Chapter 39: Waves of Revelations and Melodies

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The next day on the cruise ship was filled with the promise of relaxation after the strenuous exam. The bright sunlight gleamed on the surface of the sea, casting playful reflections into the large pool area where the sounds of laughter and splashes intertwined with the ship's rhythmic hum.

"Hey! Over here!" Haruka waved enthusiastically, beckoning me and the other girls to join her. I had chosen a swimsuit that was both practical and flattering and as I approached, the girls greeted me warmly.

"Everyone worked so hard during the exam," Kei said, her smile as bright as the sun above us. Without warning, she and Kushida stepped forward and wrapped me in a light-hearted hug for thanking me on my hardwork. The contact of their warm, open chests made my cheeks flush, but I managed to hold my composure with a sheepish laugh.

"Thanks, Kei, Kushida," I said, trying to sound casual while steadying myself.

"Let's get started!" Matsushita called, tossing a volleyball into the air. The game commenced, filled with laughter, splashes, and the occasional playful taunt. I noticed some boys nearby, their curious glances tinged with embarrassment. Smirking, I ignored them and focused on the game. Every serve, spike, and dive was met with spirited cheers from the girls, and soon we were too immersed to care about anything else.

At one point, Matsushita nudged me with a mischievous grin. "Look over there," she whispered. I followed her gaze to see Ike and Shinohara walking side by side on the deck, sharing an unusually quiet moment.

"Aw, how cute," I teased, raising my voice just enough for them to hear. Their faces turned red as they exchanged flustered glances and hurried away, sparking a round of laughter among us.

Not long after, as I toweled off, Haruka appeared behind me with a playful glint in her eyes. "Hmm, seems like someone's chest have gotten bigger," she teased, pressing my chest with her hands.

"H-Haruka!" I gasped, completely flustered as the other girls chuckled at the scene. My embarrassment faded as I regained composure, joining in the light-hearted moment. The afternoon passed in a blur of splashes, chatter, and shared smiles, making it a day to remember.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, I made my way to the changing room. I was surprised to find Kiruin already there, adjusting her swimsuit in front of the mirror.

She noticed me and smirked

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She noticed me and smirked. "I saw you playing earlier. You looked great out there," she said, eyes sparkling with a teasing edge.

"Thanks, Kiruin," I replied, a blush creeping up my cheeks at her compliment.

Her gaze lingered for a moment longer, as if appraising me. "You've got quite the physique, Suzune-chan," she added, giving me a sly smile before turning to leave. I stood there, speechless, my face warm with embarrassment.

Later, as the stars began to dot the sky, Ayanokoji found me on the deck. His usual stoic expression was present, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor.

"I need to tell you something," he said, his voice low.

I nodded and followed him to a quieter corner. We sat, the gentle waves lapping against the ship's hull as he began. "You might have noticed how I'm always targeted," he started, his eyes scanning the horizon. "It's because of my past... from the White Room."

Though I knew the details from reading the light novel, I acted surprised, widening my eyes and gasping. "The White Room?" I echoed.

He nodded, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. "It's an institution meant to create the perfect human, a place devoid of warmth, where only the strongest could survive. Tsukishiro and others from the White Room have been trying to expel me because they were given orders by my father because he doesn't wanted me to join this school."

A silence settled between us, the weight of his words sinking in. I leaned forward, placing a hand on his arm. "Your secret is safe with me, Ayanokoji. You're not alone in this. And btw why did only tell me about this? It's really risky you know."

For a moment, something shifted in his eyes, a hint of relief. "I told you this because... I see you as a true friend and an ally now."

My heart fluttered at the admission, and I couldn't help but smile. "I'm glad," I said, feeling the bond between us strengthen. I now can see he is changing from a heartless boy because of my influence.

Before I could say more, a message pop up on our phones. Chabashira-sensei called us to the concert auditorium. Chabashira-sensei sitting on a seat, her usual stern expression softened. "I want to commend you both for your hard works during the exam," she said to us.

"Thank you, sensei," I said, genuinely moved by her acknowledgment.

As discussions about future exams began, the room grew tense with anticipation. Sensing this, Ayanokoji stepped forward. "Seeing the tense atmosphere, I'd like to play something," he said, surprising us both.

He moved to the piano at the corner of the stage. The first notes that rang out were soft and haunting, weaving through the air and commanding our attention. Each chord and melody painted emotions that words could never convey. I felt my breath catch, and I glanced at Chabashira-sensei, who was just as mesmerized.

When the final note lingered and faded, I found myself clapping, unable to help the smile on my face. "That was... incredible," I whispered.

Chabashira-sensei joined in the applause, a rare smile on her lips. "Beautifully done, Ayanokoji-kun."

He stood, nodded briefly, and stepped down from the stage. The moment lingered, a perfect close to a day that would be etched in memory. With a shared glance and a silent acknowledgment of the path ahead, we left the auditorium.

And so, the day ended, filled with bonds both tested and strengthened, a prelude to the trials yet to come.

--Chapter 39 ends--

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