Classroom of the Elite: Stalemate

Vol.1 : Chapter 4.3-What's the Point

Only two days had passed since the Class Points Announcement. As I predicted, we found ourselves promoted to Class C.

Currently, I, alongside a significant group of classmates, occupied a cafe where we secured a large table to celebrate our initial victory.

"Hey Ayanokoji-kun, while Horikita-San explained the situation with Class A, we're still surprised that you're on a first-name basis with their leader," remarked Satou, triggering many curious gazes.

Observing this, Hirata mentally sighed, sending me his best wishes.

"Well, it just happened that I know Arisu from my childhood. Though we couldn't meet frequently, I consider her my first friend."

Satou chuckled nervously, and the other girls feigned disinterest in the conversation.

Sakayanagi and I crafted this story in case someone questioned our address. Despite my preference for family names, she convinced me to stick to this backup story.

'I really don't understand this girl.'

"Ayanokoji-kun, you still with us?"

'I assume I spaced out again, troublesome. The frequency of delving into my thoughts poses discomfort in social interactions.'

'Since enrolling, I face these issues because my only interactions before were with my father, instructors, or my battler, Matsuo.'

"Same thing again, Ayanokoji-kun, how frequently will you space out like this?"

Horikita questioned, seizing the opportunity for a comment and revenge for 30 minutes of suffering while talking to a loud crowd of our classmates whom I readdressed from myself upon her.

"Sorry, just processing what we should do next."

"Don't delve into this too much now. We're celebrating, and if there's someone to thank, it's definitely you and Horikita-san,"

This time the comment came from Hirata who yet again acted as a mediator.

"I'm grateful for the praise. If not for all of you struggling to improve, we wouldn't be where we are," I acknowledged, prompting more cheers from my classmates.

Amidst the celebration, I received a message from an anonymous student, stating.

"I assume I was right about you in the end. I'm looking forward to how you will entertain me next time."

'Interesting.'

I quickly typed. "I hope you will live up to my expectations as well," closed my phone, and resumed conversation with classmates.

"By the way, guys, I've been meaning to ask: How many of you are participating in any clubs?"

After a moment of thought, 17 out of 23 students raised their hands.

"I see, that's good."

"Why did you ask us this question?"

inquired Karuizawa Kei.

"If you're okay with another class-related matter, I'm more than fine to elaborate."

I responded, gaining unanimous agreement.

Shortly after this statement all of my classmates collectively agreed and currently were listening very carefully.

"So, the reason why I asked you this question is really simple, if you all remember our first swimming class, all the people who took first and second spots were rewarded with private points. The point is that they rewarded us with those points precisely because the school never says anything about its hidden mechanics straight, however, they leave you all the hints to make a clear conclusion out of it."