Please Enjoy!❤️
No dream for this chapter.
Student Council Office
Thursday, at Lunch
Clear blue skies filled the world around. The sun shining brightly, but covered by a set of blinds. In a room, located in the school of ANHS, we find ourselves in the midst of a conversation with the soon to be retiring Student Council President due to graduation, and a 1st year Class D student. Some might think this would be a not be a good situation without context, but that is far from the contrary. The SCP, known as Horikita Manabu has called for Ayanokoji Kiyotaka to his office for a sudden conversation.
Manabu- "Do you remember the no-"
Kiyotaka- raising his hand toward Manabu "Yes, I remember what you are going to give me after you graduate." *lowers his voice* "She's outside the door right now."
Manabu- "Oh? I see. Thank you for telling me this. I did not want to spoil this for her...now that she's here, I'll be a bit quieter so we can discuss what I wanted."
Kiyotaka- "That is?"
Manabu- "Akane-san, do you mind grabbing a chair for Kiyotaka and place it in front of my desk. So we can still discuss what I wanted without, outside ears hearing."
Tachibana- "Of course Manabu-kun."
Tachibana goes to the storage room in the back corner of the kitchen area, grabbing a foldable chair, then bringing back into the office area. She walks around the desks, seeing Kiyotaka's hand extended saying "I got it." She hands the chair to him, as he unfolds it and sits it on the ground in front of Manabu's desk. He takes his seat as Tachibana, walks over to her secretary seat, next to Manabu.
Kiyotaka- "Alright, what would you like to speak to me about?"
Manabu- pushing up his glasses with his index finger "You remember the note I'm planning to give, I assume?"
Kiyotaka- "Yes, I do. Why do you ask?"
Manabu- "I've been speaking with Akane-san, and I another have a favor for you."
Kiyotaka- "Favor? Please elaborate."
Manabu- "Very well."
Manabu leans forward onto the desk, resting his arms in front of him with his hands clasped together.
Manabu- "I've spoken with Akane-san, and since we are close to graduating...after this next exam, we planned to give you and Suzune our remaining private points."
Kiyotaka- "Are you serious?"
Manabu- "Absolutely. It would be a waste for them to go back to school, especially after all the time and effort we've spent on collecting these points."
Kiyotaka- "I see. Would it be rude to ask how much?"
Tachibana- "I think so."
Kiyotaka- "My apologies then."
Manabu- "That's alright. Akane-san, let's give him an idea of how much the 2 of them will receive."
Tachibana- *Sigh* "Alright."
Both Manabu and Tachibana reach into their jacket pockets, pulling out their issued school phones. They both fiddle around on the screen for a moment until they both reached their private point window.
Manabu- "Do you have your points pulled up Akane-san?"
Tachibana- "Yes, I do."
Manabu- "Good. Please slide your phone on the desk toward him please. I will do the same."
Tachibana and Manabu slide their phones in front of Kiyotaka. He looks down, seeing what private points the unknown couple have accumulated over their 3 years at this school.
Kiyotaka- "Tachibana...23 million...Manabu...19 million."
Manabu- "I had 10 million more, but someone had the bright idea to try and expel himself."
Kiyotaka- looking up at the both of them "I wonder who that could've been."
Tachibana shows a frown toward Kiyotaka's joke, but as for Manabu he chuckles lightly at it.
Manabu- *chuckles* "It could always be worse right?"
Kiyotaka- "You're right. Thank you again for risking your points like that for me."
Manabu- "Not a problem."
Kiyotaka- "I need to ask...why are you not letting Suzu know about the points. I can understand the note, but she would be grateful to know about the private points."
Manabu- "I wanted to surprise her with it. Call it a going away gift from me and Akane-san."
Kiyotaka- "I see. I'm grateful Manabu and Tachibana. I'm sure Suzu is too."
Manabu- "That's not all Kiyotaka. This may come off as a selfish request of me, but before the final exam, I want to-"
Outside the Student Council Office
A vast, empty hallway...the sun shining brightly through the glass pane windows, as we find Horikita Suzune standing in front of the door leading to the student council office, ear pressed to against it. This door leading to the student council office, where her brother and boyfriend are currently holding a meeting. At first, she was being nosy, trying to listen in on what was said, but since Kiyotaka had moved directly in front of Manabu, she was unable to hear anything. Of course, she had no clue why everything was quiet, but she was sure Kiyotaka knew she was following behind.
Suzune- 'I guess there's no point in trying to listen at this point.'
Suzune moves back away from the door, stepping to the side and then leaning on the wall. Now, her back against the wall, she closes her eyes waiting patiently for this unexpected meeting to be over. As she was waiting, unfamiliar steps echoed off the tile floors...the presence stepping closer, the sounds of foot steps becoming more and more clear. Suzune opens her eyes, then turns her head, looking down the hallway toward the sound of steps are coming from.
Step
Step
Coming around a corner, a tall man dressed in a his daily attire, a gray suit with a beige shade tie. Glasses resting on the bridge of his nose and unable to see his eyes through the lenses due to the glare of the sun through the windows. Realizing who is approaching, Suzune widens her eyes, but tries to stay calm with the approaching person.
Suzune- 'Sakagami Sensei?'
Sakagami approaches closer and closer to Suzune and the student council office. Now only a few feet away, he stops in front of Suzune turning his head toward her.
Sakagami- "Ah, I remember you. You're that Horikita girl from Class D. The one who showed great debating skills during that trial between your class and mine of Class C."
Suzune- nodding her head "Yes Sensei. That was me. I hope I wasn't rude during that. I only acted and spoke to protect my class and classmates."
Sakagami- "No need for apologies. I was very impressed with your rebuttals to every claim we had. I'm glad nothing ended up going awry."
Suzune- "Me as well Sensei. I did not want anyone to be expelled so early in the year. We would have never seen the potential of the students involved."
Sakagami- "Please. You do not need to be so kind to those ruffians. I'm quite aware of how things were handled up to that point. But, enough chit chat, is the President in his office?"
Suzune- "Yes sir, he is. At this moment, he is in the middle of a meeting."
Sakagami- "Ah, I see. Are you waiting for a meeting with him?"
Suzune- "Yes and no. I am waiting to see him, but it is not urgent. You're more than welcome to go ahead of me."
Sakagami- "That would be much obliged. How much longer do you think his meeting is going to take?"
Suzune- "I'm not sure. They've been in there for roughly 10 minutes now."
Sakagami- "I see. May I ask who he's meeting with?"
Suzune- "I-Uh..."
Sakagami- "On second thought, it doesn't matter. I'm sure he's meeting with someone I know...someone like..." looks around the hallway, then slightly leans in toward Suzune *whispers* "Ayanokoji Kiyotaka..."
Suzune- *Gulps*
As Suzune was trying to think of what to say, since she knew what Sakagami had done to Kiyotaka in the past, she tried to tread lightly on what to say considering Sakagami, may suspect she knows what happened. Circling different responses in her mind, but luckily for her that would be all for naught. The door she was standing beside, creaks open revealing Kiyotaka on the other side. He immediately notices the presence of Sakagami in front of Suzune and immediately goes on high alert on this unexpected encounter.
Sakagami- looking over at Kiyotaka "Oh? So it was you meeting with the President. I see. How is your foot, Ayanokoji?"
Kiyotaka- "Good. Almost like nothing happened."
The 2 stare at one another for a short moment, but in that moment, there was nothing but pure hostility between the 2. To stop anything from escalating, Kiyotaka makes a quick statement.
Kiyotaka- "Luckily, my business here is finished. The President's time is yours, if he isn't busy of course. We'll be on our way."
Sakagami- "We'll?"
Kiyotaka ignores Sakagami's question, he taps Suzune's shoulder telling her to come on. They both leave the doorway of the student council, leaving Sakagami standing there, watching them walk away.
Sakagami- 'Hmm...I wonder what his meeting was about. No matter, I have my own business to handle.'
After Kiyotaka and Suzune turn the corner, fully disappearing from Sakagami's view. He knocks on the cracked door, Kiyotaka had left open.
Knock
Knock
Manabu- "Who is it?"
Sakagami- "It's Sakagami Sensei. The instructor for Class 1-C."
Manabu- "What business do you have with the student council?"
Sakagami- "I just had a few questions for you, if you do not mind sparing some time."
Manabu- *Sigh* "Step inside please. If this ends up being a waste of time, I will have to ask you to leave. I assume that will suffice."
Sakagami- "Yes, that will."
Sakagami steps into the student council office, closing the door behind him. After closing the door, he turns back around seeing Manabu and Tachibana. Tachibana feeling a bit uneasy about this sudden appearance of an instructor but able to keep a professional demeanor. Manabu on the other hand, feels no pressure. As calm and collected as always, he raises his hand, palm facing upward, to the seat in front of him telling Sakagami to take a seat. Sakagami, walks over to the seat pointed to him, taking his seat, crossing one leg over the other then clasping his hands together resting in his lap.
Manabu- "So, what can I do for you Sensei?"
Sakagami- "I don't want to waste your time nor mine so I will cut right to the chase. What do you know about Ayanokoji Kiyotaka?"
Manabu- "Hmm...I see. Why do you ask?"
Sakagami- "I'm asking on behalf of my class of course. My class has...let's say come to a stalemate in terms of class points. We are close to being overtaken by Class 1-D, which is the class he is housed in. I'm sure you are aware of the class ranking since your little sister is in Class 1-D as well."
Manabu- "In all honesty, I have not kept up with their class totals. I've seen the difference here and there, but I do not have any idea on how things have gone throughout the year. I do have my own class to lead and the presidential duties after all."
Sakagami- "That makes sense. Well, if my class plans to battle against that class, I need to know about that 1 student. Ayanokoji. You should know something about him, considering you spent so many private points to save him during the Mixed Training Exam."
Manabu- "I think he has the greatest potential of any 1st year student. That's why I saved him."
Sakagami- "Is that so? May I ask how that is? It's not because he's dating your sister is it?"
Manabu- "Sensei, please refrain from speaking about personal things. Their relationship should have nothing to do with you. Whether their private or fully public, you should not have any reason to bring that up."
Sakagami- "You're correct. My apologies for speaking out of line."
Manabu- "But to answer your question, no that was not the reason. As I said, he probably has the greatest potential out of anyone. It would have been a shame to see such a talent leave so soon."
Sakagami- "I see. So you must think very highly of him..."
Manabu- "In that aspect, yes. Where are you going with this?"
Sakagami- "I just wanted a bit of insight to pass on to my class. I want to give them every chance to win these exams as possible."
Manabu- "I know you're aware, meddling with your class's exams is against the rules of the school. What is your real purpose for this conversation?"
Sakagami- "I see, you're no longer going to blow smoke with me, are you President?"
Manabu- "Blowing smoke? What do you mean?"
Sakagami- "Nothing at all. I have what I came for. Have a good day."
Sakagami stands himself up from his chair, immediately making his walk to the door to exit the office.
Manabu- "Sakagami Sensei...what are you after?"
Sakagami- only turning his head toward Manabu with a devious smirk "Justice."
Manabu and Tachibana both blink their eyes in confusion, as Sakagami exits the door without another word...Tachibana turns to Manabu, with a concerned look...
Tachibana- "Manabu-kun...that seemed weird."
Manabu- "He was very off-putting...I think he's going after Kiyotaka."
Tachibana- "Sakagami Sensei only wanted to talk about Ayanokoji-kun. Does that mean-"
Manabu- "I don't know Akane-san. I don't know if he's working for that man, Tsukishiro...or if this is his own personal vendetta. My question is, why is he waiting till now to learn more about Kiyotaka. He's had all year after that trial...but now is when he comes to ask about him...unless he's asked around before us. The only problem with that logic is, not many people know about Kiyotaka...they don't know how he operates or anything...just what they've heard."
Tachibana- "I have a very bad feeling about what's going to come Manabu-kun."
Manabu- *Sigh* "I am as well, but I'm sure Kiyotaka will be prepared."
With Kiyotaka and Suzune
Hallway to Class D's Classroom
30 Minutes Left for Lunch
After turning the corner away from the hallway leading toward the student council office, Kiyotaka and Suzune continue their walk back to their respective classroom. Now, with the 2 of them a good distance away from Sakagami, Suzune begs a question that plagued her mind, the moment Sakagami made his appearance.
Suzune- "Do you know if my brother will be alright with him, Kiyo? If Sakgami Sensei was able to get a surprise attack on you, he will definitely have the upper hand on Nii-san."
Kiyotaka- "If this is just his personal vendetta against me, there's no reason for him to attack your brother..."
Suzune- "You say that like there's a but in that statement."
Kiyotaka- nodding his head "There is...but if he's working for Tsukishiro, then Manabu can be a target for them. Especially, after knowing I was in a meeting with him."
Suzune- "What do you think is the case? Do you think he's working for Tsukishiro?"
Kiyotaka- "I don't know...that's information, I have yet to obtain."
Suzune- "Do you have any plans to figure out that information?"
Kiyotaka- "I don't...except for 1, but it's a risky idea."
Suzune- "What do you mean?"
Kiyotaka- "I will need to set up a meeting with Sakagami. There's no other way around it, if I am to learn anything."
Suzune- "That is risky...we don't know the kind of skills Sakagami possesses."
Kiyotaka- "Agreed. He was able to get a surprise attack on me during the Mixed Training Exam. Not many people can do that, which means his skills are going to be formidable."
Suzune- "I wonder where he got this training from..."
Kiyotaka- "I have a theory, this is going to be a stretch but hear me out."
Suzune- "Okay? I'm listening."
Kiyotaka stops his walk mid step, he turns to the window gazing out over the court yard of the school. The sun begins to sneak behind a cloud creating a shadow throughout the area. A shadow from the hidden sun begins to cover the top half of Kiyotaka's face. Suzune noticing Kiyotaka had stopped, she turns around watching him. Turning her head in confusion at the sudden stop of her boyfriend.
Kiyotaka- "You know how I was a White Room student for 14 years of my life, correct?"
Suzune- nodding her head "I do..."
Kiyotaka- "The White Room has been in operation for roughly 20 years..."
Suzune- "Don't tell me..."
Kiyotaka- "What if Sakagami was one of the original White Room instructors...he couldn't be a student because he seems to be in his mid 40s...that would have made him in his mid 20s when the White Room began operating...unless...the White Room Facility was in operation beforehand..."
Suzune- "What are you trying to say Kiyo?"
Kiyotaka- "Even if he was an instructor at one point...where did he get that kind of training from? There's no way he learned it as he was instructing students of the White Room."
Kiyotaka crosses his arms up to his chest, placing a finger on his chin. Lost in thought, trying to figure out where Sakagami could have received that kind of training.
Suzune- "Are you-"
Kiyotaka- "Hold on Suzu. I'm having to really think about this...there's no military that does this kind of training...he would've been too old to be a student. Where could he have gotten that kind of training from?!"
Suzune- "How long as he been a teacher here? That may help trying to figure this out."
Kiyotaka- "We need to meet with Sae...immediately. I want to know how long she has taught here and how long she has known Sakagami."
Suzune- "I'm sure she could give us some sort of piece of information that could be vital in this."
Kiyotaka- "That's my hope, but we don't need to get our hopes up."
Suzune- *Sigh* "Yes, I agree."
The couple begin their walk once again, but instead of making their trek to the classroom, they change their direction toward the teacher's lounge. As they walk through the hallways, Kiyotaka asks Suzune...
Kiyotaka- "Suzu, are you okay with skipping lunch today?"
Suzune- "This is important. I'm completely fine with it. The food in our bentos should be fine until this evening. So that means, dinner is already made."
Kiyotaka- *chuckles* "Perfect. I appreciate you, sacrificing your lunch to come help me with this."
Suzune- "Just know you owe me Kiyo."
Kiyotaka- "Uh oh. What do I owe you?"
Suzune- *giggles* "You'll see."
Kiyotaka gives Suzune a small smile as they continue their walk. After a bit of time, and roughly 20 minutes remaining in their lunch, they finally arrive at the teachers lounge. Standing in front of the door, Kiyotaka, with Suzune on his side, raises his hand to knock.
Knock
Knock
Knock
Kiyotaka- 'Please let Sae answer the door. Don't let it be-'
The door creeks open, revealing Class 1-D's teacher, Chabashira Sae as the one opening the door.
Kiyotaka- 'Thank you. I did not want to deal with Hoshinomiya...'
A sudden shocked face appears on Sae's face as 2 of her students show up unannounced.
Sae- *clears throat* "Ayanokoji and Horikita? What a surprise. What can I do for you?"
Kiyotaka- "May we have a moment? We have a few questions we'd like to ask..."
Sae- *Sigh* "You sure have some impeccable timing, don't you?"
Kiyotaka- "How so?"
Sae- "Unrelated. I'm assuming this conversation, is a private matter?"
Kiyotaka- "Correct."
Sae- "I see. Hold on just a moment. I need to fetch my clipboard."
Kiyotaka- "Not a problem. We will wait out here."
Sae nods her head, then closes the door, leaving it to go fetch clipboard. Assuming this conversation will most likely take the rest of the lunch period. Kiyotaka and Suzune step to the side of the door, waiting for Sae to remake her appearance. After a moment the door opens, once again, luckily for Kiyotaka and Suzune it was Sae again and not another teacher. Or more importantly, Class 1-B's predatory type teacher Hoshinomiya Chie.
Kiyotaka- "Do you mind if we walk down the hall? I don't want anyone to hear this conversation other than us 3."
Sae- "Yes, that's not a problem."
Kiyotaka nods his head to Sae's reply. Then the trio, take a couple minutes to walk down the hallway to have more of a private conversation. As they reached the end of the hallway, away from the main traffic route to the teacher's lounge, they turn the corner and stop once they were a few steps away. With Sae, leading Suzune and Kiyotaka, she stops in her tracks, then turns around readying herself for this conversation.
Sae- "So Kiyotaka-kun, what did you want to speak with me about?"
Kiyotaka- "I had a few questions, regarding your tenure here at this school."
Sae- "My tenure? Please explain."
Kiyotaka- "If I remember right, on the 1st day of school, you told us you had been a teacher here for roughly a decade. Is that correct?"
Sae- nodding her head. "Yes, that is correct. The start of your class, began my 10th year at this school."
Kiyotaka- "I see. Now, has the teacher of Class 1-C, Sakagami, has he been a teacher here you're entire career here?"
Sae- turning her head to the side "Yes. I believe so. What has Sakagami-kun done now?"
Kiyotaka- "Nothing to be noted yet. I just finished a meeting with the soon to be leaving Student Council President, and Sakagami was waiting outside the door to meet with him as well. Do teachers typically meet with the student council for reason outside of let's say a trial for example?"
Sae- "Not necessarily. Us as instructors do not bother with the affairs of classes or the student council, unless whatever is spoken about involves us. Like Sudo's trial."
Kiyotaka- "That's what I thought. So there is a reason Sakagami is meeting with Manabu at this moment...and I'm sure it's not for anything like that trial."
Sae- "You're absolutely sure about that?"
Kiyotaka- "Roughly 95% sure, give or take."
Sae- "Hmm, without evidence or a concrete idea of what he's planning...there's really not anything I can do."
Kiyotaka- "Don't worry about that. That's not why we're having this conversation."
Sae- confused "I'm sorry? Then why are we having this conversation Kiyotaka-kun."
Kiyotaka- "It doesn't seem like you and the other teachers are close to Sakagami like you are with Hoshinomiya and Mashima. Is that right?"
Sae- "Yes. He really just stays to himself. We've had conversations and nights where us 4 hung out, but I wouldn't say we're friends or anything."
Kiyotaka- "I see. Do you know how long he was an instructor here before you were hired?"
Sae- "That I don't. I know he was an established teacher upon my hiring. If I had to guess, he was probably here at least 5 years before I was hired."
Kiyotaka- "Hmmm...I know this is a long shot, but do you have any idea on what he did before becoming a teacher at this school."
Sae- "No. Unfortunately I don't. We do not have that kind of relationship. We are only acquainted with one another."
Kiyotaka *Sigh* "I see. I can't say I'm surprised. I knew having an answer to that question would be near impossible."
Sae- "Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?"
Kiyotaka- "I don't believe so. I think all my questions have been answered, whether I liked them or not."
Sae- "My apologies for not being useful. I can leave you with this for you and Horikita."
Kiyotaka- "And that is..."
Sae- "Every time we or just myself have been alone with Sakagami-kun, he consistently gives me a sense of uneasiness."
Kiyotaka- "Oh? Care to explain this 'uneasiness?' "
Sae- "I would say..." cutting her eyes to the side as she thinks "more of the fact, he would snap my neck if I ever said the wrong thing."
Kiyotaka- "Is that so?"
Sae- nodding her head "It is. As long as I can remember, if we could avoid it, Chie-chan and I would always try to stay away from him. Even when we were with Mashima-kun. We always avoided him. There's something..."
Kiyotaka- "Something?"
Sae- "Sinister behind his look. I would not surprised me he has killed before."
Kiyotaka- "I wonder if Chairman Sakayanagi knows anything about him."
Sae- "He would be your best chance of finding any clues. The only issue with you going to Chairmam Sakayanagi, is you'll be bringing this to his attention and I'm sure you're trying to avoid that given the fact you have not spoken with him yet."
Kiyotaka- "Precisely that. I was wanting to avoid bringing this situation to his attention, but I may have to speak to him."
Sae- "Are you planning to do that soon?"
Kiyotaka- "After my conversation with Sakagami."
Sae- "You're planning to meet with him?!"
Kiyotaka- "I need to. There's no way he had a reason to meet with Manabu today, other than to speak about me. I would've heard from Ryuen or Arisu."
Sae- "What about Class B?"
Kiyotaka- "Them...I unfortunately don't know...I probably won't know anything until after this final exam."
Sae- "What makes you think there's another exam?"
Kiyotaka- "Come on Sae. It's not hard to see there is going to be a final exam for the year. There's absolutely no way, this school ends the year with that vote."
Sae- *Sigh* "You're too smart for your own good Kiyotaka-kun."
Kiyotaka- nods his head "I'm aware...I only don't know what the exam will be on and the exact day it will be announced or taken."
Sae- "To keep my job safe, I will need to refrain from telling you anything until the announcement day."
Kiyotaka- "That's not a problem. The exam is the last thing I have to worry about anyway."
Sae- "I understand. I have a question for the 2 of you now. Do you think Karuizawa is the best option to be the leader? Given her history?"
Suzune- "Her history?"
Kiyotaka- "I forgot you weren't aware of the Suzu. My apologies."
Sae- "Karuizawa was a victim of bullying in middle school."
Kiyotaka- "Pretty serious bullying if I may add."
Sae- nods her head "I don't know how serious, but her file described her life before here, as a traumatic victim. Do you 2 think that will impede her leadership, now that you've chosen a leader?"
Kiyotaka- "I don't think so. She handled herself very well Monday when the announcement of her being the class leader was made."
Sae- "I see. So the bullying she did earlier this year, did not affect your decision?"
Suzune- "She bullied students?"
Kiyotaka- "I wouldn't call it bullying. She was heavily defensive all the time. She acted like a bully so she wouldn't be bullied. That is until she made enemies with some Class C students."
Sae and Suzune- "Enemies with Class C students?"
Kiyotaka- nods his head "Yes, but there's nothing to worry about there. That has been taken care of."
Sae- "I don't think I need to ask."
Kiyotaka- "You're right. You shouldn't. Kei has shown a lot of growth over the year, and how she handled herself Monday was proof of her growth. I think she will struggle at first, but come our 2nd year, I think she will become a fine leader."
Sae- "So you're saying, we will be Class D until your 2nd year."
Kiyotaka- "Most likely, but that's not set in stone. She's been full of surprises this year, and Suzu and I will be giving her advice during exams."
Sae- "I see. I'm glad you remember our agreement from the Mixed Training Exam."
Kiyotaka- "I'm offended you'd think I'd forgotten Sae. We will find a way to make our class reach Class A. Unfortunately, it's going to take time."
Sae- *Sigh* "I can see that."
Kiyotaka- "Do you have anything else you'd like to ask Sae? Or is the conversation finished?"
Sae- "I think I'm fine for now. I will send for you if I have any other concerns. You 2 can go and try to finish your lunch with the minimal time you have left."
Suzune- checking the time on her phone "We won't have time. There's 10 minutes left in lunch."
Sae- "That is unfortunate."
Kiyotaka- "At least dinner is already made. Isn't that right Suzu?"
Suzune- "I guess that's a positive to this."
Sae- *chuckles* "Go to class you 2. Stay out of trouble for me. Also, get a handle on Ike and Sudo for me as well. Their tardiness and absentees are hurting your class points."
Kiyotaka- "Kei has a plan to get them to comeback. If that doesn't work, someone will need to step in."
Sae- "Just get it handled."
Kiyotaka and Suzune- nodding their heads "Not a problem."
Both, Kiyotaka and Suzune turn around and begin departing from the location, they were speaking with Sae at. Turning the corner, leaving Sae in the same spot, they disappear from her sight.
Sae- *Sigh* "I hope this Sakagami situation doesn't get out of hand."
Kiyotaka and Suzune made their way to the classroom, finally reaching their class uninterrupted. Suzune slides open the door, walking inside as Kiyotaka follows her. They both reach their desks, before Kiyotaka hands Suzune back his bento, he checks the time remaining left in their lunch period."
Kiyotaka- *Sigh* "4 minutes. Not enough time to enjoy her cooking."
Suzune- turning her head to him "Hmm? Did you say something Kiyo?"
Kiyotaka- "It was unimportant. Here's my bento."
Suzune- "Thank you."
Kiyotaka picks up his bento, handing it across the walkway between desk. Suzune reaches her hand out grasping the other side of the bento box, taking it from him. She places it back on top of her and wraps it, in the same wrap she brought it in.
Kiyotaka- 'Ike and Sudo have been absent these past 4 days...that includes today...has Kei spoke with them yet?'
The students of Class D settled into their seats, preparing for the afternoon classes. Kiyotaka looks around the room, noticing the absence of Ike and Sudo once again.
Ring
Ring
Ring
After School
Thursday, 5:00 in the Evening
The school day ended, and students began departing from the classroom quickly. Most likely to spend as much time as they can having fun before going to sleep before the last day of the week. Some others, would rather go study, but to be fair, this is Class D we are following here. Majority of them will not be studying unless they have to. Given the fact the final written exam is coming up, some students that are considered bookworms are studying ahead of time, while the others are not. Enough about the rest of the class, Kiyotaka and Suzune are part of the last few students out of their desks, noticing Kei and Yosuke were the last ones to leave as well. Suzune waves her hand at Kei, before they leave the classroom, catching Kei's attention. Kei and Yosuke, walk towards the backside of the classroom to meet with our couple.
Kei- "What's up Suzune-san?"
Suzune- "We had a few questions about what's going on with Ike-kun and Sudo-kun."
Kei- "I was able to speak with them..."
Suzune- "By the way you're phrasing that, it seems it did not go well..."
Kei- "That it did not. I did not have their contact information, nor do I think I want them to have it. So I waited for them to leave or comeback to the dorms Tuesday night."
Suzune- "Quite persistent."
Kei- "I need to be. We need them to fall back in line and help our class. This pouting these 2 are doing is only going to ruin our chances of taking Class C."
Suzune- "We agree. What did they have to say?"
Kei- "Sudo-kun gave me some inappropriate words, a lady shouldn't have to hear."
Suzune- "That does not surprise me. He always says what he wants...especially towards Kiyo."
Kei- "That's how I felt...no offense Kiyotaka-kun."
Kiyotaka- "None taken."
Suzune- "And what about Ike?"
Kei- "He...didn't really say much. I don't really think he was listening either."
Suzune- "Is that so?"
Kei- "Yeah...pretty much, he did what he always does...dodges the question and moves on..."
Kiyotaka- "Do you have another plan?"
Kei- "I do."
Suzune- "And that is?"
Kei- "Well..."
Kiyotaka- "You want us to work something out with them...is that it?"
Kei- looking down pouting "Yeah..."
Kiyotaka- "We'll see what we can do. Suzu, we'll wait until tomorrow. If they decide not to come to class again, we'll be going by their dorms. Are you okay with that?"
Suzune- "I am. They need to come to class."
Kei- "Thank you Kiyotaka-kun. Thank you Suzune-san."
Kiyotaka and Suzune- "No problem."
Since all 4 students were planning to walk to their dorms, they decided to walk back together. Sharing trivial conversations with each other, and some laughs. As they exit the school building, they continued their walk, with a somewhat joyous air around the 2 couples. Kiyotaka standing on the left, with Suzune on his right, hand in hand. Kei walking next to Suzune, with her hand linked to Yosuke's."
Suzune- "This sort of feels like a double date, doesn't it?"
Kei- *chuckles* "It does. How about we all go on a double date for real?"
Yosuke- "That sounds like fun. I think we would all have a great time together."
Suzune- "Hmm, that does sound like a pleasant time. What do you think Kiyo?"
Kiyotaka- "That does sound enjoyable. I'm not opposed to that arrangement. Care to pick a date ladies?"
Suzune- "Hmm..."
Kei- "How about Saturday?"
Yosuke- "Saturday works for me? Do you want to spend the day together or the evening?"
Suzune- "I'm not opposed to either. Kiyo, are we free Saturday?"
Kiyotaka- "Early afternoon is when we're free. We have somewhere to be Saturday morning."
Suzune- "Where's do we have to be?"
Kiyotaka- "I'll tell you at the dorms, it's a private matter."
Kei- "Secrets don't make friends Kiyotaka-kun."
Kiyotaka- "It's more of a surprise for Suzu...in a way. We'll be free around 2:00 in the afternoon. Can we meet then?"
Kei- "I have no issues with that time. Yosuke-kun?"
Yosuke- nodding his head "2:00 works for me as well."
Kiyotaka- "Great. We will meet you in the dorm lobby at 2."
Yosuke and Kei share a smile toward Suzune and Kiyotaka showing excitement for the double date, they have just planned. As they were approaching the dorm lobby, a figure they're familiar with steps out of the building. His head hanging low, hands in his pockets, taking strides away from the dorms. Kiyotaka notices who it is, and speaks up to the rest of the group.
Kiyotaka- "Hey, there's Ike over there."
Suzune, Kei, and Yosuke look up over toward the dorms, noticing Ike's figure in the distance. Noticing the bangs hanging over one side of his forehead, they all knew instantly who it was.
Kiyotaka- "Yosuke. Kei. We will have to cut our walk short today. Suzu and I need to go speak with Ike while we have the chance."
Kei- "Do we need to come with you?"
Kiyotaka- "Don't bother. He will already be defensive with Suzu and I approaching...if we add more to the group, he may run off."
Kei- *Sigh* "I could see that. You're right. Thank you to the both of you. I'm sorry I couldn't handle this as the leader."
Suzune- "Doing this kind of work, is difficult Kei-san. Especially with students that refuse to listen, it makes things all the more difficult. We'll see what we can do for you."
Kei- "Thank you again."
Kiyotaka and Suzune stop walking as Kei and Yosuke continued their walk to the dorms. Before they depart Kei and Yosuke turn around and says...
Kei and Yosuke- "We'll see you guys later."
Kiyotaka and Suzune wave them goodbye, then Kei and Yosuke continued their walk back to the dorms. Now that Kiyotaka and Suzune could go on about their business on their own, they began walking toward Ike, who seems to be walking toward the Keyaki Mall. Luckily for them, Ike was walking very slowly...dragging his feet across the ground, the boy just seemed depressed after losing his friend during the last exam. Approaching him, was Kiyotaka and Suzune, who weren't speed walking, but was walking faster than normally. As they got closer, Kiyotaka clears his throat, hoping Ike would turn around.
Kiyotaka- *clears throat*
Ike doesn't here the noise made or ignores it. Neither Kiyotaka nor Suzune could tell. Only a few feet away from Ike, Kiyotaka decides to say something this time to let Ike know they were there.
Kiyotaka- "Ike. Where are you going?"
Ike ignores Kiyotaka, as he kept dragging his feet over toward Keyaki Mall. Understanding now, he was being ignored, Kiyotaka grabs the shoulder of Ike with very light force. Almost like he was picking up a piece of tissue paper.
Kiyotaka- "Ike."
Ike snatches his shoulder out of the light grip Kiyotaka had on it. Continuing his walk toward the mall.
Kiyotaka- *Sigh* "Are you hungry?"
Ike once again ignores the conversation starters Kiyotaka had laid out. Now, without other options, Kiyotaka decides to become a bit more foreceful. He grabs the shoulder of Ike once again, this time gripping him with a bit more force. Enough force that Ike cannot snatch away without hurting himself.
Ike- "Ow ow ow ow ow! Dude let me go!"
Kiyotaka- "How about you talk to us for a moment?"
Ike- "I have nothing to say to you or her!"
Kiyotaka- "Are you going to Keyaki Mall?"
Ike- looks over his shoulder to Kiyotaka "Yes I am. Wil going to the Mall to get something to eat get me expelled?!"
Kiyotaka- "No, but not coming to class will."
Ike- looking down at the ground "I know..."
Kiyotaka- "Then why are you not coming to class?"
Ike- still looking at the ground "Why should I? I'm next on the expel list...what I have done for the class? On top of that, I lost one of my best friends. You can't imagine how that feels..."
Suzune- "Who said you were next on the list to be expelled?"
Ike- "It's not hard to see. What have I done since the island exam?! I haven't done anything to keep me here."
Kiyotaka- "What has Yamauchi done all year? He hasn't helped the class anywhere and ran his mouth a bit too much during our last exam. I hate to say this but he needed to go. You have value to this class. He didn't."
Ike- looks up to Kiyotaka "Don't bad mouth Haruki-kun like that Ayanokoji-kun! You haven't been any better this year either!"
Kiyotaka- "Technically, you're not wrong. I haven't been much help since the Sports Festival, but I have helped in other ways."
Ike- "Like what?!"
Kiyotaka- "The partnering for the Paper Shuffle exam is prime example. I'm also showing my worth in other ways. Not just special exams."
Ike- "What do I have to offer then?! What can I do to help where I won't be expelled?!"
Suzune- "You're time will come like it did during the island exam. Nobody in the class knew how to camp and you helped us all through that exam with your experience."
Kiyotaka- "Not to mention, your communication skills are noteworthy as well. There will be a time where your skills will be needed again. But you need to come to class so our classmates do not vote to expel you."
Ike- *Sigh* "I feel like I will be the next one to be expelled just like Haruki. I have no guarantee I'll be working for nothing."
Kiyotaka- "That's just the way it is Ike. There's never a guarantee in anything you do. There's always a chance you could work so hard and everything be taken away from you in an instant."
Suzune- "Exactly. We now have a leader for the class. We're on the verge of surpassing Class C, but with you and Sudo-kun being absent, its hurting our chances to progress as a class."
Ike- looking back down at the ground *Sigh* "You're right. I will attend class tomorrow."
Suzune- "And be on time."
Ike- "Right. And be on time..."
Kiyotaka- "Lastly, Sudo...is he not coming to class for the same reasons you are?"
Ike- looks up at Kiyotaka "Yes and no...he's pissed about losing his friend, and at the class."
Kiyotaka- "Why at the class?"
Ike- "I don't know to be honest. He thinks they voted for Haruki-kun's expulsion and didn't even listen to what he said before the day we voted."
Kiyotaka- "I can't blame the class. I've already said Yamauchi ran his mouth too much. If Sudo's upset about that...he needs to go as well."
Ike- "No! I can't lose my last friend here!"
Kiyotaka- "Then why don't you go talk to your best friend and bring him to class? I think he'll listen to you better than either one of us."
Ike- "I don't know if I can get him to listen. He's one of my closest friends, but we all know how stubborn he is."
Kiyotaka- "It's either that or I force him back into class. You're choice Ike."
Ike- *Gulps* "Okay. Okay. I'll talk with Ken and try to get him to come back to school."
Kiyotaka- "Good. If he doesn't come back tomorrow, I will be stepping in."
Ike- "I would like to avoid that if possible."
Kiyotaka- "Yes. Me too. Go handle whatever you were about to do. Then meet up with Sudo sometime tonight and bring him to class tomorrow."
Ike- *Sigh* "Okay. I'll give it a shot."
Ike walks off from Suzune and Kiyotaka, continuing in the direction of Keyaki Mall. His head still hanging low, with his hands in his pockets. He continued dragging his feet along. Kiyotaka and Suzune watches on as Ike's appearance began getting further and further away. Suzune turns to Kiyotaka asking...
Suzune- "Kiyo, do you think Sudo-kun will be coming to class tomorrow?"
Kiyotaka- "I don't. I think he and I will be having a discussion tomorrow afternoon."
Suzune- *Sigh* "I hope you're wrong about that."
Kiyotaka- "Me as well Suzu."
Our couple re-begins their walk to the dorms, reaching the elevator and riding it up to the floor housing their home. Upon reaching the door, Suzune unlocks it again, with the same smirk she's had ever since Kiyotaka had requested a spare key from the lobby desk. Opening the door, stepping inside, then locking the door back, Suzune and Kiyotaka begin their nightly routine before eating dinner. Including cleaning the dorm, preparing clothes for the following day and then bathing themselves off...together might I add. After finishing their routine, now clothed with their nightly attire, our couple sit themselves down at the table with the same violet colored cloth bag strung together by the same yellow string as earlier in the day.
Kiyotaka- rubbing his hands together "I'm looking forward to this Suzu."
Suzune- "I can say it's not my best work, but it isn't bad."
Kiyotaka- "I think I'll be the judge of that miss."
Suzune- *Sigh* "Kiyo..."
Kiyotaka- "Yes?"
Suzune- "Hush and eat you food."
Kiyotaka- "I'm unable to...it's still in the bag."
Suzune- "You..." *Sigh* "Yes, you're right. It looks like I jumped the gun doesn't it?"
Kiyotaka- "It's not the 1st time." *chuckles*
Suzune- "Shut it Kiyo!" as she undoes the string and grabs the top bento
Suzune- "Here! Now eat your food!" handing the bento too him
Kiyotaka- grabbing his bento from Suzune "Thank you ma'am."
Suzune- *Sigh*
Kiyotaka and Suzune begin sharing their leftover bento from lunch today. Kiyotaka's untouched and Suzune's barely touched. Suzune looks up to Kiyotaka mid bite.
Suzune- "What do you think Kiyo?"
Kiyotaka- "It's delicious Suzu. I bet it would be better fresh."
Suzune- "I think it is missing something...I can't put my finger on it."
Kiyotaka- "What do you mean? Here." places his finger onto his food "I just put my finger on it."
Suzune- "Wh-Huh? Did you-I-" *Sigh* "Did you seriously put your finger on your food?"
Kiyotaka- slowly retracting his finger "No..."
Suzune- *chuckles* "You really are an idiotic genius..."
Kiyotaka- "Eat your food Suzu."
Suzune- "I should be saying that to you, Mr. I put my finger in my food."
Kiyotaka- "Lapse in judgement is all."
Suzune- "Sure Kiyo. Sure."
Kiyotaka and Suzune share a few laughs and continue eating their food. As they eat, Suzune asks a question that had been plaguing her mind as the day progressed.
Suzune- "Kiyo, what did Nii-san want to speak with you about? Is it anything you can tell me?"
Kiyotaka- "Not all of it, but I can tell you some of what we discussed."
Suzune- "So, what was it about?"
Kiyotaka- "All I can talk about at this moment, is he wants me to spar with him Saturday morning. That's why I said we would have to meet Kei and Yosuke that afternoon."
Suzune- "Oh? Is that so? J-Just you?" trying to stay strong but you could hear the sadness in her words
Kiyotaka- "Nope. He wants you to join us. Tachibana will be there as well."
Suzune- eyes light up "Really?!"
Kiyotaka- "Yes. He mentioned you and Tachibana coming to witness our sparring session."
Suzune- showing a radiant smile "I would love to go watch that!"
Kiyotaka- *chuckles* "We thought you would."
Suzune- "What time are we meeting them?"
Kiyotaka- "8:00 in the morning, in the gym."
Suzune- "In the gym? Are we allowed to do that?"
Kiyotaka- "I don't see why not. He seemed like it would be fine."
Suzune- "I see. Well...I'm looking forward to it Kiyo. Spending time with Nii-san, will definitely ease my mind a bit."
Kiyotaka- slowly nodding his head "I see."
The dinner they shared tonight had soon ended. Finishing up their night, they spent time reading their book until they went to sleep for the night. Now, both of them lying in bed, all the lights turned off. They connect with a sweet goodnight kiss before drifting off into a hopeful, peaceful slumber.
Classroom of Class D
Friday, 7:45 in the Morning
The warm weather radiated off the large glass pane windows, showing the outside of the classroom. Silence was the only present, I guess you could say sound except for the humming of the air conditioner from such a warm morning outside. Students, planted in their seats, majority of Class D students have shown up this morning. Excluding just a handful. Luckily some of that handful began walking in shortly after, students such as: Hondo, Shinohara and now Ike slowly stepping inside the classroom. Ike stops at the rear door, taking a quick look around noticing some glares from his classmates as he finally returned.
Ike- 'This is uncomfortable...'
Immediately, Ike speed walks to his desk. Luckily for him, his desk is one of the closest to the back door of the class room. He takes his seat, hands folded in his lap, keeping his head down. A few minutes roll by, as all the students had arrived to class roughly 10 minutes before the bell rings. All except for one....Sudo Ken. Kiyotaka, not the only one noticing the absense, begins debating on asking Ike if he spoke to Sudo. After a moments debate in his head, he goes ahead and asks...
Kiyotaka- "Ike, any word from Sudo?"
Tension soared through the class, once Kiyotaka had asked that question. Not for the fact, the class wanted Sudo there, but they needed to stop losing points. Ike, had finally decided to come back after 4 days of absence, now possibly adding a 5th day to Sudo's absences, their class points could possibly be taking a nose dive.
Ike- "Yes, I spoke with him..."
Kiyotaka- "Care to elaborate?"
Ike- "He said he would think about coming to class today."
Kiyotaka- "You took him at his word, when he said 'think about it.' Did you expect him to come?"
Ike- "I-I don't know."
Everyone- *Scoffs*
The sounds of scoffs and tongue clicks were spreading through the class, as Ike gave some inadequate answer to his discussion with Sudo. Kiyotaka sits there debating on what to say next...not wanting to escalate anything further in front of the class.
Kiyotaka- "I see. We'll see soon, if he decides to show."
Ike- *Sigh*
Tension continued to stay at an uncomfortable level throughout the class, as the time dwindles down closer and closer to 8:00 in the morning. Once the bell rings, and Sae walks into the classroom, Sudo is considered late. This will cause another deduction in class points due to this. The students of Class D, are more than aware of this and are growing less and less patient with the absentees. Luckily one of the absentees decided to finally come back to class, but it still did not change the fact, 4 days of 2 student unexcused absences will hit their points as a class.
Ike- 'Is this how Ayanokoji felt?'
The class repeatedly throws dirty looks toward Ike, as they have not received any reason why he was absent. Knowing how this class has acted throughout their 1st year, even if he had an excuse, he would still be thrown into the fire from the class. Anger showing a majority of the students' faces, not a single one wanted to speak to Ike for the time being.
Kiyotaka- 'Is Kei going to say anything? Or is she waiting to see if Sudo arrives?'
Seconds turning into minutes, Kiyotaka looks up at the clock noticing the time is roughly 2 minutes from the bell ringing.
Kiyotaka- 'Sudo's still absent.' *Sigh* 'I really did not want to see him today...'
A few moments later...
Ring
Ring
Ring
The bell rings signaling the beginning of the day. Sae steps into the classroom, heels tapping across the tile floor as that's the only sound heard. Students watching her make her way to the podium up front, she stops once she reached it. Placing her clipboard onto the podium, she looks up addressing the students of Class D.
Sae- "Good morning Class D. I see one of the missing students has finally returned. Ike, if I do not receive a nurse's not excusing your absences, this class will be deducted class points."
Ike- looking at his desk, but nodding "Yes ma'am."
Sae- "I also see, Sudo has not returned either. The same rules apply to him as well. When or if he returns, he will need an excuse to save your points. If I had to guess...that will not be the case."
Defeated looks spread, once Sae mentioned her last statement.
Sae- "Alright enough of that, I have an announcement for your class. This will involve your final special exam of the year."
Eyes widen as the class, leans forward in their seats showing their undivided attention towards their teacher.
Sae- "There will not be any details of your exam until Monday, but the announcement for it will be today. The only knowledge I can give you for this exam, will be you will challenge another class. It will be a class vs class competition. The exam will begin a week from this coming up Monday. As I said earlier, more details for the exam will be announced this coming up Monday."
Class D students nodded in understanding once Sae had finished her announcement. Sae continues with the school day announcements, as they are unimportant to what's currently going on.
Lunch
Class D Classroom
Ring
Ring
Ring
The bell rings, just like any other day signaling lunch. After the last ring, the Class D students did not leave, except for...yep you guessed it, Koenji. Everyone else stayed behind, all wanting to speak to Ike on why he had been absent from school these past few days. The classroom was silent, waiting for someone to step up and break the ice of the tense classroom. Kei, now the appointed interim leader, stands herself up from her desk and walks up front to the podium. Centering herself in the middle, Kei places both hands on the sides of the podium beginning to address the class.
Kei- "Everyone, may I have your attention. This past week, we have been missing 2 students from this class. 1 of them has returned today, and from what I've been told, he plans to bring his best effort moving forward for this class. With the being said, the unexcused absences for these past 4 days, is something we cannot have, if we plan to beat the other classes. I want to hold a discussion, about the punishment for Ike-kun and Sudo-kun. This will probably take most of the lunch period. You are welcome to go grab your food and come back or you can eat somewhere then come back. As long as you are back with 20 minutes left in our lunch period, you can do whatever."
Students of Class D turn to look at one another, once Kei had finished her quick speech. Most nodding their heads in agreement, but others seeming hesitant to agree to this. Noticing this, Kei says 1 more thing before the class is dismissed.
Kei- "This is not up for debate. We need to discuss this as a class before the end of lunch."
Sitting in their desks in the back of the class, Kiyotaka and Suzune look on to Kei taking charge and letting the class know she means business.
Kiyotaka- 'I'm impressed Kei. Keep it up.'
Suzune- 'The stern tone from Kei-san seems to be working on the class.'
After Kei finished her last statement, she smiles then nodding her head, then departing from the podium to Yosuke's desk. The both of them depart from the classroom, as does majority of the class to go retrieve some lunch. This leaves a handful of students left in the classroom, some not worth mentioning and then Kiyotaka and Suzune. They both have a pre-made bento box sitting in front of them. Desks pressed together, they dig into their lunches together, since they were unable to the day before. In between bites, Suzune states...
Suzune- "Hey Kiyo, we should have a get together with the group...it feels like it's been weeks since we all hung out together."
Kiyotaka- "It has been quite some time hasn't it. We can coordinate with Haruka once this exam is over. We should be out on summer break then right?"
Suzune- "I would think so. We may have a final written exam afterward but yes. I think it's a 2 week summer break..."
Kiyotaka- "Ahh, 2 weeks without the school annoyances...almost sounds like a pipe dream."
Suzune- *giggles* "Knowing your luck, it won't be peaceful at all."
Kiyotaka- "Hey...what's that supposed to mean?"
Suzune- "Don't worry, I'll give you quite the time during our summer break."
Kiyotaka- "Do you mean-"
Suzune- face going beet red "N-No perv! I meant giving you a hard time..." *rolling her eyes* "You really can be a perv."
Kiyotaka- "You said a statement that's very misleading Suzu."
Suzune- "I did no such thing! You're assuming I meant that because that's what your mind went to."
Kiyotaka- "That's not true in the slightest."
Suzune- "Either way, it doesn't matter because you cannot prove anything. So if I count this correctly...you lost Kiyo." *mischievously chuckling*
Kiyotaka- *Sigh* "Eat your food Suzu."
Suzune triumphantly smiles and begins eating her food once again, as the couple awaits for their classmates to return to discuss the punishment for Ike and Sudo.
20 Minutes Remaining for Lunch
Students pile back into the classroom, at the time just as their leader told them to. All except for Koenji have arrived and are awaiting the discussion about the punishment for the classmates in question. Now each student seated, Ike breathes a heavy sigh awaiting his fate to what he brought upon himself.
Ike- *Sigh*
Anxiety showing on his face, as some students would glare at him from time to time. Now, Kei from her desk, looks around the room noting everyone in the class is present except for Sudo and Koenji. She stands up from her desk, immediately catching the attention of all students seated in the room. She struts to the podium as she did at the beginning of lunch. Blonde ponytail swaying with her hips per step. She stops at the podium, readying herself to address the class.
Kei- *deep breath* "Welcome back everyone. I'm happy to see you all took my request seriously. What I wanted to discuss with you about is the punishment for Ike-kun and Sudo-kun when he returns."
The class gives Kei their undivided attention, giving her nods of what she wanted to discuss.
Kei- "Instead of me making a decision, I think for us as a class, it would be best if we all determined a punishment. At this moment, the only punishment off the table is expulsion. I do not want to expel anyone else from this class, we need something that will make Ike-kun and Sudo-kun understand they need to be here."
Kei stands there at the podium, hands on each side of the podium with one of her legs tapping the ground with her toe behind her. Waiting patiently for a student to voice their opinion, she scans the room noticing the thinking faces of her classmates.
Kei- 'Please don't tell me all of them were only thinking of expulsion...'
After a few moments, 1 student raises her hand ready to make a suggestion. Kei sees the raised hand and calls on the said classmate.
Kei- "What is it Kushida-san?"
Kushida- placing a finger cutely on her chin "I don't want Ike-kun and Sudo-kun, to have to do anything heinous or inappropriate."
Kei- "That's not what this is about. We are holding classmates accountable for their decisions, because those decisions affect our class."
Kushida- smiling brightly "Okay! I'm happy we're on the same page then." thinks for a moment "Hmmm, what if they paid the class some of their private points?"
Kei- "How would that help the class? That would help us out personally..."
Kushida- "It's at least some compensation for what they've done to the class right? I wouldn't think that's too terrible since they would be paying each one of us."
Kei- "I see what you're saying Kushida-san. I don't think that's the best way to go for this in my opinion. I will write that down and we can vote if we have other suggestions."
Kushida- "Okay!"
Kei- "Anyone else have a suggestion? Any suggestion is welcome."
Another student hesitantly raises her hand, Kei sees this, calling on said student.
Kei- "Yes, Onodera-san?"
Onodera- "Umm, hmm. With this school being as strict as they are with all these cameras everywhere...I think they should do 1 of these 2 things. Spend the 1st month of our 2nd year coming in early and cleaning the classroom or if the clubs do not interfere, spend 2 hours in the library after school for the 1st month of our second year."
A moment passes by as students of Class D began nodding their heads to the suggestion Onodera has made.
Kei- nodding her head "We could let Chabashira-Sensei know they will be cleaning the classroom our 1st month of the year if we decide on that punishment..." she writes down Onodera's suggestions "Alright, we have pay each of us a share of their private points, detention in the library, or cleaning the classroom before school begins. Are there any other suggestions that would like to be made?"
Kei scans the room after asking her question, taking note of any classmate displeased with the suggestion or showing a face of thought. After inspecting all of her classmates body language, she takes a look at an upset Ike, noticing the anxiety written upon his face.
Kei- "Ike-kun, we will give you a chance to say what's on your mind before we vote on the punishment. One of these will happen since you and Sudo-kun will need to be held accountable for your decisions. But you are welcome to speak to the class before we vote."
Once, Kei finished her statement, the entire class turns their heads toward Ike. Now being the center of attention of the entire classroom, he slightly jumps at all the eyes gazed upon him.
Ike- *Eeek* "M-M..."
He sits there for a moment, gripping his pants around his knees, biting his bottom lip in a nervous state. He takes a deep breath and then says...
Ike- *deep breath* "I'm sorry for skipping class these last 4 days. I was very upset over losing my friend, but that was a personal thing for me...my decisions ended up hurting the class which is not what I wanted. I spoke to Horikita-san and A-Ayanokoji-kun yesterday...and they inspired me to return to class...to try and help however I can."
Ike stands up from his desk, displaying a sincere, apologetic bow to the class.
Ike- "Do what you need to do. I will take my punishment that I deserve."
Once Ike finished his apology the class then turns their attention to Kiyotaka and Suzune in the back corner of the class.
Onodera- "You 2 got involved? You talked him in to coming back, even after Yamauchi-kun tried so hard to expel you Horikita-san?"
Suzune- nodding her head "Yes. Ike-kun is still part of this class and he needs to be here. There will be a reason for his help one day in one of these exams, so he will surely be needed."
Shinohara- "Why did you help?"
Suzune- "I already said that I would still help the class where I'm needed. Just because I'm not the leader, doesn't mean I'm not assisting the class. Same thing with Kiyo here. We are still helping."
Shinohara- "Tsk."
Kiyotaka- "I think Ike has learned from his mistake. Considering the sincerity of his apology, can I recommend only a week of him coming to class and cleaning?"
Ike turns his head to Kiyotaka, who's made a suggestion less severe as the others. Moreso, spending less time in his punishment then originally suggested.
Shinohara- "I don't think that's a good idea. What if he thinks he can do this again with not as severe consequences?"
Kiyotaka- "There's a simple solution....
...
...Expulsion."
I think ending the chapter here is good for the next chapter. This will continue into the next chapter. I tried moving the beginning of the next chapter to this one so it wasn't a cliff hanger, but I would have had to rewrite the entire section, so I left it separate. I know this build up is slow and this extra stuff I'm writing may seem unimportant to the story, but I do believe it sets up a better scene once the exam begins and as the arc progresses.
I'm about 50% done with the next chapter, and I think I will post it once it's finished. At this moment, it does not look like it will begin the exam but just before it. I think once the exam begins is when I will post when the exam is completed. I still haven't decided yet, we'll just see the timeline of when I get each chapter finished.
Sakagami, is the character I'm creating a backstory with, we dove a little bit into it but there's nothing noteworthy to go on as of yet. Just a mystery of where he came from before becoming an instructor. I know it's a stretch but I like this idea and it adds a bit more depth to the character. That's how I'm seeing it at least. I think his backstory will come to light during this exam. How? Not a single clue yet...just need to see how things play out. Haha!
The next chapter will be a sparring match with Manabu and a double date with Kei and Yosuke. I've almost finished the sparring session now, and trying to decide how I want this double date to go...I guess you can call this build up..."The calm before the storm."
Anyways, that's all the notes I have for the time being. The next chapter will be posted soon, as I said earlier, I'm about halfway done with it so I'm hoping I will have it posted by next weekend. I'll keep you updated if it's any longer.
Thank you for reading and I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and this story!
Suggestions or critiques are always welcome!
Have a great day!❤️