Intervention (Seeking Everything)

Kushida Kikyo's smile remained radiant as she naturally thanked Ichinose Honami, "Thank you, Ichinose-san." No sooner had she spoken than half of her foot was already inside the Class B classroom, the hem of her school skirt swaying gently with the movement. Just then, as if suddenly remembering something, she turned back to look at Watanabe Hayabara, who was still standing at the entrance, her eyes carrying a hint of urgency as if to say, "Hurry and come in."

However, Watanabe Hayabara had halted his steps at the threshold of Class B, one hand still resting on the doorframe as if held back by some invisible force, showing no intention of stepping into the classroom. His gaze swept across the room quickly before returning to the doorway; his brows furrowed imperceptibly, and his expression grew layered with an indescribable complexity.

Ichinose Honami, who had already turned to lead them inside, noticed Watanabe Hayabara's hesitation and turned back to look at him. A flicker of confusion crossed her clear eyes, as if she were wondering why he had suddenly stopped. Yet, she did not immediately ask, choosing instead to remain standing quietly to the side with a patient, gentle smile.

Watanabe Hayabara shifted his gaze away from Ichinose Honami's face before turning it back, an apologetic expression appearing on his features. He bowed slightly, his voice tinged with clear embarrassment, "My apologies, Ichinose-san. I have some matters to attend to. Could you please assist Kushida-san in my stead? I must take my leave."

Having said that, he turned toward Kushida Kikyo, who had already fully entered the classroom, and bowed slightly once more, his tone filled with regret, "Sorry, Kushida. I have something to handle and cannot accompany you. My apologies for breaking my word."

Kushida Kikyo still wore a sweet smile on her face. She waved her hand lightly and said in a relaxed tone, "It's alright, Watanabe-kun. Go ahead and take care of your business; I'll be fine on my own."

Ichinose Honami also offered a warm smile, nodding gently at Watanabe Hayabara, "It's no problem, Watanabe-kun. We will look after Kushida-san, so please go ahead." Her voice remained clear and sweet.

Watanabe Hayabara nodded at the two of them once more in acknowledgment before turning and walking briskly away from the Class B entrance. The sound of his retreating footsteps soon echoed through the corridor. Kushida Kikyo and Ichinose Honami exchanged a knowing look and shared a silent smile, after which Ichinose Honami led Kushida Kikyo further into the classroom.

The moment Watanabe Hayabara's figure disappeared around the corner from the Class B entrance, he stopped. The bustle of the hallway seemed to be blocked out by an invisible barrier. He pulled his phone from his school uniform pocket, his fingertips sliding quickly across the screen; the light from the unlock interface illuminated his calm face.

"Shiina, are you in class? Help me arrange a meeting with Ryuen Kakeru. Behind the special building."

The moment he pressed send, he tucked his phone back into his pocket, shoved both hands into his trousers, and headed toward the special building.

Not long after, the phone in his pocket vibrated—a reply from Shiina Hiyori. Watanabe Hayabara stopped to check the screen, which displayed only two simple characters: "Okay." He stared at the message for a few seconds, the corners of his mouth curling into an imperceptible arc.

Watanabe Hayabara arrived behind the special building, where it was exceptionally quiet, save for the sound of wind through the leaves and the faint chirping of cicadas in the distance. He leaned against the cold wall, tilted his head back slightly, and closed his eyes, his hands still buried in his pockets.

The silence behind the special building was shattered by an arrogant voice. It sounded sharp and grating, as if tipped with thorns, "What is it, Watanabe Hayabara? If you don't have anything important to say, you're wasting my time, and you'd better be prepared for the consequences." Before Ryuen Kakeru even appeared, his arrogance and threats had already arrived ahead of him.

Watanabe Hayabara slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through his previously calm gaze. He looked toward the source of the voice, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. His voice was neither high nor low, yet carried a distinct provocation, "Ryuen Kakeru, for someone who lost our last spar, you certainly talk a big game."

No sooner had he spoken than Ryuen Kakeru's figure appeared in view. He had his hands in his pockets, his chin tilted slightly upward, wearing his habitual look of defiance. Upon hearing Watanabe Hayabara's words, his face tightened instantly, his brows furrowing deeply as if his eyes were about to spit fire.

Watching him, Watanabe Hayabara's smirk deepened, his eyes full of amusement, "Nice reaction, Ryuen Kakeru. If you're so eager to compete, why don't we test our skills again?" As he spoke, he flexed his wrists slightly, as if ready to strike at any moment.

Ryuen Kakeru's fists clenched tightly inside his pockets, his knuckles turning white from the force. The rage within him threatened to erupt, and he longed to rush forward and beat the man mocking him, but his reason told him it wasn't the time. He held an inexplicable confidence that he would eventually defeat Watanabe Hayabara. Ultimately, he chose to avoid the topic, forcefully suppressing his anger.

He cast a disdainful glance at Watanabe Hayabara, his eyes filled with contempt, and provoked, "Watanabe Hayabara, if you're here to beg for mercy on behalf of Akito Miyake, forget it. Being in the same class as a bunch of losers is truly embarrassing." The scorn in his words was undisguised, like a dull blade attempting to pierce the other.

The smile on Watanabe Hayabara's face did not fade in the slightest; he shook his head gently, the playfulness in his eyes intensifying, "Beg for mercy? Do you think I look like the type of person who would beg for someone else?" He took a step forward, closing the distance between them instantly. The air grew thick with tension, as if a conflict might erupt at any second.

However, the next moment, Watanabe Hayabara suddenly burst into laughter, "Hahaha, Ryuen Kakeru, you really are a short fuse." His laughter was hearty, echoing behind the empty special building with a sense of relief, a stark contrast to the previous tension. He waved his hand while laughing, "But I have no interest in bickering with you this time."

"Oh?" Ryuen Kakeru frowned, looking at Watanabe Hayabara with suspicion and vigilance. He truly couldn't understand how someone so provocative a moment ago could suddenly change his attitude. It stirred a sense of unease in him, as if the other party were brewing some conspiracy. His brow furrowed even tighter, as if trying to lock all his doubts between them.

Watanabe Hayabara's laughter gradually subsided. He reined in his smile, his gaze turning sharp as he stared straight at Ryuen Kakeru, and spoke slowly, "However, Ryuen Kakeru, you really are ruthless to your own subordinates, beating all three of them into serious injuries." His voice was calm but carried a piercing quality, as if it could reach straight into one's heart.

Upon hearing this, Ryuen Kakeru's body stiffened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He remained silent, watching Watanabe Hayabara with a complex expression, clearly wanting to hear what he would say next. His hands remained in his pockets, though his fists were clenched even tighter.

Watanabe Hayabara observed Ryuen Kakeru's reaction, understanding that everything was within his expectations. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly into a playful smirk, "I only came to ask, Ryuen-kun, whether you intend to use that one-time 'no-interference' favor you bought from me with points earlier." His tone was light, as if he were discussing something trivial, but the sharpness in his eyes remained undiminished, locked firmly onto Ryuen Kakeru, observing his every move.