Kushida Kikyo Arrives

The cruise ship sailed steadily across the sea for an entire day.

During the day, most students stayed on deck, excitedly gazing out at the ocean or gathering in small groups to discuss the upcoming exam.

Some tried to pry more information about the island from the teachers leading the trip, but gained very little.

Tension and anticipation intertwined like a sea mist, shrouding the entire ship.

By evening, the setting sun had dyed the horizon and sea a blazing golden red, so magnificent it took one's breath away.

But as the sun sank beneath the horizon, darkness swiftly swallowed the light.

All that remained were the dim yellow lights inside the cabins, and beyond the portholes, the endless dark-blue, nearly black night sky and unfathomable sea.

The loneliness of being far from land, along with fear of the unknown island, began quietly taking root in the silence.

Dinner was served collectively in a spacious but noisy dining hall.

The food was simple, but the atmosphere was especially grave.

Students from different classes sat in clearly divided groups. Their conversations were subdued, and their gazes held a little more scrutiny and wariness.

Yuefeng, Hiyori Shiina, and Ibuki Mio sat together, silently finishing their meals without much conversation.

After dinner came free time, though everyone was restricted to several designated areas.

Quite a few students chose to return early to the crowded shared cabins to rest and save their strength for tomorrow's landing.

Others remained on deck or in the common lounge, trying to ease their nerves.

Yuefeng did not return right away. He needed some time alone to sort out his thoughts and make his final mental preparations for any possible surprises.

He headed toward a relatively secluded open deck at the stern, where the lights were dim and only the crashing waves against the hull and the ceaseless whisper of the sea wind could be heard.

He leaned against the cold railing, watching the white wake churn behind the ship before vanishing into the darkness.

The starry sky was incomparably clear, the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. Far from light pollution out at sea, it seemed especially brilliant and desolate.

The vastness of the universe and his own insignificance were infinitely magnified in such a setting.

Yet the peace of his solitude did not last long.

A light set of footsteps, carrying a deliberately sweet air, approached from afar.

"Oh my, I didn't expect anyone else to be here. Yuefeng, is that you?"

A familiar yet unfamiliar female voice, sweet with a smile, sounded behind him.

Yuefeng's body stiffened slightly as he slowly turned around.

Under the lights at the deck entrance stood a petite girl.

She had smooth chestnut-brown hair tied into a cute side ponytail, and a perfectly measured sweet smile on her face, one that seemed capable of melting all distance between people.

Her eyes curved into crescents, sparkling with curiosity and friendliness—it was Kushida Kikyo from Class D, known for her "approachability" and popularity.

Yuefeng's heart instantly tightened. Kushida Kikyo? Why had she approached him on her own, and in such a secluded place?

He immediately recalled Kushida Kikyo's characterization in the original story: on the surface, she was a cheerful girl as helpful as an angel, eager to become friends with everyone.

In truth, she possessed a twisted desire for control, extreme jealousy, and a deeply hidden dark side.

She was skilled at gathering information and manipulating interpersonal relationships. To maintain her "perfect" image and satisfy her warped desires, she could resort to any means.

She was an extremely dangerous person.

"Kushida." Yuefeng nodded, his tone calm but carrying just the right amount of distance. "What a coincidence."

"Yes, what a coincidence! I saw that everyone had gone back to their cabins, so I came out for some fresh air. I didn't expect to run into you, Yuefeng.

Are you alone too, Yuefeng? Didn't Shiina come with you?" Kushida Kikyo walked over lightly and stopped several steps away from Yuefeng, her hands behind her back and her head tilted, the smile on her face unchanged.

She sounded as though she were asking casually, but her gaze discreetly examined Yuefeng. Her eyes appeared clear and curious, yet faintly carried a penetrating scrutiny.

"Shiina went back first." Yuefeng answered briefly, while his mind raced.

Kushida Kikyo's intentions were definitely not simple. Had she mentioned Hiyori Shiina to probe the nature of their relationship? Or was it merely an opening line?

"I see." Kushida Kikyo nodded, her smile still radiant. "Yuefeng and Shiina really seem close. I often see you together.

Ah, right, and Ibuki too. Your Class C seems to get along really well."

She was showing goodwill, trying to close the distance between them. But Yuefeng's vigilance did not lessen in the slightest.

"It's nothing. We're just classmates." Yuefeng continued responding in an even tone.

"It's still rare for classmates to get along so well." Kushida Kikyo seemed not to notice Yuefeng's indifference—or perhaps she simply did not care.

She took a small step forward, raised her face, and looked up at Yuefeng with eyes that seemed full of starlight.

Then she suddenly changed the subject, her tone taking on a perfectly measured, innocent curiosity.

"Come to think of it, Yuefeng, there's something I've always been curious about." She blinked. "You and Kiyotaka Ayanokoji from our class... you really look so alike!

The first time I saw you, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me! You two... aren't actually relatives, are you?"

Here it comes! Yuefeng's heart jolted. This was her real purpose!

Using the undeniable fact that they looked alike, she was trying to investigate his relationship with Kiyotaka!

"A lot of people say that." Yuefeng answered without revealing anything, neither admitting nor denying it. "Maybe it's just a coincidence."

"Just a coincidence?" Kushida Kikyo's eyes widened slightly, her expression growing even more curious. "But you really do look alike! Even your temperaments are somewhat... well, it's hard to describe.

Yuefeng, you transferred here, right? Ayanokoji has apparently always been in Class D. You two... really didn't know each other before?"

Her questions seemed casual, but each one pressed closer, attempting to pry open Yuefeng's defenses.

"We didn't." Yuefeng answered firmly, his tone colder than before. "Kushida, you seem very interested in our affairs?"

He turned the tables, trying to throw the question back at her.

Kushida Kikyo seemed to freeze for a moment, then her smile became even sweeter, carrying a trace of embarrassment. "Ah, sorry, sorry!

I didn't mean to pry into your private matters! It's just... it was such a coincidence that I couldn't help being curious." She clasped her hands together in an apologetic gesture. "Don't be angry, Yuefeng.

I'm just the kind of person who... really likes making friends. Sometimes I might talk a little too much, so please don't mind it."

She swiftly switched back into the role of an adorable girl who admitted her mistakes and corrected them, lowering her stance so much that it was hard for anyone to remain stern with her.

"It's fine." Yuefeng's tone softened somewhat, but his guard remained up.

Kushida Kikyo seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, her smile turning radiant again. "That's good! Oh, right, Yuefeng," she changed the subject again, as though the probing from moments ago had never happened. "For tomorrow's exam, do you think Class D and your Class C might have a chance to cooperate?

I heard the situation on the island will be very complicated. If the classes can help each other, maybe it could benefit everyone."