Classroom of the Elite: Alter - Resurgent

Vol. 7.5: Chapter 8 - Friends

December 31, Friday.

A few days had passed and suddenly, it was New Year's Eve. I have plans for later, but I'm mostly free for the entire day.

The snow fell hard last night, and the cold deepened my sleep. It was 8 AM by the time I woke up. I resupplied my snacks and cooking ingredients a few days ago, so I don't have to worry about them running out anytime soon.

That said, I actually have a very important errand today. Donning my jacket, I hurriedly went out of the building. Based on my research, the game should've launched in Akihabara at 12 AM on the 30th, and a few copies would be shipped to the local game store on campus today at around 8 to 9 AM.

"I should be right on time... Hopefully, it's not popular with the students of this school."

Honestly, I shouldn't have said, let alone thought of something like that. It's a flag for the opposite to manifest, and now I might be in trouble.

And of course, there was a line of students when I arrived. Thankfully, it's not as bad as I'd expected. It should be less than ten guys...? No, there's a girl too. I didn't think this particular game would have a female fan.

"When does it open?" I asked the guy in front of me whom I'd assume was a third-year student.

"Hm? It should be any minute now. I saw the supply truck arrive thirty minutes ago."

"I see. Thanks, Senpai."

Unlike Keyaki Mall which opens at 10 AM, the other stores around the campus are more flexible regarding their opening time. That's why I had to research some stuff in advance so as not to waste time. The shutters were already raised and the doors were the only thing holding us back from getting inside.

A couple of minutes later, an employee walked to the glass door and flipped the "Closed" sign to "Open". After unlocking the door, we properly went inside the store. As expected, we all went to buy the same game. It was a niche game, so it wasn't too popular, but seeing others buy the exact same thing was very interesting to me.  

"Thank you for your patronage!" The male employee saw me off with a smile as I exited the store.

When I got back to my room, I thought about how silent and reticent my fellow shoppers were. Usually, people might want to start a conversation with someone who shares the same interests, especially when it comes to games. However, everything made sense after a few seconds of looking at the cover and some quick self-introspection. Seeing as the product was an "Eroge", I guess I wouldn't try to be the first to voice out my thoughts on it in public...

*Ring*

A familiar tune from an anime rang as my phone vibrated. Since I'd only set this ringtone for two people, it wasn't hard to guess who'd called me.

"Hello, Kiyotaka-kun?"

"Wataru, it's me."

"Looking at the time, I assumed you'd already bought it?"

"That's right. I'm just gonna let it sit here for today and wait until tomorrow."

"Alright. Happy New Year to you!"

"Yeah, Happy New Year."

I immediately dialed another number after my call with Wataru.

As expected, they answered without me having to wait.

"Ayanokouji, you called. Well, I'm not too surprised. Tomorrow is when your class will officially get demoted back to Class C. I'm sure you want to get a hold of some new information for the next semester."