Chapter 111 – Ryuen was plotted

As August just entered its second half, the moon began to rise, no longer carrying the high temperatures of the daytime.

A slight evening breeze swept through, cooling off the intense summer heat.

Some of Yukio's class members, unusually during the summer break, changed into their school uniforms and waited in front of the school building.

This was a rare summer activity for the class, having borrowed a school building after applying to the school authority. It took Ishizaki and others three days to set up a series of arrangements for an exciting summer courage test event.

Since everyone was restricted from going out and there were no activities like the Summer Festival or fireworks to watch, this summer felt quite lackluster.

Even though the entertainment facilities at the Zelkova Shopping Center were abundant, they couldn't satisfy all the students' demands. Last year, during the summer of their third year in junior high, they were free to travel anywhere without such restrictions.

Now, finally, someone organized a courage test event, which naturally attracted a large turnout. Everyone who could come did.

"Yukio-kun~" There, even Ichinose, along with her class members, came to join in the excitement. Their class had already had their share of fun this summer break. 

Limited to activities within the high school premises, who could resist the arrangement of such a courage test event?

As for the other classes that didn't get along well with Yukio's class, mainly because they had been severely tricked by Yukio before, none were keen to participate. Ichinose's class, on the other hand, maintained good relations with everyone, including Yukio's class.

Yukio greeted Ichinose as she led some of her class members over. Ichinose immediately came forward, her eyes fixed on the sinister-looking school building ahead, feeling a bit eerie: "Wow, it really looks very different from the usual school building, giving off a very terrifying vibe."

The school building, usually bright and bustling during the day, now stood in utter darkness, its corridors and windows appearing as portals to the abyss, hiding untold unknowns.

Yukio looked around and felt it was just so-so: "Places like schools and libraries, full of people during the day but dark and empty at night, easily create a fear-inducing psychological contrast."

"Really?" Ichinose was surprised, not expecting Yukio to suddenly bring up such a point, finding it somewhat amusing: "Yukio-kun, with you explaining it like that, it kind of ruins the atmosphere."

In fact, Ichinose was quite spooked at first by the dark school building, but now with Yukio mentioning psychology, it seemed really just that, making her feel not so scared anymore: "So, how is it arranged exactly?"

Yukio, unaware of Ichinose's emotional shift, casually explained Ishizaki's design: "It's quite standard, pairs of two, starting from changing into indoor shoes at the shoe cabinet and then making their way to the rooftop to complete the challenge."

"Only, this is organized by ourselves, so there won't be staff at the entrance counting. Each group needs a bit of self-discipline. After one group goes in, the next group should wait at least three minutes before entering."

"I see," Ichinose nodded in understanding, then went back to her class members to explain, and finally, it seemed like she was pulled away by a girl named Shiranami to try out the courage test.

Many students had already entered to start their journey of courage testing. Yukio, however, was still loitering outside, even leisurely enough to yawn.

Originally, Yukio thought of joining Shiina for fun, but as soon as Shiina heard about the possibility of scaring people, she became enthusiastic and joined Ishizaki as an internal staff member, leaving Yukio alone.

What he didn't know was that Shiina wasn't initially interested until she heard Ishizaki say, "You might be able to scare Yukio-san," which sparked her participation.

Ryuen, seeing Yukio yawn, asked with a bit of surprise, "Aren't you going to try it out?"

"And you? Why aren't you going in?" Speaking with Ryuen didn't require pleasantries, so Yukio responded with a question of his own, a bit irritated.

Ryuen was stumped. The truth was, he also couldn't find a partner. After all, both Yukio and Ryuen were somewhat isolated in their class.

Students who weren't close enough didn't dare to invite them, and those who were close? They were all inside acting as ghosts!

"Forget it," Yukio looked at Ryuen as if he were a homeless kitten: "Seeing you like this, I know you can't find a partner. I'll be generous and team up with you."

"It's just a pity for Ishizaki and the others inside. With the two of us as a team, it's hard to say whether they scare us or we scare them."

Ryuen's cheeks twitched violently. Why did Yukio's pitying look hurt so much?

And to think about it, wasn't Yukio in the same situation, with no one inviting him either? Why was he taking it out on him?

As Ryuen was about to retort...

"Um, Ryuen-kun." Just when Yukio was teasing Ryuen, a timid girl approached the domain where ordinary class members dared not easily enter.

The girl walked up with her head down, not daring to look at them, silencing both Yukio and Ryuen, who recognized her. She was Rika, a girl known for her timidity in their class.

For a girl like Rika to muster the courage to approach and talk to them, she must have gathered all her courage. Both decided to listen to what she had to say, curious about her reason for coming over.

Rika hesitated, seemingly waiting for them to start the conversation. Following a brief, awkward silence, Yukio nudged Ryuen's shoe, signaling for him to engage since the girl was clearly there for him.

With a sigh of impatience but a hint of curiosity, Ryuen looked down at Rika and asked, "You need something from me?"

"Yes, um," Rika nodded, her hands clasped in front of her as if in prayer, "Could I, um, team up with you, Ryuen-kun?"

"Sure, no problem!" Ryuen, who might have previously declined due to their lack of familiarity, saw an opportunity to prove Yukio wrong, fueled by the silent challenge in Yukio's glance.

Feeling triumphant and no longer in need of Yukio's company, Ryuen confidently said, "Yukio, Rika and I will head in first. See you at the rooftop. Oh, by the way, if you can't find a partner, you might not be able to reach there at all."

With a swagger, he led the way into the school, followed by Rika, who cast a timid glance at Yukio before hurrying after Ryuen.

After their departure, Yukio laughed to himself, "Idiot, so full of yourself."

What Ryuen didn't realize was that Yukio had orchestrated Rika's approach. The primary goal of the courage test wasn't really about proving bravery. In high school, such events are more about facilitating romantic opportunities.

In the days leading up to the event, there was much speculation and maneuvering about who would pair up with whom. Rika had approached Ishizaki, wanting to team up with Ryuen. Overhearing this, Yukio was curious about her choice.

Rika, somewhat evasively, shared that Ryuen had stood up for her when she was bullied. Since then, she had felt grateful and affectionate towards him.

Recognizing the genuine nature of his classmates' intentions, Yukio readily made arrangements for Ryuen and Rika to team up, facilitating a scenario that shy Rika would not have dared to approach under normal circumstances.

***

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