After school officially started, Hikigaya found himself in an uncomfortable situation. Due to his excellent performance on the December exams, he earned the distinction of sitting in the front row for the semester. Consequently, it would be somewhat impolite for him to slack off in class again.
The current Hikigaya was not the same as during his second year of junior high. After improving his academic performance, he realized that slacking off didn't weigh on him psychologically as it once did. However, he lacked the courage of Kasumigaoka Utaha, who could openly sleep in class without a care.
Regardless, Hikigaya wanted to change his seat back. He approached the former top student in the grade, thinking that this student would surely be keen to reclaim the top spot and might be willing to switch seats.
"I'm sorry, Hikigaya-san. I'm comfortable sitting here, reading these books freely," the former top student in the fifth row replied, holding a mystery novel published a few years ago.
"By the way, Hikigaya-san, if you'd like, I can lend you this. It's the book that got me into mystery novels. I queued up to buy its collector's edition a few days ago. I think you'll enjoy it," Kamiki said as he took the hardcover edition of "Malice" out of his schoolbag and handed it to Hikigaya.
"This is much more interesting than studying, Hikigaya-san. I believe my academic performance is sufficient now, so I'd rather spend my precious time reading intriguing books," said Shenmu, clearly delighted that sitting in the fifth row allowed him to read mystery novels in class without worry.
"... Thank you, Shenmu-san. I'll read it carefully," Hikigaya responded, accepting the collector's edition of "Malice," which he could acquire from the publisher at any time, and expressing his sincere gratitude.
Detective novels have never been a mainstream literary genre. Even in Japan, where there is a strong interest in detective fiction, truly successful works are relatively rare. It could be said that Hikigaya's presence has unintentionally drawn many like Kamiki into the expansive world of mystery novels.
"Mr. Shenmu, have you ever considered becoming a writer in the future?" Hikigaya asked.
"Become a writer? Don't make me laugh, Hikigaya-san. I know my own abilities. If I tried to make a living writing novels, I would starve," Shenmu replied, shaking his head.
Resigned to his position in the front row, Hikigaya accepted the reality of facing the teachers' scrutinizing gazes during each class. Fortunately, there were only two months left in the semester, so he wouldn't have to endure sitting in the front for too long, unable to slack off.
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"Yukino, why do you look more nervous than I do?" Haruno, who was about to take an exam today, glanced at her shivering sister beside her and said with amusement.
"No... no, I'm just a little cold," Yukino insisted, though her fingers were tightly clenched around her sleeves.
"With your level, this test should be easy for you. Even the entrance exam next month may not be difficult at all," Hikigaya remarked confidently. This wasn't mere boasting; Haruno's goal of attending the University of Tokyo was ambitious yet not impossible, and Chiba University would be well within her reach.
"Stop, stop, stop, junior! The exam hasn't even started yet; don't be so eager to praise me," Haruno interjected, making a stopping gesture.
"In March, after my entrance exams with Hikigaya are over, let's celebrate together—just the three of us." Yukino summoned the courage to extend this invitation.
"Of course, that sounds great! Even if it's a done deal, it's worth celebrating. What do you think, Hikigaya-san?" Haruno agreed, looking at Hikigaya as well.
"I think it's perfect. Plus, we won't need to find a place; how about my new home? I can just sleep there if I get tired," Hikigaya suggested. He moved out with the intention of making it convenient for hosting parties, so why not use it right away?
The Yukinoshita sisters were visibly happy, though it seemed as if they had their reservations.
"Whatever happens, come on, Yukino! Mom and Dad went to the temple to pray for you yesterday, so everything will be fine!" Haruno said as she prepared to enter the examination room. Yukino stood nearby, making a cheering gesture with her hands.
"I'll be waiting for the good news of your triumphant return, senior sister," Hikigaya said calmly.
"Alright, Yukino-chan, Hikigaya-kun, I appreciate your blessings. There are more people ahead, so you don't have to follow me anymore. Just wait for my good news, bye!" Haruno waved and walked into the examination room. Yukino kept her eyes on her sister until she completely disappeared into the crowd.
"Sisters are so close..." Hachiman couldn't help but sigh as he watched Yukino, who cared deeply for her sister.
"Let's go, Hikigaya-san. The family car is waiting," Yukino said, eager to leave.
"Don't bother, Yukinoshita-san. This place is very close to my home, so you can go back first. I can walk home on my own," Hikigaya replied instinctively, thinking Yukino just wanted to offer him a ride back.
"Why are you playing dumb again? Hikigaya-san, do you need me to correct you?" Yukino said, cracking her knuckles and smiling in a friendly way.
Hikigaya remembered that, even though she seemed like a soft and easily dominated girl, she was part of the Yukinoshita family and likely trained in martial arts like Aikido. If they were to fight, he, a weak writer who couldn't even defeat a chicken, wouldn't stand a chance.
"Okay, I give in. But aren't you worried about your sister? Are you really in the mood to go out and play?" he asked.
"Who said I was taking you out to play? We're praying for my sister, hoping she does well on her exam," Yukino said, avoiding Hikigaya's gaze, guilt evident on her face.
"Well said! So, how can we pray for your sister?" Hikigaya assumed she meant a trip to Chiba Shrine.
"I haven't thought of that yet. Let's go home and discuss it slowly, Hikigaya-san," Yukino replied nonchalantly, opening the car door for him. Her true intention was to take Hachiman back to her home, where his family wasn't present, and the rest didn't matter.
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