COTE:SHATTERED BONDS

[7] PREPARATION AND SUSPICION

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Preparation and Suspicion
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Kazue sat across from Horikita Manabu in a quiet corner of the school's library. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a soft glow over the rows of books. Despite the serene setting, the topic of their discussion was anything but calm.

"The situation between Class C and Class D is escalating," Manabu began, his voice level but firm. He handed Kazue a file with the latest reports. "Ryuen Kakeru is pushing his usual tactics, but this time, Class D's response may backfire. Sudo Ken has been involved in a few physical altercations already, and Ryuen is using that to his advantage."

Kazue nodded as he flipped through the pages. "I've heard about Sudo. He seems volatile but not inherently malicious. Ryuen, on the other hand, thrives on manipulation."

Manabu studied Kazue for a moment. "That's accurate. I've noticed you've taken a particular interest in Class D."

Kazue smiled slightly, closing the file. "It's my job to guide all the students. But yes, Class D presents a unique challenge."

Manabu leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "During the meeting, Ryuen will likely try to provoke Sudo into another incident. If Class D can't handle the pressure, they'll fall further behind."

"Which is exactly what Ryuen wants," Kazue said, his expression thoughtful. "And what about the teachers? How much interference are we allowed?"

Manabu considered the question before answering. "The school expects students to resolve conflicts independently, but as a new teacher, your involvement will be closely observed."

Kazue smiled again, though this time there was a sharper edge to it. "Then I'll make sure my involvement is... subtle."

Manabu nodded, his gaze never leaving Kazue. "I trust you'll handle it."

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The atmosphere in Class D was tense as Kazue entered. His usual calm and collected demeanour brought some level of comfort, but there was a palpable sense of unease among the students. Today, the situation between Class D and Class C had escalated to a point of no return, and Kazue had decided to see how his students were coping.

After a brief introduction to the day's lesson, Kazue posed a question to the class, his golden eyes scanning the room.

"Before we begin, does anyone have any questions about the material? Or concerns, perhaps?"

The room was silent for a moment, the students shifting uncomfortably in their seats. Kazue could feel the tension brewing. He knew they were hesitant to speak openly, especially given the ongoing situation with Ryuen and Class C.

Seeing no immediate response, Kazue continued. "I'll be holding a small quiz next week on today's lesson, so I suggest you review the material thoroughly. However, before we move on, I want to ask-does this class have any problems I might be able to help with? Academic, personal... anything."

At first, no one spoke. The students exchanged nervous glances. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka remained quiet as always, observing everything with his usual detached manner. Horikita Suzune sat stoically, her gaze never leaving the front of the room. Sudo Ken shifted in his seat uncomfortably, clearly conflicted.

After a few moments, Yosuke Hirata finally spoke up, though cautiously. "Sensei... we're handling a few things on our own. But thank you for the offer."

Kazue smiled, undeterred. "I see. Well, if there's anything you're unsure of or if you need guidance, don't hesitate to approach me. I'm here to support you, not just in academics, but in other matters as well."

The students murmured quietly among themselves. Kushida Kikyou flashed her usual bright smile, though even she seemed slightly on edge. Kazue noticed that the atmosphere in Class D was far from the relaxed setting he had seen in other classrooms.

Sensing their hesitation, Kazue stepped back slightly. "It's all right if you're not comfortable discussing it now. I'll meet with you all later, as we have an important meeting to attend soon."

At this, the students involved in the upcoming meeting with Class C tensed. Kazue could feel their unease intensify, particularly around Sudo, Hirata, and Horikita.

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As Kazue left the classroom, the murmurs among the students grew louder. Sudo slumped in his seat, his fists clenched tightly.

"Do you think he knows?" Ike Kanji asked in a low voice, looking nervously toward the door Kazue had just exited.

"He's a teacher. He has to know something," Yamauchi Haruki muttered, his voice betraying his unease.

Horikita crossed her arms, frowning. "It doesn't matter what he knows. We can't rely on a teacher to fix our problems. This is our battle."

Hirata sighed softly, always the mediator. "Still, it's strange. Why would he offer help so openly? Most of the teachers here don't get involved at all."

Ayanokouji, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up, his tone as detached as ever. "He's gauging the situation. Teachers like him don't ask questions without a reason."

Horikita shot him a glance. "You think he's trying to manipulate us?"

Ayanokouji shrugged. "Not manipulate. Understand. We're not the only class dealing with Ryuen. Kazue-sensei knows more than he's letting on."

Sudo, who had been listening in silence, finally slammed his fist on the desk. "It doesn't matter what he knows. We have to deal with that punk Ryuen ourselves."

The rest of the class fell into a contemplative silence. Kazue's offer of help, though kindly phrased, had stirred more questions than answers. And with the looming confrontation with Class C, the students of Class D couldn't help but wonder if their new teacher was truly on their side-or if he had his own reasons for getting involved.

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As Kazue walked through the hallways after leaving Class D, he pondered the interaction. The students were hiding something-of that, he was certain. He hadn't expected them to open up so easily, but their reactions only confirmed that the situation was more complicated than it appeared on the surface.

Kiyotaka was silent, as expected, Kazue mused. He hadn't missed the subtle exchange of glances between Horikita and Sudo either. Something was definitely brewing.

Perhaps, Kazue thought, it was time to investigate the matter more closely.