The Call

The dorm room's lights were cool-toned, illuminating Kazama In's calm profile. He picked up his phone, swiped across the screen, and accepted the friend request, which carried an unmistakably commanding air.

[Horikita Manabu] has been added as a friend.

The moment the request was accepted, a message popped up:

[Can you talk? Now.]

Kazama In didn't reply. Instead, he pressed the call button. No image appeared on the phone's screen; only the indicator for the encrypted call flashed.

"President Horikita," Kazama In said, his voice low and steady in the quiet room.

"​​Kazama In." Horikita Manabu's calm, penetrating voice came from the other end. He skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point. "Your question in the meeting room this afternoon was very perceptive. I want to know what led you to conclude that 'I'm looking for a successor.'" His tone carried the scrutiny of someone in a position of power and an inquiry that allowed no evasion.

Kazama In leaned back in his chair, gazing out at the dark night beyond the window. He had been prepared for this, and naturally wouldn't reveal that he'd obtained information about Miyabi Nagumo's ambitions and the second-year situation through special channels.

"The basis is simple: logical deduction." Kazama In's voice held an almost cold objectivity. "President, you act with rigor and foresight, and you're almost uncompromising in your commitment to rules and order. The Student Council is the heart of this academy's power and rules, so the importance of a stable transition goes without saying. Miyabi Nagumo's hold over the second-years is growing stronger. His way of doing things... with all due respect, seems to diverge considerably from the core order you uphold."

He paused deliberately, letting the name "Miyabi Nagumo" carry enough weight in the conversation before continuing. "A forceful potential successor whose ideals don't align with yours clearly doesn't fit your vision for the Student Council's future. In that case, isn't it only natural to seek, observe, and even secretly cultivate a 'backup' who understands your ideals and has the strength and insight to keep Nagumo in check and ensure a smooth transfer of power? I simply made the most reasonable inference based on your way of doing things and the state of the academy."

There was silence on the other end for a few seconds. Horikita Manabu was clearly evaluating Kazama In's explanation. The logic was clear and tightly reasoned. Although Kazama In had concealed his source of information, the fact that he'd reached this conclusion using only public information and an analysis of Horikita's character showed terrifying insight.

"Miyabi Nagumo..." Horikita Manabu's voice lowered, tinged with a hint of coldness. "His intentions are indeed obvious. It's good that you can see that." He had more or less acknowledged that Kazama In's assessment of Nagumo was correct, indirectly admitting that Kazama In's broader guess—that he was looking for a successor—was on the mark.

"Then, Kazama In," Horikita Manabu said, his tone suddenly shifting to something formal, almost like an appointment. "Since you understand the importance of this position and have the ability to see through the rules and stir up the situation, I'd like to formally invite you to join the Student Council as vice president."

It was a weighty offer! Vice president—the most direct step toward the presidency! Horikita Manabu had clearly seen Kazama In's ability and potential and planned to bring him into his mentorship, personally honing his skills.

"Vice president?" Kazama In's voice betrayed little emotion, as if they were discussing something ordinary.

"That's right," Horikita Manabu replied firmly. "It's a platform where you can observe, learn, gain experience, and build connections. It's also a proving ground to see whether you're capable of taking on greater responsibility. Before I graduate, I'll personally guide you through the Student Council's core operations and teach you how to wield the rules, balance the various factions, and... keep ambitious people like Nagumo in check." His words carried a sense of expectation and trust.

Kazama In accepted almost without hesitation. For him, the benefits of the position far outweighed the drawbacks. A broader perspective, a chance to learn the academy's core rules in greater depth, and easier access to information... all of it aligned closely with his own "Ladder" plan.

"I accept." Kazama In's answer was crisp and decisive. "Thank you for your trust, President."

"Good." Horikita Manabu's tone seemed to relax slightly. "But remember, Kazama: being vice president is both a responsibility and a test. Whether you can truly become Student Council president will ultimately depend on your own abilities and... the votes. Nagumo has deep roots among the second-years, and he won't just stand by. You need to start building your support early and prove that you're more capable than he is of leading this school toward a more stable future."

It was both a warning and a reminder. The Student Council president wasn't appointed; the entire student body elected the position. As a newly appointed vice president, Kazama In would need to deliver tangible results and build influence to win people over and stand against the advantage Nagumo had spent years cultivating.

"I understand." Kazama In's voice held quiet confidence. "I'll earn the votes myself."

"I look forward to seeing what you can do. I'll have Secretary Tachibana inform you of the specific appointment and transition arrangements. Good night." Horikita Manabu said nothing more and ended the call.

The room fell silent again. Kazama In put down his phone, his ink-black eyes unfathomable beneath the light. The vice president's position... an unexpected yet fitting stepping stone. Miyabi Nagumo... that name had just risen a few places on his list of priorities.

Just then, the phone screen lit up again. This time, the caller ID read—Kushida Kikyo.

Kazama In answered.

"Moshi moshi~ Kazama-kun? Good evening!" Kushida Kikyo's sweet, lively voice came from the other end, brimming with energy, as if it could chase away any gloom. "I'm not disturbing your rest, am I?"

"No. What is it, Kushida?" Kazama In's voice had returned to its usual flatness.

"I have good news!" Kushida's voice brimmed with barely contained delight. "It's about the study session! Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi... all three of them agreed to join!"

The turn of events truly surprised Kazama In. They'd been so adamant in refusing that afternoon, yet changed their minds by evening? Kushida Kikyo's "negotiating" skills—or rather, her "affability"—seemed even stronger than he'd expected.

"Really? That was quick," Kazama In remarked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Hehe, it took a little work!" Kushida laughed modestly, though she couldn't quite hide a little pride in her voice. "I mostly just talked to them about how serious it would be if they failed, and how important Class Points are to everyone! I also promised them that the tutors are all amazing top students, so they'd definitely get through it with no trouble!"

Then her tone turned even more enthusiastic and earnest. "So, Kazama-kun! Could you tutor at the study session too? I know your grades are amazing! You got over 97 in every subject on the last quiz, almost a perfect score! You're practically a god of studying! If you're there, everyone will feel a lot more confident!" She'd precisely offered up Kazama In's grades as leverage. That information had clearly come from her "network."

Kazama In's grades were indeed among the best in Class D, and even ranked near the top of the entire year. He simply kept a low profile, and aside from the teacher announcing his quiz results that one time, few people paid much attention to him. Kushida had clearly done her homework.

"Ayanokoji-kun and Horikita will be helping too!" Kushida added, emphasizing the lineup.

Kazama In didn't answer right away. Tutoring students who were struggling... would undoubtedly consume his precious time and energy, and wouldn't be particularly efficient. But considering the benefit to the class's Class Points, and... the chance this might offer to observe Class D's members, especially those three "problem children" and Kushida Kikyo herself, it might be worth it.

"When and where?" Kazama In asked succinctly, effectively accepting.

"That's great! Thank you, Kazama-kun!" Kushida's voice brimmed with gratitude. "It'll be tomorrow after school, in Group Study Room A at the library! We can meet up tomorrow to discuss the details?"

"That works."

"Mm-hmm! Then it's settled! Get some rest, Kazama-kun. Good night!" Kushida said sweetly.

"Good night."

The call ended.

Kazama In set his phone on the desk, and silence settled over the room once more. The vice president appointment, tutoring at the study session, the three struggling students changing their minds, Kushida Kikyo's efficient "persuasion"... information flowed rapidly through his mind, falling into place.

He walked to the window and pushed it open, letting in the cool night air.

Kazama In's fingertips unconsciously brushed the cold, dark-silver-and-dark-red necklace around his neck. His ink-black eyes reflected the scattered lights of the campus, as deep as the night sky.

The vice presidency was a stepping stone, the study session an obligation, and the integration of Class D a process. But the undercurrents and secrets hidden beneath the campus's calm surface were his ultimate goal. Miyabi Nagumo... Sakayanagi Arisu... Horikita Manabu's expectations... and the blood-red shadow that never stopped haunting him...

It had all only just begun. He closed his eyes slightly, feeling the night breeze brush the mismatched strands of hair at his temples, like a silent preparation for battle. Tomorrow, a new game would begin.