Classroom of the Elite: Alter - Self-Test

All of us finished the test way before the time was up. Seeing this, Chabashira-sensei collected our papers roughly five minutes before the bell rang.

"Your fourth period is free. Use your time wisely, and don't make too much noise. In conjunction with this test, please be ready for your midterms at the end of May. Goodbye." 

With her usual detached expression, Chabashira-sensei walked out of the room.

Almost immediately, Hirata, Kushida, Horikita, and I stood up in succession. For the class, this much was normal. We've already been recognized as the four pillars of Class D. They paid attention to the four of us as we headed to the front.

"Everyone, I'm sure all of you are feeling uneasy about the test just now. But I'm sure we'll be fine." Hirata began the discussion.

"That's right! A lot of the questions were really easy, and even if the last parts were super hard, they can't really expect us to answer them correctly," added Kushida.

I can clearly see the anxiety of our classmates slowly whittling down. I glanced at Horikita, prompting her to speak next.

"The test was composed of easy questions ranging from the first to third-year junior high level. If you remember the lessons from back then, you can answer those questions with ease," Horikita explained. "There was one question about our initial lessons this semester per subject. Most of them were basics, so I believe they are doable."

Yukimura raised his hand.

"Yes, Yukimura-kun?" Horikita calls out to him.

"I agree with what you've said thus far, but not everyone is academically gifted. If those who struggle lag behind, it might bring trouble for the class." Yukimura stated as he fixed his glasses.

Some of our classmates' expressions tightened with worry and guilt. From Yukimura's expression, I can see that he's more worried about the class as a whole rather than the ones who are bad at studying in particular, which was understandable.

"You're absolutely right, Yukimura-kun. We've been thinking about this matter for a while now. This test just caught us off-guard," Horikita replied, before looking at me.

"We are aware that some students in Class D struggle with academics. That's why we have a proposal. The results in this test are inevitable so all we can do is brace ourselves. But setting it aside, we can at least prepare better for our midterm exams," I explained.

This was a great opportunity. Using this test as an example, we can drive our classmates to agree with us much easier.

"Everyone, we would like to form study groups. Is that alright with you all?" asked Hirata.

Almost instantly, Karuizawa answered his plea.

"I'm in! I struggled, like, super hard on the later parts of that test, and I don't really understand the lessons too well. I think a study group can help me a lot." Karuizawa chimed in before facing her friends. "You found it hard too, right? I think we can improve our scores with this."

"True! The teachers are great, but like, I just can't seem to understand a hundred percent of what they're talking about," followed Shinohara.

At that point, everyone echoed their opinions amongst each other. We didn't try to shut them up so they could make up their minds. When she thought the time was right, Kushida went in for the decisive question.

"So, everyone? Are you all in?" she asked, with a smile.

"I'm in!"

"Please take care of us!"

"I want Kushida-chan to teach me!"

"I want Ayanokouji-kun to teach me!"

"Count us in, too!" The class voiced their agreement. There were a few people who didn't engage in the discussion, but that's fine. I'll keep tabs on them to see what I can do to help. I'm sure the situation is hard for them as well.

"We'll discuss the details about the study groups after the test results have been tallied. We would like to divide the class efficiently and assign tutors for each small group," Horikita explained.

"Of course, we won't force anyone who isn't willing to join. It's completely alright if any of you would like to study alone," added Hirata.

The class listened intently until the end. Of course, Kouenji is just being Kouenji. The four of us didn't really mind him. Horikita, Kushida, and I were all aware of his personality right from the beginning. We convinced Hirata to leave him alone at the moment, so long as he doesn't inconvenience the class.

"Thank you for listening, everyone! I hope we can all work together as a class for the exams!" Kushida finished with a bow.

Using the final half-hour of the fourth period, cliques and groups chatted with each other.

"Sorry, Ayanokouji. I tried my best, but that test was just too hard for me. I have to admit, I can't even listen properly during discussions. It takes everything I have just to stay awake, you know?" Sudou apologized.

He was currently hanging around my seat. Horikita was also facing us.

"It's fine. I'll personally be the one to teach you. We'll work towards improving your test scores. Of course, you'll have to sacrifice a bit of your club time. Is that alright with you?" I asked with a gentle expression.

"I see... Hmm..." Sudou began to think. It's already a good thing that he's considering it.

"Sudou-kun, I advise you to take Ayanokouji-kun's offer, lest you get expelled." Horikita cut in with a stern expression.

"Wha-? I know that much!" Sudou turned to me before whispering. "Hey, Ayanokouji, what's up with Horikita? Why's she all prickly and shit?"

Of course, what he said was still audible to Horikita. Her eyes narrowed with a glare.

"Isn't she usually like that?" I replied with a question.

"Really? Wasn't she quite nice when we first met? She even introduced herself politely." Sudou mused.

She did. And given my first impression of her, I also found it strange.

"Isn't it rude to just boldly talk about the person right in front of you?" Horikita glowered at me before turning to Sudou. "And Sudou-kun, don't get any ideas. I thought you were close friends with Ayanokouji-kun back then. I only greeted you because I didn't want to leave a bad impression on him. He might've refused my request to talk with him otherwise. But now that we're a bit close, that doesn't matter anymore."

Man is she straightforward.

"By "close", you mean friends, right?" I asked in an audacious manner.

"That... Whatever..." Horikita looked away with a "hmph".

"The hell?" Sudou obviously got a bit upset.

"Don't mind her, Sudou. That's just her personality. Anyway, are you in?" I went back to the main question.

"Well, you said you wanted to see me play 'til graduation, right? I can't go about gettin' myself expelled this early." Sudou grinned with a thumbs-up. "I'm in. Teach me as fast as you can, a'ight?"

"Sure. But of course, that'll depend on your learning speed," I replied, with my own thumbs-up.

I can see Horikita sigh lightly- probably in relief. However, I'm sure it's not just Sudou. Our strategies will come into shape once we get a hold of everyone's tentative academic abilities.

"Ayanokouji-kun, before I forget, how did you find the last three questions? They were 2nd-year level in terms of difficulty, or maybe even beyond. Even I couldn't answer them with confidence," Horikita asked, looking straight into my eyes.

"I'm pretty sure I got them right," I answered while turning away.

"What...? I know you're an excellent student as you've been flawless during class discussions... But even if that's the case..." Horikita's composure cracked. "So you're saying you got a perfect score...?"

She must've not expected my answer.

"Most likely. You'll see when Chabashira-sensei announces the result," I replied.

"The fact that you can say that without a hint of arrogance... Just who are you?" asked Horikita with her eyes trembling.

"I don't know the specifics of what you're talking about, but isn't it safe to say that Ayanokouji's just that smart?" Sudou butted in.

"You don't understand, Sudou-kun..." Horikita pressed.

"Drop it, Horikita. I don't really like talking about my past. I would appreciate it if you stop," I said.

According to my research, people who don't like talking about their past are fairly common. I shouldn't sound too suspicious. Hearing my words, Horikita flinched gingerly. It's like she was snapped back to reality.

"I see. I'm sorry, Ayanokouji-kun." Horikita looked down as she apologized but immediately turned up to face me again. "However... I would sincerely appreciate it if you could tell me about yourself some time in the future."

"I'll think about it." Even with that genuine request, she's still trying to trap me.

Horikita wanted me to counter back by arguing that "she hasn't even told me anything about herself". If I said that, a deal would instantly be formed with her saying that she'll tell me everything about her in exchange for the information she wants. I don't know what she has in store with her past, but that place isn't something an ordinary student should know about.

Horikita bowed lightly. Shortly after, the bell rang and all of us had lunch.