Cote: Elite in Action

Two people were in a finely decorated room, where shades of pink predominated in every corner, filling the atmosphere with a soft, feminine warmth. It was evident that this was a girl's room.

On a fluffy carpet surrounded by cushions that invited relaxation, a boy and a girl rested. His head was resting on her bare thighs, while she gently stroked his hair. The scene, filled with intimacy, could easily be mistaken for a couple deeply in love.

But they weren't just anyone. These two were the central figures of Class A of the second year: Kayden Osawa and Ichinose Honami.

"It seems it wasn't hard to convince that student to be your partner," Kayden murmured, with his eyes closed, enjoying Honami's gentle caress on his hair.

"Actually, it was pretty easy," she replied, flashing a mischievous smile. "I just asked him, and he agreed without thinking too much."

"You're probably going to be in the top 5 with him. It's no surprise; he's one of the few first-years with an A in academic ability."

"Are you doubting your girlfriend's abilities, Kayden?" Honami asked, narrowing her eyes with a challenging yet playful look.

"Of course not," he answered without hesitation. "If there's anyone I trust to stand out, it's you."

"Hmph, that's what I like to hear."

After a few seconds of comfortable silence, Honami changed the subject.

"Well, putting that aside... the upcoming special exam is quite a challenge, don't you think?"

"Yes," Kayden nodded. "It's more demanding than the first exam on the island. Back then, it was just about surviving, but now we also have to earn points. And if we don't do well... we could lose teammates."

"I've been thinking about the groups," she said, playing with a lock of Kayden's hair. "It would be most convenient to form teams only with members of our class. But I don't want to impose something so rigid. Some might want to be with friends from other classes, you know?"

"I wouldn't restrict them either," Kayden replied calmly, "but they should let us know who they want to team up with. We need to assess their performance. We can't afford to have someone become a burden to our teammates."

"Exactly what I was thinking. I'll tell them at the next class meeting. By the way... Kayden," she added, this time with a slightly more mischievous smile, "who do you think you'll team up with?"

The smile on her lips was one that Kayden knew well. A trap disguised as sweetness.

"Well, Honami... As much as I'd love to team up with you, the truth is I'm considering going solo."

"Solo...?" she repeated, pouting adorably. "So, you don't want to be with me?"

"That's not what I said..."

"For me, it is."

Kayden opened his eyes upon hearing her response, meeting her gaze, which was bright and fixed on his. He sighed softly.

These kinds of conversations with Honami were dangerous... because, in the end, she almost always won.

"You know why I prefer to go solo, right?" Kayden asked, raising an eyebrow as he propped himself up on one elbow.

Honami looked at him intently, still with that charming pout on her lips.

"Because you're an idiot who thinks he always has to carry everything by himself," she said bluntly, crossing her arms, though her tone wasn't one of real anger, but rather of contained concern.