potato6

Chapter 9:

The Promised Night

GOING BRIEFLY BACK IN TIME, from the beginning of April to the end of

March.

That day, I had been active since before 7 AM. There were time-consuming

matters that required my attention.

As 8 AM approached, the news program started on the TV that I turned on

earlier.

While using it as background noise in my room, I sent a message to

Ichinose.

['I'll be out until about 3 PM today, but come to my room at any time you

like after that.']

The message didn't contain anything detailed.

There was a promise that had been reiterated repeatedly from last year until

recently.

There wasn't a need to explain in depth now.

Of course, it was true that the situation had changed substantially when

comparing how things were like before and after the end-of-year special exam.

Ichinose had apparently developed a fever after it, missed the closing

ceremony, and hadn't shown herself outside at all during spring break.

The damage I inflicted was significant. Instead of being recovered, she was

still deeply wounded.

The message I sent remained unread.

Whether she was sleeping, pretending not to notice despite being awake, or

something else.

I decided to try calling her, but there was no ring.

Only her standard voicemail played, indicating the phone was either turned

off or out of signal range.

['Contact me when you notice.']

I sent a brief message with that addition.

Ichinose undoubtedly understood that today was the day.

With that in mind, if I didn't hear from Ichinose on this day, I would have

to decide on this matter's conclusion on my own.

The TV I was watching was broadcasting the weather forecast, announcing

that it'd be clear during the day. However, we were to expect heavy rain from

night till dawn.

As I was busy cleaning my room for a while, the phone rang.

For a moment, I thought that it might've been Ichinose calling back, but it

seemed to be someone else.

"Hello?"'Hey Ayanokōji! Come out now, let's meet up!'

Ishizaki's voice was so loud that I inadvertently pulled my phone away a

bit.

"...Now? It's just past 8 in the morning, you know?"

'It doesn't matter what time it is, it's spring break. I've got something I

want to talk about.'

"That's true, but... I can spare about an hour. Where should I go?"

When I asked, there was a pause on the other end of the line, as if Ishizaki

hadn't decided on a meeting location yet.

'An hour is fine. The place is, um, outside for now, outside.'

The invitation was so vague that I felt suspicious that there wasn't a real

reason to meet after all.

"Decide on a place at least."

'What, okay then... outside the dorm... Oh, no, right, let's go to Keyaki

Mall.'

Keyaki Mall? It was closed at this hour, so it was obviously impossible to

enter. However, because of this, there weren't any students around, making it a

surprisingly suitable place when talking about something confidential.

"Got it."

'Alright. I think I'll be there in about ten minutes. Talk to you later then.'

With that, Ishizaki hung up the phone.

He seemed to be in high spirits since the morning, which was a bit

frightening.

Well, I'll understand once I go there.1

Since there wasn't much time until the appointed hour, I immediately left

the dorm and headed to Keyaki Mall, as Ishizaki had suggested.

"Well…"

Holding my phone, I tried looking around for Ishizaki, but there was no

sign of anyone yet.

Even after another five minutes, there was still no sign of the person who

had called me.

I wondered whether to contact him again or just wait silently when—

"Ayanokōji-kun."

I was approached by Shiina Hiyori. The only thing she had in common with

Ishizaki was that they shared the same class.

"Good morning. This is a coincidence, isn't it?"

"Indeed."

She responded, but I wondered if it really was a coincidence.

Coming across someone at Keyaki Mall at this time, someone who's

classmates with the one who invited me here—that possibility seemed very low.

"Actually, I just got a call from Ishizaki-kun... I came out without

understanding much, but are you in the same situation, Ayanokōji-kun?"

It seemed Hiyori was internally harboring the same thoughts as me.

"That's right. Ishizaki called me out too. He didn't tell me what this was

going to be about."

Hiyori looked slightly pleased or relieved as she clasped her hands

together.

"Me too. But really, what could it be?"

"I'd like to think it's nothing bad..."

"Hey, what's up guys, you're early~"

As Hiyori and I exchanged glances, Ishizaki approached with a carefree

tone.

"You're the one who said you'd be here in ten minutes, Ishizaki."

"I went out with just a shirt and it was quite cold. Went back to get more

clothes. Then, on the way, I met a friend and… well, don't sweat the small stuff.

I'm here now, right?"

"'Small stuff'... well, they are indeed just minor details."

I was usually accustomed to the people I meet arriving on time or even

earlier.

Maybe I'm so used to it that I've become a bit too sensitive about it.

"Right?"

Watching Ishizaki nodding with a laugh, I found myself thinking.Relationships between people change every day, but I feel like he's become

quite familiar—no, rather friendly.

I had experienced a similar feeling with Ishizaki in the past. However, I

found my surprise when recalling the changes in our relationship interesting.

Whether this was common to everyone or unique to me, who hadn't built social

relationships before, I didn't know.

"Good morning, Ishizaki-kun."

After warmly watching our conversation, Hiyori properly greeted Ishizaki

too.

"Hey hey, good morning."

"So, why did you call us here?"

When I urged him to continue the conversation, he deliberately paused his

words and then gave an exaggerated laugh.

Afterwards, he tightly clenched his fist and held it up in front of me.

"Let's become comrades now!!"

Such a voice echoed around Keyaki Mall early in the morning.

Perhaps due to his echoing voice's volume, a bird perched on a tree flew

away.

"Sorry, I might not understand the situation's vibes yet. What is this all

about?"

Since there wasn't a proper explanation, I couldn't understand Ishizaki's

words and actions.

"Come on! Being comrades means transferring classes—transferring!"

"That's what you wanted to talk about? Without giving any prior notice,

this early in the morning?"

"Yeah. It's almost April, so I thought I'd invite you again today."

Ishizaki nodded, crossing his arms and snorting with satisfaction.

"Your invitation is a wonderful idea, Ishizaki-kun. However, Ayanokōji-

kun has already moved up to Class A. Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible

for him to move down to a lower class now."

Hiyori gently conveyed the current situation to Ishizaki.

It was a straightforward explanation, but Ishizaki wasn't convinced.

"But the class points aren't that far apart. From here, Ryūen-san will surge

ahead with tremendous force. Besides, if our class overtakes their class later, and

he transfers then, it'll ruin Ayanokōji's reputation, right? It's better if we're still

lower now—"

He spoke casually, but Ishizaki's view wasn't bad.

Normally, it was standard to transfer to the established Class A, but if you

were to prioritize your future reputation, this timing wouldn't be a poor choice.

In fact, I had planned on transferring to another class, just not Ryūen's.

"If we don't invite him now, someone else might take him."Seems like Ishizaki's instincts might've sensed the transfer.

Faced with such a rebuttal, even Hiyori seemed somewhat convinced and

showed an impressed expression.

"See? That's why I'm asking you to transfer to our class now, Ayanokōji. I

might be repeating myself, but if you and Ryūen-san team up, wouldn't we be

the strongest? Right? Right?"

Even if Ishizaki pressured me, there was nothing I could do.

"Sorry, but it's impossible. Or rather, there's no need."

"What do you mean 'no need'?"

When I thought about how to make him obediently accept it, the best

method would probably be…

"Recently, Ryūen has defeated Sakayanagi, and he's come much closer to

Class A. Even without my power, there's a good chance you can win. Besides, as

you've said yourself, Ishizaki, Ryūen will advance even more from here. Then

there's no need for reinforcements. Or are you saying Ryūen can't win without

me in the future?"

If Ryūen heard this, he would undoubtedly be angry. That was something

Ishizaki could easily imagine.

"No, that's not...!"

"That's how it is. You, as his close aide, shouldn't doubt Ryūen. Just

believe in his abilities. Since Katsuragi was brought in, the class's gaps have

been practically filled."

With this, Ishizaki couldn't push any harder.

"But... but I..."

He showed resistance and stumbled over his words, but he realized that he

couldn't continue his poor recruitment.

Since it was unthinkable for Ryūen to choose to team up with me in the

future, Ishizaki's invitation could also be said to go against the class leader's

will.

"But it's not just that..."

Yet, Ishizaki showed a stern expression while still insisting.

"I simply like you. If our classes are different and we end up fighting in

close battles, we'll become complete enemies. There will be zero chance to join

hands. But if it's now, with Ryūen-san, Albert, Shiina, and you, Ayanokōji... we

can all become comrades. And, I want us all to have a good time. If you nod yes,

I'm prepared to get punched by Ryūen-san!"

Now, Ishizaki, who supported Ryūen more than anyone, explained his

feelings, risking getting scolded just to keep inviting me, and it wasn't just about

abilities."It doesn't feel bad to have you say it like that. I don't dislike spending

time with you and Hiyori. In fact, in some ways, it's more relaxing than with

Horikita's class."

"Right!?"

Ishizaki's eyes sparkled, but I couldn't keep his hopes up for long.

"However, I can't transfer classes just for the sake of friendship. Besides,

providing the necessary private points is a high hurdle, not to mention whether

other classmates besides Ryūen would accept it. Naturally, there would be

opposition. Ibuki would definitely oppose it."

"If it's just Ibuki, I can shut her up!"

"Ibuki is just one example. If the story suddenly came out, there would be

suspicious eyes everywhere. If things went poorly, there might even be students

who think I was sent from Horikita's class to Ryūen's class in order to sabotage

it from within after my transfer."

Because they were so close to achieving Class A, it was easy to provoke a

strong rejection.

"And as Hiyori first mentioned, Horikita's class is now about to move up to

Class A. I'm strongly against taking the risk to move down to a lower class."

"That is...! Well then! Let's do this!"

"Do this?"

I intended to steer the conversation towards giving up, but it seemed he still

persisted.

I didn't know what kind of idea he had come up with, but it was pointless.

Because of some prior concerns, I had no plans to transfer to Ryūen's class.

"If you come to our class, you can date Shiina! How about that?"

Saying this, Ishizaki grabbed my hand and Hiyori's hand and forcibly made

us shake hands.

"Eh, eh...?"

Hiyori, who had been smiling at Ishizaki's reckless proposal, was clearly

taken aback by the surprise.

"What kind of proposal is that…?"

Neither of our feelings were considered at all, which was quite bold.

"It's an aspect your class doesn't have, but ours does!"

"I already have a girlfriend, you know?"

"So what, just break up with Karuizawa when you change classes!"

"That's absurd."

"So you don't like Shiina then?"

"I don't dislike her."

I could assert that point clearly.

"Then there's no problem, right? You like Ayanokōji too, don't you,

Shiina?""Eh...!?"

"It's better not to say things that'll trouble others, Ishizaki."

"No, no, I'm not troubling anyone. Rather, it's better to say these things

outright. If the love is mutual, then the matter's simple. It's a win-win

relationship."

His interpretation was forced, but it clearly wasn't something for Ishizaki to

intervene in.

"...I think it's wrong to trouble Ayanokōji-kun."

Hiyori tried to calm Ishizaki down while our hands were still forcibly

joined.

"I'm the type who goes all out when I like a girl. Let's go for it!"

"No, you see... Ayanokōji-kun already has a wonderful girlfriend."

"In that case, what will you do if he breaks up with Karuizawa?"

"Eh...?"

"Isn't that what it means? You're not going after him because he has a

girlfriend, right?"