Another Like Me - Part I (CoTE x OC) ✔

Chapter 68 - The End of the Beginning

( Horikita Suzune POV )

A new year was finally upon us, and so was the last term of our first year at ANHS. Even though we were sorted into Class D in the beginning, our class has made tremendous progress, and we've even eclipsed Class C in terms of Class Points. We're currently at 533 Class Points, which is massive increase from the measly 70 at the start of the year.

After walking into class, and a few students wishing me a happy new year, I made it to my desk, right at the back, next to Ayanokoji-kun's desk. He had already arrived, and he was talking with Akito Miyake. It seems that he has become a part of a friend group.

I sighed. Even though I now understand the importance of allies, it still is hard for someone who's been alone for her entire life to suddenly become a social butterfly. I wouldn't say I'm completely alone. I have made a few friends, but it wasn't anything to brag about.

I scanned the classroom after I took my seat. Most of the class had already arrived, but my eyes searched for a single person.

Takeyama Keisuke wasn't in class yet.

"Strange, he's usually early....."

Attributing the tardiness to new year blues, I comfortably seated myself, and pulled out a book I had borrowed from the library a few days back.

'The Confession', by John Grisham. An exceedingly popular book among the bookworms of the school, I had finally managed to get my hands onto it after a tedious wait.

I smiled to myself, and finally engrossed myself in the book.

A few minutes passed, and the bell signaled the start of the first class of the new year. I looked up from my book. Takeyama-kun still hadn't come into class, and a few students were already staring at his empty desk. He's never been absent or late to class, not even once.

"Ano~~ Chiaki-chan, do you know why Takeyama-kun hasn't come yet?" Kushida-san asked the brunette. She shook her head.

"No..... Kei-chan didn't tell me anything. I'm sure he'll be here soon," Matsushita-san replied, but even I could sense the discomfort and doubt in her mind.

I turned to look at my neighbor. Ayanokoji-kun too was staring at the empty desk in front of him with an unreadable expression on his face. Did he not know either?

Just then, Chabashira-sensei walked into the class, the pointy clack of her heels echoing in the class. She stood on the podium, surveying the class thoroughly, before speaking.

"It seems that the class knows how to behave themselves now," she said. "You're all much more befitting of the rank 'Class C' now."

"Now, I have an announcement to make," she said, and she took a pause.

Hirata-kun, however, raised his hand, catching the attention of everyone in class.

"Yes, Hirata?"

"Could we possibly delay the announcement for a bit, sensei? You see, Keisuke hasn't arrived yet, so it would be better if he were here to listen to the announcement as well," he said. Solid reasoning.

Chabashira-sensei, however, did not crack a smile.

"If he's late, Hirata, I don't see why I should wait for him. I have a schedule to follow, and it would be disastrous if I were to fall behind it. If he misses out on the announcement, then it is his loss, isn't it?"

Solid reasoning again.

Hirata fumbled a bit with his words. "I understand, sensei. I'm sorry for taking your time."

"Don't be. Besides, this announcement has something to do with Takeyama after all."

The class was initially surprised by this revelation. I too, was baffled.