It's all going according to my plan

"Please, for the love of God, keep your voices down." Mrs. Rin turned slowly to face the still-chatting students, her shoulders sagging a little as she pressed her palm to her forehead, trying to push away the fatigue she was currently feeling.

“This doesn’t mean we rush out blindly,” she continued, letting out a weak and weary sigh in between words. “The university tour bus won’t fully protect us if we act carelessly.”

A student at the back raised his hand. “But staying here after the announcement would be dangerous too. We don’t know what the government’s next move will be to stop the virus from spreading.”

Mrs. Rin nodded slowly, biting her lips. “I know,” she said. “That’s why we need to think carefully before making any decision.”

Minato cleared his throat twice before speaking, making sure he had everyone’s attention this time... Before forcing a small mischievous smile, while keeping his eyes on Mrs. Rin, Aoi and the other students.

Then he drew in a very slow and purposeful breath.

“I have a new plan in mind,” Minato started explaining.

“What…?” a voice came from the crowd of students.

“Already?”

“Minato senpai, you’re so reliable,” another younger student declared.

The praises made Minato’s shoulders rise momentarily, a brief spark of pride showing on his face. He sighed under his lips, forcing his shoulders down again, before changing his facial expression into something more deliberate and stoic.

“I was thinking while you were talking, Mrs. Rin,” he said, turning toward her. “I believe I know a way to get all of us out of here and onto the bus safely.”

The classroom went completely quiet. Every student turned toward him, listening closely.

“Hey, you,” Minato said, raising his hand and pointing.

He pointed at the girl who had earlier asked Yuto about getting her iPhone 16 Pro.

She blinked twice, surprised, then pointed at herself. “Me, senpai?”

“Yes, you,” Minato replied loudly. “You forgot your phone in class, right?”
“Oh—yes,” she responded quickly. “In the chemistry class.”

“Good. Very good,” Minato declared, nodding twice. “I’m going to need it. It’s going to play a big role in this plan.”

He stepped forward, looking around the classroom to make sure everyone was paying attention.

“Everyone, listen carefully,” Minato exclaimed in aggression. “The actions we take now will decide whether we survive or not.”

Each student straightened up, some gripping their bags, others holding their breath.

“So pay attention,” he continued. “Mrs. Rin, I’m going to get her phone. What’s your name?”He pinched the bridge of his nose as he asked the question.

“Saki,” the girl replied.

“Alright, Saki,” Minato said. “You’re going to give me your phone's password.”

“What? Why, senpai?” she asked in a nervous tone.

“You little shit, don’t ask me stupid ques…” Minato’s eyes widened, and for a little moment, he let out his true bullying nature, almost shattering his composed leader persona.

“Sorry… just don’t ask me unnecessary questions,” he corrected himself, regaining his composure.

She nodded in agreement, but you could visibly see the fear on her face… as she quickly wrote down her phone password on a scrap of paper, her hand trembling slightly, and pressed it into his palm.

“Good... Girl.”

Then he turned to Mrs. Rin... “While I’m gone, I need everyone to get ready by the door.”

“The moment you hear music coming from the chemistry lab,” Minato continued, “you all run straight to the university parking lot. Don’t stop. Don’t look back.”

Mrs. Rin studied him closely. “Music?” she asked. “Explain to me.”

Minato straightened his posture, resting a hand on the nearby chair. Despite his calm and steady voice, there was an odd edge beneath it...

“I’ll distract the zombies using the music from Saki’s phone,” he continued explaining. “The sound system in the chemistry lab might be loud enough. Once it turns on, the zombies should move toward it… and if they do, it’ll buy us a limited amount of time to reach the university bus.”

She looked back at Minato and crossed both her arms against her chest. “That’s a lot to gamble on,” she replied...

“But if this plan works, you may have just given us a way out.” Mrs. Rin’s eyes softened a little bit, and she let out a small, hopeful smile.

Minato smiled along with her, but it was for a completely different reason...

Everything was now falling into place—getting them out of the university compound, earning their trust, shaping himself into their leader, their savior. Soon enough… Aoi would become dependent on him, and ultimately, she would be his. 

He glanced briefly at Aoi, then looked away. But first, they had to get on the bus.

Mrs. Rin then quickly turned to the others in the classroom. “Everyone, grab what you can carry,” she declared, but still keeping her voice down. “Small Bags only. Stay together.”

All the students moved toward the doorway, some holding onto each other, praying, and others were checking behind them.

Minato walked to the doorway and stopped. “Everyone, wait for the music,” he repeated himself again. “That’s your signal.”

Mrs. Rin swallowed saliva briefly before meeting his eyes. “Be careful.”
He gave a short nod and reached for the door, opening it slowly. He was just about to step into the hallway when a voice stopped him...

“Big head.”

Minato paused mid-gesture and turned around.

Aoi was standing near the corner of the classroom door, her hands were shaking tightly in front of her as she held her own bag of supplies. Her eyes were still red and swollen from crying, and she looked unsure as she took a small step toward him.

“Be careful, okay?” she exclaimed, her voice trembling as she sniffed between words. “I don’t want to lose you, too.”

Minato hesitated for a moment, holding in his laughter as he saw her slowly opening up to him. He met her eyes and gave a small nod in return.

“I’ll be fine,” he responded. “Just stay with the others and wait for the music. I’ll meet you at the parking lot.”

Aoi nodded, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag.

“Okay,” she murmured slowly.

Minato turned back to the door and pulled it open a little wider... He then stepped into the hallway then gently closed the door behind him.