Episode 9
The classroom was dead silent, except for the ticking of the grandfather clock. Luize sat still, his sharp gaze fixed only on Serena.
“…What’s your strongest subject?”
Such a simple question, yet Serena flinched. Truth was, ever since she’d realized she’d transmigrated, she’d been studying hard, but she hadn’t had the chance to actually test her skills. So she didn’t really know what she was best at.
In her past life, before all this, her best subject had been language arts. She bit her lip, running through her current courses in her head. None of them stood out as her strength. Still, if she had to pick one, there was only one answer.
“Political science.”
Not that she was really confident in it—but it was the one subject she actually enjoyed these days. Even so, Luize’s brows knit slightly, like her answer wasn’t good enough.
“…That’ll be all for the interview.”
His low voice signaled the end.
“Yes. Thank you.”
Serena gave a short bow and hurried out of the room. Why was I so nervous when I never even had a chance to pass anyway? She sighed, grabbed the bag she’d left outside, and headed for the library.
“Good work, Captain.”
“Yeah, you too.”
After finishing the last interview, Luize stood and stacked the application forms with the question sheets. The other two members tidied up as well.
“But Captain, why did you let that one through?”
The short-haired girl asked as she pushed in her chair.
“Who?”
“Serena. Her GPA’s the lowest of all applicants. I even asked a general-division friend about her—apparently her personality and reputation are… pretty weird. She’s not the type that fits our study club at all.”
“And besides, isn’t she the girl who was obsessed with you? My sister said she practically stalked you. Sure, she sounded decent in the interview, but who knows? Crazy people can act normal on the surface. Are you sure about this?”
The girl smirked. The freckled boy grimaced and added, backing her up.
BANG!
Luize suddenly slammed his thick textbook onto the desk. Both students jumped. His eyes were cold and sharp as he stared them down.
“Since when is personality part of the requirements?”
“…Excuse me?”
Caught off guard, the girl froze, swallowing hard.
“Serena was right. According to the rules, anyone with a D average or higher can apply to White Bell.”
“…Well, yeah, technically.”
“And even though you both half-assed your questions, she answered seriously. Whatever the rumors, she showed she’s determined to study. So there’s nothing in the rules saying she can’t join.”
He sighed, picked up the book, and slid it back into place on the shelf. The air in the room felt heavier than during the actual interviews.
“You two.”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
Both students snapped to attention.
“Just because you’re White Bell members doesn’t mean you get to look down on people. Don’t get cocky. Being envied doesn’t make you special.”
“S-Sorry.”
Their heads dropped instantly. The girl’s ears flushed red as the carpet beneath her.
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Luize paused at the doorway. The two students stiffened again, sneaking nervous glances at him.
“Serena’s personality isn’t that weird.”
“…Huh?”
“Well, she is weird, but not in the way you’re thinking.”
With that, he walked out, leaving them slack-jawed before they both let out shaky breaths.
“Why’d he blow up like that…”
“He wasn’t wrong, but damn. Every time he gets cold like that, I swear I’m gonna die. Sucks the life right out of me.”
They muttered to each other. Usually, Luize was quiet and focused on his work, but on rare occasions, when he snapped, it was terrifying.
Luize headed down the corridor toward the practice hall, but after a few steps, he stopped, raking a hand through his silver hair in frustration. He shut his eyes tight.
“…Why did I do that?”
He ground his teeth, recalling how he’d basically defended Serena. Why? Why did I get angry? The unanswered question gnawed at him.
“Luize.”
He opened his eyes to see a professor with curly brown hair approaching.
“Professor Brian.”
It was Brian, White Bell’s supervising professor. Luize immediately bowed his head.
“Did the interviews go well?”
“Yes. I just finished.”
Though Brian was officially in charge, academy rules kept professors from interfering much with club activities. That’s why Luize had handled the recruitment first and would only now report the results.
“You must be busy with midterm prep too. Thanks for the work. And don’t worry about Samuel—I had a word with him.”
“Yes, sir.”
“So… have you decided who to accept?”
It was a little early to ask, but he was curious.
For a moment, Luize didn’t answer. His face was clouded with thought.
“If not yet, take your—”
“No. I’ve decided.”
“Oh? Who?”
Luize gave a small nod.
“I’ll submit the final name soon. Probably the strangest member White Bell’s ever had.”
He gave a faint, crooked smile. Brian tilted his head, unable to read his thoughts.
“There must be some mistake, Professor Violet.”
Before homeroom, Serena was standing in her homeroom teacher’s office, staring wide-eyed. Violet had just told her something unbelievable.
“Hard to believe, right? I was shocked too when I first heard.”
Unlike Serena, Violet looked delighted. Her eyes crinkled into half-moons behind her silver-framed glasses.
“You mean… I actually got accepted into White Bell?”
“That’s right! Isn’t it amazing? With your grades, no less! You must have done brilliantly in the interview.”
Violet clearly thought Serena had passed because of her performance. But Serena shook her head frantically. No way—she hadn’t done anything special. Every question she’d gotten was routine.
“Professor, there has to be some mistake—”
“Professor Brian told me himself this morning. The official notice will be out this afternoon.”
“…This can’t be happening.”
Serena squeezed her eyes shut. It made no sense. A D+ in White Bell? Nobody would believe it. Sure, it was exciting, but the unease outweighed the joy.
And Luize. He would never have chosen her… would he?
‘Unless… it really was him?’
That made her stomach twist even more. If the other two interviewers hadn’t picked her, then the only explanation was Luize.
Her head throbbed.
“Our Serena, really making good on that bold claim to take top student, huh?”
“Haha… yeah.”
Serena forced a laugh, looking away from Violet’s proud smile. Outside, gray clouds gathered, heavy with rain. Just like her mood.
Later, in class, Randy made an even bigger fuss than she did. Serena sat quietly, praying. Please, let fourth period never end.
But time didn’t care about her prayers. Before she knew it, classes were over.
“Serena, you’re heading straight to the study club, right?”
“…Yeah.”
“Wow, I can’t believe my best friend’s a White Bell member now!”
Serena glanced at her, tempted. “Randy, what if I just went with you today? You wanted to go to that dessert shop, right? We could—”
“What?! No way! Today’s your first day! First impressions are everything! You’ve gotta go make your mark!”
The same Randy who always begged for dessert trips was now pushing her straight toward the fire. Serena scowled at her enthusiasm.
“Do your best!”
Randy cheered with a fist pump before dashing off.
“…Sigh.”
Dragging her feet, Serena finally headed to the first floor, where White Bell’s classroom was. Soon she stood before the same imposing doors she’d entered on interview day.
I don’t know what Luize is planning. That’s what scares me most.
Her hand hovered on the doorknob, frozen. If this were any normal study group, she’d have quit already. But this was White Bell.
Her heart pounded—fear of Luize’s unknown motives, but also the thrill of being part of the most prestigious group in school. She was so lost in thought, she didn’t notice someone walking up behind her.
“Not going in?”
She jumped and spun around. Standing there was a boy she recognized all too well.
