Classroom of the Elite

Part 4

It was almost about ten when I returned from Akito's room.

I had offered to help with the cleaning but all of them had refused to let the birthday boy do the work.

It didn't look like they were going to back down. So, I had no way choice but to return.

But I was also a bit happy about that fact because I had to return to my room as fast as possible as Kei might be waiting.

It was already ten. So, she must be angry.

Will I be able to handle her?

I wasn't so sure but I had to try nonetheless.

"Ah, Ayanokoji."

When I was just approaching my room, Ishizaki called out to me.

"Hmm?"

He was accompanied by Albert, Ibuki, and Hiyori.

"What's wrong?"

"Here."

All of them had a small box in their hands.

"Happy birthday, Ayanokoji-kun!"

The first one to speak was Hiyori.

She didn't have any box but two books in her hand.

She handed me that and I accepted it.

"The first one is 'The Simple Art of Murder' and the other one 'The Big Sleep'.Both are masterpieces by Raymond Chandler."

With a lovely and entrancing smile, she spoke.

Ishizaki, Albert, and Ibuki all handed me their gifts as well.

Though Ibuki didn't look exactly happy about that.

"Thank you."

"Don't worry about it. We were buying gifts for Ryuen when Hiyori told us that today was your birthday as well. So, we bought gifts for you as well."

They were buying gifts for Ryuen that means.....

"Yes, today is Ryuen-kun's birthday as well."

Sensing what I was thinking Hiyori answered.

"But to think that both of them had birthday's on the same day........"

Ishizaki voiced his amazement.

So, that meant last year when they were trying to buy a cake, that was for Ryuen, huh?

I had thought that Ryuen and I were somewhat similar. Was it because we were born on the same day? Might be it.

"Anyways, we will get going now."

Saying that they started leaving.

But Hiyori came back and approached me.

She urged me to bring my ear closer to her mouth.

"I am expecting something in return, okay."

Saying that she joined with Ishizaki and the group.

Is it just me or is Hiyori acting a bit close to me lately?

No, it must be my imagination.

After they were gone, I headed towards my room.

On the mailbox was another small and cute box.

Probably, it was a gift for me.

On the other side of the box was the name of the sender which was Satou Maya.