"Everything. Daniel. You and I. Let's kill her."

Although she said those strong and powerful words, her melancholic expression along with her closure on our bodies surely made me think of the possibility of Yulia just being sarcastic.

But I knew, this was not it.

She was dead serious on what she had just said out loud to me.

"...What's wrong? Why are you not answering me...?"

It also seems that I was taken aback a little bit too much.

Looking into Yulia's eyes is the equivalent of being sucked into an infinite spiral of attraction.

You just don't want to get out of it.

"Sorry. I was thinking for a moment."

In reality, I was simply too baffled to know what to say. As a matter of fact, I've not given much thought about her words.

"That's fine. As long as you understand."

That's the problem, Yulia... I do understand, it's just...

"This isn't really practical, you know."

Her expression stiffened a bit and Yulia started to bite her lower lips in response to my sour answer.

So, I continued in order to clear the possible misunderstanding.

"I'm not against the idea, the only problem is that it's really hard to pull out. It's also not a question of whether or not I can do it, but what comes afterward. Have you thought about that?"

Her breaths are so close that we can feel this powerful intimacy between us yet none of us is showing any visible frustration in contrast to that.

Plus, I'm making sure that I am putting up a good serious face and that I'm only looking at Yulia right now.

"So, you don't deny the fact that you and I are capable of pulling it out?"

This also has been troubling me for a bit...

"Yulia, by 'I', which is you, are you implying that you are capable of producing such things as murdering someone? I'm not doubting you, I just want to make sure if that's what you meant..."

If this was us back in a day or two, my responses would be far blunter, but I'm proceeding with caution in regard to Yulia's fragile feelings.

"Wow, you are truly showing a caring attitude now. That's really reassuring, Daniel. Thank you. But yes, I am."

"Then, yes. I am capable of pulling it off. I could also do it alone, but in this case, you want us to do it together, right?"

I have extreme confidence when it comes to my own skills and even if Yulia is feeling insecure about this, that wouldn't be a problem.

However, Yulia isn't feeling insecure about this. The very fact that she was the one who launched this offer immediately goes to show how true that is.

"...Yes... But we can't get caught, or else we are done for."

............

I just can't like this. I see her idea and all, but this is far too rushed and reckless from my point of view.

Though, if we were to exploit several weaknesses that this school possesses, then it would be possible to pull it off.

"We should not do this, Yulia."

And of course, in response, Yulia's expression showed oppression.

"And why not?!"

"Because it's not worth it. I've mentioned how any teacher can just replicate the same feat as Yuka-sensei, and you did point out that Basara-sensei would be the ideal target for your ideology of exams to work, but can't you see? This isn't the end for us if we fail, but if we commit to that idea of yours, then what if we get caught? We will receive death sentences for sure..."

After I pointed out the possible consequence, Yulia looked down a bit while crooking down her neck for a while.

Her point isn't bad, it's just that its high-risk high reward. If the risk was minimally low, then I wouldn't mind.

Because no matter how I look at it, if I do fail here, I am not in a good position.

"Are you going to quit on me, just like that? After I opened up to you?"

What?

"No, that was not my intention, Yulia."

"Then what was your intention when you said those words? To make me understand the consequences and the degree of risk in this stupid crazy idea of mine? What, did you think that I didn't know? How nonsensical this is?!"

So she knew...

"If you know, then you should also know that it's essentially suicide. There are cameras about everywhere--"

"No, Daniel. Not true. You mentioned about a place where there are no cameras, right? So, how about we bring her there? We can just form a plausible excuse and drag her out there."

Except I already thought of that possibility already.

"Yulia, what if someone sees us? Plus, our alibis are just not there. Furthermore, what sort of excuse can you give her just to drag her out like that?"

"Can't we work on that? We have time still. It doesn't have to be like this. Hey, let's think together, okay?"

Don't say those words with such a kind smile, please...

You're not making this easy, you know?

"You know that I have nothing against you, right?"

"Well, if you show me that you don't have anything against me or if you don't do actions that imply such, then I will surely know!"

Yet again, that effulgent smile consumes my whole field of vision.

It's hard because Yulia's not getting the true meaning of my words...

"...Alright, let's think this out. Let's eat something, okay?"

"Aye, sure thing!"

I need some time to think of plausible reasonings. It doesn't have to be this way.

No, I'm not doing this just to stop her from doing something wrong, I am potentially doing this in order to stop a far too counterproductive event from happening.

Regardless of how I look at this, I am not rewarded here.

From Yulia's perspective if we do kill Yuka-sensei, then the whole exam will be revoked and this exam might cease to exist.

But she doesn't realize just how quixotic this whole thing is. It's just a possibility, not a certainty.

Is it really that worth it to bet on a possibility like this?

"Hey, were those footsteps just now? They sounded so loud. Maybe the person or persons are close?"

Despite being concentred in my own mindset, I did notice the loud sound of footsteps, but I just assumed that it was someone who wanted to enter the gymnasium.

And it would've been disrespectful to tell Yulia in the middle of the conversation that somewhere was at the door's step for a while.

Nevertheless, I don't think that whoever was there, was actually paying attention.

"Isn't it fine? It's probably a pairing. Utilizing the gymnasium right now is ideal, right?"

Though, once I grasped the door hold, there was not a single person in my sight.

Which means that the person was in a rush for whatever reason.

"That's true. But, where are they?"

Although Yulia is saying 'they', I don't think that it's more than one person in the first place.

Well, I could be wrong though.

"I don't know."

How am I supposed to know? But, I suppose it's natural to question the person or persons' locations...

Also...

We've hit the brick of silence right now.

I know that it's partially my fault for not carrying out the conversation in a positive manner or in a way where the conversation would not go down the drain like this, but right now I need to think.

That was my number one priority right now, as we walked towards the previously visited cafeteria.

But...

"Soooooooo, um, tell me more about you."

Yulia shot that question at me.

Geez, I know that I fucking suck at making conversations last, but this is just sad.

A world where a girl has to drag out the conversation and not the guy, what's next?

World war 3?

Still, more about me?

That's hard because...

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know? Only you know yourself. So, tell me things about yourself. Like your hobbies and perhaps more."

Ah, sure. I'll just tell her that I like to watch anime and reading manga.

Whatever could go wrong, right?

Yosh, let's do it--- Hell no!

"I... like grasshoppers!"

What!? I hate grasshoppers! What the fuck is wrong with me!

"...Seriously?"

"Ah, no. You're probably going to laugh at me, but... I really like animes. You know animes, don't you? Actually, what am I talking about? There's no way you d-"

In contrast to my expectations of awkward silence and pure rejection, Yulia interrupted me in a rapid quickness and spoke excitedly towards me.

"Of course I know what animes are! Who doesn't know that?!"

And with that, all the past tense feelings had just vanished. It felt natural for some reason.

"Oh, so you know!"

"Well, duh. Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know, I just assumed that girls weren't into anime or stuff like that. Because being into anime is enough to be labeled as a nerd."

Never in my mind did I picture girls being into anime. Yulia's the first exception to this.

"It's always about preferences, Daniel. If your cultural preferences subject you into choosing something that is viewed as orthodox to the outside world, then it's normal that you will get viewed as an outcast, because to them, you are going against the flow. I adore anime and manga. I'm not sure if you like manga too, so I'll just say that I do, but that's my opinion about it. Also, get rid of that nonsensical idea of yours about girls, because boys aren't much different in this regard."

I felt like immediately arguing back after hearing those last words, but in order to cultivate a stronger conversation with Yulia, I held my breath.

Also, I think I just saw Rayazaki from afar, but I didn't really mind it too much.

"I like both anime and manga too. Hey, what's your favorite anime and manga?"

"Have you watched Kekkai Sensen?"

"No."

I really haven't.

"You should! It's really goooood. Basically, it's a story about a human called Leonardo that has to co-exist amidst supernatural events and a plethora of bizarre additional settings, but I think the strongest point of the show is how the characters manage to be diverse throughout the whole thing!"

"Oh yeah? Maybe I should try it."

"Not maybe, you have to!"

"Only if you try Demon Slayer though."

"Daniel, what is that? Are you sure you didn't misspell Goblin Slayer?"

Disrespect is real.

"No, Yulia. It's pronounced as Demon Slayer, but also alternatively known as Kimetsu no Yaiba. Haven't you heard of it? It's super-duper famous by now."

Also, how the hell do you know about Goblin Slayer?

"I haven't been in touch with anime lately, because I found a really awesome manga to read and I'm loving it very much! Hey, wanna know what manga I'm talking about? Huh, I bet you do!"

"Tell me, tell me."

Yulia is bursting with excitement right now.

What a rare sight.

"It's called Sangatsu no Lion, or 3-Gatsu no Lion. Actually, it's March comes in like a lion in English. At first, I thought that it was just a boring slice of life manga with little to it, but it took me by surprise! The dialogue is so rich, the characters are so distinctive from one another! Plus, the emotional struggles of each character in it just feels so real! What I love the most about it is how it teaches various life lessons throughout the whole thing!"

You'd think that such an eccentric girl like her wouldn't be addicted to suicide methods.

Yet here is Yulia, speaking her heart out about it.

Though, she's got me curious now.

"Is it really that good, Yulia?"

"It is! Also, also... what's your favorite manga?"

This is it, ladies and gentlemen.

If you ever want to know someone's worth, it all comes down to how someone replies to this question.

Should your love interest just reply in a form of disgust when you give the answer, then your love interest sucks, I'm sorry.

However, in the rare case that your love interest answers this positively and in a light manner, while being completely serious, then you might just be lucky.

I'm not implying that's the case, but it's pretty evidential.

"About that... Have you ever heard of JoJo's Bizarre Adventures?"

I'm also trying not to get my hopes up but my instinct prevents me from doing so.

May Speedwagon bless my soul.

"I've watched part 3, I think."

I gasped.

No, wait, did she just skip part 1 and 2!? Yulia's a part skipp-

No, no. Calm down. Stop assuming.

Behave.

"What about the previous parts...?"

"Ahhh, regarding that... I read somewhere on Reddit that you can actually just start at part 3 because it introduces stands while part 1 and 2 don't."

Fuck you Reddit, that's not a valid reason to skip parts!

Also, against popular belief, there are eight sins. Pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth and, lastly, skipping JoJo parts.

Committing the last sin will give you a worse punishment than what Diavolo received.

"Oh, I see. Well, you really, but really, should go back to them."

"Well, okay. If you say so. But, what's your favorite manga though? I've already asked you..."

Perhaps Yulia did not realize where I was going with this, nevertheless, I'll explain it to her.

"My favorite manga is JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run. It's truly unrivaled. According to MAL, it's only second to Berserk!"

"MAL?"

"MyAnimeList. A pretty well-known site that reviews tons of anime, mangas, light novels and so on."

It's hard to call them reviews because the majority of the time it's just plain roasting.

But, then again, if something is shit and isn't enjoyable to the audience, then it deserves to get roasted, no matter how I look at it.

"Ehh... You know a lot about this, don't you?"

"I do know a bit. But not a lot, I think."

"I don't think so. You might know more than your average person. Still, I'll try it after I am done with Sangatsu no Lion. Ah, a coffee, please. Do you want a coffee too, Daniel?"

"Hm? Yeah sure. With sugar, please. Lots of it."

"Will that be all?" Said the waitress that was right at the edge of our table.

"Yes." Replied Yulia in a short but sweet tone.

That's right, as we were discussing stuff, we were already in the cafeteria.

Plus, we took our seats and stood in front of each other with only the table separating us.

"Yulia, there's something that you must know."

"What is it, Daniel?"

This is really important, okay?

"Don't immediately read part 7. Read the previous parts too. Actually, don't."

"Huh?"

"There are anime adaptations of parts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 thus far. Watch them. They are really good. David Productions is a wonderful blessing to this world."

Pun intended.

"Also, since there aren't any further adaptations so far, you have to read part 6 after you are done with the previous parts. And then, you can get into Steel Ball Run."

Although I'm not a Stone Ocean fan personally, you have to read it.

T-posing Pucci is still one of the most menacing phenomenons ever.

"So you're telling me to read 6 mangas before getting into just one manga...? Not sure if I can understand that."

"Look, it doesn't make much sense in the surface, I know, but it will, okay? Trust me on this."

"Here are your coffees."

Meanwhile, the coffees had shortly arrived. I immediately poured down more sugar from the mini-sugar packs that were on the table right into my coffee.

"Thank you."

Yulia gave the waitress her compliments but I was too busy pouring down sugar.

"Daniel..."

"Ah, also... Araki never forgets. That's just a huge misconception formed by the community because their brains just lack cells in general. Whenever you think that Araki has forgotten, you must think outside the bubble and then the outcome will be clear..."

This is also important. Misunderstanding something this basic will have you spin around in circles in a never-ending guess game.

"You didn't forget, did you?"

"Forget what...?"

Actually, I might've forgotten something important regarding JoJo...

Just what though...

But then it immediately clicked.

"Ah! How could I forget... Pay attention to the openings. When the final boss' stand is about to be revealed, the opening gives clues about what it does by changing bits of the opening. It's honestly quite creative if you ask m-"

"Just stop already."

"........."

Sorta rude, but I understood what Yulia meant.

True to be told, I've been dragging this out on purpose, but she didn't erase her previous intentions.

After all, the number one reason why we are here is to discuss something important.

"I've been thinking. For what reason would Yuka-sensei deny our request? We are a pairing and I think she would be glad to help, would she not?"

"Surely, that's one way to look at it. But, Yulia, what do we do about the body? Also, as previously mentioned, we can't be seen. This means that we have to choose a very specific timing for this..."

There are so many things to take into consideration...

Also, the coffee smells really good.

Seriously, the aroma is fantastic.

"Daniel.... You are already thinking that far ahead.... I'm so glad!!"

I don't like the way Yulia's smiling at me. That devoid smile symbolizes innocence pilled under corruption.

"But yes, the timing is indeed important. If we are going to pull this off, then we have to take everything into consideration."

Yulia, I don't think you realize just how many things it is necessary to take into consideration...

"We should do it now, honestly."

"Why though?"

Yulia looked puzzled as she asked that question even though it's kinda obvious why.

"Everyone's busy. By everyone, I mean every single student right now. Look at this cafeteria. Empty. Why? Because the students are in class. So, if we reach out to Yuka-sensei now, then we should be able to pull it off. Because we had a valid alibi if you think about it. Yuka-sensei isn't watching over the class, so everyone in our class can be considered as guilty as we."

Logically speaking, right now, if we somehow drag out Yuka-sensei to the zone without cameras then we will be able to achieve a position of safety surely.

Nevertheless, there are too many flawed points about this overall, but that will have to come later.

"I see. But what about the body though? What are we supposed to do about it...?"

"Just leave it. We can't do anything about it. We are forbidden to leave school grounds and we can't hide it... Well, we can, but it will surely be found out sooner or later. My point being, it's not even worth giving a thought about her body. What matters is that we kill her, correct?"

The desirable result is to not be found out and to kill Yuka-sensei.

That's ultimately the best scenario possible.

"Yes, yes. So, should we move out now? Or do we need to think more?"

"Idiot. We obviously need to take further things into consideration..."

"Don't call me that..."

Ah, oops. My bluntness came out.

"Sorry."

"It's fine... But just this once. So, what are you thinking more?"

Plenty of things honestly.

"While it's really good, in theory, our plan, we are forgetting the cameras that there are all over school. In other words, the cameras will ultimately capture us as the last two people who were with her. Hence, we will be the primary suspects."

"Isn't that odd, Daniel? If that's the case, then aren't you screwed too? Because the cameras caught you entering a zone without any cameras... Shouldn't you be the primary suspect in case if they tell on you?"

"It was three versus one. The odds aren't there. Plus, I'm fairly sure that I didn't kill them. Just simple concussions... Worst case scenario, I'll come up with something. Nonetheless, that scenario is different. We are going to actually kill her. It's different because I potentially didn't kill them, or at least according to my own ability, I didn't. And in this scenario, since we are going to commit, it's not a 'potentially', but a 'certainty'..."

Yulia was additionally, sipping the edge of her coffee in a silent manner while looking at me with cautious eyes.

She also seems a bit nervous for some reason...

"Then... what do we do? Doesn't that mean that we have to take care of the cameras first?"

"Yulia, I've thought about that and for that to work, we need to perform a blackout."

"A what!?"

She got so surprised to the point where her hands clashed with the table. And along with it, a portion of the coffee was spilled.

Of course, the waitress looked in our direction immediately.

Though, isn't Yulia overreacting? Is there something that worrying about what I just said?

"You heard me. A blackout. If we do, we can drag Yuka-sensei to the supposed location without being trailed by the cameras. The only downside is, if we get caught while attempting to perform the blackout, we will be labeled as the possible primary suspects. Yulia, the only problem is the traces left to track us down and if there are none, then we are safe."

There are far better alternatives but they require way more time and set up. Considering how little time we have until the exam, which is just two days from now if not less, we need to be quick.

I'm sure that Yulia is happy. She wanted this and I offered a sufficient strategy to perform a good result.

"I see......."

Yet, in spite of that, her hands are trembling.

This might just be a superstition, but I'm starting to think that she doesn't want to do this anymore.

And besides, if she's this scared about it, then has Yulia truly killed someone before?

I recall her words previously. She said something along the lines of 'I didn't do it', which could imply that she never had any direct involvement at all.

People who desire direct confrontation but never have done it, never ever realize the contradiction in their desire.

You can't just do something because you want to. You can do something because you know you can do it. If you don't, then don't bother.

"It's gonna work, right...? We just have to do the blackout.... And then... then... we c-can... kill her.... right? That's fantastic, yeah!? Because then, not only will she be dead but the exam will..."

She's not honest at all.

It's crystal clear that you are terrified of commitment, Yulia.

"Yulia."

I called out her name in a serene tone, and as soon as I did such, she stopped her fingers from trembling any further while looking at me in the eyes.

She's breathing irregularly too. That's not normal.

"...Yeah...?"

Simultaneously, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a grand total of 3 seconds before speaking.

Is this alright? I'm screwing up a golden chance by not committing to this, but, it's far too risky and right now, I've got not that much to lose.

This isn't the time for the last resort.

Ultimately, I turned my whole attention and being towards Yulia, whose expression looked stressful.

"Let's just fail the exam. Also, before you complain, hear me out. No, I'm not saying this without any reason whatsoever. Supposedly, we were going with your idea because we did not want to fail the exam. I get that. But, it's pretty clear that you don't want to do this. It's bothering you, isn't it? How you have to force yourself to do a radical decision like this just to pass an exam, but that's not the correct way, I think."

"But won't you get a big penalty if you fail the exam? Rayazaki mentioned something about it this morning..."

Right, that little drama.

Though, Rayazaki made a good point.

A good portion of us, the boys, will suffer double the penalty if we fail. Yet, there is a far worse penalty if we are caught doing this stupidity.

Suffering that type of penalty is not an option.

"Yeah, I will. But so what? I'm not out of the program. Sure, I'll have to work my ass off from now on and apply seriously, but that's fine, I suppose. It just means that I can't lose from now on, but you can. You can lose one more time. No... You can lose two more times. Yet, if we commit this and we fail, then there will be nothing more to lose anymore afterward."

"Wh-"

"Because we will surely lose everything."

It's ridiculous how our fate is on the line over these stupid exams, but it can't be helped.

You can't defeat a system by complaining about it. If that worked, then every single complaint would have an effect, yet it never does.

"...How can you just accept all of this? Aren't you terrified of the consequences that will come after?"

"It can't be helped. I can't do anything against the consequences unless I prepare myself for them."

"But you had no way to prepare for them, Daniel. After all, the moment you were paired up with me..."

"Honestly, after watching a few pairings going at it, you are pretty good for a partner. I don't regret having you."

Not physically speaking of course, but that was my fault. If I had not run fast and had run slower, then I would be paired up with someone who was physically capable.

The conclusion being, I had already failed the exam the moment I was dumb enough to allow my own perceptions to deceive me.

"I also don't regret having you, Daniel..."

She said that awkwardly and shyly while trying to hide her embarrassed face.

"With that said, I should clarify something. I won't help you out if we happen to have a similar exam like this. It's not my problem anymore."

"What...!? What did you just say---"

"However, speaking entirely on possibilities, if I should ever be paired up with you again, Yulia, then I will deal with the one responsible for creating such a thing. In other words, I will kill the source, whether it's a teacher or a system."

Because then, it would be my problem.

Yulia in addition to her revolted words went from a rebellious face to a confused one.

"I don't know how to feel about that... You are saying that you will not help me out unless you absolutely have to?"

"Yeah. That's exactly it. Easy to understand, I think."

"Don't be sarcastic right now. That's mean and inappropriate. ...But you will help me if the same happens again, right...?"

Lastly, the coffee had just gone out. I was enjoying myself while drinking this sweet coffee.

I kinda wanna ask for more, but I feel like this is a bad moment to do so...

Shame...

"Yeah, I will. I will even take care of it before it becomes a problem."

"Then, be my partner from now on."

"I already am. Assuming that we do fail, we will be paired up together."

Why is she repeating herself this much?

I don't get it.

"No... Not that."

"Then, what?"

Even if I'm being a bit impulsive right now, Yulia should just get on with it.

Yet she's shying away again... Why...?

"...Erm! What I'm saying is, if there is ever a scenario where we could require help from one another, would you be willing to help me out, even without being my partner in an exam?"

"Yes? Have I not told you that already...?"

"I don't think you are understanding what I'm saying..."

How am I not?

What?

"But I am, aren't I? I already said that I will help you out whenever there is a scenario where we are paired up together..."

"Ah! You really didn't get it! Pay attention to my words for once! I said a scenario where we could require help from one another, not a scenario where we are paired up together..."

Oh, so that's what she's fuzzing over?

Wait...

"Yulia, are you requesting coherent help from me or am I misunderstanding something here?"

"Do I have to spell it out for you!? Seriously, you are so insensitive even when you try not to be!"

Oh no, please don't get mad.

You're not making this easy, because I can barely hold my temper back too.

But she continued nonetheless.

".....Well, it might just be that. Simultaneous coherence, what do you say?"

"You mean coherent help, but that's probably... But..."

Hmmm...

I'm puzzled. Why did Yulia ask me such a thing? Did I ever look reliable to her?

"Ahh... You don't have to answer now. You can think about it later. But make sure to talk to me when you have a concrete answer, okay?"

As she said those words, I checked the time and it's around 11:30 am...

The exam is not so far.

"Yeah, sure. I could give you the answer now though..."

"N-No! Think about it, please!"

Why is Yulia so flustered?

She keeps on shaking her hands from right to left for some reason too.

"Okay... But, what are we going to do now? We don't have anything to do. We were supposed to pass the time by practicing but if we are set on failing, then what will we do? As I thought, we should practice... If Yuka-sensei somehow catches us skipping out like this..."

Kawahara tried to do it once but he was immediately caught.

How can someone who spends all the time in her office just now that a student is skipping out like this?

"Don't worry, Daniel! We can always continue our talk!"

"Oh, about anime and manga? That's perfect because I---"

And just as I was about to unleash my happy mood into my future words, Yulia swiftly and cunningly interrupted me.

"No, not that! Suicide, let's discuss more methods!"

"Ah."

I'm not sure what I was expecting honestly.