Classroom of the Elite: Stalemate

Vol.1 : Chapter 4.1-From liar to liar

Next Day.

Both Horikita and I occupied the rooftop, her casting disdainful glances every five seconds.

"So, Ayanokoji-kun, when were you planning to share the news that you're acquainted with the leader of Class A?"

I sighed in defeat, scratching the back of my head.

"Let me clarify; we're not best friends. It was essential to ensure everything was handled properly before discussing this with you."

"Let me guess; so I won't be able to get involved?"

"That thought crossed my mind, but no. I needed to confirm that she considers me a friend and that she has no intention to betray us anytime soon."

"Care to elaborate, Ayanokoji-kun?"

"Simply put, confronting Class A is currently futile given external threats like Ryuuen and second years.Though they seem weak now, with our current resources, damaging them is impossible."

Horikita, understanding my reasoning, sighed in defeat.

"In any case, what did you discuss with her yesterday?"

'"Kiyotaka, while I know it's anything but easy for you, maybe in our future conversations, you could be more of your real self?"'

As I remembered my yesterday conversation with Arisu I couldn't help but be interested in her reasoning.

"Mainly, we discussed our in-class and out-of-class situations."

"Anything noteworthy?"

"Yes, she's aware of the Kushida situation."

While her reaction was expected, her response still amazed me.

As I concluded, chopsticks slipped from Horikita's hand, and she sent me a desperate yet emotionless look.

"Don't tell me you told her?"

"Of course not. Your secret is safe. I thought we discussed this. As for how she got this information, all I know is that she found the same loopholes as I and actively uses them."

With that, Horikita visibly relaxed and sighed.

"I see, sorry for doubting your promise, Ayanokoji-kun. Anything else?"

"Well, I want to emphasize our first task is getting our hands on Kushida. We can't operate outside the class without control over our own classmates."

I received a nod, encouraging me to continue.

"While I have no clear vision of how Kushida thinks, I do have theories on her main weakness."

"I'm all ears for your theories."

With another nod from Horikita, I continued.

"While she maintains her angelic face in public, she needs an outlet. It's nearly impossible to hold all of this inside for such a long period of time."

"I see, so you're trying to imply that she vents in her apartment?"

On this I sent her a negative gesture.

"While it might be it, there's a certain risk of someone overhearing her even with the walls being soundproof."

'Think Horikita.'

"I see so, Ayanokoji-kun, while there's no guarantee that she won't be caught in any part of this school, what if she found some place where there's no one to be found at a certain period of time."

'Bingo.'

"That's what I'm saying. Our main job now is to gather specific details like her after-school schedule."