Classroom Of The Elite Year 2 Volume 9

Part 3

It was just after 4 p.m.

After being a good listener at the karaoke for a while, I finished my role and we parted ways.

I then sat alone on a bench on the second floor of Keyaki Mall.

I had decided to stay regardless of whether the group ended early or late today.

With no particular purpose in mind, I thought about browsing the internet on my phone, but before I knew it, I received a message and a photo from Kei.

At a glance, I could see that she was happily snuggled up to Sato, making a peace sign.

It seemed that she planned to gather with her female friends in the dorm and chat until evening.

The other members included Sato, Mori, Ishikura, and Maezono.

One of Kei's strengths is that she can gather with her close friends like this, even if she can't spend time with me.

When asked what time she would return, I hesitated for a moment, but replied that it would be after 8 pm.

If I had told her that I could come back earlier, she might have cut short her time with her friends.

It would be better for her to enjoy spending time with her friends without being caught up in distractions on days like this.

"Now then..."

Since there doesn't seem to be anyone else around, I don't have to worry about someone overhearing my phone call.

While occasionally observing students who appear in the distance, I took out my phone and called Ichinose.

There's no point in putting it off any longer, and if possible, I'd like to make an appointment for tomorrow.

Although the phone rang for a while next to my ear, Ichinose did not answer the call.

Is she spending time with someone and not noticing her phone, or is she intentionally not answering?

Did contacting Ichinose on the night nearing the end of the school trip ultimately lead to distortion?

While pondering various thoughts, I looked at my call history and a call came back.

"Hel-hello? Sorry, I couldn't answer the phone."

The first words of the nervous-sounding caller.

There was no apparent indication that she particularly disliked the call, based on her voice.

"Were you busy?"

"N-no, I was just preparing dinner...This is an unusual call, huh?"

I realized that might be true as she told me.

Because I hardly had a few memories of calling Ichinose during her private time like this.

Faint voices could be heard on the other end of the phone.

I thought she might be with someone, but upon closer listening, I realized it was the sound of a TV.

"It's a bit sudden, but can we meet tomorrow if you're free?"

I directly stated the reason as if boldly entering the front.

"Me and you?"

"Do I sound like I'm inviting someone other than you?"

"N-no, it's not that...but...uh, the two of us...?"

"If it's possible, just the two of us."

I conveyed it plainly as this was not a moment to beat around the bush.

However, there was no response from Ichinose, and a somewhat heavy silence lasted for a few seconds.

"I don't have any plans...What's the reason?"

The reason.

Depending on that, Ichinose wouldn't necessarily be opposed to meeting.

In simpler terms, if it was a consultation or if I had some sort of problem, then she would likely be easy to meet with.

However, I couldn't reveal the part about being asked by Kanzaki and the others.

I had been asked to investigate without letting her know.

"Is it possible for us to meet even if there's no business to discuss?"

"Well, that's... but being alone together..."

"I just want to meet you."

"Tsu...!?"

"But if it's mentally tough for you, it might be better not to."

With full knowledge of the risks, I decided to take a step back and see where Ichinose's emotions were.

"W-wait... umm, no... it's okay."

Although she was not without suspicion, it seemed that there was no emotion that she particularly wanted to avoid.

"Are you sure? I don't want to force you."

"I'm not forcing myself... I also want to meet Ayanokoji-kun..."

"I see. Then, how about meeting at Keyaki Mall tomorrow at 10 o'clock?"

I wasn't sure how long it would take, so it was best to keep her as long as possible.

"O-okay. At 10 o'clock."

"That's settled then. If anything comes up, feel free to contact me."

Although it was possible to have a longer conversation, I decided to avoid it.

"Okay... see you tomorrow."

With those words, the awkward conversation ended and the call was disconnected.

For now, I had managed to make an appointment to meet with Ichinose.

All that was left was to find out more about her mental state tomorrow.

It would be ideal if I could also learn what she was thinking.

Perhaps I should stop by a bookstore later. I still have plenty of time to spend alone today.

The time I spend alone now, by choice, is different from when I had no friends.

It's a moment of bliss where I can come to notice things from a different point of view.