Classroom Of The Elite 2nd Year - Full Volume
Vol 2 Chapter 4: The Unexpected Witness

"Yes. Weird, right? "

"No, not at all. It's a good hobby to have, right? I feel like there's an important story attached to that camera. It would be great if they fixed it

pretty soon. "

"Yes." Yeah."

"It exists! Repair counters. "

The store was crowded with a large number of products and difficult to navigate, but in the back was where they handled repairs.

"Well…"

For some reason, Sakura suddenly stopped on the road. When I glanced at him, I noticed his expression of fear and disgust.

It seems that something is upsetting him a bit.

However, when I followed Sakura's line of sight, I saw nothing extraordinary.

"What's wrong, Sakura-san?" Ask Kushida.

She must have thought Sakura's behavior was strange.

"A, umm ... Okay ..."

Although it seemed like she was going to say something, all Sakura did was shake her head and take a deep breath.

"It's okay."

He smiled sincerely, and walked over to the improvement counter.

Kushida and I exchanged glances, but decided to follow him. Maybe it's really nothing, like he said.

Kushida spoke to the store clerk

and asked him to fix the digital camera.

Meanwhile, very bored, I checked the equipment on display.

Kushida's worldly wisdom is certainly impressive.

Although this was the first time she had met the store clerk, she immediately spoke to him as if they were old friends.

Sakura, the camera owner, speaks only when she needs to give her consent or to clarify something. Even so, the shopkeeper seemed quite excited.

He aggressively engaged Kushida in the conversation, without even pausing for a moment.

Even though I could barely hear the conversation, it seemed like she asked

Kushida.

She asked if she wanted to see a certain female idol concert, which was being played in the theater.

She looks like an otaku, judging by how passionate she is about a variety of subjects, from idol selection to idol magazines.

Because Kushida didn't show

signs of not liking the conversation, she may think she can successfully ask him out.

However, I believe he will try his hardest to avoid the invitation.

He seemed to be getting more and more excited about talking to such a cute girl, but their conversation did not continue any further.

As I expected, Kushida began to feel

awkward. To conclude their affair, he urges Sakura to hand over the camera.

When the store clerk opened the camera to confirm the contents, he noticed that some had already been damaged by the fall. That

the camera does not want to live properly.

Fortunately, since Sakura still has a warranty card, the item can be repaired for free.

Finally, all Sakura had to do was fill out her contact information, and we would be done. But Sakura's hand suddenly stopped as she filled out the form.

"Sakura-san?"

Kushida, thinking that something strange is going on, calls Sakura. He seemed to hesitate for some reason.

I didn't mean to say anything back then, but his attitude seemed to weigh heavily on my mind. And also the store clerk, who was previously engrossed in chatting with Kushida, was now staring directly at Sakura.

Both Sakura and Kushida stared at the form, so they did not notice it. But the officer had agitated eyes. Even if the man who saw it would feel a little sinister.

"Can I see him for a minute?" My toot.

"Huh?"

Standing next to Sakura, I grabbed the pen she was holding. He didn't seem to understand why I wanted it, but he anxiously handed it over.

"When the repair is done, please contact me."

“H-hey, wait a minute. Liaising you? He's the owner, isn't he? That's gonna be…"

“The factory warranty explicitly indicates where the item was sold and the date of purchase. Also, I doubt there will be any legal issues with putting my information down. It should be okay if the username is different from the buyer. "

Before the officer could say "I understand", I entered my dorm room name and number into the required column.

"Or, is there a reason why he specifically had to enter the information?"

I added, still

without looking back.

“T-no, not at all. I've understood. There was nothing to worry about, " said the officer.

Not long after I finished the form, I handed it over with his camera. Sakura gently patted her chest and sighed in relief, but when

he knew that it took two weeks for the camera to be fixed, he became desperate. Shoulder slumped.

"The officer must have been something else. He spoke with great desire, I was very surprised, ” Kushida said.

"Are you feeling a bit disgusted?" Ask Sakura.

"N-no, I'm not disgusted at him. Do you know anything? About that officer? "

Sakura nodded gently. I suspect there was something even when he first bought the camera. Turning to me, he asked,

"What do you think, Ayanokouji-kun?"

"Well, he has this kind of vibe, like he's a bit difficult to approach. Especially for women. ”

"That's kind of what I tried to get before ... I was afraid to go to the counter alone because it was ..."

Kushida seems to have an epiphany. He looked at me with wide eyes.

"Do you know about this, Ayanokouji-kun?"

"Well, she's a girl. I thought he might be reluctant to write down his address or his cell phone number. ”

Being a man, I wouldn't be in trouble if my information got there.

“Te-thank you ... Ayanokouji. You really .. saved me. "

"Well, I didn't really do anything. I just wrote down my address. When they call me about repairs, I'll call you right away,

Sakuea. "

Sakura nodded, looking pleased. If that's all it takes to please you, then that's the truth

makes me apologize to you.

"You really noticed Sakura-san," Kushida said.

"Well, you make it bigger than it really is. Honestly, I was just watching the somewhat strange officer. I thought he was giving the impression that he was really

loves women. ”

"Ha ha ... That's right."

Even Kushida appeared without feeling. However, for someone like Sakura, who was not used to licking the attention of men, I thought it was the right answer.

“Because you are with me today, Kushida-san, we completed our task without having to speak at all. Thank you." Thank you."

If Sakura comes face to face with the store clerk, she might run away

selves.

"Oh, no need to thank me. If you are okay with my help, then I am happy to help at all times. Sakura-san, you really like your camera. Wasn't he? "

"Yes ... I've loved cameras since I was a kid. My dad bought me one before I went to Junior High, and I really like him.

Or I guess you could say that I just like it

photographing ... However, I don't really understand these things. "

“i think being knowledgeable and liking things is a separate thing. It's so good to be passionate about something. "

"Sakura, you usually take pictures of the scenery, right? Have you ever taken a photo of someone? "

"Well?!"

Sakura stepped back, looking somewhat confused. Was the question unpleasant for him? Seems like a very reasonable question to ask.

Like, is he just photographing the scenery or is that his forte? Sakura closed her mouth, and her body

stiffens.

"That's a secret."

All right then. It sounds like he doesn't want to go into the details with me.

"Y-well, it's just ... It's embarrassing" Sakura replied, her cheeks flushed red. He looked down as he spoke.

Even though my imagination went wild, I couldn't let it appear on my face. I have to stay neutral.

“Oh, hey, that reminds me. Sorry to ask, but since we're here, can I have a look at the store? "

"Is there something you want?"

It's not that I want something, because there's something on my mind.

"You two can hang around, if you want."

"I think we're going in too. Doesn't it? "Kushida.

“T-certain. Anyway, I feel bad you two should come with me ... Besides, I have time. ”

I didn't want them there, but it seems they decided to come along. Kushida and Sakura.

As I watched the two of them walk side by side, I realized that they managed to become closer only

in one day. Kushida, I hope you share a little of your skills with me.

Since they seemed to be talking about girls, I decided to leave them alone and go find what I wanted. I'm in

to my cell phone contact.

Back when Ike involved me in

throughout the betting issue, I exchanged contact information with several people. Although I still have some names in my address book, it is clear that the number of

friend's increasing. I chose a name

"Sotomura (Professor)" and called him.

"Hi, Professor, do you have a minute?"

"Hmm? It's rare to get a call from you, Ayanokouji. What do you need?"

Sotomura's nickname is Professor, and,

which no doubt made him sound like he was a bit smart.

In reality, he was just an acute otaku. She collects information every day, comprehensively covering a wide range of topics, from dating sims to anime and manga.

"Professor, did you buy a laptop from school, with your points?"

"Yes, I definitely did. It costs 80,000 points. But what about that? "

"I'm looking for something."

I explained the core of what I wanted. Although many similar products were on the screen in front of me, I did not know which one to choose.

It might be quicker to just ask the store clerk, but I don't want to for various reasons.

"Ayanokouji's. Although I am quite experienced in a certain field of electronics ... ”

"It's okay if you don't know."

"Please wait," said the Professor as I was about to end the call.

"I knew. In fact, I had two at my parents' house. "

"No way! Have you had it since Junior High? Isn't that bad? "

"Don't misunderstand me. It was just for experimentation, for the sake of my language studies. "

"Well, can I trouble you to help me set it up?"

“Puh, leave it to me. I am sure that someday I will ask you for help in return. "

Obviously, he was the one for the job. When entering a subject that I don't understand, it's important to find an expert.

"Sorry to keep you waiting" I told the girls.

"Are you done?"

“Today is just a preliminary examination. I don't have enough points to buy anything. "

Suddenly, Kushida freezes while glancing at Sakura's profile.

"Sakura-san, have we met somewhere before?" Kushida Mumbles.

"Huh? N-no. I don't think so, but ... "

"sorry. It's just that when I see you, I get the feeling that we've met before, Sakura-san. Hey, my question might be weird, but can you try taking your glasses off? ”

"Huh?! T-but that .. My eyesight is so bad, I won't be able to see anything ... "

Sakura raised her hand and waved it, signaling to Kushida that she did not want to.

"We have to walk together again, Sakura-san. Not just with me, but with my other friends. ”

Sakura looks like she wants to say something, but she can't find her way to the end. She didn't

saying nothing.

Kushida seems to feel that it is

it would create trouble if he suppressed the problem, so he remained silent. Or rather, he didn't ask

others. In the end, we went back to where we started.

"mrs ... Thanks for everything today. You guys really helped me, ” Sakura said.

“It's okay, it's okay. No need to thank us. Actually, Sakura-san, you can talk to us normally, you know? If you don't

objected. We're in the same class. It sounds a bit strange when you speak so formally to us. "

It is true that Sakura's speech pattern is not exactly what you would expect from a colleague. But the change may be easier said than done

to him; he looked confused.

"I didn't mean to sound like that. I didn't realize it ... I sound weird? "

“This is not a bad thing! I mean, I'd be happy if you didn't talk so formally to me, "

"G ... B-well .. I .. I understand. I'll do my best."

I thought Sakura would reject the idea, but she managed to pull out a few words of approval. It seems like he wants to accept Kushida's proposal. Maybe this is how people

become friends, little by little.

Even Sakura, who almost never seems to interact with people

the other, the closer Kushida is.

"But it's okay. You don't have to force yourself. "

“T-It's okay. I'll be."

Sakura continued to stare down as she spoke. In the middle of his sentence he began to grumble, and his words faded

so that we can't hear it.

However, it seems like he feels uncomfortable.

Kushida smiles in satisfaction, but does not try to force more than Sakura. That specific distance feels right in their place

being at the moment. If you try to arm people who are not good at socializing, it can backfire.

Instead of being grateful, they might get upset. Rather than getting them closer, being arrogant might eventually push them further.

"All right, see you at school. Okay?"

With that, Kushida thought the conversation was over. However, somewhat unexpectedly, Sakura did not move.

"Good!"

Sakura spoke in a small voice, but stared straight at us. But when our gazes met, he immediately

avert his eyes.

"About Sudou-kun ... As my way of saying thank you for today, I ... Well, it might be a little misleading, but if you like ..."

He stopped, and started again more clearly.

"I-I might be able to help you with Sudou-kun's case."

In his own words, Sakura told us that he was a witness. Kushida and I exchanged looks.

"So, does that mean you saw Sudou-kun fighting with that other student?"

"Yes. I saw everything. Although it was really a coincidence... I'm sure you don't trust me. "

“No, we believe. Why did you decide to tell us now? I mean, I'm glad you

do it, but I don't want you to push yourself. You don't have to do this just because you're grateful, you know? "

Sakura seemed to be unable to get her words out. He lightly shook his head. The fact that

Sakura has been waiting until now to talk proving that she cares more about Sudou's case than others.

I wonder if I get

a foothold in friendship made him want to work together.

“Is that true? You're not forcing yourself? " Kushida asked. He must have thought the same thing about me.

Sakura nodded in embarrassment, as if she could feel that we were worried about her.

"It's okay ... I think if I keep quiet, I might regret it. I ... don't want to trouble my classmates. But, if I speak as a witness, then ...

I will definitely stand out. I hate to think of that ... I'm sorry. "

While Sakura repeatedly apologizes to us, full of regret, she also promises Kushida that she is

will testify.

"Thank you, Sakura-san. I'm sure Sudou-kun will be really happy. "

Kushida takes Sakura's hand, and Sakura looks at Kushida's smiling face. I wonder if a new friendship has been born here, right now. Anyways, though,

we have a witness for Sudou.

That night, I clutched my phone tightly. My hands are so sweaty that you think that the AC in my room is not working.

"We're getting closer to Sakura, but ... Is it really okay for me to say that?"

"Yesterday I would say no, but our chances are better today. Ahh ... I think we still have a way to go, but. You're making yourself tired. "

I suspect that Sakura might be getting closer to Kushida, in particular. But I have a feeling that Sakura has built a rather high wall between

himself and others.

Unless we can get him to climb that wall, calling Sakura as a witness will be difficult.

"That reminds me, why are you trying to get Sakura to take her glasses off?" I asked Kushida.

"Well, I mean .. I thought saying that might be a bit cruel, but ... I just feel like his glasses don't really suit him, for some reason. Looks like he didn't

really need it, or something.

I don't understand it myself. I also thought that we'd met somewhere before, but it might just be

misconceptions. "

“Well, maybe it's just your imagination, Kushida? I mean, Sakura is far from stylish, right? I mean, me too, but she even chose clothes with plain colors so

he stood as little as possible. ”

"Yes, there he is. I don't think that she cares about fashion or anything. But I wonder why? "

Back when the camera fell and Sakura leaned over to pick it up, I looked at her glasses from the side.

Something about him has made me feel out of place.

"I feel like there's something weird, like she's wearing fake glasses."

"Huh? Sakura-san is wearing fake glasses? But he said his eyesight was really bad ... "

“Although real and fake glasses look similar at first glance, there are bound to be differences between them. The original glasses showed some distortion to the lens.

No distortion in Sakura's glasses. In the beginning, I

thinking that there must be a connection between those fake glasses

and Sakura's fashion sense, but then I found myself confused about something she said today. "

“Shown fashionable with glasses? Hmm, that doesn't sound normal. "

If she wanted to liven up her appearance with decorative items, she should have bought clothes or other make-up.

"Or maybe it was to cover up some sort of complex? Like how does one think they will look smart by wearing glasses? "

"That's her. Wearing glasses makes you look smart. ”

"However, in Sakura's case, she might

wearing it because he did not want others to see his true self. He always bowed and would not stare

people's eyes. I doubt it's just because he doesn't like other people. "

I feel like there's a hidden way to get through that wall. Something's.

"I know it's right to take you, Ayanokouji-kun. I feel like you're very observant of others. "

I'm a little embarrassed. The best part of interacting with Kushida is how we can connect and communicate naturally.

People who do not know how to become closer to others will

be chatty and compromise until they reach a point where they have just given up.

"Until then-"

Just as I was about to continue the conversation with Kushida, my phone buzzed. I checked the caller ID without Kushida knowing. If it's Ike or Yamauchi, I'll call them later. But if it's Horikita ...

I have to think about it. That's why I'm ready, but ...The name on the screen read "Sakura."

"I'm sorry, Kushida. Can I call you back for a second? "

"Oh, of course. Sorry for talking so long. "

Although there was a lot of regret in those parting words, I didn't have time to deal with it.

I answered Sakura's call before it was interrupted. After pressing the call button, I waited for a few seconds, but the channel remained silent.

"Nm ... Hello there. This is Sakura ... "

"It's Ayanokouji."

Although we exchanged contact information, I

it felt a little strange that he called me. Even when I officially exchanged contact information with someone, deep

nine out of ten I won't get a call.

"Thank you for coming out with me today" Sakura said.

"Oh no problem. That's not a big deal. Don't worry about that. You don't have to bother and continue thanking me. "

"Good…"

Silence followed, but it was not Sakura's fault. I don't really know how to respond. I thought about how Kushida was leading our conversation. Still, I should do my best to

this call.

"Is there a problem?"

"Mr ..."

More silence. What am I supposed to do? Please, Hirata. Teach me

"What do you ... think?"

Sakura asked a rather ambiguous question. What was I thinking? She didn't seem to want to know my thoughts about how cute Kushida was in casual clothes, or

how interesting I am about Sakura herself. I don't know what Sakura expected.

"Did something happen?" My toot.

Something about the emotion behind her words made me uneasy, so I said a verbal sentence to see if I could bring up anything else.

However, the line was tight and broken as soon as it touched the water.

"Sorry, it's okay. Good night."

Sakura ended the call without giving me a chance to answer. No "wait" or

"wait." I thought about calling her back, but I couldn't understand why I had failed in our conversation.

I thought about it carefully when

washing face. I spent about 10 minutes talking to Kushida, but during that time, there was no sign that Sakura had tried to call or leave a message.

Maybe Sakura was planning to call Kushida after talking to me? I'm having trouble imagining that.

Usually when you have to call two people, the first person you call is the one you know better. In that case, I was the only person she could call and meet, so I

it's a reasonable choice.

Just to be sure, I went ahead and sent a chat message to Kushida and asked if he had heard from Sakura.

A few minutes later, Kushida confirmed that he had not heard from Sakura. Just like the

thought.

“I was also asked to invite you, Ayanokouji-kun. Did you talk to Sakura-san? "

When I met Kushida that morning, he said something like that. Since Sakura became so nervous when she was alone with Kushida, I thought she had just invited someone else suitable for the task, but? Aside from such crazy dreams of being in love at first sight, is there a reason why I was chosen to leave? I remembered something I felt while talking to Sakura today.

Sakura and Kushida started most of the conversation, but I started a topic Namely, the clerk at the store who helped with the repair order. I'm not discussing

other thing. What if that's what he meant when he asked,

"What are you thinking?"

All the puzzle pieces I collected were too small, and too few. I can juggle multiple scenarios and speculations, but all of them have no credibility.

I don't have enough information to make a definitive decision.

Usually I think that wondering at school will be fine, but in Sakura's case, things won't be that simple.

If I go and start talking

with Sakura, who usually doesn't talk to anyone, it will make her stand out. He wouldn't

loved it.

I pray for the anxiety that I

develop through baseless phone calls, and decide to get ready for bed.

~End Vol 2 Chapter 4: Unexpected Witness~