Hooked on Wickedness; The Girl Who's a Cheating Mess

"Verum honorem"

That was Rihono University's motto. Literally "honor and truth," students in this university were poised to be servants of the truth in everything they did. They were to maintain integrity and honor in all their endeavors or they will meet undesirable ends.

Cheating in this university was tantamount to immediate expulsion with no further reconsideration. If you were to cheat you might as well transfer because there's no place for you here.

That is, if you get caught.

★ ★ ★

"Hey, doesn't she look familiar?" One student squinted at a black-haired woman who passed by him and his group of friends. They were entering the gate to the school and talking enthusiastically about their vacations during the one week break they just had until he noticed her pass them.

His other friend just sighed and smacked his head. The student yowled in pain and was about to complain when she pointed towards the huge billboard inside the campus. It usually had acknowledgements of students who won competitions during the year. His eyes widened as he went back and forth comparing the female who caught his eye and the picture on the billboard. She was currently on her phone but even then her beauty was striking.

"AH! She's Lilith Anne Fusekoi?!" His loud exclamation caught the attention of the students around them and even the woman in question. She turned her gaze onto him and smiled as well as gave an acknowledging nod before walking on, flipping her hair in the process.

He was left a beet red mess as he tried to process what just happened.

"You dumbass, how could you not recognize the most decorated student in our year?" It was truly a mystery because everyone knew her. Her face was one of the most recognizable ones in the entire university because of her public feats that the university never fails to flaunt.

Yes, Lilith Anne Fusekoi. A double major in business administration and accountancy with a minor in marketing, currently aiming to be the most decorated student the university has ever had. She had it all truly, she was very involved in extracurricular activities, her academics were stellar, every competition she joined would be dominated by her, and she was easily the best student in the entire university across courses.

Everyone knew the university's prized queen.

And it has always been a mystery how she didn't have a boyfriend. People figured that her closest friend, Daisuke Kumoyami, who was in a league of his own as well, was her boyfriend but it wasn't possible--since he was gay.

She was a woman of many mysteries and she may seem to be an open book, with her achievements being flaunted constantly, she really wasn't.

★ ★ ★

"What was that about?" Daisuke asked as Lilith came up to him from the school courtyard. He had an eyebrow raised and a cheeky expression on his face as he spoke in a teasing voice. The girl just rolled her eyes and gave him a distasteful glare.

"Beats me, he just yelled my name out of nowhere. It was honestly unsettling, but I've had crazier things happen." She shrugged it off coolly and began walking towards the Dean's office as she always summoned after a competition to "chitchat". Daisuke hummed and nodded, agreeing with her and matched her pace. He knew, of course, that she was going to the Dean's office, it was practically a routine for her. On the way, he brought up a nonchalant topic about a game he was playing, even bringing out his phone to show her.

This was code, of course.

They weren't talking about a game at all, they were discussing details about their side hustle, a cheating ring.

"We successfully infiltrated the College of Political Science while you were away. We have at least one insider in the faculty, thanks to moi et mes compétences (me and my skills)." He bragged to her. On his phone there was an animated map of the campus and the College of Political Science changed from its grey color to a colored version, as if unlocking it. It wasn't a game, but to keep up appearances and not have anyone suspecting their conversation, he programmed a fitting "game" to serve as their tracker and cover-up.

"You're getting better at French finally." Was Lilith's mere reply to him. It was well within her plans to have the College of Political Science infiltrated by the end of her most recent competition after all. Her friend fumed, however, at her lack of acknowledgement for his achievements.

"Tsk. We aren't all cold, demented robots like you Lili! At least give me a compliment or something, geez." He pouted, locking his phone and tucking it away. Lilith sighed and paused from walking. She gave him a pat on the shoulder and held a thumb up as she spoke in a mocking voice.

"Good job, Daidai." Daisuke sighed at her way of giving him a compliment and ruffled her hair in response while chuckling.

"Annoying as always, Queen." She smacked his hand away and pursed her lips.

"Don't call me that."

They continued walking until they reached the Dean's office and as usual, Daisuke waited outside as she went inside, fixing her hair with one run through of her hand. She put on her good student smile and greeted her dean.

Dean Rith Prieves was a strict, emotionless man who only showed emotion when he was showed great achievement. It was actually funny how different he was towards Lilith versus the other students in his college.

"Ah! Lilith my dear! Welcome back to America." He stood up from his seat behind his desk and motioned for her to take a seat while he prepared some tea for them to drink. "Excellent results as usual. Even I had some slight doubt you couldn't grab the gold. We haven't ever won in that competition, see." He chuckled as he brought the two cups to his desk.

"But of course I shouldn't have been worried, after all, you are the best student in the history of this college." He sat behind his desk once more and faced her.

Lilith, already sat in the familiar seat in front of her dean, simply smiled in response, took ahold of the intricately designed teacup, and proceeded to take a sip.

"You praise me too much Dean Prieves. I simply did my duty as a student of Rihono University. Honor and truth, right sir?" Her smile was sickly sweet and completely disarming. It was one of her best weapons against people older than her. Once they were captured by her smile, they were simply like putty in her hands. This strict dean was no different.

"You truly are the model student of this university." He laughed heartily. If other students saw him right now, they would immediately doubt their eyes. "Allow me to express my thanks again for wonderfully representing our school in the competition. Surely you enjoyed yourself in Paris?"

"Ah yes, I did. Although it wasn't necessary, Dean Prieves, it's natural to immediately head home after winning, is it not?"

"Think nothing of it, Lilith my dear, the school is very impressed by your continuous feats and are more than pleased to provide you these small tokens of appreciation. You are a valuable student."

'Meaning "so don't transfer to other schools and keep bringing us recognition" huh.' Lilith thought to herself, hiding her smirk as she sipped her tea. Ah, it was marvelously hot.

"I am very flattered, sir. I cannot express my gratitude enough."

"It's no problem at all. Now, I mustn't keep you from your classes. Off you go, Lilith my dear." Smiling, Lilith stood up and bowed slightly before excusing herself.

When she closed the door, she looked at Daisuke who was absentmindedly looking at the trophies displayed in a glass casing outside the office.

"It still amazes me that they bought a new glass casing for all your awards." He glanced to the side and snickered. "And all the others too, sure." He then looked at her again and gestured to his back.

"Food now?" Lilith simply nodded and lead the both of them.

Class? Fuck that, she could do whatever she wanted because she was the school's most prized student after all. Plus, cutting classes weren't that infrequent in college. The rules were more lax, it suited her perfectly.

They exited the building and as she stood atop the steps of her college, she grinned, it was a mischievous grin.

"I am the queen of this university, Daidai." She wasn't bragging, she was stating a fact. She had the university wrapped around her dainty fingers.

"That you are, your highness." Daisuke grinned with her.

cut.