The Cursed Blade

Anapanasati

"Oi! Wake up!" I heard a loud knocking at my door

Despite having been worked to the bone yesterday, some people still refused to properly rest.

I myself wasn't too tired, but it was still annoying being woken up in the dead of night.

I slowly crept my way to the door and looked through the peephole. It wasn't too surprising to see Ryuuen on the other side, though the blue-headed
girl next to him was a bit shocking.

"Open the door already" I heard him speak
Despite sensing no movement, they continued to wait. I would have to see what they wanted if I wanted them to leave.

They'd likely bother me during class tomorrow anyway, so I was simply speeding up the unavoidable.

I unlocked my door, and opened it ajar slightly.
"Took you long enough, let us in before we get caught" Ryueen said so, while sticking his foot through the doorway

Seeing no way out, I fully opened the door and let them into my dorm.
"Wow, this place is creepy. It's so..... Sterile. Did you even change anything about it?" Ibuki asked

"You conserving your points?" Ryuuen asked

I simply nodded at his question

"Smart choice, you'll never know when you might need them"

"You're saving up the points we received?" Ibuki asked

"Is that not what I just as- do you see what I have to deal with?" Ryuuen stared at me flabbergasted
"What the hell are you trying to say?" Ibuki shot at him

"I'm tryna say I gotta deal with your stupidity every day" he smirked

"Take that ba-"

"Is there a reason as to why you woke me up in the
middle of the night?' I quickly cut in

"I need you" Ryuuen answered

.......

.......

"Ok, I can see how that could be misunderstood. I need you to join my group" He scoffed after the awkward silence

"Why me?"

"Don't try to act all stupid, I already gotta deal with that shit daily. I know you're hella strong. Did you think that handshake was just a prank?"

"If I was strong, wouldn't I be vying for control of the class"

"Normally, you definitely would, but for some reason I don't see that out of you. You don't have the aura of a leader, maybe somethin like a black sheep?" he mused

"Even then, there's no need to secure me as an ally. I have no intention of joining this battle for dominance."

Ibuki's eyes seemed to widen at my sudden change in tone

"Kukukuku, I knew it. The way you speak, it's like you don't even put us in your eyes."

"Who said that? I'm simply going along with this absurd story you've created of me being powerful" I countered

"You don't have to respond right away. When the time is right, you'll come to me yourself. C'mon Ibuki, we won't get anywhere tonight."

With those final words, they both got up and left.

Ryuuen was interesting, there was no doubt that he knew about my strengths, however the reason for this was different than what he stated.

It wouldn't have been possible for him to gather that much from our handshake, no, the reason was much more simple; Ibuki was the one who eavesdropped on my conversation with Horikita Manabu.