The Superior Elite (Ongoing)

Chapter 14: Sports festival! Day 2 (part 1)

Horikita found herself being pulled aside by Chabashira-sensei as the events unfolded around them. Suzune's eyes narrowed slightly as she was led into the infirmary, where she was greeted by the sight of Minori Kinoshita lying in a bed, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

Kinoshita's leg was bandaged, and her face was etched with pain, both physical and emotional. Chabashira closed the door behind them, ensuring they wouldn't be disturbed. The teacher's expression was grim as she turned to Suzune.

"Kinoshita claims you deliberately caused her to fall during the Three-Legged Race," Chabashira began, her tone sharp and direct. "She says you kept looking back at her, and she insists that your actions were intentional."

Suzune's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly composed herself, her voice steady as she replied, "That's not true. I only looked back because Kinoshita kept calling my name. I was concerned about her."

Kinoshita's voice trembled as she spoke from the bed, interrupting Suzune's explanation. "You were looking back to make sure I wouldn't finish. You wanted me out of the race. I saw the look in your eyes!"

Suzune's frustration grew, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Kinoshita, I had no reason to sabotage you. We're on the same team, and this festival is about teamwork."

"Tell that to my leg," Kinoshita snapped, tears brimming in her eyes. "I can't compete in any more events because of this. And it's all your fault."

Chabashira watched the exchange with an unreadable expression, her gaze shifting between the two girls. "The problem," she said, cutting through the tension, "is that Kinoshita's injuries do look severe, and the way she's described your actions makes it seem like they were inflicted deliberately. This is a serious accusation, Suzune. If Kinoshita reports this to the school, it could have major consequences."

Suzune felt a cold chill run down her spine. Despite her usual composure, the weight of the situation pressed down on her. She was aware of how this could escalate, especially with her brother's position as the student council president. An incident like this could tarnish both of their reputations.

Before Suzune could respond, the door to the infirmary opened, and Kakeru Ryūen walked in with a sly grin on his face, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment. He glanced at Kinoshita before turning his attention to Suzune.

"Looks like you're in a bit of a bind, Horikita," Ryūen said, his voice dripping with mock concern. "But don't worry, I'm here to offer you a way out."

Suzune's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Ryūen?"

Ryūen chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. "It's simple, really. In return for not reporting this little incident to the school, which would definitely cause some trouble for you and your brother, I'm willing to strike a deal. You pay me one million private points, and you give me a nice, deep bow-a proper kowtow. Do that, and I'll make sure Kinoshita keeps quiet."

Suzune's jaw clenched as she considered Ryūen's offer. It was extortion, plain and simple, but she couldn't deny the weight of his words. If this incident was reported, it could potentially lead to her expulsion, or at the very least, severe disciplinary action. But the thought of bowing down to Ryūen, of giving in to his demands, made her stomach churn.

"I'll give you until the end of the festival to decide," Ryūen continued, clearly enjoying Suzune's discomfort. "But don't take too long. Time is money, after all."

Without waiting for a response, Ryūen turned and left the infirmary, his laughter echoing in the hallway as he walked away. Suzune stared after him, her mind racing as she weighed her options. She hated the idea of being manipulated, but the consequences of refusing could be disastrous.