Classroom of the elite short Stories

Grateful

Excitement was in the air around the school grounds as the campus was being prepped for the yearly school festival. The streets were festooned with vibrant decorations, and there was a pleasant scent filling the air. Students gathered around in groups, the air filled with noise and laughter. Each group had set up a stall in an attempt to draw in students and workers who were walking by.

The central plaza had been modified into a wide stage where the school's bands and performers would constantly showcase their skills.

Students were playing games and engaging in other activities throughout the campus, and there was an infectious excitement among them as they cheered on those around them.

A few were taking a break, enjoying the vibrant environment while sipping drinks while perched beneath trees or on the school steps. While groups of friends gathered together, swapping laughs and stories, couples strolled hand in hand, exchanging shy glances.

Ayanokoji and a girl were walking side by side, their steps rhythmically in time. 

A girl turned to face him, her pupils widening and shaking with a mixture of apprehension and anxiety as she appeared to be overwhelmed by the sensory assault. A maelstrom of sensations that was nearly too much for her to bear included the loud music, the chattering crowd, and the flashing lights from the numerous games and kiosks.

She talked with a faint trembling in her voice and a trace of desperation in her words. "Hey, it's so loud. Can we go somewhere quiet for a little?"

Ayanokoji nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's head to the dorm," he answered in a calm and steady tone. His hand reached out to the girl, a subconscious offer of reassurance and assistance.

As they walked together in silence, the tension in the air gradually began to subside. The sounds of the festival grew distant, replaced by the soft, rhythmic echoes of their footsteps. 

Ayanokoji noticed the girl beside him taking slow, deep breaths; her head bowed slightly, as though she was slowly regaining her composure.

The girl broke the stillness as they strolled along the street. "Kiyotaka," she said in a truthful, even a little nervous voice, "I apologise for forcing you to leave the festival; you probably wanted to stay."

Ayanokoji gently shook his head. "It's nothing to worry about," he shot back, his voice dismissive and flippant. "I don't mind leaving early."

"Are you sure?" The girl persisted, still feeling guilty for making him leave early. 

Ayanokoji stopped walking for a moment and turned to face her. He met her gaze evenly, his expression softening. "I mean it," he reasserted, his voice gentle yet flat. "I don't mind at all."

The girl's expression softened, her guilt easing somewhat at his words. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, a small smile curling at the corners of her mouth. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice a tad hoarse due to the emotions swirling within her.

Their eyes drifted apart after briefly connecting, as though they were exchanging silent words. They strolled again at a leisurely pace.

Their gazes fluttered with time. Their hands occasionally touched as they walked, and they both knew how much they meant to one another. With every stride, their bodies appeared to get closer as they moved forward.

When they got to the lift after entering the dorm building, the boy pushed the button to start the lift. They entered after the doors slid open. The quiet between them was broken by the smooth ascent of the softly illuminated lift.

The girl twitched a little, her fingers intertwining as though out of habit. He saw that she was tense, lightly but firmly, so he stretched out and put his hand on her shoulder. His voice broke the silence. "Hey," he whispered gently. "It's fine, or did you prefer stairs?"