It was the following morning, and I still had some time before heading to the Academy, so I decided to enjoy a cup of coffee. As I woke up quite early, I had ample time to take care of a few things before starting my day.
I reached for my phone, which had been resting on the table, and quickly searched for a specific number. After finding it, I dialed the number and waited as it rang. Soon enough, the person I called picked up the phone.
"Well, well, if it isn't Ayanokoji-kun," came the voice on the other end. "I never expected to receive a call from you this early in the morning."
It was Arisu, the person I had called.
"You could say I have some things to discuss," I replied, allowing her to initiate the conversation.
"If it's Ayanokoji-kun, then I'm ready to talk at any time. So, go ahead," she responded.
I knew that discussing everything over the phone wouldn't be ideal, so I decided to employ a different approach.
"If it's not too much trouble, could we meet in the cafeteria during lunchtime? Of course, you have the option to refuse," I proposed.
Let's see how she responds to this.
"Fufufu... interesting. I never expected Ayanokoji-kun to invite me so openly like this. Is there another motive behind your invitation?" Arisu inquired, always considering all the angles.
"I will explain the details once you accept the invitation," I replied, subtly hinting at a hidden agenda.
Arisu continued to mull it over, taking her time to weigh the possibilities.
....
She was still contemplating. If she kept hesitating, I would have to nudge her a little.
"Arisu, if you decide to come, I may just have to engage in a real battle with you," I added, revealing my intentions. Without that challenge, she might have refused outright.
"Ayanokoji-kun, you certainly know how to manipulate others to follow your plans. Fufufu... Well, it does sound interesting," she finally responded.
"Does that mean you will come?" I asked, pleased to hear the answer I had been hoping for.
"Of course, I will," she confirmed.
That's precisely what I wanted to hear. Now, I could set my plans in motion.
And so, with the conversation concluded, I braced myself for what awaited me, preparing for the encounter that lay ahead.