Yamamura Miki SS

What Is Truly Being Observed

Morishita lay on the ground, staring intently at the soil through a magnifying glass.

Yamamura watched this scene silently for over 20 minutes, unfazed.

"Isn't it about time we headed to the meeting place...?"

"It's not time yet. Don't disturb me. Please wait patiently."

"But... the appointed time has long passed...?"

"Then let him wait. In the past, women used to wait, now it's the era of men waiting."

"...I-is that so...?"

Having never heard such a theory, Yamamura questioned her, but Morishita ignored it and continued her observation.

Just as Yamamura was checking the time on her tightly held phone, Ayanokoji's call came through.

"Ah, um, sorry we're late."

As Yamamura looked at Morishita, signaling that they should hurry, Morishita glared back intensely.

Then she made an exaggerated gesture, indicating to hang up the phone.

"Eh, hang up the call? —but—it's already—past the appointed time—we should go—"

"Are you with Morishita by any chance?"

Perhaps growing impatient with the ongoing call, Morishita stood up and approached Yamamura.

"Y-yes, um, please come to the back of the student dormitory. Ah, the phone was—"

Morishita forcibly snatched the phone from Yamamura's hand and hung up.

"Um, I think Ayanokoji-kun might be troubled right now..."

"It's fine, Yamamura Miki. Because I'm testing Ayanokoji Kiyotaka."

"T-testing...?"

After returning the snatched phone to Yamamura, Morishita continued exploring for insects.

"Yes, testing. When forced to wait, what attitude will he show, what actions will he take? How will he treat us? I want to understand these details."

"...Wh-why are you doing this?"

"Ayanokoji Kiyotaka is very suspicious. He wants to use us for something. Also, I've heard a bit from Sakayanagi Arisu. … Oh, this is confidential, okay?"

After saying this, Morishita returned to her silent observation.

Her hips swaying back and forth.

"What am I even doing..."

Even though Yamamura had a pile of questions, Morishita ignored them all.

Chabashira Sae SS

When Did It Begin...

I was waiting near Keyaki Mall for Ayanokoji, who had something to discuss with me.

A consultation from a student.

To be honest, if it were a few years ago, I would hardly have imagined this.

Because I treated students with a cold demeanor, I was probably alienated.

In that state, no one would open their hearts to consult with me.

But recently, students have slowly begun to open up to me.

About their aspirations, employment, friendships.

In the past, and during the current unanimous special exam, I encountered both light and darkness, and I was able to change.

It can be said that this is undoubtedly thanks to Ayanokoji.

He allowed me to face myself and the students.

"But..."

Meeting one-on-one with a male student during a holiday— such a thing I had never even considered.

If it weren't for Ayanokoji, this student to whom I owe an unparalleled debt of gratitude, inviting me, I probably wouldn't have agreed.

It's definitely not that I intend to abuse my authority... but this time is a special case.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Before long, the person I was waiting for finally appeared. Sorry to keep me waiting? Just in case, I checked the time.

"You didn't keep me waiting. There's still some time before the appointed time, so don't worry about it."

More than that, after all, this one-on-one situation is making it hard to stay calm.

"I never thought there would come a day when I'd meet a student at Keyaki Mall."

"You've never done this before?"

"How could I have?"

I haven't met with someone of the opposite sex on a day off since my student days.

Those memories have become faint, and they certainly aren't good ones...

No, that's completely different.

What Ayanokoji is talking about now is the relationship between teacher and student.

In other words, for someone like me who has always kept others at a distance, this is an unprecedented opportunity.

"Ah, is that so? The former Chabashira-sensei would forcibly maintain distance from her students—"

"Ayanokoji, that's a bit much."

"My apologies."

"A simple apology isn't enough to settle this."

"...Is it really necessary to meet at Keyaki Mall?"

If we walk around here, we're bound to be seen by students.

To be honest, it's not an ideal situation.

"I understand how you feel, but this is the best place to meet."

"I'd like to know the reason."

Because Ayanokoji is my student, and nothing more than that.

Considering the matter with Maezono, this is an emergency situation.

If the class is to continue climbing to the top in the future, the presence of Ayanokoji is indispensable.

As a teacher, I must properly care about his psychological issues—

Shiina Hiyori SS

Friend?

Ishizaki-kun was seriously thinking about ways to turn Ayanokoji-kun into an ally.

Although I also thought that would be great, it's still quite difficult to achieve, isn't it?

"Um... then, how about this!"

"How about what?"

As if a light bulb had gone off, Ishizaki-kun's face lit up with joy.

I couldn't imagine what he was about to say, and I felt a bit of anticipation.

"If you come to our class, you can date Shiina! How about that!"

Suddenly, Ishizaki-kun grabbed both my hand and Ayanokoji-kun's hand, making us shake hands.

"Eh, eh...?"

I couldn't understand what was happening, but before I realized it, our hands were already clasped together.

"What kind of sudden proposal is this..."

"That's something your class doesn't have but ours does! How about it!"

"Well, I do have a girlfriend."

"What the heck, since you're transferring classes, you might as well break up with Karuizawa, right?"

Ayanokoji-kun's palm was so warm. As if reacting to that, my own hand unknowingly grew warmer. Realizing this, somehow, I felt a bit shy.

Or rather, why has it turned out like this...

The sudden change of situation threw me into confusion.

"That's too reckless."

"So, you dislike Shiina then?"

Did he just use the word "dislike"? Without thinking, I gazed at Ayanokoji-kun.

"I don't dislike her."

First, I felt relieved. Then, amidst my confusion, a feeling of joy welled up.

I needed to do something to properly accept this situation and calm myself down...

To me, Ayanokoji-kun is an important friend—nothing more, nothing less.

"Then isn't that great, right? Shiina, you like Ayanokoji too, don't you?"

Just as my anxious heart was about to settle, Ishizaki-kun said something completely unexpected.

"Eh...?"

It's nice that Ayanokoji-kun doesn't dislike me.

But now... it's about my feelings...?

If I have to say whether I like or dislike him, of course I like him...

After all, Ayanokoji-kun is... so...

Even the emotional control I've managed to master couldn't prevent me from spiraling out of control.

Ichinose Honami SS

Behind the Promise

Amidst a dark world submerged by the sound of rain, the doorbell rang.

Hugging my knees and curling up, I closed my eyes and took a slow, deep breath.

The time has come—

Even though I had that feeling, I absolutely couldn't move or respond to the doorbell.

Before long, the phone placed on the bed lit up.

It vibrated softly three or four times.

I listened to the sound, remaining unmoved.

Then, this time, there was a gentle knock on the door.

"It's me. The promised day is about to end, so I've come."

It was Ayanokoji-kun's voice.

I knew that today, he had something to ask me.

I understood that before the promised day ended, this moment would come.

Because today, since morning, I had been ignoring Ayanokoji-kun's messages.

Late at night, just before the date would change, he came to convey his conclusion.

"I'll wait another three minutes. If there's still no response, I'll leave, so don't worry."

This was the final ultimatum.

If I didn't respond at all, Ayanokoji-kun would leave from behind this door.

But if I did respond, then he would surely give me an answer.

I picked up the phone within reach and sent a message.

"Why did you come?"

"I told you, didn't I? Today is the promised day."

"It's already late at night. Curfew has passed."

Hinting that it would be better for him to go back, I wanted to see how Ayanokoji-kun would react.

"I don't have the courage right now to go to your room, Ayanokoji-kun. Sorry."

"I know that. That's why I came here."

As expected, Ayanokoji-kun wouldn't leave.

And I understood.

"I'll wait one more minute. If the door doesn't open by then, the promise will be void, okay?"

I won't run away.

I will definitely keep the promise to meet with Ayanokoji-kun today.

It's just—

Not in his room.

"The door isn't locked. Come in."

In my room, we will fulfill the promise from a year ago.

It's not that I lack the courage to meet him.

But I feel that meeting here is best for me.

I'm certain my hunch was correct.

There's something that Ayanokoji-kun wants to tell me.

There's something I must tell him.

I understand it all.

Horikita Suzune SS

First Contact

Around a little past 4:30 PM on April 1st.

Female student Suzune Horikita was waiting at the entrance.

Having no official business at school, she had only one purpose for coming here.

She wanted to meet Ayanokoji's family.

Such curiosity drove her to this place.

"Well, I suppose it hasn't ended yet...?"

To be sure, she opened the schedule on her phone and confirmed once again that Ayanokoji's three-way interview was scheduled to start at 4:30 PM. Therefore, he should still be in the counseling room talking. The school required students to wear uniforms while on campus, and since she didn't plan to risk going off-campus, she came wearing her uniform. After all, she was just pretending to run into him by chance and have a brief interaction. Ayanokoji probably wouldn't openly express disgust at this, but if he showed any signs of it, she planned to retreat immediately.

Before long, while Horikita was waiting alone, an unexpected boy approached.

As she silently watched him pass by, this boy—Ryuen—stopped next to Horikita.

"...Do you need something from me?"

"Huh? It's none of your business."

"...Then what are you doing here? You're not even wearing your uniform."

"Isn't it my freedom to go wherever I want? What are you doing here? Your three-way interview should have ended long ago."

The interview schedules of other classes were not made public. In other words, from the conversation just now, it was clear that Ryuen had obtained this information in advance from someone within the class.

"Because there's something I'm a bit curious about."

After answering, Ryuen closed his eyes and chuckled softly.

"What a coincidence. I also came here because there's something I'm curious about."

After speaking, as if this was his intended destination, Ryuen leaned his back against the wall, standing beside Horikita.

An important matter at this time and place.

Just from that, Horikita realized that the other party had the same purpose as herself.

"I see. Well, I have no right to stop you."

Horikita crossed her arms and stood there motionless.

"It's impossible not to be interested. I at least want to know what the parents who raised that monster look like and what kind of upbringing methods they used. Did he grow up in an unexpectedly ordinary environment, or was it not so?"

"Yes. I couldn't resist the temptation either. To be honest, I can't imagine it at all."

"He might unexpectedly show expressions in front of his parents that no one else ever sees."

"Hard to say. I feel that his attitude wouldn't change no matter where he is or who he's with..."

After a short while of the two standing silently side by side, they heard the sound of footsteps in visitor slippers, different from indoor shoes. The two unconsciously tensed their expressions.

What Ryuen and Horikita soon saw was an adult man they had never met before, wearing a suit.

Holding a cellphone in one hand, he seemed to be talking to someone.

"Yes. It looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer, so just wait like this—"

Just as they were about to overhear some of the conversation, the man noticed Horikita and Ryuen's gaze and ended the call. Horikita took a step forward, intending to approach him, but sensed an unimaginable aura beneath his somber expression. An indescribable, extraordinary pressure overwhelmed her.

There was no guarantee that the man before them was a member of Ayanokoji's family.

But even so, their intuition told them that this was undoubtedly Ayanokoji's father. It's just that this didn't quite match Horikita's expectations. Somehow, she had imagined that Ayanokoji's parents would also be expressionless, indifferent-looking people. That image collapsed in an instant.

A strict father. Anyone would have that first impression upon seeing him.

"Um... excuse me."

Finally finding her voice, Horikita timidly approached to speak.

"—And you are?"

"I'm Ayanokoji... Kiyotaka-kun's classmate, Horikita. Actually, I'm waiting here for Ayanokoji-kun..."

Originally expecting father and son to appear together, she had to change her approach.

"Ah. As for Kiyotaka, it seems he's still upstairs talking with his homeroom teacher."

"I see. Um, you are Ayanokoji-kun's father... right?"

Since it would be awkward to ignore her, he nodded in response.

Although at first meeting he left a severe and intimidating impression on Horikita, after a brief exchange, she felt a bit relieved. Of course, Horikita couldn't have known that the man before her was a politician. Those who appear on television and are well-known to the public are few. Japan has so many members of parliament, Ayanokoji Atsuomi disliked the media and had long operated behind the scenes, so even if people saw his face, they wouldn't know who he was. It's just that with his consistently stern expression, it was easy for others to think he was a strict person.

"Are you also Kiyotaka's classmate?"

Atsuomi spoke to Ryuen, who had been silently staring at him as if appraising him.

"No? I'm neither his classmate nor his friend. That guy is my enemy."

"W-wait, Ryuen-kun, you—"

Meeting for the first time, and someone calls his child an enemy. Horikita felt flustered by such behavior, but Atsuomi looked at him with an appreciative gaze after hearing that.

"An enemy, huh..."

"That guy has given me a lot of trouble over the past two years. He's a real bastard."

"Ryuen-kun!"

It's impossible to feel good when others refer to your son as a 'Bastard.'

Horikita hastily tried to remind him repeatedly, but...

"It's fine. My son must have shown you a side of him that one doesn't usually see, right?"

Seeing Ayanokoji's father have unexpected tolerance, Horikita involuntarily widened her eyes.

Despite the obvious harsh words about his son, he accepted them calmly.

"I have a question for you. How did you educate him to become like this?"

While Horikita glared at Ryuen, who showed no intention of correcting his rude and blunt words, Atsuomi calmly turned to Ryuen.

"Education? But there's nothing special. I just had him lead a disciplined life."

"Nothing special," he answered.

But he immediately added something.

"But if you say it's different from the norm— well, things like cram schools or private tutors, there were no limits on the content and budget for his studies. Then, we just diligently implemented it and he achieved results."

He was saying that his son merely grew up under superior home education.

"I have other matters to attend to shortly, so I'll take my leave. Please continue to get along with my son."

After saying this, Ayanokoji's father left the two and walked away. Though there was still a little time before heading to the director's office, he had no intention of having a long conversation with his son's classmates.

"Seeing his father has such an imposing presence, I'm disappointed. That guy is just a simple rich kid."

"Yes... I also thought he might have learned some special things."

But Horikita still felt a slight sense of unease in her heart.

"Is Ayanokoji-kun really raised in the family environment his father described...?"

While not many children grow up in privileged environments, even so, it's hard to imagine someone growing into what Ayanokoji is like.

Ryuen, who heard the conversation, had the same thought.

"Indeed. If that's true, then even if he's a genetic anomaly, it's too much. But since his parents aren't telling the truth, there's no way for us to verify it."

Ryuen, who had stopped walking, started moving forward again.

"Well, although we don't yet know his origins, what we have to do doesn't change. Whether it's Ayanokoji or you, I'll defeat you both. Be prepared."

Horikita quietly listened to Ryuen's declaration of war, watching his back as he left.

This was the first meeting between Suzune Horikita and Atsuomi Ayanokoji.

Of course, neither of them knew at the time.

In the future, the two would inevitably meet again—