh my~

Shut up.

He totally made that up.

Oh definitely.

To be honest... I thought he'd say something along the lines of "I don't have a type." or "It's too early." Safe to say, I was not left disappointed.

Y/N: I nods thoughtfully. "Interesting," I reply, genuinely intrigued. "So, the mysterious loner type, huh? I guess that fits."

Ayanokoji: He gaze lingers at me. "And what about you, L/N? Who's your type?"

Oh my~

Shut the fuck up!

Let's see... I don't particularly have a type. Surprising even to myself, there are many types of women of whom I find attractive. For example; Chabashira-sensei.

An example of many.

"A tall girl with a big ass" is a viable option as well.

But outright saying that after Ayanokoji's answer is just boring and uncool!

Y/N: Pauses for effect, before grinning mischievously. "Oh, you know me," I say, feigning nonchalance. "I'm into mythical creatures who haunt libraries and wear glasses."

Ayanokoji: Raises an eyebrow again, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Is that so? Quite the specific type."

I couldn't help but laugh lightly at this... for some reason.

Y/N: "Hey, what can I say?" I said with a wink. "I appreciate a good bookworm with a sense of style." 

Ayanokoji: Hums before replying. "I'll keep that in mind."

Y/N: I smirk. "Good. Now that we've shared our deepest desires, shall we continue our quest through the high school jungle?"

Ayanokoji: Nods. "Lead the way, L/N. Just try to keep the mythical creatures to a minimum."

Y/N: I laugh again. "No promises.

Look at him throwing sass at me.

You sassy lassy~

Seriously what the fuck is wrong with you?

You know damn well what's wrong with YOU, mistake. Perchance I remind you, dog?

Kindly buzz off to the back of my mind.

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Classes had finally ended for the day, and as usual, my attempts at mastering the art of sleeping with my eyes open were proving more challenging than expected. The school environment buzzed with activity, but today felt rather different.

I observed my classmates with a mix of curiosity and detachment. Most of them were engrossed in activities unrelated to the day's lessons—gossiping in hushed tones, buried in manga, glued to their phones, or just being rowdy for the sake of it. It was a stark contrast to the disciplined façade the school projected, proud of its achievements and backed by government funding. Yet, here we were, a microcosm of Japan's societal complexities.

Japan, a land where conformity often overshadows individuality. Stand out, and you risk being legally bullied into compliance. The government's hand is always present, promising but with strings attached. Only the second day here, and already my expectations were dwindling.

"Oh, look who thinks they're some kind of rebel," mocked a voice in my head. "Anarchy mindset, huh? So different and special." It was the voice of dissent, perhaps rightfully suspicious of everything unfolding around us.

But another voice countered, "No, let him ponder. His skepticism is valid." In a society that prizes harmony and collective well-being, skepticism can be a form of self-preservation.

The first voice interjects back in, "Skepticism or not. Government funded or not. This behemoth should be grateful to lay foot on here instead of rotting in the outskirts,"

Amidst these thoughts, my attention was drawn to my desk neighbor. A girl with pink hair and glasses, avoiding eye contact as she hurried out of class. Before I could register her actions fully, a yawn escaped me, and I quickly covered it with my hand.

I notice the lack of reflection from her glasses despite the sun's seeping rays towards us. As if her glasses lacked lenses.

I glanced at my textbook, still open on my desk, its pages filled with equations and diagrams that seemed to mock my own scattered thoughts. Is that a triangle with a S&W 500 Bone-crusher?

Turning to my left, I caught sight of Horikita Suzune, the raven-haired ice queen of our class. She sat with an air of elegant indifference, her expression sour as she surveyed the chaotic scene before us. Her gaze, sharp and discerning, seemed to dissect each student who dared disrupt the sanctity of our supposed haven of education.

In that moment, amidst the clash of ideals and the discordant hum of youthful rebellion, I couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface of this prestigious institution. What secrets were hidden behind its façade of academic excellence and government endorsement? As the day wound down and the evening sun cast long shadows through the classroom windows, I knew this was only the beginning of unraveling the mysteries that lay ahead.

I couldn't help but admire her composure amidst the chaos. While others chattered or goofed off, she remained a stoic figure, as if untouched by the distractions around her. It was as though she existed in a realm above the mundane concerns of high school life—a realm where discipline and ambition reigned supreme. That admiration, however, wavered as I recalled the incident from yesterday when she had nonchalantly thrown a can at me. Truly, an ambitious soul of whom I preferred to keep my distance.

Before I could dwell further on my thoughts, Ayanokoji interjected, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled between us.

Ayanokoji: "Hey, Horikita—"

Horikita: "No. I'm not interested in joining a club with you nor L/N-kun."

...

HOW?!

WHY?!

The abruptness of her reply hung in the air, leaving us momentarily stunned. How had she arrived at such a conclusion so quickly? It seemed almost supernatural, as if she could read our intentions with uncanny precision. Perhaps, I mused inwardly, she possessed psychic abilities or was gifted with empathic insight. Or maybe, in my more whimsical thoughts, she was a witch of sorts, capable of divining motives with a mere glance.

I shot him a sidelong glance fraught with silent urgency: "Stop. Save yourself while you still can from this devil!". This woman was no delicate tsundere to be pursued with romantic intent; she exuded an aura of danger, a tempest waiting to unleash domestic turmoil upon any unsuspecting soul.

Ayanokoji: "But I haven't said anything yet," he protested, bewildered by her preemptive dismissal.

Oh, it appears I have misunderstood. I couldn't suppress a wry smile at the unfolding scene, realizing my earlier misinterpretation. The dark-haired enigma finally turned to face Ayanokoji, her expression unapologetic and impatient.

Horikita: "Well, what is it then?" she demanded curtly.

Ayanokoji: "Are you interested in joining a club?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

The three of us were too stunned to speak.

A part of me wished it was another bizarre hallucination, akin to imagining someone transforming into an NFT and bombing Moscow. Alas, reality had a peculiar way of weaving unexpected narratives, and we were merely players in its whimsical script, where reality and imagination often danced in perplexing harmony.

Horikita: "Ayanokoji-kun, are you an idiot?" she glared, expressionless somehow.

It was less of a question but more of a confirmation method. As much as I disliked my first impressions of her, I couldn't disagree. I wondered why the emotionless Ayanokoji is so adamant on befriending her. Could it be a canon event?

Before the enigmatic Ayanokoji Kiyotaka could respond, Horikita turned to meet my gaze. 

Horikita: "L/N-kun, take him away and humor him with your stupidity. I am sure you two will entertain each other long enough for me to be unneeded."

Why is she so rude to me as well?!

As Horikita's sharp words cut through the air, I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and indignation. Her attitude towards Ayanokoji was one thing, but now she was directing her dismissive demeanor towards me as well, someone who had barely said a word throughout this entire exchange.

Ayanokoji, surprisingly unfazed by her harsh tone, glanced at me with a hint of apology in his eyes.

Y/N: "Horikita-san, forgive me for saying so, but you seem to have mastered the art of dismissing people before they've even spoken. Impressive, really."

My tone was lighthearted yet pointed, aiming to draw a reaction from her while not escalating the tension further. Horikita's eyebrows twitched ever so slightly, caught off guard by my direct approach.

Horikita: "I call it efficiency."

Her response was curt, yet there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes, as if intrigued by my audacity. Like a villain who stares down at the puny mortal, challenging it's authority.

Y/N: "Efficiency, hmm? Well, I'll give you points for honesty, but how about a dash of politeness?"

I flashed a grin, hoping to inject some levity into the conversation despite the underlying tension. Ayanokoji shifted subtly, perhaps amused by my unconventional approach.

Horikita: "Politeness is overrated."

Y/N: "Fair enough, Horikita-san. But here's a thought—what if we could surprise you? You might find that we're not as predictable as you think."

I tilted my head slightly, meeting her gaze with a mixture of challenge and curiosity. Ayanokoji remained composed, observing the exchange with a quiet intensity.

Horikita: "Surprise me? I highly doubt that." She scoffed. "You look like someone who ate their booger as a child, L/N-kun."

Her skepticism was evident, but there was a faint glimmer of interest in her eyes. It seemed my boldness had sparked a flicker of curiosity.

"Ate a booger as a child? Kill her!" I shake off the thought.

I let out a heavy sigh, slumping in defeat. My arm proceeds to cover my eyes.

Y/N: "Such a shame..." I muttered quietly, "And there goes the plan of having our very own Hermione, seems like it's back to just the two of us, Ayanokoji-kun." 

I stretch my arms before sealing a yawn before it escapes me.

Y/N: "I wonder if our seniors can give us life advice there. It is a school festival, after all. We're bound to meet a couple or two."

Ayanokoji nodded in agreement, his presence lending a quiet support to my words. I was practically being a devil playing with Horikita's temptation for knowledge to persuade her to join us.

Even if she knows my intentions, which I'm sure she does from my over-dramatization, my words still are true. 

Horikita's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly wary of the sudden shift in conversation. Despite her apparent disinterest, I could see the gears turning in her mind, evaluating the possibilities. Her curiosity was piqued, if only slightly, by the idea of the school festival and what it might offer beyond the mundane. Mwehehehe~

Horikita: "You're wasting your time," she finally said, her tone dismissive but lacking the usual sharp edge.

Y/N: "Perhaps," I conceded with a shrug, "but isn't a little wasted time better than no time spent at all? Besides, who knows what interesting tidbits we might uncover from our seniors. Even if we don't learn anything groundbreaking, at least we won't be bored."

Ayanokoji: "It's not as if there's anything to lose," Ayanokoji added, his voice calm and measured. "You could treat it as an opportunity to observe. You seem to excel at that, Horikita."

Her gaze flicked between the two of us, as if weighing our words. I could sense her internal struggle, the push and pull between her instinct to remain aloof and the faint allure of what we were suggesting.

Horikita: "Fine," she finally said, a sigh escaping her lips. "But only because I can't stand the thought of you two embarrassing yourselves without supervision." She glared at me during the last sentence.

Ouch~

Y/N: "I'll take that as a 'yes,'" I said with a grin, exchanging a quick glance with Ayanokoji, who gave a subtle nod of approval. This calls for a celebration!

Horikita: "Don't misunderstand," she warned, her tone firm. "I'm not doing this for you. I'm just making sure you don't make fools of yourselves. As entertainig as it would be to watch one of you flail about and fail at making friends, the other is a complete buffoon. If things get too ridiculous, I won't hesitate to leave."

"All she ever does is insult us," a voice hummed. "Sign of insecurity on her behalf. You've heard worse, this is cakewalk."

"What an unpleasant woman." Another remarked. "It'll come back and bite her if she keeps going like this."

Y/N: "Fair enough," I replied, still smiling. "We'll try to keep things within the realm of sanity, then."

As we began to make our way towards the area where the clubs were gathered, Gymnasium #1, I couldn't help but feel a small sense of victory. Horikita may have been stubborn and aloof, but even she couldn't resist the potential for new knowledge, even if it came in the guise of a simple school festival.

Ayanokoji walked beside me, his expression as unreadable as ever, but I could sense a faint amusement in his demeanor. Horikita, trailing slightly behind, maintained her usual air of detachment, but there was something different now—a slight shift in her presence that hinted at a reluctant interest in what lay ahead.

Y/N: "So, any particular clubs that catch your interest, Horikita-san?" I asked, glancing back at her as we navigated through the bustling festival grounds.

Horikita: "I'm here to observe, not to join," she replied coolly, her eyes scanning the various booths and displays.

Y/N: "Of course, of course," I said, holding up my hands in mock surrender. "But if something does catch your eye, don't be afraid to let us know. We're here to experience everything, after all."

Horikita didn't respond, but I could see her considering my words. Whether or not she would admit it, I knew there was a part of her that was curious, that wanted to see what the festival had to offer beyond just a superficial glance.

Lo' and behold, the club fair!

...That still hasn't started. We did, however, receive pamphlets as we entered the dragon's den.

Ayanokoji: "There are more people here than I expected."

True to his words, the Gymnasium had over a hundred students in the vicinity. Due to its large size, it somehow made everything within seem small. There were colorful banners, posters, booths until the end of the road with several students standing by each and everyone. It was lively to say the least. Yet it remains in the controlled chaos phase. My mind shudders at the horde when the fair begins. I already felt overwhelmed.

Horikita, on the other hand, looked slightly irritated by the crowd, her arms crossed as she tried to keep a safe distance from the bustling masses. Despite her earlier reluctance, I could tell she was assessing the situation, perhaps identifying which clubs might hold some value—if any—to her.

Y/N: "Well, this is more lively than I expected," I said, trying to keep the mood light as I flipped through the pamphlet. "Looks like we've got a lot to choose from. Sports clubs, arts, academics... even some more niche ones like the Tea Ceremony Club. Fancy that, Ayanokoji?"

Ayanokoji glanced at the pamphlet I held out, but his expression remained neutral.

Y/N: "Tea Ceremony Club, huh? You'd look pretty refined pouring tea, Ayanokoji-kun," I joked, nudging him slightly with a teasing smirk.

Ayanokoji: Shrugs. "It might be an interesting way to spend time."

Horikita rolled her eyes at our exchange but didn't comment, her gaze drifting over the various booths. Despite her earlier declarations, I noticed her lingering for a moment on a booth promoting the Literature Club. It was a fleeting moment, but it didn't escape my attention.

"Doki doki~" A voice rung in my head.

Y/N: "Anything that catches your eye?" I asked her directly while looking at the club's booth. 

Horikita: "Not particularly," she shakes her head. "I'm simply here to observe,"

Y/N: "Well, observation is a good start," I said, as we continued to walk past booths. "Who knows, maybe you'll find something that surprises you."

"Psst..hey!" The voice whispers in my head again. "This is your mangled brain, here to remind you about the book she read 'Crime and Punishment'."

Thank you, brain.

Y/N: "Come to think of it, did you already finish your book from yesterday?"

My red-eyed desk neighbor gaze meets my own, her eyes narrowing as she considers my question.

Horikita: "I did finish it. Why do you ask?"

There was a guarded edge to her tone, as if she was expecting some sort of teasing. I decided to take a different approach, hoping to catch her off guard.

Y/N: "Just curious," I said, offering a small, genuine smile. "You seemed really into it. I figured it might have left an impression on you. It's not every day someone picks up Dostoevsky for fun."

Horikita studied me for a moment, clearly trying to gauge whether I was being sincere or just making small talk. After a moment, she responded, her voice softening just a little.

Horikita: "It's a complex book," she responded, her voice even. "The themes of morality, guilt, and justice are handled in a way that forces you to think deeply. But I doubt most people would find it enjoyable."

Ayanokoji, who had been quietly observing our conversation, spoke up.

Ayanokoji: "It's not often you see someone our age voluntarily reading Dostoevsky. What drew you to it, Horikita?"

Horikita glanced at Ayanokoji, then back at me, her expression softening just a fraction.

Horikita: "I wanted to challenge myself," she admitted. "To understand the darker aspects of human nature, the decisions people make when pushed to their limits. It's not a light read, but it's... rewarding in its own way."

I'm quite glad she didn't immediately shut us down. Plus, having someone talk about something you read can be enjoyable from my own experience.

Y/N: "Sounds intense," I said, genuinely intrigued. "But it also sounds like something that would spark some interesting discussions. Maybe even at the Literature Club? You can discuss Raskolnikov and  Svidrigailov there."

Ayanokoji: "I agree with, L/N." 

I sure have a love-hate relationship with depressing Slavic literature. Which, for some reason, reminds me of German fairy tails...if you can call them that. As I spoke, the memory of their fates left a bitter taste in my mouth, an unsettling reminder of how deeply the book had affected me.

"Oh, how touching," a voice in my head sneered, dripping with mockery. "Are you seriously getting sentimental over a book? Or does it hit a bit too close to home? Maybe you see a bit of yourself in those characters, do you?"

The voice caught me off guard. My body jerked slightly, a shiver of surprise racing through me. I quickly masked the reaction with a forced, casual smile, trying to regain my composure.

Horikita and Ayanokoji, engrossed in their conversation, didn't seem to notice the momentary lapse. I took a deep breath, shaking off the unsettling feeling and refocusing on the discussion at hand.

"Admit it," the voice taunted. "The struggles of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov—maybe they're not just fiction. Maybe their conflicts are reflecting something about your own life, your own choices. But hey, keep hiding if it makes you feel better."

I pushed the thought aside, forcing a more relaxed expression as I re-engaged with Horikita and Ayanokoji.

Y/N: "But seriously, Horikita, if you ever decide to join the Literature Club, you might find some interesting perspectives. It's always good to dive deeper into those kinds of themes with others who appreciate them."

Ayanokoji nodded in agreement, the two were clearly oblivious to the internal battle I was fighting. I maintained my focus, determined not to let the inner voice's provocations affect the conversation. 

How bothersome... Even with those doses, they don't shut up.

Horikita: "I'm not interested in joining a club just for the sake of conversation," she said, her tone dismissive. We tried.

Y/N: "Fair enough," I stare at Ayanokoji who shifts his gaze back to the pamphlet.

I decided to end the book talk here, our conversation shifts back to the club fair.

Ayanokoji: "I wonder if this school has famous clubs. For example, something like karate."

Horikita: "Every club seems to operate on a high level. It looks like many athletes and club members are famous throughout the nation."

They are doing the narration for me, dear mind reader.

Ayanokoji: "These facilities are significantly more substantial than ordinary schools. Look, they even have O2 chambers. The equipment here is so luxurious, it puts the professionals' stuff to shame." He finally reaches the end of the leaflet. "Oh, it looks like they don't have a karate club after all."

Horikita: "I see."

Y/N: "That's a surprise," I commented. "Karate is our national martial art. It's kind of dumb not to have one." An exasperated sigh escapes me.

Ayanokoji: "You two are interested in karate?" He inquired, pocketing the pamphlet.

Horikita: "No, not particularly." An expected answer.

Y/N: I shrug, feigning disinterest. "Not in the mood to have my ass handed to me on a silver platter."

"Yeah, right. Like you'd even last a second in the ring,"  the first voice in my head mocked, dripping with sarcasm. "You're all talk. We both know you'd crumble faster than a cheap stunt double."

A new voice, colder and more cutting, sliced through the sneer.

"Oh, please. Spare me the act,"  it said with a disdainful edge. "It's almost pathetic how you try to downplay it. Hiding behind excuses again. Does it not get old?"

The sneering voice faltered, its confidence wavering. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Always quick to call out the flaws of others but never willing to face your own. If you're so keen on avoiding a real challenge, maybe it's because you're afraid of what might happen if you actually succeed."

"Afraid?"  the second voice cut in sharply. "More like unwilling to confront the reality of your own potential. You can keep pretending you're just another face in the crowd, but deep down, you know that's a lie. And it's eating you up inside."

Then, a third voice—calm and reassuring—interrupted the argument.

"Ignore them," it said soothingly. "All this noise is just a distraction. You know who you are and what you can do. Don't let them pull you into their game. Focus on what matters to you, and don't waste energy on their criticism."

I blinked rapidly, shaking off the internal commotion. Taking a deep breath, I forced a casual smile, smoothly transitioning back to the conversation

Y/N: "Maybe it's like Fight Club." I mused. "First rule of fight club: you don't talk about the fight club. Second rule of fight club: you do NOT talk about fight club."

"..."

"..."

Y/N: "Aw, come on!"

"Thank you all for waiting, first-year students. We will now begin the club fair. A representative from each club will explain their function. My name is Tachibana, the student council secretary and the club fair's organizer. It's nice to meet you all."

After the opening remarks from Tachibana, several representatives quickly lined up on a stage. Tall, short, muscular, petite, second or third years were all over the place to recruit the first years. I saw kimonos to which I approve, I love those beautifully tailored attire.

Y/N: "Hey, Ayanokoji-kun," I said with a mischievous grin, "Since you were so insistent on karate, why not try the judo club? It's also a national sport." I pointed dramatically at the imposing figure of the judo instructor, a giant of a man clad in his burly attire. "Koenji wishes he were half as beautiful."

Horikita: Joins with a smirk. "If you're looking for a fresh start, someone who avoids trouble, I'm sure that upperclassman would be more than happy to 'encourage' you."

It seemed like Horikita and I were on the same wavelength. I was teasing, but her comment had an edge of serious warning.

Ayanokoji's eyes widened as he looked at the instructor.

Ayanokoji: "What do you mean 'kind'?! He looks like a gorilla! He'll kill me for sure!" He snapped.

Horikita: "He'll probably talk about how easy judo is." Her expression remains deadpan.

Ayanokoji: "Cut it out!" He shot back.

I couldn't decide whether to focus on Horikita's subtle bullying or the rare crack in Ayanokoji's typically composed demeanor. Despite his usual neutrality, it was clear he was rattled this time

I guess he isn't so emotionless.

Horikita: "Fine," she scoffed before shifting her gaze at me.

I felt an awful chill run down my spine. Oh no.

Horikita: "What about you, L/N-kun? You seem like you can handle him."

Y/N: I leapt back, waving my hands defensively. "No thanks, I choose life!" My voice was a mix of frantic and slightly higher-pitched, underscoring my point.

Ayanokoji was...

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Ayanokoji's barely concealed smirk. His usual blank expression didn't hide the hint of smug satisfaction radiating from him.  A smirk only I could see.

You bastard! You're actually enjoying this, aren't you?!

Despite his calm demeanor, I could sense his amusement. It was a small victory for him, and it only made me more determined to keep my own reactions in check.

"No balls," My ancient reptilian brain mocked.

As we strolled through the bustling gymnasium, an upperclassman from the archery club approached us with a determined smile. Her pitch was clear: they needed more members to secure a budget increase.  If I didn't who knows what my brain will replace her ramblings with, it already made the first impression of my class perceive me as a class clown weirdo, and the first assembly with the Student Council President and Chairman a debate about femboys. Those depressants hitting different today. 

Her honesty was almost refreshing, but my attention was more on how to use this to my advantage, specifically in annoying Horikita.

Y/N: "Hey Horikita, did you see that? Archery club is recruiting. Ever thought about becoming a master archer? I mean, you already have the intense gaze down. It's practically a perfect match, you'd be the next Katniss Everdeen!"

Horikita raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of skepticism and mild irritation. The usual. 

Horikita: "I'm not interested," her rejection came sharp. " I don't see why I should join every club that passes by. I'm here to observe, not to indulge in your fantasies."

I grin at her, undeterred in the slightest.

Y/N: "Come on, Horikita-san! Just picture it—you, standing at the range, arrows flying, everyone watching in awe." I mimicked shooting an arrow from an imaginary bow. "Horikita, the Ice Arrow! Or probably a cooler sounding title would befit the ice-queen herself, yes?"

Horikita: "I have neither the time nor the inclination to join every club that solicits us." Her reply was cold. "Archery might be entertaining for you, but I prefer to focus on more meaningful activities."

Y/N: "M-more meaningful than traditional archery?" I gasp theatrically, placing a hand on my chest. "How? Archery is about precision, composure, and control. If you put as little effort as you did with the can throw yesterday, you'd be the new champion! It's basically a physical manifestation of your entire personality. It's like this club was made for you!" 

Horikita: "We've only interacted twice." Her indifference was noted. "Plus, I only served to discipline your perverse side, I am not afraid to do so again when you cross the line,"

Y/N: "Ouch. You wound me," I rubbed my left wrist with a weary smirk. "But imagine how satisfying it would be to land a perfect bullseye after a tough day. You could take out all your frustrations on that little red dot. Therapeutic, really."

I was too much for her to handle. She sighed, clearly done with the conversation.

Horikita: "Your persistence is admirable, but it's unnecessary." She shook her head. "If you're so enamored with the idea, why don't you join the archery club yourself? I'm sure they'd appreciate your enthusiasm."

I pretended to consider it for a moment, then shook my head.

Y/N: "Nah, I'd rather watch you excel at it. I'm more of a spectator in this scenario, cheering you on from the sidelines. Plus, I'd probably poke my eye out with an arrow."

I playfully winked with my right eye whilst pointing at the scar on my left. The archery denying girl shot me a withering look.

Horikita: "Then this debate is settled. We'll leave the clubs to those who wish to indulge themselves with it. Now, please stop pestering me about one."

Y/N: "Fine, fine... But if you change your mind and become a legendary archer, remember who gave you the idea. I promise I'll only take a small percentage of the fame. Heck, I'll help you with the nickname!"

Just as I finished my spiel, Ayanokoji, who had been quietly observing our exchange, chimed in with a deadpan remark.

Ayanokoji: "You both are getting along."

Horikita gave a side glance to the quiet companion, a look of exasperation.

Horikita: "Don't be as irritating as him, Ayanokoji-kun." She then shifted her gaze back to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'll keep that in mind. But in the meantime, your attempts at persuasion are noted, and ignored. We have more important things to do. For example, why are we wasting time instead of focusing on gathering information from the seniors?"

Y/N: "Ah, right...Bleh~" I muttered under my breath. "I may have forgotten about the whole ask-the-seniors-for-information thing. A little whoopsie daisy on my part."

"..."

There was a pause, just long enough for me to realize I might have pushed it too far. Horikita's silence was telling, and I braced myself for what was coming.

Without warning, she swiftly brought her hand down in a sharp chop to my side.

Y/N: "Ow?" I stared at Horikita, dumbfounded, as I rubbed the spot where she'd struck me. "Rude."

Horikita didn't even blink. 

Horikita: "That was a reminder to stay focused."

Y/N: "Was that supposed to hurt? Jeez, no wonder you were interested in karate."

She gave me a look that suggested she had plenty more where that came from. 

Horikita: "No, it was supposed to get your attention."

Before I could retort, Ayanokoji spoke up again, his voice as calm as ever.

Ayanokoji: "Horikita's right. We should prioritize gathering useful information rather than debating about clubs."

Y/N: "Alright, alright, I'll play along," I sighed dramatically, though a grin still tugged at the corners of my mouth. "But don't think I'm giving up on the nickname idea, Horikita-san. You'll see. I'll come up with something so good, you'll be begging to join the archery club just so you can use it."

Horikita: She rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming, L/N-kun. Now, let's move on."

As we started walking again, I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of satisfaction. Even though she hadn't given in, I had managed to get under her skin, if only just a little. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

Y/N: "So, Ayanokoji-kun," I began, eager to shift the focus, "since you're so keen on gathering intel, any specific seniors we should target? Maybe someone who's easily swayed by my charming personality?"

Horikita shot me a look. 

Horikita: "Charming isn't the word I'd use."

Y/N: "Oh? What word would you use then, Horikita-san? I'm all ears."

Horikita: "Exasperating."

Y/N: "Ouch. You wound me." I placed a hand over my heart, pretending to be hurt.

Horikita didn't bother responding this time. Instead, she simply turned and walked ahead, leaving me and Ayanokoji to catch up.

Y/N: "You know," I said, lowering my voice as we trailed behind her, "for someone who claims to be all about efficiency, she sure spends a lot of time arguing with me."

Ayanokoji glanced at me, his expression unreadable. 

Ayanokoji: "Maybe that's because you're the one always starting the arguments."

Y/N: "Touché," I admitted with a laugh. "But you've got to admit, it makes things more interesting."

Ayanokoji remained silent, but I could have sworn I saw the corner of his mouth twitch, just the slightest bit. Be it a smile or a sneer are up to debate.

Horikita: "Let's not waste time..." She let out a heavy sigh, holding the bridge of her nose.

Ayanokoji: "So, uh..." He broke the silence between us. "Should we split up or.."

Horikita: "If we did that, then what was the point of us banding together?" She pointed out, tiredly.

Ayanokoji: "Right."

Well, this'll take a while...

.

.

.

.

.

Y/N: "Well, that was anticlimactic."

I sighed, leaning against the wall in the corner of the gym where we had gathered after our interrogation sessions with the various upperclassmen club members/representatives. Despite our efforts, none of them had offered anything beyond the most basic information—details we already had access to. Not a single hint, no foundation to build theories on. One might argue this was a pointless endeavor. I can't help but feel frustrated at being kept in the dark, yet somewhat intrigued.

Horikita: "I agree," she replied, her tone thoughtful as she lightly tapped her chin. "It was rather disappointing. Everyone we spoke to seemed either vague or only offered information we could have easily found on our own."

Ayanokoji: "They did seem reluctant," he added, his hand casually tucked into his pocket as he leaned slightly forward. "Almost like they were deliberately holding back. It felt... suspicious."

Y/N: "You guys think they might be under some kind of NDA? Like, they're not allowed to disclose anything beyond the basics?"

I glanced between them, curious to see if they were on the same page.

Horikita: "It's possible," she acknowledged, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "Though it does seem a bit unreasonable, I wouldn't put it past this school to enforce something like that."

Ayanokoji: "Which means," he continued, his voice steady, "we won't be able to get a head start on whatever they're keeping under wraps. And if that's the case, was this a waste of time?"

Y/N: "Maybe," I admitted with a shrug, crossing my arms. "But it depends on how you look at it."

Ayanokoji: "How so?"

Y/N: "Well, it's clear that something big is waiting for us down the line—something they're deliberately keeping us in the dark about. It's a government-funded school, after all. They're not just going to let us breeze through without a few curveballs."

Horikita: "Hm..." She hummed thoughtfully, her eyes drifting to the side as she considered my words.

Y/N: "Think about it," I continued, "they're trying to catch us off guard. The fact that they're being so tight-lipped about everything means there's definitely something we're not seeing yet. Something they want to spring on us when we're least prepared. The question remains on what it is."

Horikita: "You may be right," she conceded, though her expression remained as stoic as ever. "But that only means we need to be more vigilant. We can't afford to get complacent."

Ayanokoji: "Then our next move should be to prepare for the unexpected," he suggested calmly. "If they won't give us the information, we'll have to anticipate it ourselves. Only time will tell at this rate."

Y/N: "Exactly," I said, pushing off the wall with a newfound sense of determination. "We've got to stay on our toes. If they want to play mind games, we'll just have to outsmart them."

Horikita: "I'm not sure if it's that simple," she remarked, her voice laced with skepticism. "But I agree that we should be prepared for anything."

Ayanokoji nodded in agreement, and for a moment, the three of us stood in silent understanding. Despite the lack of concrete information, the encounter had given us something to think about—something to be wary of.

Y/N: "Well, if nothing else, at least we know they're hiding something. That's better than nothing, right?"

Horikita: "It's something," she replied, though the look in her eyes suggested she was already thinking ahead to the next challenge.

Ayanokoji: "Let's stay focused on what's in front of us," he said quietly, my head tells me that he was already plotting the next steps. 

Y/N: "Agreed," I said with a grin, trying to lighten the mood just a little. "And if all else fails, we can always challenge them to a game of archery. Right, Horik—?"

My teasing words faded as I turned to face her. Horikita's expression had changed, her usual sharpness replaced with an almost ghostly pallor. She stood frozen, like one of those characters in a horror movie who realize they're about to meet their end. I braced for the usual 'weak' chop to my side, but it never came. It was as if my words hadn't reached her at all.

Ayanokoji: "Something wrong, Horikita?"

Nothing...

His voice was calm, but I caught the slight narrowing of his eyes, a sign that he too had picked up on her sudden shift.

I followed Horikita's line of sight, my gaze landing on an upperclassman no taller than 170 cm, with dark hair and a single crimson eye peeking from behind his glasses. Recognition hit me like a ton of bricks.

It's him... John Student Council!

Well... not really. He was Horikita Manabu.

Horikita...

Oh.

.

.

.

It didn't take long for the club representatives to finish their speeches on the stage, leaving just one figure standing. The third-year upperclassman, who was most definitely her older brother, commanded the attention of every first-year in the room.

Horikita Manabu's gaze swept over us, cold, calculating, and judging. The sharpness of his glasses only intensified the scrutiny in his eyes. As he stood behind the microphone, a chilling silence settled over the gymnasium. The air felt heavier, as if his mere presence demanded respect and obedience.

My whimsical side was dreading the possibility that he might be a 'super senior,' one of those legends who haunted the school year after year. I could almost picture him wielding his authority like a sword, slicing through the ranks of first-years. But my logical side dismissed the notion just as quickly. He wasn't here to terrorize us for fun; he was assessing us, weighing our worth. After all, this was our first official day, and the scrutiny made sense.

I stole a glance at the club representatives who had returned to their booths. Almost everyone's eyes were locked onto Horikita Manabu, a mix of respect and apprehension etched on their faces. Some even looked nervous, their gazes dropping as if they feared meeting his.

This much authority... it reminded me of back home.

And just like that, a question gnawed at the back of my mind: What does it take to earn that kind of respect in this place?

"................."

"..."

"..........."

Uh...

He's not saying anything.

He's just standing there.

Menacingly?

I can't keep narrating the hype, dude. Say something!

I don't believe he's drawing blank, nervous nor did he forget his speech, the reaction of the representatives tell me as much.

"Do your best!"
"Did you forget to bring your notecards?"
"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

The first-year students hurled comments at him. However, the upperclassman stood on the stage calmly, without much of a flinch. The laughter and the comments did not provoke a reaction out of him, he was like a statue. When the laughter had reached its crescendo, it suddenly died out.

He wore an apathetic expression.

"What's with this guy?" Remarked a student, astonished. The gymnasium buzzed with people talking, yet the boy on the stage did not move. He simply stood there, quiet, motionless, and perhaps soulless, staring fixedly at the crowd. Horikita Suzune stared back at him with intensity, not breaking her line of sight even momentarily.

As if some sort of chemical reaction took place, the atmosphere of the once lively gymnasium flipped and turned upside down. It was now unbelievingly tense and quiet. Despite the fact that no orders were ever given, it felt as if everyone was gagged from the terrible silence. Not one student dared to open his or her mouth.

It continued like this for what felt like an eternity, but it was thirty seconds or so...

Then finally...

Manabu: "I am the student council president. My name is Horikita Manabu," his words broke the silence and no one dared to interrupt.

I saw Ayanokoji's gaze flicker between Manabu and our Horikita, it seems like he finally made the connection.

Manabu: "The student council is looking to recruit potential candidates among the first-year students to replace the graduating third years. Although no special qualifications are required for candidacy, we humbly ask those considering application not to be involved in other club activities. We generally do not accept students involved elsewhere."

His tone was soft—too soft for the tension it created. Yet it was this very softness that made it all the more intimidating. The ability to dominate over a hundred first-year students who were laughing and mocking him not even a minute ago, it gained my interest.

It wasn't his position that silenced them. No, no. It was Horikita Manabu himself. No wonder the upperclassmen were nervous around him.

Manabu: "Furthermore, we in the student council do not wish to appoint anyone who possesses  a naïve outlook. Not only would such person not be elected, he or she would sully the sanctity of the school. It is the student council's right and duty to enforce and amend the rules, but the school expects more than that. We gladly welcome those who understand this."

Not even a single pause during the speech. Such eloquence—smooth as a sword's edge. Immediately after he finished speaking, he stepped off the stage and left. No words were uttered as we watched him go. It seems everyone was too afraid to interrupt or speak out. The only audible think was the shuffling of a few, most held their breath.

My mind drifts back to his last paragraph: Naïve outlook? The school expects more?

How fun...

Tachibana: "Thank you all for coming. The club fair has ended. We will now open the reception area to those interested in signing up. Also, registration will be open until the end of April, so if any student wishes to join at a later  date, we ask that you please bring the application form directly to the club you wish to join."

Thanks to the student council secretary, the organizer of the fair, the tension quickly dissipated. Afterwards, the third-year students started to take applications. 

"..."

I wasn't interested in joining any club. But the words of Horikita Manabu really hooked me.

.

.

.

The tension slowly evaporated from the room, replaced by the usual chatter and excitement of first-year students eager to join clubs. Yet, my mind was far from the noise around me. I couldn't shake Horikita Manabu's words from my thoughts. Naïve outlook... the school expects more... What was he really saying? What does this school truly expect from us?

"This is fascinating," Conceptualization whispered, its voice tinged with curiosity. "A man who commands respect with nothing but his presence. What's his secret? What makes him different from the others?"

"He's dangerous," Half-Light growled, a low, almost primal warning. "You felt it, didn't you? The way he looked at us, like he already knew everything about us. Like he could see through you. He's not someone to underestimate."

A shiver ran down my spine, not just from the lingering chill of Manabu's gaze but from the creeping sense of unease that Half-Light had injected into my thoughts. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being sized up, evaluated like a pawn on a chessboard.

"Calm down,"  Volition's voice cut through the fear, steady and reassuring. "This is no different from any other challenge you've faced. Don't let the fear control you. Assess the situation rationally, and act accordingly. You're capable of more than you think."

Volition's words brought a sense of clarity, a lifeline in the storm of conflicting thoughts. But even as I tried to ground myself, Half-Light's paranoia gnawed at the edges of my mind, urging me to be cautious, to prepare for the worst.

"You think you're safe because you're blending in," Half-Light hissed, its tone urgent. "But you're not. He's already noticed you. The moment you crossed paths with his sister, you were on his radar. You can't hide from him. He SAW you with her, Ayanokoji  as well."

"Hide? Who said anything about hiding?"  the strategic voice interjected, its tone cold and calculating. "This isn't a game of cat and mouse. It's a chess match. If you want to survive, you need to start thinking several moves ahead. Horikita Manabu isn't just an opponent; he's a potential ally—or a dangerous enemy. The choice is yours."

The internal debate raged on, each voice pulling me in a different direction. But Volition remained a steady anchor, keeping me from spiraling into panic or reckless action.

"Breathe,"  Volition urged, its voice calm and collected. "Remember why you're here. You're not here to play their games, but to win. And winning means knowing when to fight and when to observe. Right now, you observe. Learn everything you can, and when the time comes, you'll know what to do."

I nodded to myself, a subtle movement that no one else would notice. The voices quieted, each retreating into the background, though I knew they were still there, waiting for the next moment of indecision or danger.

"But don't forget," Half-Light's voice whispered one last time, a lingering echo in the back of my mind. "He's watching you. And he won't hesitate to strike if you give him a reason."

Volition, the comforting logic within me, spoke next. "Stay focused, Y/N. His authority isn't to be feared but understood. This is just another puzzle, and you excel at solving puzzles. Keep your composure."

Before I could let Volition's reassurance sink in, another voice, colder and darker, slithered into my consciousness. "Oh, how amusing," it sneered, dripping with venom. "Look at you, pretending to be normal. But you can't hide from me. You're just biding your time, aren't you? Waiting for the moment when you'll show them what you really are. A monster, a freak... Nothing you do will change that."

I felt a chill run down my spine, the voice stirring something primal within me. It was always there, lurking, waiting to remind me of what I'd rather forget. For fuck sake, not now. Why now? You all were quiet yesterday.

But I didn't let it show. My face remained impassive, my demeanor unchanged. Inside, however, the voices clashed, a cacophony of thoughts and emotions battling for control.

"Why do you even try?"  The voice hissed, relentless in its torment. "You can't escape me. No matter how much you pretend. And one day, they'll see it too."

"Focus," the sane voice whispered, more gently this time. "This isn't the time for self-doubt. Manabu said the school expects more—so give them more. Play the game, but play it on your terms, bide your time. You've done it before. You can do it again. I believe in you."

.

.

.

Ayanokoji: "Hey, Horikita, what's wrong?"

I snap back to reality. The gravity remains still.

"....................."

Horikita remained silent, staring straight ahead as if she hadn't heard a word. Her usual confidence seemed shaken, and for a brief, fleeting moment, I almost wondered if she was having her own internal struggle—like the one I faced every day. But no, that was unlikely.

Ayanokoji's gaze flicked towards me, silently asking, "L/N-sensei, what's your move?" I stepped forward, knowing exactly what I had to do. And then...

Flick.

I flicked her forehead.

Horikita: "Eek!" Horikita let out a small, startled screech. Cute, but completely out of character for her.

Y/N: "Hey, I've been trying to reach you over your car's extended warranty." I grinned, trying to bring her back to the present with a bit of humor. But my smile faded quickly as I saw the distant look in her eyes. "Seriously though, are you okay?"

She blinked.

Horikita: "I-it's nothing!" She was clearly rattled, trying to regain her composure. "I was merely pondering some thought. I'm fine."

"She's not fine."  My empathetic side whispered, grounding me in reality. "She didn't even retaliate for the flick. Something's definitely off."  Continued my logical side.

Ayanokoji: "Are you sure? You seem... out of it." He probed, but not forcefully.

Y/N: "We should probably get out of the crowd. It is getting hard to breathe around here."

Though our intentions came from the heart, Horikita's eyes flashed with annoyance, but there was something else too—something she was trying hard to hide. 

Vulnerability.

Horikita: "I said I'm fine!" Her tone was more defensive. "I really dislike repeating myself, so don't make me say it again."

"Dangerous territory," the voice of Half Light warned, urging caution. "Pushing her further could backfire. Back off before she snaps."

There is nothing to work on here, I doubt messing with her will bring any salvation, she was stubborn.

Y/N: "Say..." I started. "That guy, he was your brother, correct?"

Her reaction was immediate, her eyes narrowing in a way that almost screamed 'back off.'

Horikita: "That is none of your concern, L/N-kun." She seethed, the vulnerability now covered by a defensive mask.

"She's hiding something," Empathy whispered, picking up on the subtle cues in her voice and posture. "Her anger isn't just at you—it's at herself, for losing control."

"Of course she's pushing you away," my inner demon hissed, its voice cold and cutting. "You're nothing but a monster trying to play at being human. You think you can connect with her? She'll see through you soon enough. You never should have broken your cage, dog."

"Relax," Volition spoke followed by my empathetic side, "she's overwhelmed and defensive. Let her be, let her cool off a while."

Ayanokoji: "Since we did what we came here to do," he broke the silence,  "and with the fair being over, feel free to head back if you both want to."

Horikita: "Then I'll take my leave. Goodbye." She did not need to be told twice immediately started heading to the exit, not even glancing back. Her posture stiff, and her pace brisk.

"..."

"..."

Ayanokoji and I were left standing there in silence, watching her go.

Y/N: "Maybe go with her, Ayanokoji-kun," I suggested, keeping my voice neutral. "She was definitely out of it."

Ayanokoji: He raises a brow at me, curious. "What about you?"

Y/N: "I'll walk around a bit, then head back to the dorms," I explained with a shrug. "I doubt she'd appreciate my presence right now, especially not after... all that."

Ayanokoji studied me for a moment longer before nodding slightly. He wasn't one to argue, especially when things were already this tense. Without another word, he turned and followed after Horikita.

I was left alone with my thoughts—and the voices.

"She's overwhelmed," Empathy murmured softly, analyzing the situation with quiet concern. . "She's dealing with something heavy, and your prodding didn't help. But don't blame yourself too much—you couldn't have known."

"But you should have known better,"  Vex retorted, its tone laced with disdain, cynical as always. "You always think you're playing it smart, but you're just stumbling around, trying to pretend you're something you're not."

I clenched my fists, forcing the thoughts down. Volition, ever the voice of reason, stepped in. 

"Don't let it get to you," it advised, calm and steady. "You're doing your best to navigate a difficult situation, something far outside your usual experience. This isn't your old turf; you're learning as you go. Focus on what you can control, and let the rest go. It is what it is."

"She didn't even look back." Empathy mused, still discussing that moment. "Her fear, her frustration... they were palpable. But there's more to it, something deeper that she's hiding. Something simple yet profoundly affecting her."

"And what does it matter?" Vex hissed, its voice dark and venomous. "You're wasting your time trying to figure her out. She'll never see you for anything other than the mask you wear. They never do. Remember when they used to look at you with those shaky, teary eyes? When you could silence an entire room just by entering it? Those wide, terrified eyes... they knew what you were capable of, kiddo."

My grip tightened, nails pressing into my palm, my knuckled turning white.

 There was a time I...?

"And what did you do?" Vex continued, its tone dripping with mockery. "You threw it all away. Gave up everything just to play nice and pretend to be normal. How's that working out for you so far? "

"Ignore him,"  Volition interjected, steady and calm. "You made the choice to leave that behind for a reason. That life... it wasn't sustainable. This is a fresh start, a chance to do things differently. To be something better."

"Better?"  Vex laughed, the sound low and menacing. "You're not better. You're weaker. You've turned your back on what you are. On who you are. But it's still there, lurking beneath the surface. One wrong move, one slip, and all this pretending will come crashing down. Then they'll see. They'll all see."

Half Light cut in, its voice sharp and alert. "Someone's watching you. Look around. Now."

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly scanned the room, my eyes darting from one student to another. For a moment, paranoia gripped me, and I felt a cold sweat forming on the back of my neck. But as I focused, I realized that no one was paying any special attention to me. Just students going about their day, completely unaware of the storm raging in my head.

"False alarm," Volition said, soothing the tension. "Stay grounded. Don't let Half Light's paranoia take over. "This isn't like before. You're not in that place anymore. You're in control now. Not them."

"See?" Vex whispered, almost gleefully. "You're always on edge. Always one step away from losing control. And when you do, when you finally snap... " He laughed mockingly. "There will be no 'haha' and no 'hehe' for you, clown. No one to laugh with..."

I closed my eyes, trying to block out Vex's taunts, but they lingered. I could never fully escape, no matter how much I tried to bury it. A damn shadow.

Such an annoying voice. I want to rip it from my brain stem, silence it for good!

...

But I wasn't that person anymore. At least, I didn't want to be.

Taking a deep breath, I let the tension drain from my body, forcing the voices to quiet down. They never truly disappeared, but I could manage them, keep them in check.

I forced myself to learn that, otherwise I might have been thrown out for my madness.

This was a new beginning, even if the past still clung to me like a shadow.

I am L/N Y/N.

 Yes, yes. That's me. The new me.

The better me.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, snapping me out of my thoughts. I pulled it out, unlocking the screen. A reminder flashed across it, and I almost laughed at the absurdity.

A reminder to take my dosage.

It'd shut the voices down, temporarily. A temporary silence in the chaos of my mind.

But sometimes, it wasn't enough. Like today.

What a fucking drag.

...

...

...

As I left the gymnasium with my hands pocketed, from the corner of my gaze I saw familiar figures.

...

Them.

The upperclassmen who tried to provoke a reaction out of Sudo Ken yesterday. They were huddled together, their faces smug, as if they had already won some unspoken battle.

The ones who told us we'd experience hell the the time comes.

Defectives, they called us.

Perhaps they're right.

...

No one would miss them.

As I continued walking, my gaze flicked briefly toward the upperclassmen. They were laughing among themselves, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside me.

"They think they're untouchable,"  Vex murmured, its voice silky and persuasive. "But imagine this: a subtle play, a move they'd never trace back to you. You could have them wrapped around your finger, none the wiser. You don't have to show them who you are—just remind them that you're not someone to be trifled with."

The idea took root, and I couldn't help but entertain it. There was something intoxicating about the thought of controlling the situation from the shadows, bending it to my will without revealing my hand.

"Think about it," Vex continued, sensing my interest. "You could orchestrate something so subtle, so well-executed, that they wouldn't even realize it was you. A whispered rumor, a carefully placed lie... something to sow doubt among them, make them turn on each other. You'd remain in the background, watching as they destroy themselves."

"Vex has a point," Logic chimed in, surprisingly aligned. "Gather information, identify their weaknesses. A few well-placed words, a hint of misinformation, and you could have them questioning everything. You don't need to confront them directly—let them do the work for you."

Half-Light buzzed with anticipation, feeding on the tension. "But be careful," it warned, tinged with paranoia. "One wrong move, one slip, and they could trace it back to you. Keep your distance, don't get too close. You can't afford to let them know you're onto them. If they strike, break their knees. They have a spare joint up their ass."

"That's the beauty of it,"  Vex purred. "You'll remain unseen, just a shadow pulling the strings. And if things go wrong, no one will ever know it was you. You'll stay safe, anonymous... but powerful. Isn't that what you want? Power without the risk?"

The thought of maintaining control, of influencing events without exposing myself, was tempting. It would be a way to assert dominance without reverting to the brute force that had once defined me. I could be smarter, more strategic. The old me had relied on fear, but the new me could rely on something far more subtle.

"And if they push too far?" Vex whispered, its voice low and cunning. "You always have the option to escalate. They'll never see it coming. And when they finally do... it'll be too late."

The idea of remaining in the shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes, sent a thrill through me. It was a way to reclaim the power I'd once had, without falling back into the same patterns. In a way, it is the entertainment I seek. A way to show that I was still in control, still capable, without losing myself in the process.

They are bad people. Bullies...

But there was a line, and I knew I was dangerously close to crossing it. I could see the path Vex was laying out for me, and it was clear, tempting, promising rewards if I dared to tread it.

But I also knew that once I started down that path, it would be difficult to turn back. I felt like a recovering alcoholic, maybe in another life I am a recovering alcoholic detective who's wife left him due to his insane tie.

"You don't have to decide now," Volition advised, steadying me once more. "Keep your options open. You're in control here, not Vex, not anyone else. Remember that."

I exhaled slowly, letting the tension in my shoulders ease. For now, I'd keep walking, observing, waiting for the right moment to act—or not act at all. The choice was mine, and that was a power in itself.

But the thoughts lingered, the temptation simmering just beneath the surface.

Maybe...

Just maybe.

I'd need more private points.

TO TAHITI!

"By the way," A new voice popped up. "Do you remember naming Vex that way because it sounded similar to sex? Funniest shit ever."

"Shut the fuck up!"

_____________________________________________________________________________

A/N:

So, uh, HELLO!

This started happily and ended with existential and identity crisis... whoops.

Welcome back to this fic after a two year hiatus, I needed that.

Man, oh man! I had so much fun with this one. 11.5K words.

I decided to try a new writing style. I didn't want to immediately jump to the LN style writing when my previous two parts were written like a script. It was difficult to convey emotion, body language and all that rigmarole bullshit. BUT I MIXED THE TWO, HA HA! 

As you may have very well have noticed, I took inspiration from Disco Elysium. I think it was clear that Y/N was a weirdo from the previous parts, this was a more RAW look into him.

I wonder... is he a white roomer? Or perhaps a coomer? Who knows... bleh.

No? Sorry. But hey, uh, remember to vote for more bullshit and write down any ideas you have for the "pranks" you want to pull off.

BTW check out this awesome fic, Outsider, by JombysAright

Amazing COTE fic with dynamics between the MC and Kiyopon. Love the work!

Perfectly Defective by good as well! resevoir315

This fic is amazing as well, you'd love the realistic Sierra_NN

That's only scratching the surface.

There is something about this community and their ability to write amazingly, I wish I had a margin of their prowess. Especially those who make Ayanokoji different.

e.g Checkmate, Chaoskoji, Commisionkoji, Villainkoji, dayum!

Ahem... feel free to write a recommendation for more.