The Lazy Defect, Year 1: (Classroom Of The Elite Fanfic)

Volume 11.5 Chapter 4: Mōrishi

Tokyo, Japan
ANHS
Dormitory/Keyaki Mall
Wednesday, March 25th, 2020
Morning

NAGI POV

Me {I'm on my way to the Keyaki mall, heading up to the second floor where Honami asked to meet us. It's been a while since we've all had the chance to sit down and talk—Kiyotaka, Suzune, and I. We're all from the same class, but we rarely gather like this, especially after everything that's happened. Taking the elevator down from my dorm room, I just let my thoughts wander, knowing that today should be relatively calm. The elevator stops on the first floor, and I step out, ready to make my way to the mall. But as I walk toward the exit, I notice a familiar figure standing by the door: Ibuki Mio}

Me {Our eyes meet, and I can't help but remember our weird rivalry. It wasn't really mutual, though—at least, I never saw it that way. But Ibuki clearly thinks otherwise. She floats over to me, giving me an annoying smirk}

Ibuki [So, you dropped to Class C, huh? While I've made it to Class A. Feels like I'm winning now]

Me {I don't feel any particular need to argue}

Me [Congrats. That's great for you]

Me {I say calmly. There's no bitterness in my voice, just simple acknowledgment. She doesn't take it that well, kicking me hard in the shin. It's not exactly painful, but it's enough to get my attention. I wince a little, but then I laugh. It's all she really wants, isn't it? To provoke a reaction}

Me [Are you serious? That's what you get for trying to be nice to your rival]

Me {I say, rubbing my shin where she kicked me. She looks at me for a second, then shrugs}

Ibuki [I guess it's more fun when you're not trying to be a goody-goody about it]

Me {I smile, trying to keep things light}

Me [You know, Suzune would probably be a better rival than me. You should challenge her instead]

Me {She seems to consider that for a second, then looks away, muttering something under her breath. Before I can say anything else, the elevator chimes, and Ishizaki steps out. He tells Ibuki to wait for him, and to my surprise, he calls me "bro."}

Ishizaki [Hey, bro, how's it going?]

Me {Ishizaki says casually, giving me a nod}

Me [Uh... you're calling me that?]

Me {I ask, honestly surprised. I didn't think we were that close. But then again, I guess we've crossed paths enough times for him to feel comfortable. He doesn't seem to mind my surprise}

Ishizaki [You and Ayanokouji, man. You guys really gave Ryuuen, Albert, and me a beating. Strong as hell, both of you]

Me {I shrug}

Me [I wouldn't call it a beating. Just... circumstances]

Me {I can't help but laugh at the thought of everything that went down. Ishizaki seems to think we're some kind of powerhouse duo, but honestly, it was more luck and timing than anything else. They leave, and I make my way to the mall. The familiar sights of the bustling place greet me as I head to the second floor. It's only a short walk to the café where Honami asked us to meet. When I walk in, Honami spots me immediately}

Honami [Nagi-kun!]