Crisis Averted and the Prelude to "Taming"

The lingering chime of the bell still echoed through the classroom. The students of Class D looked as though they had just surfaced from the depths of the sea, gasping for air with smiles of relief on their faces. They clapped one another on the shoulders, their voices ringing out loudly. These usually careless people now displayed an unprecedented sense of unity.

"Horikita, you're amazing!"

"Yeah, it's all thanks to you!"

Praise rose one after another. Horikita Suzune stood at the podium, her expression still cool, though an imperceptible ripple stirred in her eyes. She merely responded softly, signaling for everyone to quiet down. Her gaze swept across the classroom before finally settling on Natsume Yu. He sat by the window, sunlight outlining his quiet silhouette. He simply stared outside, deaf to the surrounding commotion.

Natsume Yu slowly withdrew his gaze. He looked at his jubilant classmates, who had temporarily forgotten the crisis and immersed themselves in the joy of victory. Yet he knew perfectly well that this was merely the first step of a long journey. Their understanding of the school's rules remained superficial. The importance of the class had only just sounded its warning bell.

He turned, his gaze falling on Horikita Suzune. Though aloof, this incident had allowed her to establish some initial authority within the class. That was a good thing. A capable leader was far easier to control than a scattered rabble. His gaze shifted again to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. The boy sat in the corner with his head lowered over a book, as though everything around him had nothing to do with him.

Natsume Yu knew that was only an act. He had seen the insight and guiding ability Ayanokoji had displayed at crucial moments. That was not something an ordinary student could accomplish. He recalled Ayanokoji's deliberately hidden abilities, as well as his claims of wanting an ordinary life.

"Ordinary?" Natsume Yu chuckled inwardly.

With abilities like those, how could he possibly remain ordinary? Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was a useful tool, a powerful piece he could make use of. Natsume Yu needed him to take a more active role in his plans. He did not want Ayanokoji to merely passively accept guidance. He wanted Ayanokoji to willingly serve his purposes.

On the other side of the classroom, Kushida Kikyo was busy moving through the crowd, soothing each classmate with her sweet voice.

"It's such a relief that everyone's okay!"

"From now on, we need to be even more united!"

A perfect smile rested on her face, her crescent-shaped eyes curved into little moons. Yet Natsume Yu could see the fleeting exhaustion deep in her eyes. It was not genuine joy, but a performance. Her smile and gentleness were like an exquisite coating of sugar, concealing something bitter beneath.

Natsume Yu's gaze lingered on her a little longer. He watched her skillfully play the role of an "angel." He knew that beneath that disguise lay an entirely different soul. A soul filled with unwillingness, perhaps even resentment.

He slipped a hand into his pocket, his fingertips brushing against his phone. It contained the "dark past" he had gathered on Kushida Kikyo. That information was enough to ruin her beyond redemption. But that was not his goal. What he wanted was not destruction, but control.

"Training." The word surfaced in his mind.

He wanted her to willingly serve his purposes.

"Natsume."

A gentle voice sounded beside him. Natsume Yu turned and saw Sakura Airi standing beside his desk. She kept her head lowered, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"Sakura, is something wrong?" Natsume Yu's tone was gentle, and a faint smile rested on his face. He knew that an introverted girl like Sakura Airi needed ample patience and tenderness.

"Um, thank you." Sakura Airi raised her head. Her eyes darted away slightly, but they held sincerity.

"Thank me?" Natsume Yu tilted his head slightly in question.

"Yeah... in the hallway. And, and this time too. You... you made me feel really safe." By the end, her voice had grown so quiet it was nearly inaudible, and the blush on her face deepened.

Natsume Yu simply looked at her, a gentle curve appearing on his lips. He said nothing more and only nodded softly. Seeing his smile, Sakura Airi felt as if a warm current had brushed over her heart. A peace unlike anything she had ever felt settled within her. She knew he had done nothing, yet he always made her feel safe.

She softly said "thank you" once more before hurrying away.

Natsume Yu withdrew his gaze, his eyes growing deep once again. Sakura Airi was a pure girl. He could feel her kindness. But that kindness would not affect his plans. He would treat her well because she deserved it. But he would not show the slightest mercy to those harboring ulterior motives.

His thoughts returned to Kushida Kikyo.

"Taming" sounded like something one did to a beast. But he knew it was far more complicated than that. He would make use of her two-faced nature. It was not a weakness, but her sharpest weapon. He would turn that weapon into the Blade of Intelligence in his hand.

He would make her his most unspeakable asset.

He began sketching out a preliminary plan in his mind. He would not expose her disguise directly. That would be too dull, and too wasteful. He would make her peel away that disguise herself, bit by bit. Or rather, he would make her willingly offer that disguise to him.

He would make her understand that only before him could she truly be herself. Only before him could her "dark past" remain buried forever. He would grant her that "freedom," that "shelter." And the price would be her absolute obedience.

Class D's temporary peace gave him more time to arrange his pieces. He was in no hurry. He enjoyed watching chess pieces struggle across the board, watching them follow his designs step by step toward their predetermined ending.

Natsume Yu's gaze crossed the classroom and settled on Kushida Kikyo's busy figure. She was still smiling, still performing.

Two-faced Cat, my collar will soon be around your neck.