Classroom of the Elite: Crimson Usurper (Volume 4.5)

Chapter 2.1

I'VE been strolling around the mall but sadly I've found absolutely nothing to do.

Part of this is of course my horrible reputation. It's not like I'm not allowed to be anywhere but I tend to get ghosted or recieved disgusted looks. Of course, it's not as this is new to me but...

I feel lonely man.

"I don't want to be stuck inside all summer...well I do but... hey isn't that?"

It seems like Kushida is out shopping. Although I'm somehow surprised she's all alone.

Regardless I'm not interested in speaking to her, I am curious to see her current perception of me. Does she hate me but is masking it, or will she show true dissent towards me publicly?

...Nah. She's likely just masking it.

After staying in the mall for a couple more minutes, I decided to leave Keyaki Mall and go somewhere else instead.

Specifically, my dorm room.

"This isn't working, I'll just stay inside this summer. I have my air conditioner, my food, my games, my books-"

"Shinjiro-san, is that you?"

Turning my head around, I see the cinnamon roll herself.

"'Sup Shiina. Surprised you're outside."

"You...think I;d lock myself in?"

Yes.

"It's pretty hot out here, I'd thought you'd be cooling off inside." I reasonably explained.

Hiyori smiled.

"No no! I was just heading to the mall to see if they have anything worth seeing. I do agree, it's really hot here." She started fanning her shirt.

If anything, temperatures are predicted to climb until about 5 PM. I'm just glad it isn't like 2022 weather..

Summer of 2023 might be the death of me..

"I mean, you're sweating quite a bit Shiina. Don't you want to cool off?"

"No worries...it's not that bad."

Oi, I can see through your act.

"Oh! I have something important to tell you. Is it find if we walk towards the mall?" She asked me.

I was just there several minutes ago.. but if it's important might as well. Besides I have nothing going on currently.

"Sure, let's get moving."

As such, we started walking towards the mall. Hiyori did seem somewhat hesitant as she looked tense. What is this? An confession of sorts!? I..I can believe-

"It's about Ryuuen-kun."

Oh good. I was worried.

...wait, Ryuuen?

"What about him?" I asked.

"Recently, he's been very focused on finding who this mastermind is, who's been named 'X'." Hiyori started.

"He's been narrowing suspects such a Hirata-kun, a person named Ayanokouji-kun, and you as well."

Me huh. I'm not exactly surprised by this.

Considering his 'fondness' of me starting all the way back from the deserted island exam, he's clearly been acting like a "friend" while in reality, observing me like a hawk. Which in theory, could explain his provocations to me.

Although I've kept my calm, that...might be what he's looking for. Currently Ryuuen thinks X is just like him, but since X is working in the shadows and the game-changing events that occurred, his perception might've changed.

He may be thinking that X is like him but in a way X wants to hide his identity. Causing trouble and havoc from the backstage. Which is leading me to think that he believes X keeps his composure and masks himself, which is exactly what I've been doing when Ryueen was around.

If I'd let my emotions get the better of me and lashed out, Ryuuen probably would've crossed me out. I dont think he expects X to be that emotionally weak or in any case, provoke an incident that directly. He's seen X do their plans non-directly..

But I'm no X, that's Ayanokouji. I'm just substituting for the lazy one. In fact, I plan on doing nothing for the Sports Festival...well that is the plan, it might change.

If Ryuuen doesn't find out that He and X are not similar, it won't be good for Ryuuen.

"Me? Well I don't have the intelligence that of Horikita. Tell me, does Ryuuen think Horikita was the one behind Class D's success in the Zodiac Exam?" I asked.

"The Cruise Ship Exam? Well no, he doesn't. He'd thought that at first but after further inspecting it, he says X was behind this."

"I see-"

"But..."

"But?" What's the hold up?

"He might be thinking it's confirmed X  is using Horikita-san, especially after the Cruise... well, Zodiac Exam."

He probably already believed so from the second Class D won.

"So he thinks that huh. That's bound to be interesting."

Either way, the plot will continue forth anyway. Nothing I can or will do about it.

"Shiina, we arrived."

She looked confused before staring at the large mall itself.

"Ah! Time went by quickly hasn't it?"

It wasn't that long of a walk.

"Well Shiina, I'm off. Thanks for the info."

"Right! Stay safe!"

She had a sour look on her face, not once if that she's sad she can't stay with me. More so one of guilt. But why?
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Hello!

It's been quite some time and I apologize. My laptop...well stop working to say the least and I had to do academic work in the summer. So... I've had an eventful summer.

Not only that, the school year has started! Yay!! And naturally, more work...a lot more work.

In other words, I'm prioritizing school  instead. Besides I don't want to fail but, that doesnt mean this story will get dropped.

I'm currently doing this on my phone (which I don't like) but it is what it is. Until my laptop is fixed, it's the least I can do.

Again sorry that you all have waited for such a short and anticlimactic chapter. Expect updates to be...slower than usual. And also this Volume will be very short, like probably 10 parts. Who knows? Maybe more?

That's all I have to say. Have an amazing day/night, reader(s)!

Word Count: 959 Words