COTE - The Devilish Conqueror

Planting a Seed

The next morning, students from class D busily exchanged information with each other. Those from Hirata’s group and those with Kushida had spent yesterday searching for the witness. Ike and Yamauchi hated ladies’ men like Hirata, but seemed excited about all of the girls who hung around him. They happily tried to chat them up.

As I listened in, though, I heard that Hirata and his group hadn’t obtained any valuable information. They had recorded the names of the people to whom they had spoken, and occasionally taken notes on their cell phones.

Dismissing them for now, I glanced at Sudou, who faked sleeping, and Sakura. It was clear that the two of them looked so awkward as they tried to ignore each other but I was glad that Sudou wasn't being reckless this time.

Before the meeting today, I called Sudou for a brief talk. Just like before, I ordered him to stay silent and not do anything to Sakura. He complained a bit, but complied nonetheless.

I then proceeded to explain that even if Sakura was indeed a witness, she won't give a big impact on the problem due to her being a student of class D. Not to mention, her shy-ish and weak nature gave off the possibility that she was simply forced in the situation.

Hearing that, Sudou grimaced and began to ruffle his hair in frustration. I told him to stay relax since I and Horikita have a plan on this matter.

“Man, can we even prove that those Class C guys were in the wrong?” Ike asked.

“As long as we can find a witness, it’s not impossible. Let’s keep trying our best, Ike-kun.”

“Before we try our best, though, is there even a witness in the first place? Didn’t Sudou only say that he thought someone might’ve been there? Wasn’t that just a lie? I mean, he is violent, and he does provoke people.”

“If we keep doubting him, we won’t make any progress. Am I wrong?”

“I guess, you’re probably right about that, but…if Sudou is in the wrong, then our hard-earned points are all going be stripped away, right? We’ll be at zero. Zero! We’ll be back to having no pocket money at all. Our dreams of screwing around to our hearts’ content will remain unrealized!”

“Yeah!”

“Why couldn’t I have been in Class A from the start? If I were in Class A, I’d probably be loving every second of my student life.”

“I wish I was in A, too. I’d be doing so much fun stuff with my friends.”
Snapping out of my train of thoughts, I could only blink in surprise at how the meeting to save Sudou had transformed into grievance session. Glancing at Sudou again, I noticed how he gripped his hand before trying to keep his facade.

I was a bit worried that he will snap, but I guess he won't. This could be a good moment for him to learn of his mistake to be honest, so I'll let them.

-oOo-

After school we resumed the search for a witness. I went to Kushida and Sudou immediately since we have something to discuss. Though, Ike and Yamauchi suddenly seemed to had an interest joining our little group, causing Sudou's mood to become more bitter, but he remained silent nonetheless.

But he wasn't the only one who felt miffed at their sudden inquiry. I, too, am was annoyed since they for somer reason decided to make my dorm to be the meeting place.

As we planned together about our next move, my doorbell suddenly rang and catching everyone's attention in instance.

“Let me see who is it.” Standing up, I excused myself.

Upon opening my front door, I found myself looking at Horikita's back and flowing black hair. She seemed to not notice my presence just yet, so I tapped her shoulder.