Cote: Elite in Action

Beyond Control

"Love is a mystery that can only be understood by living it." – Anonymous

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Days passed quickly, and with them, the special exam was approaching. I found myself in my room preparing the questionnaire that would be used as an "attack" against Class B. Although we weren't sure they would be our opponents, I needed to make this questionnaire as difficult as possible. It shouldn't be complicated, knowing the level that high school students usually handle. Winning this exam shouldn't be a huge challenge.

—By the way, Yuki, can I talk to you about something? —I asked, breaking the silence. Yuki was lying on my bed, relaxed, and it was just her and me in the room.

—What is it? —she replied, not moving much but clearly attentive.

—You know what's going on between Honami and me, right?

—I think there's no one in the class who hasn't noticed that —Yuki answered.

—I guess you're right... —I murmured, thoughtful—. After analyzing the situation a bit, I came to a conclusion.

—What conclusion? —Yuki sat up a bit, showing more interest.

—That Honami likes me —I finally let it slip. As I said it, I saw Yuki looking at me, surprised.

—And how did you come to that conclusion? —she asked curiously, leaning forward.

—You know what happened in the elevator, right? I realized Honami was jealous when she saw me with Ibuki in that position.

—Well, it makes sense. According to Mako, she found you with Ibuki on your bare chest, both of you sweaty... What else was she supposed to think?

—As I said, she saw me in a difficult situation to explain. How would you have reacted in her place?

—If I were Honami and liked you... and saw you with another girl in that position... hmm, I probably wouldn't talk to you ever again —she replied with a playful smile.

—Don't you think that's a bit exaggerated? It was completely accidental, you know.

—I know, but she didn't know that at the moment, right?

—I suppose you're right...

—What do you think I should do now? —I asked, letting out a sigh as I looked at the ceiling.

—Let Honami think about her own feelings and see what decisions she makes —Yuki replied from my bed, not taking her eyes off her book.

—I guess that's all I can do right now... Why are these topics so tedious? —I rubbed my forehead, trying to relieve the weight on my mind.

—I don't think it's actually that tedious —Yuki said, closing the book and turning to me—. I think you're frustrated with all this.

—Frustrated about what's happening between Honami and me? —I frowned, not entirely understanding.

—No, I actually think you're frustrated because you don't know how to handle the situation.

—Do you really think that? —I looked at her, intrigued by her response.

—Yes —she said with a small smile, sitting up on the bed—. Since I've known you, you've always had everything under control. Nothing escapes you, but now, not being able to handle this matter... frustrates you. It irritates you not to understand that emotion called love. Or am I wrong?

I stayed silent for a moment, surprised by how accurate she had been.

—You're not wrong —I finally admitted—. I am a bit frustrated, yes. Not understanding something so basic irritates me... although I must say I'm impressed by how quickly you figured it out.