The Other Ayanokoji

Chapter 92

 "Ayanokoji-san, I've noticed your presence in our class activities, but you rarely participate or offer your assistance. You only helped because I asked you to. Is there a reason for this?"

My eyes remained fixed on Horikita, giving nothing away. "My request to you." I pause. 

"Is related to that. I don't want you to ever ask for my assistance."

Horikita's expression shifted from curiosity to mild irritation.

"But why? In our class, teamwork and cooperation are vital. It would be beneficial if you contributed more."

"Trust me, Horikita, you're better off without my involvement. I have no interest in the well-being of this class or its members. I have my own agenda to pursue."

Horikita's frustration grew evident as she pressed further. "Ayanokoji-san, that's a rather vague and unhelpful answer. If you have concerns or reservations, it would be wise to share them."

I have no obligation to explain myself to you, Horikita. I suggest you respect my decision and not delve further into matters that do not concern you."

I vanished from my spot and reappeared directly behind Horikita. I whispered low and menacingly into Horikita's ear, my voice laced with a threatening tone.

"Do not be too trusting, Horikita. The world is not as simple as you may believe, and not everything is as it seems. It's a lesson you would do well to remember."

Horikita felt a chill run down her spine. She nodded in response, her once-confident demeanor slightly shaken.

With that, I took my leave, teleporting to my room.

In my room, I sat alone, fidgeting with my brown hair.

"Ryo, that Sakayanagi girl is a real piece of work, isn't she?" Reiji blurted out, bouncing on her toes as she observed me.

I sighed. "It's none of our business what Sakayanagi does, Reiji. She's just another player in this twisted game."

Reiji pouted, her voice tinged with exasperation. "But she's always so smug, and she's after your brother. We can't just ignore her, can we?"

I finally turned my attention to Reiji.

"Reiji, I have no interest in getting involved in petty rivalries or romantic entanglements. Let Sakayanagi play her games; it's of no consequence to us."

"But what if she becomes a threat to Kiyotaka? We need to protect him."

"Kiyotaka is more than capable of handling himself, and he doesn't need us meddling in his affairs. Besides, our primary concern right now should be our class round."

Reiji seemed to reluctantly accept my decision. "Fine, I get it. We'll focus on the class round for now. But we should have someone watch Sakayanagi."

I nodded in agreement.

With another sigh, I took off my glasses and placed them aside.

I used my clairvoyance to scan the surroundings and locate my brother.

After a moment of concentration, my eyes locked onto my brother's presence. 

"Class B is almost done with the class round. We only have one more participation left. Let's inform Onii-chan; he should be prepared for the final round."

Reiji nodded, her enthusiasm returning. "Got it, boss! I'll go find him."

As Reiji dashed off, I stared at the wall. Our next opponent is Class C.

As if on cue, my phone buzzed, indicating an incoming call.

Glancing at my phone, I saw the name "Ryuen Kakeru" on the screen. 

I pressed the answer button and put the phone to my ear.

"Ryuen," I greeted him.

"Princess," Ryuen's voice carried a hint of amusement. "I've got a proposal for you."

 "Go on."

Ryuen's voice dropped into a sly whisper. "I challenge you to a one-on-one battle in the upcoming class round. If you accept, I'll reveal what challenge I've chosen for the class round."

"A challenge, you say?"

"That's right," Ryuen confirmed. "But I won't tell you what the challenge is unless you accept the duel. What do you say, Princess?"

"Ryuen, I already know what challenge you'll choose, and it's too much of a hassle for me. I decline your challenge."

Ryuen chuckled on the other end of the line, his amusement evident. "You were always a step ahead, Princess. But you can't blame me for trying."

"Indeed. Is there anything else?"

Ryuen's tone grew more serious. "Just remember, Princess, there's no escaping the challenges that lie ahead. We'll cross paths again."

With that, I ended the call.

"What a hassle."

~Time skip~

Students from both Class B and C gathered on the playing field.

Class 2-C had chosen the challenge for this round, and it was a game of tag.

The rules were simple but favored the swift and agile. One member from each class would take on the role of the "tagger," while the rest of the class played the evasive runners.

As soon as the whistle sounded, the runners from both classes scattered in various directions, each determined to find the perfect strategy to avoid being tagged.

As the runners weaved through the field, their faces etched with determination, the game intensified. Class 2-C's tagger raced after their targets, while the runners showed off their quick thinking and agility, darting between obstacles and plotting their escape routes.

Ryuen's voice echoed across the field, a playful taunt. "You can run, but you can't hide, Class 2-B!"

"We'll see about that, Ryuen."

The timer beeped.

10-minute break

9:59 seconds remaining

As my classmates brainstormed who would be their tagger, I watched from the sidelines.

My brother looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Ryo, are you going to volunteer to be the tagger?"

"It's too much of a hassle."

My brother sighed, a hint of exasperation creeping into his normally composed demeanor. "Can't you do it just this once?"

My glowing blue eyes remained fixed on him. "No."

My brother's irritation grew evident, and in a moment of frustration, he reached out and pulled my cheek. "Come on, Ryo, be a team player for once!"

My expression didn't change, but I let out an annoyed sigh, my cheek still in my brother's grasp. "Onii-chan, you know how much I despise physical contact."

My brother raised an eyebrow and shot back, "You'd think you're made of glass. Just this once."

I teleported away and shook my head. "No. You can do it. It's your turn to handle the hassle."

"Fine, I'll do it, but you owe me, Ryo."

"Agreed."