Cote: Elite in Action

Ichinose and I arrived at the cafeteria, which was surprisingly empty, probably due to the time. As we explored the place, Ichinose broke the silence.

—Wow, it's bigger than I imagined. It looks like there's a lot of variety in the food —she commented while looking at the menus on the counter.

At that moment, I noticed something curious in a corner: a group of students was standing in line, and above the area where they were standing, there was a sign that said "free." Although it's common for institutions to offer free food services, in this school, where we receive a monthly allowance, it seemed strange that someone would choose that option. Moreover, the food didn't look particularly appetizing.

—Look, Ichinose-san, there's a line for free food —I informed her, hoping she would come to her own conclusions.

—Free food? Maybe it's for those who run out of points by the end of the month —she suggested thoughtfully.

—Certainly. That would confirm that the monthly points aren't fixed. If they were, I doubt students would choose to eat this type of food voluntarily —I added.

—It could be. What if we asked them? —Ichinose proposed with a smile.

—Sure —I nodded as we headed towards the students in line.

—Hello! —Ichinose greeted cheerfully.

—Hello? —responded a student with some doubt.

—Would you mind if we asked you a question? —Ichinose inquired in a gentle tone.

—Go ahead —answered the student.

—Well, um... I'm not sure how to ask without seeming rude... —Ichinose hesitated, showing concern about offending.

I decided to intervene to clarify things.

—What she wants to know is, why are you eating this type of food? Are you in the red? —I asked directly, and the senpai's eyes widened in surprise.

—That's none of your business —he replied with a hint of irritation.

—I see, sorry if I was rude, but could you answer another question? —I tried to soften the situation.

—I won't answer any more —he said, visibly annoyed.

—Okay, I just wanted to know what class you're in —I asked, noticing how his eyes narrowed and quickly glanced at the camera to our right.

The senpai hesitated for a moment before answering.

—Why do you want to know that? —he questioned.

—Just out of curiosity. I don't think it's a big deal to tell me your class, right, senpai? —I replied, trying to keep a neutral tone.

Finally, after a moment of thought, he answered.

—I'm in Class 2D. Now, let me eat, I won't answer any more questions.

—Thank you for your time —Ichinose said, smiling kindly.

—Thanks for answering my question. We'll leave you alone now —I added, and we both walked away from the cafeteria to continue our investigation.

As we walked, the senpai's responses swirled in my mind, giving me more clues about the school's structure and system.

Outside the cafeteria, Ichinose-san addressed me with evident curiosity.

—Osawa-kun, why did you want to know what class he was in? —she asked, looking intrigued.

—I have a little theory about the classes, that's why I asked —I replied calmly.

—What theory? —Ichinose couldn't hide her interest.