Protagonist (Remaster)

Chapter 3

 * * *
Matsushita

'Turns out, this Ayanokouji guy is a lot more interesting than I thought.' I wrote in my notebook.

After seeing that whole incident near the bathroom, I was inclined to do a little bit more investigation (stalking) and try to find out more about him. His routine is pretty normal from what I've seen. He goes to school at exactly 7:45 each day with no exceptions, grabs a sausage biscuit and some coffee on the way there, gets into class by 8:05-8:10, and sits through classes.

However, when he's within school is where it gets interesting.

Between periods, he goes to visit multiple people. Firstly, the class leaders: Honami Ichinose. They exchange slight greetings, and seemingly points as well. It's a bit surprising, as they just met, but I guess he makes friends quick. Kakeru Ryuuen. Ayanokouji seems to run to him the most for physical intimidation and dirty tactics. Which is probably the best choice for the type of person he is. Oppressive, and someone not to be messed with. Then finally, Arisu Sakayanagi. This one I don't have much on. They meet, play chess, and leave seemingly. Will get back to that later.

Closing my notebook, I refocused in class. Or, at least, tried to. How could I when we have some handsome- I mean some secret agent in our class?

While internally screaming to myself, I noticed that a hand had landed upon my shoulder.

And low and behold, the man himself was there.

"...James Bond?"

"What?"

* * *
Timeskip

"So, you've been stalking me."

Shit.

Well, that was one way of opening the conversation. Ayanokouji leaned against a pillar while I sat down on a nearby bench. He looked on at passersby, seemingly zoned out.

"U-Uh, I guess you could say that. I'd call it investigating though." I replied, staring at the ground. Ayanokouji was silent, yet unsettling. Scary even.

Humming in disagreement, he continued. "I'm not mad, if that's what you're wondering." Thank. God. "Just a couple of questions. Like why you are stalking me in the first place?"

Taking a deep breath, I replied: "W-Well, I saw you speaking to Ryuuen, and you looked really cool so...I was interested in what exactly you do." My voice got quieter and quieter until it was near a whisper. Gathering the courage to look up, I noticed a shocked look on Ayanokouji's face.

"Me? Cool?"

"Uh, yeah?" I replied, tilting my head. "You're doing Jason Bourne level stuff. How could it not be cool?"

"Huh. I never thought of that," he said, putting his finger to his chin. "You seem enthusiastic though, and I do need some help..." My eyes lit up. I could do all this cool stuff too? This might be the best day of my school life! We could go undercover, infiltrate classes and carry secret weapons, and then interrogate people like good cop bad cop-

"Matsushita."

Oops, nerded out too hard.

"R-Right, what were you saying?"

"Would you like to be my investigator?" He asked, a very small smile on his face. Didn't know he could do that. Feels weird to imagine him without it now.

"Really? If you're fine with me then sure..." I answered, smiling. He stopped leaning on the pillar and looked at me. Were his eyes always so bright? Another thing to look into.