36 Chapter 36: Arrogance

[Horikita Suzune]

I felt my world rattle.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

Maybe it was because of the encounter with Niisan just before but my body which was already feeling weak felt even more feeble.

If Niisan was only talking to that arrogant prick I wouldn't be as bothered as I was right now.

What made me confused was the expression on Niisan's face.

For all my life I've chased after his image. I've done the best I could to attract his attention, to receive his praise.

I even let my hair grow longer because he once told me he likes longer hair. The sisterly love I had for him was near worship.

Niisan was the best at academics, so I became the best at academics.

Niisan didn't keep close bonds with anyone, so I abandoned the notion of friends and friendship as well.

Niisan was an expert martial artist, so I trained myself to my limits.

Niisan had a calm, composed, and nonchalant expression, so I donned a cold stoic look as well.

Niisan had reached Class A and remained sovereign over others, so I've set my goal to reach Class A and finally become the Student Council President as well.

After that...

After that... He should acknowledge me, right?

All these thoughts were on the verge of crumbling because of Niisan's recent words but then I saw a sight I never imagined in my dreams.

Niisan...

My Niisan...

The person who always had a calm and composed expression was being disrespected.

He wasn't being given the respect he deserved!

Why did Nii-san have a worried look?

Why was Nii-san standing while the other student was sitting?

It made my blood boil.

But it also shook me to the core that this disrespectful person was none other than someone I despised.

Even more so than Kushida.

Tatsuya Yamamoto.

I don't understand this person.

He was definitely similar to Kushida, hiding his real personality, but what was his goal? Just what did this guy want?

Ignoring the fact that he tried to annoy me whenever he got the chance, I could remove the possibility of him trying to help the class.

Yamamoto already had high suspicions regarding the S-System from the beginning. With his popularity, he could've easily made sure the class didn't misbehave, and maybe in a surprising turn of events we might've been in Class C right now.

Did he want to reach Class A by himself? Even if that was the case I didn't see how harming the class he was in would be beneficial.

Or was he like Koenji and simply wanted to create chaos?

But no matter what his goals were, there was one thing I was certain about.

I hate him.

***

"Looks like we have a few guests, eh?"

Tatsuya's voice travelled through the silent night breaking Horikita out of her reverie.

Manabu remained silent but a hint of panic flashed through his eyes. No matter how stoic he was this situation had turned incredibly dangerous.

Though he hid it, his heart was racing.

"You remember the contract, don't you?" Manabu parted his lips and spoke to Tatsuya, ignoring Ayanokouji and Horikita.

Contract?

Ayanokouji mentally noted this exchange and turned towards Horikita only to see her biting her lower lip in resignation.

It seems like the respect she had for her brother prevented her from lashing out at Tatsuya.

"Your worries are needless Manabu. I'm a man of my word."

For a brief moment, Manabu's expression distorted into an unnoticeable frown before it disappeared.

"I hope so..."

His words marked the end of the conversation and silence enveloped the air once again.

Yet Manabu didn't leave.

Looking at the unmoving Elder Horikita Tatsuya raised a brow, "What do you think you're doing?"

His words surprised Ayanokouji and Horikita, they didn't understand his incredibly brazen question.

Manabu remained silent but there was hesitation in his eyes. Horikita felt her heart wrench upon seeing his behaviour, her body started trembling.

But immediately Ayanokouji placed a hand on her shoulder, calming her down.

"I think we're done here, Manabu. You should get going. I have a few things to talk about with your sister and Ayanokouji... alone."

A few seconds later Manabu released a powerless sigh before disappearing in the night but he displayed no weakness.

His back was straight and he walked away with confidence.

This in turn lifted Horikita's spirit and she walked towards Tatsuya with a scowl on her face.

"What are you doing here?" She hissed and Ayanokouji stood behind her.

"Drinking juice. To be honest apple juice tastes better than orange juice." 

"...What?" Horikita was baffled while Ayanokouji hummed in agreement.

"Well, Apple juice is certainly more nutritious than orange juice but in terms of minerals I believe orange juice is better."

"I have enough potassium as it is."

"But Apple juice has more calories."

"The f*ck? Why would I care about a few calories? The difference is extremely minimal."

"You might not but some do, though I considered you to, seeing how well-maintained your physique is and all."

"Thanks. Though I think you should begin the gym. I can see you're trained but I believe you've stopped for some while. You lack definition."

"Ah... That's true I gue-"

"Shut up! Both of you shut up!"

Both Tatsuya and Ayanokouji turned to Horikita.

Her face flushed red in anger.

She had enough of these buffoons. Why in the name of God were they suddenly talking about apple juice and orange juice?

And how did the topic suddenly change to their physiques?

"Wow! You look cute like that."

Click!

Suddenly, Tatsuya took a photo of Horikita much to her confusion. 

Ayanokouji took one step back, Horikita was on the verge of exploding.

But for some inexplicable reason, she closed her eyes and became quiet.

Tatsuya and Ayanokouji matched their gaze while having a silent conversation.

Tatsuya: What's wrong with her?

Ayanokouji: I don't know, but we should be safe. She doesn't have her compass with her right now.

Tatsuya: I see.

A second later she opened her eyes which were now calm. The anger, repulsion, and disgust were gone replaced by a steady and firm gaze.

"Let's leave Ayanokouji-kun. Nothing will come out of staying here."

She's lying.

Ayanokouji could tell she had a mountain of questions for Tatsuya but she had probably judged the situation to be extremely troublesome.

Horikita turned around and started walking away.

"I guess I'll see you in class, Tatsuya." Ayanokouji waved his hand and followed after her.

Watching them walk away Tatsuya had an amused expression.

"I heard you've made a study group, Suzune."

Seems like Tatsuya had different plans.

Both Horikita and Ayanokouji stopped in their tracks. Horikita turned around, "And?"

Oh? Looks like Horikita was going to clutch on this opportunity to question him.

Ayanokouji decided to listen to them.

"I'm pretty sure I told the class to not help Sudo and the other waste." Tatsuya's tone took a sudden shift.

If previously it was playful then now it was cold.

"You think I'm going to listen to someone like you?" Horikita smirked as if she was hearing nonsense.

"I don't understand this approach. I'm sure you realize that these people will do nothing but drag us down. I don't need disobedience in my class."

Maybe because she partly agreed with his words Horikita paused for a second before retorting, "It's not your place to judge anyone and I'll do what I wish."

Huh?

"No way you're being hypocritical right now. That's pretty embarrassing you know." 

A look of determination crossed over Horikita's face and the light in her eyes began shining brightly. Ayanokouji looked at her with interest.

"You can't stop me, Yamamoto-kun. I'll make sure Sudo, Ike, and Yamauchi pass."

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A/N- ah, things are getting spicy aren't they? Next chapter is pretty wild... It also has a little easter egg. 1500 power stones and I'll upload it today. I'm going to abuse these holidays I have to write as much as possible!!! Good luck!!! 〜⁠(⁠꒪⁠꒳⁠꒪⁠)⁠〜

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