A New Masterpiece (COTE x OC)

Chapter 46 - Indignity

I couldn't believe how many shops were inside this mall.

Like, it's a full-sized mall on a high school grounds.

The amount of money and effort poured into this school is insurmountable.

But, I guess it is worth it, considering this school has produced higher quality results than most.

I hadn't been to this mall too often. Besides, frequented shops like the electronic store, supermarkets, and cafes. I've never truly seen this mall and all its glory.

It even offered specialty stores for water, gas, or electric problems. Even dry cleaners.

Maybe it even had a gym? I'd have to investigate that more thoroughly.

The mall and its shops were nearly closing as it was past 8pm now. But a few individuals from Class D had gathered in a karaoke booth to discuss the plans for our upcoming final exam.

"We might as well sing," Kei started the conversation.

"That's not the point of us meeting here," Hirata said.

"Ah mou~, could we do it later then?" Kei asked as she gripped her boyfriend's arm tighter.

"It would be nice to relax."

"Enjoy the food and drinks for now," Horikita cut into their conversation. An assortment of junk food and drinks lay on the table, ordered by none other than Kei.

"Let us begin," Horikita continued.

"Ah, I want a break, though. I feel like I'm a walking dictionary now," Sudo complained.

"Seeing as you started out at an elementary school level of education, I am impressed," Horikita replied.

"Isn't that a little harsh?" Hirata asked.

"Before studying, Sudo-kun didn't know that pi was a mathematical expression."

Wow. That's crazy.

"HAHA!" Kei laughed at Sudo. "That's hilarious!"

"Don't laugh at me, Karuizawa. Your just as idiotic as I am," Sudo shot back.

"Oh yeah? Spell, Wednesday then."

"Well, that's easy, w-e-d... um... we- wed-... s- I think..."

"Besides, some aspects of certain individual's scholastic skills; clearly lacking," Horikita cut back in. "I believe the study sessions have increased everyone's overall knowledge. Would you say the same for Miyake-kun and Hasebe-san, Yukimura-kun?"

"Yes, Ayanokouji-kun can atest. They have improved."

"He implored the best methods. I'm not worried about them," Kiyotaka replied.

"It would be horrible for us to lose anyone," Kushida spoke up.

"But, we have to be prepared for that. Chabashira-sensei did say a couple of people get expelled each year. We can't guarantee students like Sudo, and I don't end up being expelled. Even Akio is close to being expelled," Kei said.

"Well, we can't guarantee that. But..." Kushida replied.

"Then it's not a done deal, right? Kushida-san?"

The atmosphere was turning for the worst. This sudden and unnecessary pressure from Kei toward Kushida made our situation much more tense.

"You know, Kushida-san. I think this is all an act," Kei continued as she pointed her finger at Kushida.

"Kei, I think you should calm down," I said.

"It must be really nice. Being smart and having no worries at all, you have no idea what may happen to us," Kei snapped at Kushida.