CHANGED - Classroom of the Elite

34

Five days stand between class D and the Event Selection exam or whatever it's called. And Hirata was still in his emo phase (again, she should not be so chill with someone going through a trauma response, but it's the start of the chapter, alright? Give her some time to get back into the groove).

He seemed to be lacking slightly in the depression department though, so that was nice to see.

When class ended for that day, Hirata marched out the room without another word. Mei-yu attempted to go after him, but Sato just laid a hand on her shoulder and shook her head. The girl got the message and sat back down with a slight grimace.

Hirata would have to make the choice of coming around; they can't make it for them.

That being said though, there were less than 120 hours before they faced off class A, and having a decent extrovert in their ranks would be very much appreciated.

Suzune got up from her chair, asked Kushida to handle the study sessions for that afternoon (she had replied with a very cheery "Of course!"), and speed-walked after Hirata's tracks. When she reached the lobby in search of the guy, a familiar narcissist was awaiting her arrival.

"He hasn't returned yet, if you were wondering." Koenji stated the obvious, combing his hair back with his mirror in hand.

"I hadn't noticed."

"Now, now, sarcasm ruins my aesthetic."

"Thought you were on a date with a rich third year." Suzune walked over to poke the vending machine and order her not-strawberry-milk drink.

"It's natural for you to come to that kind of conclusion. I am the peak of man; what girl wouldn't want to date me?" Koenji flicked his hair for good measure.

"Do you want a list?"

"No need! After all, women who aren't interested in me aren't worth my time."

"Knock yourself out." She then made her way out the doors, venturing off to Keyaki mall. Knowing Koenji, he probably had a go at Hirata for being an 'incompetent leader', so the boy was probably... unhappy.

And she was right; Suzune found Hirata sitting on the same bench her and Ayanokoji sat back then, by the fountains.

She didn't say anything, just sat down next to him and pulled out her phone, waiting to be chewed out.

Hirata didn't acknowledge her at first, before the guy muttered a surprising "ugh, fuck this-" and snapped his head around to face her.

"Now it's your turn to stomp me down, huh? All these people trying to 'talk me out of it' every damn day... am I not allowed to catch a damn break around here?!"

Hirata's eyes were cold, and he looked borderline away from losing it. If he were to lose it in front of anybody, it'd be best for class D's safety if it was in front of her.

The broken desk stuffed in the janitor's closet was clear proof of that.

"What do you want me to say, Horikita... do you want me to get down on all fours? Say that I'm sorry until I lose my goddamn voice? Scream until my throat is raw and dry and broken-" He took a shaky breath. "Just leave me alone... actually, I'll do that for you, so you don't have to see my spiralling-"

When he tried to get up from the bench, Suzune held a firm hand on his shoulder. Hirata tried shoving her off, but she didn't budge.

She just stared at him. He seemed to sense something considering the way his eyes slightly widened when meeting hers.

A few seconds later, he sat back down. Suzune didn't remove her hand; she didn't need the guy running off, especially when he was potentially unstable.