The Prodigy - Classroom Of The Elite

"You're really a great teacher, Hayashi-Kun," said Kokoro Inogashira. She was one of the students in my study group. I knew she was smart, especially when it came to studying, and she was also quite friendly.

"Yeah, I couldn't figure out some of the study materials at all, but you were a big help," added Maya Satō. She wasn't the best academically, but she was always cheerful and friendly.

"Thanks for helping us out, Hayashi-Kun," said Hakuo Minami, one of the few boys in the group.

"Thanks, everyone. Let's wrap up the study session for today," I said, noticing we had been there for over an hour. I did end up spending quite a few points on snacks for everyone today, which was a bit of a bummer. I usually prefer holding these sessions in the library, but they wanted to meet at the Keyaki Mall's café this time, so I agreed.

It cost me nearly 5,000 points, which was quite a lot.

Still, I guess it's a small price to pay for boosting our class points, and earning personal points should be easier after this.

With that, we ended the study session for the day. We all said our goodbyes before heading towards the mall's exit.

---

The next day, class seemed to fly by faster than usual, or at least that's how it felt to me. Maybe it was because I spent most of the day on my own, from the beginning of classes all the way through lunch.

Before I came to this school a few months back, spending time alone was pretty much my everyday routine. But things have changed since I got here, and my daily routine isn't quite the same anymore. Still, I'm not sure how long this change will last.

Who knows, maybe I'll find myself back to being alone again someday. But for now, I'm just focusing on the present.

Horikita asked me again if I had made any progress with getting Sudou and the other three to join our study group. I told her the truth, which was a big fat no.

It's not like I don't have a plan. I do, and it might actually work. But it's a bit too direct, and honestly, I'm not too thrilled about going through with it.

But if we don't act fast enough, we might end up seeing one or even more of those four getting expelled after the midterm exams.

Honestly, it wouldn't be a huge loss, since they're not exactly helping the class right now. They're more of a burden, to be frank.

Still, I have a tiny sliver of hope for Sudou. Why, you ask?

It's his competitive nature.

Sure, he can be really stubborn and gets angry without listening to what others have to say, but that competitive spirit of his might be the key.

Time flew by, and another day ended quicker than I expected.

Then came some of the most surprising news I've heard so far: Horikita was planning to start her own study group for the four who hadn't joined ours.

How did I find out about this? Not from Horikita, no. It was Kushida who spilled the beans. She was the one setting up the study group and making it all happen.

The other person involved wasn't a surprise to me at all. It was Ayanokoji. He and Horikita have had a good relationship right from the start of school.

Even when Horikita didn't talk to anyone else in class, and Ayanokoji was equally reserved, they somehow managed to communicate with each other.

I suppose when two people don't have anyone else, they find a connection with each other. Not a bad example, really.

Anyway, I'm quite intrigued by the idea of Horikita stepping up to create a study group to help the class.

It seems like being in Class D is something she's not taking lightly at all.

The next day in class, I decided to chat with Horikita. "So, what's your plan after class today?" I asked, aiming for a casual conversation since every time we talked, it was all about studying and notes.

She didn't even look up from her notes when she replied, "I know you know about the group study after class today, but you're just trying to get me to say it. You're pretty easy to read."

I guess she's gotten to know me too well. Unfortunately, it's not just her; I've always been an open book.

"Of course you know," I said.

"So, did you just want to hear it from me, or what?"

"No, I was genuinely surprised when I heard about it, so I thought I'd confirm it directly with you, that's all," I replied. Initially, I considered joining their study group just to observe, but then I realized that Sudou doesn't really like me. My presence might cause more problems than it would solve.

Before she could say anything else, the next period began as the teacher walked in. She just shot me a quick look and focused on the lesson. After that, we didn't have much time to chat since lunchtime started.

As soon as lunchtime began, it seemed like Horikita was about to say something to me. But before she could, someone unexpected appeared at my desk.

"Hey, Hayashi-Kun, would you like to join us for lunch?" It was Hirata who asked, his usual warm and friendly demeanor shining through.

"Us?" I inquired, curious about who he meant by "us."

"Yes, me, Kei, Mori-san, and Matsushita-san. We'd love to have you join us," he explained.

I glanced at him, noticing Horikita standing up and leaving the classroom without a word.

"It's completely fine if you have other plans..." Hirata added, understanding and considerate as ever. He probably thought I might decline, just like the last time when he had asked me, but, I had gone to lunch with Horikita and just like today she left just like that. But this time was different.

"No, it's fine. I don't have any other plans, so I'll join you," I replied.

I figured I'd keep this up until the Midterm Test. After that, I'd likely go back to doing things on my own.

But for now, I can join them for lunch.