-Monty's POV-
"Where are the others?"
"Matsushita is bringing them." Was my dull reply to Horikita's query as she, myself and Ayanokoji all strutted down the crowded corridor.
Classes had just ended for the day and we were now on our way towards the school's library to prepare for our separate study sessions.
Earlier, these two had approached me to help them form a study group of their own. No, that's not right. It would be more accurate to say that Horikita was the one that wanted to create a group to which Ayanokoji was forcefully admitted.
I intended to delegate the task to Hirata at first, however, doing it myself proved more beneficial.
I had barely spoken to them after the second day of the first month, seeing as I was more focused on reconnaissance rather than forging bonds within the class.
At the time, doing the latter would have likely jeoprodized my chances of finding out as much as I did.
However, now that I've gotten all the necessary information, I can be more...indiscreet.
We entered the library and immediately secured two long tables. One was located in the corner of the room and another a few rows down.
"Good afternoon. Monty-kun~I brought them." Chiaki's voice travelled across the empty room as she approached me with a vibrant wave.
We were the first ones here so she saw no need to keep her voice in check.
I returned Chiaki's enthusiasm with a curt nod and watched as she sat down next to me.
Standing behind her, were the familiar faces of the idiot trio: Ike, Yamauchi and Sudo.
"Matsushita-san said you called for us. I heard you're gonna add us to your study group. Is that true?" Ike asked me, quirking a brow. I could see faint traces of hostility from his and Yamauchi's gaze.
I eyed Horikita, indicating for her to speak.
"Actually, no. You'll be added to mine." She spoke up, regarding the three with a calm gaze.
They all seemed surprised yet disgruntled by the revelation. Ike and Yamauchi in particular. They shot Ayanokoji worrying glances for some reason.
Regardless, their reactions were warranted. Outside of Ayanokoji, Horikita hadn't bothered interacting with them before, or anyone within the class for that matter.
She was notorious for being standoffish, a trait that clashed with Sudo's brash nature and the other two's perverted tendencies.
Chiaki turned to me, curious, "Is that true, Monty-kun?"
I nodded again.
She touched her chin and tilted her head slightly with a thoughtful expression, "I guess that makes sense. You've already got your hands full dealing with 6 of us so adding 3 more would become a hassle."
True. While I wasn't struggling to teach the individuals I currently presided over, that was only because I had accounted for their compatibility.
Onodera, Sato and Chiaki were outgoing and friendly with everyone they interacted with. Meaning, they had virtually no enemies within the classroom-that I know of.
Sato might have acted prickly at the start of the sessions, however, that was only attributed to her initial dissatisfaction with not being able to join Hirata's group and my answers to her questions.
Now that she's had a week to fully integrate herself, there's been no issue teaching her.
Sakura, Hondo and Inogashira, though introverted, were cooperative with the group due to their knowledge of the other group members.
The ditsy trio, on the other hand, were somewhat outcasts within the class due to their behavior and appearance. Their mere presence would make the others feel uncomfortable.
That, coupled with their lack of knowledge on any of the subjects, would undoubtedly hold the group back, possibly causing them to fail in certain scenarios.
"In any case, I'd like to set a few ground rules before we start." Horikita took center stage again.
"Ground rules?" Ike curled a brow.
Resting her elbows atop the desk, she narrowed her eyes slightly, "First, if you have no intention of studying seriously, then you may leave. Second, do not speak unless it is a question pertaining to the lesson and third, I'd appreciate it if you'd be on time."
"Tch, what are you my mother?" Sudo scowled.
"Yeah, who are you to tell us what to do?" Yamauchi added.
"Stop acting immature." Horikita sighed, "I'm doing this for your own benefit, you know?"
"So what," Ike scoffed, crossing his arms, "Even if you say that, it doesn't mean we're gonna act like some pet."
"That was not my intention. Besides, the rules aren't difficult to follow."
"Yeah, well, they are for me."
It seems Horikita won't be getting through to them anytime soon.
How tedious.
"Matsushita." I called to the girl next to me as my gaze lazily hovered over the group.
"Eh, what is it?"
"Do you have any single friends?" At that, Ike and Yamauchi perked up. Even Sudo seemed somewhat interested in the topic.
Horikita looked confused by the drastic change in topic, "What does that have-"
Cutting her off, "Yeah, I do actually. There are a few of them. What? Don't tell me you're interested~?" Chiaki donned a mischievous smirk.
"It's not like that, Horikita said that if they joined her study group she would reward whoever passed their exams with a potential partner's contact info."
"What? When did-" She was allowed no time to finish as Chiaki spoke up once more, hiding her upturned lips with a hand, "Seriously?! That's so sweet of you Horikita-san~ I didn't know you were so thoughtful."
"But it's too bad they don't seem intent on joining. I'd have helped otherwise."
"H-hey, are you guys for real?!" I nodded. "You should've opened with that first!"
After an eternity of silence, Ayanokoji chipped in, "She didn't, because it would make it seem as though she was undermining your dedication."
"Oh, yeah, sure. Whatever." Yamauchi waved him off while rolling his eyes, "Anyway, you hear that Kanji, Ken? We're getting girlfriends!"
"Horikita, all this time I though you were an ice queen, but who knew you would be such an angel!" Ike cried out in joy. As expected, they didn't seem to care much for their studies.
"Man, ion know..." Sudo muttered, "It sounds too good to be true."
"Hey, Ken. Bro. Let's just do it. You don't wanna miss out on this. Even Ayanokoji's in it, right bro?" Ike said, looking back at the aforementioned teen.
"Well yeah, I guess." Was his dull reply.
Outstretching both hands, Ike looked up to the ceiling with a zen-like yet manic expression, "Just, think about it! All we have to do is pass and we can get absolutely smothered in tits!"
"Yeah bro! C'mon! Do it for the boobs! The boobs!" Yamauchi's mouth watered as he egged him on.
"And don't forget the thighs!" Shivering Ike hugged himself.
Yamauchi snickered beside him.
Ike and Yamauchi were quite predictable. Dangle a bit of romance-or rather, lust-in front of them, and they'd obediently follow the carrot. Sudo, however, was a different matter.
Despite his rough personality, he was the most skeptic of the bunch which made him slightly more resistant to such overt manipulation tactics. But, I didn't need to influence him.
The peer pressure from his associates was more than enough to get the job done.
"Fine," Sudo finally relented with a sigh, "But if this turns out to be some scam, I'm out."
Chiaki giggled beside me, clearly amused by the entire situation. "Don't worry, Sudo-kun. Monty-kun and Horikita-san wouldn't lie to you~"
"Hahaha, cute girls, here we come!" Ike and Yamauchi's grins reached for the skies as they drifted deeper into their fantasies.
Horikita gawked at their sudden change in demeanor, a myriad of emotions flashing through her eyes before settling on a glare laced with irritance.
It was clear she wasn't fond of being roped into this, but at least she was astute enough to realize that arguing would only make her goal that much more difficult to achieve.
Afterall, she did believe the end justifies the means.
"So, ya gonna start or not? I don't have all day." Sudo voiced as he took a seat. Ike and Yamauchi mirrored his actions.
Horikita narrowed her eyes at me slightly before sighing, "Then, let's begin."
The atmosphere had changed entirely. The tension Ike and Yamauchi initially brought had dissipated, replaced by a somewhat playful, albeit still unserious, energy. However, they seemed invested enough to listen.
My gaze flitted towards the door as my group members made their way into the library, then briefly to a group of chattering males that came in a while before them. Now that the trio's compliance was secured, I saw no reason to remain.
Without someone to glue them together Horikita's group will fall apart in no time. This may make my lending aid seem pointless, however, that couldn't be further from the truth.
Getting up, I slung my bag over my shoulder, leaving Horikita and Ayanokoji to deal with their group on their own. They already had a completed lesson plan, courtesy of Horikita.
Although I'd offered her mine, she quickly rejected it. But, I didn't really intend to give her just yet. I'd only shown her so I could confirm something I was curious about.
That curiosity should be sated in the near future.
Just as I walked away, Chiaki followed along.
"That was a nice save back there." She said, "At the rate things were going, if you hadn't stepped in, I seriously doubted they'd even bother joining her study group."
"Oh, and, shouldn't I receive some sort of incentive?" She added.
"Reason?"
"I mean, I was kind of a big help just now you know. So it's a little unfair not getting anything in return."
"That's not the case. You've a free session."
"Ha, nice try, but no. That was only for bringing them, not convincing them."
"Didn't gathering them demand some for of persuasion?" I replied, glancing over at her now disgruntled expression.
She squinted at me with a slight pout, "Yeah, but that and this are on two separate occasions! You're not gonna weasel your way out of this."
I continued walking, taking a seat at the head the table as I rested my bag on the desk. I briefly mulled it over before sighing, "What do you want?"
At that, the blue eyed girl donned a smug grin as she lowered into her seat, arms crossed, "Heh. Take a guess."
Half of my lip sunk.
Seriously?
Leaning back in my chair, I skillfully pulled out a book and articulated my response, "...Karaoke."
Chiaki's eyes widened slightly, "How'd you know?"
"It was just a guess."
It definitely wasn't.
She'd already proposed such a suggestion to me once before and I rejected it. Afterwards, she said she'd invite me there another time.
This was that other time.
But I won't clarify that since I don't feel like continuing this conversation any further.
Slowly, her lips lifted into a curious grin as she rested her hands atop the desk and stared into my eyes.
"Alright, we'll go with that then. I'll shoot you a text about the details later."
I nodded.
Just then, Sato approached, "Chiaki-chan, Monty-kun, what were you two discussing just now?" She asked.
She and the others all took their seats around the table in a closckwise manner. The order was: Sakura, Hondo, Inogashira, Onodera, Sato and Chiaki with myself at the head of the table. Sakura and Chiaki were on my left and right respectively.
"Matsushita's exempt from today's study session." I informed, opening the book.
"Eh?! Why?" Sato whisper shouted.
"I wonder." Was my reply.
"Hmph." Sato grumbled, turning to the blue eyed girl who next to her, "So what's the deal, you for sure didn't answer any questions so how come you don't need to participate? Did you dig up some dirt on him or something?"
"Haha, it's nothing like that, Maya-chan. I'll tell you about it later."
"But I wanna know now~" She gasped, eyes sparkling, "—Maybe I'll get a free sesh too!"
Chiaki shook her head with a soft sigh, "You really wanna know?" Sato nodded feverishly.
Beckoning her over Chiaki whispered in her ear. I watched as Sato's excited face slowly dropped into a deadpan.
"Seriously? That's all?" She asked.
Chiaki nodded, "Yep, that's all."
Sato sighed, seemingly bummed.
"I thought it was gonna be something juicy."
"I already told you it's nothing like that." The blue eyed brunette added airily.
"This isn't fair. I wanna skip study too..."
"It's alright Maya-chan, it's alright." Chiaki soothed playfully while patting the girl on the back.
Prying my book open, I ignored the two friends and flipped to the page with information on the topic I'd be covering today.
My eyes lifted for a moment, spying an unsuspecting red head who was seated quietly in place.
-.-
-Ayanokoji's POV-
"I've included most of what will be covered on this test. Even though we've started a week late, I plan to thoroughly walk you through everything. If you don't understand something, please ask." Was Horikita's words to Ike, Yamauchi and Sudo.
Courtesy of Monty and Chiaki's little scheme, we managed to stop the trio from walking out on us. Now, all that's left was to ensure that remained the same.
Sudo snorted, "Well, I don't get the first question. Explain it to me."
I tried reading the first problem as well.
"A, B and C collectively have 2,150 yen. A has 120 yen more than B does. Also, after C gives B two-fifths of his money, B would have 220 yen more than A. How much yen did A have originally?"
A problem with simultaneous equations, huh? The first question should have been one that a high school student could easily solve.
"Try thinking about it. If you give up at the beginning you won't get anywhere."
"Look, I don't know how to study at all." Sudo said.
"Everyone got into this school."
This school didn't accept people based solely on test scores, though. Sudo had most likely been accepted because of his exceptional physical ability. If you look at it that way, wouldn't he likely be expelled because of bad grades?
"Ugh, I don't get it either." Ike, equally bewildered, scratched his head.
"Do you understand, Yamauchi-kun?" Horikita asked.
He quirked a brow with a near incredulous look, "Huh, should I?"
Sighing, Horikita picked up her pen and got to work. "Listen up. This can be easily solved using a system of simultaneous equations."
Unfortunately, her efforts were in vain. None of them seemed to understand.
"What even are simultaneous equations?" Asked Ike.
Horikita was starstruck by their apparent stupidity, "Are you seriously asking that?"
He shrugged, "I don't know what it means so I'm asking."
Wow, these guys had never really studied at all, it seemed.
Taking a deep breath, Horikita replied, "Fine. A simultaneous equation is an equation that involves two or more unknowns that are to have the same values in each equation. You get it now?"
"Yeahhh, how 'bout no." Ike said.
"Right? Somehow I'm even more confused now." Yamauchi added.
Narrowing her eyes, she picked up her pen once more, "I'll work it out for you again, so listen closely."
"Like I said, this problem can be solved by simply using a system of simultaneous equations." Quickly, she wrote down three equations. It looked like the others were trying their best but it seemed hopeless. This was more like a detention than a study group. They didn't seem to understand her methods in the slightest.
"-which means the answer is 710."
"Ohhh." Yamauchi nodded while stroking his chin, drawing Horikita's gaze.
"Did you get it?"
"Nope."
"And you?" She turned to Ike.
"Nadda."
Caressing her forehead, Horikita sighed, again. She looked as if she had inhaled something unpleasant, "I'm sorry, but you're all far too ignorant and incompetent. If you can't solve this problem, I shiver at the thought of what the future will bring."
Sudo slammed his hand on the table and stood up. He scowled as if he was going to argue but bit back his words and began packing his bag.
"I knew it. This just isn't gonna work. You guys can stay. I'mma head off to training."
"Pitiful. Running away simply because a question posed a slight challenge? I'm inclined to believe you've lived your whole life like that." Were Horikita's prickly words.
Sudo glared at her, raising his voice, "Say whatever you want, but studying's useless. I don't know why I let that guy talk me into this to be honest. I don't need this shit to become a pro basketballer."
"Incorrect." She immediately countered, "Once you've learned to solve these kinds of problems, your entire life will change. In other words, studying increases the probability of solving the problems you face. It's the same principle as basketball. I wonder if, so far, you've been playing by your own set of rules."
"When you struggle in basketball, do you run away from it like you do from studying? With a mentality like that, I doubt you take basketball seriously. Were I your advisor, I wouldn't let you on the team."
"Tch!" Sudo got in close and reached for Horikita's collar, "Shut it, you don't know anything!"
"H-hey, wait. Ken! Chill out!" Ike shouted as he and Yamauchi tried to hold him back. Horikita, however, did not seem intimidated in the slightest. In fact, she became even harsher with her words.
"That's quite the assumption. You don't interest me in the slightest, but I can tell what kind of person you are just by looking at you. You want to play professional basketball? Do you honestly believe you can make such a childish dream come true in this world?"
"A simpleton like you who gives up right away could never hope to go pro." She met his heated gaze with an icy stare of her own.
"Furthermore, even if you manage to become a professional player, I doubt you'd earn an annual income sufficient enough to live on. You're a fool to have such unreasonable aspirations."
"You!" His eyes narrowed like daggers as he slowly broke out of his restraints.
"Just let it go man, she's not worth it!" Ike and Yamauchi did their best to hold him in place, but due to the difference in physical strength, it proved quite difficult.
It was clear that Sudo was on the brink of losing control. If he broke free, I'd have to wrestle him down.
"So, you're just going to immediately give up on studying or on school in general? Then discard your dreams of playing basketball and toil away at a pitiful part-time job." Horikita's harsh words hit like a technical knockout.
Even I felt somewhat hurt by it and I wasn't even in her line of fire.
"ALRIGHT! THAT'S IT!!" Sudo growled, tossing Ike and Yamauchi aside before quickly closing in on Horikita with his fist poised to strike.
I outstretched my hand and locked our elbows, subsequently halting his forward advance, "Sudo, do you really want to do this?" I held his hand firm so he couldn't pull free.
He gritted his teeth.
"Dammit, get outta my way!" Sudo shouted, while reeling back and setting up for another strike.
I prepared to trap him in a standing arm lock, however, as I went to subdue him, someone else beat me to it.
"Sudo," Monty coo'd, "Calm down."
His glass guarded gaze peered into mine with a golden mystique.
He had his hands neatly secured around Sudo's neck in what seemed to be a carotid chokehold. His motion was as fluid as a cobra with an execution that mirrored perfection.
Sudo tried to break free, but the more he resisted, the worse he was making it for himself. He seemed to realize this and begrudgingly stopped all movements.
"Fine...Just let me go." He was still irritated.
Both of us obliged and gave him space.
Sudo glared at Horikita before his gaze flitted to Monty and then myself.
Clenching his fists and clicking his tongue, he snatched up his bag and stormed off, "I'm outta here! Don't bother callin' me again a'ight?"
We all watched in silence as Sudo pranced out of the library and headed to training.
"You know, it's normally Ken's fault that things go south, but this one's all on you. I thought it was weird for someone like you, who doesn't have any friends, to put this study group together. You probably just wanted to call us stupid didn't you?" Yamauchi voiced his thoughts with a frown.
"I wouldn't deem you as such had any of you actually tried." Was her reply. She really didn't know how to hold back did she.
Yamauchi scoffed, clearly offended, "You know what? Screw rewards, I'm done too!"
"Me too. Partly cause I can't deal with studying, but mostly cause I'm annoyed. You might be smart, Horikita-san, but that doesn't mean you can act like you're better than us." Ike, clearly fed up, threw in the towel as well.
"I don't care if you get expelled, do what you want." Horikita said. Flashing a frown, the ignorant duo left.
And just like that, our first study session became our last.
This has become quite troublesome.
"So, what'll you do now?"
"Nothing." Was her curt reply, "This was just a waste of time. Even if I'd helped them there would have been no difference. We'd have to go through this irritation all over again."
"You're saying it's better to let them get expelled?" I asked.
"Precisely. You agree too, don't you?"
"Well, I don't want to toss them to the wolves or anything, but I'm not the tutor. There's nothing I can do about it." I decided on that. I looked over my shoulder, "How about you?"
"I disagree." Monty replied, adjusting his glasses with his thumb.
"And why is that?" Horikita asked with a slight edge in her voice.
"Because the class will suffer a loss." Was his answer.
"What are you babbling about? You're implying that losing academically inept students will result in a loss? That's nonsensical."
Ignoring the edge behind Horikita's words, Monty calmly posed a question while looking off to the side, "Depending on our actions we'll either gain, lose or retain points." His attention returned to us.
"That said, if someone fails the midterms, which of the three is most likely to happen?"
Putting it like that, the answer was obvious.
"We would lose points." I said.
He nodded.
Horikita fell silent. She seemed to be ruminating over the question to find some sort of flaw in his logic.
She crossed her arms with a slight frown, "I admit, your argument is logical. Even so, that's ultimately speculation on your part despite it being a possibility." Finding none, she decided to counter with that logic.
"Denying my words won't make them any less true, Horikita." He replied.
She swiftly defended herself, "That's nothing for you to be concerned about, Monty-kun. Besides, I don't need the help of others to reach Class A. I'm just fine on my own."
"Do you truly believe that?"
"I'm confident in my capabilities." She said without a hint of hesitation.
Monty seemed amused by her boldness. He was probably mocking her in his head aswell. I could infer as much due to how mercilessly blunt he was with his counter.
"I suggest you reevaluate your...capabilities. With a naive mindset like yours, you may very well end up stuck in a rut without anyone to pull you out if you don't try to change. Reaching Class A would be the least of your worries then."
She narrowed her eyes scathingly while slowly tightening her fists.
"Your concerns are unwarranted, Monty-kun." Horikita stood firm in her belief, "In any case, I won't be helping those fools any further after today. That I can say for sure."
"I doubt that. Contact me when you're ready." Saying that, Monty placed both hands into his pockets and casually went back to his group.
He probably realized that getting through to her as is was impossible and decided it was pointless to continue conversing further.
More importantly, I suppose I'm free now that the study group has ended.
"Are you going back to your dorm?" Horikita asked.
"I'm going to find Sudo and the others and have a chat with them."
"There's nothing to be gained from associating with people who'll likely be expelled soon."
"I suppose it would seem that way, to you atleast. Going by Monty's logic though, their stay here is paramount. Besides, I just want to talk to my friends. Do you have a problem with that?"
"I don't, however, I thought you said they were more like acquaintances, or was that another lie?"
"Technically, an acquaintance falls under the category of a friend, albeit distant."
I proceeded to change the topic, "Anyway, shouldn't you atleast try to understand Sudo's situation? If he only hoped to become a professional basketball player, then choosing this school makes little sense. Don't you think you'll understand him better if you considered his reasons for enrolling?"
"Not interested." Horikita dismissed me and returned to her textbook. Alone.
-.-
I wondered what was going to happen to the others. Honestly, a part of me felt like it wasn't my problem.
Back in my room, I started to watch some kind of variety show with a feeling of complete apathy. Glancing at my phone, I saw I had a message from the group chat.
The messages read Sato's joining the group. Sato was a particularly high spirited girl in our class.
[Hiya! Ike-kun invited me to join when we were talking earlier.] - Sato
With nothing to contribute, I didn't respond and continued reading.
[I saw what happened. Horikita's really frustrating, huh? Luckily Sudo-kun didn't hit her. That would've been bad.] - Sato
[I was super pissed at her too. But yeah, I'm glad he didn't. For all we know we could have lost points cuz of it.] - Ike
[That's what I'm saying, but she really did seem annoying though. I wonder how Ayanokoji-kun deals with her.] - Sato
[Ayanokoji's all obsessed with her, so he's probably on cloud nine. Ahahaha, if I was in his place, I would've ignored her] - Yamauchi
[Ha, I've always ignored her lol] - Sato
[I kind of want to hit her with some payback. Bully her a little and make her cry, you know? Do something like hide her shoes.] - Yamauchi
[Haha, what are you, kids? Lol lol lol, but I do kind of what to see her squirm] - Ike
Soon after Sato joined the group chat, Horikita seemed to become the main topic of discussion.
[Hey, Ayanokoji, you're reading the chat aren't you? Who's side are you on Ours or Horikita's?] - Yamauchi
I suppose everyone's irritation with Horikita was inevitable. If you treat others the way Horikita did, you'd inevitably be disliked. But I couldn't understand how anyone could condone ignoring her or hiding her things. That was bullying, and acting like that would leave little difference between them and Horikita.
[Oi, Ayanokoji] -Yamauchi
[I'm on no one's side. If you guys want to bully her, I won't stop you.] - Ayanokoji (ME)
[So, you're neutral. The craftiest answer lol] - Ike
[Think whatever you want, but you won't gain anything from this. If the school learns you're bullying her, it'll cause trouble for you. Keep that in mind.] - Ayanokoji (ME)
[So you're sticking up for Horikita, huh? Haha.] - Ike
Because we couldn't see each other face to face, it was easier for them to be jerks. If Ike and I were having this conversation in person, I doubt he'd act this way.
However, by focusing their anger on Horikita, the others were building solidarity. It would be a waste of time to continue pointlessly chatting like this. I decided to bring this conversation to a halt.
[If Kushida heard about this, she'd probably hate you lol] - Ayanokoji (ME)
After I sent that message, I closed my phone. I received an immediate response but left it alone. Those guys probably wouldn't do anything stupid and Sato likely wouldn't do anything without the others' cooperation.
I opened my window, listening to the insects buzzing from the nearby trees. Did the kibukirigisu grasshoppers make that high pitched chirping, I wondered? The gentle night breeze rattled my window.
I'd met Horikita on the first day of the entrance ceremony. We'd just so happened to be placed in the same class and then I was assigned the seat next to hers. Before I knew it, I'd become friends with Sudo, and Ike. Then, our class ended up overtaking Class C, becoming the new Class C. Horikita had tried to elevate the class' status even further, but her personality made that extremely difficult, and, in turn, further pushing her into isolation. Now others grow excited at the thought of bullying her.
I should've been at the center of this situation, and yet I feel like I was drifting past it.
No, drifting's the wrong word. It wasn't a pleasant situation. It felt like I was in a haze, because I didn't know the urgency of near expulsion. This was everyone's problem, not mine, so it just didn't register as important.
"Only a fool wouldn't use his innate abilities."
Those words stuck in my head.
"A fool, huh? I wonder if that's what I am after all?"
As I closed the window, the television's cacophonous laughter pierced my ears.
-.-
The time was now 8:30.
I'd stayed up until now watching the variety show on television. It wasn't particularly interesting or anything. I was simply bored out of my mind.
Seeing as I had nothing to do, I got up and went to bed.
9:20
I couldn't sleep.
I'm not exactly sure of the reason though. The bed wasn't uncomfortable, at all, in fact. Even though I may not be tired, lying down doing nothing should have made me doze off by now. So why couldn't I sleep?
Maybe I'd developed a guilty conscience?
Getting up, I exited my room and took the elevator down to the first floor's vending machine. Stepping out into the lobby, I purchased a drink and headed back to the elevator.
I was still in my uniform. I hadn't bother to change out of it earlier because I didn't feel the need to. Tomorrow was a weekend anyway so it didn't really matter whether or not I did.
I looked up. "Hmm?"
The elevator had stopped on the 8th floor. Curious, I decided to check the CCTV stationed at the side to see who its might be. It was Horikita. And, like me, she was still dressed in her school uniform.
I wonder what she's up to this late at night.
While seeing her might be a bit awkward right now, I didn't really see much of a reason to hide so I decided to stand out in the open.
Soon after, she arrived on the first floor and met my gaze. Her eyes widened.
"Hey." I greeted.
"Ayanokoji-kun?" Her voice almost lodged in her throat, "What are you doing here?"
To answer her question, I lifted the juice can in my grasp and gently shook it, "I was thirsty so I came to get a drink. What about you?"
She took a quick scan of the lobby before releasing a calming breath and addressing me once more.
"I have business to attend to." She said, walking past me with a smooth yet brisk motion, "With that said, goodnight."
"Wait." She glanced back, "What kind of business?"
Upon voicing my query she levelled me with an icy glare. "That should not concern you, Ayanokoji-kun."
Scary.
"Ah, right. See you later then." Following my reply, she promptly turned and left.
Whatever Horikita had planned to do must've been quite important, seeing as she was in such a rush to get there.
I looked over to the emergency door that had been left open by around a quarter of an inch. It looks like the warden had forgotten to close it before turning in earlier.
Anyhow, I wonder what she's up to. When she left, she didn't turn toward the direction of the library, so I immediately discarded the assumption that she was looking for a new book to read and instead, entertained the thought of her sneaking out to meet someone.
I stared up at the ceiling in disbelief, "Wait, could she be meeting a guy...?"
It was plausible.
Afterall, according to the internet, this was a common practice among highschoolers who had taken an interest in those of the other gender. While I couldn't quite picture such a scenario at the moment, that doesn't mean she wouldn't.
Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided to go investigate. I stepped outside and wandered into the direction I saw her go.
"Suzune, I didn't think you'd follow me this far."
So she really was meeting a guy.
"Hmph, I'm far different from the useless girl you once knew, brother. I came here to catch you."
"Catch me, hmm?"
Brother? Even though I knew it was her older brother. In the dark, I couldn't quite make out how he looked.
"I heard you were placed in Class D. I suppose nothing has really changed in the last three years. You've always been fixated on following me, and as a result you don't notice your own flaws. Choosing to come to this school was a mistake."
"That's... You're wrong about that. I'll show you. I'll reach Class A then-"
"It's pointless. You'll never reach class A. While your class has defeated the odds once and been promoted, they'll fall apart soon enough."
"No, I will definitely reach-"
"I told you, it's pointless."
Saying that, Horikita's older brother stepped into the light. From my crouched position, I could see him plainly.
It was Student Council President Horikita Manabu. He displayed no hint of emotion. It was like he was staring at an uninteresting object. He grabbed his younger sister by the wrist and pushed her against the wall. She offered no resistance.
"No matter how I try to avoid you, the fact remains that you're my little sister. If people around here learned the truth, I would be humiliated. Leave this school immediately."
"I-I can't do that... I'll definitely reach class A. I'll show you!"
"You just never learn."
"Brother I..."
"You have neither the abilities nor the qualities needed to reach Class A. Get that through your head."
He slowly pulled back his free hand while moving forward.
It seems he was going to get physical.
Leaping out of my hiding place, I closed in on their position with impressive speed and swiftly twisted her brother's raised arm behind his back to prevent him from throwing any sudden counters-or atleast, that's what I imagined would've happened.
In reality, I made to move but my knees unfortunately buckled beneath me, leading to my dropping my juice can.
It clinked loudly upon impact with the ground and rolled a good distance into the open before stopping.
The illumination of the light post graced its aluminum curvature and so did the eyes of the President.
"Who's there?" He asked.
"Oops. Sorry."
A moment later I walked out of my hiding spot and retrieved my can, "I was just throwing it in the trash and-OH, my bad."
I averted my gaze, feigning shock at seeing their rather suggestive positioning, "Am I interrupting something?"
Due to my reaction, the elder Horikita quickly lowered his hand and released her. He then proceeded to ignore my question and address his sister as if I wasn't there.
"At any rate, Suzune, I suggest you leave this school voluntarily." He regarded her with a gaze that made her shrink while speaking in a low, ominous tone as he leaned in, "Should you refuse to heed my warning then I won't be as lenient with you when next we meet."
The younger female sent a brief, shame filled glance my way before pursing her lips and slightly raising her head.
"No matter what you say I...I won't give up on making it to Class A." Her voice was meek yet her prideful nature shone through regardless, "I'll do it by myself if I have to and prove to you that I'm better than you think."
I watched the President's brows tighten for the most minute of instances before returning neutral.
He turned around. "I see. Have it your way then."
Saying that, he began to walk away but before he'd actually covered any significant distance he paused, his back still turned.
"By the way, what's your name?"
Even though he wasn't looking, it was quite obvious that his question was aimed at me.
"Oh, I'm Ayanokoji Kiyotaka." Came my curt answer.
"Ayanokoji... From the current Class 1C, correct? What is your relationship to Suzune?"
He knows me? I took a few steps forward until I was about 3 feet away from Horikita, "Well, I'd like to think we were friends."
"I'd advise you to erase that thought, Ayanokoji-kun. We're just seatmates...I don't need friends."
Ouch.
She didn't look even look at me when she spoke.
Probably because she felt too ashamed to face me in her current state.
"Even now you still confuse solitude with independence. Pathetic."
From his younger sister's expression, I could tell the President's remark managed to cut deep. Seeing her like this, I felt a little pity for her.
Anyhow, after spouting such a harsh truth, Horikita Manabu posed another question.
"Since this school's inception this was the fastest Class D's been promoted. Do you know why that is?"
There was a brief silence and a steady gust of wind.
"There is an exceptional product within that pile of defectives." He said.
"Ah," I glanced up, raising a finger in thought, "You must be referring to Hirata. He's the one who found out about the S-system and told the class so it definitely has to be him."
The president hummed to himself regarding me with a sharp sideway glance, "You must be joking."
"Why? Was he not the one?" My head tilted to the side, feigning confusion.
The man before me inspected my unchanging expression then slowly adjusted his glasses.
"That remains to be seen."
He continued his on trod after that and quickly disappeared into the night.
I glanced the way I came from before looking back to Horikita who sat up against the wall, her head hanging low.
Maybe I'd made things worse by getting involved.
I was about to return to the dorms when Horikita called out to me.
"Did you hear everything or was it just a coincidence that you were nearby?" She inquired softly.
"No, not really. I was kind of curious about what business you had so late at night so I followed you. However, my involvement was purely accidental." I replied truthfully.
Horikita didn't say anything, instead, she continued staring at the ground. Her eyes were narrowed but the dejection in then hadn't waned ever since her brother's earlier criticism of her mentality.
"You saw a strange side of me today..." She said, standing upright and straightening out her clothes.
This must be a common occurrence within their sibling relationship.
It certainly would explain why she's so calm about it.
"Honestly, I wouldn't say it's so strange. If anything, seeing you like this makes me realize that you're just a normal person like everyone else."
She glared at me for saying that but didn't bother to address my statement and simply began walking away.
"Let's go...If anyone sees us, they might get ideas."
"Ideas?" I tilted my head, "What, like dating?"
"Yes, like dating." Her reply was nonchalant and to the point.
"Hey, Horikita." I caught up to her.
The two of us had begun our trek back to the dorms, so I decided to strike up a conversation. This seemed like the perfect scenario for such a thing.
"What do you want, Ayanokoji-kun?"
"Were you really okay with how the study group went?"
"Why are you asking me? I was the one who proposed holding it in the first place. Besides, I get the feeling you considered it a hassle. Am I wrong?"
"It just left a bad taste in my mouth. Look, I think things are going to get worse with the others."
"I don't care. I'm used to it. Besides, there are multiple study groups for them to join. Hirata-kun has picked up most of the failing students. He knows how to study, he seems to get along with the others, and, unlike me, he'll be a good tutor."
"The same could be said for Monty-kun, Yukimura-kun and Wang-san."
She continued her speech.
"At the very least, the students with them should all pass. It was pointless to try teaching the failing those three myself. We would go through this scenario for every test until graduation. It would be pointless to try making up for their failure every single time."
She does raise some good points, but...
"Unfortunately Sudo and the others don't like Hirata nor do they seem to get along with the others."
"Aside from Monty's, I don't realistically see them participating in another study group. Even if they did join up with him though, I doubt they'd remain for long."
Her lips lifted into a partial sneer. "Regardless, their decisions have nothing to do with me. Besides, if they're facing expulsion, they shouldn't grumble about trivial nonsense. If they don't get closer to the tutors they'll be expelled."
"My goal is to reach Class A." She said, her tone somewhat shaky yet resolute, "I don't care about anyone else. Really, if we dump the failures on this next midterm, then the better students will be left. That's what I need, correct? In that case, attaining a higher rank will be simple. Everything will work out perfectly."
Horikita was rather talkative tonight. Though, I suppose it works out for me in the end. If I didn't breach this topic tonight, I doubt I'd get another chance.
"But Horikita, isn't that way of thinking flawed?" I said.
"How so?" She regarded me with a derisive snort, "You're not going to give me some gibberish that there's no future for some who would abandon her classmates, are you? Or will you use Monty-kun's argument to tell me that there's no advantage in doing so?"
"Relax. I know you well enough to know that you don't really understand me." I informed, lifting my gaze to the star studded sky.
"Anyway, I agree with Monty. The school has deducted points for late arrivals and other activities so what reason is there for the same to not apply to expulsion?"
Her eyes widened slightly. "That's-"
She wasn't allowed to raise a rebuttal.
"It may be speculation. However, if you think about it, isn't it possible?"
My brown eyes slowly descended upon her figure as we stepped into the building, "100 points? 1000 points? They might even deduct 10,000 or 100,000 points. If that happens, it'll be very difficult for you to reach Class A."
Horikita's brows furrowed, "Even if there are potential unknown negatives, I'm convinced that leaving them to their fates is for the betterment of the class."
"Do you really think it's okay? Seeing as two individuals ranked lower than you academically had already come to the same consensus that doing so was detrimental, don't you think it's possible the students from the other classes might have as well?"
"If we go along with your idea and cut off all the failing students, then starting next month 7 members will be gone. The other classes will end up having an overwhelming advantage in numbers in that case."
"I'm sure someone as smart as you wouldn't overlook such a frightening risk." I continued my speech, my ever monotone voice raising slightly, "If you had, then you would've just abandoned the failures from the very beginning."
I had started to sound worked up. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I was. Its understandable. Afterall, she stubbornly rejected anything that didn't agree with her way of thinking.
Maybe this feeling could also be attributed to my selfish desire of not wanting to see her come to regret her decision. Subconsciously, I may have even started viewing Horikita as a friend.
"Wouldn't you regret not abandoning them when we further increase our points? Right now, it's a risk that we should take." Saying that, Horikita moved to board the elevator. However, before she stepped inside, I grabbed her wrist.
Leaving her with her current mindset wasn't the best decision. It would be counterproductive.
"Do you really think there's no merit in keeping them?" I asked, "Do you only think in terms of gain and loss?"
"Is that bad? People are calculating creatures, for the most part. If you sell, you receive money. If you do someone a favor, that debt of gratitude will be repaid. By giving up a seat to the elderly, you gain the joy of contributing to society. Am I wrong?"
"No, I don't think you're wrong..." I said, meekly glancing in the direction of the emergency exit before staring into her eyes dejectedly.
Atleast, that's how I tried to look.
"In fact, I think the same thing..."
I'd seen Kushida do something similar in her various talks with Horikita in an attempt to gain sympathy.
Sympathy that would hopefully tug at the heart of this immovable ice queen currently standing before me.
The only logical explaination I can propose as to why her attempts failed is that the latter harbors a particularly strong aversion for the former for reasons that were currently beyond me.
In my case, that wasn't important. I could tell that, in the current scenario, she would subconsciously be more considerate of my perceived 'feelings' so I couldn't pass up this opportunity.
"But, keeping to that belief requires one to maintain a broad perspective. Like Monty said, I think you should reevaluate your capabilities. It's...blinding you." My hold on her wrist tightened just barely, but it was more than enough to get the point across.
I was worried and I wanted to help. That was the picture I had painted within her mind.
Her expression faltered for a split second before hardening again. It was more effective than I thought it would be.
"Who do you think you are? Do you even have the ability to find fault with me?"
Her voice was stern and mildly mocking, but I didn't miss the worry slowly seeping in. That uncertainty which caused her gradient crimsons to dilate; if only for a moment.
"I..." I squeezed her hand as I lowered my head, "I don't know what abilities I have. But I see what you don't..."
I took a breath and gradually lifted my head, "It's the one flaw of the seemingly perfect person known as Horikita Suzune."
Our gazes met and her eyes widened briefly as she took a half step back. She looked to be experiencing not only shock, but denial and a hint of fear as well.
Fascinating.
Catching herself, she suppressed a scowl while glaring at me with formed fists. "If you think I have a flaw, say it." Was what her eyes said.
And so, I obliged.
"Your flaw..." I began, looking away, "You flaw is that you think of everyone else as a burden and so you detach yourself, never letting anyone come close.
"Haven't you ever considered the possibility that you were placed in the current Class C because you consider yourself superior to everyone?"
"It's almost as if you're saying I'm the same as Sudo-kun and his group." She muttered.
"Are you saying that you aren't equal?"
"Yes. It's obvious if you look at our test scores. That's proof enough that they're mere baggage for our class to carry."
She still stubbornly believed that academics was the only criteria for entry.
"If we're talking about studying...then yeah. No matter how hard they worked, they likely couldn't catch up with you."
She looked content, "So you agree-"
"However." I cut her off. "We know that this school doesn't only focus on intelligence. Suppose that the next exam was related to sports. The results would be different then. Am I wrong?"
"That's-"
"You're physically capable, Horikita. There's no denying that."
"From your swimming, I can tell that you're one of the most capable girls in the class. Superior even."
"However...We both know that Sudo's physical abilities yours by a lot. Ike has better communication skills than you. If the test took the form of a discussion, Ike would certainly be useful."
I moved my brows, attempting to adopt a pained expression, similar to what Kushida wore but without the smile.
I could tell that I'd just barely managed to accomplish this feat from how incredibly minute Horikita's physical reaction was.
"By excising them, you'd most likely bring down the class average. So, does that make you incompetent? No. Every individual has his or her own strengths and weaknesses. That's what it means to be human."
"This is all just conjecture. It's nothing more than armchair speculation." Horikita threw my words back at me, but she seemed stuck.
"Think back to what Chabashira-sensei said. When she called us to the teacher's office, she said: 'Who exactly decided that smart people are categorically superior?' From that, we can infer that academic ability isn't the only requirement for enrollment."
After having all of her points shut down one after the other, Horikita averted her eyes, looking around as if in search of a way she could weasel her way out of the conversation. Of course, I wouldn't allow that.
"You said you wouldn't regret abandoning the students who failed, but you would. You would feel a great deal of regret if Sudo and the others were expelled."
Horikita looked into my eyes. She still seemed to be searching for a way out. At least, that was the impression I got from the gradual pursing of her lips.
"You're rather talkative today. It's unusual for someone who dislikes trouble to talk so much."
"You're probably right about that. But, the same is true for you, isn't it?" I responded with a rhetoric.
There was no use in her trying to change the topic as I'd just skim over it and steer it back to the original topic of discussion.
I'm sure she's realized this as well which means, she's essentially forced to acknowledge my points.
"It's frustrating, but you're basically correct. I have to concede that point."
It seems she's finally given up on escaping.
"However, I still don't understand you..." She continued, pursing her lips, "Why did you work so hard to convince me...You aren't usually this determined so I want to know the real reason."
Her formed fists gradually loosened as she searched my eyes for an answer, "Is it for points? To rise up by another class level? Or is it to save your friends?"
Her curiosity is understandable, considering I hadn't put this much effort into anything before.
Ultimately, I decided to respind with the truth.
"Because I want to know what a person with true merit looks like. What is equality? I came to this school to find answers to those questions."
"Merit, Equality..." Horikita seemed to take a while to mull over my words before regarding me with hard eyes, "Could you let me go?"
"Oh, sorry." I released her and she turned to me fully, staring directly at me. She sighed.
"As much as I hate to say it... You've convinced me." She started, extending her arm, "I'll look after Sudo-kun and the others, but for my own sake. I'll make sure that they don't get left behind, but only as a means to secure an advantage for our future. Okay?"
"Don't worry... I didn't think you'd do it any differently. That's just like you."
Her gaze softened by a millimeter. "We've come to an arrangement, then." Shaking Horikita's hand, I watched as she boarded the elevator.
Before heading inside the vertical transport as well, my gaze veered off to the closed emergency exit.
I briefly ruminated on what just took place while opening the top of my drink by lifting the tab and taking a well needed sip of my cool beverage.
Refreshing.
I walked in and the elevator door closed. My center of gravity shift slightly as the elevator began to slowly lift.
Now that I've secured Horikita's involvement, I should figure out how to deal with that person. If not properly handled, they might pose a bit of a problem down the line since they know about me.
Although, if my guess is correct then they won't be making a move anytime soon as I haven't done anything warranting any serious thought.
Which means my time will be better spent on dealing with more important tasks at the moment.
Horikita and Kushida's relationship for example.
How quickly it progresses depends entirely on that useless isolationist mentality of hers.
However, surely with so many critics pointing it out she'll eventually get rid of it. I'd prefer sooner it happens rather than later.
I looked over at Horikita who quickly averted her gaze before glancing back at me.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, "What?"
"What do you mean what?" I muttered, "You were staring at me first."
"What reason would I have for that?"
"You tell me."
Horikita's arms crossed under her bossom while she closed her eyes. I watched as a light smirk graced her lips before fading away just as quickly.
While sipping on my drink the elevator door dinged open. "I guess this is my stop. Later Horikita."
I stepped out but my attention was soon brought back by a call.
Beep
"Ayanokoji-kun."
"Hm?" I turned around and out of the corner of my eye I saw her lips move but no sound came out.
Tilting my head, "Huh?"
"Drinking that won't put you to sleep."
"I know, but could you repeat what you said before? I couldn't quite hear you."
"What are you on about? I never said anything. I only called you by your name."
Unfortunately, Horikita didn't bother to repeat what she said out loud.
Instead, she allowed the elevator door to close in my face while wearing something akin to a mocking grin the entire time.
I stood in place and watched as the number on the indicator slowly increased. Soon after that I began heading towards my room while observing the liquid stirring within its container.
'Thank you' huh... who'd have thought she had it in her.
If she's willing to say that, though not to my face, it's safe to say I'm no longer just a classmate within her mind. I might have even skipped past the acquaintance stage entirely considering my earlier performance.
My facial muscles twitched at that.
Even though it was physically impossible, I would like to think I was wearing a smile at this moment.