Class-E, The Experiments

Chapter XIX: Slow Tick

He chuckles, feigning innocence. "Oh? It was traced back, was it? How strange. I was certain I took great care in creating that account."

Liar.

"Well then, anything else you want to 'discuss'?" I ask, my patience wearing thin.

Akifumi grins slyly. "Now, now, I know you get bored quickly, but maybe, just maybe, I called you here because I enjoy this little friendship of ours, hmm?" He takes a sip of his tea before adding, "Besides, we can have some fun too."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone, placing it flat on the table. With a tap, he presses play.

A recording starts playing, one voice smug and feminine, the other calm but carrying a hint of irritation.

"Yesterday, Sakayanagi paid me a visit. Probably just to annoy me," Akifumi explains, his tone casual. "While she was here, I planted a bug on her school bag. After she left my room, she went straight to someone else to... discuss her little plan. That someone was Katsuragi."

The recording continues, Katsuragi's voice sounding as composed as ever.

"Why did you call me here, Sakayanagi? If you wish to antagonize me, then stop contacting me. I am in no mood for your childish antics."

A soft chuckle follows, unmistakably Sakayanagi's. There's something about it that already makes me dislike the idea of meeting her.

"Oh my, Katsuragi, you're certainly blunt with your words. But no, I'm not here to bother you. I simply wish to discuss something with you."

"Where is this headed?" I ask, my tone laced with exhaustion. As far as I'm concerned, whatever happens in Class A is none of my concern.

"Don't be impatient, Kiyotaka," Akifumi replies smoothly. "I'll get to the fun part soon. Besides, I'm sure you'll figure it out on your own."

Much to my dismay, his reasoning is sound enough to keep me in my seat... or maybe I'm just curious. Who knows?

Katsuragi's voice cuts through my thoughts, clear and sharp.

"Then spit it out, Sakayanagi. I am in no mood for your immature games tonight."

A faint metallic sound follows, a can being placed down, most likely Sakayanagi's.

"How should I spell this out for you, then...?" Her voice carries a teasing lilt, dragging out the moment. "Ah, maybe I'll just tell you directly, hmm? Well, we both know that Class A needs a central leader, correct? Because something that isn't united will inevitably fall apart as its pillars crack. And we both know that the final leader of Class A will be decided through confrontation, no?"

There's a brief silence before Katsuragi responds, a slight edge of suspicion in his voice.

"Are you threatening me, Sakayanagi?"

She chuckles.

"Hmm... Yes and no. You see, while I don't necessarily like you, we can both agree that Shigoku is the biggest threat to us when that confrontation finally happens."

I glance at Akifumi, waiting for him to elaborate on this Shiguko person. He picks up on my silent cue, smirking slightly before taking an excruciatingly long sip of his tea...

He really enjoys wasting time, huh?

Finally, he places his cup back on the table and speaks.

"There are three figures in my class claiming to be its leader. Katsuragi Kouhei, Sakayanagi Arisu, and lastly, Shiguko Kyou. Is he a male, or is she a female? I have no fucking clue, and I don't intend to find out. From what I've dug up about their past, I can confidently say they are by far one of the worst human beings in this school."