Yukihiro found Masanori by one of the entrance doors. He was tapping away at a laptop, busy on the last of the lockdown's measures.
"And where have you been? Half the dorm's looking for you, you know." Yukihiro said first.
Masanori continued to inspect the door acknowledging Yukihiro's presence passively. "I was manually locking down the dorm. You've already checked if anyone's gotten in or out, haven't you? Usually you'd text me otherwise."
"? Of course I would. But you didn't have to do it manually; you could have asked me. That's kinda my job, isn't it? Making me keep the peace instead is a bit…"
"Well I would only escalate things if I released my pheromones around," Masanori sighed, finally turning to him. "You doing it keeps the situation looking under control. And we have to keep this under control, at least from in here. Is the situation settled?"
"Beside Naoto looking for your head to put in a pike? Pretty much. But the omega students haven't let up much. I'm curious how they got so much paint into the school," Yukihiro pondered. "Did they perhaps forge the shipment supplies signature for the study room renovations?"
"We have to fix this before we can't hold them back anymore," Masanori continued. "The supplies they have might make this go on for hours."
"Ah actually, there's an easy solution," Yukihiro brought up "Apparently, all they want is a formal apology from anyone in the student council."
"That's it, just an apology? Then why don't you do it?" Masanori asked.
Yukihiro's eyes glanced away. "Why do you think? Takeshita Akira's went and gotten himself involved again."
Masanori lunged over grabbed Yukihiro's arms. "He's here!? Did you see him outside with them?"
"Ah, a little tight on the grip there, Nori…."
Masanori released him, but his glare stuck.
"Right… sorry."
Yukihiro slackened his posture and raised his hands to around the back of his neck, as if to ease the tension he still felt around his arms.
"He's here alright, and I go out there as the Council rep I am, I'll blow my cover as just a beta for him. He seems to despise Alphas quite immensely because of Naoto, so if he finds out I've been lying about being an Alpha this entire time he won't trust us anymore."
"? And?"
Yukihiro's hands left his neck. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Masanori went back to the laptop, his eyes focused on the screen, and it illuminated a harsh glare.
"If he finds out, maybe it's for the best."
Trepidly, Yukihiro returned to his old pose. "...maybe, but it might also push him away from me. And it'll be harder to keep tabs like that…"
Masanori's answer was delayed for far too long for comfort.
He looked away. "Yeah. He couldn't trust you anymore... But it can't be me either."
'If Teru were to call out in front of everyone what I did to Akira, that would cause a thousand more problems for us.' Masanori thought.
With a sigh Masanori decided. "The only ones that could do it then is either Ryusei or Tamura, and Ryusei is a big if. He doesn't normally touch omegas so it might just piss them off more to go out as our representative. We ought to find Tamura-kun then," Masanori closed the laptop, the cold glare gone. "While you're doing that, watch the outside cameras and keep anyone from approaching. By your means if necessary."
Yukihiro frowned worriedly. "Sure. I'll track him down. Until then you should continue to lay low, before you're killed by Naoto."
"He doesn't scare me." Masanori stood up.
Yukihiro shrugged. "No, I guess he doesn't. But council members ganging up on each other in the middle of a crisis doesn't seem like a good idea either."
"No, it wouldn't be. I'll reopen one of the entrances."
Masanori glanced out the window to the school, while Yukihiro checked the feed.
"Looks like you won't have to. Fortunately, Tamura-kun is already inside."
…
While Naoto waited for his summon, the students that worked directly with him began to whisper amongst themselves.
"He's not thinking straight. Calling the delinquents, here? Won't we be blamed too if something goes wrong?"
"And I'm beginning to worry about the council these days. Imada acting without Akagi and angering him like this. Won't the structure of our school life fall apart if the council members begin fighting amongst themselves? To run to those shallow wannabe delinquents, is-"
"Hah? What's that you're saying about me now?"
Suddenly many members of the delinquents appeared in the doorway.
"They actually came? W-Wait… How did you get in when we're on lockdown?!" The other students gawked.
Nagi boldly entered with a raucous scoff. "What Wakai Saisho delinquent leader doesn't know the back entrance? I moved past the omegas just like you said to, but I don't work for free." He smirked only at Naoto.
"What do you want?" Naoto growled at him.
Nagi's lifged his nose and snorted. "The Kunodanshi! I've been waiting for those omegas to strike big and hard, so I know for sure their greatest offense is here now!"
Naoto grinned. "Then after you roughhouse them we can interrogate them for answers. Since Masa so kindly lured the entire school from the area."
But Nagi's fist clenched against the desk. "No! He's not going to be down there - he would have infiltrated inside! I'm not helping until you find him, and bring him to me!"
Naoto fumed. "You fucker-! You think you have the power to control me!? You were the one looking for revenge in the first place!"
"Oh and you can do this without me? Why else did you call me when you handle them yourself? You're just the student wellness representative. Wanna punish me? Then bring Imada Masanori here!"
Naoto grit his teeth.
"...boys! Search for this wacko's omega obsession! If there is somehow ANY omega in the Alpha dorm right now, we'll find them."
…
Ren walked the empty Alpha dorm halls, avoiding the cameras as he usually does, wondering how he was going to accomplish anything.
'I never thought I would need to confront any council members like this so soon. It's only between Naoto, and Tamura. Well… even if Tamura-kun doesn't seem involved with Teru at all, maybe he can do me a favor to try to solve this? Also, another chance to grab that list of his… better than Naoto!'
Outside, only a half hour had passed. Teru lowered some binoculars and glared at the Alpha Dorm.
"Nothing still. Men: it's time for Phase two. It's time they felt our presence rather than sitting in their ivory fortress! Tell him to set it off."
BOOM!
Ren stopped. "Huh?!"
He glanced in the direction of an explosion. Soon, several students rushed by in the hall holding their noses. The approached another student and wheezed out.
"S-Stay away! A stinkbomb just went off in the kitchen!"
'A stinkbomb?' Thought Ren. 'What kind of attack is that?'
"Open the windows!" Someone said. The windows were thrown open. As soon as they had, they were pelted with balloons filled with paint. Judging by the cries echoing in the distant halls, they weren't the only ones.
Ren shook his head in shock. 'So that's what it is! Idoru was right - Teru is gonna keep escalating! I have to find Takeuchi Tamura!'
Ren ran right towards where many students began to gather, asking for Tamura.
They glared and flared their noses at him intensely like he was an affront to nature.
"It's an omega! What the fuck are you doing in here!"
'They recognize me now? Well whatever!'
"Yeah, so what? I'm here to see Takeuchi Tamura! Where is he!"
A student scowled. "First you make them stop their attack outside!!"
'I can't because I'm not involved! But like they'll listen to me!' Ren then took a deep breath.
'Ok, then it's time to bring it out!'
Ren turned away, trying to shake his nerves. Then unabashedly he turned back with a pleading pout.
"Please…? It's really important…"
The Alpha student snapped their teeth. "Tch! You think that'll work on me!! Come here!"
Ren ducked and backed away.
'My technique failed! I must have done it wrong! What was that advice he gave me again?'
Ren quickly realized he was cornered while racking his brain.
"Maybe if we hang you out the window they'll hold their fire." The student began suggesting it to the others, when someone else spoke up.
"Oi oi. Leave the guy alone, he wants to see me right?"
They paled. "Takeuchi-kun! S-Sorry..."
Tamura frowned rather plainly and glanced at the paint covered windows sordidly.
"Haruka-senpai won't like this one bit. But Akira-kun, what are you doing here right now?"
"Tamura-kun! Please, I need your help! The omega guard is attacking, but if they receive an apology from the student council they should stop! So if you could just…!"
Tamura let out a sigh and rubbed the side of his neck. "Oh geez… sorry, but I can't do that."
"Y-You can't? But why? You're a part of the council aren't you?"
"Well yeah, but I'm the youngest member. Everyone else is in their third year, and I'm only a second year. I can't act without my seniors' permission for something this important. Well, even if I could leave the building but it's been all locked up, and I just don't think they would ever accept one from me, I only plan school events and delegate some duties, so you're better off asking Naoto or Masanori or something since they actually affect the omega's with their actions."
Ren blanched. 'Ugh, that motor mouth again… but I guess Tamura can't help me. I could try to leave the dorm for help instead? But they won't have any issues with Ryusei either since he actually helps omegas with their pills, and Ruota's definitely not here to ask. Then that means my only choice is between…!'
At that moment someone grabbed Ren's shoulder, another Alpha student.
"Hey! This omega might be who we're looking for! We should take him to Watanabe Nagi!"
"Hmm… who?" Tamura meekly scratched at his head. "Sorry but I don't think he's related. So just settle down, alright?"
He smiled reassuringly to them and they finally left.
Sighing with relief, Ren glanced up at Tamura. 'He's covering for me… I knew he was a good guy after all. But Nagi is looking for me? Is it because I still haven't found the Kunodanshi for him yet?' His eyes squeezed shut. 'I'm running out of time; don't have time to look for Ishikuma Haruka anymore, it then has to be…!'
Tamura suddenly tapped his shoulder.
"If it's concerning the student council members, do you need any help in finding them?'
"Huh? No way… you know where to find them right now?"
"Well certainly. Around this time of day beside me only two of the seven student council would be in the dorm: Akagi-senpai and Hirabayashi-senpai."
Ren let out a sigh. "So not Ishikuma-kun… oh, but you know where to find Hirabayashi!?" He quickly grew excited again.
"...no I don't. Sorry." Tamura shook his head sadly.
Ren sagged. "Oh, even you… ok. Nevermind then. Where's Naoto-kun?"
Tamura pointed the way and Ren ran off with a grateful dipping bow. But then he skirted to a stop and twisted back around.
"U-Um, and I...."
He shook his head. "N-Nevermind."
He turned and left.
'I'l ask about the notebook later!'
When Ren was gone, Yukihiro emerged from around the corner.
Though it was silent, Tamura smiled knowingly at him.
"...Well you didn't expect me to let an omega in the alpha dorm be swarmed, did you? Or, Senpai - you're not jealous are you?"
"Hey hey, where did you get that idea?" Yukihiro gave a lighthearted shrug. "If I were jealous I would have done something when you made a date with him yesterday. Surprised it was only to meet Watanane though. But, Tamura," He briefly paused. "Why would you lie about not being able to make the apology?"
Tamura laughed "Well, I don't think he would understand the truth. Even if I did it, they would never accept an apology from me. I'm not their target am I?"
Yukihiro turned away, stretching his arms. "Whatever you say! Then I guess Naoto's the only choice after all. Convenient for me to not have to do anything else."
"Then, Senpai… since there are so few of us, will you get off your behind and help handle the situation? I could use some help with the rowdy crowd."
Yukihiro already began moving away. "Oh sorry, I'm a little busy…"
Tamura grabbed onto his shoulder, still smiling.
"Senpai. Don't make us look worse than we already do."
Yukihiro sighed loudly. "Cant be helped I guess…"
'He can wait for now. Naoto's calmed down by now. And Takeshita can't cause too much trouble by himself, can he?'
…
Just outside the office room, Ren peeked in from an unoccupied side into the windows. 'It's Naoto… so they ended up here.'
Inside, the students relayed what happened in the kitchen earlier.
Naoto silently gripped the table, holding back his rage. 'They planted bombs? They're trying to force us to open the windows so they can get their paint balloons inside! The Kunodanashi IS here!'
"Find that piece of shit omega scum! I want his head!! Then Watanabe can deal with the rest of those bastards before they do real damage to the dorm!!" He bellowed.
"...y-you don't actually want his head, do you?"
"No! It's a figure of speech- Just go capture the intruder!"
Ren gulped. 'They're looking for me. So if they catch me they'll just take me to the delinquent leader. I'm supposed to be using my new power, but… can this really work?'
Naoto stopped, and raised his head. His eyes looked directly towards him.
Ren felt a jolt of panic down his spine. He whirled around, but Naoto had sped over and pulled up the window and dragged him inside.
Immediately, Naoto flinched back. "Wha- You? What is- Its, you? How are you the Omega's ninja?"
"What? I'm not!" Ren shouted back.
"Yeah, I guess you're just here too. Is it actually that surprising…" Naoto kneaded his nose. "You're here for the usual reasons aren't you? You must have snuck in because you thought we were doing some kind of experiment here or something."
'Actually no, but I hate how close he is to knowing how I usually investigate.'
Waving his hand, Naoto settled down. "You'll answer my questions about WHAT is going on, then I'm kicking you out of here. Or maybe just lock you in the laundry room until this blows over. I''m not getting blamed for whatever it is you've been doing..."
"But… you can't!" Ren inched closer, and Naoto backed away. He paused, then Naoto pulled Ren closer, sniffing the air more pronouncely.
"It's what I thought. This isn't your usual scent…"
Ren blushed and gripped his arms around his chest sheepishly.
'What… what do you think my scent is supposed to be!?? I thought I didn't have one??!'
Naoto pushed him away. "It's not you… it's the paint on your clothes! What the hell are you doing with those omegas out there? It's that artificial pheromone…!"
At that moment some panicked students rushed in.
"A-Akagi-san! We just moved all the attacked students to the bath. But…!"
"But what? What's happening now?" Naoto grunted.
"Th-The paint! It has laces of faux omega pheromones! Anyone that gets hit starts to smell like an omega! At the bath, there's been...!"
Naoto let go of Ren, as his jaw went stupidly slack from horror.
Ren was confused.
'So this is some kind of humiliation game?' He pondered neutrally. 'Trying to make the Alphas feel as weak as the omegas by giving them the same smell? Hmm, but that won't change how they're still stronger than us… I don't get Teru's plan at all.'
But Naoto understood it well, and the horror boiled into fury.
'Using weak doses on betas is fine, but something strong enough to overpower an Alpha's natural scent? It's pheromone hijacking! Are they trying to send us all into early ruts? They're insane!!'
"Isolate all the affected Alphas from everyone else!" Naoto loudly commanded through gritted teeth. "And you," He glared right then at Ren, who failed to shimmy over to the door in time, the students right behind him making sure to block him for good measure.
"You're staying here! If Imada won't even come for us, then he'll definitely come for you. Then I can give him a piece of my mind!"
Ren shrunk away. 'N-No… not Masanori! It can't be, I'm actually bait this time!'