Classroom of the Elite : Miles from Normal

Volume 1 : Chapter 7.5 (Bonus - 1)

It's been almost a week since school started. I joined soccer club along with Hirata and we were on our routinely practice.

Chilling on the grass after some intense soccer practice, Hirata and I caught our breaths, watching the rest of the team hustle. The field was buzzing, but our chat turned to the soccer club's stars, making us both kinda wish we had some of their moves.

"That Sho Shibata from class B is quite good, right?" I said, pointing towards where Shibata was zigzagging past defenders like it was nothing. "He makes it look way too easy."

"Totally. It's like his feet and the ball are best friends or something." Hirata, keeping an eye on Shibata, agreed.

We then shifted our gaze to Takahashi Akira from class 2-B, controlling the midfield like a boss.

"And what about Akira-senpai? One of the best midfielder in the club, hands down," Hirata added, impressed by how he seemed to be everywhere at once, setting up plays and cutting off the other team's passes.

"No doubt about it. He's got eyes everywhere," I replied, nodding in respect.

As we were talking, some of the second-year girls near the field started cheering, especially loud whenever Nagumo Miyabi, the top forward of the second years, got the ball. He had this knack for finding the back of the net from angles that seemed impossible.

"Nagumo-Senpai's on another level, isn't he? The way he plays forward is amazing," I said, watching as he skillfully maneuvered around his opponents.

"Yeah, the girls seem to love it too," Hirata chuckled, nodding towards the cheering crowd. "He's got a fan club."

I couldn't resist a little tease.

"You've got nothing to be jealous about, Hirata. Your fan club among the first-year girls is pretty well-established," I said with a grin.

Hirata's face turned a shade redder, a mix of humility and slight discomfort showing. "Ah, that's not really... I mean, it's not like that," he stammered, trying to downplay the attention he received.

"Are you sure about that?" I pressed on, enjoying the moment. "I've heard some girls in our class are already plotting to ask you out."

This seemed to make him even more uncomfortable, as he quickly denied it, "No, no, that's not happening. You're exaggerating."

"If you say so," I replied, letting the topic drop, noting his relief.

A moment passed, and I noticed Hirata zoning out, his gaze fixed on something in the distance or perhaps on nothing at all. "Hey, Hirata, you with me?" I called out, snapping him back to the present.

"Yeah, sorry, just got lost in thought for a second there," Hirata said, shaking off his distant gaze and flashing a quick smile my way.

Curious, I nudged the conversation a bit further.

"Something on your mind? You seem a bit off," I prodded gently, hoping he'd open up. Hirata hesitated for a moment before sharing his concern.

"It's about our class... after what you speculated, about the school hiding things from us. Do you think we'll be alright?" His voice carried a weight of genuine worry for our classmates and the uncertainty of our future. I paused, looking up at the sky, painting a canvas of dusky colors as evening crept closer.

"Hmm... I can't deny the possibility that we might be in trouble," I started, my tone reflective. "But at this moment, there's really nothing we can do. It's important not to worry over something that may or may not happen in the future." Hirata listened intently, nodding slowly as my words seemed to offer some comfort.