Undercurrents and Pawns

Fūki Ran's prophecy soon came true. As the school delayed issuing new points, the resource shortage within Class D grew increasingly acute. The free mountain vegetable set meals and basic daily necessities could only sustain the most fundamental survival, unable to satisfy the young people's growing material desires and longing for comfort. Conflicts began to surface from hidden complaints, gradually rising into the open.

At first, it was just minor friction. For instance, someone complained that a roommate had used up their remaining shampoo, or people argued over who should go collect free toilet paper. But during a class meeting, a discussion about pooling remaining points to buy communal supplies for the class—such as sports equipment, board games, or even slightly better seasonings to improve the taste of the free cafeteria meals—ignited a full-blown rift.

On one side, represented by Hirata Yousuke and Kushida Kikyo, the stance was "unity and mutual aid." They hoped those who still had points would contribute some to form a class public fund, used to improve collective quality of life and weather the difficulties. They believed this would strengthen cohesion and prepare for future challenges.

On the other side were a minority of students who still held a certain amount of points—mainly those who had been extremely frugal from the start or had special income channels, and who kept a low profile—along with some who had already hit rock bottom and thought, "Why should I contribute?" Their attitude was passive or even opposed. Sudo Ken, though he had few points himself, also sneered at this "leveling the rich and poor" proposal, believing that relying on one's own ability—even if he currently had none—was the right path.

"We're a collective now! If we can't unite even over this small difficulty, how will we face tougher trials later?" Hirata's voice remained gentle, but carried a rare urgency.

"Collective? Hirata, you say it so lightly! We saved our points by scrimping and saving. Why should we hand them over for those who squandered theirs?" A usually inconspicuous boy retorted in a low voice, drawing some agreement.

"Exactly. We told them to save, but who listened?"

The scene descended into chaos. Kushida Kikyo wore a worried expression, trying to calm both sides: "Everyone, don't argue. Let's talk it out nicely. It's all for the class's good..." But inside, another voice screamed wildly: Fight, fight harder! These idiots, showing their true colors over a little profit!

Just then, Horikita Suzune, who had been watching coldly from the sidelines, spoke up icily: "Pointless squabbling. Instead of arguing over point distribution here, think about how to fundamentally acquire more points. The school's rules are the key." Her words hit the mark, but like cold water dropped into hot oil, they provoked mixed reactions. Some thought she was right, while others felt she was speaking from a position of comfort.

Fūki Ran sat in the corner, taking in everyone's reactions. Hirata's idealism, some students' selfishness, Horikita's isolationism, Sudo's recklessness... Class D's weaknesses were laid bare. He knew this was the time to intervene, but not in person.

That night, Dorm 129.

"...So, Hirata's proposal will probably be hard to pass. The opposition is louder than I thought." Kushida Kikyo sat cross-legged on the carpet, carefully filing her nails with a small nail file as she reported the day's events, a hint of barely concealed schadenfreude in her tone. "Honestly, it was such a good idea. Why can't everyone understand each other?" She looked up at Fūki, who sat behind the desk, her eyes seeking something like instructions.

Fūki didn't answer directly, but countered: "Who do you think is most likely to convince those opponents?"

Kushida tilted her head, thinking: "Hirata? Or... if I tried hard, maybe I could persuade some?" She was confident in her influence.

"No," Fūki denied. "Hirata is too idealistic, easily provoking resentment from the selfish. If you step forward, you'll be too visible, drawing fire to yourself."

He put down his pen, his gaze sharp as he looked at Kushida: "Go contact Yukimura Teruhiko, and those few usually quiet students who seem to still have points. Hint to them that supporting Hirata's proposal is a loss in the short term, but in the long run, a stable, cohesive class environment benefits their own safety and future development. Especially..." He paused. "Hint that this is preparation for the upcoming 'Special Exam,' and that collective strength is necessary."

Kushida's eyes widened slightly. She instantly understood Fūki's intent. People like Yukimura Teruhiko were rational, cautious, and valued long-term interests and personal safety. Convincing them with "Special Exam" and "collective strength" was far more effective than Hirata's pure "unity" slogans. And by having her communicate privately and indirectly, she leveraged her social strengths while avoiding becoming a public target.

"I understand." Kushida nodded, feeling a chill at Fūki's scheming, but more so an excitement at being part of it. She was no longer just a trash can for venting negative emotions; she had become a cog in his strategy, a piece that could influence the board. This feeling of being "used" made her feel more valuable.

"Also," Fūki added, "in public, you can show appropriate support for Hirata's proposal, but don't be too intense. The key is to steer the conversation so that the concept of 'class needing cohesion to face unknown challenges' becomes the mainstream of discussion."

Over the next two days, Kushida Kikyo began to act skillfully. She found opportunities to "accidentally" run into Yukimura, chatting about study pressure, then "casually" expressing worry about what would happen if the class remained so fragmented when the Special Exam came, and "sighing" that it would be nice if everyone could unite like Hirata said. She had similar, seemingly casual conversations with several other target students.

She didn't directly lobby, but sowed seeds of worry and thought. Meanwhile, in the class group chat and daily conversations, she increasingly emphasized topics like "the unknown exam" and "the importance of the collective."

The effect was significant. In subsequent discussions, Yukimura Teruhiko explicitly stated for the first time that he supported establishing a class public fund, precisely citing the need to "prepare for possible collective challenges and take precautions." His stance swayed several other silent students who still held points. Though opposition didn't vanish entirely, it was greatly weakened.

Hirata Yousuke was somewhat surprised by Yukimura's shift, but more relieved, and he pushed the proposal even harder. He had no idea that behind the scenes, Fūki had tipped the scales through Kushida.

The proposal ultimately passed by a narrow margin. Class D finally established a small public fund—modest in amount, but significant in symbolism. Hirata thanked Kushida for her "unintentional" help in the process, and Kushida responded with a perfect, slightly shy smile: "Oh, it was nothing. I just thought Hirata and everyone else made good points. I hope the class can keep improving."

Only when she returned to Dorm 129 did she drop her mask, reporting to Fūki with a hint of smugness: "All done. Those bookworms like Yukimura were easily swayed by the 'future risk' argument."

Fūki looked at her, that "praise me" expression on her face, and merely nodded lightly: "Well done."

Just those three words made Kushida's heart flutter like a feather brushing against it. She gradually began to relish this feeling of manipulating from the shadows and being acknowledged by him.

Yet, she didn't notice that in Fūki's gaze, beyond scrutiny and exploitation, there was also something else—like a craftsman examining a tool being carefully polished, gradually revealing its expected value.

The undercurrents of Class D had been temporarily channeled in one direction, but a greater storm was still brewing. And Kushida Kikyo, caught in that current, sank deeper and deeper, binding herself ever more tightly to the puppeteer behind her.

(I'm done for →_→)