Masterpiece Beyond The Whiteroom

Ch-11 Familiar Faces

No one's POV

Akihiko, Horikita and Kiyone were on their way to the dorms.

There were separate buildings meant for each year. All of them were divided based on the year, between first, second and third years. Of course, these forms were co-ed, meaning both girls and boys would be staying in the same form building. Dorm rooms cannot be changed once they have been assigned, irrespective of the complaint given by the students. Also, every hallway has cameras on all sides to monitor any strange behaviour. There are strict regulations against inappropriate behaviour towards the other gender.

But before going, Akihiko felt Kiyone tugging his arm. "Yes ? Is there something you need ?"

Kiyone pointed at the ice cream stall nearby, asking if they could stop by there for just a bit. "I really want to try out the ice cream. I've been curious about it ever since I first read about it and I want to know what it tastes like."

Her words made Horikita stare at her weirdly. What did she mean by that ? How can someone not know what ice cream tastes like ? No matter how strict her parents were or how isolated she was, there must have been at least one time or moment where she would have tried ice cream... right ?

"No Horikita, Kiyone has never had ice cream before, if you're wondering. I did say she was homeschooled, but I seem to have failed to mention how strict her routine was. I too, haven't had many opportunities to have ice cream due to dietary restrictions, but I still have had some. Kiyone on the other hand, has never tasted any ice cream of any kind in the past sixteen years of her life." Akihiko answered for her, making Horikita turn to him in surprise.

How did he know what she was thinking ? Horikita hadn't made even the slightest change in her facial feature or showed a legitimate reaction but Akihiko detected her change easily. Kiyone too, detected that change but remained quite, thinking about why only Akihiko got to enjoy the luxuries of good food while she was stuck in the White Room eating bland food pills and other bland yet nutritious foods.

Akihiko immediately felt this change in Kiyone and chuckled, ruffling her hair a little. "Oh don't feel so down about it. I also had strict a strict diet and exercise routine like you did. I'm certain you know how my parents are."

Kiyone nodded, knowing exactly how strict and stern Yoshihiro and Akane could be towards their only "son". Though she did slightly envy the luxuries Akihiko received that she didn't, she was well aware that Akihiko's curriculum was harsher than her own and had an even lower rate of survival than the fourth generation curriculum, even though both followed the same beta program.

"Horikita." Akihiko called the stoic girl, who was surprised by his sudden call.

"Would you like to join us for some ice cream ? Don't worry, it's on the house. You don't have to pay for it." He offered her and reassured that he would pay for all the expenses.

"Yes, I would love to come along with you two for some ice cream, that is if you don't mind of course. But I can pay for it myself." While Horikita did accept the offer as it not only gave her a chance to get ice cream, but also to spend time with Akihiko and Kiyone, both of which were one of the only people in class D that Horikita even remotely acknowledged, she wanted to pay for her own purchases and not burden Akihiko to do it for her.

"No, no, I insist. I'll pay for you. Both of you. Trust me, I can afford it. Or did you perhaps forget about the private points I received from our dear senpais ?" He reminded her about the incident not too long before where he saved Sudou from the senpais.

Horikita realised that Akihiko could afford to spend points without worry, unlike her. But that didn't change the fact that she didn't want to use Akihiko. At least not for a trivial matter like this. She felt that she should pay for her own expenses and not rely on others to do it for her. But Akihiko gave no room for refusal as he was already making his way over to the counter to buy ice cream.