The Wise Fool: Year 1 (Classroom of The Elite x Male OC)

Chapter 2: The Manipulator and The Fool

Kiyotaka's POV:

As we walk side by side toward the indoor stadium, the morning air feels crisp, though my mind remains detached. I've just met this energetic boy, who seems to have a constant bounce in his step. His bright, energetic demeanor is almost exhausting to watch, yet I maintain a calm, steady pace. I've learned not to show too much.

Eiichi: "Hey! I realized I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Shisho Eiichi, from class 1-D. Nice to meet you!"

I glance at him briefly, letting his words hang in the air for a moment. His gaze meets mine, eyes wide with an almost childlike openness. It's clear he expects a response. People like him always do.

Kiyotaka: "I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Class 1-D as well."

His face lights up, his smile widening as if my simple acknowledgment has somehow formed an unspoken connection between us.

Eiichi: "Really? Whoa, that's great! Nice to meet ya, Ayanokouji-kun! You excited for the welcoming ceremony?"

I can hear the eagerness in his voice, a feeling I find completely foreign. Excitement? How unnecessary. These ceremonies are nothing but meaningless rituals, a performance dressed up as tradition. There's nothing to gain from them. I respond with a nod, letting his enthusiasm fade into the background of my thoughts.

Kiyotaka: "It's just another event. Nothing really special."

My tone was flat, giving nothing away. Eiichi's laughter erupts, loud and unguarded. It's a laugh that seems to belong to someone who has never once questioned whether the world around them is anything but bright and simple. His carefree attitude is almost foreign to me.

Eiichi: "Yeah, probably! But hey, it's the start of something new, right? New school, new life! Ever think about that?"

New life? There's no such thing. The environment might change, but the system remains the same. The tools, the people around me. They may look different, but their functions don't change. I stay quiet, allowing Eiichi's words to fill the space between us. He's the type that enjoys talking. It doesn't matter to him if I respond. As long as someone is there to listen, he'll keep going.

Kiyotaka: "I guess. School is school."

I replied, keeping it vague. It's not worth the effort to say more than that. Eiichi grins wider, as if my noncommittal response is somehow meaningful.

Eiichi: "Man, you're pretty chill, huh? I kinda like that. For me, school's more than just a place to learn. It's where you meet people, make memories, all that stuff, you know?"

His words are spilling out rapidly, unfiltered. He's the kind of person who never holds back, never stops to think before he speaks. Everything is out in the open with him. People like Eiichi are simple to read, simple to manage. Their transparency makes them predictable - easy to use if necessary. But I don't need to say that. Not now.

Kiyotaka: "Maybe."

I responded, letting him interpret it however he wants. His grin stays plastered on his face, clearly satisfied with my minimal engagement.

Eiichi: "But hey, maybe I'm overthinking it. Life's too short to take everything so seriously, don't you think?"

Life? He's thinking too much about the wrong things. Life is just a series of events. It doesn't need to be dissected or filled with meaning. People, relationships, bonds. They're all just tools. Everyone around me is either an obstacle or a resource, depending on how they fit into the bigger picture. Eiichi might not realize it, but he's already showing me exactly how he could be useful. His openness makes it easy.