Shipping is one of the main appeals for me when I’m watching an anime. It doesn’t matter if that ship exists or not, or if the anime in question even has a romantic element, it’s just really fun seeing two characters connect and grow side by side. When it comes to most anime, a ship is always pre-determined and there is never really any cause for conflict or doubt about a ‘happily-ever-after’. This is why the recent developments in the Classroom Of The Elite have fans concerned. Is everything okay between the main lead Ayanokoji and the best girl Kei or will they break up?

So far, there has been a lot of foreshadowing about where our OTP (One True Pairing) of Kiyotaka Ayanokoji and Karuizawa Kei, are headed in their relationship. Some hints indicate that the main ship will be heading towards an eventual breakup, with Ayanokoji being the one to instigate it. Which, well, I can’t say we didn’t see this coming. While it is unlikely that the two will be separated for long, the author has been making a lot of hints as of Volume 17.

This isn’t much of a surprise, considering how Ayanokoji is as a character. Often light novels like Classroom Of The Elite present themselves with a very cold and calculated male protagonist who has a whole round table of women in love with him. This adds a more playful aspect aside from the main plot, an element of ‘will-they-won’t-they’ that keeps fans hooked. And, hey, the potential for readers picking their favorite waifu from the female love interests available is also a thing.

But it’s also why I don’t much prefer harems in general, which Classroom Of The Elite definitely is. It’s just too many characters, with very little time being spent to build the characters we’re supposed to be enamored by. This is why I liked Kei initially, she is just a well-rounded character that balances Ayanokoji out. So, what’s the deal with the breakup then? Was Ayanokoji just biding his time? Or will it be Kei who decided she’s had enough? Let’s discuss!

Ayanokoji And Kei: OTP Or Starcrossed Lovers?

Look, I’ve been vocal about my disdain for the ‘2cool4u’ protagonists we’ve grown accustomed to in Isekai following the success of Kirito from Sword Art Online. They are plain old boring to me, and just wasted potential.

And that’s how I saw Ayanokoji at first. He’s described as being intensely handsome and athletically fit, being proficient in swimming. He is smart enough to get the exact score he needs to get into the class that will help with his agenda. And of course, he’s amazing at reading the room, being able to break down the people around him to his advantage. He’s practically perfect, right?

Well, no. Because he had grown up so single-minded about the goal he was trained for, he didn’t develop any people skills. Which ends up adding a little humane charm to his character and makes his relationship with Kei more organic.

Because Kei starts as the opposite of perfect Ayanokoji. When we meet her, she comes across as sloppy and extremely self-absorbed. But there is power in how unashamed she is of all the rumors that fly around about her. She is unabashedly herself, which makes her the perfect foil for Ayanokoji.

Because honestly? She is just as analytical as him, logically weighing her options and making her moves. She just hides her monsters better than most people. And that’s why the two work so well as a couple.

Why Did Ayanokoji And Kei Break Up?

Honestly, when Kei starts by saying how Ayanokoji was the most important person in her life for three years of high school, it’s kind of implied that he stopped being important afterward.

Now, we can’t pinpoint exactly what will lead to their breakup. Or even when it will happen. Perhaps it’ll happen during the festivals, where Kei will realize she no longer needs to be his girlfriend, that she’s independent and can navigate the high school experience on her own now. Or maybe it’ll happen closer to graduation, when Ayanokoji decides to return to the White Room, under his manipulative father’s tutelage and Kei realizes she can’t handle that anymore.

But will it be permanent? Again, that’s uncertain. Plenty of couples go through breaks, and how Kei is modeled after the wife of Shōgo Kinugasa, who is the author of the light novel? It just seems unlikely.

Is Karuizawa Kei Still The Best Girl?

Honestly, couple or not, Kei is irreplaceable to the fandom as ‘best girl’. She is an undeniable favorite of the series, solely for her strong personality and she stands out from the crowd. Sure, other characters in the story are interesting.

But Kei has come into her own, and her potential separation from Ayanokoji won’t take away her crown as queen bee.