"Now, the moment of truth," Yinglan-sensei announced, his voice like a gavel. "Before I announce the victors, let’s address the losers."
He adjusted his glasses, the light reflecting off them coldly. "Shion-kun. Ketsuhiro-kun. Step outside."
A collective gasp hit the room.
"WHAT?!" Ryuuto shouted, though he immediately slumped. "I knew this would happen..."
"That’s your reward for turning in a blank sheet," Shiori whispered as they walked past.
As the two "failures" stood in the hallway, leaning against the cold wall, a figure hurried toward the classroom. Reikou’s eyes widened. It was Meiyu. She was back, but she looked like a shadow of her former self. Her eyes carried dark circles, and her left cheek bore a faint, lingering redness a mark of the "punishment" she had faced.
She stopped in front of Reikou. For a long beat, they just stared. Reikou felt a massive wave of relief She’s finally back but his heart ached seeing her face.
"You foolish boy," she whispered, her voice tired. She walked past him into the room.
"Hmph," Reikou scoffed, his face twitching. ‘She’s back for five seconds and already calling me a fool.’
Inside, Sensei handed Meiyu her paper. "Congratulations, Sazanami-san. You passed with honors."
"Thank you," she replied with a faint, fragile smile.
But as she walked toward her seat, she froze. Her breath hitched. Sitting just rows away was Kaoru Renzhi. He didn't look away he turned his head and gave her a slow, predatory smirk, raising an eyebrow as if to say, I found you.
Meiyu sat down, her hands trembling under her desk. Shiori and Yueko leaned in immediately. "Meiyu-chan! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," she lied, her eyes darting toward the back of the room.
Outside, Ryuuto was unusually quiet.
"Reikou-san," Ryuuto whispered, his voice devoid of its usual energy. "You used a B-sheet. How did you fail?"
"I tried to write my own answers based on logic," Reikou smirked, trying to hide his own frustration. "Turns out, my logic is wrong. What about you?"
Ryuuto looked at the floor. "I left it blank on purpose... but for the first time, I actually feel disappointed in myself. I feel like I let everyone down."
Reikou watched him, surprised. ‘Ryuuto is growing up... so why do I still feel like the same idiot?’
BRRRRINGGGGG!!!
Break time began, but the atmosphere didn't lighten. Meiyu stood up instantly. "Let’s go," she whispered to Shiori and Yueko, desperate to escape the room before Kaoru could move.
She wasn't fast enough.
Kaoru intercepted them, his hand lashing out like a snake to grab Meiyu’s wrist.
"Huh!" Shiori and Yueko gasped.
"Where are you going so fast?" Kaoru whispered, his voice oily and sharp.
"Let go of me," Meiyu said, her voice bold but her eyes showing a flicker of fear.
At that exact moment, Reikou opened the classroom door. The sight of Kaoru’s hand on Meiyu’s wrist made his blood boil instantly. The months of worry, the dark circles on her face, and the arrogance of this new guy merged into a single point of fury.
He marched forward and slammed a hand onto Kaoru’s shoulder. "Let go of her hand."
Kaoru didn't flinch. He looked over his shoulder with a mocking grin. "I won't. What are you going to do about it, Failure?"
Reikou didn't argue. He smirked, clenched his fist, and swung with everything he had.
WHOOSH!
The punch was aimed at Kaoru’s jaw. But Kaoru was faster. He stepped back with a graceful, calculated movement, pulling Meiyu slightly off-balance as he moved. Reikou’s momentum was too great to stop.
SMASH!
The sound echoed through the silent classroom. Reikou’s fist didn't hit Kaoru. It connected squarely and brutally with Meiyu’s face.
[End of Chapter 22]
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