Deception and Desire: A Classroom of the Elite Romcom

The Calm Before the Storm

The announcement of the island exam rippled through the entire school, creating a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Class D was buzzing with tension and nervous excitement. Students whispered about the challenges that lay ahead—rumors swirled about the difficulty of the test, and memories of previous years' exams stoked a sense of dread. For most of the students, this was their first taste of such a high-stakes event, and their anxiety was visible.

Ayanokoji observed it all from his usual seat near the back of the class. His face remained impassive, carefully composed as the students around him debated strategies and tactics. Though the island exam was indeed a turning point for the school year, it was also an opportunity. And if there was one thing Ayanokoji understood better than anyone else, it was that opportunities were best seized when others were too focused on their own fear to notice.

Horikita stood at the front of the room, her arms crossed, eyes cold and calculating as usual. She was addressing the class, urging them to work together and follow a structured plan during the exam.

"We don't know the exact details of the test yet," Horikita began, her voice steady. "But we can anticipate that it will require cooperation, physical endurance, and smart resource management. Our primary goal is to survive, but we also need to strategize to maximize our points."

There were a few murmurs of agreement from the class, but also a lingering sense of doubt. It was hard to ignore the fact that Class D was at the bottom of the hierarchy. Confidence wasn't exactly high.

Sudou, slouched in his chair, raised a hand lazily. "So, what's the plan, Horikita? You gonna order us around like usual?"

Horikita shot him a sharp glance, not appreciating the sarcasm. "No one's ordering anyone around, Sudou. But if we don't work together, we'll fall further behind. Class A, B, and C will do everything they can to sabotage us. We need to be prepared for that."

Ike, sitting near Sudou, leaned forward. "I've heard rumors that the exam has survival challenges... like, setting up camps, foraging for food, that kind of stuff. We're really supposed to live off the land?"

Horikita nodded. "That's right. Previous exams involved living in harsh conditions with limited supplies. It's not just about studying—this will test our ability to think on our feet and manage resources. So, unless any of you have experience in the wilderness, I suggest you take this seriously."

Kushida, ever the friendly mediator, stepped in. "Come on, guys. We can do this if we stick together and follow Horikita-san's plan. Let's just take it one step at a time."

Her warm, encouraging words helped ease some of the tension, and more students began nodding, though it was clear that not everyone was completely convinced. Still, Horikita's leadership had earned her a begrudging respect among most of the class.

From the corner of the room, Ayanokoji observed the interaction, his thoughts already miles ahead. He knew that Horikita was capable of leading Class D, but her rigid sense of discipline could be both a strength and a weakness. The island exam would demand flexibility and quick thinking—something that could be in short supply if everyone relied solely on Horikita's strict approach.

But this wasn't Ayanokoji's battle to fight. He had already decided that, for now, he would remain in the shadows, letting others take the lead. Only when necessary would he intervene.

The day wore on, and as the school bell rang to signal the end of class, students began packing their things, murmuring excitedly about the upcoming exam. Ayanokoji remained seated, letting the room clear out as he considered his next move.

He glanced over at Horikita, who was still at her desk, reviewing notes and papers with intense focus. For all her talk of cooperation, she was still very much a solitary figure. That was Horikita's greatest flaw—her inability to trust others completely. She valued results and efficiency, but she struggled with the human element of leadership. It was a problem that Ayanokoji had no intention of solving for her.