Classroom of the Elite: Crimson Usurper (Volume 1)

Chapter 8.1

THE study group seemed to have gotten off to a good start. Of course, no one suddenly loved studying or found great joy in it. However, they all did their part to avoid expulsion so they could continue to spend time with their friends. 

The Idiot Trio started changing their behavior. They frantically repeated everything written on the blackboard, wracking their brains to understand the problems.

Sudou occasionally came close to passing out during class. His head would bob up and down as he started to doze, but he managed to stay awake, likely because of his professional basketball dreams. That was worthy of praise.

Once the afternoon class had ended, a satisfied-looking Horikita gave a small nod and glanced at her notes. Apparently, she'd compiled everything together. Even though Horikita was teaching the Idiot Trio, she wanted the best possible results.

However, trying to get perfect scores was absurd. We didn't intend to reach that far. Helping Ike and the others avoid failing was the best we could do.

When the lunch bell rang, everyone made a mad dash for the cafeteria. Our break was forty-five minutes long. After lunch, everyone had agreed to meet in the library for a twenty-minute study session. 

At first, we'd planned to study in the classroom. However, for better concentration, we decided to avoid noise and use the library.

However, the main reason was that Horikita wanted to avoid Hirata. His study group also met during lunch, and if we were reviewing materials nearby, they'd likely try to talk to us. 

Horikita absolutely did not want that.

"Hey hey! Horikita, what are you doing for lunch?" Ayanokouji asked. 

"Well I don't think it's a bad—"

"Ayanokouji-kun! Do you want to eat lunch together!? I don't have any plans today!" Kushida unexpectedly hopped out in front of Ayanokouji.

"Ah... okay. Well then, do you want to eat together with Kushida—'" Ayanokouji began.

"I already have plans. Please excuse me." Horikita stood and stalked out of the classroom by herself.

"I'm sorry, Ayanokouji-kun. Was I possibly...being a bother?" Kushida asked.

"Oh, no... Not at all." Thanks to Kushida's interference, Horikita immediately backed out.

"Hey, can I join you guys in your lunch?" I asked. Karuizawa's second group were already out of the room.

"Wouldn't hurt to have one more friend!" Kushida exclaimed.

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"What's going on? There're an insane number of female humans here." I observed. 

"This isn't really a place where male humans come to eat." Kushida joked around with me.

The menu included items like pasta and pancakes, food that only girls would like. 

Athletic people like Sudou would probably complain about the small portions. I would too.

There were a few guys, but you could say that they were either in a relationship or playboys. Every guy here was either alone with one girl or surrounded by multiple ladies.

"How about we go to the cafeteria after all? I feel kind of uncomfortable here." Ayanokouji asked.

"Yeah, I don't like it here. I feel like I'm out of place." I agreed.