Classroom of the elite: The Four elites

Ayanokoji's POV:

Ryuen chuckled, his voice laced with amusement as he casually waved Horikita's key card between his fingers. 

"Game over, Class D."

It was quite the predicament to be in. Not only had our cardholder been exposed, but now at least one person from every class had seen it. A complete disaster, for the possible points class D could have gained. 

I glanced at Horikita. Her face full of frustration, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. For a brief moment, it looked as if she might lunge at Ryuen, but she stopped herself. A wise decision, acting on impulse now would only lead to a humiliating defeat in front of everyone. Especially In her current state, she wouldn't stand a chance against him. 

The tense silence stretched between us, only broken when Ichinose finally spoke up. 

"Give that back to her, Ryuen." Her tone was firm.

Ryuen turned to her, the remnants of his laughter still lingering in his voice. "And why would I ever do that?" His smirk widened as his gaze flickered back to Horikita. "Maybe if she begs for it, I might just consider it."

Horikita bit her tongue, clearly restraining herself from snapping back. But before she could say anything, Light spoke up. 

"Just give it back to them," he said nonchalantly. "It's not like it matters to us in the end."

Ryuen arched a brow, turning to Light with mild curiosity for his reason. 

"Why would they even need the card?" Light continued, his voice calm. "In just a matter of time, we'll be leaving the island and will be putting this entire exam behind us as we rest on the cruise as well."

A few people reacted to his words, their expressions shifting between confusion and intrigue. 

"Leaving the island?" Lelouch repeated, his tone skeptical. 

Light nodded. "Ryuen suggested we enjoy ourselves while we can. Once our points are gone, we'll head back to the ship and relax until the exam ends."

Lelouch narrowed his eyes slightly, as if analyzing him and his words. 

Horikita, however, looked more disappointed than anything. "And you just agreed to that?"

"Ideally, I would've liked to get closer to Class A," Light admitted. "But I think it's smart to enjoy ourselves while we can. A bit of rest here will help motivate us in class C for the upcoming exams."

His reasoning seemed to be logical enough, but as I glanced at the man standing to his right (Ryuzaki) I could tell he didn't seem to buy it. Neither did I. 

"That's nice and all, but Class B came here for a reason," Kanzaki spoke up, gesturing toward Kanada, who stood behind us. 

Lelouch followed up almost mockingly. "You should take him with you when you go back to the ship."

Ryuen scoffed, his amusement vanishing. "As if,"* he sneered, casting a glare at Kanada. "If he steps foot on that ship before the test ends, I'll make sure he regrets it."

It was a clear threat, one that both Kanzaki and Ichinose seemed to take seriously. Lelouch, on the other hand, appeared more unconvinced by the threat. 

So Class B and Class D had each been given a 'gift', a supposed victim from Class C. It made my mind wonde, had Class A also received one as well? 

Horikita let out an irritated sigh. "This has been a complete waste of time." Her annoyance was understandable. Ryuen had taken her card with ease, and there was nothing she could do about it. 

She extended her hand. "Can I have my card back?"

Ryuen smirked but made no move to place it in her hand. Instead, he simply let it drop to the ground at his feet. "Sure. It's all yours."

It was childish, but it worked. Horikita exhaled sharply, visibly holding back another wave of frustration as she stepped forward and retrieved it. As she straightened herself out a little, she cast a brief glance between Ryuen and Light before turning away and she walked away.

With our initial objective postponed thanks to this situation, I had no reason to stay around. So, without a word, I followed her. 

As soon as we were out of sight from the others, Horikita finally turned to face me. 

"Well, thanks for nothing," she scoffed. "You didn't even say a single word. Not even an attempt to help."

"I didn't think I was needed," I replied casually. 

She shot me an angry glare but quickly took a deep breath, likely trying to calm herself down. "As Light said, Class C will be leaving the island soon. But that's completely out of character for both Ryuen and Light. Taking a vacation when points are at their most crucial? It doesn't add up."

"The way you talk about Light, you almost sound like you admire him," I noted. 

Another glare came from her. This one sharper. 

"Maybe I do hold him in high regard," she admitted. "To be number one in every mock test I've competed in with him? That's impressive. I just expect better from him. I've been naturally curious, so I've kept an eye on him since my understanding of him being at this school."

"I see," I said, then added dryly, "Maybe I was wrong. You don't just admire him. You love him."

Her glare intensified, filled with something between disbelief and irritation. Clearly, the joke hadn't landed. 

"You really are a complete weirdo, aren't you?" she muttered before scoffing again. 

"You've told me that before," I said with a small sigh. 

The conversation shifted back to the topic of Class C's plans, but Horikita ultimately dismissed it. "It doesn't matter," she decided. "Right now, I need to find a way to recover from my card being exposed."

When we arrived back at camp, I advised her against telling anyone what had happened. The last thing we needed was a hit to the classes morale. If word got out, people might start burning through points or even abandon the exam altogether. 

As we entered the camp, Sato and Kei rushed over immediately. 

"How was Class C?" Kei asked first. 

"Did you see Light?" Sato followed, eyes alight with curiosity. 

Ever since Light had saved them, they'd been openly obsessed with him. Kei's enthusiasm was particularly odd, given that she had a boyfriend. She thought she was being subtle, but it was anything but. This could easily become a problem later on if my thoughts were true.

Horikita ignored them, rolling her eyes as she walked past. Before they could try questioning me, I stepped away, moving toward a tree and leaning against it. 

My mind drifted back to Ryuen and Light's actions. Right before Ryuen had stolen Horikita's key, the two had briefly stepped back. It was strange. Ryuen hadn't seemed aware of the card's location until that moment, which meant Light must have told him. And if that was the case...

Before I could ponder further, Kushida appeared, her usual innocent expression in place. 

"How did everything go?" she asked, settling beside me. 

"As bad as you'd expect."

"How so?" she pressed, feigning curiosity. 

I let out a small fake sigh. "Let's just say things didn't go as planned." I shifted slightly before adding, "I need something from you. Take Sudo with you to Class A and see if you can sneak a look inside their quarters. Find out if they have anyone from Class C camped up in their base."

Kushida's expression briefly flickered with annoyance before she forced her usual smile back into place. "Is that all?"

She didn't want to do it, but she had no choice. Especially not after what had happened on the rooftop. 

"That's all," I confirmed, gesturing in the direction of Class A's camp. 

And just like that, it didn't take her long before setting off with Sudo.

Rue Ryuzaki's POV:

"I should be heading off," I said, standing beside Light as it seemed to be slightly getting dark.

Class D had left about an hour ago, and Class B hadn't stayed much longer after them. 

"Well, until next time, Ryuzaki," Light said casually, walking with me toward where I had first arrived. As I left, he waved me off as if to make sure I had actually left. 

I took my time heading back to the campsite, the night air cool against my skin. However, as soon as I stepped inside, I was intercepted near the front by none other than Katsuragi. 

"And where have you been?" he asked, his sharp gaze scanning me with suspicion. 

He seemed unusually tense ever since the start of the exam. Though given the ongoing struggle for control of Class A between him and Arisu, it wasn't hard to guess why. He'd been watching everyone closely, especially those associated with her. 

"I went to explore," I replied after a brief pause. 

He exhaled through his nose, not entirely satisfied with my answer but not pressing further as he seemed to believe me. 

"Fine. But according to the schedule, your lookout shift started a few minutes ago." 

I had planned to get some rest. I hadn't slept since arriving on this island, but I simply nodded. A few more hours wouldn't kill me I suppose. 

I took my position at the front of the cave, watching the area with little expectation of anything interesting happening. For a while, I was right. The night was quiet, boring and uneventful. 

Then, I spotted two figures approaching from the distance. 

Even in the dim light, I immediately recognized them to be Kushida and Sudo from class D.

They were heading straight for the entrance. 

I stepped forward, cutting them off before they could get any closer. 

"You can't come any further," I said, raising a hand. 

"Huh? And why not?" Sudo asked, irritation already creeping into his voice. 

"The boss said I can't let anyone in," I replied. 

Sudo visibly bristled, his temper flaring as he took a step forward. Before he could say or do anything else, Kushida gently grabbed my hand with both of hers, her expression shifting into something soft and pleading. 

"Please let us in," she said sweetly. "Is there anything we can do? Even just for a peek?" 

I shook my head. "I'm afraid not." 

For a moment, disappointment crossed her face. Then, in an almost an instant, her expression seemed to have changed as I noticed something flickered in her eyes. 

Slowly, she started lifting her top, revealing her stomach. 

"I'm sure I can change your mind." 

I blinked, momentarily thrown off. Was she she trying to seduce me? 

This was a first. 

My eyes flickered to Sudo, who was staring at her with nothing less than lust. 

She was moving slowly, too slowly. In fact, it became increasingly obvious that she had expected me to cave much earlier. As the seconds stretched on, I could see the discomfort creeping into her movements. 

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt for you to have a quick look around," I said at last, pretending as if her plan had worked. 

She immediately dropped her shirt back down, letting out a small sigh of relief before flashing her usual cheerful smile. 

"Thanks!" 

At first, I assumed they were just here for simple reconnaissance, but something felt off. It had been hours since Ayanokoji and Horikita had visited Class C's camp. Why send a second group so much later? Maybe they had simply left at different times, but I doubted that was the case. I suspected their visit had only recently been conjured up and decided to see where it would lead.

I led them to the entrance of the cave, and as soon as we stepped inside, several pairs of eyes turned toward us. Cold stares. Watchful, suspicious. 

Among them was Katsuragi. 

He wasted no time approaching. 

"And what's the big idea?" he asked, voice now sharp with disapproval. 

I met his gaze for a moment before biting my thumb in thought. 

"I was charmed, I suppose," I said nodding my head. 

Katsuragi exhaled, clearly aware I was lying, but he chose not to press the issue, at least for now. Instead, his attention shifted to the two intruders. 

"I hope you enjoyed your visit," he said flatly, "but it's best you leave." 

Kushida, ever the social butterfly, tried to change the subject, but as she talked to him. My gaze landed on Sudo. 

Physically, he was imposing. But his personality? That was the real issue. 

"Yo, man. Is there something you need?" he asked, his voice carrying the kind of bravado that masked something. 

I didn't answer, continuing to assess him. I had studied Class D before arriving on the island, and out of everyone in their group, Sudo was a unique case. His physical ability was a clear threat. His intelligence, however, was... lacking. 

My silence must have irritated him because, in the next instant, he reached out and grabbed me by the collar, pulling me closer. 

"When someone asks you a ques—" 

Before he could even have the chance to finish, Katsuragi moved, gripping Sudo's wrist and forcing him to loosen his hold. 

"What's the big idea, huh?" Sudo snapped, his anger now redirected toward Katsuragi. 

"I'd kindly ask you to remove your hand from my classmate," Katsuragi said, his voice calm but he was on guard.

Sudo clenched his jaw. He hesitated before finally letting go, but his glare still had anger in them . 

"So you wanna go here and now?" 

Katsuragi shook his head. 

"Let's say we did," he responded. "Look at where you are. I'd suggest thinking carefully before making a move you'd come to regret." 

Sudo's nostrils flared, but before he could decide whether to fight or back down, Kushida stepped in, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. 

He exhaled sharply, his anger fading partly thanks to her, but mostly because he knew Katsuragi was right. This wasn't the time or place for him to start a fight. 

After a few moments of silence, Kushida politely excused both herself and Sudo. 

I followed them to the entrance, watching as they disappeared into the darkness. 

Whoever sent them would receive the information they wanted soon enough. 

With nothing more to do, I returned to my previous position, settling back into my post. As I supposed that was satisfactory for now.

Ayanokoji POV:

Kushida had returned and given her report, detailing everything that happened and her encounter with Ryuzaki. While she hadn't seen any members of Class C, her findings confirmed two things for me. 

I decided it would be best to sleep on it. 

The morning arrived like any other, well until it didn't. As a sharp, angry voice cut through the peaceful air. 

"ALL THE BOYS GET OUT OF THEIR TENTS NOW!" 

I recognized the voice immediately, it belonged to Shinohara. 

Around me, groggy murmurs spread as reluctant bodies was waking up from sleep. The boys, clearly not happy, slowly emerged from their tents, met with the sight of half the girls from our class standing in front of us. Their expressions were filled with anger, and I could already tell this wasn't going to end well. 

Suppressing any reaction, I stood among the others, waiting. 

Hirata, ever the peacekeeper, nervously stepped forward. 

"Shinohara, is something the matter?" 

As soon as she saw him, she marched up, her words spilling out with frustration. 

"Hirata, the boys have gone too far this time." 

A couple of confused glances were exchanged between the boys. 

"What do you mean?" Hirata asked, concern creeping into his voice. 

"Today, Karuizawa woke up to find her underwear stolen," Shinohara stated grimly. 

Hirata's expression shifted. His usual calm demeanor hardened slightly. "Karuizawa... is she alright?" His tone was laced with concern. Though to me, it felt somewhat rehearsed. 

"No, she's a mess. She's been crying ever since she found out. Kushida and Maya are with her now, trying to comfort her. Honestly, I never expected the boys in our class to be this disgusting," she spat, glaring at us with clear disdain. 

Sudo was the first one to react at the accusation. "What the hell are you trying to say?" he snapped. "Every time something happens, you lot blame us! What about that Class C girl? Why wouldn't she do it?" 

Shinohara scoffed. Ibuki, who had been standing idly, glanced in our direction before looking away as Shinohara had continued. "She wouldn't do it," she said plainly. "She's a girl. She knows how Karuizawa feels. Unlike you lot, just a bunch of creeps." 

Yukimura clicked his tongue as now he spoke up. "That's just idiotic reasoning," he countered. "Why would we even be interested in her? Ask her boyfriend about that instead." 

And just like that, chaos erupted even further. The class split into factions, arguing back and forth. It was clear, the trust between us had begun to fracture. Then, the accusations escalated. 

The girls had decided to search through everyone's belongings. Bag after bag was inspected with intense scrutiny, and eventually, my turn came. I handed my bag over without protest. But then, Shinohara's face twisted in disgust. From inside my bag, she pulled out something. 

It was Karuizawa's underwear. 

Silence fell over the group. From the corner of my eye, I saw Ibuki stiffen, her expression betraying her shock. This wasn't part of her plan I could be certain of. 

Slowly, I looked between her and the stolen possession. My face remained neutral, but the tension in the air was growing. The girls expressions darkened with anger, betrayal and mainly disgust. 

Even Hirata, who had initially been concerned, now seemed conflicted. But there was something in his eyes, slight hesitation. He seemed to be questioning it in his mind.

"So, you're the underwear thief, huh?" Shinohara's voice was laced with venom. 

I kept my usual expression, showing no reaction. That only fueled their anger further. 

The tension thickened, the only thing filling the silence being the weight of their glares. Then, Matsushita spoke.

"Ayanokoji, I think we deserve an explanation for this." 

I didn't answer. 

Her voice sharpened. 

"Ayanokoji, if you would please leave the island, that would be best for everyone." 

A slight murmur spread through the crowd. 

"But, Matsushita-san, if he drops out, we'll lose points," Onodera hesitated. 

Matsushita shook her head. 

"I'd rather lose points than live in fear that he might steal from us next." 

A quiet agreement rippled through the girls. The situation was spiraling in a direction where I had no say. 

Then, a voice cut through the chaos it was horikita's, "I find it highly impossible that Ayanokoji was the one to steal her panties." 

Karuizawa, still crying in the tent, must have overheard, because her voice came through, thick with anger. 

"He's the reason I'm like this! He's nothing but a lowlife!" 

"That doesn't change the fact that I think he's innocent," Horikita said, her voice calm yet unwavering. "Actually, I don't just think it. I know he didn't do it." 

A full-blown argument broke out, with Horikita of all people defending me. 

Then, Hirata finally intervened. "I think we need to stop arguing." 

"Huh?" Matsushita snapped. "She's supposed to be your girlfriend, and you're not even defending her?" 

Hirata faltered. For a moment, it seemed he didn't know how to respond. Then, after a deep breath, he spoke. 

"Just listen. I don't think Ayanokoji would ever do something like this. I think we need to consider the possibility that this was a setup." 

The girls hesitated. Though reluctant, they bit their tongues and turned away, storming back to their tents. But the damage was already done. The class had been divided. 

A line had been drawn in the sand, literally and figuratively. The boys and girls now separated themselves within the camp, neither side willing to cross into the other's space. Well besides one certain girl.

I sat down beneath a tree, giving Hirata a small nod of thanks before Horikita took a seat beside me. 

"Thank you," I said, noticing how she seemed worse than before. 

She exhaled, resting her back against the bark. 

"It wasn't for you," she said. "I was just trying to prevent the class from splitting apart. But clearly, that didn't work." 

Before I could respond, a figure approached. He stood near us, glancing around briefly before turning his attention our way. 

"Do you know where Ibuki is?" It was Light from Class C. 

I gestured toward the girls' section, where Ibuki sat alone. He gave a slight nod before making his way over. Oddly enough, the girls didn't stop him, it seemed their main enemy was the boys in class D and mainly me.

I turned back to Horikita. "So, what now?" I asked, my tone as neutral as always. 

She sighed as she thought it over for a couple moments. "At least one person from every class now knows I'm the leader. Now the girls and probably a few guys probably think you're a creep." She rested her head against her knees. "We'd need some kind of miracle to turn this around." 

"Well, with Class C leaving the island, at least we won't be dead last," I noted. 

She shot me a look. Then, a sudden outburst drew our attention. 

"No way!" Ibuki's voice rang out, followed by the sound of a slight scuffle. 

"Come on, Ibuki. Just come to the boat with us," Light pleaded, his tone uncharacteristically tense. "I can't stand seeing a fellow classmate out of my sight, what if something bad happens to you." 

Ibuki rubbed her arm, her expression darkening. "Just so Ryuuen can attack me again? Not happening. I'm safer here." Her latter words voice lowered to a whisper, but I could still read the words on her lips. 

"I can protect you, Ibuki," Light insisted, stepping closer. "Just trust me." 

It felt like watching a drama unfold before my eyes. 

Ibuki hesitated, but then turned away. Before Light could reach for her, she stormed off. 

Light sighed, then turned to leave, exchanging brief words with a few people before heading back the way he came. 

"Please keep her safe," he said as he passed us. 

I gave a small nod. Horikita simply glared. 

"Well, I'll see you around," Light said before disappearing into the trees. At the same time, Ibuki was nowhere to be found.

***

how did we feel about the island exam so far?