Cote: Elite in Action

Coffee and Conspiracies

It had been two weeks since the mixed camp ended with my victory. As I mentioned before, it was no surprise that my team won; after analyzing each of their performances, I only had to help them maximize their output. There was no need to devise elaborate strategies against the other classes; I just had to enhance the best in each of them. I am quite satisfied with the final result, although there is always room for improvement.

It was Saturday, and I was in a café, accompanied by Nazuna and Fuka. I had promised to spend time with them, as it had been a long time since we had talked or seen each other. Between the responsibilities of being the leader of my class and the challenges we faced at school, the time for friends had drastically reduced.

—I'm glad you finally decided to spend time with us, Kayden. You've completely abandoned us —Nazuna said, her tone oscillating between reproach and joking, but with a hint of real sadness.

—I'm sorry, Nazuna —I apologized, shrugging—. But I'm the leader of my class; you know how it is. There are too many matters to attend to.

—Yeah, I understand. But at least you could reply to my messages once in a while —she replied with a pout—. It hurts that my favorite junior is ignoring me like this.

I let out a light laugh.

—Okay, I'll see what I can do about that. I don't promise miracles, but I'll try.

Nazuna nodded, satisfied with my response, but then quickly changed the subject, as if she had been waiting for the right moment to touch on a more serious topic.

—By the way, Fuka told me that you were the one responsible for Miyabi's plan failing at the camp.

—Yeah, well —I admitted, taking a sip of my coffee before continuing—, let's just say I have unfinished business with Nagumo.

—Does that have to do with Honami-chan? —Nazuna asked, raising an eyebrow as she studied me with curiosity.

I looked at her, surprised. I didn't expect her to deduce it so quickly.

—How did you know? —I inquired.

—Well, Honami-chan has been avoiding being alone with Nagumo for a while. She always finds some excuse not to stay with him when they're in the student council —Nazuna explained, crossing her arms. She seemed more worried than she let on.

I sighed and nodded. It was true; Honami had been distancing herself from Nagumo, and I knew exactly why.

—That's right. Nagumo has been bothering Honami, and of course, I'm not going to let that situation go unpunished —I replied, with a clear determination in my voice.

Nazuna watched me silently for a moment before smiling slightly.

—You're very protective of Honami-chan, aren't you? —she said with a mischievous smile—. Do you like her?

The question took me by surprise, but I kept my composure.

—I'm protective of everyone I care about —I answered, skillfully dodging the romantic implication.

Nazuna smiled but didn't press further. However, the tone of her conversation changed when she returned to a more serious topic.

—I see, but you know that by hurting Miyabi, you're also hurting my class. If you keep planning to expel more of my classmates, Fuka's Class B could surpass ours. And honestly, I want to graduate in Class A, Kayden.

—You're right —I admitted—, but that won't stop me. I know you and Nagumo are very close, but I also know that as student council president, he has too many points. Maybe you can buy yourself a pass to Class A if your class drops.