—
I lay with my eyes closed, letting the hot spring’s warmth permeate every inch of my body. The tension and fatigue I’d carried melted away, and for a moment, the outside world didn’t exist.
“Whoa, this is my first time in one of these,” a voice broke the silence. I opened my eyes to see Harley across from me. “It feels amazing.”
The hot spring was reserved just for us. Amelie had really gone above and beyond. The mineral-rich water lapped gently around us, and steam rose, creating a serene atmosphere. Everyone looked completely at ease.
“I might have to become a regular,” I replied with a relaxed sigh.
“Same,” Yuko and Larry chimed in together.
After about thirty minutes, which was long enough to feel refreshed, we reluctantly moved on to the next activity. The eight of us gathered around a large table filled with an impressive spread in a restaurant. I chose the simple curry rice, though I made a mental note to branch out next time.
Laughter and chatter filled the air. At this point, I think I have successfully made a good impression and connection with everyone… except Kameko. I was unsure of what it was, but I could sense some underlying feeling of hatred from her. It wasn’t just me; the others seemed to notice it too.
“Damn it!” Amelie suddenly exclaimed, snapping me out of my thoughts and smacked her forehead. “I forgot to reserve a karaoke booth.”
“We’re still doing that?” Aliana groaned, leaning back. “I’m stuffed and sleepy.”
“She always gets like this after meals,” Azumi said with a fond smile. “Give her a bit; she’ll be bouncing off the walls again.”
Amelie sighed, then turned to me with a grin. “Alright, I’m heading to the reception. Care to join me, Marcus?”
I blinked at the unexpected offer but nodded. “Sure.”
As we walked out of the restaurant, I asked, “So, where exactly are we heading?”
She glanced back with a cheeky smile. “The reception, of course. Where else?”
“If you say so,” I muttered, following her to the fourth floor and into an empty karaoke booth. She gestured for me to sit, then crossed the room and settled across from me, legs crossed, hands resting calmly on her knees.
“How did you know?” she asked.
I leaned back with a smirk. “Simple. Someone like you won’t to book the booth; it doesn’t fit your MO. Everything about this outing has been too well-planned.”
“You’re perceptive. That’s good. I wanted to talk to you without the others around,” she said with a faint smile.
“About what?”
Her expression grew more serious. “How do you think the outing is going?”
The classic tactic of answering a question with another. I sighed but played along, hoping she would get to the point. “It’s going well; what does that have to do with anything?”
“This wasn’t just for fun; it’s a way to repair the rift between our classes. The people I invited weren’t chosen at random. Each of them holds an important place in their class’s social hierarchy.”
“That explains a lot,” I said, nodding. “And it’s working... mostly. Everyone’s getting along except for Kameko.”
Amelie leaned forward slightly. “She was hesitant to accept the invitation in the first place.”
“She’s been like that in class, too?”
“Only recently, but that’s one reason I invited her.” A disheartened sigh escaped Amelie as her shoulders slumped. “I thought a change of environment might help, but I was wrong.”
“I see.” I nodded. “Well, I have a few questions, if you don’t mind.”
“Go ahead.” She straightened, her tone open.
“I’ve noticed you act differently here compared to school. I’d rather hear why from you.”
“Oh, that’s simple.” She held up two fingers. “I have two personas: one for school and one for everything else. Like flipping a ‘work mode’ switch.”
“Interesting.” I arched a brow. “I’d love to hear more.”
“You will—later,” she said with a teasing lilt. “But I’m guessing your real question is about Cohen, isn’t it?”
“You got me. There’s no point beating around the bush.” A chuckle escaped me despite myself, finding it ironic that I called her out on doing the same thing. “Why did you decide to become his vice president?”
“Fair question. Honestly, I had no plans to run. But when I found out Cohen had been ‘convinced’ to enter, I stepped in to keep him and the situation under control.” As though considering how much to say, she hesitated, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the table.
“Cohen had an anonymous backer, didn’t he?” I asked, watching her closely.
Her eyes widened slightly, revealing her surprise, then she smiled, clearly impressed. “As expected of you, Marcus.”
“It’s only natural,” I replied with a shrug.
“Marcus,” she said in a serious tone, “there’s something important you need to know. Right now, there’s a group at school targeting you.”
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Huh? A group? That was new. “Could you elaborate?”
“As you know, this school prides itself on its exclusivity and rigorous acceptance standards. For many of us, myself included, being here is a matter of pride. But how you got in challenged that status quo. Most of us see it as part of the school evolving; however, for a small minority, this is not the case.”
“I understand.” I folded my arms, letting her words sink in. “So to them, I’m just a parasite who doesn’t belong.”
“Precisely,” she confirmed. “A group of purists who see any deviation from tradition as a threat.”
“If they’re targeting me, their goal must be expulsion,” I said, a memory surfacing of Cohen’s failures, the anonymous figure behind the scenes. It all clicked. The onlooker wasn’t part of their group.
They weren’t trying to remove me. They were testing me. Cohen was always meant to fail, as everything he did was a tool to provoke and observe my response.
“The purists... they’ll likely make a move soon, if my guess is correct,” Amelie said, her gaze fixed on the table.
“Makes sense. The title of president hasn’t officially transferred to me yet. If they plan to strike, now’s their best chance.” I paused. “Do you have any idea who their members are?”
“Not at all. I only recently confirmed they existed,” she admitted.
That reminded me of something. “Earlier, when I mentioned Yuko, you seemed... uneasy. Why?”
“Ah, I can explain that,” she began. “As I said, the purists want you out. I suspect some of them are my classmates. It’s even possible someone here today is one of them.”
The idea that I’d shared a meal and laughter with someone plotting against me was deeply unsettling, to say the least. “That’s a grim thought,” I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck.
“Then there’s your council. Let’s break it down,” she continued. “Hazel is your vice president, and I’d say she’s a hundred percent trustworthy. Her personality doesn’t fit with anything that regressive.”
I nodded. Hazel was straightforward, almost blunt, and if she had an issue with me, she’d say it to my face rather than resorting to underhanded tactics. That thought brought a brief, reassuring smile.
“As for Sullivan,” Amelie continued, “he’s devoted to Tomiko, the so-called ‘goddess’ of Class 2. But I don’t think he’s involved. Tomiko wouldn’t tolerate that kind of backwards thinking.”
I crossed my arms, considering her words. Sullivan seemed harmless, and though Tomiko remained an enigma, I doubted she’d side with a group like this. Still, her intentions toward me were unclear.
“Harley,” Amelie said, her voice dipping, “was the scapegoat they used to infiltrate your ranks. I’m sure recent events have left her shaken, but be cautious around her.”
Harley claimed she was on board now, but trust had to be earned. I’d keep and watch her closely.
Amelie’s leg bounced slightly. “When you mentioned Yuko earlier, it wasn’t just about her. Trusting anyone too quickly is dangerous right now.”
“So I shouldn’t even trust my own classmates?”
“Not your class. Not your year. Not the school,” she said bluntly. “Marcus, the only person you can fully trust is yourself… and maybe Hazel.”
I looked at her sharply. “I assume that means I shouldn’t trust you as well.”
She smiled, without warmth. “I’d like to say you can trust me, but I won’t lie. My priority is stability between all three classes. If that stability requires your removal, I won’t hesitate. Until then, I’m your ally.”
Her honesty was refreshing, if a little menacing. “Thanks for the warning, Amelie. I’ll keep an eye on the group and focus on fixing the divide between classes.”
She leaned back, satisfied. “Good. That’s all I needed to say,” she said, watching me intently, waiting to see if I had anything else to add.
“I have a request,” I said.
Amelie raised her brows. “A request?”
“Yes,” I said. “You’re in the best position to help—being from Class 3.”
“Harley is in my class too,” she pointed out.
I nodded. “Normally, I’d ask her, but given everything that’s happened, she’d hesitate. That’s why I’m asking you.”
Amelie paused, then smirked. “Alright. Tell me what you have in mind.”
She listened carefully as I explained my request, occasionally interjecting with questions or suggestions. By the end, there was a clear sense of mutual understanding, just as both our phones buzzed.
Amelie glanced at her screen. “Sullivan won’t be joining us after all,” she said casually, setting the phone aside after reading the text from the group chat.
“That makes sense,” I replied, stretching. “He was already cutting things close. It’s better for him to focus on his event. Anyway, we should call the others before they get suspicious.”
“No need,” Amelie said, standing. “This isn’t the room we’ll be using.” She gestured for me to follow. “Come on, I’ll show you.”
She led me to another karaoke room down the hall. This one is more elaborate, with snacks and drinks neatly arranged.
“Was all of this really necessary?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No,” she admitted with a small smile. “But it keeps things organised.” She sent a quick message to the others, then set her phone down.
“You’ve really thought of everything, haven’t you?” I said with a shake of my head.
“Of course,” she replied, then brightened. “So, what song are you going to sing?”
“This is actually my first time at karaoke, so... I’ve got no clue how it works.”
Her mouth dropped in mock shock. “Seriously? First time? Well then, you’re in for a crash course. Consider this part of your education,” she grinned.
I chuckled. “Alright, Amelie, teach me the ropes.”
She walked over to the machine and grabbed the mic with a flourish. “First, we pick a song. I’ll start with something easy.”
—
—
A duet between Yoko and Larry filled the room with gloriously off-key singing. It was terrible but hilariously so. Their over-the-top performance only added to the fun, and I found myself clapping along, caught up in the chaos.
Out of the corner of my eye, someone sat down beside me, leaving a polite gap. I turned to see Azumi’s familiar face.
“Hey,” she said softly.
“Hey.” There was a hesitation in her eyes, so I waited until she was ready.
She fidgeted with her sleeves before speaking. “I just wanted to clarify what happened earlier at the pool.”
“Oh, you mean…”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I blame Aliana for exploiting that weakness of mine.”
“Weakness?”
Her cheeks tinged pink as she sighed. “Yes… but you have to promise to keep this a secret.”
I brought a finger to my lips and mimed zipping them shut. “Sealed tight.”
“Don’t laugh,” she warned.
“I won’t,” I promised.
Azumi took a deep breath and looked away. “Well… I do have certain fantasies... one of them is about being carried by a guy,” she said quickly, her face turning red as she glanced back at me.
For a moment, I tried to hold it in—I really did—but the absurdity and innocence of her admission cracked me. I burst out laughing.
Azumi pouted, her face scrunching in frustration. “I knew you’d laugh!”
“I’m sorry,” I said between chuckles, wiping my eyes. “It’s just… that’s adorable.”
She turned away, burying her face in her hands. “This is the worst. I totally blame Aliana for this!”
“Blame me for what?” Aliana’s voice cut in as she slid into the seat beside Azumi, nudging her. Did she just have a sixth sense for knowing when people were talking about her? “Am I interrupting something?”
Azumi groaned, trying to shrink into herself.
“Perfect timing; we were just sharing embarrassing stories,” I said, redirecting the conversation with a mischievous grin. “Care to share one, Aliana?”
Aliana tapped her chin. “Hmm… Okay. I peed in the pool today.”
“You what?!” Azumi snapped, her embarrassment replaced by horror.
“You heard me,” Aliana said, smirking.
Azumi stared at her in disbelief. “I swallowed some of that water!”
I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or gag. As I tried to process what just happened, my eyes drifted around the room. At the other end of the booth, Harley and Kameko were still watching Yoko and Larry’s performance, sipping on drinks. I noticed Amelie was no longer in the room; she must’ve stepped out.
After what felt like an eternity, the song finally ended. Yoko and Larry took exaggerated bows to our applause, clearly enjoying the spotlight despite their questionable singing.
Amelie returned just as the performance wrapped up. “Marcus, how about giving it a try with me?” she said loudly, catching everyone’s attention.
“Let’s see what you’ve got after our little practice,” she added with a playful smirk.
The others cheered, egging me on. I smirked and stood up. “Alright, you’re on.”
She led me to the karaoke machine, scrolling through the song list. “Don’t worry, I picked something simple,” she said, glancing at me.
“Alright, alright. Let me show you what a prodigy can do,” I joked, earning some laughter.
Amelie handed me a mic. “Ready?”
I nodded. “Ready.”