[Editor's note: This chapter has been edited to remove content that breaks our content rules.]
“Do you think we’re still little kids? Whoever wants to introduce themselves can go ahead,” the red-haired boy snapped.
“You lot, go back to your seats.”
The classroom door suddenly opened, and a woman with a long black ponytail, dressed in a business suit and skirt, walked in.
“I am Sae Chabashira, your homeroom teacher for Class D. The members of your class will not change over the next three years, so I will remain your homeroom teacher throughout that time.”
She handed out some documents, then continued.
“Our school has a special rule: all students must live on campus. During your enrollment, you are forbidden from leaving campus or contacting the outside world. But rest assured, the school has everything you need, from food and drink to entertainment.”
She held up the student ID in her hand and gave it a wave.
“To purchase things on campus, you will need to use the points stored on this student ID terminal. Everything here can be bought with points. Points are deposited on the first of every month. I believe your terminals have already received this month’s allocation of one hundred thousand points.”
“One hundred thousand every month? Seriously? We can spend all of that?”
One student asked in astonishment.
An almost imperceptible, mocking smile crossed the teacher’s face.
“Yes, they are yours to use. This is a school where ability determines everything. The fact that you were admitted already demonstrates that you possess a corresponding value.”
Having explained most of the rules, she casually waved the hand holding her lesson plan and headed out.
“That concludes your first homeroom period. You are free to do as you please.”
Once they were dismissed, those who had already made friends went out in small groups. After giving it some thought, Kiyotaka decided to buy some everyday necessities first.
At the convenience store, he watched the cashier deduct the cost from his terminal. When his balance dropped from one hundred thousand to ninety-four thousand nine hundred and twelve, he could not help marveling.
“This school really does have money to burn. Twenty-five people per class, twelve classes in total... They’re spending hundreds of millions a year just on our purchases.”
Still musing as he walked, Kiyotaka suddenly spotted Horikita out of the corner of his eye and paused.
Horikita noticed him too and glared.
“What are you looking at?”
Kiyotaka found her reaction amusing, though his expression remained impassive.
“You!”
Horikita was furious, but she did not want to argue here, so she decided to ignore him.
Kiyotaka, however, stepped closer and asked the girl, who stood a head shorter than him, “We’re going to be sitting next to each other from now on. At least tell me your name.”
Horikita glared at him for a long moment before finally answering.
“Suzune Horikita. Hopefully, you’ll never have a reason to use it.”
A faint smile appeared on Kiyotaka’s face.
“All right, Suzune.”
“You!”
Horikita was genuinely angry. She had not expected Ayanokoji to know exactly how to get on her nerves. Yet when she noticed the slight smile on his face, some of her anger faded despite herself.
Surprised that she had not lost her temper, Kiyotaka pressed his advantage.
“How about I buy you a coffee to apologize?”
“No, thank you. I suggest you stop throwing your money around, too. You might be walking into a trap.”
Despite her cold refusal, Kiyotaka did not give up.
“Then how about coming to my room? I can cook for you. I have to eat anyway, and it’ll save money.”
Horikita thought he was remarkably shameless. She had refused even a coffee, yet now he was inviting her to his dorm room?
But there was a hint of earnest appeal on his otherwise impassive face, and, almost before she knew it, she agreed.
Seeing her nod, Kiyotaka eagerly took her to the checkout, then led her toward the dormitories.
Before long, they arrived at his room.
“Sit wherever you like. I only just moved in, so it isn’t dirty.”
Seeing Horikita standing hesitantly to one side, Kiyotaka assumed she was concerned about cleanliness. He wiped down his chair and straightened the bedding.
Horikita shook her head hesitantly and spoke in a voice barely above a whisper.
“Thank you for having me.”
Then she took off her shoes and sat in the chair.
Chapter Three: Amid the White
Once Horikita sat down, Kiyotaka casually settled onto the floor.
An interminable silence followed.
I can’t let this stay awkward, he thought. If she has time to reconsider, all that effort will have been wasted.
He stood up.
“Would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee? Cola?”
“Plain water is fine, thank you.”
Kiyotaka nodded and went into the kitchen to pour two glasses of cooled, boiled water.
“Here’s your water...”
As he approached Horikita and began setting down the glass, he tripped. The water spilled onto her clothes.
“Ah!”
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do that.”
Kiyotaka hurriedly pulled out some tissues.
Then he took a brand-new uniform from the cupboard.
“I’m sorry. You should change first, or you might catch a cold.”
Horikita gave him a long look, took the clothes, and went into the bathroom. She emerged shortly afterward.
The uniform was much too large for her small frame, making her look like a child dressed in an adult’s clothes.
Kiyotaka was sitting awkwardly on the floor. Horikita returned to the chair and questioned him.
“Did you do that on purpose?”
Kiyotaka lowered his head.
“I’m sorry.”
Horikita was caught off guard by his sudden change in manner and could not decide whether to keep venting her anger at him.
No. I can’t let him off that easily!
Having made up her mind, she looked down at him again.
“Are you sincerely apologizing?”
Kiyotaka nodded.
After a while, Horikita relented.
“Fine. I forgive you. Don’t do that again!”
She hurried to the door, put on her shoes, and left his room.
With Horikita gone, Kiyotaka no longer felt like cooking. He ordered some food through his terminal, then lay on the bed and let his mind wander.
Meanwhile, Horikita returned to her own room. Once she shut the door, she sank to the floor.
“What am I even doing? This is all that idiot’s fault!”
Kiyotaka knew nothing of this. Having eaten and drunk his fill, he was already fast asleep.
The next day, when Kiyotaka arrived in the classroom, Horikita was already sitting at her desk, quietly reading.
He returned to his seat and greeted her.
“Good morning.”
“Morning.”
Horikita hesitated for a long time. Just as she finally decided to say something to him, a pretty girl with short blond hair appeared beside Kiyotaka.
“Your name is Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, right?”
Kiyotaka looked up.
I think her name was Kikyo Kushida. A lot of people responded when she introduced herself.
“Yes, that’s me,” he answered calmly.
Kikyo held out a hand and gave him a sweet smile.
“Let me introduce myself. I’m Kikyo Kushida. Would you like to be friends?”
Kiyotaka reached out and gently shook her hand.