Walnut-chan
patreon
Chapter 32: The 'Unremarkable' White Room Masterpiece
🕑 Added 2025-12-07 11:35:43 +0000 UTC“I’m very sorry for unilaterally agreeing to Kikyo-san’s request and asking you out, Horikita-san…”
A hint of helplessness appeared on Kiyotaka Ayanokōji’s expressionless face as he said, “But, Natsuki-kun, are you sure it’s a good idea to just divert the topic to me like that?”
“As people who were both asked by Kikyo-san, shouldn’t we be considered allies?”
As a ‘weapon’ raised by the White Room, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji was undoubtedly lacking a bit of common sense, but even so, he could clearly tell that Natsuki Subaru’s recent action was meant to shift the focus.
He wanted to shift the somewhat persistent Suzune Horikita’s attention onto himself.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji wasn’t quite sure what others thought of him, but if it was Natsuki Subaru, perhaps he had already seen through his true abilities.
‘We’ve barely interacted or gotten to know each other.’
‘Has he already seen through my disguise and figured out that I want to be an ordinary person?’
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji looked at Natsuki Subaru and Suzune Horikita, his mind racing.
He wasn't just thinking about that; Kiyotaka Ayanokōji also had a fresh memory of his last conversation with Natsuki Subaru.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji hadn’t expected that his attempt to make friends like a normal student would be so conspicuous.
According to Kiyotaka Ayanokōji’s way of thinking, as the two unsociable people in the class, Natsuki Subaru and Suzune Horikita should have been the ones who truly stood out.
If he didn't befriend Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike, then who would be a better choice?
It wasn't that Kiyotaka Ayanokōji was confused, but rather, if hanging out with Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike was not ordinary at all, then there were almost no ordinary people in Year 1, Class D.
Was he supposed to be a loner like Natsuki Subaru and Suzune Horikita?
“Allies… you say?”
Natsuki Subaru looked at Kiyotaka Ayanokōji and said with a light chuckle, “Well then, Ayanokōji-kun, as an ally, isn't it a good thing to help me draw Horikita-san’s fire?”
“Sharing part of the pressure is in itself a reasonable act.”
After hearing Natsuki Subaru's words, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's expression remained unchanged as he said flatly, “But, Natsuki-kun, Horikita-san’s target was you from the very beginning.”
“Horikita-san isn't interested in me.”
If possible, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji didn't really want to get too involved with Suzune Horikita either.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji had heard practically every word of the conversation between Natsuki Subaru and Suzune Horikita. He didn't care what this school’s hidden rules were.
All Kiyotaka Ayanokōji wanted was an ordinary daily life.
However, considering that his act of teaming up with Kikyō Kushida last time was indeed wrong, Kiyotaka Ayanokōji didn’t make his words too final.
“There's a reason Horikita-san isn't interested in Ayanokōji-kun.”
Hearing Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's words, the smile on Natsuki Subaru's face didn't change as he said, “I think I just need to explain it a little to Horikita-san, and she should become interested in Ayanokōji-kun.”
“Hey, you two.”
“Don't just talk to yourselves here as if I don't exist.”
Watching the two people in front of her chat about her as if no one else was around, Suzune Horikita's brows furrowed slightly, revealing an expression of displeasure. She said, “Don't act like you know me so well.”
“Natsuki-kun, your arrogant behavior, thinking you can control the interests of others, is extremely unpleasant.”
“Who I’m interested in or not interested in is for me to judge. I don't need you to make wild guesses here.”
It was clear that Suzune Horikita was getting a little angry.
“If your so-called ‘alliance’ is built on this kind of mutual buck-passing and deliberate mystification,”
“Then I also suggest you stop this meaningless conversation immediately.”
Suzune Horikita took a deep breath, her already sharp gaze now containing a trace of anger, as she said, “I have no interest in participating in your childish games, much less becoming the center of your topic.”
As her voice fell, Suzune Horikita abruptly shifted her gaze from Natsuki Subaru and Kiyotaka Ayanokōji, refocusing on the book in front of her.
“Don't bother me again.”
“Otherwise, I don't mind using a more direct method to shut you two up.”
Ah, she's really angry.
At the same time, in the same moment, the same sentence appeared in the minds of both Natsuki Subaru and Kiyotaka Ayanokōji.
‘Use a more direct method…’
‘A more direct method to shut me and Natsuki Subaru up. Is she planning to get physical?’
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji subconsciously sized up Suzune Horikita, a look of realization flashing in his eyes.
Although Suzune Horikita had a great figure and fair, delicate skin, her body clearly showed signs of training. Compared to girls like Kikyō Kushida and Kei Karuizawa, she was obviously much more toned.
If she had really mastered a martial art and was quite skilled at it…
‘Haruki Yamauchi and Kanji Ike probably couldn't beat Suzune Horikita.’
This was the conclusion Kiyotaka Ayanokōji reached.
Then Kiyotaka Ayanokōji prepared to sit up straight. After all, Suzune Horikita had already spoken to this extent; she was clearly very angry.
If he continued to provoke her, Suzune Horikita might actually get physical.
When that happened, it would be too conspicuous.
Which would be completely contrary to Kiyotaka Ayanokōji’s core objective.
“Horikita-san, don't jump to conclusions so quickly.”
“Ayanokōji-kun is not as simple as he looks, you know.”
Natsuki Subaru looked at the angry Suzune Horikita, unfazed, and continued to say with a smile, “You can easily figure it out just by taking a look at Ayanokōji-kun's specific scores for each subject.”
Natsuki Subaru roughly knew the reason why Horikita hadn't taken the initiative to talk to Kiyotaka Ayanokōji.
It was nothing more than Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's habit of controlling his scores, thinking that the full score was the average, which resulted in his grades not looking very good.
However, with just a brief look and a little thought, one could realize how terrifyingly meticulous Kiyotaka Ayanokōji’s scores were.
Kiyotaka Ayanokōji's score for every single subject was exactly fifty points, no more, no less, as if it had been calculated in advance.
This was just what Kiyotaka Ayanokōji personally considered an average score; in reality, it couldn't be scrutinized at all.
As for why Suzune Horikita hadn't noticed this, it was entirely because she wouldn't even glance at someone with slightly poor grades, let alone concern herself with the reasons behind those scores.
