Chapter 55 - A Request

It was 9 in the morning. In the classroom of the class 1-E, a heated discussion, argument even was happening between two classmates. One of them was Amane Kei, and the other was Takeshi Keigo of the baseball club.

"You're giving me crap!"

"I don't remember it being any of your business of who I decide can or can't in this matter. If you want it so badly, then maybe try fixing that intoxicating attitude of yours."

***

-1 HOUR EARLIER-

"Alright class, settle down. As you all know, our basketball team has reached the finals of this year's Inter High School basketball competition. Please give a round of applause for Amane Kei and Fujinomiya Azusa for their parts in making this happen!"

Almost everyone was applauding for Kei and Azusa as thanks for their part in guiding the basketball team to the finals. The team, under Kei's leadership, flourished and managed to reach the finals whereas Azusa who had managed Kei was given an enormous task in doing just that. Controlling Kei, to her, was extremely difficult as Kei often did things without consulting with her.

"Also, if you have free time, please show your support for the school team by attending their final match against Nakamiya High School!"

As the class was clapping for them, Kei was at the corner of the classroom spacing out whilst Azusa was still quite visibly angry with Kei over what had happened during the semi-finals. When their homeroom had concluded, Kei walked over to Azusa.

"What is it?" Azusa asked as she glared at Kei.

"I have a favour to ask you."

"After what happened, you still want to ask me for favours?"

"Look, I'm sorry about what happened okay? But some things are better off left buried or hidden. You of all people should understand that…"

After being silent for a few moments as if she was thinking of something, Azusa finally spoke up again.

"Fine. I'm not saying I've forgiven you, but I'll let it slide this once. Well, what is it?"

"Mai wants to watch the game."

"Absolutely not."

"Eh?"

"She'll be a lamb to the slaughter if she attends that game. Do you know how many men are gonna approach her in the first 20 minutes alone?"

"That's… what I wanted to ask for your help for…"

"Hmm?"

"Can you let Mai sit with you in the private area with Chihaya?"

When she heard that request, Azusa's expression changed slightly as if she was quite displeased with that request.

"Fine. But you owe me a favour."

"Thank you… Eh? Favour?"

"Of course. You think I'm a charity or something?"

"But… Isn't she your friend also?"

"Yes. But this request is coming for you. Let me guess, she didn't really want the special treatment but you insisted on it anyways?"

"…"

"There you go. Since it's your request, now you owe me a favour."

Kei was speechless at Azusa's badgering of logic towards him. He couldn't refute a single thing she was saying. However, since he didn't want anything happening to Mai midway through his match, he had no choice but to accept her offer.

"Fine…"

"Alright that settles it, Mai-channnn~!"

Azusa called out to Mai who was at the seat at the front corner of the class. Mai who was also preparing for the next class was shocked to have heard her name being called out so loudly in class.

"Mai-chan, meet me in front of the stadium before the game start, okay?"

"Hmm? What for?"

"You see, Kei-kun here, begged me to let you sit with me in the private area during the game."

"Oi. When did I beg?"

"He was afraid some bad boy would approach and kidnap you."

"I never said that!"

As this was happening, they had managed to catch the attention of the whole classroom. When Azusa said what was going and Kei's request for her, gossips and whispers flew around the classroom. Some anger, some envy, some cheerful, there were many different mix of emotions being thrown around the room. Before they could finish their conversation, a familiar face approaches the three of them. It was Takeshi Keigo.

"Yo. Let me be straight. Let me go to the private area and I will come watch your game, Kei—"

"Nope."

"Ack… why not?! Do you know how many people would watch your game if they even found out I was going?!"

"Do I look like I give a damn?"

"You're giving me crap!"

"I don't remember it being any of your business of who I decide can or can't in this matter. If you want it so badly, then maybe try fixing that intoxicating attitude of yours. Then maybe I would be willing to let you come remotely close to the team."

"Last chance. Are you inviting me or not?"

"N-O."

"Tch." Keigo clicks his tongue as he walks away.

The class was now silent after witnessing what had just happened. Keigo approaching Kei and an argument breaking out has become a normality in recent weeks. It usually starts with Keigo approaching Kei and attempting to start a conversation with him which leads to Keigo asking Kei to invite him into the latter's group so that he could get close to the three girls that Kei are closely acquainted with. Although Keigo tries to hide his ill intentions, the class watches his antics on in disgust as he hides it very badly.

"Haah… It's getting to the point that I want to report him to the teachers lately." Azusa finally said.

"I don't think it's a crime to approach somebody to try to start a conversation, unfortunately…" Kei added.

"Well, in any case, the time is set. Mai-chan, remember to meet me in front of the stadium half an hour before the game starts, okay?"

"Hmm? Ah, yes…"

Kei and Azusa left the classroom after their class period ended at 11 a.m. as they had to leave to start their briefings and discussions with the basketball team. Mai sat in her place just spacing out before the door slid open during one of their classes. A second-year girl approached the teacher and spoke to him.

"Chihiro Mai-san, please follow her as she has something important to discuss with you."

Dumbfounded, Mai stood up and followed the elegant and beautiful girl out of the classroom. As she left the classroom, the students left in the classroom started their usual whispers and gossips.

"Isn't that… the student council vice-president, Makinohara Kyouko-san?"

Out side the classroom, A confused Mai followed Kyouko all the way to the student council room and sat down. Having sat down for a few minutes, Kyouko came back from the pantry with a tray of tea and two teacups.

"Please, help yourself."

"Umm… may I know what this is about? I'm kind of missing classes at the moment."

"Ara~ It should be fine, shouldn't it? After all, you're one of the smartest students in your year. So it should be fine if you miss a period or two."

"But umm… I still don't know what I was called for…"

"Let me be front and honest with you. I've come to you with a proposition and a request. But to discuss about this request, I would like you to meet someone who will discuss about this matter with us."

When she finished her sentence, one of the doors in the room opened from that room, a large figure appeared from the room, approaching the two girls sat on the couch.

"Allow me to introduce you, this is the student council president, Takeshi Izumi."

"Nice to meet you, I am Takeshi Izumi. Sorry to pull you away from your precious studies. However, this is a matter that needs to be discussed with urgency."