It started during third period.
The teacher was late — which almost never happened here. The class stayed silent, but I could feel the tension rising.
Something was about to shift.
"Hey, new guy," one of the boys in the back called out. I remembered him — loud, but not stupid. His name was Reiji. "Where you from?"
"Doesn't matter," I answered calmly.
"Come on, just asking. We're all locals here, but you — you look like you're from another planet."
He sounded casual, but I heard the undertone — probing.
Trying to figure out where I came from. How dangerous I might be.
"I'm here like the rest of you," I said. "Learning the rules. Getting used to it."
He smirked.
"Right. Just don't forget — 2-D doesn't like show-offs."
First move.
A small provocation. Testing my response.
During the break, Reiji came closer — this time with two others behind him.
Aoi watched from her seat, pretending to scroll through her phone.
"Listen, Takumi. We've got... our way of doing things here," he said, more serious now. "If you want to stay, better learn who makes the rules in this class."
"And who would that be?"
He frowned. Didn't expect that answer.
"Me."
"Is that a fact or just wishful thinking?"
He stepped closer. One of his friends placed a hand on my desk.
"You looking for trouble?"
I stood up. Not aggressively — just steady, calm.
A teacher walked by, not even glancing at us.
"You talk big for someone who hasn't proven anything," I said.
He stared for a moment, then backed off with a smirk.
"Alright, new guy. Let's see how you play."
I sat back down and wrote:
– Reiji. Aggressive. Confident in his status. Possible conflict ahead. Check connection to the central "leader."
– Provocation = observation. Threat level — moderate. Smarter than he looks.
– Aoi — watching. Neutral reaction. Did she know about the test?
At the end of the day, she passed me a note.
"You held up. But this won't be the first attempt."
I looked at her.
She smiled.
Too wide.