Classroom of the Elite Alternative: Year 2 Volume 9 (CANCELLED)

Chapter 3.1

"Ayanokouji-kun, you still haven't exactly explained to me, why make me say all of that?"

I was currently walking in the campus with Ayanokouji-kun. I still did not understand why he texted me his own strategy during lunch.

"I don't like getting too much attention."

"You have been a lot of attention recently..."

I sigh to myself before asking another question.

"This plan of yours seem half-baked. Why?"

"Think of my plan has a reference sheet to you. It has all the ingredients available. Now you have to make use of that ingredient to make a dish you truly desire."

"So in other words...you're letting me do the work?" I asked.

"Don't make it sound like you're lazy."

I was ready to punch him in the solar plexus but...

"Playful, are we?"

I only lightly punched his forearm. But even then, I still feel slight dill pain from my knuckles. Is his muscles really that developed? At this point I'm  not even surprised.

"I'm glad you're in good shape."

Why did I uncharacteristically say that?

"I'm warmed that you're worried about me."

"I think I'm worried about myself..."

"Hm?"

No...

"It's...nothing."

Am...am I changing?

To a new person or back before I started chasing my brother?

I don't care...

I just want to...

Reach my class to greater heights...

...

"What's wrong with with me!?"

I faced myself away from Ayanokouji, I don't want him to see myself in such a vulnerable state.

Again...but-

"Are you alright, Horikita?"

This isn't what I'm originally looking for...

"Ayanokouji-kun, remember back in Hokkaido, when I wanted to know more about you?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

I'm sure he knows what's "about it."

"May I please know a bit more about you? Did you learn any other musical instruments? How was your childhood? Why are you so...emotionless. Not in a literal way but...your face."

...

Why isn't he say-

"I'm not, like you said, emotionless. It's just that I don't want to get controlled over them. I suppose that's why my face is as bland as other people say."

...I see.

"May I ask you one last question?"

The rain starts to drastically pour down further as I ask this question. The sky turning dark as it nears nighttime.

"...What Middle School did you attend?"
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What... Middle School did I attend?

Horikita seems to give me a rather troublesome answer.

I can't outright lie and say some random middle school. Knowing Horikita, she will, for sure, try to search for the name. And if I say an actual middle school that exists l, she will most  certainly try to search for my name, or atleast through the yearbook.

But if I lie and say I was homeschooled, she will ask me why did I lie back in our first year in school.

How troublesome indeed.

Of course, I have the option to not say anything. After all, I have the the right to not respond unless stated.

But, I'm sure Horikita will press on about it and tell me to answer.

But what if I say no?

She can't force me to say yes and answer her question. But then again, after all of her accomplishments and developments, I'm tempted to say my answer.

The rain continued to rattle down on both of our umbrellas and I prepare to say my answer.

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you at this time. For now, let's focus on the exam ahead of us.

I'm planning on telling her, but for now, we have much important issues standing in our way. I'll tell you after the special exam ends.

"I see."

She certainly looked upset, but she doesn't say anything more.

"Whenever you're ready to tell me the school you attend...no, whenever you're ready to tell me your past. I will listen wholeheartedly, I can see that you have a troublesome past. But..."

Horikita walks it bit quicker than usual, having being in front of me of about 5 meters.

"For now, let's indeed focus on the exam. And...thank you for letting me handle this exam alone."

At this point, she's practically running. But you are welcome.

Because this exam will be the final conclusion on whether you grown.

If you succeed in this exam with all the dangers lurking around, you will prove to me that you are indeed capable.

You are not only capable of changing yourself, but capable of changing this class.

It does not matter if you and your class does not reach Class A by the end of our second year.

If- no, when Class B truly becomes a force to be reckon with, and that's because of your leadership, I will congratulate you.

And I will leave you.
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Word Count: 800 Words