Chapter 13: Chapter 3.1

It was after class and, as agreed, the entire class headed in the direction of the café.

I stayed back at my desk and slowly packed my books into my bag. Minori was there as well.

"So you're not attending the café class bonding exercise?"

Minori got up from her seat and sighed, "As I said before, I see no point in it at all."

I stood up as well and put my bag on my back.

"What can I do to convince you to come?"

Minori walked off, but before she could get far, I tightly grabbed her right wrist.

Instinctively, she swung her free hand in an attempt to slap me, but I easily caught it and pulled both of her hands to her side.

I looked into her black eyes and said "I'm serious about what I am saying Minori"

"You know, I can always scream and get you in trouble, right?"

Still holding onto both her wrists, "Why don't you do it then?"

She called my bluff and opened her mouth, preparing to scream at the top of her lungs.

I quickly released one of her wrists and then covered her mouth to avoid it.

In an annoyed tone of voice, I said, "Can you please calm down?"

In a muffled tone due to my hand covering her mouth, "Fine."

I then uncovered her mouth and released my grip on her other wrist.

"Good now, listen to what I have to say before walking off."

She adjusted her bag strap and said, "I am listening."

It seems like that was needed in order for her to listen to me.

"You are a liability right now to the class in regards to class clashes."

An angry look crept up on her face as a line between her eyebrows appeared.

"What are you talking about?"

"Your unwillingness to form friendships will be detrimental to the class's progress because we need to be on the same page in order to win. Everyone is still new and learning from each other, which is why this café bonding was suggested by Eiko. Now if you would like to win, then I suggest you partake in it. "

Minori gnashed her teeth and submitted to my request, "Fine, you win."

I pulled out my wallet and opened it.

"Huh, are you paying me to attend this thing?"

"Of course not."

I then pulled out a light brown debit card and handed it to her.

"Huh, what's this?"

"On the first few days of class, you bought coffee from the café, so as an apology for grabbing you like that, take this coffee card. I routinely top it up, so there's no need to worry about it declining. "

She looked at me suspiciously and said, "You don't look like you drink coffee."

"You're correct on that observation. If I am being honest here, I got this as a way to persuade you into going to the café today."

That was the only thing I could think of in a short time span because I overheard Eiko telling other classmates about it, and I figured that since we barely had any communication with her, we would probably be the last people to be informed. There was no way Minori would have blindly gone with me to the café today, of all days.

Minori plucked the card out of my hand and said, "This is a one-time thing and a one-time thing alone."

I sighed, "Sure, whatever you say, Minori."

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We both walked out of the class together and headed in the direction of the school's food court, where the café is located. The area was pretty busy, per se. After all, it was after school, so there was bound to be an influx of students to the different spots.

There we saw the café, which looked packed already. Before we could get any closer to it, Minori saw a familiar face that she didn't want to see at all.

I looked in the same direction, and all I saw was a couple of random students, then a guy who sort of looked like Minori. I am going to assume it's most likely a sibling.

Shockingly, Minori grabbed me by my hand and quickly pulled me towards the café in hopes of not being spotted by the person. Luckily for her, he didn't turn his head in our direction.

We both entered the café and scanned the room for our classmates. We easily found them and walked towards the various tables they had placed together in order to create a big enough area to seat everybody.

Eiko's face had a look of surprise, "Oh you guys actually came."

"Yeah, sorry we're late, we got a bit side tracked."

Ichiyo pulled out a seat for Minori, who she sat on. Sadly enough, I didn't get the same princess treatment, so I had to find my own chair 

After I took my seat, I started to listen in on the various conversations the class was having. It was mainly about how much fun the school is and how friendly the people are.

Oh, I see. All of our classmates aren't here. We're missing like 5 students, I wonder if Eiko passed on the message and they just ignored it.

 Ryoko thanked everyone for coming together and thanked Eiko for her hard work in setting it up.

He then said, "So I was thinking about the direction our class should take in these class clashes. I know I'm not the only person who feels a bit uneasy about the results taking this long to come in."

Well, at least I know I am not alone.

The majority of our classmates didn't pay Ryoko any mind and continued with their personal conversations.

The only way to gain the attention of a restless group is to offer them something they can all agree on.

I then spoke up, "Minori will be paying for everybody's coffee today, so order up, and while we wait, let's properly hear Ryoko out."

The class's eyes lit up at that statement. The word "free" always ensnares other people's attention.

That maxed out coffee card I got at the last minute came in handy after all. I'll probably have to put more money on it after this due to the possibly expensive drink choices that may be ordered today.

After everybody placed their orders, the back-and-forth conversations lasted until about 5 p.m. Then, one by one, they each started to leave. This group bonding exercise was a success and a failure at the same time. We managed to learn a bit more about others, but at the same time, we weren't on the same page when it came to goals. So the progress of the class will be hindered for a while until we establish unity.

With everybody gone now, I reset the chairs and tables we used to their original spots and walked up to the café's counter.

The cashier smiled, "Thank you for placing the tables and chairs back where they were before."

"Oh, it wasn't any problem. We were the ones using them after all."

"What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to max credit my coffee card please."

I then opened my wallet and gave a bunch of cash to the cashier, who in return asked for the card's account number.

"Oh, it's 492382-1-4."

The cashier logged in the information and thanked me.

I walked out of the café and saw Minori standing there. I gave her back the card and said, "There you go."

Minori took it back and said, "Why did you tell people I offered to pay for their coffee?"

I looked up at the sunset and replied, "It was just to soften your image in class. Make sure to at least fake a conversation when they come to speak to you. After all, it's for the sake of in-class cooperation."

Minori scoffed, "You're unbelievable." while she held her small note book in her hand.

I stayed quiet and walked towards the dorms, leaving her standing there.

To be honest. What Asuka told me is still playing on repeat in my head, so might as will make sure the class is somewhat prepared for any carpet pulls.

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