Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XVI: The new system

With an inward sigh, I make my way out of the classroom and head toward the teachers' break room.

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As I enter the room, a wave of exhaustion washes over me—not my own, but from the scene in front of me. Aonio-sensei, looking more shrunken and worn-out than usual, sits at a table, visibly exasperated. The dark bags under his eyes speak volumes about his state of mind. Meanwhile, Hoshinomiya-sensei is at his side, cheerfully poking and prodding him—his back, his shoulders, even his neck—demanding his attention like an overzealous child. His untouched coffee sits on the table, a silent testament to his suffering.

I almost feel pity for the man.

Giving a light knock on the door to announce my presence, I instantly draw the attention of Hoshinomiya-sensei. She takes a few quick steps toward me, her lips curling into a playful smile that's as disarming as it is insincere.

"My, my~ Ayanokouji-kun. We really have to stop meeting like this," she chirps with mock intimacy.

Agreed. I'd rather not see you again either.

"Aonio-sensei called me over," I reply, steering the conversation back to the reason I'm here. My gaze shifts to the tired geography teacher, who lets out a long, deep sigh before addressing the elephant in the room.

"Go beat it, you reject of a harlot," he grumbles, his tone unamused and cutting. "I have something to discuss with the student... in private."

Hoshinomiya-sensei gasps dramatically, placing her hands on her hips in mock indignation. Her exaggerated pout is betrayed by the playful gleam in her eyes as she sways her hips in an almost comically suggestive manner.

"That's no way to talk to a lady, you old meanie~," she retorts, sticking her tongue out like a petulant child.

Aonio-sensei only rolls his eyes. "There's only two males and a streetwalker in here—not a lady in sight. Now get out before I throw you out, you drunken fool."

I remain silent, watching the exchange unfold like a spectator at a bizarre play.

Hoshinomiya-sensei shakes her head and crosses her arms, letting out an exaggerated sigh of defeat. Without another word, she quietly exits the room, though the lingering scent of her rose perfume momentarily fills my senses as she passes by. Her fingertips brush lightly against my side, a subtle gesture that I consciously ignore. For a fleeting moment, I contemplate whether I should report her behavior to the proper authorities, but quickly dismiss the thought. It would be too much trouble, and let's face it—society tends to turn a blind eye when the offender is female. Double standards at their finest.

But now isn't the time to dwell on such matters.

I refocus on the task at hand, tuning out the muttered string of curses Aonio-sensei sends in Hoshinomiya-sensei's direction.

"Something is seriously wrong with her if somehow the sixteen-year-old teenager is more mature than she is," he grumbles, clearly at the end of his patience. His sharp eyes finally shift to me, scrutinizing me with an intensity that would unnerve most.

"Tell me something, Ayanokouji," he begins. "You barely pay attention in my class, right? Why is that?"

I shrug nonchalantly, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I pay attention in your class. So I don't know what you're talking about."

Aonio-sensei sighs, leaning back in his chair. "Really now? Fine. What's an opal?"

Without hesitation, I answer, "Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica and is considered a mineraloid."