___________________

Once Karma and Ayanokoji got back to their room, it was already late and they collapsed on the bed without talking with anyone. Once it was close to 00:00, they thought they'd go to sleep but then they heard a noise.

Yosuke approach them with a smile. " Good work out there, Ayanokouji-kun, Akabane-kun. You're quite late. "

" Yeah. " Karma's voice felt sore.

Kiyotaka then spoke up. " Speaking of which, I wanted to ask you something Hirata.

" You must be tired, but if you're ok with just a while, I'd like to ask you two something. "

Karma tilt his head. " Hmm? You wanted to ask us something? "

" Yeah, but Ayanokoji-kun goes first. "

Kiyotaka shake his head. " No, I'll listen to you first, Hirata. My question is just something trivial. "

Changing into their jerseys, Kiyotaka and Karma walk over to the two of them. Hirata moves slightly a bit to give them space to sit on the sofa as well.

' I wanted to ask Hirata if he had any information on the person known as Sakayanagi but there's no problem listening to him first. ' Kiyotaka thinks before he waits for Yosuke to speak.

" I got asked for consultation on the exam from Yukimura-kun, so I thought I'd report it to you as well. I did say not to include you to not disturb you, though. " Yosuke apologise.

" Sorry Hirata-Boy, I am currently perfecting my physical beauty. " A voice rang out. Kouenji was repeatedly doing pushups in the room.

" Kouenji-kun is actually participating in the groups. After all, points do get deducted if he does not show up. I actually received word from my friends that two of our classmates have been assigned as the "target" you know. "

Yukimura perk up. " What? That means- "

" I can't tell you though; they only told me because they trusted me. "

" Are you saying you don't trust us, Hirata? If you know, I also have the right to know. Also, if we know who the "target" is we might be able to get a hint to clear the exam better. "

Karma add after Yukimura. " Besides, it's only natural that as fellow classmates, we share information with each other. "

Yosuke awkwardly look to the side. " Yeah....that's why I also thought to consult you on it...the truth. "

" Hey Hirata, it might be better for you to tell us via phone just in case. There's no telling who's sniffing around where. " Kiyotaka remind.

" You're right, give me a moment. " Yosuke then turned on his phone and flipped it in their direction. Kikyo of the (Dragon) group and Minami of the (Horse) group were the targets.

" I got it. " Yukimaru confirm with a nod.

" Don't worry, everything's going well. "

Karma place his hand on his chin in a thinking position. " Even in the (Rabbit) group, each class should have an equal probability of getting the "target" amongst them. "

" But I think Class D could have three "targets", one in the (Rabbit) group who should be keeping their identity hidden right now. " Yukimura stated.

Yosuke nod. " Yeah. Yukimura-kun's idea is correct. Perhaps they've consulted someone else instead of me? After all, consulting someone on their identity could increase the risk of being discovered. "

Kouenji then started to sing from across the room.

Yukimura began to scold. " Kouenji, can you stop humming that annoying song? And I won't tell you to do it seriously but at least see this exam through to the end. Don't suddenly retire like you did on the island test. "

" It couldn't be helped, back then my body was in ill shape, I can't do the impossible. " Koenji said.

" Geh...it's just a fake illness. "

Koenji ignored Yukimura's comment as he add. " But to think the exam will continue on for two more days, it sounds troublesome indeed. "

Kouenji gets up on his feet and puts his towel on the bed.

" Troublesome? You're not even thinking about the exam properly. " Yukimura seeth as he accused.

Karma place his hand in his pockets. " Well, if you think about it, this exam looks like a simple quiz to find the liar. "

That statement made everyone in the room look at Karma in bewilderment, but soon Koenji started laughing.

" Ahahaha! You continue to impress me, Karma-Boy! Indeed, it is just as you said, so there's no meaning in continuing an uninteresting exam. " Kouenji then took out his phone and fiddled with it. Then suddenly, they all received mail from the school.

Yukimura check his phone before looking back at Koenji. " Kouenji, what did you do?! "

Then Ayanokoji and Hirata both rushed to check the mail in their phones. It said: "The (Monkey) group's test has ended."

" The (Monkey) group is yours, Kouenji! "

" Exactly. Now I have my freedom back. Adieu. " Kouenji threw away his cell phone and disappeared into the bathroom.

Karma hummed. " So he really did it, huh? "

Yukimaru shaked in disbelief. " D-Don't fuck around! We're all doing our best and that guy—! "

Yosuke coaxed. " We don't know yet, perhaps he did something... "

" That's impossible; he's just doing it to be free as soon as possible. " Karma said calmly.

Yukimura then glared at Karma. " And you! Why did you give him that idea, huh?! Now we will lose- "

" I don't think so. "

" H-huh?! "

" I myself don't think Kouenji ever took the exam seriously. However, he is extremely perceptive and his observation ability is remarkable. Plus, I don't think he will just lose like that, with all his talk about "perfect existence" or something. " Karma explained.

* Ding!

Hirata's phone started chirping relentlessly with messages flooding in. Horikita has also sent a message to their phones. "Sorry. Things seem confusing. I'll call you now" was the message.]

" Shit. Thanks to Kouenji, things have escalated beyond a simple discussion. " Yukimura grumbled.

" We're going out for a bit. " Kiyotaka announce.

' We still don't have enough eyes and ears on our side. We cannot know what is happening in the discussions of every group there is ' Karma nod in annoyance.

Kiyotaka take a peek at Karma. ' Of course, including Horikita and Sakura, there might still be a possibility left. As expected, I and my "ally" need more eyes and ears on my side for this exam. '

______________________

A sky full of stars spread out before the red-head and brunette. It was a beautiful mix of colors as it shines through the boys' eyes.

" This is amazing.. " Kiyotaka said between his breath.

Karma let out a sincere smile. " Yeah, no kidding. "

It was a beautiful sight. And there were a few male and female students looking up at the starry sky while holding hands and rubbing shoulders. Our duo felt a bit lonely watching that. But among the students looking up at the night sky there was one girl who was standing alone in a silhouette.

" No, no. " The girl's voice was barely audible.

Kiyotaka was interested to see who that girl is so he approached her, while Karma chose to stay in the shadows. The girl noticed Kiyotaka and turned to look at him.

" A...a...Ayanokouji-kun? "

Kiyotaka perk up. " That voice...Is it Kushida? "

And so the girl, Kushida, emerged out of the shadows with a surprised face looking at Kiyotaka.

" Are you...alone? " Kiyotaka ask. ' Perhaps Kushida is here to meet her boyfriend. '

Thinking that made Ayanokoji's chest tighten and hurt.

Kikyo let out a smile. " Yeah. I can't sleep right now. "

" Oh, I see. Are you not cold? "

" I'm ok. More importantly, are you here alone, Ayanokouji-kun? "

When Ayanokoji nodded, Kushida laughed happily.

" So we're both alone then? I'm a bit happy. "

Kiyotaka nod. " In any case, I'll be taking my leave. "

" You're leaving already? "

" Yeah, I'm getting sleepy. "

" I see, then I'll see you tomorrow, Ayanokouji-kun! "

" Good night, Kushida. " Kiyotaka then pathetically turned his back to leave, while Karma was also about to move out of the shadows.

" Wait!! "

Kikyo screamed and jumped into Ayanokoji's chest.

Karma was shocked and was about to cough out of surprise, but he then quickly put a hand on his mouth.

" K-k-k-Kushida? W-what are you doing? " Kiyotaka stuttered in suprise.

" Sorry...suddenly I...felt a bit lonely being alone by myself. "

Kiyotaka's brain went blank for a moment. And for a few more seconds, Kikyo kept burying her face in his chest. And then suddenly, she released him and took her distance.

" S-Sorry. I suddenly hugged Ayanokouji-kun...good night! " Kikyo then ran away, leaving Kiyotaka to stand there holding his chest.

Karma then came out of his hiding place, he hesitantly look troubled but he smile. " Man, thanks to this, you won't be able to sleep anymore tonight, and so am I. "

Kiyotaka then turn towards Karma. " Why didn't you- "

" I could've intervened, but there were 2 reasons why I couldn't do it. " Karma lifts 2 fingers, and then puts one finger down, while smirking. " First, I wanted to see your reaction, and let me tell you, it was priceless! "

That comment made Kiyotaka's eyebrows twitch. Then, Karma puts the second finder down, but he had a more serious expression.

" And second reason is, if I intervened, she could've made a scene if she saw me. "

Kiyotaka then stares at Karma and after a minute speaks.

" You know, ever since the start of the exam, I wanted to ask you one thing... " Kiyotaka then squints at Karma. " You showed her the video, didn't you? "

After Kiyotaka's response, Karma grins and claps his hands. " As expected of you, Ayano-kun. Yes, I showed her the video, but only because she threatened me. "

" But that doesn't explain the fact that she starts looking around and sweating at the mere mention of you. "

Karma then scratches his neck. " Well, I might have shown her some of my "true colors". Also, do you want something to drink? "

' I was mad for you, be thankful! '

Kiyotaka nod his head. " ...Hmm, not that you mention it; I do feel a little thirsty. "

" Well then, let's go. "

There should be a few vending machines on the first floor and so they decided to head there. But then near the vending machine, there was Chabashira-sensei, Hoshinomiya-sensei and Mashima-sensei.

Both males looked at each other, nodded, erased their presences and slowly and quietly approached them.

" You know, it's been a while. Since the three of us got together like this. " Hoshinomiya said to the two teachers.

Chabashira hummed. " It's fate; in the end we all chose the path of the teacher. "

Machima grunted. " Stop it. There's no point in talking about that. "

" Oh yeah, speaking of which, I saw you on a date. Mashima-kun, you're surprisingly motivated on that front. "

Mashima didn't answer instead ask her. " Chie, how about you? What happened to your former man? "

Hoshinomiya let out a giggle. " Haha, I broke up with him after two weeks. You see, I'm the type of girl that does it with a man and breaks it off before the relationship gets serious. "

" That's usually the man's line, you know. "

" Ahh, but I'm not doing it with Mashima-kun. You're my best friend after all; I'd hate to ruin our friendship. "

" Relax. It's not about that. "

" Uwaaa...that's a shock all on its own. "

Mashima shake his head. " More importantly, what are you going to do, Chie? "

Hoshinomiya gasp. " What're you talking about so suddenly? "

" Generally, the policy here is to put all the representatives of each class in the (Dragon) group. "

" I'm not intending on messing around here. Indeed as far as attitude and grades go, Ichinose-san is the top of my class, but the probability of success in society cannot be measured by numerical parameters only. I decided there is a hurdle she must overcome before that. Besides, putting her in (Rabbit) group is fitting. A rabbit is cute right? Going pyonpyon, just like Ichinose-san. "

Mashima cross his arms. " I hope you're right. "

Chabashira spoke up. " Hoshinomiya's words are indeed reasonable, is there some hidden meaning behind them? "

" I just don't want you to make judgments based on personal grudges. " Hoshinomiya remind.

" Are you still talking about what happened 10 years ago? I thought we got over that... "

Chabashira pursed her lips. " I wonder; you're the type to run their mouths as soon as I'm not immediately in front of you. You're the type that's not satisfied unless you're one step ahead. That's why you put Ichinose in (Rabbit) group right? "

Mashima turn to Chabashira. " What do you mean? Explain, Hoshinomiya. "

Hoshinomiya start explaining. " I genuinely thought Ichinose-san needed to learn a lesson so I had her removed from (Dragon) group. Speaking of which, Sae-chan was also focusing quite a bit on Ayanokouji-kun, and also on Akabane-kun. It's just a coincidence right? Coincidence, coincidence. When the island test ended, you seemed glad Ayanokouji-kun turned out to be the leader? "

" That's unrelated. "

But Mashima-sensei nodded as if he were convinced. But then he spoke to Hoshinomiya-sensei in a strict tone. " There's no specific rule for it but I want to protect our morals. I'd like to avoid reporting on a colleague's failure. "

" Hey, you might not trust me. But don't just blame me, Sakagami-sensei is also a problem right? Class C already has a bad reputation since another person should've been in (Dragon) group but Ryuuen-kun was sent in instead. "

chabashira nod in agreement. " Indeed, the students this year seem to all be special. "

Class-D duo has gotten quite a bit of information on the exam already so they decided to go back.

' It seems our movements have already been noticed and restricted. '

____________________

" ...Are you kidding? " Suzune ask as she absorb the report from both Kiyotaka and Karma.

" Unfortunately it is true. Kouenji just suddenly got up and ended the exam for his group. " Kiyotaka verified.

" Are you two idiots? Why didn't you stop him from rampaging around like that? That was your responsibility as his roommates "

Karma scratch his head. " That's impossible, besides there's no use crying over spilt milk now. "

Suzune turn around with cross arms. " I'll scold him for it next time I see him, I'd like to avoid such incidents again in the future. "

Karma look at Suzune as if she's stupid. " You should know that's pointless, words won't reach him. You'll just get dragged into his pace. "

" For now, let's concentrate on our own groups. Speaking of which, since you're also a girl, I'd like to ask you something. " Kiyotaka said.

" What's with that line? I was always a girl from the start, you know. "

Karma sighed. " No. That's not what he meant. He was just saying that we'd like to ask you as a girl. "

" We would like information on Karuizawa. "

Suzune raise a brow. " So you'd like to consult me on the matter of Karuizawa? "

" We'd like to keep track of our group members, but we're finding it a bit hard. We should be able to deal with Sotomura and Yukimura; But Karuizawa is a problem. After the island test ended, you once got invited to lunch by Karuizawa right? "

" You should know I already rejected her; I'm not interested in Karuizawa-san at all. If you want information on her that badly, why don't you go ask Hirata-kun? If it's him he'll surely be able to set you up. Are you worried that she might be the "target" or something of the sort? " Suzune abruptly replied.

Karma wave his hand in defence. " We were just curious. "

" Then it's a waste of time; her behavior has no reason behind it. If you care about her, it'll just be a waste of your time. "

" Horikita, I don't think it's a good thing to say that about others. " Kiyotaka scold.

" Say that about others? What do you mean? "

Karma decide to explain clearly. " Of course you've only seen the selfish and irritating side of Karuizawa so far. But you do know she probably does have a good side too? "

Suzune looked puzzled. " Is there really a good side? I can't imagine it. Isn't she just full of flaws? "

Kiyotaka stare deeply unto Suzune. " When you first meet someone, the first instinct is to judge them on their appearances right? Whether they're cool or cute. Then you'd judge them via dialogue to see their inner self. Whether they're social or aggressive or passive and such. "

' I wonder who that is. '

Karma add. " But even that's just still outside. Their real mindset will not be immediately visible from just that. Take Kushida, or Ibuki, or Ayano-kun or even me for instance. The 'front' personality and the 'back' personality are well divided. "

" It's something most people have, even if they are not aware of it. Horikita, you have it too. "

Suzune close her eyes. " I'm still not entirely convinced, but I can understand that you'll know her better through direct contact. And? Is there a good use for Karuizawa-san? "

" Her ability to 'rule'. " Karma said as he is deep in thought. " She has initiative and there's no denying that her status in Class D is unshakeable "

" Assuming she has such a capability, what will you do? Will you bring Karuizawa-san into our group too? " Suzune ask the two boys.

" I wonder about that. " Kiyotaka muttered.

" Yo, you three. Are you having a little date in the shade? "

A voice coming towards them, the three turn around and see Ryuen approaching them with a smile that can't be trusted. He then sits down on a chair nearby without permission.

Suzune look away from him. " Whatever my plans are, I'm not telling you. "

" That's a shame; I thought to discuss it with you. But it looks like you haven't made any progress with your search yet. " Ryuen then eyed directly at Suzune. " I've already discovered who the "target" is, would you believe me if I said that? "

Suzune scoff. " No I don't. You're not someone like Ichinose-san or Katsuragi-kun with allies on your side. You only have enemies. Nobody would gather that sort of information for you. "

" That's not true. Indeed, I'm not in the 'making friends' club like them. But making friends and gathering information are two completely different things. Unfortunately, I've already dipped my hands into this exam. Depending on the circumstances, Class C might just be the one to win. "

" N-No way, I doubt it will happen. " Suzune glared at Ryuen.

Karma tap his chin. " If you think about it, it's very simple; you just have to find the "target" is all. "

Ryuen nod. " Yep. Disassemble the structure of the group and analyze it until you find the answer. "

" Indeed, anyone would've thought that. But will they answer honestly? Since the school guarantees anonymity, one can just remain silent and gain 500,000 points that way. "