SPECIAL CLASS: Classroom of the Elite

CHAPTER 3-2: A Meal in Class D

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

-----

POV: Riku

Chabashira-sensei: The class is over, Chabashira said in a dry tone. Go have your lunch break. See you next time.

Finally, the bell rang, marking the end of the lessons. A sigh of relief passed through the class. Yet, I doubted that everyone had really put in an effort today. The girls seemed to have taken my advice to heart; they were already paying attention to the details. But as for the boys... that was a different story. I had already caught a few of them playing or idling on their tablets instead of focusing. I would probably need to talk to them to prevent this from affecting the whole class. You never knew how things could evolve, and this thought made me sigh slightly.

I knew I already had some influence among my classmates, and if I discussed it with Hirata and Kushida, I was almost certain we could convince everyone to make an effort. Kushida, adored by all, could probably rally the boys. As for Hirata and me, we could surely get the message across to the girls. Moreover, I noticed that I was starting to gain a bit of popularity, which, though I didn't always understand why, didn't displease me. It was strange but ultimately rather pleasant.

Chabashira-sensei, after saying her final words, left the room, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. We were now free for the break. Despite this, I couldn't help but find it all a bit boring. Not that the class was uninteresting, but it was far too simple. Maybe it wasn't the case for everyone, but I had already learned a lot on my own, so everything we covered today, I already knew. I wondered if that was why some people got distracted... Maybe these early lessons were just reviews for those who needed them? It was possible, after all.

Everyone began to pack up their things, getting ready to head out to lunch in small groups.

Ike: Pff, that was so boring! Thank goodness I had my console to pass the time, haha! Anyway, let's head to the caf'. I gotta admit, I'm a bit hungry after all that!

Yamauchi: Yeah, I'm starving here! Sudou, you coming with us or what?

Sudou: Oh yeah, I'm right behind you! But seriously, watch your money, okay? Don't go picking the most expensive items on the menu!

Ike: Yeah, yeah, we got it, don't worry!

I heard the murmurs of groups starting to leave the classroom for lunch. The time had come, and I had to admit that hunger was starting to kick in. After packing my things, I turned to the person in front of me, Ishigami, and suggested we have lunch together at a small, quiet table. It would be the perfect opportunity to chat a bit more and really get to know each other over a meal. After all, we barely knew each other, and it was the ideal moment to change that, haha.

Riku: Well, class is over, time to eat, I said in my soft, natural voice. I was thinking of heading to the cafeteria. Would you like to join me for lunch?

Ishigami: Ishigami hesitated for a moment, then, without meeting my gaze, scratched the back of his head, visibly uncomfortable. Oh, uh, sorry, but I was supposed to have lunch with my group of friends... well, with the others. He glanced around quickly, almost uncertain. But hey, you can come with me if you want. With you there, maybe I'd freak out less around Shinomiya. He paused before continuing, a bit more reserved. I mean, you've already seen them, they were the ones on the bus. I could introduce you.