Masterpiece: One final Test

Chapter 5: Friend or Foe

Saturday mornings on campus had their own rhythm. Unlike the weekday bustle, there was a calmness that lingered as students either relaxed or went about their personal errands. I blended into the morning hum, heading to the convenience store to buy a few simple items for breakfast. The store was already occupied with a few other students who shuffled through aisles, some picking up snacks while others scanned the shelves for toiletries. 

The sun filtered gently through the window as I returned to my dorm room. I set out a minimal breakfast—just a plain sandwich and a can of coffee. The fewer attachments, the fewer complications. Mid-bite, my phone buzzed with a vibration that disrupted the otherwise still room.

I glanced at the screen.

Tachibana: Meeting confirmed with the President. 12:30 PM. Location: East Garden Pavilion. Ensure you're punctual.

The East Garden Pavilion. 

I leaned back slightly, sandwich in hand, as my gaze drifted to the map I had pulled up on my phone. It was a secluded spot, shielded by a cluster of trees and tucked away from the main thoroughfares of the campus. It made sense; a private conversation would be more secure there, away from prying eyes or idle gossip.

As I skimmed the message again, I couldn't help but ponder if Tachibana had disclosed any part of our late-night conversation to the President. If she did, would it influence the tone of this meeting? Or was she still wrestling with whether to reveal that slip in composure? The idea of Tachibana potentially revealing everything gnawed at the edges of my thoughts. If Manabu Horikita saw that as an affront, the meeting could start with accusations rather than a conversation.

My eyes flickered as I recalled the desperation Tachibana had shown in her room. She was unwaveringly loyal to Manabu, to a degree that was almost reckless. Her loyalty alone hinted at the stakes involved, making this upcoming meeting a high-wire act.

 Deciding that it was better to be safe than sorry, I picked up my phone and called Tachibana. The dial tone stretched on longer than I expected before a click and her controlled voice answered.

"Ayanokoji-kun," she said, sounding slightly surprised but managing to maintain her professionalism. I could imagine her stiffening in response, posture perfect even while on the phone.

"Tachibana-senpai," I began, keeping my tone even. "I was just making sure that when I meet the President today, there won't be any... surprises."

There was a beat of silence, and then she sighed, a sound that felt almost out of character for her. "I was wondering if you'd call." She hesitated, which in itself was telling. "I did tell the President about our conversation."

I raised an eyebrow, though my voice remained flat. "All of it?"

"Not... all of it," she replied, the slight defensiveness in her tone making me think she was straightening her posture as she spoke. "He needed assurance that I had my reasons for my methods. And he's very good at pushing for answers when he wants them." There was a pause before she added, with a touch of annoyance, "Just as you are."

I leaned back, letting her words sink in. She hadn't mentioned losing her composure—that much was clear. But if she admitted that the President had a way of extracting details, it was safe to assume he knew more than I would have preferred.

"So, the President knows you were... persuaded?" I asked, adding a touch of irony that I knew she'd pick up on.

"Yes," Tachibana said tersely. "And don't get smug about it. I didn't say you were difficult to deal with, just... relentless."