Chapter 7: A Meeting Of Minds

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I had decided to spend the evening studying for the upcoming test, so I headed to the library, a quiet space where I could focus. As I entered, my eyes scanned the room, and there, in a corner, sat someone reading a book and I hadn't expected to see.

It was Sakayanagi Arisu.

It was Sakayanagi Arisu

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Inner Thoughts:

Sakayanagi? I thought, pausing for a moment. She sat there, her petite figure almost delicate, with that calm, knowing smile on her face. She really does have that loli-like appearance, I mused, watching her from a distance. Despite her cute exterior, I knew better. She's dangerous-manipulative and always three steps ahead.

As much as I admired her cuteness, I wasn't naive. I decided to ignore her for the moment and focus on my own studying. It's best not to get involved, I told myself, finding a quiet corner of the library.

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After a Long Study Session

After hours of studying, I finally felt satisfied with my progress. I packed up my books and prepared to leave, but as I glanced around, I noticed Sakayanagi was still there, reading as calmly as ever.

I hesitated for a moment, then made a decision. Why not? I thought. It was time to approach her. After all, this could be an opportunity.

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The Conversation

"Good evening, Sakayanagi-san," I greeted her with a warm smile as I approached.

She didn't respond immediately. Her eyes flicked up to me, and for a moment, there was silence. But then, recognition flashed in her eyes, and she gave me a small smile.

"Oh, it's Horikita-san," she said, her tone light but guarded. "Please, have a seat."

I sat down beside her, my posture composed but my mind alert. I knew Sakayanagi was always playing games, and I had to be prepared for anything.

"I'm surprised to see you here," she began, her voice sweet, but I could sense the underlying sharpness. "You seem quite diligent. Are you preparing for the upcoming test?"

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Inner Thoughts:

She's already trying to play her games, I thought, hiding a smirk. But I know her moves.

"Yes," I replied calmly. "Though I imagine you're just as prepared, if not more."

Her smile widened slightly. "Oh? You give me too much credit, Horikita-san."

She tried to lead me into one of her manipulative talks, subtly probing for weaknesses. She asked questions, framed statements in a way that would make others doubt themselves, but I didn't fall for it. I countered every one of her moves with careful, calculated responses, turning her own words back on her.

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The Mind Game

Sakayanagi's calm expression faltered for just a second, her eyes narrowing slightly as she realized I wasn't going to be so easily manipulated. She thought she had me, but now she's the one confused, I thought with satisfaction.

"Well, you're quite sharp," she finally said, her tone soft but with a hint of amusement. "I see I've underestimated you."

I smiled. "We're both just doing what we can to stay ahead, right?"

She chuckled lightly, clearly impressed. "Perhaps. In that case, why don't we make things more interesting?"

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow, curious.

"A little bet," she proposed. "Whose class will rank higher in the upcoming test?"

I met her gaze, seeing the challenge in her eyes. A friendly rivalry, I thought, smiling inwardly. "I accept."

We shook on it, both of us smiling warmly but with the understanding that this was just the beginning of something bigger.

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Inner Thoughts:

This is good, I thought, walking out of the library. I've managed to build a relationship with two of the smartest people in school-Ichinose and now Sakayanagi. Even though I knew there would be more challenges ahead, I was pleased with the progress. A friendly rivalry with someone like Sakayanagi... this will push me to get even better.

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Before Sleep

Later that night, lying in bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Building these connections with such formidable classmates-it made me feel stronger, more capable.

I'm making progress, I thought, smiling to myself. This is only the beginning.

With those thoughts, I drifted off to sleep, excited for what the future would bring.

--Chapter 7 end--

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