CLASSROOM OF THE ELITE X QUINTS: Complicated Feelings

I'll Keep it in Mind, Senpai

The sun was at its peak. Its arms stretched out over the whole horizon, swiping away the clouds—a clear blue sky.

A brown-haired boy in his uniform threaded along the path. The scourging heat slipped the garments, long sleeves only made things hotter.

Eyes followed his back as he headed toward the school. Today was Saturday. They knew he wasn't a part of any club nor was there any Saturday class.

Not to mention his class suspension was still in effect. Still, those gaze didn't linger any longer.

“Out of all days, why now?” Ayanokouji muttered.

His finger loosened up his tie as he stepped inside the building. Blond hair. Blue eyes. In his uniform. He could already smell trouble as he saw that guy over his way here.

Ayanokouji sighed. He ascended the stairs, turning left, and climbed another floor.

The hallway felt endless. Dim and silent. With each step echoing as his shoes grazed against the floor.

At the edge of the path, a door suddenly opened.

Ayanokouji's eyes widened. Though they had met the other day, something was off around her today.

Ichinose also froze on the spot.

Twice she was with him when her world fell apart.

Ichinose had caused the first—driven by her emotions—she threw herself to Ayanokouji, only to be pushed away.

Right now, he was only a bystander. Ayanokouji just happened to cross paths with her.

So she wanted to run to his arms, dug her face into his chest, and wailed about the unfairness of this world.

She could—she knew he would let her…

But at the same time, Ichinose's also conscious of her place.

Ichinose forced a smile. Looking, and yet not looking at Ayanokouji.

“Please excuse me.”

She could no longer hold herself, passing through him, rushing toward the opposite direction.

Ayanokouji turned over his shoulder, watching her back moving away till her figure had completely disappeared.

Instead of running after Ichinose, he shook his head and stepped forward. He stood before the very same door.

The word “STUDENT COUNCIL” was carved out above the door.

Ayanokouji raised his hand and didn't hesitate knocking.

“Come in,”

With the response, he inserted his fingers to the handle, pushed it aside, and stepped inside the room.

•••

The students council office was no different from how it was before. Aside from the pile of boxes on top of the U-shape table, and in the room's corners, nothing changed.

Horikita Manabu sat in the middle of the room. His sharp gaze and strict demeanor suited a young man with authority.

Yet Ayanokouji just stepped inside—unfazed.

“You have come,” Horikita Manabu said.

Putting down his pen, he lifted his gaze and looked directly at Ayanokouji.

While Ayanokouji didn't respond in words, instead he slightly nodded.

“Take a seat.” Horikita Manabu pointed to the nearby chair.