Classroom of the elite one shots

Satou and KeiYear 2, Vol. 4.5 Chapter TL: Pudding, Blade, Alisa

It was early afternoon. I and a friend headed towards the Terrace Cafe.

"Feels like it's been a while since the two of us met alone like this, right, Satou-san?"

"Yeah, probably since that time."

That time. It was when I told her that I was dating Kiyotaka.

Since then we have been good friends...... No, perhaps the distance between us was even closer than before, right now she has become an existence that could be considered my best friend.

Our group, however, was usually composed of four or five people.

Taking turns, we usually went out and had fun with this number of people. That's why it was not often that I got to be alone with Satou-san. The situation was the same during this summer holiday, aboard the cruise ship. Moreso, private time was rarer with 7 to 8 of us always hanging out together. Even going to the pool where I was still slightly hesitant, although it wasn't a problem as I wore a rashguard. Anyway, there was a reason why I forcibly created this situation where I could spend time alone with Satou-san today.

First thing's first... got to find an empty seat. Satou-san and I looked around, trying to find an empty seat before we ordered. Unlike the school, the Terrace Cafe was large enough that we didn't have to worry about finding a space.

However, due to the topic of today's conversation, I didn't want anyone to be around.

A place that was away from other people would be a spot with poor sunlight.

What should I do...

"A place inside is also fine with me, though."

"Eh, is that alright?"

"I mean, you have something important to talk about, right?"

Satou-san, who figured it out, looked at me with a cute smile.

"Thanks."

I thanked her and decided to take the unpopular seats with no view of the outside.

Turning over the tag on the table to 'in use,' we went to order.

"Since I was the one who called you out, Satou-san, let me treat you."

I insisted to Satou-san who seemed hesitant and ordered two coffees before we took our seats.

"Soー what did you want to talk about?"

As soon as we took our seats, Satou-san started to ask.

I wasn't intending to drag this out at all but...

"Hmm.... Wait a minute,"

"What's wrong?"

"Somehow... don't you feel that there's something strange about this atmosphere?"

I tried to confirm this strange atmosphere, but Satou-san just tilted her head curiously.

"Strange? I don't think there's anything..."

"I guess so. Sorry for saying something weird."

At first, I didn't know why I was feeling like this.

However, maybe it's because of him... It was probably something I've picked up from spending so much time with Kiyotaka. He never overlooked even the smallest details.

Be it someone's facial expression, or emotions, or even the atmosphere of the place.

No matter what it was, he could see through them and sense the oddities.