15 Vol. 4 Chp. 1: Trouble On The Cruise
'...': Writing
'...': Sign language
"You look like you want to die," I heard someone say, "It seems you didn't get much sleep."
I turned my head and saw Himeno staring at me with an expression that said she wanted to die.
'My school life is fucked.'
She stood beside me, leaning against the railing, "Yes, I heard about the panties incident."
It didn't help that Shinohara's and Karuizawa's group gathered around me and spilled orange juice on me while simultaneously calling me a sex offender, pervert, incel... I forgot what else they called me.
The worst part was that this was in public, and word had already gotten out that I had stolen her underwear. That begs the question...
'Why are you associating with me?'
"Because I don't care. Besides, I don't think you're the type to steal a girl's panties," Himeno paused, "I'm terrible at comforting others..."
"I've been eavesdropped on my classmates, and it seems a few girls don't believe you steal panties... But you're a womanizer," Himeno flashed a slight smirk briefly before it disappeared.
I rolled my eyes.
~Timeskip~
It was nighttime, and I was alone, hanging out at the observation deck. I noticed Ibuki sitting at a table by herself with a grave expression. She looked more frustrated than she did during the island exam. I approached her, causing her to look up angrily, "Piss off."
I shook my head, sitting down at her table. Ibuki let out a groan and avoided looking at me. I pulled out my notebook and wrote, 'Are you okay?'
She read my notebook before looking away, "Everything is fine."
Her stomach rumbled, causing a faint blush on her face, "Ignore that."
I shook my head, 'Why don't you get something to eat?'
I slightly feel bad that I was one to have her give up all her points, but I will have to pretend that I don't know anything.
"I don't have any points..." She mumbled.
'Phone.'
"What?"
'Let me see your phone.'
She seemed skeptical about it, but she handed her phone over to me. I transferred points over to her.
Kagurazaka's private points - 390,587-100,000=290,587
I handed her phone back to her, and she looked at it. Her eyes widened in shock, "You're messing with me..."
'You have to pay me back 100,000 points.'
"What if I don't?" She asked.
'I'll come after you.'
Ibuki said nothing, but I noticed a bit of guilt in her eyes.
She exited her seat and said, "Hey, thanks for the points."
I glance back to see her stop, "Also... I didn't mean to ruin your life..." She quickly rushed off, leaving me by myself.
You didn't ruin my life, Ibuki... It was Kushida.
Next day
Hirata invited me to eat lunch with him at a restaurant. Upon arrival, I saw Hirata with Ayanokouji. I sat down at the table.
Hirata looked at me with concern, "Are you okay, Kagurazaka-kun? You look like you haven't gotten enough sleep."
'I've everything is going great... My life is a complete mess because I was framed for stealing panties. Now, I'm the most hated person on this cruise ship... Everything is lovely in my life.'
"I know, but it pains me to see my classmates acting like this to you," Hirata said, "Listen, Kagurazaka-kun. I'll try to limit the class' horrible acts against you. Though I'm unsure if you can be engaged with the class."
'Forget it... Why would anyone want to listen to someone that doesn't speak?'
I stood up from my seat.
"Wait..." I heard Hirata called out, but I saw a group of girls I didn't want to see.
"Ah, so you're here, after all, Hirata-kun. Let's eat lunch together!" Karuizawa approached us, leading a group of girls. She sounded happy and carefree.
"Um... Karuizawa-san, I thought I canceled our plans..."
"Wait, why is he here?!" Karuizawa dramatically pointed at me, causing a commotion inside the restaurant.
"Wait, isn't that the creep who stole her underwear?"
"Disgusting."
People started murmuring, turning this into a bad situation for me. I was getting ready to leave when Karuizawa poured water on me.
"Karuizawa-san!"
"Sorry, Hirata-kun! My hand slipped," Karuizawa said, glaring at me while her group did the same thing.
3rd POV
Kagurazaka walked out of the restaurant while people stared at or insulted him.
"Hmph, that should teach him," Karuizawa crossed her arms.
Someone threw a bread roll at Karuizawa's head, "Who threw that?!"
"I did," Himeno got up from her seat, "You're a piece of shit, you know."
"What did you call me?" Karuizawa glared at her, "I don't think you understand what he did to me!"
"After what he did to her? Did he do more?"
"I don't know... He looks like a creep. Did you see those eyebags?"
Himeno faked a yawn, getting bored of the insults toward Kagurazaka, "Do you know what I see? I see a guy accused of something he didn't do while a blonde-haired girl is being a complete bitch."
"You did not call me a bitch!" Karuizawa yelled, getting into Himeno's face.
Himeno crossed her arms, "I did. What are you going to do about it? Bitch to your boyfriend? You're pathetic," Himeno said before walking away.
Next day
Kagurazaka's POV
I got a text from Ichinose asking to meet up at the café. I promised to hang out with her after the island exam, so I better prepare.
Cruise ship: cafe
I arrived at the café and saw Ichinose sitting alone at a table. As I approached, she noticed me and greeted me with a warm smile and a wave. "Hey, Kagurazaka-kun."
I wave back at her before sitting down at the table.
"So, I wanted to thank you for your help in the special exam," Ichinose said.
'I didn't do much.'
"You managed to warn us about Ryuuen being on the island!"
Yes, I had Brave send a tip about Ryuuen being on the island, but it was to warn my class about him... I won't say anything about it and take the compliment.
"But I'm surprised that Class C got disqualified. Did you have something to do with that?" Ichinose asked.
'I will leave it up to your imagination.'
A pout formed on her face, "That isn't fair..."
'It is.'
She stopped pouting, "It still feels like I don't know much about you."
'Because you don't know anything about me.'
"Yes, that's true... But I want to get to know you better! Let me ask you some questions," Ichinose said.
'Fine.'
"What do you like to do?" Ichinose asked.
'Taking naps, cooking, reading, listening to music...'
"Favorite food?"
'I don't have one.'
"Really? You don't have a favorite food?" I shook my head.
"When's your birthday?" Ichinose asked.
'June 5th.'
"June 5th... Wait, June 5th... That was recent! Your birthday was during the island test!" Ichinose yelled in shock.
'Yeah? It was my birthday recently.'
"How could you not tell me?!" Ichinose seemed angry about me not telling her about my birthday.
'I was on the cruise ship, you were on an island, and you never asked.'
"But it's something I need to now! And now I've missed it."
'It's not something you need to know.'
Ichinose folded her arms in protest and sat there, pouting at my response. She mumbled, "I wanted to get you a gift."
'You can still get me a gift.'
"You heard me?!" She seemed shocked, and I nodded.
A faint blush appeared on her face, "Let's move on... I'll tell you a few things about myself. I like reading and watching movies, my favorite food is dango, and my birthday is July 20th."
'Do you want me to get you a gift?'
"You don't have to, but I would appreciate it."
'Aren't you worried about your reputation?' I changed the subject.
Ichinose's eyes softened, "I don't think you stole her panties, Kagurazaka-kun. I was surprised that I heard about Himeno-san standing up for you."
Hmm, Himeno did say a few girls in her class didn't believe I stole Karuizawa's panties.
~Timeskip~
"H-Hello, K-Kagurazaka-kun..." I turned to the voice and saw Morofuji avoiding eye contact.
'Hello, what are you doing?'
"I-I'm heading to the cafe... W-Would you like to come with me, Kagurazaka-kun...?" She nervously asked.
I have nothing else to do better.
I nodded.
I earned a bashful smile from her, but she still didn't want to make eye contact with me.
We both start heading toward the part of the ship with all the food stalls.
"Ah... Can I ask you something?" Morofuji asked.
I nodded.
"H-How did you become mute?" She started panicking after asking, "I-I'm curious, is all! I-I didn't mean to offend you!"
'I can't remember... I stopped talking one day...'
'I want to ask you something. Why do you avoid eye contact with me?'
"It's... my fear..." She mumbled.
Fear, huh?
We arrived at the cafe and got in line, "Hey... Kagurazaka-kun?"
I turned to her, "Thanks for coming with me," Her voice got quieter.
'Can I ask why you're talking to me?'
"You... look sad..." Morofuji said, "I-I wanted to cheer you up..."
Someone bumped into Morofuji, "Oh, I'm sorry..."
Morofuji tried to apologize, but the person shoved her, causing Morofuji to fall and spill all her food on the floor.
"K-Karuizawa-san! That's uncalled for!" Matsushita reprimanded her.
I didn't want to bump into a group of Class D girls.
"She bumped into me! It's not my fault she can't look straight," Karuizawa scoffed.
3rd POV
Karuizawa tried to walk away, but she was shoved to the ground by someone.
"Hey, what the hell?!" She looked up to see Kagurazaka staring her down.
'She wonders why I won't accept her apology,' Kagurazaka thought before checking up on Morofuji.
Kagurazaka's POV
I ignored my classmates, bringing my attention to Morofuji. She hadn't gotten up and was blankly staring at the floor.
"I'm sorry about her! Let me help you up," Kushida crouched and offered her hand, but I grabbed her wrist.
"What?" Kushida recoiled back, not expecting me to do that.
I'm being petty about her putting Karuizawa's panties in my bag, but I don't care. She shouldn't have done it in the first place. Enough about that... I don't think touching Morofuji will help.
On closer inspection of Morofuji, I noticed she was shaking out of fear. Her eyes were darting back and forth warily.
"H-Hey... Are you..." Kushida couldn't finish her sentence as Morofuji's eyes landed on her, and she let out a blood-curdling scream.
"Stay away from me!" Morofuji pushed Kushida and sprinted away.
Damn it, Karuizawa... This is all your fault.
~Timeskip~
I found her in an empty room on the ship, and she collapsed from exhaustion. She struggled to control her breathing while tears were forming in her eyes. It didn't take long before she threw up.
I watched a scared little girl crawling over to one of the room's corners, and she started apologizing profusely.
I don't have Manabe's, Yamashita's, and Nanami's numbers...
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"Morofuji-san..."
3rd POV
Morofuji stopped talking and slowly moved her head to look at Kagurazaka. His eyes felt soft and gentle while looking into them.
She shook her head, cowering in fear, 'No... Not again.'
Kagurazaka slowly crept closer before crouching down in front of her. Her eyes widened as she felt her breathing pick up again. She had nowhere to go.
'Please... Don't hurt me...' Morofuji tried to make herself smaller.
She felt a hand on top of her hand, causing her to look at Kagurazaka with teary eyes.
"You're okay... No one will hurt you..." She heard Kagurazaka speak.
'He's... forcing himself to speak...' Morofuji thought as she watched Kagurazaka massage his throat.
Kagurazaka's POV
I'm not used to talking, and it hurts my throat. I stood up and outstretched my hand. Morofuji flinched before taking my hand and helping her up.
~Timeskip~
I trailed behind Morofuji as she walked back to her room. She's keeping her distance from me. Upon arriving at her room, Morofuji entered.
"Hey... Who did this to you?! Who?!" I peeked into the room and saw a multitude of emotions in Manabe's eyes.
Her eyes landed on me, and she was in blinding fury as she stomped toward me, "I warned you!" She threw the first punch as I slapped her hand away.
She seemed surprised by this as she threw another punch at me, but it was the same result. She reached to grab me, but I grabbed her wrist.
"Wait... Shiho-san... He didn't do anything..." Morofuji said quietly.
"Huh?" Manabe looked back before I tripped her to the ground.
I'm getting out of here before I have to deal with more of Manabe's anger.
3rd POV
Kagurazaka got away while Manabe pushed herself off the ground, "What do you mean? You don't have to lie."
Morofuji shook her head, "I'm not lying, though... He didn't do anything. I'll tell you what happened..."
~Timeskip~
Kagurazaka's POV
I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw that I had a message.
A test will begin soon in Room 202 on the second deck. Please arrive on time. Latecomers may be penalized. Restrooms are available now. Silence or turn off your phone.
What the hell is this?
~Timeskip~
I entered the room and saw a woman with brown hair sitting in a chair with her legs crossed. Three students were before me: Kushida, Horikita, and Hirata.
"What are you doing over there? Come on and take a seat. Or do you want to sit beside me?" Was she a teacher? My doubts were rising inside me, but I sat beside Horikita.
The teacher pouted, but I ignored it.
"Hirata, Horikita, Kushida, and Kagurazaka from Class D. Without further ado, I will explain the special test."
This is what I was worried about...
"You will group up with not just your class but students from other classes. From now on, your group assignment is "Dragon." It's a cool group's name. Oh yeah, before I forget, here is a list of the members. Please return this list to me when you leave the room. I would recommend trying to memorize it now if it's necessary."
I'll take a picture of the paper.
Class A: Katsuragi Kohei, Nishikawa Ryouko, Shita Shinji, Koharu Yano
Class B: Ando Sayo, Kanzaki Ryuuji, Tsukabe Hitomi
Class C: Oda Takumi, Suzuki Hidetoshi, Sonoda Masashi, Ryuuen Kakeru
Class D: Kushida Kikyou, Hirata Yousuke, Horikita Suzune, Kagurazaka Norogumi
This group sucks...
"In this test, you may get four possible outcomes. No exceptions. We have also prepared handouts with the grade items so that you may better understand them. However, you can't take these handouts out, no photographing or anything of the sort. You should look to your heart's content here and now.
Well, there's taking a picture...
At 8 a.m. on the first day of the test, each student will simultaneously receive a message informing you that we have chosen someone to be the "VIP" in your group.
The test begins tomorrow and ends at 9 p.m. on the fourth day.
Each group should gather twice during the day at a predetermined time in a predetermined room to talk for one hour so that they may discuss matters with only their group. The contents of each shall be left to the group's discretion.
After the test, the school will only accept answers between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. that day.
The identity of the VIP student in your assigned group must be sent to submit answers. Any solution will be marked invalid. Results of the exam will be sent via mail by 11:00 p.m. on the final day.
Outcome #1: Share the identity of the VIP and clear the exam together as one.
If the answers of the VIP student and the other group members are all correct, they will all receive private points, including members other than the VIP student themselves.
Outcome #2: Answer incorrectly, and the group loses, but the VIP still receives points.
If there are incorrect answers or unanswered questions by people other than the VIP student, only the VIP student will receive 500,000 private points.
Outcome #3: A traitor uncovers the identity of the VSuppose.
If someone other than the VIP answers the question before waiting for the allocated time and answers correctly. In that case, the class the answerer belongs to will receive 50 class points each, and the answerer will receive 500,000 private points for themselves.
Classes with identified VIPs will receive minus 50 class points, ending the test.
However, if a VIP member answers correctly, the previous result becomes invalid, and the test continues for that group.
Outcome #4: The traitor disregards the judgment of the VIP.
Suppose someone other than the VIP answers the question before waiting for the misallocated time and answers. In that case, the class the answerer belongs to will receive a penalty of minus fifty class points each, but the VIP will still receive 500,000 private points. The lesson to which the VIP belongs obtains 50 class points.
If a member of the VIP class answers incorrectly, the answer is invalid.
I got a good look at everything, so I'm leaving.
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