Ring!!!

The school bell rang once more, signaling the end of the day's classes.

"That concludes today's class. You are all dismissed." Sakagami-Sensei addressed us all. He exited the classroom quietly, clutching his clipboard and textbooks.

I grabbed my textbook and stationaries from my table and stuffed them into my bag. Then I snatched my bag and slung it over my shoulder. My classmates stood up one by one, either to hang out with their friends after school or to return to their dorms.

When I stood up, a sweet voice suddenly played over the speakers announcing something.

"At 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time today, we will be holding a student club fair in Gymnasium No. 1. Students interested in joining a club, please gather in Gymnasium No. 1." The voice announced.

5:00 PM? That's two hours from now. Should I become a member of a club? In my introduction, I mentioned that I was interested in finding new hobbies, but I also didn't want to join anything that would take up my free time after school, unless it was useful.

Kushida and her friends had invited me to hang out at Keyaki Mall with them, buying clothes and trying out the food court, but I had to decline because I and Horikita had some business to attend to.

When I turned to look at my seatmate, she was staring at me, gesticulating that she had been waiting for me for quite some time.

As a response, we both nodded at each other. Me and Horikita were about to leave the classroom when we were abruptly stopped by a crowd of girls.

"Ayanokouji-Kun!" A loud and feminine voice called out to me.

When I turned around to see who had suddenly called me so suddenly, I saw Karuizawa Kei and her group of gals with Hirata and Eichiiro standing behind them. They were waving at me, and I responded by waving back.

"What's up Karuizawa?" I asked.

"So, like, me and my friends were going to Keyaki Mall to hang out with Hirata-Kun and Matsuo-Kun. But then I thought, why don't you come join us? It'd be a lot more fun with you there!"

It appears that I've received another invitation to Keyaki Mall from a different group of girls. So this is what it's like to be popular with the opposite gender.

Eichiiro would always say that being bothered by girls was a curse that came with being popular, but I didn't find it particularly bothersome.

...

I should probably reconsider that conclusion before I start jinxing myself. Before I could give a reply, Horikita swiftly interrupted our conversation,

"Sorry Karuizawa-San, but unlike you and your friends wasting time at the mall, Ayanokouji and I already have more important matters to attend to," Horikita said bluntly.

Her response did not appear to be well received, as Karuizawa and some of her friends wore a frustrated expression and were glaring daggers at Horikita. Hirata and Eichiiro noticing the tension caused by Horikita's harsh and sharp words had worried looks on their faces.

"Hah?! Who the hell are you to speak up? I asked for Ayanokouji-Kun's opinion, not yours!" Karuizawa retaliated.

"Yeah, who the fuck are you to monopolize him? You're not his girlfriend Horikita-San, so I don't think you have the right to decide what he does with his free time!" Shinohara backed up Karuizawa.

So you're saying that if she were my girlfriend, she'd have control over what I do in my spare time? What kind of reasoning is that? What I do in my spare time should be decided solely by myself.

"Ano... She's right Karuizawa. I already have a meeting planned with Horikita after school, so I'm sorry but I'll have to decline your invitation." I apologized and bowed slightly.

"Why the hell would you want to hang out with a bitch like her? We're way better company than she is!" Karuizawa argued. Yikes, things could get heated if I don't do some-

"Because, unlike you, Karuizawa, we're going to actually talk about something important and do something productive. Something you and your bimbo girls wouldn't understand because you spend all of your time doing unproductive and illogical things." Horikita retorted.

Yabe.

Horikita had exacerbated the situation just as I was about to act. Some of the girls became enraged and retaliated to Horikita's comments by hurling insults at her. Horikita, on the other hand, paid no attention to their remarks about her. Okay, I need to calm this situation down before it worsens.

I looked to Hirata and Eichiiro, pleading with them to assist me in calming the situation. They both seemed to have understood my message and nodded hesitantly as a response.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but can't we just calm down and talk this through?" Eichiiro intervened, attempting to pacify them.

"Yeah, I'm sure Horikita-San didn't mean any harm by her words." Hirata joined Eichiiro. With their help, Hopefully Karuizawa's group and Horikita would be able to stop being hostile to each other.

"It's not our fault Hirata-Kun! Karuizawa-San was just trying to invite Ayanokouji-Kun when Horikita-San suddenly insulted us out of nowhere. We were just returning her insults!" Shinohara objected.

Although I believe Horikita's attitude was some to blame, Karuizawa and her group of girls were not without fault.

They were partly to blame for being so easily provoked by Horikita's words and making rash assumptions about her attempts to monopolize me for herself. Also, didn't Karuizawa insult her first by calling Horikita a bitch? Well, It didn't matter who started it first; I just didn't want this situation to get any more troublesome than it already was.

"Okay, everyone, please calm down. Let's not start pointing fingers at each other on who provoked who first. Why don't we just settle down and apologize to each other? We don't want to be at odds with our own classmates, do we?" Hirata made an attempt to persuade them.

"But Hirata-Kun! She was the first to be hostile to us. So it's only natural for her to be the one to apologize to us!" Karuizawa argued vehemently for her point of view.

"But Karuiza-"

"Tch, you know what? I don't want to waste my time with your idiotic group of friends, Karuizawa. I'll be waiting for you outside of class Ayanokouji-Kun, but please don't spend too much time talking to Karuizawa and her friends because we have something important to talk about. Her hypocritical idiocy could infect you." Horikita spoke in a very brusque way.

She then hurried to the classroom door and quickly exited, ignoring the glares she was receiving from Karuizawa and her group of gals.

"Jeez, what's her problem anyway." Satou finally expressed her displeasure. She had remained silent about Horikita's actions until now. I guess some people prefer to speak negatively about others behind their backs rather than openly.

"I know right? Honestly, she's so entitled."

"She reminds me of one of those bitchy spoiled brats who think the world revolves around them."

"She called us idiots when we haven't even done any exams yet. Can you believe how delusional she is?"

The girls were now openly insulting and harshly reprimanding Horikita. Unlike a few minutes ago, when it was just Shinohara and Karuizawa, everyone was now expressing their irritation with Horikita's attitude toward her classmates.

Well everyone except for Matsuhita and, of course, Eichiiro and Hirata. Matsuhita stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do, while Eichiiro and Hirata tried to diffuse the situation. To be honest, I felt sorry for the three of them.

If it were another time, I would try to assist Hirata and Eichiiro, but I had a meeting with Horikita right now. I didn't want to keep her waiting any longer than necessary. Who knows what icy and sharp words she'd use to chastise me if I kept her waiting too long. Well before I leave, I should probably apologize on Horikita's behalf.

"Please accept my apologies for Horikita's inappropriate behavior. She's really not a bad person at all. She's just not very good at socializing with others and can be obstinate at times." I bowed while apologizing to appear genuine with my words.

They stopped gossiping and focused their full attention on me after I apologized. They then panicked a little while attempting to reassure me.

"I-it's not your fault, Ayanokouji-Kun! Please raise your head!" Satou attempted to console me.

"Yeah! Don't blame yourself for what she did. You haven't done anything wrong!" Shinohara joined in the cheering as well.

The girls then flooded me with words of reassurance and comfort, assuring me that I was not to blame for Horikita's actions. Well To be honest, I didn't feel sorry for Horikita. Her stubborn nature and unwillingness to cooperate must have resulted in her placement in Class D.

" I believe we've taken up too much of your time Kiyotaka. You should leave right away; you don't want to keep the ice devil waiting, do you?" Eichiiro said this in a lighthearted tone. His nickname for Horikita had earned him some laughs from the girls.

"Yes, indeed. I wish we could all talk more, but I need to talk to Horikita right now. Umm... Is it okay if we hang out some other time?" I inquired.

"Of course Ayanokouji-Kun. We'd be delighted to spend time with you at any time." Hirata said in a cheerful tone while flashing me with a smile full of sincerity.

Hirata piqued my interest because I couldn't figure out why he was assigned to class D. In the presence of others, he exudes a mature and friendly vibe. From the outside, he appears to be a warm, kind, and caring individual.

Perhaps his grades were poor? Or does he have a lack of physical ability? No, that would be an absurd reason to place someone in class D simply because they were not the best at a particular skill. He also intended to join a soccer club, so his physique had to be at least above average.

But I did notice him flinch a little yesterday when I mentioned that we might be assigned to class D due to something we did in the past. Although I could be mistaken, I believe that could be a hint as to what Hirata's flaw could be. After all, not everyone is who they appear to be on the outside.

"Alright, then I'll be taking my leave. I'll see you all later." I bid my farewells to them as I turned around and exited the classroom.

Horikita was leaning against the wall outside the classroom, arms crossed and an expression with tiny hints of annoyance on her face. It appears that I had lingered a little too long with Karuizawa and the others.

"Ano..."

"Took you long enough," Horikita finally spoke.

"I apologize for the inconvenience. It was never my intention to keep you waiting for any longer than was necessary." I began by apologizing.

Wow, maybe Ichihashi was right. I do apologize too much.

"Hmm... Well, that whole commotion wasn't your fault in the first place. This time, I'll forgive you." Horikita responded.

"Then, shall we be on our way?"

"Of course, Ayanokouji-Kun."

We then entered the hallways near the classrooms. A few students passing by us in the halls would give us a few glances, and I overheard some murmurs and whispers. Do people really not get tired of gossiping about me?

I noticed that we weren't heading towards the dorms, but rather into unknown territory. This was strange; where did she intend to take me? Maybe palette cafe? Or how about Keyaki Mall? Well, unless I asked her directly, I wouldn't know.

"Where exactly are we going, Horikita?" I asked.

"Why, to the faculty office of course. "

Faculty office? But why?

"Your expression suggests that you are confused right now. Let's just say I have a few questions for Chabashira-Sensei about the school system." Horikita responded. It's as if she could read my mind.

"Perhaps some of my explanations yesterday or today were unclear to you?" I persisted in interrogating her.

"No, you've made your points loud and clear. Although I am skeptical of the deductions you announced to the class today, the fact that you solved the school's mystery in only a few hours should demonstrate your deductive ability is not to be underestimated." Horikita replied.

"I see..."

For a while, we walked in awkward silence. But it didn't seem to bother her in the least. I believe I should try to strike up a conversation with her in order to learn more about the girl known as Horikita Suzune.

"If you have something to say, say it, Ayanokouji-Kun."

"Eh?"

"Your unwarranted staring is making me more uncomfortable by the second."

Sigh...

Well, no use in beating around the bush now.

"Couldn't you have treated Karuizawa and her friends better?" I brought up the elephant in the room.

"What's the point? They were going to stymie our progress and waste even more time."

"You know, with that attitude, it'll be difficult for you to make friends, don't you?"

"I've already stated that I don't intend to make any friends. But I am curious as to why you're insisting on it." Horikita now attempted to question me.

"It's not like I'm trying to coerce you into making new friends. I'm sure having a few allies on whom you can rely would be beneficial to you."

"But don't I already have you?"

I would have misinterpreted that as an attempt to flirt with me if it hadn't been for her cold demeanor.

"It's nice to know you can count on me. But there will be times when you won't be able to. And if I can't help you when you're in trouble, you'll have to seek assistance from others. That would be very beneficial to you, don't you think?" I countered.

"... I suppose your right Ayanokouji-Kun, you make an excellent point." Wow, I didn't think she would admit it that easily.

Horikita's flawed way of thinking was something I needed Horikita to recognize. If Horikita maintains her current attitude, she will be isolated from her classmates and detested by them. That would undoubtedly erode our class solidarity.

I suppose I should try to steer the conversation away from class issues. It would be nice to learn more about Horikita as a person.

"Horikita, don't we look like a couple to-"

"Ayanokouji-Kun, don't even say it."

"Ah, okay. Sorry then."

Well, that was a failure. It appears that I still have some gaps in my social skills. I just hope our walk to the faculty office isn't too awkward now.

-------------------

We were now standing in front of the door that led to the faculty office. Horikita motioned for me to enter the room first, and I simply nodded in response.

"Please excuse me..." I said quietly after knocking on the door about three times. The only person present in the faculty office was none other than Hoshinomiya-Sensei.

"Ara? If it isn't Mr.Popular himself? How may I help you Mr.Ikemen-Kun?" Hoshinomiya-Sensei asked in a teasing manner.

"Pardon the intrusion Sensei, but do you know where Chabashira-Sensei is?" Horikita walked into the room and spoke up.

"Oh? So there's two of you huh? Why of course I know where Sae-Chan is!" She exclaimed loudly in a high-pitched voice with a smirking expression on her face and her hands both on her hips.

"Then can we know where she is?" Horikita asked.

"Of course you can! But first, why are you kids looking for her? Ara? Don't tell me you're planning to do something naughty with each other?" Hoshinomiya-Sensei continued to poke fun at us.

"Please don't be irrational sensei. There were some materials we didn't understand during her lessons and we would like to ask her about it." Horikita quickly devised an excuse.

"Is that it? What hardworking students you are! I should give you both a prize for being such good students!"

She then approached us, her hands extended. Horikita had walked away, avoiding whatever Hoshinomiya-Sensei had planned for her, while I stood there silently, unsure what to do. My hair was then gently touched and rubbed by one of her hands.

"Eh?"

"Who's a good boy? You are!" Hoshinomiya-Sensei teased in a playful tone while patting my head. I must say, it does feel quite nice.

"Sensei can you please put an end to your childish antics. We've come to find out where our homeroom teacher is. If you are unwilling to assist us, we will simply seek her location by another teacher or ourselves if we have to." Horikita expressed her displeasure with Hoshinomiya-playful Sensei's demeanor.

"Jeez~ you're just like Sae-Chan. So direct and cold. Well, I'm afraid our playtime has to end here Ikemen-Kun." She said as she retracted her hand from my hair.

"Well if you really want to know where Sae-Chan is, she's probably on her favorite smoking spot, the rooftop. Normally, students aren't allowed to go there at this hour... But, I think it should be fine as long as you don't get caught." Hoshinomiya-Sensei said with a wink.

"I see. If that's the case, we'll be going ahead now Sensei. Thank you for the information Hoshinomiya-Sensei." Horikita and I bowed in appreciation.

"No problemo! Take care you two! Also, tell Sae-Chan I said hi!!!!" Hoshinomiya-Sensei shouted joyously while waving one of her arms aggressively.

Horikita and I then exited the faculty office and began ascending the stairs step by step.

We were now at the door that would take us to the rooftop. I looked at my phone to see what time it was. It was now 4:00 p.m., one hour before the club fair began. So, I guess this should be enough time for me to accompany Horikita as she asks Chabashira-Sensei and me any questions she may have.

I yanked on the door handle, revealing the rooftop with Chabashira-Sensei, who appeared to be smoking a cigarette with her eyes fixed on the vast blue sky. When she turned around to see what was making the noise, her eyes widened slightly in surprise to see me and Horikita. She quickly reverted to a calm and collected expression and removed the cigar she was smoking from her mouth.

"Horikita? Ayanokouji? What exactly are you two doing here? You do realize it's after-school hours, don't you? Students would not normally choose this location for a hangout." Chabashira-Sensei inquired.

"I only have a few questions for you, Sensei. Of course, I realize you're probably very busy, so I'll get right to the point." Horikita responded.

"Oh? Then what is Ayanokouji-Kun doing here?"

"He's only here because I asked him to come with me. I needed his thoughts on a few critical issues."

"Is that so? Well, then Horikita, you're free to ask away." Chabashira-Sensei said in a provoking way.

"Sensei-"

"Hoshinomiya-Sensei said hi by the way." I interrupted Horikita.

...