CHANGED - Classroom of the Elite

19

"But why... why are you here?" Kei whimpered. It really did poke at Suzune's freezing cold heart to see her like this.

Being forced to relive your traumatic memories doesn't sound like a good time.

"I made you a promise." Ayanokoji stated. "I said I'd help you if you needed it." He pulled out his phone to show Ryuuen his screen. "Karuizawa sent me a message. She asked me for help. In other words, I'm the one you've been searching for."

"That's bullshit." Ibuki scoffed. She pointed her finger at him. "He's just some innocent kid that follows Horikita around. Back on the island, he had no idea I was the one who- "

"On the island, your camera malfunctioned."

Ibuki flinched backwards. "How do you know that?"

"Because the one who broke it was me." He calmly answered. "I used plain water so there would be no evidence."

Ibuki's eyes lit up in realization.

Ryuuen strolled over to Kei's shivering body and yanked at her hair. He calculated her expression with relative ease. "Looks like you're no so scared anymore." He dropped her to the floor and turned back to Ayanokoji. "That confirms it, then. You're class D's mastermind. But tell me, Ayanokoji. If it really is you... haven't you played your cards wrong?"

That's the thing.

"In a situation like this," Ryuuen continued. "The best thing you could have done... is leave Karuizawa to her fate."

He came here all for the purpose of making Kei dependent and loyal to him alone.

(Which is where Suzune comes in. Over the past two terms, Kei has grown an attachment to her specifically, meaning if Suzune needed a favour, Kei would grant it without much thought.

But the difference between her and Ayanokoji, is that she has grown attached, too.)

"How will you survive barging behind enemy lines all by yourself?"

"That's pretty rude." Suzune crossed her arms. "I'm right here."

"Would you have been able to come up with this grand plan, Suzune?" Ryuuen wondered.

"It wouldn't have been an exact replica of his; I would've made a few tweaks to suit my preferences."

Not getting the answer he wanted, Ryuuen silently 'tch'ed. He turned his attention to Ayanokoji. "Let's see it then. Show me this master plan of yours."

"Plan?" Ayanokoji asked. "I don't have one."

Ryuuen narrowed his eyes. "Huh?"

"I just came here to get Karuizawa." He answered. "Like Horikita."

"Come on, why don't you stay and play a little?" Ryuuen provoked. Suzune noticed Albert moving closer to Ayanokoji as he said this. "Do you take me for a fool? You're forcing my hand now."

"Wait!" Kei shouted. She clenched onto Ryuuen's arm desperately. "You can't do this!"

Ryuuen simply kicked her out the way and she landed into a pile of cardboard boxes. He turned back to face Suzune and Ayanokoji. "Violence is the most powerful force in this world. You can try all the underhanded tricks you want, but they'll crumble under raw force. Just to make sure you don't get any new fresh ideas; I'll crush you right here and now. This is the end of class D."

Ayanokoji stayed silent.

"Looks like you're not willing to negotiate, huh? So, how do you plan to get yourself out of trouble this time? Give me your best shot."