The puppeteer of the elites (CoTE) ON HIATUS

Secret keeper

Horikita POV

Those eyes that he looked at me with were so... cold. However, as long as he helps me get into class A, I have no complaints. I should heed Chabashira sensei's advice, much as I dislike listening to others, I needed to know his motivation. She did give me one clue.

Flash back

As we reentered the building for shelter sensei spoke up. "He probably won't tell you his motivation even if you ask him, or force him. So maybe look at other sources, other people in your year. You may find someone useful."

With that, she left.

Flash back end

"What did she mean? Somebody useful?" I muttered, sitting down at the table, looking through my notes from class. It was now summer vacation, the most carefree part of the year. Since none of the students are allowed to return home, most are enjoying themselves at the nearby facilities, resting in their rooms or spending time with friends. I'm studying in my room since I believe that I can raise my score a little more, and make notes for study sessions next time.

I was now taking a break after showering, wondering what Chabashira sensei meant. Is it someone close to him? Like Kushida or Sakura? It's definitely not Sudo, he's an idiot. She mentioned other people in our year, so maybe someone from a different class? "Ugh... this is going nowhere..." I mumbled. Then I heard my phone ring.

I looked at the contact. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka calling. I pressed the put down button. He immediately called again. "What's his deal?" I grumbled, before putting it down again. He must have thought third times the charm and called again. This time I picked up.

"Don't you get it that I'm declining your call?" I asked, a little annoyed. "Horikita." "What is it?" "Do you Wang to go to the pool-" I hung up again.

Time skip

I left my room, putting on a sun hat and being certain to pack everything I needed. I sighed as I stepped down the stairs. "I don't want to go."

"Oh, Horikita!" I turned to the voice and saw Hirata and Karuizawa, Karuizawa clinging onto his arm as he acted perfectly fine with it. "It's been a while." He said. "Moreover, you're still alive? We haven't seen you the entire summer." Karuizawa said.

"I just don't have any reason to see you." I told her frankly. She turned away and frowned.

Karuizawa. She and Kushida each belong to the biggest factions in the class. After she started dating Hirata, her opinions have been more bearing in class.

Next is Hirata. The key person in class D. His grades are good and he's also good in athletics. He's very popular in class as well. I'm not sure why he was sent to class D.

"Horikita, you have to be able to socialise with classmates from class D sometimes." He lectured me. "There's no need. It makes more sense to spend my time to study or read books." I rebutted.

"Is that so? Let's go, Hirata. It seems like Horikita doesn't like talking to us." Karuizawa's petty nature showed as she seemed to have a tantrum and pulled Hirata away. "Bye, Horikita." Hirata said, letting himself get dragged off.

I don't need to interact with others. I've always been alone. However, why am I here?

I stood between Sakura and Ayanokoji in a sheltered area that protected us from the hot sun. "I'm so happy that you joined us, Horikita!" Kushida giggled.

Kushida. She's liked by both boys and girls. She's a model student. However, she must hate me.

"Let's try to get to know Horikita better today! Okay?" She smiled and tilted her head.