The Masks we Wear

Chapter 6 - Trust

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

~

April 13th 2016 

Upon waking up from my encounter I noticed something was particularly strange different about myself.

I felt stronger.

It wasn't anywhere close to the strength I felt when I was in Nagumo's Palace but it was still a relatively noticeable increase. This, however, wasn't what really caught my attention.

What it really was, was the sudden presence I felt.

I could feel Mephistopheles, here in the real world.

It was faint and it wasn't possible for me to summon him, but it was there. Was he perhaps the cause of the sudden increase in strength?

The fact this occurred the morning after my encounter with Igor couldn't be a mere coincidence. That vow I had formed was likely the cause of this.

I was then violently brought back to my present moment by a sharp poke to my right hand.

Turning my attention to my right, I came face to face with Horikita-San who's face was nagging me to pay attention to Chabashira-Sensei's teachings.

I could at least pretend to listen.

The rest of the day went by fairly quickly as classes then finally concluded. I noticed Eiichiro was preoccupied with talking to Hirata and Karuizawa-San at the moment, seeming pretty engrossed so I decided to wait out their conversation. Turning to my right once more I was surprised to see Horikita-San still remaining in her seat.

Well, this was an opportunity to make small talk, I guess.

Before I could initiate anything, she spoke first asking me a question.

"What do you think of our class, Ayanokouji-Kun?"

Referring to me by my actual name was a start at the least.

"What do you mean?" I asked, unsure of what the specifics of her question were or what she was looking for in my answer.

"I mean in terms of ability, do you genuinely believe we reflect the prestigiousness of this school?"

Interesting.

"Each member in this class holds significant potential" I started. "However we all seem to be held back by one trait or another."

"Then why was I put in this class?" She asked aloud in a hoarse voice. "I have great academic ability and am considerably athletic, there is no flaw I possess to warrant my placement here."

I sighed to myself, already knowing this was going to be difficult.

"You'll never get anywhere with that attitude, Horikita-San."

"Tch-!" She yelled, turning her gaze away from mine.

Horikita-Senpai had said that she was severely influenced by him growing up which eventually led to her currently adopting many of his traits and habits.

This meant she clearly wanted to chase after her brother's shadow, desiring to be acknowledged by him and wishing she had been placed in class A.

Judging from both of their mannerisms and overall collectiveness, it wouldn't surprise me if these two had come from a rather wealthy family. Which makes it even more strange that she was placed in class D considering the way this school operates and values students.

This meant that even the school had to have acknowledged her flaw to be too great and therefore required her to be relegated to this class.

That flaw was her obvious superiority complex and stubbornness in regard to cooperating with other people.