COTE: Transfer to Class C [OLD]

It was the second day of the special exam. I walked into the meeting room, arriving earlier than the designated time.

Surprisingly, I wasn't the only one in the room. Karuizawa was sitting on a chair, scrolling through her phone as usual. I decide to walk up to the blonde-haired girl.

"Hey," Karuizawa looked up from her phone, "are you the VIP?"

"No." She quickly went back to scrolling on her device. Well, it was worth the effort.

I decided to sit a few seats away from Karuizawa. It was a bit awkward having us two being the only ones in the room, but it didn't take long for our other group members to arrive.

As it was getting closer to the designated meeting time, we're missing only one person: Machida.

With only two minutes left to spare, he finally arrived and joined the rest of us.

Well not exactly 'join' since Machida immediately sat at the corner with his friends.

A certain pink-haired girl managed to grab everyone's attention with the sound of her clapping hands, "Shall we take a majority vote on which group activity to do first?"

The first meeting of the day went by without any major hitches. While most of the group had already left the room, I stayed behind to help Ichinose and the other Class B students clean up.

Of course I didn't do this out of the good-will of my heart. Since I helped them put away the cards, they'll most likely perceive me as a quiet but helpful person. Which undoubtedly will help me integrate into their class if I do choose to join the class.

Plus, I got some additional information by staying behind.

When the meeting had ended, everyone— except me and the Class 1-B students left the room. Some took a bit longer to leave.

Karuizawa was busy scrolling on her phone, which lead to her being the last one to leave. Machida and Manabe were the people second last as they were flirting with each other. But anyone could tell that the romantic feelings were one-sided; Manabe was the one clinging onto Machida's arms and dragging him along.

Though Machida went along with Manabe's flirting, I could see that his eyes were on a different girl— Karuizawa. And Manabe saw it as well when they were about to leave. A small frown appeared on her face, and she went silent for a bit.

"Thanks again for your help, Ayanokouji." said Ichinose, breaking me out of my daze. "I had nothing better to do either way."

The leader of Class B gave me a bright smile, and waved me goodbye as she left with her group of friends. I took out my phone and send an important message to someone:

[I saw Karuizawa bully Rika during lunch.]

Well, that should do it.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ichinose leave without her classmates and go a different direction. Curious, I decided to follow her.

I didn't attempt to hide the fact that I was following Ichinose, so it was no surprise that she took notice. The pink-haired girl stopped walking and turned around to face me, "Ayanokouji. Are you following me or are you perhaps also going to the Dragon's Group room?"

"I got a message from Horikita asking me to meet with her right now." I gave her a believable lie.

"I guess that makes sense... I did see you take out your phone," Ichinose muttered, "well, I guess we can go together." She then gave me a gentle smile and started walking again.

We both made it to the entrance for the meeting room of the Dragon Group. Ichinose immediately went up to Katsuragi.

"Katsuragi! Do you have a minute to talk?"

Katsuragi sighed and gave a nod, "Go ahead."

"Do you mind changing your strategy for this special exam?" Ichinose asks. The Class A representative quickly responded, "No."

"But—"

Suddenly, the sound of a door opening interrupted Ichinose. "Oh hello Honami," Kushida greeted, "and you too— Ayanokouji."

"It's nice to see you two! You guys can come in." The beige-haired girl opened the door wide open for us and then moved out of the way.

"Well, I'm go now. Have a good day, both of you." Kushida waved us goodbye and gave a gentle (but fake) smile.

When I walked into the gathering room for the Dragon Group, I immediately saw the leading figures from each class awkwardly standing together.

Horikita was in the corner of the room, with her arms crossed and a small frown visible on her face. Though I have some arguments about Horikita being a 'representative', I'll admit that she is a leading figure of Class D.

Ryuji Kanazaki, Class B's second-in-command, was standing still next to Horikita.

Of course, in the center of attention was Ryuuen. Compared to the other two, he had a big smirk and was much more relaxed.

Class C's tyrant took a glance at both me and Ichinose before speaking, "Let's team up."

Everyone stared at Ryuuen as he said that.

"We'll form a three-class alliance between all of us, with the goal of knocking down Class A a few deserved pegs."

Horikita instantly replied, "No. Class D can handle it on their own." Well that was fast, she could have atleast given the offer more thought.

"That's a shame, I guess— not really, but what about you guys, our dear Class 1-B?" Ryuuen quickly moved on from Horikita's answer. "What do you think, Ichinose?" Kanazaki asked, looking for his class leader's opinion.

Ichinose took a while to think before giving her response, "I apologize Ryuuen, but Class B will not be accepting your offer for an alliance."

"What a pity."

"I'll just do it myself then." Ryuuen started walking towards the door.

As the magenta-haired boy was getting closer to the entrance, I noticed that he was subtly staring at me— with suspicion.

When we both locked eyes, Ryuuen gave me a little grin before turning away.

I guess he still doesn't trust me at all, which makes sense, but he also isn't totally hostile to me.

It's good enough though. Everything has already been set.

—

1046 words

happy new years