Classroom of the Elite: Alter - Self-Test

Finally, it was Friday. As usual, classes went on without a hitch. After Chabashira-sensei addressed some things in our afternoon homeroom, Hirata and Kushida immediately went in front to get everyone's attention.

"Everyone, may we have a little bit of your time before you go?" asked Hirata.

Apart from Kouenji, who got up from his chair and walked out of the door, everyone sat down and listened. He's currently the biggest enigma in this class.

I instructed Hirata, Kushida, and Sudou to ignore him even if he left. That way, we can proceed without any unnecessary commotion.

"So, Hirata-kun and I have a quick suggestion. I'm sure all of you are aware of this and might be using it already. I'm talking about the chatting app on our phones." Kushida says, raising her phone screen for everyone to see. "I've heard from Ichinose-san that they already have a group chat with everyone in their class. I think it would be a good idea if we do the same."

Everyone instinctively grabbed their phones. At that moment, Karuizawa's group made their move.

"Yeah! Let's get everyone in one group chat! That way, we can easily talk about things without worrying about eavesdroppers!" Karuizawa started, making sure everyone inside the room heard what she said.

"It's about time!" followed Shinohara.

"Let's do it!" added Sonoda.

Due to their wonderful display of interpersonal skills, Hirata, and especially Kushida got everyone into the class group chat. Well, everyone besides Kouenji.

Apparently, it was a common practice for students to make an official group chat for their class. If that's the case, then I guess it was only a matter of time before ours was formed.

Since I was free the entire afternoon, I decided to stroll around the campus. As expected, everything's really of the highest quality.

I finally went inside the so-called "special building". It was definitely uncrowded and used only for some clubs. It's quite a sizeable building, too. Well, what can I say? This school is basically a place of affluence.

Coming down from the third floor, which didn't have any security cameras installed, I decided to head for Keyaki Mall.

Huh? A person? I tried to hide but immediately threw the idea after seeing who it was.

Sakura Airi, a girl from my class. She was currently taking pictures of herself, not wearing her glasses or her blazer. She wasn't wearing her pigtail hairstyle and didn't have her usual demeanor, either. She's like a completely different person.

I waited until she finished her current round of picture-taking. After that, I finally decided to show myself.

Seeing my approaching figure, Sakura panicked and immediately made a run for it.

Anticipating this, I dashed in her direction and caught her wrist. I took extra care to hold my strength back so as to not hurt her by accident.

"Kyah-?!" she yelped.

"Uh, Sakura? You're Sakura Airi, right?" I asked. "I'm Ayanokouji. We're from the same class, remember?"

She turned to me instead of continuing to run. This might be the only advantage of my dull tone. If I sounded as energetic as Ike or Yamauchi, Sakura would probably yell and ask for help. I felt her resistance wane a bit after I identified myself.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to grab you like that. I kind of panicked when I saw you run out of nowhere," I explained, gently releasing my grip on her wrist.

"U-Uh... Uhm..." Sakura stammered.

"Are you perhaps displeased to be seen in here?" I asked.

"N-No! It's not like that... I'm not really keeping this a secret to anyone... I-It's just that... Uhm-" She's really nervous, isn't she?

"Well, first of all, calm down. We're the only ones here, anyway. For starters, why don't we grab something to drink? There's a vending machine right around the corner if I remember correctly."

Sakura seemed surprised by my words, but she meekly nodded in agreement anyway.

The two of us sat on a staircase connecting the first and second floors.

"Here," I said, handing the orange juice that Sakura requested.

"Thank you..." she accepted sheepishly.

"It wouldn't be fair if I just keep asking questions, so I'll speak first," I said. "I was strolling around the area because I was curious... Well, that's about it. What about you, Sakura?"

She flinched slightly after I asked the question.

"Well, I... I like taking photos... You must've seen it too but... I especially like taking photos of people," answered Sakura.

"That's interesting. I've noticed it for the past few days, but you don't really talk to people much. I think making friends is a good solution if you want to take pictures of more people," I babbled.

Well, there I go again— advising people to make friends as if I'm good at it.

"I'm not... really good with talking to people... so..." Sakura replied, with her voice getting progressively softer.

"Ah... I see. I understand that, Sakura."

"Eh, you do? Don't you have many friends, Ayanokouji-kun? Like Hirata-kun... or Kushida-san and Horikita-san..." she asked.

"Well, I guess you could say that. But, I'm actually just really lucky, you know? If it weren't for certain events, I would be nothing but an outcast in the class," I narrated. "I'm not good with talking to people nor do I have any redeeming features. Meanwhile, you look pretty nice with your hair like that. It makes you look more approachable."

I noticed that I might've made the same mistake as last time right after I finished speaking.

Sakura must've gotten put off with the last parts of my reply. It would've been okay if we were close, but if she thinks I'm hitting on her after we just met, then it's pretty much game over. I took Kushida's advice to heart, so I'd remember these things.

I should clear it up before it's too late.

"Ah, I didn't mean that in a weird way, Sakura..." I said.

Sakura was just staring at me the whole time. It's like she was observing my struggle. Before I could say anything, she giggled cutely.

"You're funny, Ayanokouji-kun," said Sakura. "I didn't think you were someone who'd worry about those things."

"Well, Kushida already gave me an earful about being careful with my words. I just don't want people to misunderstand what I'm saying," I explained.

"I see... Now that you've told me that, I guess it makes sense that you think you're also bad at talking to people," replied Sakura.

Small conversations, to be specific.

Seeing someone's vulnerable side would make you more comfortable around them. It seems to be working well. Sakura stopped stuttering and her nervousness was almost completely gone.

"Well then, I was originally headed to Keyaki Mall. Are you gonna continue taking pictures of yourself?" I asked.

"Uhm, yes..." Sakura replied.

"I see. I hope you get great photos. If it's alright, I would appreciate it if you show them to me sometimes." 

That would've been the perfect time to smile, but my indecisiveness ultimately led to me losing the chance to do so.

"I-I'll try-! Goodbye, Ayanokouji-kun..." Sakura shyly waved her hand to me.

I don't know if my first interaction with Sakura was right, but at least it wasn't a complete disaster. In fact, I even got her contact info.

I texted Karuizawa and confirmed that she was with Hirata and her friends. I met up with them to hang out. Since the attention was divided between me and Hirata, Karuizawa had more chances to build up her relationship with Hirata in the eyes of outsiders. Of course, Hirata cooperated, giving Karuizawa a bit of extra attention.

Even if I wasn't too great at conversing with the girls, they didn't seem to dislike me by the end of it. In fact, I was asked to hang out with them again on the weekend. Of course, with nothing else to do, I accepted. 

However, I actually want to spend my Sunday with Kushida. After all, I wanted to know her more.