Classroom of the Elite: The New Elite

Chapter 19

The referees explained that we were to draw lots at random and find the item listed. Since some of the items are harder to obtain than others, we were allowed to request a change but would need to wait thirty seconds as a result.

After that brief explanation, we got started. I was going to run in the last group, so I hope I won't need to make up too big of a difference. The other classes had all fielded their most athletic students, so we're at a disadvantage in terms of speed.

"Yeeaahh!"

Ike managed to get an easy draw and got first place in his group, which put our class in the lead. Unfortunately, that didn't last long with the rest of my classmates struggling to find their items or losing time by needing to redraw.

"Good luck, Morimoto."

When my turn came, we were dead last, but third-place was still attainable if I managed to get a good draw. Hoping I could salvage something from the situation, I pulled out a piece of paper from the box.

"A girl you like."

. . .

Why is this even an option?

I mean, I could ask for a redraw, but that would pretty much seal our fate. Come to think of it, the referee never reads the contestants' papers aloud, so I could just keep the contents hidden. That looks like my only option for now, so I'll just go with that.

I made my way to where the rest of my classmates were standing, hoping I won't face any trouble.

"What item are you looking for, Morimoto-kun?"

"I need a girl."

"That's it?"

"More or less."

"What do you mean 'more or less'?"

"I mean any girl would do."

The girls were looking at me with skeptical eyes, but I can't blame them considering how cryptic I'm being.

"Umm, can you show us what's written on the paper you chose?"

"I'd rather not."

"Huh? Then, how do you expect us to trust you?"

I'm really losing my grip on the situation. I didn't want to ask for a redraw because I wanted to save time, but if this keeps going any longer, I won't be able to catch up.

"I-"

"I'll come with you. You said any girl will do, right?"

The one to volunteer was Satou. I'm grateful for her help, but I don't know how I feel about having her as the "girl I like" given some past events. Whatever, I don't have time to worry about that.

"Right. Thank you."

Having succeeded in getting my item (kinda), the two of us made our way to the referee who gave me a smirk and a thumbs up when I handed him my paper.

Please stop...

Despite our back-and-forth at our camp, I still managed to finish first in my group, thus enabling us to secure third-place overall in the scavenger hunt.

"Thanks for going with this, Satou. I know I wasn't doing myself any favors with my explanation."

"Yeah, you were really struggling back there. By the waaay..."

I think I know where this is going.

"What was actually written on that piece of paper? You know, I pretty much saved you back there, so I think I deserve to know."