COTE:SHATTERED BONDS

[9] UNRAVELING TENSIONS

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Unraveling Tensions
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The tension between Class D and Class C had reached its peak two days earlier. Horikita Suzune and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had carefully set their trap, laying out the pieces to outmaneuver Ryuen and his manipulative schemes. It was a quiet plan, one carried out with precision-Suzune's determination to clear Sudo's name and Kiyotaka's hidden genius guiding her every step. As the pieces of their plan began to fall into place, Class D's strategy was about to bear fruit.

The resolution, though not yet fully realized, was already causing ripples in the power dynamics of the school. The game between the two classes was far from over.

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The meeting was set to resume.

Horikita Manabu, as always, stood at the head of the room, exuding his usual stoic composure. The student council president was unmoved by the ongoing turmoil between the classes, but there was something in the air today-a shift in the atmosphere. Ryuen Kakeru was notably absent from the proceedings, and everyone felt the weight of his absence like a heavy, unspoken question.

Anzai Kazue sat nearby, his presence a quiet but imposing force, as always. His sharp golden eyes scanned the room, noting the subtle shifts in the students' attitudes, particularly from Class C. He could sense the undercurrent of unease among them-a far cry from their usual arrogance. Sakagami, the teacher of Class C, looked nervous, his usual confidence waning under the circumstances.

The students of Class D, especially Horikita Suzune, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, and Sudo Ken, were waiting. Suzune was as composed as ever, though there was a gleam of triumph in her eyes. Kiyotaka, meanwhile, sat quietly, his expression unreadable, as usual, as he observed the proceedings with cold calculation.

Manabu glanced at Kazue, giving him a subtle nod as if to signal that they could proceed. But before the official discussion began, Kazue raised his hand slightly, catching everyone's attention.

"I'd like to ask something before we begin," Kazue said calmly, his voice soft but carrying enough weight to silence the room.

The room turned toward Kazue, who stood, facing the representatives of Class C. His question was simple but direct.

"I notice that Class C wishes to withdraw the case," Kazue began, his sharp eyes locking onto Sakagami and his students. "But what I'd like to know is-why? What has changed?"

The question lingered in the air, hanging over the room like a weight that no one was willing to bear. Sakagami shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing nervously toward his students, clearly not expecting to be put on the spot. Kazue's calm, unrelenting gaze was enough to unsettle anyone.

Class D watched in silence, curious but wary. Suzune, especially, narrowed her eyes, wondering where Kazue was going with this line of questioning. Kiyotaka remained as quiet as ever, his mind already piecing together the possibilities.

Finally, Sakagami cleared his throat, but before he could respond, one of the students from Class C spoke up, albeit hesitantly.

"We...we've decided it's in our best interest to let the matter go," the student said, trying to keep their voice steady. "There's no point in dragging this out any further."

Kazue tilted his head slightly, clearly unconvinced by the response. "Is that so? Interesting."

He leaned back, his expression still calm, but his eyes filled with a quiet intensity. "It seems strange to me that a class so intent on winning at any cost would suddenly back down without reason. Especially considering the nature of your leader."

His words caused an uncomfortable stir among the Class C students. The absence of Ryuen loomed large in the room. His influence was undeniable, and for his class to back off like this was entirely out of character.

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Throughout this exchange, Manabu remained silent, observing both Kazue and the reactions of the students. He knew well enough not to interfere when Kazue was in control of the situation, and besides, he was curious to see how this would play out.

Horikita Suzune, watching Kazue's line of questioning, felt a flicker of unease. The new teacher was clearly adept at reading between the lines, and it unnerved her how easily he had dismantled Class C's facade with just a few pointed questions.

Kiyotaka, on the other hand, was quietly amused. He could see where this was going, but Kazue's involvement added an interesting new dimension to the game.

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In the end, as per the plan orchestrated by Suzune and Kiyotaka, Class C withdrew their case. The resolution unfolded smoothly, with Sakura Airi's testimony and the subtle pressure placed on Class C proving to be more than enough to tip the scales in Class D's favor.

Kazue, who had been silently observing from the sidelines for the most part, watched with quiet satisfaction as the meeting drew to a close. He'd seen enough to know that Class D had played their cards well, and though he remained outwardly neutral, he couldn't help but admire the cleverness behind the scenes.

As the students began to file out of the room, Kazue caught Manabu's eye and gave a slight nod. The student council president returned the gesture, understanding that, while the meeting had officially concluded, the real games were only just beginning.

Kiyotaka, as usual, remained one step ahead, his mind already thinking several moves into the future. As he walked out of the room, he cast a fleeting glance toward Kazue, wondering just how much this new teacher truly knew.