Ripples of Undercurrent

Monday morning, a subtle atmosphere permeated Class D's classroom.

It was the first normal school day after the Special Exam ended, and everyone walked in with fresh moods. Some had bought new stationery after their points skyrocketed, others had purchased drinks they usually hesitated to buy, and some simply held their heads higher because the class was no longer dead last.

But Hanyu Xiuyi noticed that beneath this relaxed atmosphere lurked an undercurrent of unease.

"Good morning, Hanyu." Kushida Kikyo walked past him, flashing a sweet smile. "The weather's lovely today, isn't it?"

"Good morning." Hanyu nodded in response, but his gaze fell on a few people on the other side of the classroom.

Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki were gathered around Yukimura Teruhiko, excitedly discussing something. Yukimura pushed up his glasses, looking a bit exasperated, but still answered their questions earnestly.

"Ike and Yamauchi have been working hard lately." Hirata Yousuke walked over, his blonde hair shining in the morning light. "Yesterday they even borrowed my notes, saying they wanted to catch up on what they missed."

"That's a good thing." Hanyu said. "But isn't their change a bit too sudden?"

Hirata paused. "What do you mean..."

"Nothing." Hanyu shook his head. "Just feels abrupt."

He noticed Ayanokoji Kiyonaga in the corner quietly reading a book, seemingly indifferent to the commotion around him. But Hanyu knew those seemingly vacant eyes were surely observing something right now.

The bell rang, and Chabashira Sae walked into the classroom. Her gaze swept over the entire class, lingering for a moment on the students who were acting especially motivated, then she began the lesson as if nothing was amiss.

Everything looked normal.

But Hanyu Xiuyi's intuition told him something was happening beneath the surface.

During lunch break, Hanyu Xiuyi met Horikita Suzune on the teaching building rooftop. She was eating her bento alone, her black hair slightly tousled by the wind.

"You called me up here for something?" Hanyu sat down beside her.

Horikita set down her chopsticks, her expression serious. "Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki—have you noticed?"

"I have." Hanyu said. "Suddenly getting very studious."

"It's not just being studious." Horikita lowered her voice. "I suspect they've been in contact with Class C students."

Hanyu's pupils contracted slightly. "Any evidence?"

"Yesterday after school, I saw them talking to a few Class C students at the convenience store." Horikita said. "Too far away to hear the content, but their expressions didn't look like casual chat."

Hanyu was silent for a few seconds. Ike and Yamauchi were indeed the most easily swayed people in the class—they lacked their own opinions, were easily influenced, and had a strong craving for points.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"Two possibilities." Horikita said. "One, they've been bought off by Class C and are gathering intel for Ryuen. Two, they're just making friends with Class C people innocently."

"Which do you think is more likely?"

Horikita didn't answer directly, but countered, "What do you think?"

Hanyu thought it over. "Ike and Yamauchi could be bought, but they don't have the guts or ability to be spies. More likely, they're being used without realizing it."

"I think so too." Horikita nodded. "So the question is, what does Ryuen want to get through them?"

The two fell into thought. Just then, the rooftop door opened, and Kushida Kikyo walked in.

"Oh, you two are here." She flashed her sweet smile. "Hirata asked me to find you. He said this afternoon's class meeting will discuss next month's class activities."

"Got it." Hanyu stood up. "Let's go."

The three went downstairs together. On the way, Kushida suddenly said, "Oh, by the way, have you noticed? Karuizawa has been really motivated lately, always organizing little activities for the girls."

"She's doing the task I gave her." Hanyu said. "To make the class more cohesive."

Kushida's smile deepened. "Hanyu really knows how to use people. Everyone is placed in just the right position."

The words sounded like praise, but Hanyu felt there was something else hidden in Kushida's tone.

He gave her a look. Kushida was still smiling, her eyes curved into crescent moons, revealing no cracks.

At the afternoon class meeting, Hirata Yousuke led the discussion on next month's class activities. They ultimately decided to organize a beach BBQ—it could both relax everyone and strengthen bonds.

"As for the cost," Hirata looked at Hanyu, "we might need Hanyu to chip in some."

"Fine." Hanyu nodded. "I'll put in 200,000 points. If that's not enough, everyone can pool the rest."

"Great!" Karuizawa Kei said excitedly. "Then we can rent a better venue and buy more good food!"

After the class meeting ended, Hanyu called out to Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki, who were about to leave.

"Ike, Yamauchi, can I have a few minutes?"

The two exchanged a look, their expressions tense. Ike scratched his head and asked, "Wh-what is it, Hanyu?"

"Nothing major." Hanyu said with a smile. "I just heard you've been working hard lately and wanted to ask if you need help. Yukimura and I can find time to tutor you."

Yamauchi Haruki's eyes lit up. "Really? That's great!"

But Ike's expression was a bit unnatural. "Uh... it's fine, actually. We can handle it ourselves..."

"Ike, what's wrong?" Hanyu asked gently. "If there's any trouble, you can tell me."

"N-no, nothing!" Ike waved his hands frantically. "Really, it's nothing!"

Hanyu looked into his eyes but didn't press further, simply saying, "That's good. Come find me anytime you need help."

After the two left, Hanyu stood there thinking.

Ike's reaction was far too abnormal. That guilty look on his face clearly meant he was hiding something.

"Saw that?" Horikita's voice came from behind.

"Saw it," Hanyu said. "Ike has a problem."

"Investigate?"

"Not for now. Don't Alert the Enemy," Hanyu said. "Observe for a few days. If Ryuen really is behind this, he'll make another move."

That evening, as Hanyu Xiuyi was organizing the information he'd gathered that day, a knock came at his door.

He opened it to find Hasebe Haruka and Sotomura Hideo standing outside. Both looked nervous, and Hasebe was holding a thermal container.

"Ha, Hanyu..." Hasebe said quietly, "We made something... we'd like you to try."

She opened the container to reveal an elaborate meal—grilled fish, wild vegetable tempura, and a bowl of miso soup.

"This is...?"

"It's made from wild vegetables gathered On the Island," Sotomura explained softly. "Hasebe said she wanted to thank you for your help during the exam."

Hanyu looked at the heartfelt meal, warmth rising in his chest.

"Thank you," he said sincerely. "It Looks delicious."

Hasebe's face Reddened. "Th-then we won't disturb you! Please enjoy!"

They turned to leave, but Hanyu called them back.

"Wait." Hanyu looked at them. "Have you Noticed anything strange lately? Like Ike and Yamauchi acting out of character?"

Hasebe and Sotomura Exchanged a Look. Sotomura hesitated, then said, "Well... Ike Asked Me yesterday if I could get him a list of our class's students. I said no, and he dropped it."

"A list?" Hanyu frowned. "What does he need that for?"

"No idea," Sotomura shook his head. "But I thought it was odd..."

"Thank you for Told Me," Hanyu said. "If you notice anything else unusual, feel free to Come find me anytime."

They nodded and left.

Hanyu closed the door, looking at the meal in his hands as he sank into thought.

Ike wants a class list? That's clearly not something he needs for himself. Someone must have Instigated him.

And who else could that someone be but Ryuen?

What exactly is Ryuen planning?

He picked up his Chopsticks and took a bite of Hasebe's cooking. The flavor was excellent, carrying a natural fragrance.

But right now, his mind was full of those Ripples of Undercurrent.

Beneath the calm surface, a crisis was brewing.

And he had to be ready for the coming storm.