A month had passed since the Island test had concluded. After we returned to school, I had a date with Ibuki. Well, what can we say, a forced date? It might seem surprising change but, no one had suspicions on me anymore it seems. But it works in my favor so I don't mind. I looked outside the window waiting for Chabashira sensei to enter the class and start the lecture.
The students of Class D were really enjoying their time. Well Class D did come at the top. I was no longer bound to obey anyone's orders. Matsushita might be a problem but I don't mind as long as she doesn't investigate me.
The relationship between me and Horikita was same as before. But as I observed her more and more, I she really had changed. She no longer was the arrogant girl everyone knew. She had turned over a new leaf. Class D has grown in these months since the year started.
Our lineup now had two capable leaders, Matsushita and Horikita. Though Horikita had lost her popularity last special exam, her opinion was still considered important by the whole class.
Hirata and Karuizawa's relationship looked more and more unnatural. Something was definitely wrong. Hirata's smile seemed to be artificial rather than genuine.
And lately kushida is acting strange around Horikita. I don't know much about kushida but it seems as if she has a grudge on Horikita for some reason. But I have not seen Horikita talk to anyone since she entered this school.
Could it be they know each other way before they entered this school. I remembered a popular line from a western movie, 'Our friendship goes way back'. But I can't imagine Kushida and Horikita being friends. No, their personalities are two extreme points.
Why do this thoughts keep nagging me? Why do I even care about the class issues? I now have an ordinary life but still I feel curious. I groaned when I felt a sharp pain on my arm. I looked at the side to see Horikita glaring at me. These toppers, they take studying too seriously. Can't they take it easy for once. But they still are the toppers. I mean it is difficult to score this high marks in the first year of high school in such a convenient high school. This school basically has all the facilities for distraction, like the movie theatre, the food court and much more. It's not hard to get swayed by it and neglect your studies. Because You just have to pass and graduate as Class A to secure a job or a higher education.
Sometimes I think this is unfair for the students who actually have the ability but still don't get opportunities just because they graduated from a class other than D. That's why I feel reluctant to help this class. Do they even deserve to be in Class A? Now that I look, none of them have actually contributed to the class.
A famous geologist Charles Darwin once quoted, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change."
Does this class really deserve to graduate from Class A. Yeah, I am curious about this? Does this class really have what it takes to rise to the top? Let me see for myself,
Whether I should help them or leave them to their own devices.
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Time skip
The classes had just ended and I was on my way to home. I wondered whether I should stop by keyaki mall. It's been quite a while since I went there. In the end I decided against it, that would be too much of a hassle. As I was on my way, I spotted a familiar figure at a distance. She was with one more person. The other person looked quite short for her age and she was taking the aid of her cane to walk. She too had spotted me.
Kamuro was about to head the other way when she stopped. She was talking with the other girl with lilac hair. She just nodded and they both headed my way.
Should I run? I don't want trouble but it would look rude if I run now. I was the one who made eye contact with them so it is a common courtesy that I should at least wish them. But looking at them I think that this is not going to be just a friendly greeting, rather a long and absurd talk.
Poor me, can't trouble have pity on me for once.
Kamuro came and waved at me, nervousness trickling with her wave. I just nodded and shifted my attention to the other girl who was staring intensely at me. She had a smile on her face, but unlike her cute figure, that smile looked like that of a mischievous sprite Ariel from Shakespeare's work 'The Tempest'. But this girl was trouble. A petite teenage girl with lilac coloured hair and violet eyes is what I can say about her, not to mention her cuteness. Well, that charm doesn't work on me unfortunately or else I would have gone into 'Must protect' mode like any other normal human.
I turned to Kamuro to ask what her deal was but she answered without me asking it, "Don't ask me anything about her."
I sighed and turned back to the girl who was still staring at me with a smile on her face. I decided to call her, "Um Hello"
She didn't even flinch, as I expected her to. That means while in daze she was completely aware of her surroundings. That's a rather rare quality very less people possess. Kamuro is a loner and if she has contact with any other person in the class than that could be the class leader. So, this girl is the leader of class A?
"Hello there you must be Ayanokouji Kiyotaka Kun from class D."
"Yeah" wait, how did she know my name. Oh wait, I forgot that I became popular due to some unfortunate events in the past.
"Yeah, I guess. "I replied in a dull voice.
"Arisu Sakayanagi, Class A." She said with her smug smile. She put forward her hand and I shook it as gently as possible. Hey don't blame me, I don't know how human contact works.
"Kamuro San talks a lot about you. Although I'm the only one she can talk to, because she has isolated herself quite well."
Kamuro glared at her but kept quiet.
I nodded and racked my brain to search for the best way to continue the conversation.
I started speaking, "It's a nice day."
Silence. Kamuro started laughing while Sakayanagi had a sad smile on her face. Why would she be sad though. Well, no need to think too much. I'm sure that no one in this school knows about my past. But I could be wrong so I need to eliminate anyone who knows about it if he or she is planning to expose me.
Damn, I really need to work on my conversation skills. One can figure many things from my behaviour.
One that I lack conversation skills meaning I had been an introvert most of my life or I became one due to some event in the past. Second the bored expression on my face gives threatening vibes to an extremely observant person.
I snapped out of my trance when I heard Sakayanagi start speaking, "Kamuro San could you please leave both of us here."
Kamuro spared a worried glance at me but nodded nonetheless and went on her way. I turned back to Sakayanagi who adjusted the black beret on her head and started speaking, "So Ayanokouji Kun I see that you have did brilliantly in the special exam."
My expression didn't change but I became a little alerted by her statement.
"I don't know what you are talking about. I acted on matsushita's behalf."
"Your excuses are wonderful Ayanokouji Kun but sadly I won't fall for them. You are not even reacting to the stalker behind you."
Yes, it is true. Ibuki has been following me since few days but I'm letting her do what she wants. I have already retired from the class competition so I have nothing to worry about. But I think I should confront her now.
"That's none of my issue I guess."
She chuckled and said, "It's almost a fated meeting between us. I have always wanted to meet you Ayanokouji Kun. Since I saw you."
I narrowed her eyes. I don't remember seeing this girl in my past. Well technically I don't remember seeing anyone. My past is blank just like my face.
I kept quiet waiting for her to continue. "I believe that you came to this school to enjoy peace"
I became serious. She really knew my past. Ok cool down, it's no use panicking. I need to assess the situation first.
"Don't worry I have no intention of revealing any secrets. At least not now."
I relaxed a little, she is smarter than she looks. If she knows my past than she should have an Idea of who I was in the past. She won't pick unnecessary fight with me.
Kamuro arrived concern still in her eyes, "Ok you two have been talking for too much. I even had an ice cream in the meantime."
Sakayanagi chuckled and said, "Kamuro san don't worry I have no intention to expel Ayanokouji Kun."
Kamuro sighed in relief but immediately said in a low voice, "I don't care whatever you do cripple."
Sakayanagi just smirked and both of them went on their way.
I checked my phone and continued on my way. I entered an alleyway and waited there.
And the person who was tailing me walked right in front of me. She flinched when she saw me staring at her. Now she had no excuse.
"So then tell me why have you been stalking me." I asked.
She tched and said, "So you knew all along huh. Then why didn't you call me out then. Were you perhaps enjoying me stalking you pervert?"
"I really didn't know you were following me." I lied to escape this title bestowed upon me.
She tched and leaned against the wall with her arms folded, "Hey tell me something, is it possible to collect 800,000,000 private points?"
I looked at her in slight surprise. Was Class C really thinking of this way. But I had no need of answering her so I just said, "I don't think its possible but matsushita might have an idea."
She glared at me for some reason.
"I don't even know that girl. But warn her Ayanokouji Kun. Ryūen has something planned for her next exam."
I narrowed my eyes at her words. Ryūen is really a troublesome opponent. I don't know when the next exam would be but one thing is for sure.
This exam I'm going to settle things with Ryūen once and for all.