After the results, Chabashira called Ayanokoji to the chairman's office.
Tsukishiro was already waiting.
"April's over. Did you figure out who the White Room student is? I think we need to confirm this first."
Tsukishiro said. They'd made a bet about this, though he might not honor it.
"Unfortunately, I don't know who the White Room student is."
"You're straightforward. I thought you'd throw out some random names."
"I don't make claims without confidence, at least not in this situation."
Ayanokoji said, then paused.
*If I name my suspects, I might reveal how much I know. But it could also get me more info. Saiki had some guesses about the White Room assassin, so I can use this to test if he's right.*
"Two suspects?"
Tsukishiro's lips twitched. He'd told Ayanokoji about the White Room assassin, but didn't expect him to guess two.
"Who do you think?"
*So it is two...*
Ayanokoji caught Tsukishiro's brief expression.
"Right now, Yagami and Amasawa are the most likely."
Ayanokoji said cautiously.
*What?!*
Tsukishiro was shocked. He didn't expect Ayanokoji to guess so accurately.
*Maybe he's just suspicious, not certain.*
"Why do you think that? Any evidence?"
"No, just a guess. No evidence."
Ayanokoji said slowly.
*He's close...*
Ayanokoji noticed Tsukishiro's hesitation and knew he was on the right track.
*Saiki must've figured it out. But he probably doesn't have proof yet.*
"So the kid infiltrated successfully."
Tsukishiro nodded, satisfied.
"But I can't sense the White Room's aura from anyone. They've hidden it well."
"They've been trained to blend in as high schoolers for months."
"Compared to you, who stood out from the start with your words, attitude, and lifestyle."
Tsukishiro smiled.
"I only had a theoretical understanding of high school life."
"You can leave. I'll consider it a pass since you didn't see through it."
"Chairman, did something go wrong?"
"What are you talking about?"
"It's May. I thought you'd wrap things up by April."
"Not at all. I have more time than I thought."
*Ayanokoji's tougher than I expected...*
"I thought there'd be unexpected trouble."
"Interesting. Why?"
"The special exam felt like a setup to expel me. The White Room student just needed to partner with me, but no first-year acted that way. It made me wonder if there even is a White Room student in first-year."
"You don't think so?"
"I don't get it."
"You're special. I figured sending a White Room student directly would be risky. Waiting for the next opportunity seemed smarter."
"Taking it easy, huh."
"Maybe."
"Maybe the White Room student disagreed with you, which explains everything."
"Interesting idea."
Tsukishiro sipped his tea, then said,
"Fine, I'll admit it—I did plan to expel you, but the kid ignored my orders."
*Yagami or Amasawa should've approached Ayanokoji, but they didn't.*
*Amasawa's been acting strangely, getting close to Saiki. And Yagami... he seems obsessed with Ayanokoji.*
"One more thing."
Ayanokoji spoke up.
"What?"
"You seem wary of Saiki."
"How is that possible? Saiki is just an ordinary student, right?"
"No, you know very well that's not true."
Hearing Ayanokoji's words, Tsukishiro pressed his lips together. This time, he didn't deny it. After all, there was no point in hiding it any longer.
"Saiki... indeed, the power behind him might even surpass the White Room. We've been instructed to avoid contact with him as much as possible."
"So, it's true?"
"But don't think staying close to Saiki Kusuo will keep you safe."
"I have no such intention."
Ayanokoji replied.
"Good."
After a brief pause, Tsukishiro continued,
"One last thing... if that boy even disregards your father's wishes, depending on the situation, dropping out might be your best option. The more unshakable your status as the White Room's greatest creation, the more immeasurable his jealousy and hatred. He might do something beyond my imagination."
"However, during this time, I've realized something."
"What?"
"There's always someone better, something greater."
"What do you mean?"
"I've undergone extensive chess training in the White Room, and no one there could beat me."
"I remember."
Tsukishiro clearly recalled Ayanokoji's terrifying chess skills.
"But last semester, I lost. You probably don't know that."
"Impossible. Even if you lost, it's because you weren't serious, right?"
"No, I was very serious, but I still lost."
"What?"
Tsukishiro's gaze fixed on Ayanokoji, unable to believe someone could defeat Saiki Kusuo—
But if it was Saiki...
Maybe it was possible.
Yet, Tsukishiro found it hard to imagine Ayanokoji losing to anyone else.
"What are you trying to say?"
"The man who created me didn't make me truly perfect. There's always something beyond what we can control."
"..."
Tsukishiro didn't respond immediately, just staring at Ayanokoji.
After a brief conversation, Ayanokoji left the room. Tsukishiro sat silently for a moment before also leaving.
...
Meanwhile, exam results were out, and Saiki headed to a nearby café to relax.
With exams taking up all his time, he hadn't had a chance to visit cafés or dessert shops.
*Finally, some rest,* Saiki thought.
As he sat down and ordered his favorite new cake, a familiar, playful figure appeared before him.
Amasawa.
"Saiki-senpai, you're here!" Amasawa smiled.
"What a coincidence."
*After my investigation, I found out Saiki-senpai frequents this café.*
*Why do troublesome people always find me?* Saiki sighed inwardly, thinking of ways to dismiss Amasawa without disrupting his precious time.
"Is there something you need?" Saiki asked expressionlessly.
"Nothing, just saw you here and wanted to say hi."
Amasawa smiled.
*Strange, Saiki-senpai's attitude and demeanor are completely different from before. Is it multiple personalities, intentional, or just testing me like last time...?*
*It's because it's not the same person.*
*But such a drastic change in behavior isn't something an ordinary person can pull off.*
*I'm even more curious about Saiki-senpai now.*
*Please don't be.*
Saiki felt helpless. As he pondered how to get rid of Amasawa, she ordered a bunch of desserts:
"Last time, thanks to your cooking. This time, it's my treat!"
*Fine, I'll sit with you for a bit.*
Soon, the desserts arrived. Seeing Amasawa enjoy the cake, Saiki started eating too, quickly savoring the delicious treats.
Amasawa was stunned by Saiki's expression.
*Saiki-senpai... looks so different when eating desserts... so engrossed... I've never seen anyone like this. The cake is good, but not *that* good, right?*
*In the dorm, talking, eating... Saiki-senpai's demeanor changes. Why?*
*Or is it all an act? So curious.*
*Ugh...*
Saiki snapped back to reality, quickly adjusting his eating posture.
"Senpai, you said I could visit your dorm anytime. You'll cook for me, right?"
Amasawa smiled.
*She remembers that?*
Saiki recalled those words were actually from his mother, Kurumi.
But he couldn't let Amasawa visit his dorm freely—that would only cause trouble...
*Should I pretend to forget? Or say I'm busy? Wait, if there's someone else in the dorm, Amasawa probably won't come. I need to find a way to refuse her...*
"Senpai, do you study dessert-making?"
"Yes!"
Saiki nodded immediately, without hesitation.
His room was equipped with various dessert-making tools and ingredients, and he often made desserts there.
But after answering, Saiki regretted it.
"Perfect! I want to try your desserts too!"
Amasawa's smile grew brighter.
*Saiki-senpai seems different when talking about desserts. Is it genuine or an act? Not sure. Need to confirm.*
*Ugh... I've caused more trouble.*
"I'll bring some ingredients for you next time."
"No need, I have everything."
Saiki reluctantly nodded.
"Kusuo, you're here!"
A light voice suddenly appeared beside Saiki.
But soon, the voice carried a hint of confusion.
"Huh? Who's this?"
It was Karuizawa Kei.
She looked at Amasawa, puzzled.