"Why don't you two ask the person involved what he thinks first?" Satsu suddenly cut in, interrupting them.
Suzune was taken aback. From what Satsu had said, he didn't seem willing to work with her. She rarely showed patience, but this time she asked, "I don't understand what you mean. Are you turning me down?"
"Of course. I just promised Kikyo I'd help out at the study group, and I have things of my own to take care of. I really don't have time to work with you."
"Not with us. With Horikita."
Suzune ignored Ayanokoji's comment, folded her arms, and said, "That doesn't conflict with anything. We're not asking you to give us all your time."
"Then I'm still not interested."
"Why don't we sit down and talk this over? I know a great café," Ayanokoji suggested.
"Don't tell me you're willing to stay in Class D forever. You know that only Class A guarantees you a job or a place in further education."
"Of course I'm not willing to. I'll make it to Class A in my own way."
Seeing that both of them had completely ignored him, Ayanokoji simply fell silent and stood to one side, waiting for them to reach a decision.
But a glance out of the corner of his eye revealed Hasebe standing around the corner of the hallway. He walked over to her.
When she realized she'd been spotted, Hasebe didn't look guilty. Instead, she greeted Ayanokoji openly.
If Satsu won't agree, maybe Hasebe can take his place.
With that in mind, Ayanokoji asked, "Hasebe, are you waiting for someone?"
"Yeah. Hirata had finished telling me what he wanted to say. As soon as I stepped outside, I saw Satsu talking with you, so I thought I'd wait for him."
"Are you discussing something important?"
Ayanokoji was glad Hasebe had brought up the subject herself.
Good start. Now I don't have to go out of my way to steer the conversation there.
All I have to do is bring Hasebe over.
"Hasebe, you..."
"What are you talking about?"
Satsu's voice suddenly rang out right beside him, making Ayanokoji jump.
Why am I acting like a trafficker, trying to drag this person or that person along? (Kato Satsu)
After a brief moment of alarm, Ayanokoji quickly regained his composure. "Done talking?"
"Why so fast, Mr. One-Minute?" (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
"You're the one who's a one-minute man! Your whole family is!" (Kato Satsu)
Though he was in turmoil inside, Satsu kept his expression composed. "Yeah. After Horikita heard what I had to say, she turned and left."
"That figures. Horikita isn't the type to argue with people." Ayanokoji wasn't surprised by the outcome. He looked as composed as if he'd expected it all along.
"So you couldn't come to an agreement?" Hasebe asked curiously.
"No, but I don't think Horikita has given up."
"Same here. Horikita doesn't seem to care what we think at all," Ayanokoji chimed in.
"What are you discussing with Horikita?"
"It's about..."
"Ah!"
A frightened cry suddenly rang out, interrupting Ayanokoji once again. He closed his eyes briefly, feeling exasperated.
Why does someone always get in the way just as I'm about to say it? Is it really that hard to find someone else to join Horikita? (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
All three of them turned toward the sound. A pink-haired girl was staring at them, her face full of terror.
She stood frozen in place, her lips trembling uncontrollably. Her rapid breathing was clearly audible.
With the sinking sun behind them, the three of them stood with their faces lost in deep shadow, their features impossible to make out. Their hard-edged silhouettes looked like stone carvings.
The three silently regarded the girl before them. Not one of them spoke first.
That's the girl who was in the office earlier, too. I think her name was... Ichinose? (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
Before you continue