Chapter 9

39 1 0
                                    

Chapter 9: A Deadly Warning

The aftermath of the school event left the students buzzing. The victory had secured Class A's reputation, reinforcing Arisu's leadership in ways even Alex hadn't anticipated. Kakeru, however, was nowhere to be seen, retreating into the shadows as he brooded over his loss. It was clear that the clash between him and Arisu was only escalating.

For Alex, Kakeru's silence was foreboding. While the rest of the school took the calm as a sign of peace, he knew better. Kakeru's defeat would only fuel his determination for revenge, and Alex had seen the lengths to which people like him would go when their pride was at stake.

One evening, as Alex prepared to patrol the campus, Arisu appeared by his side, her expression as calm as ever.

"Kakeru will retaliate soon," he murmured, glancing down at her.

Arisu nodded, unfazed. "And that's exactly why we need to be two steps ahead. We must ensure he doesn't have a chance to act without consequences."

Alex clenched his fists, fighting the urge to go after Kakeru and end this feud before it escalated further. But he knew Arisu's strategy was sound. She wanted Kakeru's attempts to be his downfall.

"He's dangerous," Alex said, his voice tinged with frustration. "And you're his target."

Arisu met his gaze with unwavering calm. "I trust you to protect me, Alex."

That night, Alex stationed himself in the shadows outside Arisu's dorm, his senses heightened as he scanned the area for any sign of Kakeru or his followers. The campus was silent, the usual hum of student chatter absent as everyone had turned in for the night.

Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes caught his attention. Alex's eyes narrowed as he saw a figure lurking just beyond the fence, their movements careful and calculated. He recognized the stance and gait—it was one of Kakeru's lackeys, a tall boy with a reputation for being a skilled fighter. Alex's lips twisted into a cold smile as he stepped forward, blocking the lackey's escape route.

"What's the plan here?" Alex asked, his voice low and lethal.

The lackey froze, his eyes widening as he recognized Alex. He tried to back away, but Alex was too fast, closing the distance between them in a matter of seconds. The assassin's instincts took over, his hand pressing against the lackey's throat in an iron grip.

"Tell Kakeru this," Alex whispered, his voice dripping with menace. "If he tries to come after Arisu again, I'll make sure he regrets it."

The boy's face went pale, his fear evident as he struggled against Alex's hold. He nodded frantically, his breathing shallow as he realized the seriousness in Alex's eyes.

Alex released him, watching as the lackey stumbled back and disappeared into the darkness, clearly shaken. Satisfied, Alex returned to his post outside Arisu's dorm, his heart pounding with adrenaline. This was just the beginning of Kakeru's attempts, and he would make sure every one of them ended in failure.

The next morning, the school buzzed with rumors of Kakeru's sudden disappearance. Students whispered about his absence, speculating that the humiliation from the recent event had driven him to retreat. But Alex knew better. Kakeru was lying low, probably strategizing his next move.

Arisu's voice broke his thoughts as they walked to class together. "He'll strike again soon. We have to be prepared."

"Don't worry," Alex replied, his voice steady. "When he does, he won't stand a chance."

Their resolve strengthened with each passing day, and yet the tension weighed heavily on both of them. Arisu's calm demeanor was unshakable, but Alex could sense the faint unease beneath her composed exterior. She was fully aware of the dangers that lurked around them, and her trust in Alex's protection was absolute.

Days passed, and Kakeru's absence became more pronounced, creating an eerie calm over the campus. Then, one afternoon, a letter slipped under Arisu's dorm room door. She found it upon returning from class, a dark, elegant envelope with her name scrawled in gold ink.

Alex immediately took the letter from her hands, inspecting it carefully. His eyes narrowed as he recognized Kakeru's handwriting. Inside, a single sentence was written:

"The game has only just begun, Sakayanagi."

Alex crumpled the note, his jaw tight as he fought back the surge of rage that threatened to consume him. He wanted nothing more than to hunt Kakeru down and end this once and for all.

"He's trying to intimidate us," Arisu said softly, her voice steady. "It's a sign of his desperation."

Alex took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. She was right. Kakeru's message was meant to provoke, to unsettle them before he launched his next move.

That evening, as they reviewed their strategy in an empty classroom, Alex couldn't shake the feeling that Kakeru was closer than they realized. Every sound outside the door, every creak of the floorboards seemed amplified, his senses on high alert as he listened for any sign of danger.

Arisu placed a reassuring hand on his arm, grounding him. "Alex, trust yourself. I do."

Her words calmed him, and he nodded, grateful for her steady presence. No matter what happened, he would protect her.

But that night, as they left the classroom, a sudden movement caught his eye. Kakeru's lackey—the same one Alex had warned days ago—stood at the end of the hallway, flanked by two more of Kakeru's followers. Their eyes were cold and calculated, a clear sign that they were here on a mission.

Alex stepped in front of Arisu, his gaze fixed on the three figures. "I warned you once. Leave, or you won't get another chance."

The lackey hesitated, his confidence wavering as he remembered Alex's earlier threat. But the others remained resolute, advancing with grim determination.

In a swift motion, Alex moved, his training taking over as he incapacitated the first two lackeys with swift, brutal efficiency. The remaining boy stumbled back, clearly terrified as Alex advanced on him, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

But before Alex could strike, Arisu's hand touched his shoulder. "Enough," she whispered, her calm voice cutting through his rage. "They've received our message."

The lackey scrambled to his feet, terror evident in his eyes as he fled down the hallway. Alex exhaled, his rage subsiding as he turned to Arisu.

"You stopped me," he murmured, his tone surprised.

Arisu's gaze was soft, understanding. "You're my protector, Alex, but that doesn't mean I want bloodshed. Trust me—our minds will win this war, not our fists."

Alex nodded, the weight of her words sinking in. Kakeru's followers had been warned, and now, they had seen firsthand the consequences of crossing him. The message was clear, and Alex could only hope it was enough to keep them at bay.

But deep down, he knew that the shadows of manipulation would continue to loom over them. And until Kakeru was completely defeated, neither he nor Arisu would truly be safe.

The Killer in The Clasrroom Of The EliteWhere stories live. Discover now