Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XIX: Slow Tick

"While I appreciate the praise, I'm not sure how I've earned it," I say, ensuring my tone isn't too enthusiastic, just a little lighter than before. Just enough to make her think I had a subtle positive reaction to her words.

She chuckles, leisurely making her way toward my desk. Behind me, I hear the soft click of the door shutting. Kamuro, no doubt. A quick glance confirms it as she strolls past and plops herself onto my bed.

Damn. I just had those sheets washed.

"Alright, this is getting a little too weird for me. Just tell me what you want and leave," I say flatly.

It's not that I'm particularly uncomfortable with this situation, but I'd rather not waste any more brain cells dealing with Sakayanagi. She has that effect on people, drawing them in with her delicate, childlike appearance, making them underestimate her, even want to coddle her. And if I let this continue, I might end up like some of my classmates.

Which is something I definitely don't intend to let happen.

"Oh? And what exactly is making you so uncomfortable with this situation, hmm?" Sakayanagi teases, her voice laced with amusement. "Most guys would dream of an encounter like this."

I roll my eyes. "Let's see... If our roles were reversed—if I were a girl and you two were guys, I'm pretty sure this would be seen very differently." I keep my tone flat, making it clear I'm not buying into whatever game she's playing. "But I digress. Just tell me what you want and leave."

She doesn't seem fazed, still wearing that ever-present smile.

"Besides," I add, not missing a beat, "anyone actually attracted to you needs to be put on a list. You don't even look a day over six."

Again, no visible reaction. But I know my words got under her skin.

"My, my, you certainly have a way with words," Sakayanagi muses, a smug undertone in her voice. "Might I ask why you keep commenting on my height? Are you perhaps so insecure about your own that you feel the need to remind me of my... appearance?"

I snort, raising an eyebrow. "No. I see no reason to care about my appearance. I know I'm quite ugly compared to some. But I just like insulting people who annoy me." My expression remains deadpan as I speak.

She chuckles, while Kamuro lets out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Can you two stop flirting already and get this over with? I'm already wasting enough time here, I don't need to see two cripples going back and forth."

I glance at Sakayanagi and gesture lazily toward her companion. "What she said. You've been here long enough."

Sakayanagi simply shakes her head, a light chuckle escaping her lips. "I was having such fun... oh well." She shifts her focus back to me. "Now then, you have quite the unique role, Mesekkai. The school's Role System assigned you 'School Gun Nut.' A completely useless role on its own. But what sets you apart is that your role cannot devolve. Unlike others, who start at the middle or near the top, you're at the very bottom. Because of that, at first, I dismissed you, at best, I would have seen you as a disposable pawn."

She moves to my desk chair and takes a seat, hands clasped in her lap. "But then, I noticed something... You, like me, have a disability. Even so, you aren't entirely useless. You can evolve, into a 'Tactics Advisor.' And to do that-"

I sigh, cutting her off. "I need to form an alliance with you. I'm well aware. But tell me, why should I?"

She smirks. "Because otherwise, you'd be the most useless member of this class."