Classroom of the Elite: What is Love?

Life is a Series of Choices

A/N Hey! If you enjoy this story, please give my profile a follow! I'm planning to release a ton of fanfictions of all the best animes. Comment below what animes you'd like to see a story of!

P.S. You'll start noticing some things are hinted at that haven't happened in the anime. These events will come more clear with time. Happy reading!

There had been something on my mind recently. Everything within this plan of existence can be explained in some type of rational way. Even things that are unknown surely have some type of hidden logic behind them. Yet, I am beginning to doubt this world view.

Love... That's what they call it. A completely abstract concept that holds meaning beyond anyone's understanding. But why?

"W-what are you doing here?" And out of the darkness of the night, a blue haired girl appeared behind the corner of a nearby store, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Just going on a walk. Isn't it a bit late Ibuki?"

"That applies to you. Gosh, I still can't stand you! That boring expression of your is so freaking irritating!"

Unfortunate. No matter how many times I've been called dull or boring, the sting of the words never seem to lessen. I guess it didn't help that these terms were coming from a beautiful girl either. "That's pretty mean..."

"Like you're the last one to talk. After what you did to Kei, it's clear your heart is colder than the very snow we're standing in."

"This again? Come to think of it..."After what you did to Kei...Its more than obvious how you feel about romance. "What did I do that was so wrong?"

"Are you kidding?!" Ibuki yelled out, her jaw hanging open. "You can't just break a girl's heart in a public place like that. Love isn't something to mess around with Ayanokoji!"

"Oh? But if someone no longer has any use to me, then why would I give my time to them? That's like investing in a depreciating asset."

"You remind me of a certain red haired man I know..." She pulled her arms inward, holding her chest. Her body language indicated a withdrawal, maybe even discomfort. What a predicament.

***

The night air nipped at my exposed skin outside of my layered uniform. The snow gave way with a crunch beneath my feet. This place...it was familiar. My first year, a day I remembered very clearly, the day Kushida revealed her true colors. Crashing into the side of the overhang, the frigid water rocked against the bride in a synchronized way. The rhythm of the lake, the blowing of the air, and the sounds of my breathing all melded into one sound that lulled me into a state of relaxation.

I enjoyed being away from my dorm. At least in times like these, things made sense. I didn't have to worry about other people's opinions, or the way they would react to my words. And most importantly, this pit in my stomach...this uncomfortable feeling was something I didn't have to concern myself with. Being alone was the safest way to do things.

"I heard your class was going to do a play for the festival. Well...If you put your mind to it, I think it'll be a wonderful show."

A voice, someone I haven't spoke to in a while was here. Ichinose. "You flatter me. If we perform good, the credit is for all of Class A. I don't see myself being very involved."

"You're always like this ya know." Ichinose closed the distance, taking her spot right next to me. Together, we looked out into the water, our voices carried away with the whims of nature.

"Am I? So, tell me... is this when you are most active?"

"Most active? What do you mean Ayanokoji?"

" Ever since you fell to class D, I've heard you barely leave your dorm room." I tilted my head to look at her, and surprisingly she matched my gaze. "That's a messy situation."

"It's just hard ya know?"

"What is?" I prodded.

Twiddling her thumbs, she hesitated to answer. After some time, she tightened her jaw before continuing her thought. "I was supposed to be the leader...remember? Everyone trusted me with their points, and I thought we had a chance. Everyday I am at this school, it's a reminder of my failures not only to myself, but to my peers." Letting out a soft giggle, her next words were wobbly. "I guess that makes me a pretty big wimp doesn't it?"

"Hmm...I wouldn't call you that."

"H-huh?" Ichonose's eyes widened. "Ayanokoji?..."

"Well, out of everyone in your class, I believe that you are the most capable. From the very beginning you put yourself in a position of responsibility and pressure from all directions. You did this all out of good intent to help your class reach the very top. I would compare your social prowess to someone like Kushida." I would say even more than her. Unlike Kushida, Ichinose is genuine in her intentions, giving her a power that Kushida could never reach.

"Your words sound nice, but I don't know how I'm supposed to take you serious. If all of that is true, then why..." She gripped the hem of her collar, her arms trembling. Stomping her foot into the ground, she released a cry of frustration, "why did I fail everyone?! Why couldn't I be that person they needed me to be? I just... I just don't understand it"

"It's because you have a good heart. That's all."

"H-huh?!" In an instant, her face went from dreary to flustered. Stuttering as she began to back away, her next words were nothing short of gibberish. Since she was walking backward, I decided to pace towards her.

"You're too kind. While it gives you some vulnerabilities, I'd say that's part of your charm."

"Ayano~" Ichinose's back hit a wall, her face now completely red. "S-so close..."

"I want you Ichinose..."

"Me? You want me?!"

How easily her confident persona fell. Taking full advantage of this, I pressed on even further. "It has to be you. No one else..." At this points, words no longer escaped her mouth. At first she seemed to be tense as I closed in, but inch by inch she relaxed her body. Her arms lowered until eventually they laid against the wall. "Are you aware of the rules of this exam Ichinose?"

"?!"

"It was clearly stated that classes can choose one other class to work with. I want it to be you. Class A and D can run this play together.

Immediately, she stiffened, struggling to put coherent sentences together. "O-oh! That's what you mean huh? U-um I'd love to but..."

"But, you don't feel confident enough in your situation to lead your class right? I know you can, and if you trip, I'll be here to pick you up."

"Yer, good at saying stuff like this. If you aren't careful, you might make a girl fall in love ya know."

"I don't think I'm the kind of man a girl would ever love."

"Maybe you'll change your mind on that one day..." she muttered.

I doubted it.

***

"You totally had something to do with this."

"What led you to that conclusion?" I rebuttaled, matching Horikita's glare.

"This isn't an occurrence that just happens. The entirety of class D is here."

"Maybe they really want to partner with you." And that was more than likely a true statement. At the stage of our auditorium, I saw everyone in Class A working tirelessly, constructing scenery, putting together costumes, and practicing lines.

Not too far away I saw another group of students, sitting in the audience seats, with one blonde haired girl leading them all. Flashing me a quick smile, Ichinose directed her attention to Horikita. "Do you think we can talk?"