A conversation

The midterms three weeks away failed to capture the attention of Class A's students. The atmosphere in the classroom grew more oppressive by the day.

The Sakayanagi Faction, the Katsuragi Faction, and the Neutral Faction caught between them had effectively split the class into three.

Recently, the Neutral Faction had become highly sought after, with people from both sides taking turns approaching its members for talks.

Compared with the Katsuragi Faction's active recruitment, the Sakayanagi Faction took its time, seemingly half a step behind.

Takahashi Ren and Toba Shigeru had both been approached by the Katsuragi Faction, one after the other.

After school, Takahashi Ren was about to leave when Hayato Kito suddenly blocked his way.

"Wait."

Takahashi Ren understood immediately. Kito was one of Sakayanagi's people.

He sat back down and patiently waited for the others to leave.

"When did you start following Sakayanagi?" With nothing else to do, Takahashi Ren asked casually.

Hayato Kito gave him a cold glare and said nothing.

Takahashi Ren did not mind and asked again.

"You're not afraid of me?" Hayato Kito finally spoke, his voice low.

"Why should I be? I have no quarrel with you, and you're no demon or god."

Hayato Kito stared at him silently. His gaze held no malice, but it carried a heavy sense of pressure. Then he looked away. "She was right. You really are different."

By "she," he probably meant Sakayanagi.

The classroom gradually emptied until only the three of them remained.

Takahashi Ren walked up to Sakayanagi and asked, "Classmate Sakayanagi, what did you want to see me about?"

Sakayanagi looked at Hayato Kito beside her. "Kito, please step outside."

Hayato Kito silently left the classroom.

"Please, have a seat." Sakayanagi gestured with her hand.

"No need. I'm fine standing."

"Please forgive me for not having tea to offer you today. I'll be sure to make up for it another day."

"There's no need. Why make this so formal?" Takahashi Ren waved a hand. He was not particularly used to such formalities.

"I've been hearing about you for some time, Takahashi, though unfortunately, I don't know very much. I'd like to have a more in-depth conversation with you today."

"Really? I'm flattered."

"Who do you think is better suited to lead the class, Katsuragi or me?" Sakayanagi got straight to the point.

"Before that, there's something I'd like to ask." Takahashi Ren looked at her. "You're moving so slowly. Aren't you afraid Katsuragi's side will win everyone over?"

"What does it matter if I let him move first?" Sakayanagi's tone was calm. "Numbers aren't important. What matters is who controls them."

"You really are confident. It doesn't seem like an act."

Sakayanagi did not respond to that. She had heard far too many similar remarks. She simply pressed him. "So, your answer?"

"I'll watch the game without commenting." Takahashi Ren met her gaze. "I don't intend to get involved in your affairs."

"Even if that causes the class to lose its Class A standing, you still won't care?"

"That's right."

"That hardly sounds like something a Class A student at this school would say."

"When I applied here, I only wanted to see whether it was really as impressive as advertised. As for whether I graduate from Class A, I'll do what I'm supposed to and let the rest take its course."

"So you wouldn't care even if I had you expelled?"

"Expelled? You wouldn't have me expelled just to satisfy your own desires."

"I wouldn't be so sure."

Takahashi Ren smiled.

"First, you don't know what penalties an expulsion would bring on the class. That's ignorance. Second, if numbers provide an advantage in future assessments, you'd be lacking foresight. Third, having me expelled on a whim would be pushing students toward the Katsuragi Faction. That's unwise."

"It could also serve to establish my authority."

"Then go ahead and try." Takahashi Ren's tone was calm as he picked up the schoolbag on his seat. "If you can bear the costs and benefits, I'll consider it a misjudgment on my part."

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes. You go your way, and I'll go mine. We'll leave each other alone."

Sakayanagi gazed at him. "Do you think I'll believe you?"

"With your intelligence, surely you're not afraid of me?" With that, Takahashi Ren left without looking back.

A short while later, Hayato Kito pushed the door open and walked in.

"Interesting." The corners of Sakayanagi's mouth lifted slightly, and a trace of amusement flashed in her eyes.

I'll have Kamuro keep an eye on him for now. Once I've dealt with Katsuragi, I'll take a proper look at him.

As Takahashi Ren walked down the hallway, a familiar figure came into view at the corner.

"Yamamura, were you waiting for me?"

"Yes."

The two walked side by side.

"Have you been doing well lately?"

"Yes." Yamamura nodded. "Sakayanagi didn't give you a hard time, did she?"

"No."

"That's good." She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. "I'm working for Sakayanagi."

"Really? That's good."

"B-but..." Yamamura lowered her head, her voice growing quieter. "She's asked me to spy on our classmates."

Takahashi Ren glanced at her. With her almost "invisible" presence, Yamamura really was well suited to the job. Still, this sort of thing was probably a bit much for her.

He grew serious. "Do you like doing it?"

"I can't really say, but this might be the only value I have."

"In that case, go ahead and do it without worrying."

"Then, the other classmates..."

"This isn't a bad thing," Takahashi Ren reassured her. "What matters is how you report things to Sakayanagi."

"Aren't I supposed to be honest?"

"Of course you should be honest. You just need to choose what to say and what not to say."

"Is that how it works?"

"For example, other people's private matters, or things that would cause conflict if you mentioned them. Glossing over the serious details and focusing on the minor ones can also be a way of protecting people."

"You're right."

"But..." Yamamura hesitated. "What if Sakayanagi asks me to spy on you someday?"

"The same applies. You don't need to hide anything for me. Just do your job."

"I understand." Yamamura bowed in thanks again.

"Oh, come on. We're friends. You don't have to keep thanking me." Takahashi Ren waved a hand. "Want to grab a drink together? I know a good place."

"Sure." Yamamura nodded.

He took her to a café. Its unassuming storefront was tucked deep inside an alley and was easy to miss. Inside, it was quiet, with soft lighting and a rich aroma in the air.

"The desserts here are pretty good. You could try one." Takahashi Ren slid the menu in front of her.

"D-do you have any recommendations?" Yamamura stared at the menu, her gaze wavering between several desserts.

"Pick one yourself. Everyone has different tastes."

Yamamura hesitated for a long time, running her finger back and forth over the menu several times. Takahashi Ren did not hurry her, simply waiting quietly.

Once she finally made her choice, the two took their seats.

Takahashi Ren asked, "Have you been doing well lately?"

"Yes."

"Have you made any new friends?"

Yamamura lowered her head, her voice growing quieter. "N-no. I tried approaching them, but I still couldn't do it. They soon forgot about me again."

"I see."

It seemed ordinary conversation really did not work for Yamamura. Her problem was not a lack of effort, but a presence so faint that most people simply could not remember her.

This was not something to rush. They would have to wait for an opportunity that would let her truly be seen.

"I'm fine. Things are pretty good as they are." Seeing that he had fallen silent, Yamamura comforted him instead.

"All right, let's not talk about this." Takahashi Ren smiled.