The Killer in The Clasrroom Of The Elite

Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Battle of Wits

The days following Ryuuen's confrontation tested Alex's patience and resolve. The atmosphere in Class A grew more tense, with students gossiping, tension lingering, and the weight of Ryuuen's influence pressing down. Though Arisu continued to carry herself with poise, Alex could see the subtle shift in her interactions; Ryuuen's interference was a thorn in her side, and Alex felt his own frustration mounting. He knew that Ryuuen was attempting to destabilize him—and by extension, Arisu's entire plan.

But if Ryuuen thought he could disrupt them with mere threats and intimidation, he was about to face a harsh reality.

During class, as Alex observed the lesson, he felt the prickling sensation of being watched. A quick glance confirmed his suspicion: Ryuuen was smirking from his seat, eyes locked onto him, the malice in his expression almost palpable.

Arisu, ever perceptive, leaned over and whispered, "He wants to see you act. Stay calm. We'll make him overplay his hand."

Alex nodded subtly, forcing himself to ignore the weight of Ryuuen's gaze. His patience was a weapon—one that Ryuuen underestimated.

As class ended and students filtered out, Ryuuen's voice cut through the murmur of conversation. "Alex," he called, his voice dripping with taunting amusement, "do you have a moment?"

Alex paused, his expression unyielding, but his pulse quickened. Turning slowly, he faced Ryuuen, who leaned against the wall, arms crossed and a smug grin plastered across his face.

"Yes?" Alex's tone was flat, his gaze level.

Ryuuen chuckled, glancing briefly at Arisu, who stood at Alex's side, her calm demeanor unshaken. "You two make quite the team, don't you? The loyal protector and his precious ward." His eyes gleamed with mockery. "But tell me, Alex, do you really believe she cares about you as much as you care about her?"

Arisu's hand reached out, gently touching Alex's arm, a subtle reminder to stay calm. But the slight touch only amplified his focus, sharpening his resolve.

"What Arisu and I share isn't any of your business, Ryuuen," Alex replied coldly.

Ryuuen's smirk widened, his expression twisting with satisfaction. "Ah, but it is. You see, I enjoy watching you squirm, watching the little cracks form in your carefully built mask. I'm curious to see how far I can push you before you finally snap."

Alex's expression remained impassive, though his voice held a dangerous edge. "If you're hoping for a reaction, I suggest you find someone else to entertain you."

"Oh, I don't need a reaction," Ryuuen said smoothly. "I just need you to understand that no matter how much you cling to your little alliance, people like me will always see through it. After all, loyalty is just another form of weakness."

A flicker of irritation crossed Arisu's face, but she remained silent, watching Ryuuen with a detached gaze. Alex, however, felt a spark of anger ignite within him. Ryuuen's words were designed to provoke, to unbalance him—and they were effective.

But Alex wasn't about to let Ryuuen get the best of him. Not here, not now.

"Loyalty is something you'd never understand," Alex said coolly. "It's not a weakness. It's what gives us purpose, what makes us stronger than people like you."

Ryuuen's grin faltered for a moment, a hint of irritation flashing in his eyes. But he quickly regained his composure, shrugging as if he found Alex's words amusing. "Believe what you want. But remember, Alex...everyone has a breaking point. Even you."

With that, Ryuuen turned and walked away, his laughter echoing down the hallway.

As soon as he was out of sight, Alex took a deep breath, releasing the tension that had built up inside him. Arisu's hand remained on his arm, grounding him, her presence a silent source of reassurance.

"You handled that well," she said quietly, her voice filled with approval. "But Ryuuen won't stop here. He's going to keep pushing, waiting for a slip."

Alex nodded, his gaze hardening. "Let him push. I won't give him what he wants."

Arisu smiled faintly, her eyes warm with trust. "Good. Because he doesn't realize that his persistence is only strengthening our resolve."

Later that day, as Alex was leaving the school grounds with Arisu, he felt a familiar presence lurking nearby. He turned, his eyes scanning the surroundings until he spotted Ryuuen standing by the gate, a smug smile on his face.

Arisu noticed as well, and her hand instinctively went to her side, a gesture Alex recognized as her way of signaling caution. They continued walking, deliberately ignoring Ryuuen's presence. But Ryuuen wasn't about to let them leave so easily.

"Well, isn't this sweet," Ryuuen taunted, stepping into their path. "The devoted bodyguard and his princess. I'm almost moved to tears."

Alex's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. He could feel the urge to lash out, to put an end to Ryuuen's games once and for all. But he held himself back, remembering Arisu's guidance. This was exactly what Ryuuen wanted—a reaction, a display of aggression that he could use to his advantage.

Arisu, however, remained calm, her voice level and unflinching. "Ryuuen, if you're done with your theatrics, we have more important matters to attend to. Perhaps you should focus on your own affairs instead of wasting your energy on us."

Ryuuen's smile faded, replaced by a sneer. "Oh, I'm quite focused, Sakayanagi. I'm just waiting for the moment when your little pet finally shows his true colors. After all, even the most loyal dog has its limits."

Alex's patience snapped, and before he could stop himself, he took a step forward, his voice low and deadly. "You think you can keep provoking me without consequences, Ryuuen? You're sorely mistaken."

For the first time, Ryuuen's confidence wavered, his expression faltering as he registered the intensity of Alex's words. But he quickly masked it, his sneer returning. "Temper, temper. It would be a shame if you lost control in front of Sakayanagi. What would she think?"

Alex didn't reply, his gaze steely and unyielding. He felt Arisu's hand on his shoulder, grounding him once more, and he forced himself to take a steadying breath.

"Let's go, Alex," Arisu said softly, her voice gentle but firm. "He's not worth it."

Without another word, they walked past Ryuuen, ignoring his taunts and barbs. Alex could feel his pulse racing, the urge to confront Ryuuen still simmering beneath the surface. But Arisu's presence kept him steady, her calm resilience serving as a constant reminder of his purpose.

As they left the school grounds, Alex glanced at Arisu, gratitude mingling with determination. Ryuuen might be relentless, but he wasn't going to win. Alex had faced worse than him, and he had no intention of letting a petty bully disrupt the stability he and Arisu had built.

For now, he would bide his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Ryuuen's overconfidence would be his downfall, and Alex was more than willing to let him dig his own grave.

And when the time came, he would be ready to put an end to Ryuuen's games once and for all.