Classroom of the elite | The path that leads to nothingness - OC

Negotiation

The tension in the gymnasium had shifted to a low hum of hushed whispers and shuffling footsteps as students began to rise from their seats. Nakata had seated himself back, face composed but gaze unreadable, hinting at intentions lying just beneath the surface. Only a sparse, uneasy silence filled the air as officials on stage tried to keep the ceremony flowing, though all eyes repeatedly flickered back toward Nakata's form, assessing his every movement.

Ayanakouji Kiyotaka remained still, observing the room and those around him with his customary calm. Hiyori Shiina sat beside him, her composure appearing steady at first glance, yet subtle signs betrayed her growing unease. Her breathing, slightly quickened, showed through her softly rising and falling chest, and her delicate lips parted as she tried to steady herself. This subtle yet perceptible reaction did not go unnoticed by Ayanakouji, who watched her closely, gauging her state before he finally asked, "Are you okay?"

The girl gave no immediate reply, lost in her thoughts. Ayanakouji gently placed his hand atop hers, firm but light, a gesture intended to draw her back to the present moment. "Hiyori, are you okay?" This time, he chose her first name deliberately, his tone more attentive, his words careful.

"Yes?" She looked up, startled, before a faint shade of pink graced her cheeks, an instinctual reaction she tried to hide behind a slight smile. "Yes, I'm fine," she managed, sounding composed. "By the way, Ayanakouji-kun, did you just... use my given name?" Her surprise was laced with a hint of delight, head tilting curiously.

"I did," he replied with a nod, his tone steady as he met her gaze. "You seemed out of it, so I thought using your first name might help. Sorry if that was uncalled for."

"Oh, no, it's not a big deal at all." Her initial surprise softened into a genuine smile, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "In fact... I think I might prefer it. Feel free to use my first name." Her gentle expression warmed the otherwise somber setting, her sincerity breaking the tension that had wrapped around the room.

"Really?" Ayanakouji asked, mentally cataloging this new shift in their friendship. Until now, he hadn't crossed into using first names with anyone in his class, so this moment had a rare pleasantness to it, something slightly unfamiliar yet not unwelcome.

"Yes, it's fine," she assured him, her tone light.

"Alright, but only if you'll do the same and use my first name, too." His response was almost playful, like a small negotiation.

"Of course... Kiyotaka-kun, is it?" she asked, her cheeks tinged pink again, as though this small development meant more to her than she could properly express. Her joy felt like a warm glow in the dimmed environment, their camaraderie a small but real comfort amidst the weight of the memorial.

"That's right, Hiyori," he replied, watching her lips turn upward into an elegant, almost wistful smile as she glanced downward at her hand, which still rested beneath his. She hesitated, her fingers barely shifting.

"Um..." she murmured, her voice almost a whisper as she flicked her gaze from his hand to her own lap, hesitant yet reluctant to break the connection.

Ayanakouji released her hand gently, aware of the unspoken acknowledgment that lingered in the quiet. "Sorry about that."

The final notes of the closing speech echoed dimly around them, blending with the rhythmic drumming of rain outside, each drop a reminder of the storminess that had permeated the day's events. Around them, students slowly rose from their seats, throwing glances at Nakata, who had also stood and was making his way toward the exit. He walked alongside Horikita, who cast worried glances at the freshly bandaged hand he had defiantly sliced open, only to have it withdrawn gently, though with an edge of annoyance, from her touch.