KiyotakaxOC- A New Life In Classroom Of The Elite: Ayaki 's Quest For Change

Chapitre 8- Pallet

Ayaki walks over to Ayanokoji, a smile on her face. "You did well at the pool, Ayanokoji-kun," she says cheerfully.

He responds modestly, "I guess I was average."

Ayaki bursts out laughing, knowing full well that he held back. "Oh, come on. We both know you were just pretending not to stand out."

At that moment, Kushida approaches them with a bright smile. Ayaki feels a slight twinge of frustration; she doesn't particularly like Kushida interrupting this moment. Kushida asks Ayanokoji, "Say, have you ever seen Horikita-san smile?"

Ayaki thinks back to the Light Novels. She knows Horikita will smile more often in the future, but for now, she remains quite reserved. Ayanokoji simply answers, "No, never."

Kushida smiles and continues, "It's curious, you're the one she spends the most time with. Maybe you could help her open up a bit, you know, make her smile." She looks at Ayanokoji with a cute expression, playing up her charms.

Ayaki, knowing Kushida's true nature, understands that she has her own intentions behind this request. She also remembers that Kushida and Horikita don't really like each other in the LN, despite appearances. Ayanokoji, remaining neutral, nods. "I can try. I'll invite her to the Pallet tomorrow."

Kushida lights up at the idea. "Oh, the Pallet! It's a nice place, often frequented by students. Perfect for this kind of situation." She then proposes a plan, that Ayanokoji and Horikita go to the Pallet, place an order, and then meet Kushida "accidentally" to become friends with Horikita.

Ayaki raises an eyebrow, finding Kushida's plan rather absurd. "That plan won't work. Horikita-san isn't the type to be easily manipulated."

Kushida, unfazed, retorts confidently, "Well, we have to try, don't we? If we don't, we'll never know."

Ayaki sighs inwardly. She's skeptical about the effectiveness of the plan, but she knows Kushida is determined. "Do what you want, but I doubt it will work," she finally says.

Kushida responds with an innocent smile, "Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fine. Besides, Ayanokoji-kun is here to help me, right?" She turns to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ayanokoji nods, keeping his expression impassive. "I'll do my best," he says simply.

Kushida laughs softly, adding a cute touch to her angelic facade. "Thank you, Ayanokoji-kun. I'm counting on you."

Ayaki senses a slight tension in the air. She observes Kushida, wondering what she's really up to. "You're putting a lot of pressure on him, Kushida-san," she says with a sly smile.

Kushida laughs again, even softer this time. "Oh, that's not my intention. I just want everything to go well."

After this brief exchange, Ayaki turns to Ayanokoji and asks, "And you, what do you think? Are you ready to play along with Kushida-san's plan?"

Ayanokoji shrugs. "I don't really have an opinion. It's just a request, after all."

Ayaki nods, slightly amused by his response. She knows that despite his detached demeanor, Ayanokoji is very observant and strategic. "Well, good luck," she says with a smile.

Kushida, satisfied with how things are going, thanks them warmly. "Thank you both. I hope everything goes well tomorrow."

As Kushida walks away, Ayaki looks at Ayanokoji. "Do you really think she wants to be friends with Horikita-san?" she asks, already knowing the answer.

Ayanokoji looks at her calmly. "Who knows? People can have complex motivations."

Ayaki nods, thinking about how difficult it is to really understand others, especially in this school where everyone seems to have hidden agendas. "You're right," she finally responds. "But sometimes, it's better to be cautious."