I told Horikita that I'll convinced Sudou, Ike and Yamauchi to join her study group but how I'm supposed to do that. Before my score was revealed I was somewhat close to them. They didn't even invite me to hang out anymore. I know they are a bit wired but I enjoyed their company. It's feel good to have friends with who you can talk about useless stuff. A little bit of me also wants them to pass the test.
I glanced around the classroom and saw that Sudou and others are already left. I checked the time on my phone, there is still some time left before Sudou club activities started. They probably went to their usual hang out spot which was the convenience store. Making up my mind I packed my things and left the classroom.
When I got there, they were standing near the front gate of the convenience store. I wave my hand at them but ignore it.
"This is not going to be easy," I thought as I approached them. After some half-hearted greetings, I get straight to the point.
"What you guys going to do about midterms," I asked.
"Oh, we'll just cram the night before the test," Sudou answered. Ike and Yamauchi nodded in agreement.
"I don't think that's going to be enough. You all do know that if you failed the test you'll be expelled," I warned them.
"Just because you're smart and have a girlfriend, doesn't give you the right to order us around," Ike snapped.
"What! I have a girlfriend. Where that comes from?" I pondered.
"There's a rumour that you and Horikita know each other before coming to this school. That's why you two takes the same bus and were sits next to each other. You must very happy to be placed in the same class as your lover and having your seat near her's," Ike exclaimed. His voice is getting louder and louder.
"You guys have misunderstood something. I only meet Horikita after coming to this. Us taking the same bus was a complete coincidence. Forget about being a boyfriend, I'm not even her friend. We just neighbour who happened to sit next to each other," I tried to clear their misunderstanding.
"Then explain why Horikita only talks to you in the whole class. You two goes to the cafeteria together and you even had lunch with her," This time it was Yamauchi who spoke.
"How they know that," I thought.
Before I could say anything Sudou cut me off.
"You're just like her, high and mighty. No wonder you two are going out. You think you know what better for us. Just leave us alone. We did not need your help and don't bother us again," Sudou said that angrily. If I press him further he might punch me so I back off.
"Who could spread such a rumour?" I thought. After returning to my room I laid down on my bed.
There were two other Class D students apart from me and Horikita, Koenji and Kushida on bus that day. At first, I thought it Koenji who spread the rumour because he knows about me and my past but it's very unlikely. He's the type of person who faces his opponents head-on. He's also a socially outcast, so I doubt that he can spread such rumours.
Next is Kushida, I don't know much about her other than she's a bright and energetic girl who wants to be friends with everyone. Her grades are also good. She's a very sociable person. A central figure in Class D. For her, it's very easy to spread such rumours. But what she would gain from it. Although there is also a possibility of third-party involvement in this, a student who I didn't notice on the bus or a student from another class.
"I guess that's one more reason to include her in the study group," I said to myself. To find out if Kushida is the one who spread rumours about me and Horikita, I need to observe her. The study group is the perfect opportunity and she also on the good terms with Sudo, Ike and Yamauchi. I'm sure she able to convince them to join Horikita's study group. It's like killing two birds with one stone.
With that, I call Kushida and explained the situation to her. She immediately agreed to help me. When I ask her about the rumours, she denied ever hearing such things. All I need to do now is tell Horikita about this.
"NO, I didn't ask Kushida-san for help. I asked you. Are you that useless," Horikita refused as soon as she heard Kushida's name and even insults me, just like I expected. I already made a counter for this.
"I know you don't like Kushida but try to understand. Our classmates didn't like us that much. Without her, nobody going to participate in our study group. There is no other way. If you want to reach Class A, you had to compromise," I said. There is no voice coming from other side of the phone. I thought she hung up but then.
"Okay, I understand that," With that Horikita ended the call. She understands more quickly than I thought. Is everything going to be alright, I didn't really know. I decided not to think about it.
After school was over Horikita and I left for the library. We managed to secure a table at the far end of the library and waited for others to come. Shortly after Kushida come over to where we were seated. Behind her was Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudou.
"I brought everyone," Kushida said cheerfully. Everybody sit down on their seat but Horikita stops Kushida.
"I don't think you needed any assistance in studying, Kushida-san. Your grades are already good. So I think you should leave us," Horikita said.
"Then why he's here," Sudou said while pointing at me. A fair point, I have no reason to stay here. Before I could say anything Horikita spoke.
"He's just a helper. Don't mind him," Horikita said. Sudou and others didn't look convinced.
"To tell you the truth, Horikita-san. In the previous test, I just got lucky. I'm not good at study. So I want to join your study group to avoid bad grades," Kushida said while giggling.
That's a straight-up lie. I saw her helping others students with their studies. Of course, Horikita didn't know that because she didn't pay attention to other people.
"I don't mind Kushida lie, as long as it's help us" I thought.
"Then why don't you join Hirata-Kun's group," Horikita questioned.
"He already busy with other students. I don't want to burden him further," Kushida answered.
"Fine, you can join," Horikita growled. Finally, giving up on the argument. With that Kushida officially become a member of our study group. She sensed that I staring at her. She looks at me and gives me a cute wink.
"Impressive, she able to fool Horikita and joined the study group," I thought. With that our study group started.
Not even an hour past, there is already a argument between Horikita and Sudou.
"Are you sure you a high school student? Even first-year or second-year middle school students could easily solve this problem. If you can't even solve this. It'll be impossible for you to continue," Horikita said. Even Kushida at her limit.
"What did you say!" Sudou slammed the desk. Horikita didn't even flinch.
"I'm saying that you're far too ignorant and incompetent," said Horikita with a icy glare. Sudou clearly irritated by Horikita, got in close to her and grabbed her collar. He about to punch her.
"This is bad," I quickly move towards Horikita.
"Stop," Kushida yelled at Sudou, stopping him. I quickly grab his hand.
"I understand your anger, Sudou. But if you use violence, it'll only get you in trouble," I said.
"Tch, whatever. I'm out of this," Sudou growled. I let go of his hand. He quickly grabs his stuff and leaves the library. Ike and Yamauchi also follow him.
Now only me, Kushida and Horikita remained.
"This is a waste of my time. They're not even serious about studying. I think it's better for the class if students like them were expelled. They're dead weight anyway," Horikita said that without an ounce of hesitation.
"I don't understand. Why do you say things like that, Horikita-san? Why do you try to antagonize people?" Kushida said with a sad expression.
There's a brief silence between us.
"Well Horikita-San, Ayanokouji-Kun, I'll see you tomorrow," Kushida said. She looked dejected when she left the library.
"Maybe, I was wrong about her," I thought. Now I feel bad for suspecting her. After Horikita left I also began to pack my books, then I noticed a phone on the table. I pick up the phone and it's was Kushida's phone. She must have forgotten it.
I quickly pack my books and decided to follow Kushida.
To be continue