𝕎𝕚𝕟-𝕥𝕠-𝕎𝕚𝕤𝕙 - [COTE]

The Second Event

3rd Person POV

At the Theater

Class 2-D was celebrating due to their early lead.

"Who would have thought Kiyopon was that smart. I thought I had accepted it back at the discussion, but I think it's only now that it's really starting to settle in." Haruka said in a tone signifying astonishment.

"He's so cool..." Airi muttered to herself.

"I think you overlooked the elephant in the room." Keisei snapped the two out of their daydream.

Akito then decided to cut in "Are you talking about his conversation with Sakayanagi?"

A nod from Keisei was his answer.

"We don't really know him at all, do we?" Haruka leaned back on her chair, the rest of the group looked at her. " 'Everyone deserves happiness, including you' What the hell did she mean by that!?"

Her expression turned to one of anger - confusion and anger.

"We can ask later." Akito tried to calm Haruka down.

"Yeah, now that everyone has at least some awareness of what may have happened in his past, he should be able to open up to us more easily." Airi backed up Akito.

"I... I know... but I'm worried... you don't say things like that so easily, nor do you accept something like that as easily as he did." Haruka pinched the bridge of her nose.

Her frustration was reasonable - In her mind, a friend has been suffering, and she's done absolutely nothing to help him.

Then, an idea popped up in her mind. She's not the first who thought of it, but it wasn't something she paid attention to when it happened.

"Hey, Karuizawa-san." She called out to the girl who she believes may have an answer.

"What is it?" Kei turned to Haruka with a confused expression, though she almost immediately understands what she's after. "If it's about Kiyotaka... I sadly don't know much more than you do."

This response angered Haruka, and slightly confused the rest of the group. In their minds, they've been working together (and in a certain 2's minds, they are dating), so she should know the situation better than anyone.

"How the hell do you not know anything!?" She silently screamed, it wasn't loud, but it was enough to get the attention of at least a couple nearby students. "You're his g-"

Before she could continue, Akito put a hand over her mouth. "It's not the time to argue. Please, just wait, no need to make a scene right now." He quickly eyed Airi, as well. Motioning to Haruka that what she was about to say would have more consequences than she thought through.

Haruka, finally understanding, mutters an "I'm sorry" and sits back down.

Not wanting to continue either, Kei turns her attention back towards the screen.

Back at the Competition Site

"Alright so, the second event is... Physical - Swimming!" Akira announced. "Pick who will participate, and we'll continue."

"Swimming..." Horikita mumbled, before turning to Ayanokoji "You can handle it, right?"

The boy only nodded as a response.