Horikita Route

Chapter 2 - V2

"Suzune, please stop dragging me. We're getting a lot of stares from senpais."

"Hmph. You say that, but you don't even look slightly put out."

Keyaki Mall is, in my eyes, a very wierd establishment. Hell, most of the things in this school doesn't make sense to me. If there are less than a thousand students per year in the campus, is a mall really that efficient to run?

Forty students per section, that sums up to one hundred and sixty students per year level. That's only four hundred and eighty students in any given amount of time, maximum. Subtract drop outs and expulsions, the idea of running a micro-economy sounds like a hassle for everyone involved.

I mean, surely the electricity bill for this establishment is through the roof. Combine that with the many establishments, restaurants and fast food places, it just seems highly ineffective. Just imagine all the wasted food from these places, all the perishables and the like. Japan's desperation for a better future just seeps out from this school.

The worst part is, because of the S system, only about half of the student population could truly use all these amenities to its fullest extent, as most students from Class D and C are really just trying to survive day by day with the limited amount of points that they have.

So in essence, all of these establishments are really just there to simulate reality, to tempt students both with and without money to spend their hard earned cash, just like in the real world outside. How cruel yet ingenious on the side of the government. By doing this, the future generations learn to spend wisely, to indulge in the joys of paper money and to suffer the consequences of spending too much.

That tangent aside, let's focus on what's happening to me right now.

Being dragged by Suzune, of course. What else?

"Kiyotaka, I know you hate sushi, but I really want to try some tempura and dimsum right now."

Yesterday, after our emotional talk, if you could call it that, she made me promise to take her to a food place again after not talking for so long. She called it 'compensation' or something.

"I don't necessarily hate sushi, I just don't think the texture is for me."

"Hmm... that's true. Everyone has their own tastes and likes. Anyways, can we go there, please please?"

Haaaah... Suzune, something's a bit different about you this time. I just can't really point out what it is.

"Not that I could really say no to you if you say it like that. Sure, I was craving for dumplings anyways."

Suddenly, Horikita's face adopted a cherry like expression and looked away from me. You could at least let go of your vice like grip when being shy, right?

"W-what are you even saying? You're wierd. Let's not dilly dally any longer. Let's go, knucklehead."

With a burst of speed, she brisk walked to the restaurant, completely ignoring the stares we were getting.

Getting in, we were led by one of the waiters to a table near the windowpane of the store. After getting our orders and being requested to get glasses of water, the waiter left and tended to other customers, most likely senpais and other students.

"This place screams authenticity, I loved it the first time we went here. What about you, Kiyotaka?"

"You aren't one to make small talk, especially on public places. What exactly happened to you, Suzune?"

"Ha? Don't misunderstand things. I just got used to it after tutoring the girls in our group. They never stop dawdling about boys and clothes, after all. They're the worst."