Hey, can I ask you something?
Have you ever wondered what you'd do if you got reincarnated into your favorite game? Personally, I'd probably aim to win over the best girl, live the dream, and bask in that fantasy world forever.
For context, Classroom of the Elite aka COTE is a pseudo-dating simulator released back in 2015 in Japan. At first, it seemed like just another game about capturing hearts and completing basic school challenges. But everything changed when beta testers revealed what it really was.
The game became a hit because it cleverly mixed school rivalries with romance mechanics. The story kicks off with an email inviting you to Advanced Nurturing High School. As the player, you can choose between Classes B and C to start (Class A unlocks after you beat the main story). Players loved that they could pick either a male or female character, allowing them to pursue both male and female love interests.
But what truly hooked players was the strategic twist. COTE didn't just hand you an easy path; you had to make the right moves to lead your class to victory, balancing friendships, rivalries, and romance along the way. Of course, you could complete the game solo if romance wasn't your thing.
The goal? To get your class to the top by graduation, use each classmate's skills to overcome major challenges. Special exams required serious strategy to outsmart opponents, making it perfect for fans of both dating sims and competitive school scenarios.
One of the best features was the variety of characters you could befriend or date, which impacted the story. For example, dating Ichinose from Class B gave you her support in competitions—but also attracted the attention of Nagumo Miyabi, the cunning vice president of the student council and a hard basta—ahem, I mean a guy to beat.
Top antagonists included Nagumo, Sakayanagi Arisu, and Ryuuen Kakeru, each with underlings who made special exams nearly impossible. Sakayanagi, especially, was a nightmare to face in chess or analytical exams. Beating her was nearly impossible.
And then came the endgame twist. By the third year, when you think you've seen it all, Horikita Suzune from Class D—the one you've overlooked—emerges as an unexpected final boss. Somehow, she and her class beat every exam, raising the stakes as you struggle to keep up. Ultimately, she's expelled under mysterious circumstances, leaving players in disbelief. Fandom was outraged by the lack of closure, but the game was so addictive that most let it slide.
And here I am, hiding my face in a pillow because somehow, I woke up as Horikita Suzune—the so-called villainess doomed from the start. The moment I woke up confused, I got that fateful email accepting me into Elite High School, and let me tell you, chills went down my spine when I looked in the mirror.
I pinch my cheeks, but the reflection doesn't change. A sharp-eyed, black-haired girl stares back at me. I never looked this beautiful in my real life.
Sighing, I lie back on the bed, my mind racing. Tomorrow's the start of high school, and a bus is supposed to pick me up. But where are the study materials? How am I supposed to prepare?
Oddly enough, I'm not panicking as much as I should be—maybe my subconscious is treating this like a game. But I'm definitely not ready to get expelled. Losing would mean disappearing from this world, right? Will that happen to me? I don't want to go back.
Taking a breath, I focus on the stats panel hovering in my vision.
[Horikita Suzune: The Cold-Hearted Beauty]
STR: 15
DEX: 27
END: 19
INT: 34
WIS: 23
CHA: 4
LUK: 1
It's about what I expected. Average stats, except for Intelligence and Dexterity. But Luck and Charisma? Rock bottom. What was she even doing with her life? I mean, who starts with 1 Luck and 4 Charisma? A complete loner, apparently.
I need to find any books that can boost my stats. After rummaging through Horikita's shelves, I finally dig up a notebook filled with math problems. I flip through the pages and wait for that sweet notification. There is nothing.
An hour of reading later…
+1 INT!
Are you kidding me?! Do I have to read everything to get stat boosts? What kind of game shit is this? Fine. Let's grind for points.
+1 INT!
+1 INT!
+1 INT!
By the time I slump onto the bus the next morning, my brain is buzzing from all that studying. Half-asleep, I try to smooth down my hair and keep my eyes open as I survey the bus.
In the game, the protagonist starts with Ichinose Honami, the first friendly face you meet. But as Horikita, things are… different. I'm in the presence of some familiar faces, but not the usual crowd.
Suddenly, a girl with short brown hair approaches, asking someone to give up their seat for an elderly passenger.
"Can you let this lady sit here? Helping the elderly is a nice gesture."
To my surprise, the guy shrugs her off. "Goodwill doesn't factor into my actions."
Maybe I should have expected this considering who the boy is.
Anyway.
That's Kushida Kikyou trying to reason with Koenji, a character people either call the "Arrogant Monkey" or "Sigma" for his absurd strength and self-centered attitude.
My gaze lingers on Kushida. I remember trying to follow her route once. Filling her favorability points was a nightmare, even with online guides. Despite her "friendly" face, no one really understood her motivations, and capturing her interest was like a lottery.
I don't know what to think of her honestly. She is a little scary to me even as a game character. I wonder if there is something more to this than meets the eye.
A sudden notification blinks in my vision.
+1 WIS!
Ignoring the rest of the drama, I open my book and prepare to continue boosting my stats.
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When I walk into the classroom, I try to take everything in. The faces, surroundings, the seats. Everyone's a bit of a mystery here, and the whole setup feels like deja vu considering I played that many times. With that in mind, I give the room a good once-over before finding a seat.
"Hey, I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Nice to meet you."
"Why are you talking to me?" I snap, mostly out of surprise. I hadn't even noticed him standing there. How does someone sneak up on you like that?
He's got this almost blank expression, kind of handsome but unsettling. My reaction's half because he gives off this super chill, NPC energy. I almost called him one aloud before remembering the plot.
Ayanokouji's the "supporting character" for the villainess Horikita Suzune aka, me. He's always lurking in the background during the big moments like waiting for someone to notice him.
Yikes, that was awkward. I need to get back on his good side.
"Oh… sorry. You startled me. I'm Horikita Suzune. We're cool, right?"
"No worries," he replies, surprisingly relaxed. "It's my first time in a high school, so I don't really know how things go here. I've been homeschooled up until now."
I didn't know that! Not that the game gave him any backstory; he's practically a background character.
To break the silence, he adds, "I noticed you reading Crime and Punishment on the bus. Do you like those kinds of books?"
Wait—he was watching me on the bus? Awkward.
"Lesson one: don't tell people you've been staring at them," I say, pointing at him. "Lesson two: don't stare if you can help it. It's… rude." Ignore the fact I was just doing the same to everyone else.
"Huh?"
"You know, or at least don't mention it."
"Sounds like a guilty conscience."
"Says the one staring at me without blinking. Is my face that fascinating?" I can't help but smirk.
"It is true, your features are…" He pauses, realizing, "Oh, that was sarcasm, wasn't it?"
"A little slow there, Ayanokouji-kun. But hey, we're classmates, so we're stuck together. You seem decent enough."
"I think there's a misunderstanding here…"
"Is that so? You're rather blunt for a first conversation."
"And you're rather unfazed," he counters.
"Experience," I say confidently. Dating sim experience, technically.
"...What kind of experience?" he murmurs something, but I'm too distracted by the faint display above his head:
[Ayanokouji Kiyotaka: Normal High School Student]
[Favorability: 1/100 - Acquaintance]
[Stats: Unknown]
Great. I'm supposed to be the villain, but I'm also somehow the main character. Horikita Suzune wasn't a romantic lead in the game, so… what now?
Just then, our teacher Chabashira Sae enters. I already know her. I played the game enough times to recite the name of every character by heart.
Okay. That SOUNDED creepy.
Let's forget about that, okay?
"Good morning, students. My name is Chabashira Sae, your homeroom teacher for Class D. I'll be with you for the next three years…"
Yep, sixth time hearing this, and it hasn't changed.
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Introductions start with Hirata Yosuke. He's a capture target in the game, and honestly, his route's pretty solid. You really get to see the depth of his character. He's got that whole good-guy vibe, like a Samaritan, but with a lot more going on.
Turns out, Hirata's backstory is heavy. A friend of his attempted suicide, leaving Hirata feeling like he'd failed them. After that, he literally ran a fear campaign in middle school, punishing bullies harshly. Later, he regretted his actions and tried to make up for it in Class D, focusing on keeping peace. But when things fell apart, he flipped back to his iron-fist approach, kind of like Ryuen.
If you play his route, you can help him find some peace, especially if you're playing as a female protagonist from another class. It's actually a really rewarding arc.
The thing is, even if you don't pursue Hirata's route, he eventually steps back from his "pseudo-Ryuen" phase. Most players think Horikita ends up taking charge and forces him to chill out. But since the Class D DLC isn't out yet, that's still up for debate.
"And your name is...?" Hirata's friendly smile practically lights up the room. I keep a calm, almost unreadable expression. It's important because keeping up appearances is key.
When it's my turn, I stand up.
"My name is Horikita Suzune. I enjoy solving mysteries and working on my skills. I look forward to working with you all."
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The entrance ceremony drags on, as it always does. Thankfully, the air conditioner is cranking away, or I'd be a sweaty mess surrounded by this sea of students. In the game, this ceremony is unskippable, and it's the perfect time to scout out some interesting characters. Among the crowd, I can spot Ryuen, Sakayanagi, and Ichinose, all radiating that intense aura that sets them apart.
As Principal Sakayanagi drones on from the podium about the school year ahead, I try to tune him out. What's more important is strategizing. If I want to outshine everyone and match up to the game version of Horikita, I've got to start grinding right away!
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"Hirata-kun, may I borrow you for a moment?" After classes ended, I made my way to the handsome boy currently swarmed by a gaggle of new fangirls—err, female classmates.
With a smile that could warm the sun, Hirata turned to me. "Horikita-san, right? Of course! If you need anything, I'll help as much as I can."
He addressed the girls glaring at me, "It seems Horikita-san requires assistance, so I have to go with her for a while. Can you wait a moment, please?" His polite tone forced them to accept it.
"Hirata-kun has it tough," I remarked once we were alone. "Those girls will be the death of you one day."
"Haha, it's just the beginning of the year, so I have plenty of time to gain immunity against it."
"Or the opposite."
"Or the opposite," he echoed, his smile faltering. "So, is there something you need?"
"Yes. You heard what Chabashira-sensei said about Private Points, right? Everyone seemed pretty happy about it."
"It's a little strange, isn't it?" he replied.
"As expected of Hirata-kun. It's ridiculous to give students money equivalent to actual yen. The school is supposed to prepare us for high positions, but instead, they hand out 100,000 yen every month. It's childish."
PING!
[You gained 10 Favourability Points with Hirata Yosuke.]
I was pleased; my knowledge of Hirata's character from the game was paying off. My aim was not to make him fall for the villainess but to have him support Horikita.
"Soon, I'll inform our class about Private Points. I need your support for that. I want you to back me up while I explain. There's no way everyone will listen to just one person."
"Ah, I understand. Our classmates will probably ignore it and waste all their points on the first weekend. But why not tell them now? Isn't it better to avoid disaster?"
"What do you think will happen if we tell them right away? Some won't care, and others will just forget about it. If we inform them after they spend some of their points, the regret will hit them every time they shop. They'll look at their remaining points and think, 'Maybe this wasn't the best idea.' That's why I want them to consider it carefully."
PING!
[You gained 10 Favourability Points with Hirata Yosuke.]
Increasing favorability with Hirata was easy. The more I helped our classmates, the more points I earned. Maxing out his favorability would be rewarding. He was known for uniting the class in the game.
"Hah, Horikita-san, you're truly incredible. I didn't expect you to come up with that today. It's surprising how long it would've taken me to figure it out."
His praise felt unearned, given that my insights came from game knowledge. I was also aware that Class Points were a Pandora's Box best left unopened for now.
"I trust you, so do your best."
+1 CHA!
With that, Hirata was off. Time to take a breather.
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"You seem to be in a good mood, Horikita." My classmate Ayanokouji appears, a supportive presence amidst my shopping trip.
I'm buying food, so it makes sense, I guess. "I'm just here getting some groceries." I gesture towards the healthy options on the shelf. "Still, I didn't expect to see you here."
"Hey, I eat too, you know."
"Hah, the way you say it sounds robotic. Robots don't need food. You should work on your facial expressions, or you'll never make friends."
"That's a cruel thing to say." I glance at him, curious. "Do you usually buy healthy food? I don't see any junk or frozen meals in your cart."
I raise an eyebrow incredulously. "Who do you think I am? Eating junk food is just a shortcut to health problems and an early grave. It offers no nutritional value."
"So that's your perspective…"
Ayanokouji stares at the ramen cup in his hand for a moment before returning it to the shelf.
"You seem disappointed," I remark.
"Never mind. It's not important. Say, this school is pretty lenient, isn't it? What do you think about the Private Points lecture from Chabashira-sensei?"
My eyes narrow at his words. "Ayanokouji-kun… I hope you didn't spend all of yours already. That would be extremely disappointing."
"I'm just curious! Stop giving me that terrifying look; it scares me."
"I'll ignore your rude comment. Regarding your question, the free food available in some stores is suspicious, especially with those odd discounts."
"I guess you noticed that. Still, it's unusual to see it firsthand."
Contrary to his assumption, I shouldn't have known about this. In the game, this detail unfolds as the story progresses, revealing that free food is for those who squander their points. But with my experience from beating the game five times, I have a wealth of knowledge to draw from.
In this government-supported advanced school, no parents are around to prepare meals after class. The campus is packed with shopping districts where students can buy essentials. The dorms are where we prepare our food for school.
"A-anyway, Ayanokouji-kun, stop staring at those noodles and help me with these bags." My cheeks flush with embarrassment as I miscalculate my own strength.
"I'm not your servant…" He grumbles but accepts the bags with a resigned sigh. "Do you want to take advantage of me that much?"
"Don't say weird things! As my seat neighbor, you should treat me better."
"Is this how friendships are formed?" Ayanokouji asks, and I can tell he expects an answer, but there's no way I can provide one. "Why buy so much? It's just the beginning of the year; no need to stock the entire fridge."
Our conversation is interrupted by a commotion outside. I paid for my items, so it's no issue to check it out. A red-haired boy from our class is arguing with some seniors.
"That's a guy from our class," Ayanokouji notes. I recognize him—the one who left in anger when Hirata asked for introductions, shouting nonsensical things while everyone silently tagged him as the delinquent.
While I don't recall his name, I know he's good at sports, often carrying half of Class D's competitions in the game.
"He's about to start a fight. That's not a good idea."
I agree with Ayanokouji. Watching the surveillance cameras, it's clear this situation shouldn't escalate.
"What's going on here?" I step forward.
"Huh? Who are you?" The red-haired classmate and the older boys look confused, momentarily stalling their confrontation.
"I'm Horikita Suzune, a first-year. It seems you seniors are causing trouble, so I intervened. Do you have no shame for bullying a junior like this?"
"Y-you're a Horikita?" One of them steps back nervously.
"Yeah, she looks similar," another mutters.
"Better leave it. Let's go."
"Hey, where are you going!?" the red-haired boy calls out angrily.
As they retreat, he turns to me, annoyance etched on his face. "Did I ask you to butt in? I could've handled that myself! Who the hell are you, anyway? Tch, I didn't need your help."
"Are you seriously blaming us? We helped you, so there's no point in being upset."
Good job, Ayanokouji! I praise him in my mind, feeling a bit smug.
"We're classmates, so it's natural to help each other," Ayanokouji adds, giving the guy a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"T-that's…" The red-haired classmate struggles to respond, ultimately muttering a weak, "Yeah, sorry."
"What Ayanokouji-kun said is right. You saw how they laughed at you, right? Don't let their words get to you. It's the first day of school; why get into trouble already?"
"Ah, I guess you're not wrong. They're just stupid. I'm Sudou! Sorry, uh…" The newly introduced Sudou awkwardly looks at the ground, flustered. What is it?
"My name's Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, and this is Horikita." He gestures toward me.
Oh, so that's how it is.
[Sudou Ken: Devoted Basketball Player]
[Favorability: 10/100 - Classmates]
[Stats: Unknown]
Note: He is secretly a dog person.
Looks like I'm starting off on the right foot with him. Now I just need to figure out how to raise his Favorability Points. He's a basketball player and seems hot-headed, so that shouldn't be too difficult.
But what's up with that note?
PING!
[You gained 10 Favorability Points with Sudou Ken.]
As the notifications continued, I managed to rack up some points by discussing basketball with Sudou. I'm not well-versed in sports from my previous life, but knowing a thing or two should suffice.
"Hey, Sudou You're a basketball player, right?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
"Yeah, I am! What about it?" He straightened up a bit, clearly proud.
"Basketball is intense, isn't it? I've always admired players with such skill."
Sudou's face lit up, and he began explaining his favorite plays and drills. "You have no idea! The adrenaline rush during games is unbeatable."
I nodded, feigning more knowledge than I had. "I can imagine. Teamwork must be essential."
"It is! You gotta rely on your teammates. But I'm the best shooter in our class! I know my movements!"
PING!
[You gained 10 Favourability Points with Sudou Ken.]
As he spoke, I could sense Sudou's enthusiasm. It would be easy to build favorability with him, and I intended to keep this momentum going.
"So, what's your goal this year?" I asked.
"I want to win everything. I didn't do well last year, but this time will be different." He clenched his fist, determination radiating from him.
"That's a great mindset. I'm sure with your dedication, you'll achieve it."
Sudou seemed to appreciate the encouragement, and his expression chilled. "Thanks, Horikita. I didn't expect you to care about basketball."
"Of course, I care about our class's success. You should have a goal worth achieving, and I'm here to support you."
PING!
[You gained 10 Favourability Points with Sudou Ken.]
"Alright, I'll do my best!" Sudou's confidence surged, and I couldn't help but feel a little proud of how our conversation turned out.
I didn't notice the curious eyes observing me.
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"Are you... you're actually quite a sheltered guy, Ayanokouji-kun. Did you make any friends in class?"
"Oi, quit looking at me with pity. What had brought that conclusion?"
A small smirk forms on my face, "You looked ready to accept Sudou-kun's friendship any time if he offered. Are you that hopeless or simply jealous I made friends first?"
"Remember I can drop your bags anytime and you will have to collect all these spilled things yourself."
"Ahhh! Please don't do that!"
"Horikita?" Ayanokouji seems extremely surprised by my sudden outburst.
I coughed up to cover for this slip of letting myself out, "Sorry Ayanokouji-kun. That was improper of me."
I wish to start a conversation later, but I can't think of anything. Eventually, we arrived at the dormitories together. Ayanokouji then hands over my things.
"It's forbidden for boys to enter girls' dorms so I have to go. See you later, Horikita."
"Thanks," I mutter under my breath.
He waves to me clumsily like he had never done it before and his figure slowly shrinks. I bit my lip slightly.
"Ayanokouji, you are a good guy."
I don't know if he heard me but he didn't stop walking.
My brain is so tired. When I enter my room I can hardly think straight. It's a sight I've seen many times before. The room looks nice and tidy, with nothing but the bare essentials.
I looked in the mirror and saw Horikita with almost unnoticeable bags under my eyes. I hope no one besides me spotted this today.
Upon spotting a bed a big smile comes to my face.
Wait, don't fall asleep! I still need to grind my INT...
I'm not...
Z
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I turned my back to the black-haired girl—Horikita Suzune.
Until now, I'd thought of her as serious, a bit sharp-tongued, with that smug smile she wore when she thought she'd won a point. But now, I'm less certain. Horikita is... layered. I've glimpsed a version of her that can be stern or surprisingly cordial, depending on the conversation. It's contradictory.
When I first approached her, I felt a strange nervousness, though it didn't show. She didn't reject me, so perhaps I managed the situation well enough. Friendship isn't something I fully grasp; it's a foreign concept. But maybe, with time... No, I shouldn't dwell on that.
It's then that I realize something. This person—the Horikita I've seen—might be a facade. Not entirely false, but incomplete. There's more beneath the surface, hidden from view. Just fragments that don't quite fit.
Back in the classroom, there was a moment when her gaze turned distant. It was a brief but complete withdrawal from reality as if she'd shut down, eyes losing their focus. I tried to bring her back with a simple question, but it was like she couldn't hear me.
Then, there was her reaction to my small threat to drop the bags. She looked startled, a side of her that didn't match the self-assured person she often projects. Could this be an illness? Perhaps an instability, mental or emotional.
I recall that girl on the bus. She was a beautiful girl with an unknowable expression. Maybe I'll never fully understand people like that, people like her.
"Ayanokouji, you're a good guy."
She'd whispered those words as I left. But if I'm honest, I don't know what she sees in me to think that. Or if it even matters.
In the end, the person called Horikita Suzune remains a mystery.
I wonder what else will you show me.
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A/N: Hello there! I recently had the pleasure of reading some of the Light Novel and thought of something like that. You can tell me what you think.