Chapter 4 - The Calm Before the Storm

"There are more people here than I had expected." Kiyotaka started, seemingly amazed by the amount of people scattered all around the gymnasium.

Today's their second day in school. And, by this time, both Kaori and Kiyotaka had made their own moves the day before.

Class E's advantage over the Class System allowed them to interact with other classes without seeming suspicious, and gave them opportunities to gain more information from their senpais.

The Point System and the Hierarchy was a big thing to have. It allowed trades that normally wouldn't be possible in normal schools.

It gave Class E more advantage, even when the time where the other 1st years will eventually know of this system.

Class E had also taken the opportunity to get to know one another online, which was something they were unable to do yesterday in their classroom.

Kaori's small suggestion allowed Kiyotaka a wider range of plans. It gave him ideas on how he can use his classmates, and what their weaknesses were.

All in all, the first day had been such a really productive day.

"Will you be joining any clubs, Kiyo?" Kaori's question brought Kiyotaka off his thoughts, and pulled him back to the reality.

During their break, there was an announcement for students to come to the School Gymnasium for a Club Fair.

Of course, the Gymnasium was really packed. There were senpais all around, urging people to join their clubs. And there were also teachers, watching all over everybody else.

Looking around, there seemed to be lots of clubs in this school. It wasn't just limited to the usual clubs a school would have, no. There were even some weird clubs like an Anime Club, or a Gaming Club.

It was interesting in Kiyotaka's opinion. However,

"No, not really. They're all interesting, but I don't think I'd fit in their clubs." He shrugged.

His abilities were far outstanding than most of these students. If he were to join a club, he'd have to hold back quite a lot. And honestly, Kiyotaka disliked that thought.

And, even if he didn't hold back, the attention that he will gain will be something that he wouldn't want. He'd rather have friends who like him for who he is, rather than friends who are just there because of his fame, and the like.

"What about you? You've been eyeing the Archery Club for a while." Kaori's expression morphed to hesitance, to which Kiyotaka noticed immediately.

It seemed like she really wanted to join. However, Class E was meant to be a secret.

Kiyotaka didn't know how these club fair works, but he assumed that the Club Captains must have the basic information of their Classes.

So, joining a club isn't really an option right now, unless they had confirmed that Club Captains know who they were.

"I wish we could've asked Ellen-sensei beforehand." Kiyotaka groaned. At the same time, both Kaori's and his phone buzzed, making them jump slightly at the sound.

It was a message from their Class Group Chat in LINE. And, it came from... Shinomiya..?

Kiyotaka immediately opened his phone, and read her message, which immediately got Party Popper reactions from their classmates.

-

Shinomiya: I just asked Ellen-sensei if we can join clubs. She said that we can, because Club Captains have been informed of Class E. According to her, just tell them your names, and you'll be good to go.Shinomiya: Do with that information as you will.

➥ Yuuki: @everyone

Akabane: Holy shit, I was just wondering what I was going to do LoL

Kirigaya: Thank goodness, I thought I couldn't get into any clubs until the other classes find outKirigaya: I was about to be mad

Sora: LoL.

Akise: Thanks for the save, Shinomiya-san.

-

"Well, looks like we got our answer." Kiyotaka smiled, returning his phone back to his pocket as Kaori sighed in relief.

Thanks to Shinomiya's help and initiative, they can apply to any club that they want without worrying about the consequences.

"I'm glad-"

"Thank you all for waiting, first-year students. We will now begin the club fair. A representative from each club will explain their function. My name is Tachibana, the student council secretary and the club fair's organizer. It's nice to meet you all." Kaori, who had been speaking just now, got interrupted by the Club Fair's organizer, Tachibana.

That interruption made their conversation die down, as the Club Captains lined up at the stage, and began campaigning their own clubs.

Though, Kiyotaka was confident that most of the students were barely listening, as the student's chatters drowned out the voices of the Club Captains.

And yet, they kept on going, one by one, ignoring the noisy crowd before them.

Each club's introductions were ordinary, and bland. It seemed like they only want to invite people who seem truly interested in what they do.

And honestly, Kiyotaka doesn't care, either. He just wanted time to pass by, quickly.

"Man, they don't seem that interested in inviting people to their clubs, huh?" Kaori asked, somewhat uninterested in the clubs' introductions.

"Well, I guess I do see what they're aiming for. This way, only students whom were truly interested will join the club."

"I guess I cannot refute it if you put it that way. But I really thought they'd try harder, since the more members they get, the more money they'll recieve to get higher quality equipments." While Kaori's insight did make sense, Kiyotaka felt like there was no need for that.

Clubs would indeed want more members, yes. But, at some point..

"At some point, their members would eventually be too much, wouldn't it? So I guess this is a better way to control their clubs." Kiyotaka's answer seemed to have satisifed Kaori, for now, as she just sighed in response.

"I guess, you do have a point." And, once again, their conversation had died down, giving way to the Club Captains, even if they can't hear much of it.

One by one, the clubs introduced their interests, and wants. It was fast, but it gave interested students enough information about them.

It went on, until it reached the last one.

Sleek black hair, Glasses, and such a Cold, calculating gaze. Kiyotaka felt an odd sense of familiarity from him.

It was like, he had already met him before, or he had met someone similar to this guy before.

The poor guy just stood there, in the middle, without saying anything. Thus, creating an air of awkwardness around him.

It seemed like the others had thought that the poor senpai had forgotten his lines, and began to give him encouraging words.

"Do your best!"

"Did you forget to bring your notecards?"

"Ha ha ha ha ha!"

Yeah, most of them were mocking him. But, it didn't seem to affect the man much.

Slowly, the seemingly unruly atmosphere became tense. His silence was slowly, becoming unnerving, and the students grew nervous.

But for Kiyotaka, it was different.

'How interesting.. He didn't say anything. And yet, he already has this effect on the students.' Kiyotaka thought to himself, his gaze calculating.

At first, he thought nothing of this senpai. But, the way he carried himself, and changed the atmosphere without even doing anything, caught his attention.

This person probably belonged in Class A, he mused. There was no doubt about it.

"What's the deal with this guy..?!" One of the students shouted, and the gymnasium eventually broke into a loud mess.

Students began talking about him, and speculations began forming. And eventually, these speculations became far worse than the last.

"Why is he just standing there?"

"Man, isn't he creepy?"

"Oi, organizer-san! Who's this idiot in the stage?"

"Ha ha ha!"

And yet, once more, even as the 1st years mocked him, the man on the stage remained unbothered. He just stared down at the people below the stage with a cold gaze.

The man began analyzing the students below him. And eventually, he locked eyes with Kiyotaka.

For a moment, Kiyotaka saw the change in his expression. His eyes widened, and he seemed surprised at Kiyotaka.

It made him somewhat suspicious. Why was this person surprised upon seeing him?

Kiyotaka, however, was not given the chance to think about it further, as the man broke his gaze, and finally began talking.

"I'm the student council president. My name is Horikita Manabu," Kiyotaka's eyes widened upon the man's introduction.

"Horikita..." He parroted, which earned Kaori's attention.

"So Horikita Suzune has an older brother, huh? But, unlike the Horikita we know, this one seems like a legitimate talent." Kiyotaka agreed at Kaori's words.

Unlike Horikita Suzune, the person speaking up on the stage didn't seem overly confident about his abilities.

Horikita Manabu does seem confident in his abilities. However, it was not to the point where it seemed like he was capable of everything.

It felt like he knew his limit.

"He's quite amazing, isn't he? With just hiw words, he instantly made the whole Gymnasium quiet once again." Kaori remarked, noticing the fact that once more, the First Year students had geown quiet.

Maybe, it was from the guilt of mocking him. Or maybe, it was because this person held such a high position in the student body.

But, Kiyotaka knew. It was because this person, Horikita Manabu, was intimidating to the first year students.

"The student council is looking to recruit potential candidates among the first-year students to replace the graduating third years.

Although no special qualifications are required for candidacy, we humbly ask that those considering application not be involved in other club activities. We generally do not accept students involved elsewhere." Horikita's voice was soft. Quiet, even.

But, the effect it had on the first years was truly unparalleled.

His words carried such heavy weight, that even these students felt pressured by just seeing this person talk.

This was the power of the Student Council's president, Horikita Manabu.

And Kiyotaka wanted that power, in his own hands.

"Furthermore, we in the student council do not wish to appoint anyone who possesses a naive outlook. Not only would such a person not be elected, he or she would sully the sanctity of this school.

It is the student council's right and duty to enforce and amend the rules, but the school expects more than that. We gladly welcome those of you who understand this." With those final words, Horikita finished his speech, and bowed.

Before he left, however, Horikita briefly locked eyes with Kiyotaka, who simply narrowed his eyes im return.

It was a quick exchange, but Kiyotaka knew that the Student Council's president was interested in him. After all, that was what Horikita was trying to say to him.

Even though the stage is now empty, the students remained quiet, still tied up to the tense atmosphere.

The whole gymnasium remained quiet. No one dared to move, nor make a noise. They were all waiting for a person to eventually, break the tension.

And thankfully, there was such a person.

"Thank you all for coming. The club fair has ended. We will now open the reception area to anyone interested in signing up.

Also, registrations will be open until the end of April, so if any student wishes to join at a later date, we ask that you please bring the application form directly to the club you wish to join." The organiser's laid back attitude and kind voice immediately brought the students back to their usual selves.

Slowly, it seemed like everything had returned back to normal, and they began going to the Captains of the Clubs they went to join.

However, Kiyotaka remained still.

"Was the President asking you to try your luck at the council, just now?" Kaori asked, making Kiyotaka think even deeper about her question.

There was no doubt about it. Perhaps, that was what exactly Horikita Manabu wanted.

"I guess, he found me interesting..?" Kiyotaka asked to himself. He truly wondered what he should do..

The Student Council was a job just no normal person could take. However, it was a lucky pull to be inside the Council.

The Student Council holds immense power over the Student Body. And, on top of that, he'll be able to gain connections he cannot just get as a normal student.

That's why Kiyotaka's seriously considering it.

But, for now..

"Well, it's still the second day. Plus, the applications are until April. So I still have time to think." Kiyotaka smiled, putting such thoughts aside for now.

It wasn't that important for now, after all.

♕✾-✾♔

It had already been a few days ever since their school had started.

Class E had begun to integrate well into their school, and had been successful in hiding the status of their classes.

Even their class had begun to improve.

Groups of friends begun forming. Some were odd, and some were not. Some friendships were unexpected, and some were inevitably going to happen.

But in the end, the Class had grown to one another.

And, amongst all of them, the ones who had the most unexpected group of friends was..

"You know, if I told my first day self about who'd I be friends with, I think he'll laugh it off and call me an idiot." Akabane started, scratching his head as he observed the friends around him.

Today was their break time, so Class E were either at the cafeteria, or hanging out in their classrooms, scattered around to where their friends were.

And Kiyotaka's circle wasn't an exception to this.

Kiyotaka himself couldn't help but agree at Akabane's words. I mean, who wouldn't be? His friends are such... An odd bunch, after all.

"Hehe.. Well.. I guess what matters in the end is that no one's left out, eh..?" Kaori awkwardly laughed. Of course, there wasn't any way that Kaori wouldn't be a part of his friend group. She was the closest to him, after all.

Akabane himself wasn't a problem, too. He just naturally became Kiyotaka's friend. And it really seemed like they'd get along really well. So, Kiyotala had zero complaints.

But, this...

"I agree with Akabane's notion on that one. Even I find this difficult to understand." Shinomiya sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. And, seated beside her, Shirogane Miyuki just chuckled softly.

Shirogane was a recent addition to the group. At first, things were awkward to him, since his seatmates wouldn't talk to him.

However, eventually, Akabane began to pull Shirogane into his antics, and eventually, became a part of their circle.

"Yeah, this is quite an odd group. We don't even have common interests. And yet, we're in a single friend group.." Shirogane sighed. And once more, Kiyotaka couldn't help but agree.

This group was what the others would call the weird ones. Shinomiya is a cold person who barely talks to anyone. Shirogane is a person whose.. Seemingly always sleepy and tired, which in turn, gives him such an intimidating look. Akabane's the unruly child of the Class.

All in all, in Kiyotaka's opinion, he and Kaori were the only normal people in this group. But, of course, we all know that's not the case at all.

"Awh, stop being so negative, Shinomiya-saaaan~"

"Stop that, Akabane-san.." And so, Akabane began bothering Shinomiya, with Shirogane in-between, trying to stop Akabane.

Kiyotaka could see Shinomiya becoming annoyed at Akabane. Though, it seemed more silly, than scary, due to the pout beginning to form in her lips.

"Look, Shinomiya-san is pouting. Isn't that cute, Shirogane-san?"

"Don't pull me in your mess, man.."

"Akabane-san, if you do not stop right now, I'll make sure you'll come to regret it later."

"Awhh, what'll you do, Shi-no-mi-ya-san?~"

"You-!!"

"O-oi! Stop, stop, stop..!" It was amusing, seeing the ever-so serious Shinomiya being childishly riled up by Akabane, while Shirogane panicked in the middle.

But, he didn't really want to escalate it further, so, Kiyotaka elbowed Kaori in hopes that she could do something to stop this.

"What if we started calling one another by our first names?" Kaori randomly blurted out, making even Kiyotaka jump in surprise.

It was certainly something he didn't expect out of her.

Her random words brought the three out of their childish fights, which made Kiyotaka somewhat thankful.

But now, all attention was on Kaori.

"What are you saying, Hironaka-san? It's only been a few days. That's a silly thought." And, of course, Shinomiya rejected it instantly.

Hearing Shinomiya's rejection, Kiyotaka immediately knew, and understood that this conversation would end right then and there. It was inevitable, for Shinomiya would keep rejecting her idea. However..,

"I don't see why not. Everyone's names are ridiculously long, isn't it? It's such a hassle to say it." No way was he allowing them to argue once more.

"Just like Azusagawa?" Akabane joked, earning pointed stares from not just Kiyotaka and his circle, but also the other people left on the classroom.

Such heavy gazes began to make Akabane sweat bullets. They were eyeing him like he was the world's number one enemy.

To add to that, the room suddenly became eerily silent, as the conversations of their other classmates had also died down due to Akabane's joke.

Eventually, he couldn't take it anymore.

"Geez, okay okay. I'm sorry..!"

"Be glad Azusagawa wasn't here, Akabane." Kiyotaka sighed, almost like a parent scolding his child.

In return, Akabane just sheepishly laughed, and scratched his nape nervously.

As soon as he apologized, the whole class eventually returned to normal, and Akabane exhaled nervously.

"Fuckin'..."

"Nah, you deserved that, man." Shirogane laughed, patting Akabane's back, who was currently trying to calm his nervousness.

Kiyotaka couldn't help but chuckle at their duo. It seems like they'll get along really well.

For now, he decided to leave them alone, and focus on the two girls in their group. However..

"Jiiiii..." Kaori was just staring at Shinoniya with seriously, to which Shinomiya returned with a blank stare.

It made Kiyotaka incredibly confused. Just what in the world is going on with the people around him?!

'Are my friends seriously beginning to lose their minds?!' Kiyotaka thought to himself in a rather comedic manner.

He was acting like it's the end of his world.

'What's seriously going on?! Is this some divine punishment for bringing incompatible people together in a single group?!

But, but..! We look so well together, don't we?!

Where in the world did I go wrong?! Why are my friends going insane?!' He's going insane, too.

While Kiyotaka was drowning in his own thoughts, Shinomiya and Kaori remained in their staring contest. All until..

"Kaguya-chan." Kaori's words earned the attention of not just Kiyotaka, but also Shirogane and Akabane.

"Kindly remove the 'chan' from my name, Hirona-"

"Kaori." She corrected. Then, her expression went from serious, to a beaming smile, as she repeated Shinomiya's first name.

"Kaguya-chan, Kaguya-chan!"

"You..!" And so, Kaori just began laughing as Kaguya began pouting, and pulling at Kaori in hopes that she'll stop calling her with the suffix.

"Hm, Kaguya it is then." Kiyotaka smiled. Following Kaori's footsteps.

Akabane, catching up to their intentions, just grinned, and went along.

"Then, I'm Karma, Kaguya-san. Nice to meet 'cha!" Karma teased. But, everyone could see that he truly meant his words, despite his teasing words.

Noticing everyone going along with it, Kaguya just sighed, and gave up. She knew she couldn't do anything about it anymore.

Amongst it all, however, one person remained quiet. And Kaori noticed it quickly.

"Shi- no, Miyuki-kun, why don't you call Kaguya-chan by her first name, too?" Kaori asked with a smile, making Shinomiya somewhat annoyed once more.

"I told you to drop the suffix..!"

"But it's cute..!"

"I don't care!!" Due to their fight, they failed to notice the growing red hue on Miyuki's cheeks.

Well, all but one..

Kiyotaka, seeing Miyuki's somewhat shy expression, got it within three seconds, causing hus expression to become quizzical amd baffled.

'How is it possible to already have a crush after a few days of meeting-?!' Such thoughts filled Kiyotaka's mind.

But, he didn't deny that this was quite amusing to watch. And so, he did something that he knew would make Karma proud if he knew what Miyuki was feeling right now.

"Come on, Miyuki, just call Kaguya by her first name. Or, are you scared?" Kiyotaka teased, the smirk on his face wide.

Hearing those words from Kiyotaka, Miyuki fumbled slightly, and the red hue on his face increased.

Karma and Kaori eventually noticed this too, and evil smirks began to form in their lips.

It was at this very moment that a silent alliance had been formed.

"Come onn, Miyuki-kunn! You're the only who hasn't called her by her first name!"

"You're missing out, dude."

"Just call her by her first name, man, it's not hard." The relentless assault from his friends bamboozled him, and he slowly, got flustered.

"What's the point of forcing him if he doesn't want it?"

"You don't get it at all, Kaguya-chan!!" Swirls begun to form in Miyuki's eyes and head, as he slowly became overwhelmed by his friend's relentless teasing.

"Miyukiii!!!"

"Duudee"

"Miyuki-" And so, their relentless assault eventually went on, until Miyuki was eventually forced to say Kaguya's first name, making the said person extremely confused as to why Miyuki had so much trouble saying it.

Seeing his flustered expression, the three people teasing Miyuki felt satisfied, and went on as normal.

Did you guys actually think I was going to write it out?

Nah, wait for the next chapter, fools.

♕✾-✾♔

『 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚕, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔. 𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚝, 𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚊𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚖 𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 』