Classroom of the Elite: Crimson Usurper (Volume 4)

Chapter 3: Double Question

"SEE you again, Suzune."

Ryuen once again tapped into our conversation but fortunately, he left just about now. However, I felt a strange sense that something was wrong, particularly in our area.

"I don't know how much of what he said is true," she said.

I looked around the table, and then under the seat Ryuen was sitting on. Ah that makes sense, it also appears that Ayanokouji and Horikita are looking at the same general direction.

Under the chair was a single cell phone set to record audio. A single chat message had been sent to that phone. There was no sound because the phone had been set to silent. I couldn't see everything on the screen because of the angle, but I instantly made out the words "Sorry for yesterday!"

That was definitely Kushida who texted him that. With that, I also simultaneously came up with another way to expose Kushida, however it would depend on the circumstances.

Horikita quickly understood, took out her own phone, and sent me and Ayanokouji a short message:

Horikita: [If that phone is his, we probably shouldn't say anything careless.]

"Do you think what Ryuuen said was true? About finding out the VIPs from every class," Ayanokouji said.

Horikita looked perplexed for a moment. However, she seemed to quickly pick up on what Ayanokouji was getting at.

"I have to wonder. I can't say I'm 100% sure. But...there's a possibility. I don't think we can keep up this test much longer, though."

Ayanokouji was trying to appear as natural and dense as possible, seemingly making it appear as if he's incompetent and that he's not the mastermind behind Class D's actions. And with that, Horikita was actively supporting that act.

"Sounds like things are rough for you, too." He said.

"I've got a lot of work for you to do. I need you two to find your group's VIP as soon as possible," said Horikita.

"Easy for you to say. It's not like we can find them."

"I won't expect too much from the both of you. I just want information about the Rabbit group and the Rooster group."

Our conversation only highlighted Horikita's capability and our incompetence. That way, suspicion would probably be directed away from me and Ayanokouji. At any rate, Ryuuen was using his own phone to try and find out more. He was looking for anything he could get. however, wasn't he aware that we can simply just spot the phone somehow, right? Like let's say some cup of ours gets below Ryuuen's seat.

"If you're not expecting too much, I'll do what I can," Ayanokouji answered.

"Thank you."

"I'll do my best, Horikita." I calmly stated.

She didn't respond, instead Horikita got up, walked to the elevator, and left. Oh well. Should I head back to my own room?

"She's still annoying you, huh."

I quickly looked at Ayanokouji and put my index finger over my lips. He got the gist of it.

"To think that your crush is ignoring you."

Excuse me?

"I mean, she's from another class so it can't be helped."

Eh, I'll take that.

"Whatever, can I go to your room today?"

"Hm? I suppose so, sure. Let's go search and hope Hirata's in the room."

However, Hirata wasn't in the room when we came in. We only saw Yukimura. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking grave. Is this about Koenji, or perhaps something else? Something's telling me it's indeed something else, it's doubt to assume it's Koenji though Yukimura might think he randomly guessed. So, what I'm possibly guessing is the fact he's not placed in the Dragon Group. After all, basically most of the talent students are there.

Yukimura noticed us, but he didn't respond.  He basically ignored me and then sighed quietly and muttered something to himself.

"For crying out loud, why did we get stuck with this group? Why am I partnered with Karuizawa and Sotomura? We can't win," he mumbled.

"What's with you all of a sudden?" I asked.

"Didn't you hear? There's a rumor going around saying that they use guidelines to create the groups. When I heard that all the superior students got grouped into the Dragon group, I knew it was true." he answered.

Well, this makes sense. I simply nodded to Ayanokouji and waved at him before leaving the room. 

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Word Count: 700 Words