Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XIV: Preparing A Chessboard (Part 2)

She huffs, her pout returning as she crosses her arms. "Stop teasing me!"

I raise an eyebrow, amused at her reaction. I haven't even attempted to tease her—I'm only asking straightforward questions. But if she wants to think that's my idea of teasing, I'll let her.

"Hey, Kiyokyo..." Matsushita starts hesitantly, glancing at me before continuing. "Would you... want to grab some drinks together?"

I hum, considering her question, then answer, "Sure. Do you have a place in mind?"

Her face brightens, and she nods. "Yes! There's a place called the Pallet Café. Do you know it?"

Do I know it, Chimi?  Yes, I'm familiar with it; it's where I confronted Kushida on behalf of Horikita. But that's a detail I'll keep to myself.

"Hm. No, I don't think I've heard of it," I say, my expression blank. "Mind leading the way?"

Matsushita hums thoughtfully as she starts down the path toward the café, and I follow at her pace, matching my steps beside her. After a moment, she glances over and asks, "So... who was the guy with the glasses in the library?"

She must be talking about Akifumi. I reply smoothly, "That's Akifumi. We go back quite a ways—he's an old childhood friend."

"Childhood friend?" she echoes with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "I didn't recognize him... Which class is he in?"

"He's in Class A. He's skilled enough for it," I add, keeping the response casual. Her eyebrows raise a bit, clearly surprised.

"Class A, huh? So, one of the 'elites' of the school. How did you two meet?" She presses on, intrigued.

I decide a half-truth will be easiest to manage. "We met at a business convention in Havana. My father owns a cleaning products supply company, and his guardian runs a chemical manufacturing company. They work together sometimes, so Akifumi and I crossed paths at one of those events."

"Havana, huh? You two must have met all over the world if they do business internationally." She looks impressed, nodding as if trying to piece the whole story together.

"Something like that," I respond with a faint nod, keeping my expression neutral.

She seems satisfied with my answer and lets the conversation settle as we walk on, eventually arriving at the entrance of the Pallet Café. A warm ambiance seeps through its glass doors, and the sound of light conversation and the smell of coffee drift out as Matsushita pushes open the door, flashing me a smile.

Inside, we find a quiet table near the window, and as we sit down, she rests her chin on her hands, studying me with a playful look. "So, Kiyokyo, any secrets I should know about?"

I raise an eyebrow. "Are you expecting a confession?"

"Maybe!" she laughs, rolling her eyes. "Or at least something you wouldn't tell just anyone."

I meet her gaze, unbothered. "Careful what you wish for."

"So, how's your friend group been treating you?" I ask, thinking back to the few times I've observed her friends. Shinohara and Satou are lively—far more energetic than I am. Then there's Karuizawa, who remains a bit of an enigma, and Mori, who I don't know well enough to form any real judgment on.

Matsushita tilts her head, considering. "They've been good. A few days ago, we went to a small clothing shop at the mall. Even though points are a little tight, they somehow always find a way to spend them." She gives a light shrug and a smile, though I find it a bit odd. Regardless, I respond, "Is that so."

Before I can continue, a waitress approaches with a warm smile. "And what would the lovely couple like today?" she asks with a playful tone. It's a bit strange that she's assumed we're a couple, though I suppose it's an easy assumption to make given most mixed pairs in here probably are. I don't bother to correct her.

"Do you have Yulmu-cha available?" I ask. The waitress looks slightly puzzled, but she nods as she writes it down. "I suppose we do..."

She then turns to Matsushita. "And what about you, young lady?"

"A Marocchino for me, please," Matsushita replies with a polite smile.

The waitress notes it with a nod and heads off to prepare our drinks.

Matsushita leans back, glancing out the window before turning her gaze back to me. "I'm surprised you knew about Yulmu-cha. It's not exactly a popular choice around here."

I shrug slightly. "I'm not one for the mainstream, I suppose. And you? A Marocchino's a bit of a refined choice."

She smirks, brushing her hair back. "What can I say? I have my tastes."

As I take a sip of the Yulmu-cha, I notice Matsushita watching me, her cheeks still faintly pink. I briefly wonder if she's unwell, but she doesn't seem uncomfortable, so I push the thought aside. The tea's nutty warmth fills my senses, and I glance at her as she takes a delicate sip of her Marocchino, her eyes flickering with amusement as they meet mine.

"So, what exactly was your plan, Chimi?" I ask, setting down my cup. "Were you planning on just trailing me all evening?"

She grins, swirling her drink before replying. "I guess I wanted to see if you'd notice. Plus, it was just nice to catch up with you. We don't get to talk as much lately."

"Perhaps because you're often occupied with your lively group of friends," I remark, a hint of teasing in my tone.

She raises an eyebrow, her smile growing as if challenging me. "Or maybe because you're always sneaking off somewhere."

I give a small nod, acknowledging her observation. She's more perceptive than she lets on.

As the minutes pass and we finish our drinks, we pay with our points and head out of the cafe. When we reach the lobby of the dorms, we stop to part ways. Matsushita glances over at me, a gentle smile on her face.

"Thanks for coming with me, Kiyokyo. I enjoyed today."

I nod slightly, offering a quiet, "Don't mention it. I'll see you around."

The elevator doors open, and I step inside. Just before they close, her voice reaches me one last time. "Have a good night."

I don't turn back. The soft hum of the elevator as it ascends fills the silence around me, quieting my thoughts. Is this what having a friend feels like? Hm. Maybe I'll let things go a bit further and see if any of this stirs something... Matsushita Chiaki, maybe you could be the person who...

No. Who am I kidding? I'll never change. I'll always be me—a horrible human being. 

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Author: Heya! Sorry for the long wait, but expect it to go like that for a bit. I write only for fun and don't do it for anything else really. I will keep updating, but it might be a few weeks in between. Sometimes i write a lot, sometimes i don't. 

Sorry for the inconvenience. Have a nice day onwards! 

word count: 2880

date posted: 13 nov 2024