Classroom of the Elite x Your Throne: Clash of Steel and Deceit

Ch. 5.1 - Picking Up Pace

I stared right into Ayanokouji's bottomless soul. He stared back, completely undeterred—not a flinch.

After calming down, I let go of my grip and stepped back.

"I will remember this, Ayanokouji."

"Then, I'll take that as a yes."

Spark. Spark. Spark. Spark.

Before heading back to the classroom, I turned my head to look at Ayanokouji once more.

"Try your best to not be boring."

Somewhere around the back of my head, a memory from when it all slowly crept into my head. It was something I disregarded before, but it couldn't have been more clear.

Find your spark.

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Ike and Yamauchi's case ended with them being suspended for one week for frivolous action against school authorities and practically wasting everyone's time. They lacked evidence to overthrow Chabashira, and the fact that they also had fingers pointed at Ayanokouji and me didn't make their case any easier. However, they did search his room. Nothing substantial was found, of course.

Per my deal with Ayanokouji, he didn't add any more weight to the case and let them go. I'm still doubtful of what he really wants but at least it's not boring.

My plans weren't totally ruined because of this. Actually, the situation might turn out for the better but I'll still have to push things through.

"Uhh...Horikita, can you come with me for a second?"

Tuesday hasn't been great, but it could be worse. However, lunchtime came with an interesting guest in front of my table.

"What can I do for you, Sudou-kun?"

I didn't look at him at all. Instead, I reached for my lunchbox and laid out my meal in front of me. Then, I took out my utensils, flashing a smile on my face doing so.

"Can we take this outside? It's kinda private," he said while scratching his head.

"As you can see, I'm about to have my lunch. So, if you want to ask me something, private or not, you need to ask now."

"Are you serious?"

Today's course consisted of stir-fried sausages and perfectly seasoned sunny-side-ups. It's not typically a meal you'd put in a lunchbox as it would lose moisture by the time you first take a bite. At least, that's what Suzune said. But it's all I had. Perhaps I can try out grocery shopping for once.

"Hey, it's really important. Can't you—"

"Sit down, Sudou-kun," I interjected.

Good grief. This person needs to understand what it means to bother someone at the right time and place.

Sudou eventually gave up and used Mei-Yu Wang's empty desk to sit in front of me. He looked around to see if anyone was trying to eavesdrop. As soon as he felt like the coast was clear, he leaned in and lowered his voice.

"What are you planning, Horikita?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Y'know, I've been thinking what you said to me before and it's confusing the heck out of me."

"What part of it was confusing?" I took a bite out of my food.

"You said you're gonna protect the class, but you're the reason Ike and Yamauchi got suspended. They're sorta my friends, so I thought you would go after me next."

"Well, I'm not."

"That ain't convincing."

"I promised you that no one will be expelled. They're only suspended."

"What kind of idiot will be assured by that?"

"You are asking a lot of questions, Sudou-kun. I thought you didn't care what happened to the class?"

"I care what happens to me, though. And if you're gonna go after me next, I got to stop you."

"I'm not. Also, if you don't cut this short, our classmates will be suspicious."

"Eh?" Sudou sneakily glanced around, meeting a few gazes in the process.

"See?"

"What do you want from me, Horikita?"

Well, since it's come to this, I might as well.

"I don't know why you're asking me that when you're the one who came up to me but I'll let it go. By any chance, are you free after class?"

Sudou furrowed an eyebrow.

"Huh? I have club practice. Why?"

"I want you to accompany me somewhere. After that, perhaps we could study for the midterm exams."

"What?! I ain't studying with you again."

"Then, just come with me later."

"What are you guys talking about?"

Ayanokouji abruptly approached us from the right, holding a water bottle in one of his hands. He looked as stale as ever, his lunch not appearing to have made his face any healthier.

"Well, it's none of your business, Ayanokouji-kun. Please go back to your seat."

"Is that so?" Ayanokouji glanced at Sudou while making his way towards his seat.

"W-Wait a minute, Ayanokouji!" Sudou turns to me. "Where do you even want to go, Horikita?"

I let out a sigh.

"The sports annex. I assumed it'd be easier for you to accompany me since you're familiar with the facilities."

"What are you planning to do there?" Ayanokouji intruded.

"Yeah, what's up with the sports annex? I can show you around but why?"

"I'm looking to join a club."

"Really?!" Sudou exclaimed.

"That's surprising. I thought you had no interest in those kinds of things," Ayanokouji tilted his head slightly.

"Well, I changed my mind. In any case, you don't need to come, Ayanokouji-kun. Sudou-kun should be enough to show me around."

"Now that you mentioned it, maybe I should join a club as well. Looking around won't hurt, surely."

How annoying.

"That's the spirit, Ayanokouji! Guess you had some life in you, huh? Let him come, Horikita. We're still not done talking, and he's also kinda part of the thing."

"What thing?"

"Never mind that. Go back to your seats already."

"Fine."

Sudou stood up and put back the chair he borrowed.

This should be fine.