Classroom of the Elite (LN) - Vol 9 Chapter 6.1: “Something Vague” Part 1
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Vol 9 Chapter 6.1: “Something Vague” Part 1

Volume 9, Chapter 6: Something Vague Part 1

I sensed the presence of someone approaching us from behind. Their pace was quick. So much so that it was obvious that they didnt intend to overlook the closeness of my conversation with Kei.

Yo, Karuizawa.

It was Hashimoto, who had been concealing his presence behind me ever since I left the lobby.

Uh, who?

Kei didnt appear to know who Hashimoto was, so she turned to me for an explanation.

Hes Class As Hashimoto. I was grouped together with him during the training camp.

Oh yeah, and Ayanokji as well.

After this quick greeting, Hashimoto drew closer to Kei.

For a man and a woman to hold a secret meeting in a place like this Youre quite the smooth one, Ayanokji.

I had known that Hashimoto would attempt to get in touch with me eventually, but I had to think about why he chose now, of all times, to do so.

Nonetheless, Id use his plan for my own benefit as well.

Were not out here doing anything in particular-

Dont try to hide it. Its Valentines Day. Even if you two arent a couple, it isnt strange to have a secret meeting like this. Actually, youve already gotten something from her, havent you?

It seemed that Hashimoto had seen me accept her chocolate and immediately put it into my bag.

She just gave me this chocolate by coincidence. I didnt come out here expecting to get anything.

I attempted to deny it, but Hashimoto saw through my excuse with a sneering grin on his face.

No, you knew that shed be giving you chocolate from the beginning, didnt you? Your bag.

My bag?

Since youve already been back to the dorms, theres no reason for you to take your bag with you as you go out afterward.

No, I was originally intending on heading over to the library. But just before I could head out, Karuizawa called me and I agreed to meet up with her, thats all.

In other words Its just a coincidence?

I nodded in response to Hashimotos deduction before taking two library books out from my bag and showing them to him to prove it.

Well, its all the same either way. In the end, you did get chocolate from Karuizawa.

From Hashimotos point of view, even though I wasnt the one to reach out to Karuizawa, the fact that I had received chocolate from her was truly important.

Im not sure I understand Is there a problem with that?

Im simply curious about what it is about you that Karuizawas interested in. Her previous boyfriend, Hirata, was one of the most popular guys in the entire school, right? It makes me wonder why shed pick you after dumping Hirata.

In other words, he wanted to know how things managed to get to this point.

Kei, who had been listening to our conversation in silence, spoke up.

Aah, sorry, but theres been a misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding?

Yep. I originally planned to give that chocolate to Hirata-kun. It wouldve been a pity to throw it away, so I thought about giving it to someone, and then I just decided on Ayanokji-kun.

You hand over such an intimate gift, but then claim its just done on a whim? Im sorry, but I dont see it. Moreover, whats with the location? For a lie, thats a pretty bad one.

Hashimoto let out a laugh as he said so, to which Kei responded with a blunt display of anger.

Haa? You show up out of nowhere and just say everything that comes to your mind. Who in the world do you think you are?

Kei looked at him with an overbearing look in her eyes.

I simply want to know the truth.

Hashimoto was overwhelmed a bit.

Though, it was true we hadnt concealed the unnatural aspects of our confrontation very well.

That was why I decided to change directions.

This would be Kei's chance to prove how well she could keep up with me.

Well, itll be better for you to just speak honestly here, Karuizawa. If we continue to hide something here, I think itll just be troublesome for you afterward. If that guy ends up thinking were dating, youd be troubled, right?

With that said, I passed her the baton.

Without hesitation, Kei let out a single deliberate sigh.

Ugh. Ill say it, but this can absolutely never spread from here, okay?

With this, Kei pointed at Hashimoto.

Ive only temporarily entrusted this chocolate with Ayanokji-kun, in order for him to give it to the person I like.

So, youre saying that Ayanokji is just the middleman?

Thats right. Do you understand now?

Hashimotos expression said that it was simply unbelievable.

If thats the case, then who is that chocolate actually for?

Hashimoto continued his questioning.

Huh? This is the first time Ive ever met you, yet you want me to tell you something like that? Are you stupid?

Kei was definitely stirring things up, but nothing about it seemed like she was being fake.

That was just the guise of the gyaru that Karuizawa Kei had created for herself.

Thats Well, I guess youre right.

Hashimoto assented with a somewhat surprised look on his face and ended up bowing his head in apology.

This wont blow over just by lowering your head. Seriously, spare me.

Is that so? It seems like I really have misunderstood, my bad. When I thought that you two might like each other, I couldnt help but get suspicious.

Why are you sticking your neck into something you have nothing to do with in the first place?

Well, when it comes to you, Im anything but uninvolved.

Wha?

Hashimoto drew a few steps closer to the irritable Kei.

He reached out his arm and pressed it against the wall behind her, closing off her way out with his own body.

Wha-what?

Ive thought you were fine for a while now, so how about you go out with me, Karuizawa? I dont know who you like now, but if you still havent given them any chocolate, that means you havent conveyed your feelings yet. Isnt that right?

Thinking that he still had a chance with her himself, Hashimoto forcefully made a move on Kei.

What on earth are you saying Do you think Id be okay with something like that?

Its all part of the unpredictable twists and turns of love Isnt it interesting?

With that, he cast a sharp glance at me for a split second.

He may have been attempting to bait a reaction out of me by making a move on Kei.

I spoke up.

Well then, I guess Im going to head back.

Huh? Wait, Ill head back too.

Kei forcibly pushed Hashimoto away and took her distance from him.

How cold.

Hashimoto smiled bitterly. It didnt seem like he was going to continue with his aggressive tactic.

Or rather, it seemed that he had lost interest in Kei altogether.

Given the current situation, Kei let out a noteworthy, deliberate sigh and left back to the dorms on her own.

Sorry for intruding into things like that.

No, its nothing.

I walked together with Hashimoto until the point where the pathway to the dorms and the school split up.

Still, you have it rough when it comes to love, dont you?

What are you talking about?

Hashimoto gave off a mocking smile before wrapping his arm around my shoulder and whispered into my ear.

Im talking about how youre pretty big. Girls who lack experience wont be able to handle yours.

Bringing up that again

Dont look so exhausted. Theres a good number of people that respect you for it.

I wasnt happy at all.

Rather, what happened at the training camp was steadily becoming a source of constant discomfort.

By the way, King. How about we exchange contact info?

Im fine with giving it to you as long as you never use that nickname you just came up with ever again.

Hahahaha. I wont I wont.

With that, I took out my cell phone and exchanged contact information with Hashimoto.

Well, Im gonna head back myself. See ya, Ayanokji.

Hashimoto came and went like the passing of a storm.

Did he think that he had gotten enough information? Or did he feel like he had pushed too far into something unrelated?

In either case, my existence would continue to remain uncertain for Hashimoto.

If only it would stay that way.

I decided to drop by the library and meet up with Hiyori, who should be on standby there.

And after that, I also had to meet up with another person who had requested to meet up at the school.

(Part 1 End)