Chapter 5

As soon as Sensei left, the classroom fell into a state of pandemonium. Students were screaming here and there about what they had heard.

"What am I going to do without any more points....?"

"I used up the remainder of my points yesterday...."

"Even more than the points, this is a problem with the class.... Why was I put in Class D!?"

Yukumira annoyingly said.

"Wait, does this mean we wont be able to go to a college we want to go to? Then why did I come to this school in the first place? I wonder if Sae-chan-sensei hates me...."

I closed my eyes as I painfully listened to these idiots rant all about how deplorable our current situation was. I was really ready to blow a fuse when,

"I understand that everyone is panicking right now, but calm down."

Sigh, at least there's a few rational people in the mix. Hirata Yousuke had performed his role of class leader by trying to calm everyone down.

"How can we calm down in this situation? Are you not frustrated that we are the class of leftovers!?"

Yukimura complained. It's like he ignored everything I said to him.

"Even if I say I am, isnt it better to work to get out of this situation?"

"Get out of this situation? In the first place I dont agree with this hierarchy of classes!"

"I completely understand your feelings. However it's just like Tatsumaki-chan said, theres no use complaining about it."

"Huh!?"

Yukimura walked over to Hirata and held him by the collar.

"You want me to listen to watch she said!?"

He then turned to glare at me, then pointed at me

"She is the only one in the class with a very high chance of being moved to another class, so she's not worried in the slightest. Dont you see? For all we know it's a mistake that shes even in D."

Trust me, it isn't

I could feel all eyes on me now. I didnt like the sort of situation he was putting me in, but I couldn't help but be amused by this display. So this was the real Yukimura, huh? I'm sorely disappointed by how irrational he is.

I just quietly listened to what he had to say about me. I couldn't afford to be careless now.

"Calm down, you two. Ok? Sensei must have explained in order to cheer us up, right? And you cant go around pointing fingers about people. That's rude. Tatsumaki-chan is as much a victim as anybody in this room is."

Tell him, Kushida-chan

I was sincerely grateful that she spoke up. She broke the two of them apart, then tried to calm down Yukimura, who looked ready to engage in a fist fight with Hirata. Definitely wouldnt end well for him.

Kushida Kikyou, a person that I considered to be the female face of Class D. A member with a lot of influence in this class from what I could tell. She was already friends with most of the students in our grade. Seems like she had nearly accomplished her goal.

To be honest, I think I would have to thank Sensei for doing this. Thanks to her, I've been able to see certain aspects of some students I had been monitoring.

As expected, Ayanokoji was not fazed by this news. He had probably expected it. I could catch him glancing at me from time to time.

I was disappointed by Horikita though. She, who usually carried an air of calmness was sincerely surprised by the announcement. She couldn't be a white room student. In fact, for now I could safely say nobody in Class D could be a white room student. Which meant I'd have to search the other classes.

I looked at Airi, who had also been stealing glances at me. I ignored her. I knew what she wanted to ask, so I would answer her later.

As Yukimura and Hirata were arguing, something Yukimura said came back to mind. "For all we know she could be moved to another class."

This statement of his caught my attention. Could I really move to another class by myself? If so,

"THATS IT!"

I slammed down on my table as I stood. I just had a eureka moment. Now i just needed Sensei to confirm.

I could feel all eyes on my but I couldn't care, I just walked out of the class. My destination, the Staff Room.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"THATS IT!"

BAAM

The whole class was silenced as soon, as they heard the thunderous sound of hands hitting a desk, and a girl yelling.

Immediately everybody's gaze was fixed on Tatsumaki Shiro. They were all confused about her sudden outbursts and wanted to ask why she screamed but she left the classroom before they could do so.

Some students gained the wrong notion and begun to whisper,

"What was that all about?"

"That bitch, just because she got a perfect score in the exams, she starts acting high and mighty."

"Yea, yea"

"Hmph, I guess it's times like this that you see the true colours of people."

Airi sat down, facing her desk with her eyes closed. She wanted to defend her friend Shiro, but she just couldn't open her mouth to do so. She was too embarrassed to shout out and tell people to stop insulting her only friend in the school. She felt ashamed and could only listen to their remarks, then,

"Hey, you girls better watch it. She probably had a reason for that!"

Karuizawa warned

"Yea, it's wrong to start saying bad things behind people's backs, you know."

Just as there were those who were insulting her behind her back, there were also those who wouldnt sit down to let their friend get insulted.

"What do you think was the reason for her outburst?"

Ayanokoji asked Horikita who simply stared at the classroom door after Shiro had left.

"Hmmm? How should I know?"

She responded bluntly

"I dont know, you sit by her. I thought you would know a thing or two about her."

Horikita glared at Ayanokoji and he just stared at her with a bored expression.

"If I had to take a guess, i would have to say she was probably frustrated by the class's reaction and left the classroom."

She gave him her honest opinion of the matter. Ayanokoji then looked at her desk which had only a notebook with a pencil case next to it.

"Hmmm. You sure?"

"If you wouldnt take my suggestion why ask for it in the first place?"

Ayanokoji then looked at the door. Truth be told he had been monitoring the student that is Tatsumaki Shiro the entire time Chabashira Sensei was talking in class. No, he had been monitoring everybody in the class, but Shiro's behaviour was.... weird. She remained utterly calm and unfazed as everything was revealed, almost as if she knew about it. He wanted to discard the thought as her maybe just being slow on the uptake, but then he saw her smile at Chabashira sensei. A very subtle curvature of the lips, but he barely managed to see it.

He then looked at his phone and took a picture of the class points. He couldn't afford to use up much time thinking about her. For now he would have to deal with the current ordeal.

"What are you doing?"

Horikita asked as she noticed his actions.

Yukimura looked at the door in complete disbelief. Wasn't Shiro the very girl who told him that it was pointless to scream? Didnt she just do the very thing she had complained about? Was she hypocritical? Yes. That was all Yukimura could say.

He was infuriated and had some pretty good reasons to be.

"That girl, after all the bull..."

"Calm down Yukimura-kun."

Kushida tried calming him down.

After a while, Hirata came up to podium, drawing attention to himself, he couldn't let all the hateful gazes of his classmates fall on Shiro. He had to distract and organise them before any bad occurrences happened.

"Everyon, once class starts, I ask that everyone pays attention earnestly. Especially you, Sudou-kun."

The delinquent of the class clicked his tongue at the statement.

"Tch, what is it"

"This month, we didnt get any points. This is a problem that will hugely affect our future student life. We can't go on like this and graduate with 0 points, can we?"

"Definitely not!"

One of Hirata's fangirls screamed, and he responded with a gentle nod.

"Of course not. So, we have no choice but to try and get some points next month. That's why everyone in the class has to work together to fix our problem. We should refrain from being late to and talking during class. Naturally using cell phones during class is also prohibited."

"Ha? Why do we have to listen to what you say? If the points stay constant, theres no reason to stop."

"However, if we continue to do all these things, our points will also not increase. In fact more will be subtracted. Although it cant go lower than 0, it still counts as a negative."

"I dont understand. Even if we work hard during class its not like our points will go up."

Feeling dissatisfied,  Sudou snorted and crossed his arms. Kushida decided to speak up.

"Didnt the school say that these things should be obvious?"

"Un, I also think the same way as Kushida-san. It's the natural thing to do."

"That's just an explanation for your own convenience. If you dont have a way to increase our points, dont waste time talking. Talk after you figure it out."

"I dont think theres anything wrong with what you are saying, Sudou-kun. I apologized for making you feel uncomfortable."

Hirata bowed, sincerely apologetic if he had  triggered Sudou unintentionally.

"However, it also a fact that if we dont cooperate theres no chance of our points increasing."

Sudou seemed to be thinking about what Hirata said for a while, the  responded while getting up from his seat.

".... It doesn't matter what you do. Just dont bother me."

With that, he walked out of the classroom.

As soon as he left, the students started to insult him as well. They couldn't help but voice their displeasure towards his attitude.

Hirata walked down from the Podium, and as soon as he did that, Horikita walked out of the classroom. Everyone who saw the spectacle was confused.

Does she really not care that class is about to start? This was what had filled the heads of the students, so they couldn't help but insult her as well.

Ayanokoji was conflicted between sitting down and listening to the students, or following after Horikita to see what she was going to do. He felt that it was a bit out of character for her to leave the classroom just like that. Then again, he didnt want eyes on him. But he also wanted to calm his curiosity. Feeling that it would be easier to see what she was doing rather than asking her to tell him, he stood up and walked out of the classroom.

The while class was in an uproar by the actions of those four students. Who did they think they were to leave right before the class started.

Surely they would receive an earful from the students later on. For now, the students themselves had to prepare for the next class.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I knocked on the Staff room's door and waited patiently for a teacher to come out. Luckily, it was the teacher I was looking for. Sensei came out of the room with a puzzled expression on her face.

"What is it Tatsumaki-chan? Class is about to start."

"I wanted to ask you a question."

Chabashira sensei's eyebrow shot up, and a slight curvature appeared on her lips.

"Oh?"

"Yes sensei. Theres one thing you didnt explain in class and I didnt want to bring it up in front of my other classmates."

I really needed to do this. I couldn't handle post-poning this and finding out I couldn't do it later. It was now or never.

"I wanted-"

Just then I noticed Sensei looking behind me, and I could hear footsteps. Wondering who it was, I turned my head around and saw Horikita Suzune, my classmate and sitting partner. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Chabashira-sensei, I wish to have a moment of your time."

Horikita requested for time to talk with sensei.

Ah damnit.  I can't ask the question in front of anyone from Class D.

"What is it? I was talking with Sensei."

I bluntly said. I was trying to make her leave but it would seem that she didnt know how to read the mood, as she kept on walking towards Sensei. This girl had nerves of steel and it was actually getting on my nerves.

Luckily for me, Sensei understood that I did not wish to talk about the matter in front of my classmates so she said,

"Well, I'm sorry but you can ask me that question another time. I will call for you after class. You as well, Horkita."

She said, looking at Horikita. I nodded and thanked her.

"Thank you sensei, then I shall make my way towards the staff room after school."

"Ok then Sensei. I shall talk with you after school ends."

Horikita said.

I then begun walking back to the classroom. I tried to regain my composure and think calmly. Why was she here?! Why was he here? Why were they together? Are they plotting something? Of course the he I was referring to was none other than Ayanokoji Kiyotaka who had been spying on us from a distance.

I wanted to pry Horikita for answers but I was cautious of Ayanokoji. I was certain he would notice what I wanted to do and instead get answers for me. Not easily though. So for now, I would just ignore their presence here and walk back to the classroom like nothing ever happened.

As I walked, I could see her looking straight at me and I just ignored her. Maybe she wanted to talk to me, maybe not. Either way, I was not stopping until she called my name.

I passed right beside her and she had this air of displeasure around her.

"Tastumaki-san, I wish to speak with you."

I came to a stop a few feet behind her, then turned around to face her. She was already facing me. Both of her beautiful eyes looked at me and I replied in kind.

"Hmmmm? Is something the matter?"

"No not really. I just wanted to ask you a couple of questions."

"Ok, I would love to answer those but class is about to start, so can I answer them at a later date?"

I used that excuse because I wasn't in the mood to talk and I was very certain the honors student Horikita would very much care about being in class on time.

She shook her head, and said

"No you're right. I will hold you to that then."

Ayanokoji on the other hand was silently observing us from a distance. As if he were suspicious of something, but what could he be suspicious of? Didn't he already know that I was the white room student? Is it possible he doesn't know? No. No no no. I had to discard that thought. I wouldnt be able to get a good night's rest if I thought about this again.

So with that, both of us walked back to the classroom, it seemed like Ayanokoji had already taken the lead.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

All eyes were on us as we entered the classroom together. Now that I think about it, maybe I should have headed back ahead of her? Sigh. Theres nothing I can do about it now. I just walked to my seat, trying to ignore the eyes. I felt kind of awkward. Luckily, immediately the first class begun and all the students focused on that. Sudou-kun on the other hand,... Sigh he's an idiot.

Immediately after school I begun packing my things, although I wouldn't leave immediately. Sensei did say she would call me later. For now, I would just have to wait for that. Horikita on the other hand couldn't  wait. So as soon as class was over she packed her items and left. Same could be said for Sudou, but who cares about him.

Hirata went to podium and grabbed the students attentions. I didn't understand what was going on, so I asked the only person I could.

"Hey, Sakura. What's going on?"

I whispered so as to not draw any attention to my self.

"Oh, um. Hirata-kun wanted t-to hold a discussion. Abo-about what to do."

"Oh."

As expected of the class leader, but this was not something I wanted to be a part of. For sure they wouldn't get anywhere. They would just waste precious time bickering amongst themselves and it wasn't something I was going to sit through.

"Oh well, I'll see you in dorms then."

I whispered to her as I got up from my seat.

"Sure"

All eyes were on me again. These people.

"Is something the matter Tatsumaki-san?"

Hirata-kun asked.

"Yeah, I'm sorry but I've got to go."

"Hey, cut the bull. You say all that crap about making the school acknowledge you and now you won't even sit for a discussion?!"

Yukimura screamed. I could tell he was royally pissed and I couldn't care.

"Try to understand the other party before you go into a frenzy."

I glared at him.

*Sigh*

I got myself into quite the situation this morning, didnt I? But when I have a eureka moment i just have to act then. It's just a part of me, now all the students had the wrong idea about why I left the class. Maybe explaining it to them would make my situation better. Maybe not.

"And what's that supposed to me-"

"Please would the following students report to the Staff room. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka-kun and Tatsumaki-Shiro-san. Chabashira-sensei is calling for you."

Saved by the announcement. I looked at him with what I hoped to be a "You see?" expression.

He sat down quietly and I walked out of the class, with Ayanokoji. Why was Ayanokoji involved though? Did sensei see him spying on us earlier?

I never knew school life could be so tiring. On the way to the staff room I stretched. My bones were beginning to get sore.

I could see him occasionally looking at me, but I paid no attention to him.

As soon as we reached the staff room, Ayanokoji tried opening the door and looked around the room. It seemed like he hadn't  seen Chabashira sensei, but had seen another teacher. He was probably going to ask that teacher for her whereabouts.

"Um, is Chabashira-sensei here?"

"What? Sae-chan? She was here until a few moments ago..."

Sae-chan? Were they close? That was the only thing I could think as soon as I heard that name. This made me curious as to who it was. The voice sounded feminine.

"Looks like she had something to do. Do you want to wait inside?"

"No, I'll wait in the hallway."

As soon as he said that, the teacher came out of the door, then faced Ayanokoji. It seems like she hadn't noticed my presence yet so I decided to stay quiet.

"I'm Hoshinomiya Chie, responsible for class B. I've been best friends with Sae since high school. We're close enough to call each other Sae-chan and Chie-chan~."

I was wondering what purpose she had, sharing such... useless information.

The woman though, was a beauty with shoulder-length hair that gave off an adult like impression, although her attitude seemed like the opposite.

"Ne, why did Sae-chan call you here? Ne ne, why?"

She was prying him for answers like a child. It was quite the spectacle seeing an older woman do that to a teenage boy.

"Who knows. I dont know the reason either..."

"I don't understand. You were called out without being given the reason? Fun? What's your name?"

"My name's Ayanokoji."

"Ayanokoji-kun? Isnt that a cool name~. You're popular, right~?"

Fufufufufu, popular?

As she fired an onslaught of questions, Ayanokoji looked to me for help. I was considering not helping him. It was quite the amusing spectacle. Then again, I wanted to find Chabashira-sensei as soon as possible.

"Excuse me, but are you sure you have no idea where Chabashira-sensei went off to?"

Hoshinomiya-sensei stopped to look at me, now noticing my presence. With a smile, she said

"Oh, sorry. I didnt notice you there. And you  are?"

Then she looked at me, expecting my name. I might as well give it to her.

"Tatsumaki Shiro. From Class 1D."

"Oh, so you're the one who got a perfect score."

She said. I guess it was no surprise that other teachers would already know. I was very certain they were monitoring the top performers in each class.

Hoshinomiya-sensei then looked at Ayanokoji with a devilish grin.

"Ne ne, is she your girlfriend?"

"Please, heavens no."

I said immediately. Although I tried for a light joking tone.

Hoshinomiya-sensei grabbed his shoulder, drawing him closer then began poking his cheeks.

"Really? I'm surprised. If I were in your class, I'm sure I would have gone for him. Are there better guys other than him?"

"Yep. Definitely."

I said again, carrying the same tone as before.

Then I saw Chabashira-sensei approaching them from behind. She had a scary look on her face and I could tell that Hoshinomiya-sensei was doomed. I decided to pretend that I saw nothing.

"What are you doing, Hoshinomiya?"

A clipboard was brought down on her head without mercy. Hoshinomiya-sensei squatted down, holding her head in pain.

"Oww. What'd you do that for!"

"That's because you were doing weird things with students here."

"I was only talking to them while they were waiting for you to come back!"

"Just leave it at that. Sorry for making you wait you two. Well then, let's move to the guidance room."

We all followed Chabashira-sensei to the guidance room, with an extra person. Hoshinomiya-sensei was following us until Chabashira-sensei noticed.

"Not you, you stay back."

"Don't say it so coldly~. Its no big deal if I listen too, right?"

"How long are you going to follow us? This is a problem concerning class D."

"Eh? Can't I go with you? Is that no good? Look I can give advice too~"

She was still trying to follow us without permission but then a beautiful student with light pink hair came up. I recognized her as Ichinose Honami, from Class B. I wasn't close with her at all. I doubted she even knew who I was, but then she looked at me and smiled. A very refreshing and angelic smile that could calm one's mind. Because of that i was put on edge.

"You, you are Tatsumaki Shiro, right?"

"Eh? Ye-yes. How do you know that?"

"Ichinose-san, is there anything wrong?"

Hoshinomiya-sensei cut our conversation short.

"Oh, Hoshinomiya-sensei. I was looking for you. Do you have time now? The student council has matter to discuss."

Student council? Wait she was already a part of it? Was that normal? And how did she know who I was.

At least she solved one problem, getting rid of Hoshinomiya-sensei. With that we managed to get to the guidance room without much worry.

"Why didnt you call Horikita?"

I asked.

"Don't worry, I've already talked to her. She'll be joining us later."

Sensei replied.

"Then.... what was the reason you called me?"

Ayanokoji asked

"Umu, about that... before I talk about that, come over here."

She beckoned us over and opened a door in the room. She put the kettle on top of the stove in the office kitchen.

"I'll be making some green tea. Are you all ok with roasted green tea?"

She asked. I had never tried Roasted green tea before. I was curious about the taste. So I picked up a container with roasted green tea powder.

"Dont do anything extra. Enter quietly. Until I say it's ok for you 2 to come back out, stand there quietly. If you don't you will be expelled."

"Huh? What do you mean-"

Ayanokouji and I asked the exact same thing at the exact same time, but sensei just left without any explanation.

Expelled? What did she mean by that? I havent done anything that warrants an expulsion. Sigh. I guess I would listen to her for now. Although I didnt like that I was in the same room with Ayanokouji.

After a while, I heard the sound of the guidance room door opening. It seems like someone decided to pay a visit.

"Here, come in. Well then, what do you have to say to me? Horikita."

Of course Horikita went after Chabashira sensei. I'm more surprised that she didnt see Sensei before Ayanokoji and I.

"I will ask you frankly. Why was I put in Class D?"

"Are you really asking frankly?"

"Today, sensei said that the classes were divided by superiority. And that Class d was the lowest collection of leftovers."

"I did indeed say that. It looks like you consider yourself as a 'superior' person."

"I believe that I solved nearly all the problems on the entrance exam, and had no big mistakes during the interview. At the very least, I dont think I should be in class D."

She actually believes she is superior to others. Sure she beat most people when it came to Beauty, sports and academics. She proved this during the swimming competition and by tieing for second place during this test. But still, the proud didn't last long. Such a proud existence, Horikita Suzune.

At that moment I begun thinking about how fun it would be to crush such a proud existence. The look on their face when they realise that there is a sky above the sky. What expression would be on their face.

"Solved nearly all the problems on the entrance exams, is it. Usually we can't show the results of the entrance exam, but I'll give you a special exception. I have your answer sheet here by chance."

Wait! For real?! I wanted to see my sheet too.

"You are thoroughly prepared, I see.... looks like you also knew I would come here to protest my placement."

"I'm a teacher. I understand the students to some degree at the very least. Horikita Suzune. As you thought, on the entrance examination, you were 4th place among the incoming first-years. Your scores were behind first, second and third by only a small margin. You did very well. There were no particular problems that we observed during the interview either. Rather, you were highly rated."

"Thank you very much. Then - Why?"

"Before that, why are you dissatisfied with Class D?"

Do you really need to ask such a question?

"There is no one that would be happy when they are not correctly evaluated. Also, the differences between classes also greatly affect future prospects. It's only natural that I'm unhappy."

"Correctly evaluated? Hey hey, your evaluation of yourself is too high."

Chabashira-sensei laughed at her.

"I recognize that your academic ability is high. You are definitely smart. However, who decided that smart people were the ones who got into the superior classes? We never said that."

Sigh. True

"That's-that's just common sense."

Horikita was grasping at straws now. I could feel her pain. If only those old men in white hadn't meddled, Class A would definitely have been mine.

"Common sense? Didnt that 'common sense'create the broken Japan we live in now? Indeed, we used to separate the inferior from the superior using the test scores. As a result, incompetent people tried to make up the difference in desperation to defeat the truly superior people. In the end, it led to a hereditary system."

That very foolish system, where social status, honor and jobs are inherited.

Ayanokoji let out a groan. I wondered why that was.

"Why what's wrong?"

I suddenly whispered to him. He looked a bit surprised when I asked him. But to be perfectly honest, I think I was the most surprised.

"Oh, it's nothing. Never mind."

He said, as he put his hand to his chest.

"Hmmm. Ok"

Then i returned to eavesdropping on the conversation between Sensei and Horikita.

"...It is a big mistake to think that you can be assigned to a superior class by only studying. That was the very first thing we explained, at the entrance ceremony. Besides, think about it calmly. Do you think someone like Sudou would make it if we determined acceptance only by intelligence?"

"Tsu..."

Sensei was making a valid point. Even students as educationally inept as Sudou managed to get in.

"Also, its rash to say that there is no one that would be happy when they are incorrectly evaluated. Class A, for an example, receives a lot of pressure from the school and a lot  of envy from the lower classes. Competing under heavy pressure is harder than you think. There are students that are fine with being evaluated lower than they actually are. Would you believe me if I told you that there was a student that asked to be put in Class D?"

I glanced at Ayanokoji and he caught my glance.

"What is it?"

He asked

"Nothing"

"That's a joke, right? I can't understand those kind of people."

"Really? I think there are a few in Class D. Oddball students that would stay in a low level class with pleasure."

Yep. She was talking about Ayanokoji.

I let out a sigh and take a sip of my roasted green tea. The rich, smoky and naturally sweet flavour touched my tongue and I felt so relieved. Now I knew what to do after school. I would buy a pack if roasted tea powder for later. This was a really nice beverage. I wondered how it would taste when cold.

"You still haven't explained clearly. Is my placement in Class d the truth, and was there no mistake in my evaluation? Please double check."

It seems like Horikita-san wasnt ready to give up.

"Its too bad, but your placement in class D was not a mistake. You're definitely in class D. You are a student only at that level."

".... is that so. I will hear from the school at another time."

Yare yare. This girl needs to start asking the right questions or else she won't ever get to Class A.

"You'll get the same result if you try to talk to anyone in a higher position. Theres no need to be that disappointed. As I said this morning, classes can overtake and surpass one another. Remember that there is the possibility of rising up to class A before graduation."

"It does not seem like a very easy path. How will the immature class D ever get more points than Classs A? No matter how I look at it, it is impossible."

It seems like she and I shared the same thoughts. Except for one thing. Albeit hard, it's not impossible.

"I wouldn't know. It's your own choice whether or not to head down that reckless path. By any chance, do you have a special reason as to why you need to be in class A?"

"That is... I will excuse myself for today. However, please remember that I still do not understand."

"All right  I'll remember that."

It seems like they were done with their discussion. I guess she would now focus on Ayanokoji and I.

I tried to think hard on why the two of us were called together and there was only one thing connecting us. The white room. Its possible that she is a spy sent to monitor us.

"Oh, right. I called other people to the guidance room. They are people that are also relevant to you."

Oi oi. You better not be talking about me.

"Relevant to me....? No way... Niisa-"

"Come out, the two of you. Ayanokoji. Tatsumaki."

What the heck. If I say I won't come out, now what's going to happen? It seemed Ayanokoji was same.

"If you don't come out, both of you will be expelled."

Sensei!!!!!!!!

I opened the door and walked out.

"How can you be so cruel sensei. Expulsion? Seriously?!"

Ayanokoji followed behind me. As expected, Horikita was surprised.

"Were you two.... listening to us?"

"Listening? I know you guys were talk-"

"We heard everything you said."

I immediately cut him off from telling such a poor lie. He looked at me and I did same.

".... Sensei, why would you do that?"

Horikita looked royally pissed and had good reason to be.

"Because it was necessary.  Well then Ayanokoji, you asked why I called you earlier. I'll tell you the reason why I called you."

Sensei fixed her attention on Ayanokoji.

"Excuse me then...."

"Wait Horikita. It is better for you to listen to the end. This'll be a hint on how you can get up to class A."

I glared at Sensei. She couldn't possibly mean me or Ayanokoji right? Was she planning on using us? I couldn't say the same for Ayanokoji but the thought of using me, infuriated me. A lot.

Horikita sat down in her chair.

"Please keep it short."

Chbashira sensei laughed as she looked at her clipboard.

"Both of you are interesting students, you know."

She was talking to us.

"I'm not interesting at all, not as interesting as someone like Chabashira who was a strange surname."

I let out a sigh at his attempts at telling a joke.

"Do you want to prostrate yourself in front of all the Chabashira's in the country? Hmm?"

Was she also trying to make a joke?

"After your entrance examination results, I was thinking about potential individual teaching methods, but after seeing your test results, my interest was piqued. I was surprised at first."

She held the answer sheets from the entrance exam on the clipboard. I could see one with my name, and the other with Ayanokoji's. As expected, I had fairly good scores.

"For Tatsumaki, we have 90 points in Japanese, 90 points in math, 90 points in english, 90 points in history and 90 points in science, making her the 2nd best student. For Ayanokoji we have 50 points in all of these tests and even in the most recent test, Ayanokoji scored precisely 50 points. Do you know what this means?"

That Ayanokoji is intentionally getting 50 points? I wanted to yawn right about now. If she wouldnt let me ask my question then she was wasting my time.

Horikita looked at the tests scores then looked at us.

"What a frightening coincidence."

Ayanokoji said.

"Indeed. Freaky world we live in."

I said.

"Hou? You're going to claim that your results are a coincidence to the very end? It's clearly intentional."

"Its coincidence. You have no proof. Anyway, what benefit would I get from manipulating my own results? If I had a brain that could get high Marks, I would aim for perfect score in all subjects."

Sensei let out a sigh, and I just laughed.

They all looked at me, with eyes that said 'what's funny?'

"Hmmm. Ayanokoji-kun, don't you think lying about this is only insulting the pride of the supposedly 'superior'?"

I said, trying to annoy Horikita. It was working because I caught her glaring at me.

"Indeed Ayanokoji, it's as Tatsumaki says. Lying will only insult others. In the math test, #5 was only solved by 3% of all students this year. Additionally, you included a complex formula and used it flawlessly. On the other hand, the correct answer rate of #10 was 76%. Did you make a mistake? Or is that 'normal'?"

"I dont know what's normal in this world. Its coincidence,  a coincidence."

"Fufufufu... I'm sorry but this is just..."

I covered my mouth as I giggled.

Sensei had a smile on her lips as she looked at me.

"You're the weirdest amongst all the students Tatsumaki. You solved all the tough questions accurately and answered the easiest questions incorrectly. Then you presented a letter to the office, saying that you wished to be placed in Class D. It's like you are trying to make a statement to the school."

"Huh?"

A letter? So that was what was written in it? Those old men told me to submit this letter during my interview and that I would be admitted to the school. Damnit. If I had known I would have burnt that letter.

I could see the gazes of Ayanokoji and Horikita on me. I was guessing Horikita was completely shocked. Chabashira-sensei let out a sigh

"To be honest, you two are the weirdest students I have ever had."

She then looked at Horikita, and said,

"How was that?"

"Why do you.... pretend that you dont understand?"

She asked Ayanokoji

"No, like I said, it's a coincidence. Its not like  I'm hiding that I'm a genius or something."

Except that you are

"And you.... why did you ask to be in Class D?"

"I didn't ask to be in Class D. I didn't even know what was in the letter."

I told her the truth. Whether she would believe me, was up to her.

"There's  a chance that Ayanokoji is smarter than you are, Horikita. I don't believe we even need to talk about Tatsumaki."

Oh. Horikita flinched. Seems like the proud sky doesn't want to admit that its beneath another sky.

"I don't like studying, nor do I want to try my best. That's why I get those kind of scores."

"Its not about the students who choose this school. Like both of you and Koenji, there are others who are fine with either class A or Class D."

That's right, I'll have to talk to Koenji one of these days. Maybe I'll catch him after school one day? Anyway, I was more interested in these other students that were hiding their capabilities.

"What is it? What other reasons are there?"

"Do you want to hear about it in detail?"

Chabashira sensei asked.

"No, I'll stop here. If I kept listening, I think I would go crazy and destroy all the furniture in here."

"If you do that, Ayanokoji will be demoted to class E."

"Theres such a class?"

"Yeah, its expulsion Mr. Genius."

I sarcastically reply.

"I will also leave. It's time for the staff meeting to start. I'm going to close this room, so let's leave the room."

She then kicked us out of the room, leaving the three of us together.

I sighed then begun walking away. It seemed Ayanokoji had the same idea.

"Wait."

Horikita called out to us. I could see Ayanokoji wasnt stopping so neither would I. Today had been a rather wasteful day for me. Here I was thinking I could ask my question and she wasted my time instead.

"You two.... You really have no interest in Class A?"

She asked.

"I already said that I'm aiming for A, did I not?"

I was sure i said this in the class. Did she not hear me?

Ayanokoji remained silent and kept on walking.

"What about you Ayanokoji. You avoid troublesome things and you don't have any interest in Class A."

Avoid troublesome things, huh? I guess he should have thought about that before becoming the success of the white room.

"You also have some unusual thoughts about class A."

"....Should I not? I'm working to make my future prospects more advantageous."

"No it's perfectly natural."

I sighed and quickened my pace. I had no interest in listening to these two love birds. I had better things to think about and with Ayanokoji here theres no way I'm getting any information.

"Wait, Tatsumaki-san."

"Hmmm?"

I could hear quickened foot steps behind me, then a hand grabbing my shoulder. I looked at her, tilting my head to show that I was confused.

"Please wait up for a little bit. Theres something I want to talk about with you."

"Sure, but before that, it seems like Ayanokoji-kun is running away."

He had also quickened his pace. From his actions, I could tell his goal was the same as mine. Get as far away from Horikita as possible. But if I was going to have to stay, I sure as hell wasn't going to let him go.

"Ayanokoji-kun, please wait. This is something very important."

He let out a sigh in defeat and waited for us to catch up to him.

"I wanted to ask you guys, if you think it would be possible for Class D to rise to Class A."

"...."

"... What if I said it is?"

I said, trying to break the silence. Horikita looked at me, I was taller than her by about 5 inches so I looked down on her.

"Then first, I want to figure out the real intention of the school. Why was I put into Class D. Chabashira-sensei said that I was only judged as someone cutting for Class D, so.... When I figure it out, I'll aim for Class A no, I'm always aiming for class A."

This girl....

"That's going to be really hard. You'll have to fix those problem children. Sudou's perpetual lateness, the talking during class, and the test scores. Even if you achieve that it's still 0 increase and subtraction in points."

"..... I already know that. I'm still hoping that my placement was a mistake by the school."

Now she's hoping, huh? She's now anxious, now that she knows that there are other superior students hiding in plain sight.

"Are you thinking of taking care of this situation with your own hands?"

Ayanokoji asked

"Yes"

She responded

"What a quick answer."

Horikita jabbed his sides and he yelled in pain.

I sighed as I watched this display.

"Attempting to do something when you don't even have the resources is a fatal move, Horikita-san."

I said, trying to antagonize her.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She asked

"Hou? I understand what you are trying to say, however you can't handle this problem by yourself. You can't think of getting more points by yourself. Its impossible. Even if you get the class to help you, one bad nut spoils the soup."

".... and in this case the bad nut is..."

Horikita said

"Sudou"

Ayanokoji said.

"I already know that it will be difficult without the help of those in the class."

"So what are you going to do?"

I asked her.

"There are 3 key points we need to fix in order to improve. Tardies and talking during class. And then making sure that everyone passes the mid term."

"The first two will probably be done to some extent, however the midterms are..."

He had a point there. I was surprised by how many of the students got bad scores. The mid terms would be difficult for class D.

"Which brings me to why I asked for you two to listen to me."

"Cooperation?"

Both of us asked at the same time. What was she getting up to.

I gave it a thought. A cooperation with her wouldn't be so bad. Itll be more like me adding to my list of pawns. The only problem would be how to manipulate her. Then again, let's see what she can do for class D. If she manages to improve the situation, I'll include her then

"I decline the proposal. For now at least."

I said. If she was smart she would think about the 'For now, at least' part.

"...But,..."

Seemed like she was thinking of a way to convince me, then,

"I refuse."

Ayanokoji said bluntly. It's not surprising that he, who wanted to lead an inconspicuous life would refuse.

"I believed that Ayanokoji-kun would agree to cooperate from the start. I give you my gratitude."

"I didnt say that! I completely refused!"

"No  I heard the voice in your mind. You said that you would help."

Wow, this girl is really scary.

"I don't think there's anything I can particularly help you with."

Ayanokoji lied.

"Its nothing to worry about. I don't need your brainpower. Leave the plans to me, and you can be the muscle. Tatsumaki-san on the other hand, I want you to help me."

"Ha? Why should I be the muscle?"

"Didnt I already tell you I decline the offer?"

"Arent you worried about class' points? If you follow my instructions, I promise to make our points positive. I can guarantee that."

I let out a sigh as I listened to her go on about her crap again.

"I'm sure you have some kind of plan, but you count me out of it. Get someone else to help you."

I said, taking out my phone. Seems like my girls had texted me earlier and I hadn't noticed it.

"That's too bad, I dont think there are other people in the class as competent as you two are."

"And what makes you say that?"

I asked out of boredom, while I read through my messages.

"Well, if I would have to guess, I would say the way you two reacted during class this morning. You were both well composed and didn't get distressed in the slightest."

"Hmmmm, Hirata-kun and Kushida-chan did the same though. Theres also Koenji-kun."

"They are no good. Even if they have the ability, I cant accept them. They are worthless to me if I cant use them. I need a chess piece. A pawn that will just follow without argument."

Something in my head snapped as soon as I heard those words. A chess piece? A pawn? Me? Oh oh oh oh.

"A pawn can also be used to make money."

Ayanokoji said.

"An interesting reply, but you're a person that wouldnt make much of an effort. Haven't you been thinking. 'I'm ok with being a pawn, but I dont want to admit it's?"

I was so angry by what she was saying, that I begun to laugh.

"Fufufufufu..."

"What's so funny?"

She asked.

"Nevermind that. This was a waste of time."

I quickened my pace

"Sorry, but I cant help you. I'm not suited for this."

Seems Ayanokoji was also not amused by what she said.

"Well, you can contact me once you collect your thoughts. I will look forward to then."

Was this girl joking? She had to be, right? Yeah. Yeah. Theres no way she could have meant what she said. And if she did mean what she said. Well, let's just say I'll show her what it means to be a pawn.

Imagine a tool telling its master that it was going to use him. That was laughable.