[ Horikita POV ]
This was ought to come sooner or later. But the teacher just said that it's impossible to increase Class Points. But there should be a way not to negatively impact the Class Performance.
But then, what way? This is crazy. So much! So much..to prove..NO...I NEED TO PROVE MYSELF. THATS THE SOLE REASON I AM HERE! But I was sure, I did every each of the Problems during the Entrance Exams correctly, then how could I be placed in CLASS-D, above everything? There has to be some sort of Problem.
Guess, I did enquired Ms. Chabashira, about how I have something I want to talk to her about. I'd rather implement my words, privately. I certainly dont want Wistaria to know about my circumstances, I dont have any valid reason to 'why', but I just don't.
Maybe if I get 'him' into this Plan of mine; then, maybe, I can find a way? Yes. It should be a good way. Not like he's going to say that to anyone. Except that one 'person'. Moreover, there is no reason for him to go on circulate other's intention or goals, I suppose.
I enquired a many times about their relationship, but seems like nothing advantageous is pronounced, right from themselves. All ever I heard was, they are not so close. But then why she went inside his Dorm Room? If they are not close to the point that they are just acquaintances, doesn't that fact itself, contradict the statement of Ayanokouji's?
But what I saw was 100 Per cent correct. So that means maybe they are close enough not to call acquaintances but aren't close enough to call each other 'Friends'? Just what is going on, anyway?
Ayanokouji is a Tricky person, indeed. He says things in an unusual manner, making you confused, like the one mentioned, but its essential while keeping some actions or words a secret. But it irritates me, sometimes. Thats what I know.
Wistaria...she is mysterious and cold? No. She exactly is not Cold. She is not a Lone wolf either. She is not on the Negative side of the Class, nor the Positive side of the class. She is mysterious and a neutral being. Based on the conversation, rather, debates I had with her, she is a unusual intellect. But if she was ; then why did she end up in CLASS-D? Maybe my Intuition is varying.
But for someone like Kushida to be friends with Erza is weird. Its unusual. I wonder what makes her so different than others?
Come to think of it, for my Plan to get 'promoted to CLASS-A' , I would need some help. Obviously the Class Performance is a must, so I've got no choice but to comply with the situation.
So asking help from Ayanokouji is bearable but from Wistaria is unbearable. Also, my and Wistaria's relationship is not what you call comfortable, thus makes me leave with only one choice; Ayanokouji.
I guess I just need him to fall into my Trap.
[ Horikita POV end ]
[ Erza POV ]
What a feisty day.
Anyway observing our teacher, Chabashira Sae, she mostly is dubious about something, but what it would be, is still not clear. In fact the main question which arrives is that, how can she threw the dart on me. Perhaps, she still has a confusion of 'Who?' and that's the reason to why she asked me today?
But then, is it the same observation for Ayanokouji? He is no doubt, the one I was looking for. But, along side me, no one should interpret his existence as a Challenge. So, if Ms.Chabashira Sae is supposed to know Ayanokouji, then there is high likely the chance, she would know his identity.
But the case for Ayanokouji is different than mine. My identity is an exclusive information, which I dont think 'they' will reveal, for their own benefits, of course. Then how was she able to-
No. She probably couldn't have, could she? There is no way. Perhaps, she is from 'there'? But I would have known if that seems to be the case. SO...NO.
She still is not able to pinpoint that who I might be or who Ayanokouji might be. Perhaps. As a teacher, she couldn't have.
Taking the condition, she is infact, searching for the 'Thorn' then maybe she is dubious about Me and Ayanokouji. Clearing the fact, she suspects the 'Thorn' to be either Ayanokouji OR Me.
"Erza Wistaria of CLASS-D is requested to be present in the Teacher's Room. I repeat, Erza Wistaria is requested to be present in the Teacher's Room. Immediately."
The speaker present in the classroom is directly connected with the Broadcasting Club ; the sound from the speaker vibrated through our Classroom.
Unexpected summon, huh? Well, that leaves me no choice. I wonder for what reason I am being called.
I, now stood up, proceeding to go towards my destination, when suddenly someone tapped my shoulders to call me.
I looked back. Kushida and Ayanokouji. Hmm?
"Whats the matter?" I asked. Kushida wore a worried expression. And for Ayanokouji, his usual.
"Do you know why you have been called or something?" Kushida said with a worried tone.
"I suppose, No." I answered. My eyes lifted from Kushida to Ayanokouji.
He tilted his head a little upwards and his hand slid down his pockets.
"Good luck for what is coming." He said. Did he just taunt me? Oh well. He really did said something like that with a straight face. My goodness.
I fake smiled and said, "Yes, Of course". My eyes followed a certain someone, who was looking at us. Horikita Suzune. Hmm.
I went from there as I followed my way to the Teacher's Room.
I slid the door and saw Ms. Chabashira sitting there.
"Excuse me, but my presence was requested, is there something essential for me to do, Ma'am?" I said as I positioned myself beside our teacher.
She positioned her legs to stand up, which were crossed.
"Lets go outside..shall w-" Before Ms. Chabashira could speak she got caught by one of her fellow mate.
"Wowww~ Whose this?" Hoshinomia Chie, a Teacher in this school asked.
My eyes travelled towards the speaker as I bowed a little, showing 'respect' and 'manners'.
"Its Erza Wistaria." I answered.
She came near me and looked at me as if minutely observing me. Finally after some while she was dragged away by Ms. Chabashira.
"There is certainly a beauty in your class too huh~~~ CuTe~By the way, I am the Class Teacher of CLASS-B, First Yearr~Hope to meet you soon Erza~" She spoke as if she was drunk? I dont care.
"Lets go...Wistaria, Also Chie can you ask Ayanokouji Kiyotaka as well as Horikita Suzune from my Class to go to the Guidance Faculty Room? Also you know what to do".
"Yesss~" Hoshinomia answered.
With that she moved forward along with me. But why Ayanokouji and Horikita? Maybe she is dubious of Horikita too. But then why she asked for me at first and later those two? Just what is going on inside this woman's head?
Standing in the kitchen attached with the Guidance Faculty Room, there she was drinking water.
"Is there any purpose of calling me, here? Ma'am?" I asked as I put my hand inside the pocket of my hoodie.
"Certainly. But I want you to wait for a while until those two arrive." She answered as she looked at me.
".....Alright." I said, as I maintained the eye contact.
Silence occupied the room.
"I want you stay at the sideway passage, away from the door, outside." She said.
What?
"May I know just what exactly is going on? If possible?" I said in a straight voice.
"You will know, and also there is no need to be worried. Also hide properly behind a pillar."
Thats not it. Just what are you Planning? The heck all this supposely mean?
I went and positioned myself at the distance, hiding myself behind a pillar.
Silence was occupied in the corridor.
Until the sound of the door opening and closing was heard, revealing the presence of only One. Horikita Suzune.
Where is Ayanokouji? I believe Ayanokouji was also asked to be here.
There was something fishy going on. I looked here and there as I went in front of the closed door, leaning my body onto the wall, as I crossed my arms. Eavesdropping.
"Here you are, Horikita. As per as you asked, you have something you want to discuss, privately?" Chabashira said.
Privately? This is nowhere to be called, Privately. I am here present as per you wanted.
I heard footsteps. Turned to see, Ayanokouji. He was looking at me. Maybe thinking why I was 'Eavesdropping'.
He came forward and stood beside me. I signalled him to keep his mouth tightly shut. He nodded, as a response.
"Ms. Chabashira Sae, can you please evaluate my Entrance Examination Answer Papers once again? I believe there has been some sort of miscalculations regarding it." Horikita sounded desperate.
I glanced at Ayanokouji who glanced back at me.
"And I believe it's not like that. Evaluation have been done quite correctly, Horikita." She assured.
"Even if the evaluation is done affirmatively, I am definitely sure I couldn't have done that bad, that I was placed in CLASS-D, the class of 'Defective'. There is no way." Horikita argued back.
We quietly listened.
A silence filled the room as I heard some papers ruffling.
"Indeed, as you said, your grades during the examination is appreciable. So whats your point?" Ms.Chabashira asked sternly.
"There may have been some miscalculations done by the school while placing me in CLASS-D". Horikita finalised.
"Let me say this another one time. The Academic Results are not the only criteria to determine whether you have merits or not in this Institution. Coming to different matters, you certainly lack behind the rest of the class, therfore achieving the Classroom of CLASS-D, Horikita." Ms. Chabashira finalized her statement.
Horikita spoke no more.
"Please come inside." Ms. Chabashira ordered.
We both looked at each other before he opened the door taking the lead while entering the room. Followed by me.
"W-Whats this supposed to mean?" Horikita was caught off-guard, ofcourse. Must've realised her conversation was overheard.
We stood beside each other, where Ayanokouji was in between me and Horikita.
"I had something to convey to them too, regarding the Entrance Examination and Dry-Run Test." Ms. Chabashira concluded.
Huh? Are you serious? Well, maybe she is really talented at finding clues. But now? Oh well lets see.
I slid my hands inside the pocket. Saw Ayanokouji whose hand was inside his Red Coat.
"Ok now then everyone is well arrived, keep your voice low and silent." Chabashira ordered.
"What if we don't?" The only guy between us asked. Seriously, he can't let it pass now, can he?
"Immediate expulsion from the school. Periodt". She answered. As she went inside the kitchen.
"How long were you both present?" Horikita looked at Ayanokouji.
"Quite sometime, honestly speaking." Ayanokouji answered.
"Did you happen to overhear the conversation?" Horikita looked at me.
"Guess, coincidences really happen." I said. The silence was overwhelming but someone's specific gaze sure was. Obviously not of the usual, Ayanokouji's but the unexpected, Horikita's.
"Ms. Chabashira sure takes time brewing her tea." Ayanokouji spoke.
"Yeah." Me and Horikita spoke in unison, causing both of us to glance at each other while Ayanokouji looked at us , standing in the middle with his hands inside the pocket.
Ms. Chabashira came and leaned her body onto the counter, as she sipped her tea.
"So Erza Wistaria and Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, there is unusually a very common similarity between both of yours Dry-Run tests answer sheets and Entrance Examination Answer Sheets." The teacher spoke with confidence.
Huh? A similarity? Impossible. Ridiculous. What sort of trick is this? Wait...no...what if thats the reason she is dubious of us? And why is she telling all this infront of Horikita? I dont feel good about this. Something is weird, but WHAT?
Damn...
"What might it be?" Ayanokouji spoke.
"For Ayanokouji, in every subject you have scored 50/100" Her gaze went from him to me as she continued, "And for Wistaria, you have scored a definite of 47/100 in every subject." She said.
"What does that have to do with anything? I dont quite understand." I feigned innocence, of course she had to give me a proper explanation before concluding everything by herself.
"As for Wistaria, one thing was common in both Dry-Run Test and Entrance Examination was that you failed to attempt the direct answers of questions from Book and references carrying ultimate marks while you attempted correctly the conceptual based questions with confirmed assertions and reasons carrying a between 2-3 marks, gaining you a total of 47 marks in total; above 43 was the passing marks." Ms. Chabashira concluded.
Excellent.
"If you're asking the reason to why I had such low marks, I think thats up to my braincells, because Exams makes me quite tensed you see." I explained a satisfactory reason to my 'fake' marks.
"Thats quite a reason, I see." Her gaze shifted towards Ayanokouji. "For Ayanokouji, I was quite surprised by your ability to get one of the hardest problems correct on the Entrance Examination while also getting the easiest problem incorrect ; same condition goes to the Dry-Run Teat. It feels quite intentional if you ask."
".....I am afraid, thats pure concidence. Guess synchronicity like these happens!" Ayanokouji sorted his words.
"...Okay for now, but can you explain your continuous perfect score of 47 and 50?" She insisted.
My eyes diverted towards the ribboned girl. Eyes frowned at the scene displayed before her. Maybe she couldn't understand the fact, this is what 'unexpected negotiation' is.
Haa! How Admirable...
I glanced at Ayanokouji, who did the same.
"A pure coincidental situation, indeed." We both said in unison.
Ms. Chabashira's sharp gaze pierced onto us. Still not faltering back I said, "Are we done? I have some assignments left."
"...Ah..Yes Ayanokouji and Wistaria you are dismissed."
I looked at Ayanokouji, vice-versa and we exited the room.
Going out I whispered to Ayanokouji, "Were you aware of that?"
"I am afraid not". He replied.
We started walking side-by-side.
"Indeed, she is dubious of us." I muttered.
"Yea looks like it. Anyway, Horikita was too desperate, huh?" Ayanokouji said.
"I guess, thats unusual. Why was she so desperate to transfer to CLASS-A? Any idea?" I asked.
He eyed at me from the side and he said, "...Maybe, she has something to prove to someone...who knows?"
"For me, it looks like, you know plenty enough." I stated.
Silence filled between us.
"I just cant lie to you, can I?" Ayanokouji said as he looked in front of him over the ceilings for a brief moment and suddenly stood and towered over me.
He is really tall, if I notice it correctly.
His face came close to my ears as he said, "You're bewildered, aren't you?"
For his unexpected comment, I was caught offguard. I jerked back as I pushed him.
While frowning a little, I said, "What do you mean?"
"See... something's bothering you." He said.
".....Why and How are you implying that?" I asked back losing a bit of my composure.
"You are not the type to lose composure about how my face was close to yours or to simply push someone away and flinch." He confessed. "I have observed you for quite a while."
My eyes widened. What is this guy saying out of nowhere? Did he hit his head? Wait, its not like him. Moreover, I didn't just flinch at his sudden physical contact, did I?
I calmed myself down as I faced him properly, whose eyes meet with mine.
"You could have said that normally, you know?" I insisted.
"Oh? Well thats...a pay-back you know?" He answered as he displaced his gaze from me to the other side and his left arm positioned at the back of his head.
"...What-"
"For that day, when you did the same to me. Though I thought you would not react, but this is enjoyable." He said as his now eyes fixated onto me.
"You talk rubbish!" I said as I started to go from there.
"Its cute..." Upon his once again unexpected comment, I turned around, in disbelief.
My gaze pierced onto his.
"Anyway, what made you come so late to the Guidance room?" I tried changing the topic.
He sighed and came beside me.
"Ms. Hoshinomia asked me to do some errands." Ayanokouji replied.
Didn't Ms. Chabashira Sae asked her to call him and Horikita at the same time? No wonder, it was intentional.
"Oh I see." I faced forward, before was turned towards Ayanokouji.
[ Erza POV end ]
[ Horikita POV ]
( After Wistaria and Ayanokouji left the room )
And the two of them left ; the door is now shut.
"Wasn't that intentional?" I asked Ms. Chabashira.
"Not quite. But don't you want to know to why specifically it was Wistaria and Ayanokouji?" She asked.
.....I dont quite understand. I mean what could they even--Wait, even though their marks were something to be suspicious about but-
"I will now give you a tip how to promote to CLASS-A". She proposed.
Hearing that, made me feel a bit uneasy yet comforted, somehow.
"What it might be?" I asked.
"JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE THE TOPPER DOESNT MEAN, YOU EXCEL IN THAT DEPARTMENT. THERE MIGHT BE SOMEONE OR SOMEBODY, WHO EXCEL IN VARIOUS BUT WONT 'TRY' TO. UNDERSTAND?" Ms.Chabashira adviced.
She is implying that to Ayanokouji and Wistaria?
"What exactly I should do?" I questioned back.
"Anything related to those two. For your own betterment. Use or sacrifice. Your choice." She concluded.
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked back.
"Helping a student, is a teacher's Job, isn't it?"
Ah...I see. Maybe I was correct. Perhaps I should ask Wistaria or Ayanokouji for my 'Plan'.
Yes. That would make sense. Either way, their marks... something is definitely off about it.
"Thank You". I said as I went off.
Just what are they hiding?
[ Horikita POV end ]