Outsider : Classroom Of The Elite

Chapter 2.8 - Queen's Gambit

The day of the trial had finally come.

Being the leader figure, Horikita voluntarily took the role of being Sudou's defendant, while Ayanokouji was decided to be her assistant. Unlike the novel, we were a team of five. Sudou, Sakura, Horikita, Ayanokouji and lastly, me.

As the bell rang for the end of class, the five of us stood up.

"Have you prepared for this, Sudou-kun?" Horikita questioned a nervous Sudou.

"Yeah... I'm good. I was born ready."

Sure you are...

"You might call me a complete idiot and make fun of me, but I'm me. If you have something you want to say, say it now."

"Don't do anything selfish. Don't make decisions for yourself. Don't try to start an argument. And most importantly, keep your mouth shut during the proceedings." I commanded.

This is a common statement made by just about every single lawyer ever. The most rationale option would be to not speak more than necessary during the trail. Speaking enthusiastically would not only bring suspicion on yourself, but it would also create multiple possibilities of accidental slip-ups, which may give away free opportunities to your opponent.

"Ugh. You sound like a lawyer."

Alright. I have decided to screw you... Your on your own.

"Do your best, Horikita-san. Sudou-kun." Kikyou cheered.

Horikita didn't respond at all, but Sudou pumped his fist to show resolve. I turned to check on Sakura who was still sitting down, her body rigid. She stood, her lips trembling slightly.

"Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah... I'm okay. Thank you..."

"Don't push yourself, Sakura-san."

When the five of us got to the faculty room, we saw a certain 'mature' person waiting for us.

"It seems the five of you are here. The discussion is about to begin. Well then, shall we be going?" she asked us.

"We're not going to do this in the faculty room, are we?"

"Of course not. This school does have rather complicated rules, but in cases such as these a settlement is reached between the homeroom teacher of the class in question, the concerned parties, and the student council."

Horikita froze the very moment she heard the words "student council."

Chabashira turned and glanced sharply at Horikita's face.

"If you want to stop, now's the time, Horikita."

Horikita was visibly hesitant. After everything that happened between Manabu and her that day, it was no surprise why she would feel overwhelmed. But the class trail was more important than her sibling relationship. Sudou's future depended on it. That's why no matter what, she mustn't back off.

"I'll go. I'm fine."

Horikita quickly glanced at me. Her look probably meant something like "Don't worry on my account." and well...

You're the key character. How can I not worry about you?

We left the first-floor faculty room and walked up three floors to the fourth. A placard that read "Student Council Room" was affixed to the wall near the doorway. Chabashira knocked, and we went inside.

Even though Horikita had winced, she immediately followed us. Inside, long tables had been arranged in rectangular formation. The three students from Class C had already arrived and were seated. Beside them sat their teacher, Sakagami.