Classroom Of The Elite Year 2 Volume 9

Chapter 3: Spending time with Ichinose's classmates

It was early December, just before 2 pm on a Saturday - the weekend had arrived.

Two days ago, Kanzaki contacted me and arranged for us to meet at Keyaki Mall. Although a specific meeting place was not decided upon, I quickly found him and his peers as soon as I entered the mall.

Kanzaki, who had been scanning the entrance to Keyaki mall, noticed me right away and approached with his hand slightly raised.

"Sorry for bringing you out here on your day off."

"On days off I tend to take it easy. There's plenty of free time, I welcome invitations like these."

I reassured him that it wasn't an inconvenience and there was no reason to worry.

Alongside Kanzaki was Himeno, Watanabe, and Amikura.

"I thought it was only going to be Himeno, seems like there are others that will be joining us as well."

"My apologies, that was supposed to be the case but some circumstances have arisen."

Kanzaki attempted to explain the details, but was interrupted by Watanabe and Amikura.

"Yo Ayanokoji, it's pretty cold today huh"

"Good Afternoon, Ayanokoji-kun"

Watanabe and Amikura smiled at me in the same manner as they did when we had interacted with each other during the school trip.

I responded with nods of acknowledgement.

Kanzaki had informed me of only Himeno's presence beforehand, so I was a bit surprised by the combination of these four people.

It was unclear what their intentions were, but perhaps Watanabe and Amikura were necessary to Kanzaki and Himeno's plan.

Then again, was it just a coincidence that all happened to be together during the school trip?

"It's understandable that you're confused. I never imagined these two would be here."

Himeno, also somewhat unsettled, slightly nodded her head in agreement.

"Is that so?"

Though there were more questions arising in my mind, Kanzaki was concerned with the increasing number of students.

The mall had been relatively empty when I arrived. But now students were coming to shop one after another.

"Well the Christmas sales have started after all."

Amikura pointed towards the shops as the mall grew more and more crowded. Indeed, the shops are already decorated in Christmas colours, and the words "Christmas Sale" appear on the shelves of various products.

"For now, let's relocate to somewhere less conspicuous. We don't want outsiders, especially those in Sakayanagi and Ryuen's class, to become aware of our group's existence if we can help it."

Given that I can easily surmise the situation around here without needing to ask for more details, there's no reason for me to decline.

While there wouldn't be an issue if it were just the four of them, my presence would make the gathering appear peculiar and inexplicable.

Besides, I would prefer discussing matters in a quieter setting away from this bustling thoroughfare.

"In that case, why don't we head to the usual karaoke spot?"

Within the premises, one of the few secluded areas was the karaoke room, which is often used for studying and strategic meetings.

Amikura suggested we head there for the time being, it can be reached on foot from here in about three minutes.

"That's a secure location. Let's go right away."

Kanzaki took the lead and started walking, with me following a few steps behind.

"Did I interrupt a serious discussion? I'm sorry, for some reason I didn't expect it would be like that."

Amikura, who was walking beside me, whispered apologetically. Judging from her tone of voice, it seems that they ended up joining us on a whim.

Watanabe, who lined up next to Amikura, provides additional details of the situation.

"It was more of a coincidence that Amikura and I came here. We overheard a conversation between Kanzaki and Himeno. Since it sounded like they were meeting up with Ayanokoji, we asked if we could tag along."

"Right, right. Originally, I was planning on going shopping with Watanabe-kun today."

As Amikura responded, Watanabe seemed a little bashful but happy, though somewhat sorrowful as he looked away.

"Are you sure you don't need to go shopping then?"

Both of them were empty-handed, and there didn't seem to be any indication they purchased anything.

"It's not really that big of a deal. You could just go buy it later."

Kanzaki, who was walking ahead of us, heard the conversation and turned back to explain the details again.

"Initially, I thought only Himeno and I were needed for this meeting. However, after learning that Ayanokoji helped both of them out during the school trip, I changed my mind."

Helped out? That's supposed to be my line

Watanabe and Amikura were a big help in many ways during the school trip.

I am grateful to both of them, but I don't feel as if I've done anything to earn gratitude in return.

"So I've decided that it's time to take a step further then."

I asked Kanzaki about it, he nodded his head while showing a cryptic expression.

"What is it? What do you mean by 'step forward'?"

"I'll tell you the details later."

From the briskness in his strides, I could sense a feeling of impetuousness from Kanzaki.

I had a hunch about the reason behind it.