Classroom of the Elite: Alter - Self-Test

"I guess I should look up some recipes online and practice cooking..." I thought, looking at my purchases.

It didn't take long until a new message popped up.

(19:34) [Ayanokouji-kun, good evening!]

(19:34) [Are you busy?]

It was Kushida.

(19:34) [No, not really.] 

(19:34) [You wanna talk about Horikita now?]

(19:34) [Yes!]

(19:34) [Do you have anything in mind?]

(19:34) [Well, it's still just the first week.]

(19:34) [For starters, why don't you just ask her directly one more time?]

(19:34) [If it doesn't work, then we'll see what we can work with from there.]

(19:35) [You think I won't make her angry?]

(19:35) [Well, knowing her as a seatmate, she might just ignore you.]

(19:35) [But if you try acting determined instead of being overly nice, then she might consider it.]

(19:35) [Ehh.]

(19:35) [You know her quite well.]

She put on a jealous tone. This will be a slippery slope into the topic of my relationship with Horikita, and I don't wanna talk about that.

(19:35) [Not really.]

To prevent that, I'll shift her attention to something else.

I checked the clock. Since I still have a little bit of time before Hirata and the other person gets here, I decided to give Kushida a call.

"Hello? That surprised me, you know? You suddenly decided to call," said Kushida.

"My bad. I just thought it would be more efficient," I answered.

"Ah, no, no. You don't need to apologize or anything... In fact, I'm actually quite happy. We don't get to hang out after school at all, so I'm glad we can talk like this outside of class, even if it's just a phone call," she narrated.

"I see. Well, I just thought it would be a bother to you if I asked to hang out since you have a lot of friends. I guess talking like this is fine, from time to time," I said.

"Ahaha. Don't say that. I'd love to hang out with you again, along with Hirata-kun or Sudou-kun," she replied, chuckling.

If this is considered acting, then it's really, really good.

"By the way, I talked with Ichinose-san earlier. She seems like a key figure in Class B." I changed the topic.

"Oh, so you met her, huh? Among the other classes, Class B was the easiest to get close to. A lot of them were really friendly. I'm guessing that it's mostly due to Ichinose-san's influence," said Kushida.

"They were calling her 'Class Rep', so I got curious and approached her," I added.

"Oh, did you now? I thought you talked to her because she looked cute~," Kushida replied with a teasing tone.

"You're a lot cuter than her, Kushida-- if I said that, would you consider me to be hitting on you?" I asked. That was a popular line in the current entertainment media. I never thought I'd get to use it at all.

"Geez, you could've just said it as is! Now I feel stupid for feeling happy!" she yelled.

"Sorry, I'm just not used to these things. Since you're good at socializing, I thought it would be fine to ask you," I replied.

"Hmph," she pouted, probably. "Well, if you really aren't aware, then I don't mind telling you a few things. Mainly, it's obvious that you'll say that to a girl you like. However, you can also use it to tease your female friends. It will depend on you how you say it, and the look on your face while doing so. That advice wouldn't help you much though, since your expression and tone are pretty much unchanging."

Ouch. She was telling the truth though.

"That's true. Thanks for telling me." I'm really grateful that Kushida's my friend. I wouldn't have known these things if it weren't for her.

Some part of me still wanted to deny what Horikita said about her.

"No problem!" she said.

The two of us talked about a few pointless things, like how friends usually would. Apparently, Ichihashi started hanging out with Karuizawa and Shinohara a lot more than them. Also, Mori, whom they initially thought was hard to get along with like the formerly mentioned two, was actually pretty friendly.

"Uhm, I hate to end it here, but I promised to call Kokoro-chan around this time. I'll see you tomorrow, Ayanokouji-kun," apologized Kushida.

"It's no problem. We've talked about our plans with Horikita, anyway. Good night, Kushida," I replied.

"Bye-bye." And then she hung up.

That was my first phone call, and it was with a girl. Is this what they call youth...?

Just as I was thinking about those things, I heard a knock. I checked the clock on my phone and saw that it was already 7:58 PM in the evening. It's time, huh?

I gently opened the door and saw Hirata with... Karuizawa Kei? Well, that was unexpected.

"Good evening, Ayanokouji-kun," said Hirata with a smile.

"Good evening." On the contrary, Karuizawa had a pretty somber expression.

"Come in. Feel free to use any chair. You can sit on the bed if you want, too. Do you guys want a drink?" I offered.

"Oh, we're fine. The two of us had coffee before going here." Hirata politely refused my offer.

After they got comfortable, Hirata immediately spoke.

"I'm sure you're wondering about why we're here, Ayanokouji-kun. I'll leave the explanation to you, Karuizawa-san. Don't worry, I'm sure Ayanokouji-kun will be able to help us sort this situation." Hirata said to Karuizawa.

She seemed hesitant for a brief second but she decided to face me anyway. That expression isn't something you'd see from the 'normal' Karuizawa. Whatever it is that's on her mind, I'm about to find out.

"Ayanokouji-kun, can you promise me that whatever we talk about inside this room will stay in this room?" She asked me with a desperate tone.

"I see. If it's something that we're supposed to keep to ourselves, then I promise," I replied.

Since Hirata trusted me on this, it's only natural for me to respond in kind.

"Thank you..." After a long sigh, she continued. "Well, you see... I was bullied."

Karuizawa's expression contorted upon saying those words.

Bullied? Is someone bullying her right now? Or is she talking about her past?

Either way, this was a surprise. I didn't do anything but stare at her. Seeing that, Karuizawa went on with her story.

"I was severely bullied in elementary school. I've suffered from verbal and physical abuse... I got hounded by my own classmates, punched, kicked, spit on, whatever it was that you can think of..." Karuizawa narrated, with her eyes visibly getting moist. "My desk was always vandalized, and their day wouldn't be complete without spilling large amounts of dirty water over my head in the bathroom... It was hell..."

"When I enrolled in this school, I finally got away from all of that. No one knows me... But I'm still scared that the same things might happen..." she continued.

The topic of bullying was very delicate. I can see genuine fear and anxiety in Karuizawa's expression, so I'll try my best to be sensitive about this.

"I see... I'll believe you, Karuizawa-san. However, why did you approach Hirata? Do you have anything in mind?" I asked.

Hirata answered for her.

"Karuizawa-san suggested that the two of us should get into a fake relationship. However, I didn't think it was a good idea, so I insisted on getting your help on this matter," said Hirata.

I see. So that's what she's going for.

"You're wrong on that, Hirata. Karuizawa-san is actually on the right track. The only problem is that it's too early." I turned to her.

"I-I actually planned to approach Hirata-kun after a week or two had passed, but I was afraid. Shinohara and the others started talking about confessing to either Hirata-kun or you, Ayanokouji-kun," narrated Karuizawa.

Wait, something's wrong. Confess to me? As much as I wanted to delve into that topic, this wasn't the time for it. I'll put that statement on the back of my mind, for now.

"I was scared that Hirata-kun might get a girlfriend immediately, that's why I made this pre-emptive move," she explained.

"But why me?" Hirata asked the main question.

"Right now, that's still a valid question. However, once a week or two has passed, you'll be one of the most popular males in our year, Hirata. I can guarantee that. You will be the best option for Karuizawa-san's plan. She'll use your popularity to boost her own social status. That way, any thoughts of bullying from others will practically vanish." I looked at Karuizawa straight in the eye. "Plus, she's already acting like a strong-headed girl, anyway. She'll be totally fine in the future. Am I right, Karuizawa-san?"

After making a few blinks, she finally answered.

"I've been thinking about this since the first day, but Ayanokouji-kun... You're so smart that it kinda creeps me out," said Karuizawa. "Not in the disgusting way, or anything like that, of course. But you're kinda scary, in a sense. It's like you can figure everything out."

"I don't know if that's a compliment, Karuizawa-san," I replied. Well, I don't care either way.

"You don't have to worry, Karuizawa-san. Ayanokouji-kun is a kind person. I'm sure he'll use his intelligence for the good of everyone. Isn't that right, Ayanokouji-kun?" Hirata asks for my confirmation with a smile.

"Yeah. You don't have to worry. Your secret is safe with us." I assured her.

With that, she turned to Hirata and asked once more.

"It doesn't have to be now, tomorrow, or next week. But please, Hirata-kun, protect me... I don't want those things to happen to me ever again," pleaded Karuizawa.

Well, isn't that nice? That kind of plea will surely get a yes from someone like Hirata.

"It's a good idea, Hirata. However, it's still your decision," I said.

After hearing my honest thoughts on the matter, Hirata could only smile.

"You don't have to look that anxious, Karuizawa-san. If Ayanokouji-kun says it's a good idea, then I'd gladly accept your request. And personally, I'd like to do everything I can to save you." Hirata answered gently.

"Thank you..." Karuizawa thanked him with a visible expression of relief.

"So, when will you two start going out?" I started the discussion.

"How about two weeks from now, on a Saturday? The story goes like this; Hirata-kun takes me out and confesses to me before the end of the day," suggested Karuizawa.

"It seems like you've already thought this out, Karuizawa-san," commented Hirata.

"I have, actually. I've been thinking about this plan for a couple of days now." Karuizawa, who felt tense this whole time, finally smiled.

"I see. Well, I just wanted to ask. Did you ever consider Ayanokouji-kun as an option? I think he'll be popular in the near future as well." Hirata... Seriously, why would you ask that, of all things?

"I actually did consider Ayanokouji-kun. Well, only the two of you were the possible options in Class D, anyway. I figured that you're just the better option, for this plan specifically, Hirata-kun. Ayanokouji-kun didn't join a club, and his personality isn't as bright and outgoing as you." explained Karuizawa.

"She's actually right, Hirata. I would've suggested you anyway, even if Karuizawa-san chose me since my initial plan is to go incognito for the first few months."

"Eh? You do?" Hirata seemed reasonably surprised.

"I'll talk about this in detail with you, Karuizawa-san, Horikita, and Kushida next time. I want the four of you to hear about my plans for our class in the future," I explained.

"Wait, why am I included?" Karuizawa-san was visibly confused.

"You'll be Hirata's girlfriend in the near future. Your influence inside and outside the class will skyrocket. And just from talking to you this evening, I don't think you're as dumb as you make yourself out to be. You'll eventually get a hold of the girls in our class. I'm sure of it," I answered.

"Hey! Who're you calling dumb?!" she pouted and hung up on that comment.

"I understand, Ayanokouji-kun. I'll leave the planning to you, but remember, we'll always have your back. Thank you for listening to us tonight." Hirata bowed, showing his gratitude.

Seeing this, Karuizawa stopped acting angry and bowed as well.

"Thank you, Ayanokouji-kun. I'll try my best to cooperate in the future... as long as you protect my secret," she says.

"Sure."

"Ah, Ayanokouji-kun, let's exchange contact info," Karuizawa called out with a grin.

"Alright," I replied, grabbing my phone.

"Hmm~? Are you sure it's fine to just accept it like that? Won't Horikita-san get angry~?" she teased.

"No, she won't. There's nothing going on between us." I responded with my classic monotone voice.

"There isn't? You've been together after school for two days straight now. And some of the girls from our class saw you together after the entrance ceremony. There's no way you two aren't a thing," insisted Karuizawa.

"We're really not. That girl just wanted to talk with me about getting to Class A. And she's my seatmate. It's not weird if we're close to each other, anyway," I said.

"Well, the girls were going crazy about it. They said they got beaten to the punch... Fufun~. I'm sure they'll celebrate once they know the truth." Karuizawa laughed deviously. "But I'll shatter their dreams and brag about getting your contact info first!"

This again? I understand if it's with Hirata, but this is me she's talking about. I'm still a bit confused as to why I'm apparently popular with the girls.

"What? You have that annoying expression where you look like you don't know what I'm talking about..." Karuizawa grimaced at me. She's unexpectedly sharp.

"I actually don't. I refuse to assume anything, so please tell me what's going on," I asked.

"Seriously? Sigh... Well, first of all, you're already attractive on the outside. After showing the entire class how smart you are, it's only natural for girls to get attracted to you," explained Karuizawa. "Hirata-kun has his own charms, but yours is entirely different. At least, that's what I heard from my friends who were crazy about you. I can't really explain it myself."

Crazy? That's a pretty strong word...

"Don't look so scared. You're not gonna get kidnapped, you know?" joked Karuizawa.

"Fine, fine..." After showcasing my abilities, I calculated that I'd be regarded highly by my classmates... However, it came with unexpected results like these... "It's getting late. You two should go now."

Hirata, who was just watching the two of us with a gentle smile, snapped back into reality.

"You're right. Let's get going, Karuizawa-san," said Hirata.

When I went to see them out of the door, Karuizawa turned to me and bowed once more.

"Ayanokouji-kun, thank you for tonight. I'm counting on you..." she said.

"Don't worry. Hirata and I will do everything we can for you. Just don't make trouble for the class," I replied.

She nodded. And with that, the two of them exited my room. I'm alone once again. This day was quite eventful as well...

Getting Karuizawa-san on my side this early was a pleasant surprise.

Once I stabilize the class, I can start doing some recon on other classes. If this school distributed its students the way I think it did, then there would surely be at least one threat from each class...