In Classroom of the Elite, but in the Underworld Chapter 29

Even Yamauchi probably wouldn't believe that.

Sakura didn't believe it either: "...Oh."

"Anyway, forget about it. Just pretend what just happened never happened." Eito said, "Sakura, you won't hate me because of this, right?"

"I won't... I could never hate you, after all—"

After all, Eito hadn't done anything to her that would make her hate him.

Besides, for a boy, liking someone was a perfectly normal thing, right?

If he were to do that to her in the future as well.

Mm~ how embarrassing.

No, no.

No, why was she fantasizing about such things? It was completely impossible.

She was just a plain, dowdy girl; there was no way he would be interested in her.

However, if she were to wear that kind of outfit, perhaps—

Stop!

Why did her thoughts drift in that direction? It had absolutely nothing to do with anything.

They were just friends.

Watching Sakura suddenly squat down and clutch her head, wondering what on earth she was doing, Eito was bewildered.

Was it her time of the month?

But he had no idea what to do about that. Should he go back and ask Suzune?

After setting up the base camp, everyone voted to form small teams to explore the island.

Groups of three.

He pulled Sakura in and teamed up with Ayanokoji.

The group was very quiet on the road.

He figured that if he didn't speak up, these two could remain mutes for the rest of their lives.

In the end, it was Ayanokoji who spoke first:

"What do you think of this island?"

Clearly, Ayanokoji had also noticed the strange nature of this place.

He said:

"This is an artificial island. The vegetation shows signs of having been transplanted. It's not a very beautiful environment, really."

Compared to environments that developed naturally, he didn't care much for these man-made products.

Speaking of man-made products.

He looked at Ayanokoji.

This person was also an artificially manufactured genius, though the "artificial" part here required quotation marks.

Although all of his skills were the result of human training, compared to everyone else, Ayanokoji was the finest masterpiece selected from the lot.

One couldn't reach this level without a certain degree of innate talent.

It was like asking a tone-deaf person to practice the piano; the time spent would likely be measured in years, and the final achievement wouldn't be very high.

Therefore, in his eyes, Ayanokoji was a true genius.

"That time Chabashira came to find you before, did she ask you to do something?" Eito suddenly asked.

"Uh... no."

If things followed the original trajectory, Ayanokoji would help Class D achieve results in this exam due to Chabashira's threats.

However, since Suzune, who could have been utilized, had already been snatched away by him, the difficulty would be much higher if he still wanted to help Class D now.

Of course, he had also considered that Ayanokoji might use him.

But he felt it didn't matter.

He only cared about the results; whether using others or being used, both were just methods.

Sometimes, to achieve his goal, he would even willingly let himself be used.

In that case, he might as well reveal a bit more information.

"Hirata wanted me to be the leader before, and now the key card is in my hands." He took out the key card and tossed it to Ayanokoji.

"This is... why?" Ayanokoji's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked at him.

Because the name on it wasn't Takeda Eito, but Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

"That's how it is, so I'll leave the occupation points to you. Just make sure you don't get caught."

"Why me?"

"Because you're the friend I trust the most. I have no choice but to ask you; if I keep disappearing, I'll definitely be noticed."

"Are you saying there's a traitor?"

"I never said that." To be honest, he didn't know if there was one, but playing it safe was better. "If someone from another class has infiltrated us, it's hard to say."

"Oh."

Ayanokoji was far less conspicuous than him, so the probability of being discovered was lower.

Besides, he didn't want to keep running back and forth. He still wanted to properly enjoy this vacation, even if it meant chewing on tree bark and drinking cold water.

Leaving these matters to Ayanokoji put his mind at ease.

Whether Ayanokoji wanted to help Class D or see it ruined, he didn't care.

"Business is finished, so let's split up. I'll tell you the base I found later."

"Oh."

Ayanokoji took the key card and left.

And so, next.

He looked toward Sakura, who was staring at him blankly from the side.

"Sakura, what's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"...Uh, no, I just think you guys are amazing."

"Is that so?" He crouched down, opened one hand, and smiled slightly. "Princess, give me your hand."

"...Eh... hand, my hand?"

"If we don't hold hands properly, what will you do if you trip later?"

"But... okay, alright."

Sakura carefully extended her hand.

Eito grasped her warm palm:

"Let's go, I'll take you to a great spot."

"Mm."

This was the highest point on the island. Looking down from here, the lush forests and various colorful fruit trees were intertwined.

Even though it was a man-made island, it possessed a unique beauty.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, he lay down beside a large rock nearby.

As for Sakura, she remained standing there, gazing at the scenery in the distance.

"It's so beautiful here."

Sakura said, turning to look at him.

The pupils hidden behind her glasses bloomed like flowers, reflecting a scene full of vitality.

The face that always wore a dejected expression now revealed a long-lost smile.

Her small, pale red lips parted, faintly revealing the pearly teeth within.

"It really is beautiful."

He replied with a smile.

"It's a pity I didn't bring my camera."

Sakura didn't just like taking selfies; she occasionally took photos of beautiful scenery as well.

However, cameras were not allowed on the island.

This made her feel a bit dejected.

Eito said:

"Then just look at it for a while longer, until you imprint it in your mind. That way, when you want to remember it later, you won't need to take out a photo."

"Mm, I understand."

Sakura nodded and turned back around.

He glanced at Sakura's back and closed his eyes.

Chapter 38: False

When Eito woke up, he felt an itch on his face.

Opening his eyes, he realized Sakura was lying in the spot next to him, a few strands of her hair blown onto his face by the wind.

It was mixed with a faint, delicate fragrance.

Sakura closed her eyes and breathed softly, her small hand clutching his clothes.

From this angle, Sakura's figure could be taken in at a glance.

Breasts even fuller than Kikyo's, a slender waist, and a pair of well-proportioned, fair, and tender legs pressed closely against the ground.

The defenseless look on her face while asleep would stir desire in any man with ulterior motives.

The kind of desire that made one want to possess her completely.

Eito was a man who could control his desires, but sometimes he chose not to, because there was no need to.

And at this moment, Eito chose to be true to his desires.

But to avoid making Sakura hate him, he chose a method that wasn't too excessive.

He moved slightly closer to Sakura, wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her upper body into his embrace.

His other hand reached under her armpit, supporting her shoulder from behind.

His movements were neither large nor small, yet they still startled the sleeping girl awake.

Sakura opened her eyes hazily, rubbed the corners of her eyes with her small hand, and looked up to see his face just inches away.

The distance between them was less than ten centimeters; at such close range, they could even hear each other's faint breathing.

"..."

Sakura blinked, then her pupils instantly contracted, her breathing hitched, and a crimson flush spread from her face across her entire body.