_________________

It was during elementary school that I realized I was abnormal. During an excursion, I found a huge snake near our camp. I recall my class being in an uproar from it. There were various reactions. I grabbed a huge rock I found nearby and swung it at the head of the snake. I didn't even fear being bitten. There was a scream, and the panic of the teachers followed. I didn't even register it.

I was just confused why there was such a need to be afraid. That was my first contact with a hidden side of myself. This was my first victory. "Fear" and "joy" are two sides of the same coin. That truth was paper thin in this world. The world is ruled by 'violence'. I saw the corpse of the snake beneath me and my heart was filled with joy. Ever since then, I have had many enemies both internal and external.

Sometimes, when I was surrounded by enemies, I kept on exercising 'violence' to win. And before my overwhelming might, all of them fell at my feet. I was never afraid. I always only thought about revenge and turning the situation around on my enemies. They all eventually fell prostrate before me. The real 'elite' is a person whose capacity for 'violence' is unparalleled, and a human being who never feels 'fear'.

But here a problem lies, with every fallen enemy every day started to grow boring for me, because in the end, there was not a single person capable of beating me. If there is something that could finally beat me, that thing can only be described as "death". But, when I started this school, I met an existence that I thought was like me.

It was Akabane Karma. We both use violence, and feel joy when beating our enemies.

During our battle at the sports festival, when I saw his eyes... . At first, you could say I felt fear, but it soon turned into excitement. In the end, I lost, but it didn't affect me much, because I thought we were the same. But when he told me his reason for going to this school, I realized... In front of him, a person, who only lived for entertainment, I was just another prey or toy for him to play with.

But I also realized another thing. He told me that the mastermind behind him was a monster, and that could only mean one thing... .

_______________________

It's Mid-December. Ayanokōji Group meeting - Yukimura reveals that no one from the first years got expelled.

" Class C doesn't really look like it's better at studying than us though. Miyachi says he'll be here soon. Looks like he just left his club. " Hasebe explain.

Sakura fiddle with her fake glasses. " But we got through the exam so isn't that a relief...? Besides, it's also not exactly good news to hear of someone from another class getting expelled. "

" Well, there's nothing better than being able to get along. But wouldn't that be difficult with the way this school is set up? To aim for the upper classes means kicking down another class after all. " Hasebe said.

Karma snap his fingers pointing at Hasebe. " Exactly. I get what Airi-chan's trying to say but if we don't kick them down then we'll get kicked down ourselves. To be a winner at this school means sacrificing three other classes. There's no need for us to be the sacrifices. "

" I suppose so... " Sakura softly said. " For instance, is there really no trick we can use? Like having all class points be equalized in the previous exam? That way, everyone can be happy and we can all graduate as Class A. Like that's going to happen though.. "

" I think that'd be great. " Hasebe exclaimed.

" Unfortunately, I think that's impossible. " Miyake said after.

" How can you say that? "

" I've heard the seniors talking about this. If we happen to be equal after the final exam then additional special exams are apparently held to determine our rankings "

" What sort of exam? " Kiyotaka aski Miyake.

" Don't know. They're just rumors at best. Apparently we've never had a situation like that where different classes end up with the same points. "

Karma lay his head feeling himself shrug carelessly. " In the end, I guess that means there can only be one Class A. "

After a while, the group change their conversation topics.

Hasebe lean onto Sakura." Airi, you got your digital camera right? It's popular these days, I suppose. I guess I can understand that better. "

" Instagram. A hobby unique to girls, huh? It's really hard to get. " Yukimura muttered.

Hasebe quickly sit up. " Hey, that's sexual discrimination right there. There are a lot of boys doing it these days too, you know? "

Yukimura can only raise a brow. " ...Really? I don't think it's a good idea to spread personal information about yourself like that though. "

" I don't get it either. " Miyake said.

Karma turn to Kiyotaka. " What about you, Ayano-kun? Do you do it too? "

" No. I'm not really knowledgeable about those things. " Kiyotaka's face didn't change but it shows a bit of thought.

" Kiyopon doesn't really look like the type to do those things. If you used Instagram then that'd feel lame. Ever gone partying at a night pool carrying some ice cream and looking cute...Hmm? " Hasebe comment.

Karma wanted to laugh at that thought, but chose not to. It really is a funny thought of Kiyotaka using Instagram.

Kiyotaka let out a sigh. " Well. It'd a bother and I don't really like showing myself to others. "

Karma pout. ' Now that's a pity reason. '

" I completely agree. " Yukimura add.

Hasebe twirls her hair casually. " I know I'm really out of date and not very fashionable so I can't really object much to that. I apologize to anyone who happens to like Instagram. "

Haruka raised her hands and apologized.

" Just because I personally dislike it, rejecting something that's popular out of hand is certainly a stupid thing to do. I didn't think it through. " And Keisei also apologized. Mainly to Airi.

Airi patted her chest in relief.

Suddenly Miyake raise his hand. " Sorry about changing the topic here but there's something I'm curious about. Doesn't Class C seem strange these days?

" Class C? They're always a strange bunch though. What do you mean? " Hasebe curiously leaned forward with wide eyes.

Karma know what Akito is trying to point out. It's about the people who've been following us these past few days. It looks like Akito's also realized. Even now, there's a boy hiding himself while peeking at us. It's 'Komiya', a Class C student and one of Ryuuen's henchmen.

More importantly, the problem is that there is another person who 'isn't from Class C' observing this group and Miyake hasn't noticed that presence.

_____________________

Karma lean closer to his group as he whisper. " During our study session a while back, those Class C guys made contact with us right? "

Hasebe's face twisted into caution. " You mean Ryuuen-kun and Shiina-san, right? Could it be that they're also? "

To add more suspicion Miyake add. " Yeah. It's a different person this time though. Today, Ishizaki and Komiya showed up at the archery club. Said they came to have a look so the seniors accepted it but they were glaring at me the whole time so it was hard for me to do anything. "

" Did they do anything? Like jeering at you or sneezing just when you're about to release the arrow to disturb you? Or maybe they threw little rocks at you? " Hasebe ask.

Miyake sighs heavily. " Of course, they can't do anything in front of the instructors and the seniors. By the time practice ended, they went back. "

Both Karma and Kiyotaka stayed deadly calm.

" Don't you think it has something to do with Class D's growth? We ended up with 0 points not too long after enrolling yet here we are, almost close enough to scratch Class C's back. " Yukimura suggest.

" There's also the results of Paper Shuffle to consider, so we may actually end up becoming Class C by the time the 3rd semester rolls around. They must be panicking. " Karma said with a smile, they must be.

" If things end just like this then after the winter vacation there's a high possibility we'll be promoted to Class C. " Yukimura said. " Class D's growth after its massive tumble must be reason enough for Class C to panic and it's natural to try and figure out the reason behind that growth. "

Karma smirk. It would be fine, since Class D themselves don't know who the mastermind is together that there's a few people knowing Class C will have a little behind of information.

Hasebe lean on her seat with an expressive hum. " Despite acting high and mighty all the time, Ryuuen-kun's still a leader. He's totally going to lose face. "

Miyake nod. " I see. I suppose their desperation is understandable. "

Hasebe tilt her head. " But we haven't really changed all that much, have we? It feels like by the time we realized, that gap already shrunk. Why is that? Is it just because Class C took a tumble?

" If we're talking about just Class D then we triumphed over the other classes during the island exam. We were beaten by Ryuuen during the zodiac exam but we made a comeback during the Paper Shuffle the other day. Compared to that, Class C's been neglecting their class points, haven't they? " Karma said.

" Even on the island, they quickly used up all the points allocated to them. " Miyake mutter.

" In other words...is Class C self-destructing? " Hasebe ask.

Kiyotaka nod. " You could see it that way. Even their rule violation this time around is pretty self-destructive. "

Miyake sighed. " Class C seems to have enjoyed their vacation. I'm somewhat jealous that they didn't have to go through all that. "

Yukimura scoff. " Rubbish. That Ryuuen always reckless...no, he's a man-child who thinks doing things normal people wouldn't do makes him cool. That's why it's means nothing if the class loses. "

Karma suspect that Ryuuen got private points in return for him using their S-points for partying and giving Katsuragi the leftovers.

Hasebe wave her hand. " You boys sure have it easy. Don't you think so too, Airi? "

Sakura meekly nod. " Y-Yeah. That's right. There are quite a lot of girls troubled by this. I think a bit later and I might have also been in trouble... "

" Why would you've been in trouble if it had been a bit later? " Yukimura, who doesn't know the first thing about a girl's troubles, looked at Airi strangely.

" T-That's. "

Sakura, unable to tell him that it's about a 'girl's day', averted her eyes.

Hasebe chuckled anxiously. " How should I put this, Yukimu~. That ignorant side of yours can be cute but when it comes to stuff like this, you need to read the mood? That sort of thing."

" ...What do you mean? "

Karma motions his hand over to Yukimura's shoulder. " People have their own problems, is what it means. "

" I haven't a clue. What do you mean by 'their own problems'? " Yukimura then shake his head knowing he's unable to receive an answer. He then change the topic. Turning to Kiyotaka he ask.

" Hey, Kiyotaka, Akabane. Why don't you tell us the information you got from Horikita? "

Karma stop sipping his milk. " What do you mean? "

" I'd like to know what Ryuuen's thinking and what he's planning on doing. Considering what happened in the sports festival and during Paper Shuffle, we need to be united as a class. "

" It also feels creepy for me having Ishizaki and his ilk stuck to me. I agree too. " Miyake said as he shiver.

Kiyotaka trailed. " It's just hearsay but... "

" I'm fine with that. Please tell us. "

All four of them turned to Karma and Kiyotaka at once.

Karma then let out a sigh. " Alright. We won't be responsible for any mistakes. "

After adding that, they explained the events of the uninhabited island, cruise exam, and the sports festival.

" I guess that's the gist of it. " Kiyotaka said in a small tone.

Now having obtained any new information, Yukimura crossed his arms while seemingly deep in thought. " Like what Haruka ask, why did Ryuuen go out of his way to stay behind on the island? "

" According to Suzu-chan, it's because he trusts no one. To gather information on the other classes and make an inference from that seems too heavy a burden for any other student. "

Yukimura send his fingers on his chin. " As expected of Horikita...I wouldn't have been able to think that far ahead. "

Miyake scratch his head with little frustration. " Isn't that understandable? Food and hygiene problems, the manual got burned and underwear was stolen. Class D was in tatters. We couldn't afford to sound out the other classes. "

" In hindsight, we really had a tough time. "

Hasebe then smile as she tried to cheer the boys. " But Horikita-san's amazing. To think she saw through all that in the exam. I can understand why Horikita-san would be marked. She saw through Ryuuen-kun's strategy after all. "

" As a matter of fact, it seems they're still disturbing us even now. " Kiyotaka said.

Miyake nod in agreement. " I can understand the island and the cruise but why are Ryuuen and his men getting involved with the other Class D students recently. They even came all the way over to the archery club to check on me. That isn't normal, right? "

" They may be trying to uncover a weakness in Class D. Because Horikita has no weaknesses at all, they may be trying to destroy her surroundings instead. " Kiyotaka explain.

Yukimura slowly hums undersatanding. " I see. That's a possibility too... "

" As expected of Kiyopon's girlfriend. "

Kiyotaka's brow twitch. " Don't just go and make her my girlfriend. "

" T-That's right. I think you're being rude to Kiyotaka-kun. " Sakura pipe up feeling troubled.

" Then she Bakama's- "

" Haruka-chan~ don't even think about finishing that sentence~. " Karma said that with a sweet smile, but he had an annoyed expression. " Besides, what makes you think she's close to me? "

" Ahaha. Sorry, sorry. " Hasebe then turn to Kiyotaka. " Even if she isn't your girlfriend, you do like her, don't you? Or perhaps you're with some other girls. "

" I don't like her and I don't have a girlfriend either. " Kiyotaka said sternly wishing to end it.

Luckily Hasebe dropped it. " I see. Then that means we're all going to be lonely this year". "

Kiyotaka tilt his head. " Lonely? "

Karma moved Kiyotaka's body with his finger to a direction. " Look around Ayano-kun. It's almost Christmas. "

Sitting on a bench placed in front of a restaurant in Keyaki Mall, Karma said.

Yukimura sighs exasperatedly. " It's not like it's such a special day, is it? It's just a day like any other. "

" That may be so for you, Yukimu~. But it's surprisingly difficult for us girls. "

" R-Rumors might crop up... " Sakura add.

Hasebe snap her fingers. " Yep, yep. Like who's dating who and who isn't dating who. And even though you're single because you want to be single, they'd end up looking at you like you're something pitiful. "

" ...We're 1st year high schoolers. Our studies are our priority. " Yukimura mumbled.

" But did you fantasize about it~? You're blushing~. " Karma tease.

" Shut it. "

" Anyways, this mango juice is way too sweet. Way to go. " Miyake made a vomiting gesture and pushed the cup towards Kiyotaka.

Hasebe snort. " But it's delicious though? By the way, I personally think there's going to be a variety of things happening to Class D over the winter vacation. "

Sakura perk up. " That's...referring to who's going out with who? "

Karma shrug. " Probably. If there are boys and girls dating each other then there will also be boys and girls who break up. A lot of things happen over Christmas, after all. "

Hasebe and Karma nodded repeatedly as though they had seen many couples like that before.

" Bakama is such an expert, have you ever been heartbroken? "

Miyake then swat the air. " Let's leave aside the couples. Do you think there will be any breakups? Right now the only couple in Class D would be Hirata and Karuizawa, right? "

Hasebe cross her arms. " That's not necessarily the case. Unexpected couples may form without you knowing, Miyachi. "

Karma nod dramatically. " Romance isn't something that's limited. If there's a girl you like, you must act before someone else steals her away from you. "

Miyake sweatdrop at the dramatics. " Unfortunately, archery's the only lover I need. "

Hasebe pout. " Lame. It's not even like you're that passionate about it. Uncooool— "

" ...Shut up. " Miyake averted his eyes shyly as though he's a bit embarrassed by it. " Anyways, I have my club. It might be a different story if I did have a girlfriend but currently I'm not planning on getting one. "

Karma grin wider. " By that, you mean you DO want to get one~? "

In true interview style, while mimicking the action of holding a microphone in their hands, Hasebe and Karma interrogated Miyake.

Miyake quickly cover his ears from the two. " I have no intention of causing an uproar like Ike and the others but this is the same for both boys and girls, right? "

" ...Well, I'm not going to deny that as long as I get my ideal man. Yukimu~ seems to reject romance itself but what'll you do if you meet a girl who likes you, Yukimu~? "

Miyake hummed. " What I'll do...would depend on the relationship between me and that person. That sort of thing. "

Karma tilt his head. " Hmm. So you won't date her unconditionally just because she's cute. "

" I see, I see. You're a serious boy. "

" Shut up. " Miyake muttered.

As the others were busy talking, Sakura turn to Kiyotaka. " Kiyotaka-kun, d-do you have any plans for Christmas? "

Karma heard and let out a hoot. " Are you asking Ayano-kun out, Airi-chan~? "

" How bold~ " Hasebe giggled.

Sakura jumped and wave her hands everywhere. " N-No, what's not what I mean! It's not what I mean, ok!? "

Karma let out a defence position. " What about it? Ayano-kun just said he doesn't have a girlfriend yet a while ago. "

Sakura shake her head. " That's not it, I mean; I wanted to know what you're planning on doing. When you spend Christmas alone, I'm curious about what you do. "

" Got nothing special in mind. I think I'll just coop up in my room? " Kiyotaka said lamely.

Yukimura shrug. " Christmas's just another holiday, right? "

Karma pout. " Haruka, we got two sad potatoes over here!! "

Hasebe shake her head pityfully. " You two miserable creatures.. "

" Fu...fufu. "

Watching them, Sakura started laughing quietly for some reason. She desperately tried to stifle her laughter but she didn't quite succeed.

Karma pause and turn his head to the giggling girl. " Is there something wrong? "

Sakura flinch. " S-Sorry. No, I'm just...happy so I laughed. "