As the both of them stare deeply into each other's eyes trying to analyze one another, both of them would have to take a leap of faith with the assumption that one would not lie to another.

Sakayanagi took a deep breath and started, "I know your past because my father, the director of the school, worked with your father in the past. On a particularly busy session, my father decided to bring me to the white room so that we could have a little daughter and father time to ourselves once he had finished with his work. While waiting for my father to finish, I saw you through one of the observation glass panels. You were competing... No that's not the right word.... You were dominating the other participants in a chess session that day. With no hint of emotion, the bizarre sight had caught my attention. The way you moved your chess piece, the way you outmaneuver your opponents, the way you outsmarted your opponents. It was all too mesmerizing. It inspired me to pick up the chess board and begin playing, hoping that one day we would meet again and have a chess game that would light up that frozen heart of yours. As for what I will do with the information about your past, I'll keep it a secret to the day I die because letting others know would get in the way of our games."

Ayanokoji looks at her with suspicion yet he could not sense a trace of deception. He was honestly impressed as he didn't expect that he wouldn't be able to read Sakayanagi.

"An interesting story to be sure, and the deal does provide us with a win-win scenario in which you get the chess game you always wanted, and I get a chance to learn what I was missing. How can I be sure that you're telling me the truth?" Ayanokoji narrows his eyes slightly at the smugly grinning Sakayanagi.

"Hm? I don't know? Are you willing to take a leap of faith with me? Or do you prefer staring at me for eternity? Either way, I get to spend time with you dear friend." Sakayanagi teased causing Ayanokoji to sigh.

"You know I don't like unnecessary risks that could compromise my freedom" Ayanokoji remarks.

"Neither do I like risking my secrets and leverage over you." Sakayanagi retorted.

"Touché, I'll trust your story for now." Ayanokoji offers a handshake to which Sakayanagi accepts.

"Call me Arisu from now on, dear friend. We will be spending a lot more time together won't we~?" Arisu said in a smug tone.

"If that's what you want, you are free to call me whatever you want Arisu." Kiyotaka responded.

As Kiyotaka said Arisu's name, Arisu's cheeks began to flare up, her body temperature rises as her body tenses up. She did not expect Kiyotaka to say her name that quickly as she looks away.

Kiyotaka noticing this, decided to capitalize on this opportunity and turns the handshake into a tight grip on Arisu's hand. This causes her blush to intensify and to begin stuttering.

Eventually after a few minutes, Kiyotaka lets go of Arisu's hand as he remarks, "If you keep blushing and stuttering, the wrong message might be sent especially if others are watching you know?"

Arisu looks down and pouts. She was clearly mumbling something softly causing Kiyotaka to lean closer. As Kiyotaka leans, Arisu says, "You can be rather cunning, you tease... Please stop messing with a young maiden's heart."

Kiyotaka sighs and nods as they both silently enjoy the tea before parting ways to their respective dorms.

Author Note:
The fan fic is really gaining views that I didn't expect. I am really grateful and thankful for every single person that read and comment on it. Thank you for reading and I plan to continue writing. Please remember to give me feedback and I'll see you in Chapter 4.

P.S.: Updates may be inconsistent due to busy nature.

Image Source: https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/108200990