Chapter 24: Shadows and Secrets

5 0 0
                                    

Ryuen had been busy investigating who the true Mastermind behind Class D's recent successes was. This time, his eyes were set on Koenji. Ayanokoji and I found it amusing to watch him waste his time. We exchanged knowing glances and stifled laughter whenever we spotted Ryuen lurking behind corners, keeping tabs on Koenji’s flamboyant antics.

“He really thinks Koenji is behind it?” I whispered to Ayanokoji during lunch, a grin tugging at my lips.

“He’s persistent, but he’s chasing a mirage,” Ayanokoji replied, his expression unreadable but with a faint hint of amusement.

We kept our guard up, knowing Ryuen's tenacity wouldn’t fade easily.

---

A few days later, Ayanokoji was summoned to Chairman Sakayanagi’s office. Out of curiosity, I followed discreetly and positioned myself near the door, listening in.

“Why are you here, Father?” Ayanokoji’s voice was cold, distant.

“I came to take you back, Kiyotaka. This experiment has gone on long enough,” his father’s deep voice replied, a mixture of authority and finality.

 This experiment has gone on long enough,” his father’s deep voice replied, a mixture of authority and finality

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

Chabashira-sensei and Chairman Sakayanagi intervened, “Ayanokoji-kun is excelling here. You can’t just take him away.”

His father’s voice turned harsh. “This school isn’t worth his potential. He belongs under my control, not wasting time in this place.”

Ayanokoji’s response was calm. “I have no intention of leaving. I will stay and see this through.”

There was a tense silence before I heard footsteps approaching. I darted around the corner just as the door opened. Ayanokoji stepped out, and for a moment, our eyes met. He gave a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment.

Chabashira-sensei stepped out after him and noticed me nearby. “Did you hear anything, Horikita?” she asked, her eyes sharp with suspicion.

I put on a clueless smile, shaking my head. “No, Sensei. I was just passing by.”

She scrutinized me for a moment before sighing. “Alright. Be careful where you wander.”

“Yes, Sensei,” I said and walked away, the tension easing only after turning a corner. I replayed the conversation in my head as I made my way back to my room.

The day had revealed more than I anticipated, and it left me with a mix of curiosity and caution. I would need to tread carefully, for the shadows we navigated were becoming more dangerous.

---

The chapter ended with me lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, the day's events echoing in my mind. Secrets, lies, and truths—it seemed the school had more layers than even I had realized.

--Chapter 24 ends--

My New Life As Suzune Horikita (COMPLETED)Where stories live. Discover now