3 Chapter 3: Too low on Private Points

[Kurushima Pov]

A sudden moment of realization struck me. I needed to visit the convenience store to get the necessities I would require for this month. And I already had spent almost half of our supposedly monthly allowance up.

Damn...

I really have a problem with managing money. 

Instantly, I went on my way to the convenience store to buy the adequate necessities.

But to my surprise, I saw Ayanokoji outside with Sūdo and three upperclassmen. 

I walked in their direction, but suddenl, the three upperclassmen walked away, and Sūdo kicked the trash can.

"Hello, Kurushima," Ayanokoji said in his stoic expression as I approached him. He slightly glanced with his eyes at the bags in my hands. Hahaha.... It's sad, isn't it? I should think of a way to get as much Points as possible.

"Ayanokoji-kun, is something wrong?" I asked him.

"I guess you could say that. Sūdo got in a dispute with the upperclassmen." Ayanokoji said as Sūdo began to walk in the convenience store angrily.

"What did they say to make him that angry?" I asked myself. 

However, Ayanokoji heard what I said and replied what he suspected. 

"Uh...I think they said that Sūdo-kun is a dead giveaway because he's in Class D," he responded.

"Dead giveaway?" I asked for a reaffirmed answer from him. 

"Yeah...uh...that's what they said," Ayanokoji affirmed as he continued to talk. "The cameras." Ayanokoji said, directing my attention to the camera. "I think we should pick the trash can up,"

"Yes, avoiding problems with the school would be beneficial." I responded as he nodded at me. I put the shopping bags to the side and in return, we both proceeded to pick up the trash can up.

"I'm going in the convenience store, Ayanokoji-kun. Until tomorrow," I exclaimed as I walked to the convenience store with my bags. Arriving at the convenience store, I saw Horikita, the black haired girl, with red eyes.

"Good afternoon, Horikita-san," I said, trying to initiate a conversation.

"How do you my name? I don't remember telling you nor anyone else in the class...besides Ayanokoji-kun?" she expressed, thinking Ayanokoji told me her name.

"No, it wasn't Ayanokoji-kun. It was your nameplate." I responded. 

"No, that's impossible. When both you and Ayanokoji-kun entered the classroom, I took it off from my table. That shouldn't be possible...that is if you didn't memorize my name from that time." she expressed in a shocking tone, as if she couldn't believe her own derived conclusion.

"Why? Why would you try to memorize my name? I don't remember doing anything worthwhile for you wanting to memorize my name?" she asked me in a demanding tone.

"Let's say I did it on a whim." I responded. Well, I memorized everyone's name, but I just couldn't classify who was who, until everyone arrived, and sat at their seats. 

"On a whim? I don't believe it. If you have any romantic ideas or feelings for me, I recommend you to throw them away." she expressed in a cold hearted tone, interpreting more than necessarily.

"Horikita-san...I—" just when I wanted to have fun, I got interrupted by her.

"I don't want to hear it," she responded in a now regretful tone, thinking I would confess to her.

"Oho, how sad. A cold-hearted ice queen, indeed. However, there is clearly a misunderstanding here. I don't know what you imagined, but I wanted to ask if you could move away."

"You are blocking the regal."

Slightly amused, I watched her facial expression. She looked at me in disdain, seeing that I intentionally made her believe I was confessing to her.

Messing up with arrogant high school girls is funnier than I expected. Perhaps this might become a hobby of mine now? 

"W-wwhat? The regal? You...trapped me." 

"I didn't trap you, Horikita-san. You assumed it and didn't let me talk further. I don't see how I should have trapped you."

"Humph, I'm wasting my time with the likes of you," she responded and walked away from my direction.

Well, that was fun. Let's see, what I'm going to buy myself here.

[15 Minutes Later]

[54.240 – 14.140]

[Private Points: 40.100]

I purchased the adequate necessities I would require for the dormitories and began to walk to the dormitories reception, where students can claim their keycard.

But while I was on my way, I reminisced myself that I was able to prove my suspicions further in the convenience store.

Firstly, I noticed multiple posters advertising part-time jobs, which offered students the opportunity to earn additional points.

That is certainly strange because the school already provides us with 100,000 Points, so there should be no need for us to earn more through part-time jobs. This most likely suggests that the school has ulterior motives, proving my suspicions further.

Additionally, the Points on our phones are classified as "Private Points" instead of simply "Points". This raises questions about the possibility of another classification for Points, being used collectively by the class. It would make sense if one is for individual purposes while the other is for collectively ones. 

The question is, how are these collective points affecting us? 

Considering that the school won't let everyone graduate with a 100% college entry and employment rate, the only other retainable option would be...a class ranking system amongst our grades to find the worthy class.

It does make sense, considering how Sūdo as a Class D student was referred to as a dead giveaway, showcasing different hierarchical standings between the classes. 

Well, then that means our abilities are being judged, from physical or academic performance, or even in some other areas, which in return is determining our hierarchical order within the grade.

That would be explanatory for the treatment Sūdo received since he is a Class D student and is referred to as a dead giveaway. Conversely, it would further support the theory that Class A and D are the best and worst classes, which is quite usual, as Japan is differentiating their students with that, in all schools.

But as I was in my thoughts, I saw myself suddenly arriving in front of the dormitories reception. 

Immediately, I claimed my keycard and walked a few hundred meters until I reached the dormitories. Upon the arrival, I could see how the elevator was closing itself. 

All of a sudden, I heard familiar voices from the girls with whom I went on the shopping spree today, from behind, 40 Meters away. We already parted, didn't we? What did they want from me now? Do they want to come into my room, perhaps?

No, that's not going to be happening. In the end, I'll have to cook for them, or something else. I'm already poor, I won't get poorer, by sharing my food with them. Nope, I should get this elevator, if possible. Otherwise...

 I'll have to think of returning a couple of clothes, to get a bit of my Private Points back. "Could you please wait?" I asked.

I hoped the person in the elevator would do me that wish, but I couldn't tell. Please, hold the elevator for me. Suddenly, an arm disrupted the elevator door of closing, and I could luckily get in.

I entered the elevator hastily and tried to press to the button to close the elevator several times. Close the door, already. Two seconds later, thankfully, it closed.

"Huh... Thank you," I said in a thankful tone, expressing my gratitude. 

I breathed in relief and looked at my savior to see a very attractive girl next to me, with silver hair and violet eyes. She was around the height 5.2, if I had to guess.

"My pleasure," she responded. 

Normally, our conversation would end like that, but I was thankful to her and found her presence quite pleasant. So I decided on trying of stirring up a conversation. 

"Hmm? The book you've with you is "whose body" from the Lord Peter series. Dorothy L. Sayers, huh? It's been a long time since I read a book from her."

"You know the book?" Contrary to what I thought, she looked at me with excitement one could feel through her facial expression alone. 

"How do you find it? The book, I mean." 

"It's a very enjoyable book. Every book from the Lord Peter series is. However, this one in particular is just outmatching the other ones from the series. especially when it's supposed to be the first book of the Lord Peter series." 

"It feels...different." 

I remember how I used to read this book to a certain cry baby in the past... Hahaha, she loved it when I read books to her. Unfortunately... No, I won't think about that here, now.

Shrugging my painful memories off, I looked at the girl who became after what I quite enthusiastic, if I had to guess.

"Yes, it certainly does." 

Although reading in general the first book of a series is always great, for me, it was for a different reason than her. Well, I guess, I'm quite the exception, am I not? I guess, I am.

"Whenever I'm reading the first book of a book series, it feels different than the ones I read later. I'm always energetic, and I don't know why until today," the girl said in a thoughtful and curious tone.

"Same for me, I guess. Is that book from the library? Or did you bring it with you from home?" I asked her.

"I have taken this book from home with me, alongside a couple of other ones. Unfortunately, only eight books suited in my luggage or else my clothes wouldn't have suited anymore," she replied, giggling it off painfully.

"However, I have heard that this school's library is quite huge and offers a variety of different kinds of books. I hope that I'm able to find many books that suit my tasting."

"I too, heard that this library was quite huge. I'm not sure how huge, but it should offer a very decent amount of books. Perhaps 200,000 to 300,000?"

In the meantime, the elevator suddenly stopped, and we reached the 7th floor.

"Ahm...before you leave, do you mind telling me your name?" she asked me, because she thought I might walk away, without stating my name.

"I'm Shiina Hiyori, Class 1-C, by the way," she said, introducing herself.

"I'm Kurushima Kaoru, Class 1-D. Pleasure to meet you, Shiina-san." 

"Pleasure to meet you too, Kurushima-kun," she expressed.

As I was thinking of leaving, I heard her talking again. "Uhm, do you perhaps mind if we exchange phone numbers with each other?" she asked. 

"I don't mind. Here, you go," I placed my phone above hers, giving her my contact information.

"Thank you. I shouldn't delay you further, especially considering when you have so much bag's with you," she giggled, seeing how I had multiple bags in my hand. 

"Ah, okay...I'm parting here then, Shiina-san. Have a great day."

"You too, Kurushima-kun," she said.

Once the elevator closed, I walked to my room, until I meet my destination. "Room 402, huh? Couldn't I have gotten a room closer to the elevator."

I scanned with the keycard the door, and moments later, the door opened. "Well, this'll be my new temporarily home, won't it? Hah... I'll have to buy myself a couple of other things, too? I should have really spared these Points..."

"Hello, new home... I'll be in your care, for a while."

--

[One Hour Later]

After one hour, I left my room. I still had to buy a couple of other things. Besides, I do want to test a couple of things, too. Especially, in regard of the allocation system...

At the same time I opened my door, someone too, opened it at the right side, Room 401. I glanced at the person, until I recognized him. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka out of my class. We're neighbors, it seems. 

Both of us looked at each other with eyebrows raised, since the coincide of us meeting today, was quite high. 

"It's quite awkward, isn't it? We have met first in the bus station, then the same class, the seats, the convenience store and now the rooms," I enumerated, unable to hold my laugh. 

"It truly is," he replied. This time however, his tone was also slightly amused and shocked.

"Ayanokoji-kun, should we perhaps exchange phone numbers, now that we're classmates? Of course, only if you don't mind, that is."

"I don't mind, Kurushima," Ayanokoji replied, and I began to put my phone above his.

"Done," I replied.

But he seemed to be slightly surprised. "Is it your first time having a phone, perhaps?"

"Yeah... My parents were quite strict with me."

"Ah, I see... Ayanokoji-kun, are you also intending on exploring the school ground?" I asked him.

"Yes, I suppose so."

"If that's so, are you perhaps interested on exploring the school campus together?" I asked.

"Sure.. uh... I don't mind, Kurushima."

Well, getting to know my classmates is essential. Besides, there's a thing about him that makes me curious. His eyes, more precisely. He has the same kind of lifeless eyes like me, actually. I'm doing my best to hide it, but it's harder than it looks like.

I'm even making jokes internally, to increase my mood, sometimes. I never was an individual to joke much. I'm rather more the more serious type of person, who dreams about his revenge or experiences nightmares, constantly. 

As I was in my thoughts, I decided to apologize to him. "Ayanokoji, I'm sorry. For the introductions, I mean. I didn't give you the time you needed, for the introduction."

"Uh... don't worry. Even.. uh.. if you didn't told me to introduce myself... I would have failed it, regardless. I never was the... particular type of being good at these... uh.. kind of things."

"Okay..." I responded.

Although I thought of myself as a not so communicative type of person, he was different. Not in the good light, I meant. 

I could see him on his way glancing at a couple of shops. "Ayanokoji-kun, don't let my presence disturb you from the shops you want to explore."

"No.. uh... I was just curious. Is there...uh.. any specific place you want to go, Kurushima?"

I nodded. "The Ice Cream shop. It's quite hot, so I'd like to cool myself down with something very cold."

"I see..."

"Interested in tagging along?" I asked. 

Since we had decently explored things on the school campus, he might want to return to his room, back. As for me, I'd later explore a couple of things, too. I'll buy myself a comfortable pillow, a comfortable blanket, and a couple of other things. 

The school's ones weren't that bad, but they were a bit uncomfortable in regards of my taste. Having a good sleep is important, so I'll buy these things after I bought me my Vanilla Ice Cream. Vanilla is truly the best, isn't it? Always loved it, and always will. 

"Uh... sure..."

From his reply, it feels like I'm kinda dragging him with me, forcefully, or something like that. 

But anyway, soon after, we arrived at the Ice Cream Shop, and I could see Ayanokoji's pupils moving and scanning the entire place. It appears like he almost never visited an ice cream shop in his entire life. 

No, he's most likely curious how the shop looks like. After all, it's our first day in school.

"Good lord... Luckily, the queue is empty. In one or two days, it'll be probably different, though. Many first-year student's should also find this location."

"Ah, yes, I suppose so. Kurushima, is there any ice cream sort you like in particular?"

"Vanilla and strawberry. What about your preferences, Ayanokoji-kun?" 

"Ahm...uh...I suppose I don't have any...I guess."

"Not a single preference. That's unusual. But I guess there are people like that also in the world." 

"Uh...well...which sort would you recommend, Kurushima?" 

"Since vanilla and strawberry are my favorite sorts, I would recommend those. However, I guess aside from my own preferences, I would recommend chocolate." I advised.

"I see. I suppose...I'll take chocolate." 

One scoop of ice costs 150 points. I took two. One scoop is strawberry, while the other scoop is vanilla. Ayanokoji bought three scoops of ice cream with chocolate.

[Private Points: 39.800]

"And, how is it, Ayanokoji? Delicious, right? I admit, this shop is quite good, actually. It's now one of my Top 5 Shops, currently."

"Top 5? For me, it's my uh... Top one. But you must be an expert uh... right?"

"Expert? Me? Not at all. The last time I visited an Ice Cream Shop is two years ago, honestly."

"Ah... uh.. I see..."

Strangely, Ayanokoji didn't talk further after that. It must be quite awkward for him. But anyway, we both finished our scoops of Ice Cream simultaneously. 

"Kurushima-kun, does the school offer ice cream in the convenience store?" Ayanokoji strangely asked me this question. How tone carried some kind of expectancy in it.

"Of course. There are a variety of different sorts of ice cream that are offered in the convenience store. Although, if you buy too much, your refrigerator won't have enough space for them." 

"I see. That's also one aspect I should consider," he said, looking deep in thought. Ayanokoji looked like as if he was calculating how much Ice Cream could suit in freezer compartment.

 "Kurushima, I think I'll be going now. To uhm... the convenience store..."

"Yeah, sure. Goodbye, Ayanokoji. Until tomorrow, or perhaps until today later, if we met again, somehow..."

"Yeah, uhm... farewell. 

"Good luck on finding your ice cream, Ayanokoji. Hopefully, there still remains some."

After having said that, he looked at me in disdain and shock, and speed up his pace towards the convenience store. I was just messing with him....

Did he really believe that? 

What a strange guy.

I for one, walked somewhere else, to test some aspects about the Point System in our phones. In the end, I spent once again too much Private Points.

[Private Points: 29.800]

However, I've found something worthwhile out, regarding the allocation System. It's definitely something that could help me greatly out...

How intriguing.