Calculating Cheaters

Kibe the next day would be sitting down in the cafeteria at school. His mind pondering about what hes been asked to do, yet he had only few hundred ideas on how to do them.

Though he had to also calculate all the possibilities, the nature of the discussions he'd have and just who he was talking to. They're pasts, histories with others there. So really it was a hundred squared by infinity. Though he didn't mind. Reading people is what he did. He looked up to see two people staring at one another. They were sat far apart and kept eyeing each other from time to time. A boy and a girl.

"The boy asked her out a few days ago. Though you wouldn't know it. Judging by the way his tie is done and from.the cuffs of his uniform, hes a neat man and keeps to himself. Though there is a passionate beating heart beneath that all. One looking for companionship.

But she won't give that to him, Itashi Mia. The girl. She has no intention to return his feelings, infact. She came here to avoid him. Not even knowing that he comes here everyday in the morning. She didn't even knownhe existed till...from the looks of it, 3 days ago.

Now hes on her mind, but not for the reasons he wants. He'll have to figure it out the hard way. He could never accept a refusal. Not like this one." Kibe thought he then looked over to the hallway and saw two teachers talking.

"From reading their lips, yes. They're talking about the coming exams. One of them hasn't thought of what to do for his class so hes asking a senior, a older man who's been here longer.

But he won't help him, in the academic world. There are no such thing as friends." Kibe thought, he continued to read more of the book or more like magazine he had brought with him. He went through it, it talked about all things fashion related. He never was a man who had a taste for fashion, but he knew of it and it's values in the artistic world. Mr.Kita was a man who had made himself into who he was through teeth and claw, he had a rough childhood and mainly went about door to door begging for people and artist to observe his crafts.

Kibe went to the next page and saw a image of him. He was a little ways taller than he was, his hair was combed back and had a peachy blonde silver look to it. His eyes a cherry color like his daughter. Which reminded Kibe not to think about her too much, the thought of what he had to do with her was troublesome enough for him. He had no desire to see that she get a reaction out of him.

He looked at the man's physique. It was very well built, he should be though. Seeing as he become a athletic swimmer in his early years after making it big, he had a liking for dogs and even loved taking some in for adoption if they needed homes. Though from the words on here though, Kibe could tell it was a facade. Most actors, politicians and mainly businessmen put up things like these to put a face with all the money and wealth. Mr.Kita wasn't a man, he was a name. The real man was the things he sold. His perception of reality seemed bleak at a start. However he seems to have grown into the role he had wanted all those years ago.

He may not have cared for the money before and loved the passion, but now it was the opposite. Hes been in the business for years, much longer than most other fashion artist and companies combined. He was a master at reading people and what they wanted and how they would and could fit into just about anything.

He called it his "artistic eye". His main quote being-

"One can not make art, you must live and breath it, then only can you truly sell it." Kibe read. He could feel his mind filling with not boredom, but disinterest in this all. He began to ponder now on how he could get rid of Rin and Mr.Kita with one stone.

Though he had already made plans before, now they could executed with no trouble and worry. At least for him. He knew Rin intended to do away with him. One way or the other. He just needed to find out when. It was never a matter of how. He knew exactly what kind of person she was and what tactics and strategies she would use. From the moment he saw them on stage. Kibe had already assessed how each of them would try to get rid of them and knew exactly each and every conversation they would have.

The time, the how and the where too. No moment truly had gone over his head. Not even once with the student council.

Every outcome and possible avenue was documented and placed deep within his memory palace. As Kibe was reading Hideaki would walk over to him.

"Good magazine I hope." He said, Kibe slowly looked to him. They both stared at each other before Kibe closed the magazine. He then looked back to it and studied it some more.

"I'm guessing you couldn't be bothered with what I have to say or ask. Hm?" Hideaki asked

"Its not that I don't care. Infact its less than that. Though I'll hear you out either way." Kibe said as he looked to him. Hideaki smiled

"He intends to use this moment to try and get something out of me. Not directly though, this a indirect attack." Kibe thought.

"I'd like to ask a favor from you. Since Rin says you'll be helping her out this week. Not to mention with Takashi gone, I don't have anyone to do this for me." Hideaki said

"Why not ask the treasure? I'm sure she has plenty of time." Kibe asked still paying no real mind to Hideaki. Hideaki then sat down next to Kibe.

"Well she is a bit busy at the time, and I don't have a suitable replacement for her." Hideaki said

"So you approach a nobody? How quaint." Kibe said

"Oh, we both know your no nobody Kibe." Hideaki said with a smirk

"I am I assure you." Kibe said

"I see, so he intends to keep himself away from the crowd. Does he not realize that he intentionally has made himself a person of interest?

Although he's done so, but only to those who know. Somehow he has managed to gain interest without appearing interesting at all. Popular, but not really all that popular.

Bringing him aboard this would mean risking him getting too close, but without Takashi and Rin here, and with Kiko busy. I don't have anyone else to turn to for this job. Not to mention I know he's most knowledgeable.

Have you deduced this Kibe? That removing Takashi from the picture and doing a favor for Rin, will put you on my list of allies?" Hideaki thought

"You will inevitably ask me. After the failure of Takashi and now Rin choosing to come to me for aid. You must choose one of two branches, either continue to be my obstacle or orchestra your intentions within my lines.

While still being under fire and astute observation. You are ultimately risking me getting too close and knowing more about you than you would wish, but that can't be stopped now. Cause of the corner I've put you in now. You have no choice on this matter.

So you must choose Hideaki." Kibe thought as he looked to him. The two's eyes locked.

"Either I submit myself to being an obvious advisory or I risk the possibility of being completely ruined via getting too close.

Damn him, I've played right into his hands. Relying on Takashi and Rin was a mistake. No doubt he already has plans to snuff out Rin.

No, the best bet would be to get close to Nori Kibe. He can't still suspect me for being a obstacle if we get closer, even if he does then he'd also be in danger of me being able to get a foot ahead as well. He knows this though.

So yes willing to take that risk, and he knows I will too.

So then, theres only one answer I can give." Hideaki thought as he then stretched his hands out. His still warm and friendly smile being contracted by Kibe's normal emotionless face.

"Well I had a certain task I'd like to ask you help me with. You see the school is getting ready for exams and I'd like your help on dealing with some cheaters that believe they can get away with some scandals during the test. You don't mind of course right?" Hideaki asked

"Getting on cheaters before they can even make a move. A very calculated move and plan. I have to ask how you thought this up. Is this something you always do?" Kibe asked as he and Hideaki got up from the table.

"Quite a lot unfortunately." He said, Kibe put the magazine in his school bag and followed Hideaki out of the cafeteria. They both walked through the halls of the B building. Many girls were talking along the windows and boys in classes. Hideaki also gave Kibe a slip excusing him from his first class.

"You see, many students before my arrival here were supposedly cheating in exams and college tests. So I've devised a way into catching these frauds." Hideaki said

"Well don't leave me in suspense." Kibe said

"Hm, well the method is this. I've set up multiple spies in each classroom, each one looking and watching for any possible signs of cheating or indecent academic behavior.

Their looking for certain keys though, not just the casual stuff. I'm looking for quick eye motions, unsteady breathes and of course constant starings at their body." Hideaki said

"A well done operation, but what if your spy is assigned behind the individual in question. What then?" Kibe asked

"Heh, you must be under the interpretation that my spies are students. No Kibe, they aren't. My spies are the teachers themselves." Hideaki smirked.

"Teachers as spies? They'll be looking for more specific information than the ordinary assumptions and ideas of a cheater.

Although I wonder Hideaki, what else do you have them looking for. Curious." Kibe said as he and Hideaki continued walking.

"For some time now one of the teachers in 6-A has reported to me with some intriguing information and stories.

They've told me that they've spotted a particular student, you might know him. Nobuaki Tanaka, hes been my leading suspect in terms of cheating this school year. Only problem has been getting evidence.

So I was hoping you'd accompany me in questioning him." Hideaki said as they walked. As they walked throughout the school to they're destination. The school bell would ring.

"No, you have evidence, even if it is a little. You can still get him caught or expelled. No, you want me to show you how I'll do and how I handle situations like these. Hoping to see how I can refute and make conclusions from possibly zero evidence.

Although, if you don't have any evidence at all. Then the more wise option would be to play along. Not do too much, but not too little either. He knows my capabilities, just not they're length. I can't give him an inch." Kibe thought as he looked to Hideaki still smiling as he walked along with him. Eventually they would reach classroom 6-A. Hideaki put his hand on the door. Kibe looked at him.

"Be warned though, recently his behavior has been a bit more calculated from what my reports tell me. Talking privately with other students and even using the bathroom more frequently than before." Hideaki said

"Do you think he could have spies of his own? Or people he works with?" Kibe asked

"The ladder is a better possibility." Hideaki answered as he then opened the classroom door, everyone inside and the teacher were all entranced in their studies when Hideaki broke that concentration.

"Oh, Mr.Nakama welcome. Is there something you needed?" Asked the teacher

"Mr? So my assumption is correct. He holds the most influence in this school. He is even respected by the teachers.

But rather thats through his charisma or his money is hard to say." Kibe thought as he stood outside the classroom waiting.

"Oh no nothing major I promise. Everyone can get back to studying. I just need to borrow the teacher for a moment." Hideaki said, everyone nodded with the girls also whispering to one another as they looked at him. Some of them even blushing. As Hideaki and the teacher walked out, suddenly one girl with blonde hair and dark eyes would stand up. Kibe took a look at her and would notice she had some markings on her neck, and a tired look to her. Didn't change too much though, she still was rather pretty.

"E-EXCUSE ME." she said aloud, Kibe peered his head in for a moment. As Hideaki stopped and looked at her. Still holding the same smile, it never seemed to leave his face.

"M-My name is Anon Ichii! And I- umm well. I-I was hoping you'd go out with me!" Ichii shouted aloud. Everyone immediately became interested in what was happening. As they all looked back and forth between them. All of them either chuckling or goating the two on. Hideaki looked at her his smile not faulting for a second.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not looking for anyone right now. Forgive me. When I do find someone, I want them to be dependable and understand me, body and mind.

Have a wonderful day." Hideaki said he bowed and then left the room with the teacher. Ichii sat down with dissapointment in her eyes and her chest wound up tight. A knot felt like it was growing inside her stomach.

"Hey don't worry, I'm sure you can find someone else. Besides going after one of the heads of the council? That didn't seem like a good idea anyway." Said a girl next her

"Ha! Good idea? That was stupid! Did you really believe that guy like that? A academic prodigy and man with a future, would want a nobody? Idiot." Said a brown haired boy next to her. Ichii shook as she her eyes began to feel wet and her lip began to quiver.

"HEY! There's no reason to be a jerk Hita!" Shouted the girl

"What? I'm just being honest, geez." Hita groaned.

"Well you-" however that's when Ichii would slam her hands down on her desk and run out of the classroom. As she did, Kibe, Hideaki and the teacher would see her run quickly and with tears in her eyes down the hall. They all stared for a moment before Hideaki continued with what he was saying, but Kibe kept his focus on both that and where the girl had ran.

"So you want pull out Tomio Nagane?" Asked the teacher

"Yes, we'll bring him right back. Me and Nori here just have a few questions for him is all. Then we'll send him back." Hideaki said

"Alright then, I'll let him know." Said the teacher as he walked back inside. Kibe and Hideaki waited outside for a few moments before another student walked out of the class. He had short dark hair and wore glasses. His uniform was well put together and even his demeanor and how he stood seemed professional. A wolf in sheep's clothing is what came to Kibe's kind. Nagane had dark blue eyes as he approached them.

"You called for me?" Nagane asked

"Yes, right this way." Hideaki said as he walked ahead with Kibe and Nagane following behind him.

Later they would be in a conference room.

"Excuse me? I'm a suspect of cheating on exams? I'm sorry, but that is preposterous." Nagane said, Kibe and Hideaki were sitting across the table from him.

"Yes well, we have some evidence and people have confessed to you having some very specious behavior.

So my hand has been forced in this matter." Hideaki said. Kibe would be analyzing the entire conversation.

"What people? And what kind of proof do you have? Surley nothing concrete." Nagane said

"Why does the validity of the evidence concern you if you didn't do it? You should be asking why, not what." Hideaki said

"I simply want to correct any mistakes that may have lead you in my direction." Nagane said

"So you're saying it may be someone else you know?" Hideaki said, once again that smile. He wore it with such confidence, yet it didn't come off coy or prideful. It was friendly, but not to everyone.

"I-I didn't say that." Nagane

His smile was a guarantee to those who knew him and a warning to those who don't. Kibe understood it now. Just like he appeared bland and uninteresting. His blandness being something he can use to manipulate others, Hideaki used his smile to do the same. Everyone who encounters his smile, is immediately put into a mindset completely orchestrated by Hideaki. Kibe began to realize that he and Hideaki had more in common than he had first imagined.

"You must understand my position here right?" Hideaki asked

"...Yes." Nagane said, his voice a little less confident and demeanor no longer so straight and confident too.

"You understand how important these test and exams are for the academic system, people use these to get better lives. To make something of themselves, get the jobs they've always wanted.

Do you think its fair for someone to cheat their way to the top and not work as hard as the one who didn't?" Hideaki asked

"I do-"

"Its a yes or no question." Hideaki said

"...No." Nagane said, the room was silent for a moment. Kibe looked at Hideaki and then Nagane.

"But shouldn't those who can use they're skills to get ahead also should be rewarded? That only seems fair.

Since in this world knowledge and power is all that matters." Nagane said

"A very interesting answer." Hideaki said as he leaned back for a moment. Kibe looked at Hideaki, still as unreadable as last time. It was like as if somehow Hideaki was a sentient book, like he got to choose when he could be read and not be. Kibe couldn't afford to appear to be on the lower ground in this standoff. He had to remain entirely in control otherwise, he'd fall right into the same pits as every other victim to Hideaki's methods.

"Wait outside for a moment. I'll call you back in a moment." Hideaki said, Nagane didn't argue and just did as he was told. He left the room.

"Hey Kibe, mind if I borrow some pieces of paper from you?" Hideaki asked, Kibe looked at him for a moment before then reaching in his school bag and handing twelve straight pieces of paper.

"Hmm, I don't want it to be too much, but too little and I may be questioned. A good amount of six should do." Hideaki thought as he then handed Kibe the other six pieces. Hideaki then got a pent from his pocket. He began to write on the front page, but only near the top. He got on his phone and looked through something for a moment. He then began to draw on it a bit, though it was only line and acute angeles near the top. He stopped and blew on it, waving it a bit. He then looked at it for a moment.

"Hey, you can come back now." Hideaki said, Nagane came back inside and closed the door behind him. Thats when he saw the papers in Hideaki's hands, but unlike Kibe and him, he couldn't tell they were blank. He sat back down across from us. His face a little more shakiness up than before.

"Tell me something. Do you normally lie?" Hideaki asked much to Nagane's suprise.

"I don't lie, I haven't told one since I was twelve." Nagane said

"Hm? But cheating is another form of lying, don't you know that?" Hideaki said

"What?"

"Yes, cheating is the fooling of the academic system, you are deliberately tricking the system and others into believing something about you that isn't true.

Which in this case, would be your academic skills.

Am I wrong?" Hideaki asked

"...N-No. Are those-"

"Yes they are. These are the files and reports from your last years here and even as far back as middle-school." Hideaki said

"What?!" Nagane said with shock now, he was losing his footing in this. Before he may have had a chance at getting away, but his facade was breaking.

"Yes, you see. There's a lot of interesting information about you. Especially information having to do with your exam and test scores." Hideaki said as he moved the paper back and forth, but something about his movements with it were calculated. It'd only be neare the top, only that small piece woukd ever bend fully back. Making it visible to Nagane. Who looked in distress when he saw it.

"I see, so he wrote on the top of it and asked for the paper to give the illusion of actual incrementing evidence. When in reality, there is none.

Is possible he could be cold reading him this whole time?" Kibe thought as he looked back to Nagane.

"You see from what it shows here, your grades were poor in your early years of middle-school. Yet suddenly they began to rise drastically. Its almost like you had just woken up from something.

Or someone aided you." Hideaki said

"I had a tutor. They helped me get my act together." Nagane said, yet his voice didn't sound nearly as confident as the answer he gave.

"Really? What was their name?" Hideaki asked

"I-I don't remember, it was such a long time ago and I have too many friends really heheh." Nagane chuckled scratching his head nervously.

"You don't have any friends." Hideaki said, the room went silent. Nagane didn't know what to say.

"Every morning you go to the cafeteria alone and eat by yourself. Infact you deliberately choose to avoid others and sit near the back.

When I came in and that girl embarrassed herself by asking me out in front of the class, everyone was either chuckling or gossiping, but not you. You were facing away from everyone and kept to yourself. Especially after I had made eye contact with you. Because you were sitting behind her. Nagane.

You and I made eye contact, you knew why I was there and know why I'm here now.

You don't have any friends, Nagane." Hideaki said, and just with those words. The entire charade was over, something so simply and yet so easy to overlook if one wasn't paying attention. He was in control from the moment we found him in class. Hideaki knew, he always knew. Nagane nearly collapsed back in his chair, his face was pale and his breath shaky.

"...This can't be happening, how...how could I be so foolish and get caught like this." Nagane said as Hideaki then stood up and walked over to him with the papers in his hand.

"W...Who gave you those files on me? That should be illegal to just hand out to anyone." Nagane asked

"It is." Hideaki said as he dropped the blank papers in front of Nagane, who's face turned completely ghastly and full of disbelief.

"THEY WERE BLANK THE WHOLE TIME!?

He purposely drew and wrote on the too, to make it seem like an official report! HE NEVER HAD ANY EVIDENCE ON ME AT ALL!!!" Nagane thought to himself, his mouth wide open with shook.

"I do have one piece of paper for you though." Hideaki said as he then put down a piece of paper, it was a note of expulsion. Nagane was finished, he didn't have anything to say or anything to do. He sat in that chair slumped over the paper with disbelief and horror written on his face.

"I want your desk cleared and you out of this school before the next bell. Good day Tomio Nagane." Hideaki said as he then left the room. Kibe followed behind him, bringing his school bag with him. The two of them walked down the hall, it was quiet and very peaceful.

"That was impressive, though I don't see why I had to come along. You handled it just fine." Kibe said

"Thats not all true, you did help me. You confirmed everything to me too." Hideaki said

"He was watching me too." Kibe thought as the two stopped.

"You spotted the same signs in him I did, and when you looked to me. You confirmed it for me that I was right. From his shakeup breath to his eye dilation. Even his posture.

You aided me in there. Ya'know, since Takashi is likely not to be coming back anytime soon. How would you feel taking his place? We could always use a new member." Hideaki asked

"More like puppet." Kibe thought "Not thanks, I'll have to pass. I don't particularly find being the center of attention; all that fascinating." Kibe answered. Hideaki scratched his head.

"Thats a bummer. Oh well, thank you anyway. If you know anyone else who'd be willing. Than please give me a heads up.

See you around, Nori Kibe." Hideaki said as the bell rang and he walked away. The students from the other classrooms began to scurry and run out. Chatting and talking to one another. While Kibe after a minute of standing, began to make his way to class too.

Someplace else in the school, in one of the girl's bathrooms. Ichii was in a stall. She had a small razor in her hand as one of her sleeves was rolled up. Blood covered her shoes. Her wrist was lined with cuts and deep wounds, all self-inflicted.

Her tears rushed down her face.

"DAMNIT! WHY COULDN'T I HAVE BEEN BORN BETTER!? WHY AM I SO UGLY!! I'M REPULSIVE!" Ichii cried as she collapsed on the toilet seat, dropping her razor. She curled up, pulling at her hair.

"..."