Yukimura: Let that loser go...

Sudo headed off and didn't even look back. Our leader and strongest competitor had forfeited the competition. I wanted Suzune to experience defeat so she could grow from it, but things were turning out way worse than I could've planned for when I let Kushida leak our Intel to Ryuen.

**Katsuragi warned us that Ryuen was dangerous. Maybe I should've taken that warning a little bit more seriously.**

I looked over at Suzune again. She was depressed and in her own world, so I wouldn't have even been surprised if she didn't catch a single thing that just happened. I hated the look on her face. She was in pain, both physically and mentally. Her brother was present, but she wasn't performing anywhere near the level she truly could've been. I walked over to her.

Suzune: You're going to ask me to bring Sudo-kun back, aren't you?

Y/N: I haven't said a word.

Suzune: Just get to the point.

Y/N: If you already-

A voice rang through the PA system. Our hour-long break from the sports festival was about to begin. Now was the perfect time for things to happen behind the scenes.

Y/N: -If you already knew, then why'd you ask? If Sudo doesn't come back by the afternoon, we're done for.

Suzune: He won't listen to me.

Y/N: Are you joking?

**He loves you just as much, if not more than I do... What do you mean he won't listen..?**

Y/N: Have you forgotten the reason he's even trying so hard?

Suzune: I'm in no condition to show understanding to others.

Y/N: Stop sulking. The Suzune I know isn't this useless...

She took those words personally and looked up.

Suzune: What do you mean by that-

Y/N: I mean exactly what I said.

Suzune: I resent that. I'm much more useful than those incompetents around me!

Y/N: Are you really, though?

Suzune: I just keep suffering these unlucky accidents!

Y/N: There's nothing "unlucky" about it. Good and bad fortune is supposed to come in turns. Do you think our current state is just by coincidence?

Suzune: Don't insult me! I know it's probably some scheme by Ryuen.

Y/N: Do something, then. You sitting by and letting him win is why I said you're being useless.

Suzune: It doesn't mean I can do anything about it...

Y/N: How many times do I have to tell you before you start listening? You. Can't. Fight. Alone...

Suzune: Fine! Then you-

Y/N: There will be times when I can't help you. You need to start getting other people on your side. People like Sudo.

Suzune: I...

Y/N: Once you get your priorities straight, we'll talk again.

I turned around and left. I probably had an angry look on my face as I walked off. I wasn't upset with Suzune, but I had to be tough on her right now. The ones I was upset with were Kushida and Ryuen. As I walked off in search of Kushida, I was intercepted by Haruka.

Haruka: Hey, hey, Y-Aka! Where are you headed?

I softened up my expression and tried to act as normal as possible.

Y/N: HaHa, hey. I'm... Well, what's up?

Haruka: I was wondering if you wanted to go somewhere together during the break.

Y/N: Who else? Is Kushida coming?

Haruka: Kushida?

I let her name slip out because she was currently on my mind and I wanted to find her.

Haruka: I was hoping it could maybe just be us two?

Y/N: I see... I would love to, but...

There was no way I could bring myself to say no to her.

Y/N: I'm down, sure.

Haruka: Great! Then-

Y/N: But can it wait like 20 minutes? I've got something I need to do right now.

Haruka: Sure, go handle your business.

Y/N: Thanks for understanding. I'll text you when I'm ready.

Haruka: Sure thing.

I headed off again and my sour expression returned to me. I headed off to an isolated place where nobody would find me, and then took out my phone. I went into my contacts and searched for a certain somebody from Class C.

**Manabe, you better prepare yourself...**

I spoofed my email as I messaged her. Suzune's pride was en route to crumbling, but I wasn't going to let Ryuen just get away with hurting her.

[TO BE CONTINUED]