Classroom of the Elite: Crimson Usurper (V5-V11.5)

(V7) Chapter 7: Intersecting Thoughts

Shinjiro's Point of View

ROUGHLY 2 hours before Karuizawa's supposed to see Ryuuen, Chabashira lectured us about important things to remember during the upcoming winter vacation.

I found myself shaking my leg rhythmically, my body fidgeting due to anticipation of what'll happen soon.

Anyone observing me could tell that I was on edge, whether from excitement or dread. However, I forced myself to adopt a more composed demeanor to make it appear I'm fine..

"Parts of the school will undergo renovations, so those areas will be off-limits. Also, all clubs will take the day off after the closing ceremony. Be sure to head back as soon as you can."

After wrapping up her speech, Chabashira scanned the classroom in silence. We waited, but she showed no sign of dismissing us.

Ike, clearly itching to leave, raised his hand. "Erm... What's the matter, Sensei?"

"This class became Class C just before summer vacation ended. That is an admirable feat. I didn't congratulate you when you guys did become Class C, so this is my congratulations. Good job everyone."

"W-wow. Sensei just praised us. This is rare," Ike wasn't the only one who felt that way. I was sure the rest of the class was equally amazed.

"However, don't get sloppy. If you get in trouble over the break, it might affect your class points. Don't forget, even during the holidays, you represent this school," With that, Chabashira dismissed us, bringing the second semester to a close.

I quickly gathered my textbooks and shoved them into my bag. I looked at both Ayanokouji and Karuizawa.

I've received a message from Ryuen earlier today. Regarding Karuizawa.

And then, later that morning, Ayanokouji received a text from Karuizawa. The message said that Ryuuen had asked to meet her on the roof at four o'clock today. An unsettling knot twisted in my stomach.

For some inexplicable reason... I'm... nervous.

Anxiety I haven't felt since I've first got placed into this world, in the bus taking us to this school.

I tapped on Ayanokouji shoulders, and he turned around. I visibly had a face that of concern and nervousness. Even though I could keep a poker face, I wanted to convey what I was currently feeling without talking about it in public so Ayanokouji would know what I wanted to talk about.

"I get it. He's escalated things. It's understandable that you're worried," he answered.

I saw Karuizawa leaving the room with her friends looking satisfied, perhaps because she felt confident that Ayanokouji gotten her message.

...

"Ayanokouji. I want to ask you a question."

He gestured me, signaling to continue.

"What did you do in the Paper Shuffle?" I asked him in a low tone so only the two of us can hear the conversation.

"What did I do in the Paper Shuffle, huh?" Ayanokouji carefully leaned his chair backwards, probably to try to get closer to me. "I don't know."

"What do you mean, 'I don't know'?"

"What do you think I did?"

What did Ayanokouji do? I searched through any possibilities that I could've noticed. Only that Ayanokouji was leaving early and holed up in his room for a short time period. Probably a day to 4 days. That was it.