I barely slept that night.
The hallways wouldn't let me rest. Every step beyond the wall sounded like a strike against silence. As if someone was wandering. Or — watching.
I sat by the door, listening.
And just before dawn, I understood: this was the beginning of chaos.
At the morning meeting, the faces were different. Some were frowning. Others avoided eye contact.
One small thing — and a shadow of doubt started to form between us.
"We're a team," Aoi said, trying to keep her tone calm.
"If we start suspecting each other, we'll lose before the first day ends."
"Maybe that's the point," Hayato replied. "They're testing how long we can hold together."
I noticed: he said "we," but he wasn't looking at us.
After lunch, another joint meeting took place.
This time — in a different room. Less formal. Tables pushed together, conversations quieter.
And again, Yuki Kaseda. He didn't say a word, but handed a piece of paper to a student from 2-B. Almost unnoticed.
I took note.
Later, I wandered the floor.
Found a broken pen under the stairs.
Fresh dirt marks. And in one of the empty classrooms — someone's forgotten notebook. Empty at first glance.
But between the pages — a loose sheet.
> "Don't look up. Look sideways. They're not hiding — they're waiting."
Who was it meant for? And why was it here?
When I returned, I noticed someone had gone through my bag.
They didn't steal anything. Just searched.
I said nothing. Just quietly put everything back.
Before bed, we gathered again. Fewer faces. Harder tones.
"If someone's lying — speak up now," one of the students said. "Otherwise, we'll lose on the third day."
But no one spoke.
I looked out the window. Only darkness outside.
But inside me — a strategy was already forming.
Not for victory.
But for survival.