Love is a priceless painting - a COTE Fiction (Masumi Kamuro x OC)

Inner Workings

To begin with, everyone in Class A had a massive defect – me included, of course.

Basking in the propaganda this school's giving us about the 100% employment/college admission rate will only prove detrimental in the future, considering the fact that it's most probably a lie.

Think about it. Just like with the Class Points, why provide us the same amount if not to give us a fair start for a competition? It's reasonable to say that we were allotted to Class A not because we're exceptional ourselves, but because we can complement each other. For example, Kito Hayato's A in Physical Abilities is countered by Sakayanagi's A in Academics and Kohei's B+ in Decision Making, giving us some sort of balance.

Balance that can be shattered each months as classes with a better understanding of how this school works ascend and fight for the First Class, which is the one who will have such an unreal employment rate. Seriously, 100 across the board? I feel bad for whoever thought that as the primary reason to join this school.

It goes without saying that there have to be exceptional students – in some fields – scattered around all classes, as a means of improving the...let's call them 'less gifted' students.

This is first and foremost a school, in the end.

While I was sitting on my seat thinking such heavy thoughts, a girl and a boy approached me.

"Ano...I wanted to say that your speech yesterday was really cool! Standing up to Sakayanagi-san and Katsuragi-san, I mean. I wish I could be cool like you!"

The girl, who then introduced herself as 'Takeko Nishino', was accompanied by 'Hayato Kito', who then spoke.

"I believe you should compete for class leadership. I mean, you clearly know our surroundings way too well. Should you do so, we'll support you. I'm quite confident in my physical abilities, and I could act as your bodyguard."

Obviously I will refuse. I noticed that I was tailed by Yahiko – Kohei, I thought we were friends! – and both Hashimoto – slither away, fucking snake – and Masumi Kamuro. I've got to say, the days she tailed me made for far better paintings than having Yahiko and Hashimoto as models.

Returning on topic, a ruler fit for the job always refuses to take the mantle. As Julius Caesar refused the crown three times, I will wait for my support to grow naturally instead of forcing my ideas and conceptions on people that then will follow me blindly under the premise that 'boss knows it all'.

I'm no boss. Sometimes, there needs to be a Plato in charge – you know, 'philosophers in power' , and all that jazz. Though, as a platonic, I know myself and my shortcomings.

"I don't believe I'm fit for the rule. I mean, look at Kohei, and Sakayanagi, and their ways of thinking. I do believe, instead, that you should side with one of them."

With that, they seemed to be convinced, so I left them to their own devices. One moved towards Katsuragi, the other to Sakayanagi. Later down the line having two rings connecting the chain of command of the class will be vital.

Especially because merely rising and decreasing CP via midterms and finals like any other normal school doesn't sit right to me.

Timeskip – two days

The tactic of the spear and the shield. Sakayanagi was the spear and Kohei the shield but, just like the Germanic warriors of old, the chairman's daughter preferred to rush on the battlefield without said shield, not caring about the prospect of the warrior – the class as a whole - returning home full of wounds.

Either we tape that shield to her left hand, or we'll be doomed to fail, sooner or later. It could go on well for the first year, but what about the second, or the third? Even worse, little girl seemed hellbent on disposing of the shield.

It seems that I was looking at her while thinking, because the class noticed and silence fell like a curtain. Sakayanagi only smiled, letting loose her peculiar laugh.

"Fufu-, are you perhaps a pervert, Gabriele-kun?"

I noticed her usage of my first name. She must be thinking of us as close in some way.

"You laughed, so you enjoyed my stare. Are you perhaps into it too, Arisu-san?"

Her smile got even bigger – and faker - as she glared to the rest of the class causing them to act as if nothing had happened, to then whisper something to Kamuro. She reacted with an expression of disgust the likes of which attracted Hashimoto and Kito's attention.

The snake snickered and was promptly disciplined with a kick on the shin that made him almost fall back-first on the floor, while Kito just sent me a look of sympathy.

Speaking of Kito, I shared my suspicions on the system with him and Nishino, and in return I trusted them with giving 'guidance' to the other supporters of the 'factions' so that the two leader will eventually be 'convinced' to cooperate.

Quite like the outside world, words have a lot of meanings and there's no amount of wisdom enough to comprehend the different shades.

"Class, attention."

Mashima calls for our attention as he enters the classroom.

"We'll be having a small test in preparation for the midterms. It's fine if you're not that prepared, it won't be registered in your report cards anyways."

It won't be registered in your report cards anyways.

In preparation for the midterms.

Yeah, no.

"Sensei, I have a question."

Mashima's surprised expression is accompanied by Kohei and Sakayanagi's suspicious gazes.

"That's not really for us, is it? I smell cap."

Arisu POV

If he ever decides to lead the class, I'd be in serious trouble.

There's no deceiving him...is it?

I look at Masumi-san and chuckle.

"What is it now, loli?"

"Nothing, Masumi-san. The game has began, and I'll have my checkmate."

Kohei POV

This will be useful. Each and every word spoken by our teachers will mean something else entirely.

Still, Yahiko is as subtle as an elephant, and I need to get him to my side for the class struggle.

Then, it hits me.

Points. If everything can be bought with it, I can buy his loyalty. I can say I'm the closest to him in class, so I start from a better position. To be better safe than sorry if he's trying to spy on me via Nishino-san, I just have to turn her double agent.

Striking a deal should be possible, a bit of a gambit, but...

A gambit that must be made.

Our POV

Mashima thinly smiles, and answers. "I won't confirm nor deny."

I sit back down and gaze at the two leaders. The different methods with which they'll try to bring me to their side will be beneficial for them to understand how they need to cooperate. An average individual gets brought to the negotiation table by Kohei, while Arisu manouvres to trap him into accepting the offer.

Flawless. Against the average individual, that is.

We then go on to take the test, in which I deliberately score 0 across the board.

To get to the midterms we'll have to act united, so I'll have to be fast in my intentions...I could also resort to the 'common enemy' strategy, but that's a last ditch measure. If we can demonstrate how we deserve to be the highest class as soon as possible, it can count as an intimidation factor.

As the first month and the midterms come to pass, the four classes will finally show their inner workings. 

Chapter II DONE! I must say that it's a pain to imagine the dynamics of the other classes so early in the game. I'm trying my best guys.

KingFabia signing off,

PEACE!