The Unseen Experiment Ayanokoji x Reader

Ch 9. The Shadow Beneath the Surface

Y/n pov:

Class D regrouped and there was a stark contrast to the river compared to the buzz of activity that was going on. It was quite nice and calming. The sound of the water flowing created a nice soothing background as the whole class was deciding our next steps for the exam. Hirata took charge per usual and his calm demeanor giving everyone a sense of direction. I always felt like Hirata and Kushida would of been a better match together than him and Karuizawa.

He started off by saying we needed a class leader. "I think Horikita would be a great leader," Kushida suggested. She also stated that nobody else fits under the radar as well as Kushida, especially since it would be a giveaway if Karuizawa was the leader.

As time went on I started working on setting up the tents. I noticed Hirata approached Ayanokoji saying "We need some branches before night falls. Could you take someone with you to help?" Ayanokoji's eyes flicked to me for a brief moment before he replied and said, "I will bring y/n." I was not surprised by him choosing me, but he could of also brought Horikita. Before we could leave Yamauchi..I think that is what his name was I do not really remember, offered to come too.

Ayanokoji pov:

As the three of us walked into the woods, Yamauchi edged closer to me. He whispered to me saying, "Kushida is out of my league now that I think about it, but Y/n..seems more realistic of an option. Do you think I have a shot? She seems pretty close with you."

I kept my expression blank per usual. I told him I did not really have any advice. On the inside though an unexpected slight irritation flared inside me...it was like a possessiveness that I did not really anticipate to happen. Why was I feeling this way? This was not just about winning the game anymore it was only about maintaining control. I know y/n is unaware of this conversation though. I narrowed my eyes slightly towards him..he looked a little confused. He was only a pawn trying to play a game that was way far beyond his level understanding...me and y/n's understanding. I don't want him to get close to y/n.

"You can try," I said in a flat tone, "but do not get too attached. Some things aren't as easy to win over as you think..in this case people." I was not just warning him off though; I was taking a claim. I know y/n is unaware of this, but I am going to make sure she stays in my orbit, where I can keep an eye on her. He responded with "Well people aren't games Ayanokoji" I winced a little at that thought.

Y/n pov:

As I was collecting sticks I noticed Yamauichi and Ayanokoji talking a bit. His expression was neautral as always, but then I noticed a faint shift in his demeanor towards Yamauichi. As we walked deeper into the woods I could feel a slight tension building up...I do not know what they were talking about, but this could be bad. I am not sure. Ayanokoji was more quiet than usual and I think Yamauichi obliviousness made it even worse.

As we were walking we stumbled upon Ibuki, she was on the ground. Yamauichi offered his hand to her. "Do you need help? What happened, are you okay?"

Ibuki glared at him and then slapped his hand away. "I do not need your pity," her expression was fierce and she started getting defensive. Even though Ayanokoji didnt react to her behavior, I could sense the gears turning in his head. He was thinking a step ahead...no definitely atleast three steps ahead. We decided to bring Ibuki baack with us although she kept her distance from the group.

Later on Kushida tried to offer her some food, but she refused so. I noticed Ayanokoji's eyes narrowing slightly towards Ibuki, I couldn't tell what he was thinking to be quite frank.

The next day

Y/n pov:

I decided to go with Horikita and Ayanokoji to scout the island and see if we could find any of our other classes spots. We first checked out Class B's spots, especially since we've already made a strong alliance with them anyway. As much as I hated to admit it, they definitely chose a better spot than we did.

Then we moved onto Class A's spot, which was the cave Ayanokoji and I saw earlier. They were quite hostile towards us and the big bald guy...which was their leader. I think his name is Katsuragi. He told us there could be war if we dont leave. I noticed movements in the bushes and it was Class A students armed with sticks if we tried to do anything. Horikita tensed beside me, but Ayanokoji and I remained rather calm. It would be bad if we tried to escalate things any further.

We left quite quickly and decided to check out Class C's spot. When we arrived it was apparent that Ryuen had spent all of Class C's spot. It was a weird strategy...it was probably because he was going to break some rules maybe? If rules are broken you lose points...but you cant get into a negative number. This meant that he definitely had more to store for later.

I started to think Ryuen and Ayanokoji are actually quite similar, they both take heavy risks. All they want is to win but nothing else. The thing is, that is where their strength ends. They're both blinded by the need to dominate..but they do not see the bigger picture. They only see the endgame and they are missing the nuances that can change the board. They might play the game well, but I am the only one who can rewrite the rules. Then leave them scrambling to even catch up to me.

Ryuen started hitting on Horikita again and that was honestly our que to leave. I kept my thoughts to myself as we left Class C's camp. The less they knew about me, the better. Ayanokoji is probably already suspicious of me, but the best way to win is to make sure they never saw me coming in the first place.

That night, I was lying in my tent. I was feeling a bit tired from all the walking I did today. I heard a commotion outside, apparently someone stole Karuizawa's underwear. The girls were pretty freaked out, but I did not really care.

The next morning

Still y/n pov:

The girls wanted to move tents because they were upset with what happened. I was not really in the mood to deal with it and neither was Horikita. The others insisted and chose Hirata to help them set it up. When we were moving the tents though I noticed that the sky started to darken.

After that I was just mindlessly walking around, I was feeling quite bored from being here. Then it changed, there was flames near where our camp was. I decided to run back. I see the manual was lit on fire and everyone was in commotion. I decided to look for Ibuki immediately. I figured she would take this chance to run away with Horikita's card.

I figured Ibuki had been spying on us all along and she already caught on that Horikita was leader. Then I saw them fightiing, mud splattering on their clothes as they grappled with each other. I watched from the shadows, unsure on whether or not I should intervene. Suddenly, Ibuki pulled out the keycard and flashed it at Horikita.

Ibuki probably needs the card as proof that Horikita is leader to probably bring it back to Ryuen as proof. Ibuki hits Horikita one more time before she falls down and passes out. This was not like Horikita...maybe she is sick? I wait a few minutes deciding if I should help her, but then I see Ayanokoji appear. He carries Horikita and helps her.

Wait..but this would mean. I remember reading the manual earlier. That you can change leaders, if there is a good reason. This would mean Ayanokoji has been using Horikita all along and was waiting for the perfect moment to become leader. So this was his plan all along...he was just using everyone. Typical Ayanokoji. This would mean that Class D is already set to gain points since Class C and Class A will incorrectly guess our leaders

I need to plan something even bigger...that would give Class D even more points and I just have the perfect idea. It's not about just beating them, it is about redefining the game entirely. I just so happened to think of a way to shift the board completely.

A/N: This chapter was lowkey long asf, mb chat.