A Liquid Inspiration
Summary: (A re-telling of Classroom of the Elite sparked by a certain conversation between Masterpiece and Professor.)
One day, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka receives a surprising invitation from his father, Ayanokouji Atsuomi, to join him for a drink. It was unusual for Kiyotaka, who normally wouldn't be summoned by his father without a hidden agenda.
That's why even the emotionless Kiyotaka was surprised when his father began to open up about his own experiences with love and relationships.
For the emotionally distant "masterpiece," this conversation is a rare moment of connection with his father, and it sparked a curiosity within him to explore the world of human relationships, to be more specific: romance and intimacy.
It was that spark that pushed Kiyotaka to demand something from his father:
"Father, teach me everything about human relationships."
This then begins a ripple that changes how Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would approach the world in the foreseeable future.
Do check out this fic on Wattpad. It has the same title and content, but we do have illustrations there to increase immersion for the fic. Thanks, and here's the chapter!
Vol 2. Chapter 7.5 - A 'Normal' School Day
Ayanokōji Kiyotaka
The next day, I arrived earlier than usual at the classroom, having entered the room at 7:20 AM instead of my usual 7:45 AM routine. Currently, only Wang, Yōsuke, Yukimura, and I were inside the classroom.
"Good morning," Yukimura greeted, nodding his head in my direction. "You're earlier than usual, Ayanokōji."
"Good morning, Yukimura," I said, returning the bespectacled boy's greeting. "I didn't go for a morning jog, so that's why I arrived earlier."
While Yukimura and I weren't exactly close friends, we got along fairly well due to the creation of the Study Groups two months ago. It started when he asked me how I handled my study group and asked for tips on handling some of his tutees.
"Jogging," Yukimura muttered, almost blanching at the mention of the word. "That could never be me, Ayanokōji."
"You should start considering doing some exercises," I advised. "With how this school operates, you really never know. You might end up needing it."
"I guess you have a point there. But I really don't know where to start with that," he replied.
"You're... surprisingly amiable to the idea. I half-expected you to scoff at me," I pointed out.
"Because when you say something, there's a high likelihood of it coming to fruition one way or another, Ayanokōji. From the S-System, to the Midterms, and even the test papers," Yukimura replied, sighing. "I would rather not hold the class back."
I smiled at the admittance of the bespectacled boy.
Yukimura Teruhiko, when we started, was somewhat similar to Horikita in how much he looked down on people who he deemed inferior to him in ability. This tendency of his initially alienated him from the rest of the boys.
Although he was still somewhat of a loner, Yukimura was no longer alienated from the rest of the boys. Some of his tutees would actually invite him for lunch from time to time, a clear sign that people have come to like him.
"If you need some advice, I'll help you out with it," I offered, tapping him on the shoulder. "Just let me know when you're ready."
Yukimura nodded appreciatively, a small smile forming on his face. "Thanks, Ayanokōji. I might take you up on that offer."
Just then, Yōsuke, who had been listening to our conversation, chimed in. "You've really been collecting roles, Kiyotaka. Now, you're a personal trainer, too," he joked.
"Really, Yōsuke? You'll really start the morning with a corny joke? Not even a good morning?" I replied, glancing in the direction of the dirty-blonde-haired boy.
Yōsuke chuckled, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "My bad. Good morning Kiyotaka," he greeted.
"Good morning, Yōsuke," I replied, the corner of my lips curling up in a faint smile. "How's being bossed around by your girlfriend?"
Yōsuke laughed, his face turning slightly red. "Hey, Kei's not that bossy. She just knows what she wants," he defended himself. "But things have been going well, thanks for asking."
"Speaking of Kei, she wants you and Tsubaki-san to join us for lunch this weekend. Would you guys be able to join us?" He asked.
"I'll have to check my schedule, but I think I can make it," I replied, considering the invitation. "You guys have to ask Yuki if she can make it, though."
Yōsuke chuckled. "Would she even say no if we framed it as a double date? She would accept in a heartbeat." A rhetorical question, if there was one.
Well... he had a point there.
Yuki would immediately agree to anything with the words Kiyotaka and date in one sentence.
"I suppose you're right," I responded, a hint of amusement in my voice. "I'll tell her we'll go out this Saturday."
"Not even ask? You'll just immediately tell her?" Yōsuke joked, arching an eyebrow in amusement. "I wish I could also have that power."
"It's your fault for letting yourself be Karuizawa's personal ragdoll, Yōsuke," I countered.
Yōsuke chuckled, shaking his head. "Hey, in my defense, it's easier to just let Kei do what she wants. Things are more peaceful that way."
"Peaceful, huh?" I mused, glancing at Yōsuke with a raised eyebrow. "Well, if that's what works for you, then who am I to argue?"
"Relationships... what a stressful thing to handle," Yukimura muttered, his eyes shifting between me and Yōsuke. "That's really not for me."
"You're in a relationship with books. I'm pretty sure that counts, Yukimura," I joked.
"Wha? Don't make me sound like I have no life," Yukimura protested.
Yōsuke chuckled at Yukimura's reaction. I, on the other hand, simply looked at him in amusement. It was a rare sight to see him flustered, considering his usual composed demeanor.
Our early morning banter continued until the rest of the class started trickling in. The classroom, once nearly empty, filled up as more students filed in. It wasn't long before the chatter of the students overpowered our voices, and our conversation had to come to an end.
Yukimura returned to his desk, pulling out his textbooks and notes as he began his morning study routine. Yōsuke leaned back in his chair, his eyes wandering around the room, his gaze occasionally resting on me before moving on.
A few minutes later, Yuki arrived at the classroom, accompanied by Chiaki. The two girls marched in my direction, both of them wearing matching pouts.
Without warning, the two of them dragged me out of the classroom and into the hallway, where they turned to face me. Both of them crossed their arms and gave me a stern look.
...
Ah, they must have sent me some text messages after I turned off my phone last night. That should explain the pouts.
"Good morning, Yuki, Chiaki," I greeted the two girls, patting both of them on the head.
The girls seemed momentarily distracted by my action, their pouts dissolving into brief smiles before they promptly remembered their supposed grievances.
"Why are you patting us like we're children, Kiyotaka-kun?" Chiaki complained, swatting my hand away, although the ghost of a smile lingered on her face. She wasn't really annoyed, it seemed.
"Good morning, Kiyotaka," Yuki said, looking a little disgruntled. "Why didn't you reply to our texts last night?"
"Ah, about that..." I started, rubbing the back of my neck. "I apologize. Horikita-senpai came over last night and talked to me about how the trial went."
I decided to hide the fact that he basically came over just to ask if I liked his little sister, lest both of them get jealous.
"Horikita-senpai, huh?" Chiaki frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. "What could possibly be so important that you couldn't spare a minute to respond to our messages?"
Despite her annoyance, it was clear she wasn't genuinely upset. Her eyes were lively, and her pout seemed more playful than angry. But I had to admit, it felt strange being confronted like this.
"I didn't think it would be respectful to check my phone while we were discussing something serious," I explained, hoping to defuse the situation. "And by the time we finished, it was late, and I thought you would have already gone to bed."
"He figured out you were still behind everything, huh?" Yuki mused. "Horikita-senpai's skills really aren't for show. So how did it go?"
"It went well," I responded, looking at Yuki. "It was a serious conversation, but we managed to sort things out. And when it was over, it seemed like he was thinking of finally taking steps to mend his relationship with his little sister."
"That's great to hear," Chiaki said, her eyes lighting up. "You really should have been there, Kiyotaka-kun. Once she got rid of the nerves, Horikita-san did everything flawlessly. It's about time for him to recognize her improvements."
"It's about time that deadbeat brother take accountability for everything he had done," Yuki added, nodding her head.
That's... rather gold coming from someone who practically ignored her own little sister for seven years, Yuki.
But I guess I would give you a pass since you've mended things with Sakurako.
"Well, it seems like things are heading in a positive direction," I commented, taking a brief look at my phone. "I'll try to respond promptly next time. I didn't mean to worry both of you."
"You better do," Chiaki replied, pointing a finger at me, although the playful smile on her face took the sting out of her words. "We were worried, weren't we, Yuki-chan?"
"Naturally! We've thought of a lot of possible scenarios since you weren't replying, you know?" Yuki added, pouting.
"I was actually thinking... if you invited... Shiina-san to come over to your dorm room," Chiaki muttered loud enough for me to hear. "And did... those kind of things."
"Idiot," I replied, flicking her on the forehead. "Why would you even imagine something like that?"
"Ow!" Chiaki complained, rubbing her forehead. "You didn't have to flick me that hard, Kiyotaka-kun!"
"Well, you didn't have to jump to such outrageous conclusions," I countered, chuckling slightly.
Yuki laughed, covering her mouth with her hand as she glanced between Chiaki and me. "Poor Chiaki-chan. It seems like Kiyotaka-kun didn't appreciate your wild imagination."
"Who would?" I retorted, raising an eyebrow at Yuki.
"Anyway, next time, just let us know if something comes up," Yuki stated, changing the topic. "We might not like it, but we understand if you're busy with something important. Just don't leave us hanging, okay?"
"I understand," I said, nodding my head. "Again, I'm sorry about last night. I'll make it up to you girls."
"Make it up, huh?" Chiaki's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Then... can we finally use our keycards again? Please, Kiyotaka-kun!"
"Ooh! That's a good one, Chiaki-chan! Please, Kiyotaka! Give us back our privileges," Yuki said, supporting Chiaki's pleas.
"You idiots. People are going to hear you," I replied, sighing.
I would rather not gain the reputation as a womanizer who beds two girls at the same time...
Although... that might actually be close to the truth.
The girls laughed at my words, seemingly not bothered by the implications of what they were asking. "Oh, Kiyotaka, don't worry about that," Yuki said, waving a hand dismissively. "We'll be discreet. We just want to be able to spend more time with you. Is that so wrong?"
"What's wrong is that both of you would sneak into my bed when I'm already asleep," I replied, sighing. "And while it's nice to wake up next to pretty girls, I would prefer it... if it weren't a surprise most of the time."
Chiaki and Yuki both laughed at that, looking at each other with matching expressions of mischief.
"Are you saying you're not enjoying it?" Chiaki teased, a cheeky grin spreading across her face.
"I never said that," I countered, maintaining a poker face. "I'm just saying it would be nice to have some warning."
"Alright, we'll give you a warning next time," Yuki said, her laughter subsiding. "But we'll keep doing it."
"By warning, I hope you mean more than just sending a text saying 'we're on our way' while you're already standing outside my door... and a few seconds later, you both would just open the door without warning me about it," I said, remembering the numerous times they had pulled a similar stunt.
"That's too detailed, Kiyotaka-kun," Chiaki said, rolling her eyes. "We'll give you a fair warning, don't worry."
"But where's the fun in that, Chiaki-chan?" Yuki countered playfully, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "We're not doing anything wrong, are we, Kiyotaka-kun? Just cuddling."
"Cuddling, right..." I echoed, trying to suppress a sigh. It was a losing battle with these two. But I must admit; it was nice to have their warmth against me, especially during the cold nights.
"Just don't forget to give me a warning. Can you girls promise that?"
The girls shared another look before breaking out into giggles. "Alright, Kiyotaka-kun, we'll give you an actual warning," Chiaki said, giggling.
"We promise!" Yuki added, her eyes twinkling with delight. I could tell that they were both very pleased with the outcome of our conversation.
"Alright," I said, "You girls have your keycard privileges again. Let's get back in the classroom now."
The girls nodded, offering me bright smiles before heading back to the classroom. I watched them go, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips.
Well, that was one problem solved.
As I walked back into the classroom, my eyes landed on Yukimura and Yōsuke, who were back to talking with each other. Upon spotting me by the door, they both looked at me with raised eyebrows.
"Everything alright, Ayanokōji?" Yukimura asked.
"Of course," I replied, maintaining a composed expression. "Just some... issues to sort out."
Yōsuke chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know how you handle having two girlfriends, Kiyotaka. It's already a handful for me with just Kei."
"Two? Are you a moron?" I countered, shaking my head.
"My bad! I forgot to add Horikita-san to your list of girlfriends," Yōsuke replied, smirking.
"He's dating three girls?" Yukimura asked incredulously, his eyes widening.
I let out a sigh in exasperation. Maybe Ken and I shouldn't have encouraged Yōsuke to tap into his teasing side... because some people might actually believe his jokes.
"Don't buy into that idiot's joke, Yukimura," I replied, glancing at the bespectacled boy. "I'm not dating any of them."
"Ah, I see. Sorry for the misunderstanding," he replied, bowing his head slightly. "I guess I'm just not used to seeing Hirata joke around like this."
"Neither am I, to be honest," I said, chuckling. "But it's a good change, don't you think?"
Yukimura nodded, his eyebrows still raised, "Indeed, he does seem more relaxed."
"Back to the topic," Yōsuke chimed in, leaning back in his chair, "I still don't know how you handle all those girls' attention, Kiyotaka."
I shrugged, "It's not as much trouble as you're imagining it to be, Yōsuke."
"And how's that?" he inquired, one eyebrow cocked up in curiosity.
"Well, we understand each other, and we respect each other's boundaries," I explained. "There's no unnecessary drama."
Yōsuke nodded, still wearing that teasing grin. "Boundaries... such as them sneaking into your bed?"
I rolled my eyes, "That's another story for another time, Yōsuke."
Yukimura gave a quick glance at Yōsuke and then back at me, confusion evident on his face. Yōsuke was about to burst into laughter, but I gave him a warning glance, making him control himself. The last thing I needed was another round of rumors in the school.
"I apologize for that, Yukimura-kun. Kiyotaka just brings out the worst in me, you see?" Yōsuke explained, nudging my sides.
Yukimura stared at Yōsuke for a few seconds before shaking his head. "You're more approachable these days, Hirata. If anything, he's a good influence," he replied. "The other boys did outcast you for quite a bit since many girls were crushing on you."
"Now that I think about it, how come they didn't treat Kiyotaka the same way they treated me? That's unfair, you know? The boys outcasted me while they respected him," Yōsuke jokingly whined.
It was because they were all scared of Yuki. That was the only reason why they didn't try to outcast me... and the fact that I pretty much lead this class.
"Don't ask me. I have no idea how social relationships work," Yukimura retorted. "And aren't you the social butterfly here?"
Yōsuke chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I suppose I am. But it's all in good fun. I'm glad things have changed, though. The atmosphere in the class has become much better now."
That it did.
While some boys were still passive-aggressive towards Yōsuke, like Ike and Yamauchi, a lot of the boys began to find Hirata as someone who was cool and chill enough to hang out with.
And considering how bad his rapport with the other boys was during the first month, it was a significant improvement.
Immediately after the lunchtime bell rang, I exited the classroom and headed to Class D's classroom. My objective? Fetching Shiina Hiyori for lunch.
Shiina told me yesterday that she hadn't eaten in the cafeteria before, so I offered to accompany her to the cafeteria today.
When I told Chiaki and Yuki about my lunch plans, they were obviously unhappy with it, especially since both of them believed Shiina to be beautiful enough to be a "threat," so to speak. Luckily, both of them relented upon being reassured that it wasn't a date...
As well as agreeing to bring both of them this Saturday on the double date that Karuizawa organized.
Soon, I found myself standing outside Class D's classroom. As my eyes scanned the classroom, I found Shiina packing her things. As my eyes focused on her, I began to understand why Yuki and Chiaki insisted that she was the most beautiful girl in Class D.
Despite her reserved demeanor, Shiina Hiyori's gentle and innocent beauty still stood out amongst her classmates.
Her long, silver hair shimmered under the classroom lights, cascading down her back in soft waves. Her gentle purple eyes seemed to radiate kindness, and there was a certain innocence in her soft smile that made her even more endearing.
Knocking lightly on the open door, I caught her attention, and she looked up, her eyes widening slightly in surprise at seeing me. But soon, she replaced it with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling in delight. "Ayanokōji-kun!" she exclaimed, waving me over.
"Good afternoon, Shiina," I greeted, stepping into the classroom. "Are you ready?"
"Ah, yes," she replied, hastily closing her bag and standing up from her seat. "Thank you for waiting."
I noticed a few curious glances from her classmates, but I didn't let them bother me. Shiina seemed slightly embarrassed by the attention, her cheeks coloring a light pink, but she followed me nonetheless.
But just as we were readying ourselves to depart towards the cafeteria...
"To think you would be bold enough to barge in my class, Ayanokōji," a voice smoothly broke the silence. There was an edge to it, certainly, but it was more cool displeasure than raw menace.
Our steps came to a halt as Shiina and I instinctively turned to face the source. Ryūen Kakeru was heading our way, his expression a careful balance between a smirk and a scowl.
Standing just behind him was a dark-skinned boy several inches taller than both Ryūen and me, Yamada Albert, according to Chiaki's intel.
"Your class?" I asked, letting surprise color my tone. "Oh, I didn't realize you were Kaneda. My apologies for the intrusion." I maintained my calm demeanor as Ryūen's smirk faltered for a moment, an unmistakable flicker of irritation flashing in his eyes.
I maintained my calm demeanor as Ryūen's smirk faltered for a moment, caught off guard by my deliberate mix-up.
Sensing an opportunity, I continued. "You usually wear glasses, don't you, Kaneda? Why aren't you wearing them now?" The irritation in Ryūen's eyes hardened into something colder, but he kept his composure.
"You're pushing it, Ayanokōji," he replied, his tone remaining steady despite the icy glint in his gaze.
"Oh, you're not Kaneda?" I said, feigning my surprise. "My mistake. I thought he was the leader of this class. I heard he did an admirable job defending your class in the trial against my Class B, so he must be the leader, right?"
The brief tightening of Ryūen's jaw was the only sign that my words had hit their mark. "Well, it appears we have a comedian around here," he retorted, his voice cool and even.
"The only comedian out here is the boy who initiated an attack... yet ended up losing a classmate, Ryūen Kakeru," I countered. His face hardened, but he held himself in check, his eyes remaining steady on me. "I didn't even lift a finger... and you still lost."
"Watch it, Ayanokōji," Ryūen warned, a dangerous grin spreading across his face. "You're playing with fire."
"Am I really?" I asked, my hand hovering just above his shoulder. With a mischievous glint in my eyes, I slowly extended my index finger, gently tapping it against his shoulder. "And even if I were... it seems like your fire doesn't have the power to scorch me, Ryūen."
The tension in the room was palpable as his classmates watched the confrontation unfold, some with bated breath, others with wide-eyed surprise.
In the corner of my eye, I noticed Shiina had taken a step back, her eyes wide and worried as she watched the situation. But to her credit, Shiina wasn't intimidated at all. She simply didn't like the escalating tension.
"Say, Yamada Albert," I said, turning my gaze to the imposing figure behind Ryūen. "You're his bodyguard, correct? How does it feel to be the protector of a weakling?"
His reaction, though minimal, was evident in the subtle rigidness of his posture, his silence stretching out as if he were considering my words. However, his eyes remained hidden behind his sunglasses, keeping his thoughts a mystery.
Turning my head to the magenta-haired boy, I saw that Ryūen's expression tightened, but he held his silence, his posture rigid with controlled anger. Ignoring his glare, I dismissed him with a turn of my back and began to walk away.
This act was not lost on him. It was a clear insult, a nonchalant disregard that was bound to fan the flames of his indignation.
"Let's go, Shiina," I called over my shoulder. Shiina looked at me for a moment before quickly grabbing her bag and following me out of the room.
Behind us, Ryūen's voice echoed from the classroom, a tightly wound coil of anger seeping through his words. "This isn't over, Ayanokōji!"
"Actually, it is," I countered without turning to face him, my tone as casual as if I were commenting on the weather. "You don't interest me."
Once we were safely in the hallway, I slowed my pace, allowing Shiina to catch up with me. She looked at me, her expression mixed with relief and curiosity.
"Was that...necessary?" She asked, clearly bewildered by my interaction with Ryūen. She wasn't wrong; it was a risk to provoke Ryūen in such a manner. But that was under normal circumstances.
With how the magenta-haired boy reacted to my dismissive provocation, it was obvious that I had the mental and psychological edge.
No matter what he did... he was bound to lose.
"Well, we did get to leave without any physical altercation," I pointed out, glancing at her from the corner of my eyes.
"You're not afraid of him?" Shiina inquired, her gentle eyes filled with genuine concern.
"Why should I be?" I responded, keeping my tone even. "He's not the threat he wants others to perceive him as. Moreover, he's already experienced a significant setback, one that also affected you and the rest of Class D."
Shiina's face fell at my remark. "I understand there are repercussions to actions, but Komiya-kun's expulsion still saddened me. I had... advised Ryūen-kun against challenging Class 1-B... but he didn't heed my advice. He only values my opinion when evaluating threats but disregards my advice when it doesn't align with his aggressive strategies."
"In reality, I didn't advise him against challenging your class just because I didn't like conflict. I did it because I foresaw our defeat if we directly confronted Class B. But Ryūen-kun failed to consider this," Shiina elaborated.
Is that so?
Then... Class D could actually be a dangerous opponent if, somehow, someway Ryūen could lower his pride to consider the inputs of both Shiina and Kaneda.
With Chiaki's account of the trial yesterday, Kaneda Satoru seem to be someone who was skillful in navigating through unfavorable situations. Although Komiya Kyogo ultimately got expelled, Kaneda's skill was sufficient to save both Ishizaki and Kondo from being levied with heavier punishment.
And with what Shiina had just revealed, she was someone whose analytical skills could be considered impressive, one that even Ryūen himself valued. A shame that he would dismiss her recommendation so easily.
I glanced at Shiina as we walked towards the cafeteria, a silent acknowledgment of her sentiment. "That's unfortunate," I replied. "But it also reinforces the point that Ryūen's leadership is flawed."
"It is, but he's also the only one who could lead our class," Shiina pointed out, a thoughtful look on her face. "Kaneda-kun and I might be smart, but neither of us can command a crowd as effectively as Ryūen-kun. Regardless of his methods, he's the driving force that's pushing Class D to climb higher."
"That's an interesting perspective," I mused, considering her words. It was true that Ryūen was charismatic. His sway over his class showcased that. But he seemed to utilize fear and intimidation as his primary tools for maintaining control. And while that worked for Class D... I wonder for how long that would last.
Especially if he continued to lose.
"But that being said..." Shiina began, a pout forming on her face. "Did you just ask me out for lunch so that you could mess with Ryūen-kun? That's... really mean, Ayanokōji-kun."
I gently patted the top of her head. "Who knows? But I'm glad that's over with. I would rather walk side by side with a pretty girl than look at Ryūen's face for a second longer."
Shiina blushed a little at the sudden contact, but she managed a small smile. "That's... too sudden," she muttered before a giggle escaped her lips. "But I guess I could forgive you this time."
"Just because I called you pretty?" I questioned, an amused look forming on my face.
Shiina playfully nudged my arm. "Well, that too. But mostly because I can see that you're a person who wouldn't let go of an opportunity once it's in front of you. There's really nothing I could do about that," she replied, meeting my gaze.
"What a benevolent angel you are, Shiina... an angel that reads erotica, that is," I quipped with a hint of amusement in my tone.
Shiina laughed, her soft laughter filling the hallway. "Then I'm not truly an angel, am I?"
I chuckled at her response. "Depends on the definition of an angel. Some would say an angel who reads erotica is simply... more human."
"I suppose that's one way to look at it," Shiina admitted with a light laugh. "But still, please refrain from calling me an 'angel.' I dislike the stigma that comes with it."
"Stigma?" I asked, turning towards Shiina with a curious expression.
"Yeah, being called an 'angel' makes it seem like I'm always supposed to be nice, considerate, and forgiving... all the time. But just like anyone else, I have my limits, too," Shiina explained, her voice taking on a slightly more serious tone. "And while I try to be all of those things... I'm also human. I can get upset, I can hold grudges, and I can make mistakes."
Her words were unexpectedly profound. The label of 'angel' did come with certain expectations. To be eternally good, eternally kind... it was unrealistic.
"I see. That makes sense. Do people call you an angel all the time?" I asked.
Calling Shiina an angel was more of a joke that I came up with on the fly, but with how she had reacted, it was safe to assume that it was a monicker that she had carried wherever she went.
Shiina nodded, letting out a small sigh. "They do, because I try to mediate conflicts and generally prefer peaceful resolutions. I do like helping people, but it's... exhausting when they start expecting me to be their problem solver all the time. To always be nice, always be calm. I mean, I can get angry too."
She paused for a moment, her brows furrowing. "Ayanokōji-kun, do you want to know what I would be doing if I were an actual angel?"
"I'm curious," I replied, a smile playing at the corners of my lips.
"I'd smite people," she said simply, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.
I found myself amused at her declaration. "Smite people? How cruel."
Shiina laughed at my reply, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Well, only those who deserve it! People who refuse to listen to reason, people who harm others without cause... I think they could use a bit of divine intervention."
"An angel of justice, then?" I mused, glancing at Shiina.
"Didn't I tell you to refrain from calling me an angel?" Shiina playfully chided. "If you keep that up, I will smite you first."
"I'll make sure to behave then."
Shiina giggled, her face lighting up. "That's a smart move, Ayanokōji-kun."
With nothing more left to discuss, we descended the staircase, heading towards the school's bustling cafeteria. As we entered, Shiina looked around in awe at the variety of food displayed in front of us. For someone who hadn't frequented the cafeteria before, it was surely a sight to behold.
Watching her wide-eyed amazement as she looked at the different food stalls was amusing, and it made me forget about Ryūen and his empty threats.
"Wow, this is amazing," Shiina commented, her eyes darting around the cafeteria in wonder. It was bustling with students from different grades and classes, yet there was an order to the chaos. The cafeteria was divided into sections for ordering, seating, and clean-up, efficiently catering to everyone.
"That it is," I replied, leading her towards the meal ticket machine. Since it was about twenty-five minutes into our lunch break, there was hardly anyone who lined up to get a meal ticket.
Once we got to the machine, I decided to go with the daily special. As for Shiina, she seemed unable to come to a decision about which food she wanted to eat. The silver-haired girl's finger hovered over the buttons, and she looked at all the options carefully.
"Any idea what you'd like to eat?" I asked, breaking her out of her trance.
"Sorry, sorry..." Shiina mumbled, her eyes still scanning the available options.
After about half a minute, the silver-haired girl turned her head in my direction. "The... daily special. Is it good?" She asked.
"Yeah, it is. I suppose it would be a good first meal for you," I replied.
"Thank you," Shiina said in gratitude, bowing her head slightly before choosing the daily special as well.
After we turned in our tickets, two meals were placed on the counter. Shiina struggled to adjust her schoolbag to take her tray.
"Let me carry your bag. It's in the way," I offered, extending my hand out.
Shiina blushed, seemingly flustered by the offer. "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly..." she began, her words trailing off as she attempted to manage her bag and tray simultaneously. She was trying to be considerate, but it was clear that she was having a hard time.
"It's no trouble, Shiina," I reassured her, offering her a soft smile. She hesitated for another moment before finally relinquishing her bag. As I slung her bag over my shoulder alongside mine, she seemed visibly relieved.
Her bag... was surprisingly heavy.
"Thank you, Ayanokōji-kun," she said, her violet eyes shimmering with appreciation. "It's a lot, isn't it? I hope it's not much of a bother."
"As I said, it's no trouble, Shiina. Let's go."
With our trays in hand, we began searching for an available table. Given that it was the middle of lunch break, the cafeteria was bustling with students. The clamor of chatter and the clattering of utensils created a vibrant atmosphere that echoed throughout the large space.
Eventually, we found a table towards the corner of the cafeteria. While it was a bit distant from the main hustle and bustle, it offered us some privacy.
Setting down our trays and Shiina's bag, I took a moment to examine our meals. The daily special today was a generous serving of chicken katsu, sided with rice, miso soup, and a small salad. The chicken looked crispy and golden, and the fragrance wafting from the tray was mouthwatering.
Shiina seemed equally pleased, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she looked at the food on her tray. She picked up her chopsticks and gave me an expectant look, waiting for me to begin.
"Ladies first," I said, gesturing at her plate with a slight nod.
Shiina giggled at that, her cheeks coloring slightly before she bowed her head and murmured a soft "Itadakimasu" to express her gratitude for the meal. I echoed her, picking up my own chopsticks and beginning to eat.
The meal was just as good as it looked, and Shiina seemed to agree. Between bites, we made small talk about school, our classmates, and of course, about books.
And when the latter came up, Shiina took her bag and placed it on the table with a thunk. "Speaking of mystery and crime fiction, have you read any of these books, Ayanokōji-kun?"
Shiina took out four books from her bag, gently placing them on the table and letting me see their front covers.
William Irish, Ellery Queen, Lawrence Block, and Isaac Asimov.
"You've got great taste, Shiina," I praised, my eyes lingering on the cover of Block's 'The Sins of the Fathers.'
"Oh! You know them?" She asked excitedly, a pleased look forming on her face.
I nodded my head. "I told you before, didn't I? I like mystery novels myself."
"If you've read all of these works, we can definitely talk about them sometime!" She said, clapping her hands in joy.
I suddenly realized that there was something off about the books. "Wait. These aren't from the library, are they?"
"They're from my personal collection. I've been walking around with them, hoping I'd meet someone who shared my tastes and would want to borrow them. I started out just carrying one, but I suppose I accumulated more and more books while waiting to find that certain someone," Shiina explained, her hands tracing the cover of one of the books. "Speaking of, I meant to lend you one of these books... but I didn't want to feel overbearing."
"I'm surprised these are all mystery novels. I would have thought an erotica book might be mixed in the shuffle," I joked.
Shiina giggled, her violet eyes sparkling with amusement. "I have some, but I don't carry them around for obvious reasons. Have you changed your mind about not reading them, Ayanokōji-kun? I would lend you one... or two."
"Only if you let me recreate one of the scenes in there with you," I quipped in an attempt to turn the tables on her.
For a moment, the silver-haired girl was silent. I saw her violet eyes widen, and she blinked in surprise. She had been expecting a jest from me, surely, but not quite like this. It was a kind of twist that she didn't see coming, a departure from the regular pattern of our banter.
"Wha..." She stammered, her face turning as red as the tomatoes in her salad. She fumbled with her chopsticks, dropping them onto her tray with a clatter. "That's too direct!"
I chuckled at her reaction, "I'm joking, Shiina."
"I... I knew that!" she replied, pouting slightly. There was still a blush on her face, but she seemed to be recovering from her initial shock.
Her reaction... was a little unexpected. She wasn't usually this taken aback, especially considering she didn't falter when I pulled a similar joke on her a few days ago.
But then again, this time, it was a bit more direct.
She continued, her voice slightly shaky, "I...I guess I didn't see that one coming, Ayanokōji-kun. But I swear... I will get you back for this."
Our conversation continued as we finished our meal, with Shiina describing the synopsis of all four books and asking me if I had read any of them.
The lunch period ended all too soon. We had gotten so engrossed in our discussion about mystery novels and their intricate plots that we lost track of time. Students were beginning to leave the cafeteria in droves, rushing back to their classrooms before the bell signaled the end of the lunch break.
"Oh, it's almost time. We should get going," I said, glancing at the wall clock and quickly standing up.
"Yes, you're right. Time sure does fly," she agreed, hurriedly packing up her books and putting them back into her heavy bag.
As Shiina struggled once more with her bag and tray, I quickly moved to help her. I grabbed our empty trays, deposited them in the cleaning area, and returned to help her hoist the cumbersome bag onto her shoulder.
"There, now we can go back to class without delay," I said, giving her a pat on the head.
Shiina chuckled softly, her violet eyes twinkling with gratitude. "You're too kind, Ayanokōji-kun."
We began to navigate our way through the thinning crowd of the cafeteria, heading towards the exit. As we were about to step out, Shiina stopped abruptly, causing me to halt in my tracks.
"Oh, before I forget," she said, turning towards me. Her hand delved into her bag, and after a moment, she pulled out a book and extended it to me.
I looked at it curiously, noting the cover. It was an Ellery Queen novel, 'The Roman Hat Mystery.'
"It's a classic, but I think you'll enjoy it," Shiina said, her cheeks flushing slightly under my gaze. "Consider it as... a small token for... our friendship."
I accepted the book with a light chuckle. "Thank you, Shiina. I'm sure I will enjoy it."
Our walk to our respective classrooms was as uneventful as our walk to the cafeteria. The hallways were filled with the sounds of chattering students, creating a lively atmosphere that was both reassuring and strangely calming.
As we reached my classroom, Shiina halted in her tracks. She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with determination and mischief.
"And Ayanokōji-kun," she said, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Don't think I've forgotten about your joke back at the cafeteria."
My lips curled into a smirk. "I'll be looking forward to your revenge, Shiina," I replied.
"Mhm-mm! You better look forward to it. Goodbye, Ayanokōji-kun," she said with a beaming smile, then turned on her heel and continued down the hallway towards her own classroom.
"Goodbye, Shiina," I muttered under my breath, my eyes lingering on the hallway long after she had disappeared from sight.
As I turned and walked into my classroom, my fingers ran over the cover of the book Shiina had given me. I looked down at it, my eyes scanning over the title and the author's name. 'The Roman Hat Mystery' by Ellery Queen.
"Quite the dated book you have there, Ayanokōji-kun."
The comment yanked me from my introspective reverie. I swiveled to face my right, meeting the scrutinizing gaze of Horikita, her eyes flicking inquisitively between me and the book sprawled on my desk.
"Didn't expect you to be familiar with this one. It's a borrowed copy," I revealed, a half-smile playing on my lips.
A nonchalant shrug was her reply. "I'm aware of it. Though, they could have opted for a more distinguished piece from Queen's repertoire. It's their most popular work, but the plot is subpar. But, well, to each their own," she casually retorted, her focus migrating back to the dense notes spread out before her.
I shook my head in amusement at her words.
Despite the changes she'd undergone, traces of the old, unfiltered Horikita Suzune were still very much alive, it seemed.
End of Chapter
(The official end of the 'Trial Arc')