Chapter 24 - Chapter 51-60

Chapter 051 Good Morning, Sakayanagi Hachiman

Class Point statistics at the end of the month:

Class A: 1145 points

Class B: 1070 points

Class C: 920 points

Class D: 90 points

Class D reeks of failure, no further words needed.

The scores for the other three classes—A, B, and C—remained neck-and-neck. This placed significant pressure on the leaders of all three.

In Class A, the internal struggle between the two leaders, Sakayanagi Arisu and Katsuragi Kohei, intensified.

In Class B, Ichinose Honami proved even more capable of uniting her class under such high-pressure environments.

Meanwhile, in Class C, Ryuen Kakeru seemed eager to stir up trouble, but constrained by the class points, he felt restricted and had to look for other methods.

However, none of this had anything to do with Hikigaya, who was tucked away in Class D.

Even though the exams were over, Hikigaya did not change the study habits he had developed. He listened attentively in class during the day.

Even Sakagami Kazuma, who had always found him eyesore, finally began to change his opinion of him. After all, there isn't a teacher alive who doesn't like a student who pays attention.

During lunch breaks, he would meet Shiina Hiyori at the library. Most of the time, they just read in silence; Hikigaya would only ask a few questions when he encountered a science problem he didn't understand.

After school, the tutoring sessions for Sakura Airi and Hasabe Haruka were reduced to once every three days. Since the academic pressure wasn't as urgent, it was time to relax properly.

The only troubling part was that the two girls actually started inviting him to eat desserts and go shopping for clothes... wasn't this the life of a total "normie"? Hikigaya originally planned to righteously refuse them, but unfortunately, they were just... too big.

Curse you, wicked gravity!

In the evenings, Horikita Suzune continued to prepare dinner for him as usual and stayed to tutor him in math, though he compressed the time to just one hour. This caused strong

dissatisfaction from Horikita, the academic overachiever; in her view, there was still plenty of room to increase Hikigaya's study intensity.

Hikigaya expressed that he wasn't some overachiever.

His goal for math was simply to maintain an upper-middle level. After one hour, using the excuse of a healthy "early to bed, early to rise" lifestyle, he would issue a guest-expulsion order to Horikita.

Then...

He would read manga and play games by himself until late into the night, eventually drifting off to bed in the early hours of the morning.

He entered a dream.

"Huh?!

Where is this...?"

Hikigaya opened his eyes to find himself inside an unfamiliar, luxurious villa.

"Is it a new wife again?

Looks like it's a rich woman this time."

Hikigaya's expression remained calm and composed. Stay cool. Standard procedure. Get used to it!

"Hey, if you're awake, get up already!"

A young woman dressed in a maid uniform pushed the door open and entered. However, her tone was a bit aggressive, and her expression was filled with disdain.

"Wait... ?! You... you're Kamuro Masumi?"

When Hikigaya's gaze fell upon her face, he was instantly stunned.

"Duh. Are you still half-asleep?" Kamuro glared at him with displeasure.

"Um... long time no see?" Hikigaya offered an instinctive greeting.

In his memory, Kamuro Masumi was the "first" friend he had made upon entering Advanced Nurturing High. However, he had been so busy with exam matters recently that they hadn't been in touch.

"Hmph~ I just took two days off to go back to my hometown... What? Did you miss me that much?" A faint smile traced across Kamuro's cold face.

"Yes... Hahaha." At a time like this, what else could he do besides let out a dry laugh?

"Fine. Stop dawdling and just do it."

As Kamuro spoke, she began unbuttoning the collar of her maid uniform.

"!!!!!!"

Wait? What kind of development is this? Hikigaya's brain began working at high speeds.

Could it be that the wife he was dreaming of this time was Kamuro Masumi? No, that's clearly wrong! Because of his previous "blunder" where he dreamed of Airi but the wife turned out to be Haruka, Hikigaya made sure to be cautious.

The first thing he said was "You're Kamuro Masumi," using her full name to test her identity. Since she didn't deny it, it meant she was Masumi Kamuro, not " Hikigaya Masumi."

Then the question remained: if Kamuro wasn't his wife, why was she actively undressing?

"Hold on, Kamuro! Doing this... isn't it a bit bad?"

Hikigaya forcibly moved his gaze away from the snowy white skin at her collar and said with feigned composure, "Um, even though my wife isn't here, still..."

As a qualified "House Husband," Hikigaya still possessed professional ethics!

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Kamuro frowned and pointed her finger outside the door. "That girl is right there in the living room eating breakfast."

Oho! So you're trying to seduce the husband while the mistress of the house is home?

Miss Master-Thief, have you upgraded to "stealing" people now?

Hikigaya was profoundly shocked and could not understand!!

"Hurry up, make it quick!" Kamuro urged with an impatient face. "Why act like such a gentleman? Haven't we been doing this since school?"

'Shut up! My head is being polluted by strange knowledge!' Hikigaya was suddenly moved to tears.

"Anyway... I'm not interested right now. You... you go out first. I need to use the restroom." Hikigaya straightened his back while bending his waist.

Kamuro's gaze drifted downward, a subtle look flashing in her eyes. Then, a cold snort escaped her lips: "Heh, men! Don't come begging me later!"

Help! What kind of twisted marriage is this?

Wait, is there a possibility that this is a trap? Like the wife intentionally letting a beautiful maid test her husband?

Then she divorces him and kicks him out without a single cent of the family assets...

Well, fine. Actually, he didn't care much for money anyway.

Unable to think of an answer after much deliberation, Hikigaya decided to just give up and go with the flow. It's a dream, anyway.

After washing up and leaving the room, Hikigaya arrived in the living room. At the long Western-style table sat a young, silver-haired... woman?

Judging solely by appearance—a height barely over 150cm and a flat chest—she looked very much like a teenage girl. One could even call her a loli! However, her aura definitely carried the charm of a married woman.

"Sakayanagi Arisu...?!"

Why is it you! Hikigaya's eyes widened, and he nearly blurted out the question.

Sakayanagi Arisu seemed surprised by his manner of address. Her lips curled slightly as she responded with interest: "Good morning~ Sakayanagi Hachiman."

'Huh? Sakayanagi Hachiman?!'

What kind of hellish name is that! Hikigaya was terrified.

He had fantasized about "marrying into a family" in the future before. After all, his dream was to be kept by a rich woman and become a house husband.

However, Sakayanagi was an exception! This woman was absolutely not a pushover!!

"Really, Hachiman, talking nonsense so early in the morning. Is it because Masumi didn't satisfy you properly?" Sakayanagi Arisu spoke with a smile, as if it were a routine "good morning" greeting.

"Tch~ what does that have to do with me? We didn't even do it today." Kamuro's words were even more startling.

"My, that's rare~~Hachiman has so much energy every day. Could it be you want to..."

As if she had thought of something, a suspicious blush appeared on Sakayanagi's pale face. Her expression was shy yet faintly expectant: "If it's just an occasional thing... as your wife, I suppose it's alright."

?????????? ??? Hikigaya ??? ??????????

His entire being was filled with question marks. At this moment, Hikigaya felt like his brain's CPU was about to start smoking!

Where is Mr. Alarm Clock? Quickly wake me up from this bizarre dream and take me back to reality, aaaaah!!!

Chapter 052 Ayanokouji's Probe

"Wuaah~"

Hikigaya stepped into the Class D classroom while yawning. It was as noisy as ever.

"We finally got our points today!" "Only 9,000 points? That's way too little, isn't it?"

9,000 points is equivalent to 9,000 yen; for a high schooler, it's actually sufficient.

However, after experiencing the luxurious lifestyle of 100,000 points in the first month, most students naturally felt a massive psychological gap. This is the phenomenon where it's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but difficult to go from luxury back to frugality.

"Good morning, Hikigaya-kun."

"Morning, Hachi~"

"Morning, Sakura-san and Hasabe-san."

"Honestly, you can just call me Haruka. And call her Airi."

"...Maybe next time."

Unbeknownst to him, Hikigaya had developed a relationship with Sakura and Hasabe where they could greet each other.

This counts as being friends, right?

Hikigaya returned to his seat.

"Why do you look so listless? Didn't you go to bed early last night?" Suzune Horikita looked at him from the neighboring seat with a puzzled expression.

"It's nothing... I just had a terrifying dream." Hikigaya rested his forehead in his hand.

Sakayanagi Hachiman... Just remembering that name made his head throb!

"Is that so." Horikita didn't intend to pry further and silently flipped through her book.

See? This is why she's low-maintenance! Hikigaya suddenly felt like he liked Horikita a little bit—just a tiny bit!

"Yamauchi, is that... the latest model of the Switch?!"

"Ta-da! As expected of the Professor, you really know your stuff!"

"This thing sells for nearly 50,000 yen in Akihabara. Do you actually have that many Private Points?"

"Ha! What's 50,000? Let me tell you a secret: I became an external ringer for the baseball club. I helped them play an exhibition match recently and got a 50,000-point bonus!"

Bragging without a script, Haruki Yamauchi proudly showed off the brand-new handheld console in his hand.

"Really? Is Yamauchi that amazing!" The crowd was skeptical, but the envy in their eyes was undeniable.

"Hey! Didn't I warn you not to get close to Matsushita?" Karuizawa Kei blocked Kanji Ike, who was trying to curry favor with a gift.

Matsushita Chiaki looked helpless. She had been low-profile enough; how did she end up being pestered?

"Wh-what are you talking about? I'm giving this to... to Shinohara!" On a whim, Kanji Ike shifted his target to Shinohara Satsuki.

"Eh?! For me?" Not expecting this move, Shinohara Satsuki's mouth hung open in shock, her cheeks flushing with a hint of bashfulness. With her average looks and figure, she had never received a gift from a member of the opposite sex in her life. For a moment, her heart skipped a beat.

"Eeeh! This is high-end Belgian Govandi truffle chocolate!! It costs nearly 18,000 yen after tax!" Sato Maya said in shock.

What? 18,000?! Someone was actually willing to give her such expensive chocolate! In an instant, Shinohara Satsuki's vanity was immensely satisfied!!

"Well~ seeing as you're so sincere, I'll reluctantly accept it~~" Shinohara took the chocolate with a joyful face. Looking at Kanji Ike, who was several centimeters shorter than her, he suddenly seemed a bit more handsome.

"Oh...!" Kanji Ike was visibly stunned.

He never imagined that after a month of simping for Matsushita with zero progress, Shinohara Satsuki—who was usually at his throat—would actually accept his gift!

It was a pity her looks weren't on Matsushita's level... but in his view, when it comes to romance, you first solve the problem of having a partner before you start picking the best one, right?

"Wow~ is this romance?" Sato Maya watched the drama excitedly.

"Uh..." Karuizawa Kei was confused. Is this how romance works? I don't get it at all!

"Phew~" Matsushita Chiaki, having escaped the pestering, also breathed a sigh of relief.

Then she shot a strange look at Karuizawa.

Karuizawa had the "gyaru leader" image and claimed to be experienced in love, so why did she seem so unfamiliar with it?

"Kanji Ike and Shinohara Satsuki... huh?" Hikigaya rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "This duo... should we call them Fu Manchu and Yueying?" (they are famous because they are ugly)

"Pfft~" The neighboring Horikita covered her face with her book, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. After a good while, she peeked out and glared at him. "Hush! Hikigaya, that's disrespectful to the ancients! Master Fu Manchu and Lady Zhuge were people of great wisdom!"

"Before you lecture me, can you press down the corners of your mouth? They're curling up." Hikigaya rolled his eyes, unimpressed.

'What the hell? What are these two talking about?'

Kushida Kikyo, sitting in the front row, pricked up her ears to eavesdrop. As a result, she was left utterly confused, suffering from a lack of cultural literacy...

"Hikigaya, Horikita-san, do you know why Yamauchi and Ike have so many points?"

'No, don't you think it's rude to suddenly butt into a conversation like that?'

The speaker was Ayanokouji Kiyotaka.

This reminded Hikigaya of an experience in middle school: two girls in the back were chatting about the weather being nice but hot, and Hikigaya suddenly chimed in with "It is quite muggy," causing the atmosphere to instantly freeze...

He remembered being so embarrassed he wanted to crawl into a hole! How did this guy maintain that dead-fish face?

Horikita Suzune ignored him completely and went back to her book. Hikigaya didn't want to respond either, but since this guy wouldn't stop staring at him, he had to speak.

"Who knows? Besides, aren't you guys sworn brothers? Why ask me?"

"There was no such thing as sworn brothers..."

"Anyway, you're bros."

"..."

Cornered by Hikigaya's rebuttal, Ayanokouji's expression became a bit strained.

"I'm not exactly sure about the details. But I saw them eating with people from Class C yesterday..." Ayanokouji said suggestively.

"So, you're saying you want to report them for being Class C spies?" Hikigaya intentionally spoke loudly, drawing the attention of the surrounding students.

"What? Class C spies?" Most people were confused. But Yamauchi and Ike, who had guilty consciences, instantly broke into a cold sweat.

The next second, the two of them glared at Ayanokouji with eyes full of rage!

You traitor!!

"No, I didn't say anything like that..." Ayanokouji felt deeply wronged.

His original intention was to probe Hikigaya's attitude toward inter-class competition, but he didn't expect the other guy to just "expose" him without a second thought!!

Chapter 053 Something About a Bespectacled Ikemen

"Ayanokouji! What right do you have to spread rumors that we were bought out by Class C?"

"Exactly! Do you... do you have any proof?!"

Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji were exceptionally agitated, which instead gave everyone a sense of "you protest too much."

"No, I was just speaking off the cuff..."

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka didn't want to have a falling out with Yamauchi and the others.

Upon hearing this, the crowd felt that Ayanokouji was just talking nonsense without any basis. Added to the fact that he became a shrinking violet the moment Yamauchi and Ike intimidated him, he looked incredibly low-tier.

It felt like his reputation had dropped even further...

A rare feeling of "depression" welled up inside Ayanokouji.

Hikigaya cursed inwardly: Serves you right!

This guy clearly wanted to use him as a shield to get involved in the class competition while he hid behind the scenes manipulating everything... he practically treated others like pawns!

At that moment.

A tall girl with purple hair tied in a side ponytail appeared at the door of the Class D classroom. A boy named Okutani from the front row proactively went up to flirt. However, less than two seconds later, he returned with a gloomy face.

"Hey, you...

Hikigaya Hachiman, a girl is looking for you!"

His tone was dripping with saltiness.

"Uh..."

In an instant, Hikigaya felt several sharp gazes land on him.

"Hmph! Everyone see that?"

"The one bought out by another class is Hikitani!" Yamauchi Haruki's eyes rolled as he blurted out a lie.

"I saw it too, this guy is in close contact with girls from other classes!" Ike Kanji was full of envy and jealousy. Although he had just hooked up with Satsuki Shinohara, her looks were clearly several levels below the tall purple-haired girl in front of them.

Facing the questioning looks of Class D, Hikigaya didn't explain, nor did he care to.

"Kamuro-san, long time no see." Hikigaya walked out.

"Sorry, Hikigaya. Did I cause trouble for you?" Kamuro Masumi's expression held a trace of apology.

"It's fine."

Hikigaya waved it off, indicating that the bunch of "eccentrics" in Class D weren't worth worrying about. He added, "Don't we have each other's contact info? Is there something that couldn't be said online?"

"Hmph! You have the nerve to say that!

You clearly added me, yet you didn't contact me for over a month!" Kamuro gritted her teeth, glaring at him fiercely.

"Uh... about that."

"You're the first girl I've added, and I don't really know how to chat."

Hikigaya scratched his head, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face. For him, online chatting experience with girls consisted only of "Are you there?", "Have you eaten?", and "Goodnight."

"Is that so... whatever." Kamuro's brow relaxed; she didn't seem to mind much. She brushed her hair back and continued, "Sakayanagi wants to see you."

"She still hasn't given up?" Hikigaya thought, feeling a headache coming on. Previously, Sakayanagi Arisu had found his number from somewhere and kept trying to add him as a friend, but he had rejected her every time.

"See you at the Sushi House at noon."

"Wait, I haven't agreed yet!"

"Sakayanagi said if you don't come, she'll personally go to Class D to pick you up..."

"Shit!" Hikigaya's face soured.

He could imagine it. With Sakayanagi Arisu's bewitchingly cute face and her status as the leader of Class A, she would definitely bring him endless amounts of trouble!

"That's just how she is. She'll use any means necessary to achieve her goals." Kamuro shrugged helplessly, indicating she felt his pain.

This made Hikigaya curious. "Kamuro, when did you become Sakayanagi's do— sorry, please excuse my bluntness."

"Who's a dog! What nonsense are you talking about?" Kamuro sternly retorted before explaining: "I'm doing this to repay a favor. During the midterms, Sakayanagi tutored me a bit on my schoolwork."

"So that's how it is." Hikigaya looked enlightened. It seemed that even in Class A, there were a few individuals whose academic ability wasn't quite up to snuff.

"Anyway, that's the situation...

I'm definitely not that person's lackey!" Kamuro emphasized seriously.

As the saying goes, the more guilty a person feels, the more they feel the need to emphasize something.

This reminded Hikigaya of that bizarre dream last night—where he married into the family as "Sakayanagi Hachiman," and Kamuro was a maid in the Sakayanagi household.

Even with the tacit approval of Sakayanagi Arisu herself, Kamuro had become his exclusive...

'Such an explosive plot, even novels wouldn't dare write it like that!!'

"Kamuro-san." Hikigaya placed both hands on her shoulders, staring intently into her eyes.

"W-what?

Suddenly being so serious..." Kamuro's eyes froze. Not knowing what she was thinking, her expression turned slightly panicked.

"If you're ever bullied, you can come and talk to me." Hikigaya said earnestly.

"Wh-what are you talking about!" Kamuro let out a sigh of relief, but then couldn't help but glare at him. "I won't be bullied!"

-

-

-

Returning to the Class D classroom.

Everyone cast suspicious glances at Hikigaya.

He didn't explain, nor did he pay them any mind. When school let out at noon, Hikigaya sent a message to Hiyori Shiina saying he had business and wouldn't be going to the library today.

Sushi House.

The place was filled with classical Japanese charm, a venue that screamed "high-end consumption" at a glance. There were very few customers, and Hikigaya quickly found the private booth.

"I am very happy that you were able to accept my invitation, Hikigaya-kun~"

Sakayanagi Arisu's voice was soft, and she spoke very politely. However, Hikigaya had long since seen through this "loli-brat" and didn't fall for her act at all.

"Sakayanagi-san, if you have something to say, just say it." After sitting down, Hikigaya poured himself a cup of barley tea.

"How cruel~ Hikigaya-kun, is this how you treat all girls?" Sakayanagi maintained her smile.

"Probably not...

After all, I'm a normal male. Facing a beautiful young girl, I'd at least act somewhat like a gentleman." Hikigaya answered earnestly.

"..."

Sakayanagi's movement of picking up her teacup paused slightly, but the smile on her face remained. "My~ it seems Hikigaya-kun's dead-fish eye vision isn't very good. Do I need to get you a pair of glasses?"

No boasting intended—in terms of looks, Sakayanagi Arisu considered herself second to none!

A top-tier beauty is right here, can't you see her?

"That would be great. I think I might look quite handsome with glasses on."

Looking at the plates of fresh, flame-seared sushi, Hikigaya suddenly felt that staying here to talk nonsense with Sakayanagi wasn't so bad.

"Hehe~ Hikigaya-kun has quite the imagination. A bespectacled ikemen... Huh?!"

Sakayanagi's voice suddenly cut off, her purple eyes widening slightly, as if she had discovered a new world.

Chapter 054 Ryuen Kakeru's Roadblock Threat!

"What is it?"

Hikigaya noticed that the Sakayanagi Arisu in front of him was suddenly looking at him strangely, with a faint hint of excitement in her eyes. This " loli brat"—she couldn't actually have a crush on him, could she?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible! That's just one of the three great delusions of life!

"So, what exactly are you here for? It can't be just to treat me to a meal, right?"

Hikigaya popped sushi into his mouth one after another, quickly devouring the food in front of him.

"While treating Hikigaya-kun to a meal is quite nice, I do indeed have a request today."

Sakayanagi Arisu leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed intently on him. "I would like to ask Hikigaya-kun to help me crush Class C.

After it's done, I will provide..."

"I'm leaving!" Hikigaya stood up.

"Wait, Hikigaya-kun? I haven't even made an offer yet!" Sakayanagi Arisu frowned.

"I'm not interested in class competition," Hikigaya refused flatly.

"Then you must be interested in Private Points, right?"

Sakayanagi Arisu raised her phone toward him, unreservedly displaying an astonishing balance of over 2,000,000 points!! Collecting over two million in just two months meant that Sakayanagi Arisu already had about a dozen loyal followers in Class A.

"True.

But the task is too much trouble."

Hikigaya still refused. In his view, instead of wasting energy on class warfare and plotting to move up—which was both exhausting and tedious—he might as well study hard to improve himself.

As for whether he graduated from Class A, Hikigaya didn't care at all. Even without the guaranteed university recommendation, he could just take the standard entrance exams and get into a good school.

Sakayanagi Arisu seemed to read his mind and immediately stopped pushing. "Is that so? That's truly a pity then."

She tapped her phone a few times.

Ding~ Hikigaya received a transfer notification. 500,000 points!

"What's the meaning of this?" Hikigaya asked, confused.

"This is a 'protection fee,'" Sakayanagi Arisu chuckled. "If people from Class B or Class C come looking for you, Hikigaya-kun, please refrain from attacking Class A."

"You don't need to do this. I told you I won't get involved in class competition," Hikigaya reiterated.

"Then consider it a meeting gift. As they say, 'even if the deal fails, the friendship remains.' This is a gesture of sincerity for our future cooperation."

Sakayanagi Arisu spoke flawlessly, leaving no room for refusal. Hikigaya cursed inwardly at how difficult she was to handle. But with her putting it that way, he couldn't find a reason to reject her either. He could only "reluctantly" accept the 500,000...

.

.

.

Lunch ended. Afternoon classes finished.

On his way to the Martial Arts Club after school, Hikigaya encountered three burly guys blocking his path.

"So you're the Hikigaya Hachiman from Class D? The man Ibuki took an interest in? You look pretty average."

The leader was a red-haired guy who looked like a delinquent boss. Beside him was a Black student nearly two meters tall and a square-faced simpleton who didn't look very bright.

"..." Hikigaya didn't respond, his dead-fish eyes staring quietly at them.

"Maintaining that composure even when cornered by us. You do have some guts."

The red-haired delinquent chuckled and introduced himself: "I'm Ryuen Kakeru from Class C. I'm looking to talk business regarding a collaboration."

"Not interested." Hikigaya refused directly and tried to walk past them.

"Hey! Who gave you permission to leave?" Ishizaki Daichi reached out to grab his shoulder.

Unexpectedly, Hikigaya grabbed the other's wrist, taking the initiative with a palm thrust to the stomach.

"You... ?!" Ishizaki clearly hadn't expected him to strike without a word. Caught off guard, he was hit so hard he nearly coughed up bile.

"Oho? As expected of a member of the Martial Arts Club." The corner of Ryuen's mouth curled into an excited smile. "Albert!"

The Black student named Albert lunged at him without a word. Hikigaya delivered a powerful front kick, which the other blocked with a cross-arm guard. Using his size advantage, Albert pushed Hikigaya to the ground.

Albert moved to follow up, but Hikigaya propped himself up with one hand and delivered a ground-based double-kick to the chest. Albert winced, momentarily winded, and had to stop to catch his breath.

"Ha!" Ryuen stepped forward quickly with a flying knee strike.

Hikigaya pressed down with both hands, redirecting the knee. Ryuen followed up with a barrage of punches—delinquent brawling style, seemingly fierce but lacking technique. Hikigaya blocked them one by one with ease.

"I said, have you had enough?" Hikigaya saw an opening and landed a straight punch to the face, hitting the corner of Ryuen's mouth.

"Tch~ You think this much is enough to take me down?" Ryuen wiped the blood from his lip. Despite being injured, he didn't back down; instead, his fighting spirit intensified.

"You bastard, you actually dared to hit me!" Ishizaki stood up, clutching his stomach.

"Phew~" Albert took a deep breath, recovering his state.

"That was just a warm-up greeting. Now it's three against one. Do you think you have a chance?" Ryuen cracked his knuckles, looking like victory was in his grasp.

"I do. In fact, my odds are very high." Hikigaya nodded earnestly.

"What did you say!" Ishizaki was furious and was about to charge recklessly to brawl with Hikigaya.

"Stop, Ishizaki!" Ryuen barked.

"Boss?" Ishizaki paused and looked back in disbelief.

"I told you to stop! Didn't you hear me!" Ryuen glared at him fiercely.

"It seems that, unlike a typical brainless delinquent, you understand the current situation at least a little bit," Hikigaya said with slight surprise.

"Tch! Don't get ahead of yourself, Dead-Fish Eyes! If I were willing to sacrifice some points, it would be enough to beat you into a pulp!" Ryuen threatened coldly.

"And then what? Get blocked at your door by me every single day until you've lost all your points? Class D barely has any points anyway. If we lose them all, we lose them all. Let's see who chickens out first!"

Hikigaya's tone was casual, but the threat was just as heavy as Ryuen's!

"This..." Ishizaki thought about it and realized Hikigaya was right. Panic began to show on his face.

"Haha! Interesting! No wonder Sakayanagi wanted to work with you."

Realizing that physical intimidation wouldn't work, Ryuen immediately changed tactics. "Hikigaya, I won't waste words with you. No matter how much Sakayanagi offered you, I'll double it!!"

Class A's score was higher, and their total points were greater.

However, Sakayanagi Arisu was not yet the sole leader of Class A, so the points she controlled were limited.

Ryuen Kakeru, who dominated Class C alone, undoubtedly held far more points in his hand than she did.

Chapter 055 A Chance Encounter and a Forced Pick-up

Ryuen Kakeru planned to buy Hikigaya off with points.

To show off his capital, he pulled out his phone and grandly displayed his personal point balance: 4,452,000.

Over four million! It had to be said, Ryuen's exploitation of Class C was quite ruthless. On average, every student had to hand over more than 60% of their Private Points.

"How about it?" "Rather than following a little brat like Sakayanagi, you'd be better off rolling with me."

Ryuen threw a heavy arm around Hikigaya's shoulder, patting him familiarly. It was quite something—even with the corner of his mouth bruised from the fight, he could still project such a magnanimous attitude. On that point alone, Ryuen was a formidable character!

Even in Hikigaya's eyes, a flicker of interest appeared. He wasn't interested in class competition mainly because he felt the effort-to-reward ratio was off. As for refusing Sakayanagi Arisu's recruitment, it was partly because that "loli brat" was super troublesome, and partly because he felt her "capital" wasn't enough.

As long as the profit was large enough, Hikigaya was willing to participate in class warfare. Thinking of this, Hikigaya held up four fingers: "I don't want much..."

"40,000?" "You're actually quite sensible." Ishizaki Daichi had previously been responsible for buying off Yamauchi and Ike, spending about 40,000 to 50,000 per person. Therefore, he felt it was reasonable for Hikigaya, a fellow Class D member, to ask for 40,000.

"Shut up, you idiot." Ryuen kicked Ishizaki aside first, then sneered: "I don't think someone like Sakayanagi would be that stingy.

You want 400,000, right?

Fine, it's a deal!"

Ryuen felt this amount was acceptable and agreed readily.

"No. It's 4,000,000." Hikigaya opened his mouth wide like a lion, making an outrageous demand.

"Are you playing me?" Ryuen's face darkened.

"You're the one who said that no matter what Sakayanagi offered, you'd double it.

What's the matter, can't afford to play?" Hikigaya was talking nonsense with a straight face.

"Bullshit! How could Class A possibly offer 2,000,000 to buy you out?" Ishizaki Daichi's first reaction was disbelief. If one used it sparingly, 2,000,000 was enough to cover three years of high school expenses!

"..." Ryuen, however, had his brows knit tight, pondering the possibility.

'Wait, are you actually seriously considering it?'

Hikigaya was a bit shocked himself!

"Hikigaya Hachiman!

As of right now, the strength you've shown is nowhere near worth that price." Ryuen stared straight into his eyes.

The meaning was clear: it wasn't that he couldn't pay a huge sum, but rather, did Hikigaya have the qualifications to take it?

"Of course, we can collaborate first. We can negotiate the specific point transactions slowly..." Ryuen didn't shut the door, implying through the lines that "as long as you follow me, the benefits won't be lacking."

However, Hikigaya saw right through the "pie in the sky" he was being sold. Once he boarded the pirate ship of Class C, escaping wouldn't be so easy.

"I refuse. You keep saying Sakayanagi is a little brat. But your vision is far inferior to hers!"

As Hikigaya spoke, he pulled out his phone and showed the transfer page Sakayanagi had sent: 500,000.

"The-there's actually... really that much..." Ishizaki Daichi's eyes bugged out, speechless from shock.

"And this was just a gesture of sincerity. I haven't even agreed to collaborate with her yet." Hikigaya's nonchalant words slapped Ryuen's face hard once again!

One person sent money directly, the other offered verbal promises. If it were you, who would you follow?

"Hmph! Don't get ahead of yourself, Hikigaya!"

Knowing the negotiation had failed, Ryuen dropped the act, glaring at him viciously: "Class D has plenty of usable pawns. I don't need just you."

"Farewell." Hikigaya couldn't be bothered to argue or drag it out.

"Boss, are we really just going to let him go like this?" Watching Hikigaya walk past them without a care, Ishizaki Daichi looked incredibly frustrated.

"What then? If we beat him up today, he'll be following you to the toilet every day starting tomorrow.

Remember, a person is often at their most vulnerable when they're... relieving themselves."

As Ryuen said this, Albert, who had remained silent the whole time, had a slight change in expression. From the first day of school, Ryuen had pestered him. In terms of physical force,

Ryuen was no match for him, but he couldn't stand the man's relentless stalking. He had even been followed to the bathroom! Once, while Albert was in a stall, Ryuen had literally climbed over the door to watch him...

In that moment, Albert finally broke and chose to submit. Ryuen was clearly worried Hikigaya would use the same bathroom-stalking revenge, judging others by his own standards.

.

.

.

The Martial Arts Club activities ended. He had practiced late with Captain Mutou today, and it was dark by the time he came out. On his way back to the dorms, Hikigaya heard that familiar and annoying shouting nearby.

"Hey~ cute student, it's boring wandering around alone at night, right?"

"Um... I just came out to buy some things."

"How perfect, we'll accompany you. We can be your knights in shining armor."

"Uh..."

The two guys trying to pick her up were Yamauchi Haruki and Ike Kanji. Their target was a girl with short grey hair who looked quite timid.

Hikigaya frowned.

Originally, he didn't want to get involved in such meddling. But ever since he started practicing martial arts, his "vital energy" was flourishing, which was subtly changing his behavioral habits.

Perhaps this was the true meaning of the school's focus on "literary and martial arts" cultivation. The goal wasn't just to teach students how to fight, but to foster the will to take action.

"Hey, you still haven't told me your name?"

"I'm Ike Kanji, currently recruiting a girlfriend, heehee~"

"Hey, Ike! Weren't you chasing Shinohara?"

"Th-that has nothing to do with right now! Speaking of which, Yamauchi, didn't you say you liked girls with big 'oppai'?"

"Quiet! As long as she's cute, a small one isn't unacceptable!"

The two were exposing each other's secrets, leaving the girl across from them stunned. One was a two-timing scumbag, the other was a pure pervert...

'Ugh~ boys are so disgusting!'

However, due to her weak personality, she could only lower her head, her body trembling uncontrollably. Unexpectedly, this reaction only further ignited their desires.

"She's blushing, how cute!"

"Well, it's normal to be shy when being hit on by handsome guys, haha!"

'Help me, Ichinose-san...'

In her fear, the girl's first thought was of the girl she admired.

Step, step... The sound of footsteps came from behind.

'Could it be... Ichinose-san!'

The girl turned back full of hope... only to see a pair of sharp dead-fish eyes.

Wuuu—!

With wolves in front and a tiger behind, the girl was now even more terrified!!

Chapter 056 Ichinose Honami: Hikigaya is a Good Person!

"Hi... Hikigaya?"

"Why are you here?"

Yamauchi and Ike were momentarily stunned, their eyes darting away guiltily.

'Hmm~ they got the name right; that shows they're actually quite flustered.'

"Yo~ isn't it Yamauchi and Ike-kun?

Going out to pick up girls without taking me along?

That's just outrageous!"

Hikigaya intervened forcefully.

"Wha... what?"

"Are you trying to compete with us?"

"You bastard! You clearly have so many beautiful girls around you already!"

The two of them instantly became anxious.

Hearing this, Shiranami Chihiro couldn't help but look up at him, thinking: Is this guy a playboy?

"The more cute girls, the better, naturally."

Hikigaya placed his hands on their shoulders, pressing down firmly. With a "kind" expression, he said, "Now, you two can get lost."

"You...!"

Yamauchi and Ike were full of indignation.

But under the pressure of Hikigaya's physical threat, the two could only swallow their anger and slink away dejectedly.

This display terrified Shiranami Chihiro, who stood nearby trembling; her fear of Hikigaya deepened even further.

"This student..."

"Yes! I... I am Shiranami Chihiro from Class B..."

The girl's voice carried a slight sob.

'Look how much this kid has been scared.'

Hikigaya's mouth twitched, but he didn't offer any explanation.

If anything, this was actually fine. It saved him from unnecessary interaction.

"Shiranami-san, right?

Let's go. I'll walk you back to the dormitory."

Hikigaya spoke expressionlessly.

"Eh?"

'He's... he's going straight to the dormitory?!

This is too fast!

He really is a predatory type!!'

Shiranami Chihiro was panicking internally, but her timid personality made her afraid to refuse out loud. She could only lower her head and walk cautiously.

.

.

.

At the entrance of the dormitory, they happened to run into a female student.

Under the streetlights.

She had long, strawberry-blonde hair and clear, deep-blue eyes. Her stunning face was no less impressive than Horikita Suzune 's, and her figure was no less endowed than Sakura Airi's.

"As I thought, it's her..."

Hikigaya's pupils contracted slightly.

The girl before him was the same girl he had encountered during his middle school summer job—the girl who, in a moment of confusion, had committed a theft for the sake of her younger sister.

In the two months since enrollment, Hikigaya had occasionally seen this girl, but he had no intention of going over to reminisce. After all, they had only met once back then, with no direct conversation or contact.

At that time, Hikigaya had successfully persuaded the shop manager to let the matter drop by forfeiting a month's worth of his part-time wages. This action had been Hikigaya's own personal decision; the girl had no idea it had happened.

Who would have thought that the girl's mother was someone with an exceptionally forceful personality? The next day, she brought her daughter to the shop to apologize, forcing her to kneel and kowtow in apology...

One could imagine that after the matter caused such a stir, the girl would have suffered a total social death.

Perhaps to start over in a new place, she had proactively come to this fully enclosed Advanced Nurturing High School.

To avoid exposing the secret of the girl's hidden dark past, Hikigaya would not talk to her—even if he saw her, he would pretend not to know her!

"Shiranami-san, are you okay?

You were out shopping for a bit long, so I was a little worried."

"Ichinose-san!"

As if finding her emotional pillar, Shiranami Chihiro's short legs moved rapidly as she rushed forward and hugged the other girl tightly.

"Waaaah~ I was so scared!"

Honami Ichinose reached out and gently stroked the other's head, saying with a gentle expression: "There, there~ it's okay now. I'm here."

Watching the two girls bonding, Hikigaya did not speak to interrupt, intending to walk past them silently.

"Wait a moment, fellow student.

Thank you for escorting Shiranami back."

Ichinose Honami looked at Hikigaya with a curious gaze.

"Ichinose-san, you have to be careful!

This person is a playboy!

And he followed me all the way back to the dorm..."

Shiranami Chihiro tried to put on a stern face to accuse Hikigaya.

It was a "fierce" yet adorable look.

"Pffft~

I don't think this student seems like a bad person.

Maybe there's some misunderstanding between you two?"

Ichinose Honami watched Hikigaya thoughtfully. It was only after a long while that she spoke again: "This student looks a bit familiar. Have we met somewhere before?"

'Looking familiar, met somewhere before...

Isn't that just providing the perfect excuse for a pickup line!'

Shiranami Chihiro looked anxious, fearing Hikigaya would seize the opportunity.

"No."

Hikigaya gave a negative answer without hesitation.

"Eh?"

Shiranami Chihiro was momentarily stunned.

It wasn't a matter of whether they had met or not. It was that he had rejected a golden opportunity to get close to Ichinose Honami!

This caused Shiranami Chihiro to puff out her cheeks in annoyance.

In her eyes, Ichinose Honami was the world's number one goddess of beauty and kindness! No boy could see her without their heart skipping a beat.

Yet this guy named Hikigaya kept a cold face the entire time, even deliberately averting his gaze, not even looking Honami Ichinose directly in the eye...

Shiranami Chihiro found this unacceptable!

Just now, when he "approached" her, he was so forceful that he even drove away two of his own classmates.

'It couldn't be... that this boy is interested in me, but not interested in Ichinose-san... right?'

As this bold thought emerged, Shiranami Chihiro scared herself, while at the same time, a strange emotion welled up in her heart, causing her cheeks to turn bright red!

"..."

Looking at Shiranami Chihiro, whose face changed expressions three times in a second, Hikigaya found her completely incomprehensible.

'Young lady, you have way too much internal drama going on.'

"We didn't know each other before...?

That's okay, as long as we know each other now~~"

Honami Ichinose tapped her lip with her finger. She couldn't recall who he was for the moment, but with her cheerful personality, she didn't overthink it.

She proactively reached out her hand: "Hello, I am Ichinose Honami from Class 1-B. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Class 1-D, Hikigaya Hachiman."

Hikigaya shook her hand and let go immediately, maintaining social distance.

"This is my classmate, Shiranami Chihiro. She's a bit shy, so I hope you'll be patient with her, Hikigaya-kun."

Honami Ichinose introduced her companion with a smile.

"Don't tease me, Ichinose-san..."

Shiranami Chihiro looked embarrassed.

After a few brief pleasantries, Hikigaya used the excuse of going back to the dorm to study and took his leave.

"Shiranami, see? I told you.

Hikigaya-kun doesn't seem like a bad person," Honami Ichinose said with a smile.

If he really wanted to hit on someone, he would have definitely been eager to talk more.

"But...

Just now."

Shiranami Chihiro hesitated for a moment and then recounted what had just happened.

"I see, so Shiranami was also being harassed by people from Class D."

Ichinose Honami's eyes flickered slightly.

"Also?"

Shiranami Chihiro let out a sound of surprise.

"Yes. Over the last two days, people in our class have been frequently harassed by Class D.

Kanzaki-kun lost his temper and taught them a lesson. As a result, it was reported to the teacher, and points were deducted from both sides for the fight."

Honami Ichinose looked like she had a headache.

By now, she had realized that these weren't just small frictions between students, but tactics used in the struggle between classes!

"Then, that Hikigaya..."

Shiranami Chihiro's expression was hesitant.

"Hikigaya-kun is a good person. He stopped the harassment from Class D toward you."

Ichinose Honami reached a conclusion with absolute certainty.

For some reason, she felt that the boy gave her a strange sense of familiarity and warmth.

Chapter 057 Cafeteria, Conflict Among Four Classes!

Early the next morning, Hikigaya got up for his usual morning exercise.

"Ibuki, I'll treat you to breakfast today."

"Hmm? Why are you suddenly being so nice to me?"

"To thank you."

"Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for appearing in my dream last night."

"???"

Hikigaya was very happy that he dreamed of Ibuki Mio last night.

This proved that he wasn't the kind of delusional pervert who "dreams of every girl he sees."

"Huh? You guy, don't just say misleading things like that!" Ibuki Mio gave him an annoyed glare.

"Oh oh, alright. Then I won't say it next time." Hikigaya nodded, accepting the criticism. Thinking about it carefully, telling a girl out of the blue that you dreamed of her does indeed sound a bit ambiguous.

"It... it's not like I'm forbidding you from saying it..." Ibuki said, turning her head away.

"???"

So, is it okay to say it, or not? Hikigaya thought to himself that a woman's heart is truly hard to fathom; even an idiot like Ibuki is so fickle.

"Give me... just a bowl of plain porridge and a steamed bun." This girl is really easy to provide for.

"Got it." Hikigaya gave a "read and ignored" response and ordered a beef porridge and a serving of dumplings for her.

"Why are you spending so many points on me!" Ibuki's eyes widened. You have to know, with Class D's measly points—only 9,000 a month—if they aren't frugal, they'll be eating the free mountain vegetable set by the end of the month.

"No need to save for me, I have other channels to obtain points." Hikigaya ordered a large bowl of tonkotsu ramen for himself. After physical exercise, one must replenish enough nutrition.

"Other channels for points?" Ibuki raised an eyebrow, a possibility suddenly occurring to her: "You wouldn't have also taken points from Ryuen to go harass the girls in Class A and Class B, would you?"

"How could I? I wouldn't do something so troublesome." Hikigaya denied it.

"Eh~ Isn't this Hikigaya-kun?"

"Yahallo~"

The ones coming over to say hello were none other than Ichinose Honami and Shiranami Chihiro.

"G-good morning." Shiranami Chihiro was a bit shy, her gaze involuntarily drifting toward Ibuki sitting across from Hikigaya.

"Morning, Ichinose-san and Shiranami-san." Hikigaya's expression was calm. Since he didn't dream about them, he was this composed!

"And you say you didn't..." Ibuki first glared at him, then frowned, her eyes filled with a bit of vigilance as she looked at Ichinose Honami.

"Ibuki-san doesn't need to be so defensive; this is just a greeting between classmates." Ichinose Honami smiled slightly. "Regarding last night, thank you Hikigaya-kun for protecting Chihiro-chan~"

"I was just happening to be on my way back to the dorm." Hikigaya said indifferently.

"As a thank you, could I treat Hikigaya-kun to lunch?" Ichinose blinked her eyes with a look of sincerity.

"There's no need for that trouble... By the way, Ichinose-san, is it really okay for you to do this?" Hikigaya hinted at something.

"What problem?" Ichinose expressed confusion.

"Lately, the reputation of Class D isn't very good." Hikigaya was referring to Class D's harassment of Class A and Class B everywhere. Along the way, people from other classes were looking at Class D with eyes full of loathing and dissatisfaction.

"The class is the class, and friends are friends; those are different things. Hikigaya-kun thinks so too, doesn't he?" Ichinose Honami said with conviction.

That's easy to say, but it's really not easy for an average person to be fair about it. Especially for Ichinose, who holds the status of Class B's leader; her every word and action must be responsible for the class collective. Wouldn't the people in Class B have objections?

Hikigaya turned his gaze toward Shiranami Chihiro nearby. He found the girl looking at Ichinose with worshipping eyes. Maybe that's just an isolated case? It can't be that everyone in Class B is like this.

Just then, a commotion broke out in the cafeteria.

"You Class D scum, get the hell out of here!

This isn't a place for you to stay!"

The one initiating the provocation was Totsuka Yahiko from Class A. The reason Hikigaya knew this person was that his name shared the same surname as a certain cute boy from his

middle school class. But in Japan, having the same surname isn't anything strange. Besides, looking at the appearance of the two, there wasn't a hint of blood relation.

"W-what are you doing?"

"Get lost..."

The one being provoked was Yukimura Teruhiko, who was eating breakfast alone. He was one of the few academic enthusiasts in Class D. He never participated in class affairs and therefore hadn't been bought off by Class C.

"All of you in Class D are trash! If you know what's good for you, get out of here. Don't ruin other people's appetites!" Totsuka Yahiko continued his malicious insults.

Yukimura's face turned red from the verbal abuse, but since he was the clumsy-tongued type, he didn't know how to talk back for a moment. Actually, there were a few other Class D students present, but because Yukimura had a cold and detached personality and never associated with others in class, no one stepped forward to help him.

Hikigaya frowned. Personally speaking, Yukimura had rejected his "toilet socializing" and had even mocked him for "spending all day with girls and being unlearned."

Their relationship couldn't be called hostile, but they were definitely not friends.

Hikigaya stood up anyway.

"As expected, Hikigaya-kun won't just stand by and watch." Ichinose's eyes flickered slightly.

"That's just how this guy is. His mouth always says things are troublesome, but in reality, he's a meddler." Ibuki gave a knowing smile.

Shiranami Chihiro silently watched Hikigaya's back, suddenly feeling that the other's "dead fish eyes" didn't seem so scary anymore.

"Can't understand human speech, can you? I told you to—"

"So noisy! Squawking like this early in the morning—the one ruining people's appetites is you, right?" Hikigaya walked over.

"Who the hell are you? You dare boss me around, a member of Class A?" Totsuka Yahiko raised an eyebrow, his face filled with pride as he stated his Class A identity.

"Hikigaya?" Yukimura looked surprised, seemingly not expecting the other to step forward and help him.

"Hikigaya? Oh! I know you! You're that Class D guy invited by Sakayanagi and Kamuro." Totsuka's tone became even more unfriendly.

In other words, this guy is from the "Katsuragi Faction"? Hikigaya's eyes moved, and he spoke: "Is your current provocation an order given by Katsuragi?"

"How did you know... No! Are you baiting me?" Totsuka finally reacted.

Lately, Class A had been endlessly annoyed by Class D's harassment. Katsuragi Kohei told him to find an opportunity to give Class D a warning. As for why he targeted Yukimura, it was simply because the guy was alone—picking the low-hanging fruit!

"Back off, Yahiko. Before things get even more out of hand." Hikigaya gave a sincere suggestion.

"It's clearly you Class D people causing trouble everywhere... By the way, don't just call me by my first name!!" Totsuka Yahiko glared at him with disgust.

"Is it convenient for you to change your surname?" Hikigaya had a very good impression of the cute boy in his memory and didn't want this idiot in front of him to ruin the beautiful image of "Totsuka."

"... Are you saying I should change it to Hikigaya? Damn! You're crossing the line!!" Yahiko instantly "turned red" with rage. In Japan, changing a surname usually happens because a mother remarries, and both mother and son take the husband's name. Therefore, Totsuka Yahiko interpreted Hikigaya's words as a personal insult to his family!

"No, no, no, you've misunderstood. I'm not that excessive." Hikigaya quickly clarified, while his face involuntarily showed a look of disgust. He didn't want such a stupid son!

"HIKIGAYA!!!" Yahiko's anger boiled over instantly. He couldn't help but rush forward, throwing a punch at Hikigaya. Hikigaya remained expressionless, the fingers of one hand tensing as he prepared a "palm strike to the abdomen" movement.

"Stop!" A loud, thunderous shout snapped Yahiko out of his rage.

"K-Katsuragi?!" Yahiko immediately shrunk back, lowering his head like a child who had done something wrong.

A large, bald man walked quickly from outside the cafeteria. Not only was he bald, but he also had no eyebrows. However, judging by his serious and confident expression, he himself did not feel inferior because of his appearance.

"Yahiko! Class A should have the pride of Class A! I did not authorize you to use violence!!" Katsuragi Kohei first strictly criticized his companion, then turned to Hikigaya to apologize sincerely: "I am very sorry. It was my lack of discipline over my subordinate that caused him to offend you."

"It's fine." Hikigaya withdrew his palm.

Katsuragi's pupils shrank. He also knew a bit about martial arts and knew that if things had truly escalated, Yahiko would likely have suffered a great loss!

"Katsuragi-kun, you don't know how detestable this dead-fish-eye guy is!" Yahiko looked aggrieved.

"He who wishes to achieve great things must learn to endure!" Katsuragi first lectured the other, then changed the subject, his gaze fixed on Hikigaya: "However, Class D's actions these past few days have already incited public indignation!"

Katsuragi deliberately raised his voice. Upon hearing this, most of the bystanders nodded in agreement. After all, people from Class A and Class B had been disgusted by Class D! Hikigaya couldn't deny this.

"Wait a moment, Katsuragi-kun. I think your words are somewhat biased!" Ichinose Honami stepped in.

"Ichinose? What do you mean by that? Isn't your Class B also frequently harassed by Class D?" Katsuragi knitted his non-existent eyebrows.

"That is indeed true. But that doesn't prove that all the students in Class D are bad people." Ichinose Honami's righteous words moved Yukimura Teruhiko and the other Class D students deeply!

"But I've seen more than once that Hikigaya guy hanging out with Class C people!" Totsuka accused Hikigaya again.

"What does that matter!" Ibuki Mio immediately jumped out.

"Look at this. Doesn't this reaction exactly prove that Hikigaya is in cahoots with Class C?" Yahiko sneered.

"No, it's not like that... Hikigaya, he protected me." Shiranami Chihiro couldn't help but speak up, but her voice was small.

"Totsuka-kun, besides our classes, we are still classmates. Why do you have to think so badly of others?" There was a hint of melancholy in Ichinose's eyes.

"Ichinose, your words are far too naive! As the leader of Class B, that is a failing grade!" Katsuragi's expression was grave.

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately triggered a strong reaction from the other Class B students! "We can't just let those words slide!" Several Class B students stood firmly behind Ichinose Honami.

"Kanzaki Ryuji..." Katsuragi looked deeply at the boy leading them.

"Haha! Truly an interesting scene."

Everyone looked toward the source of the voice: "Ryuen!"

Ryuen Kakeru appeared, leading his group of followers, swaggering in with an arrogant posture. "The two top classes only have this much strength. I only used a small trick, and you already can't take it?"

"Attacking Class A and Class B at the same time—there should be a limit to recklessness, shouldn't there?" Katsuragi looked pointedly at the people from Class B.

"I'm sorry, Katsuragi-kun. We in Class B have our own way of doing things; there's no need for you to worry." Ichinose politely declined Katsuragi's hint.

Hikigaya looked at her with a hint of surprise.

He thought to himself that this girl might look innocent and harmless, but she actually has quite a lot of schemes. As if sensing Hikigaya's gaze, Ichinose looked back and smiled, whispering: "Ara~ Is Hikigaya-kun worried that I'll be tricked?"

I think you're pretty good at tricking people too!

Ibuki Mio felt a wave of irritation as she watched.

Chapter 058 Infighting in Class D

"Ryuen, don't think you can just do whatever you want!" Katsuragi Kohei said coldly.

"Tch~ Tell me that after you've actually unified Class A," Ryuen Kakeru mocked.

This sentence struck a nerve. Katsuragi Kohei's face darkened, and he eventually left without saying another word.

"Ryuen-kun, you cannot gain the recognition of others by relying on schemes and intrigue," Ichinose Honami said earnestly.

"A lecture?" Ryuen Kakeru sneered. "How boring! With a bunch of naive people like you in Class B, you're destined to be crushed."

"I'm leaving first, Ibuki." Hikigaya stood up to leave after finishing his breakfast.

Ibuki Mio nodded: "Mm, see you at the club after school."

"Yo~ Ibuki, aren't you going to chat a bit more?" Ryuen Kakeru teased. "Even though you're a bit stupid, your eye for people isn't bad."

"None of your damn business!" Ibuki Mio snapped back without hesitation.

"Tsk, tsk~ With your temperament, it's hard to imagine you could land that dead-fish-eye." Ryuen Kakeru shook his head with disdain, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"If Shiina made a move, it might be possible."

"Huh? What does Shiina have to do with this?" Ibuki Mio reacted strongly.

"They could have a connection." Ryuen Kakeru's lips curled into a smirk, looking like someone who enjoyed watching the world burn.

"Ryuen, go to hell!!"

.

.

.

Class D Classroom

The usual noisy atmosphere prevailed. As news of the confrontation in the cafeteria spread, the inter-class conflict was now out in the open.

The secret of Yamauchi and the others being bought off by Class C could naturally no longer be hidden.

"You guys harassing everyone everywhere is truly disgusting!" Karuizawa Kei took the lead, scolding Yamauchi and the others. "Because of you, Class D's reputation is ruined; we're looked down upon wherever we go!"

"T-This is tactical harassment! We did this for the benefit of Class D!" Yamauchi and Ike, far from being ashamed after being exposed, argued back with twisted logic.

"What do you mean 'for Class D'? All of our points have been docked!!" Sato Maya refuted angrily.

"You can't put it like that... If everyone loses points, Classes A and B lose even more. From the result, doesn't that mean the gap between classes has narrowed?"

Shinohara Satsuki, who usually loved to stir up conflict, unexpectedly spoke up in defense of Yamauchi and the others.

"Huh? Shinohara, why are you helping them?" Karuizawa Kei widened her eyes, looking at her in disbelief.

"I'm... I'm just speaking based on the facts!" Shinohara Satsuki's eyes flickered.

"Shinohara, even though you've been getting along well with Ike lately, you shouldn't defend them like this, right?" Matsushita Chiaki frowned, her words carrying a deeper meaning.

"W-What are you talking about? I didn't...!" Shinohara Satsuki hurriedly denied it.

Having gained support from Shinohara Satsuki, who held a decent status in the girls' group, Yamauchi and the others became even more boisterous!

"Did you hear that? We did this for the class too!" Ike Kanji said righteously.

'This woman has definitely received a lot of benefits from Ike Kanji!'

Hikigaya, watching coldly from the sidelines, saw through the two of them instantly.

What puzzled him was that as the leader of the Class D girls' group, Karuizawa Kei only showed displeasure but didn't take any strong measures against Shinohara's backstabbing.

'Seriously, isn't this fake 'gyaru' a bit too weak?'

"Kushida-san would surely understand Ike and the others' well-intentioned efforts, right?" Shinohara Satsuki seemed to know the girls were unhappy with her and rushed to seek support from another side.

'I understand your mother!!'

Kushida Kikyo was screaming internally.

'The points were already not enough! Now that these pieces of trash have messed everything up, we're going to get zero again next month!!!'

Despite her internal rage, to maintain her "little angel" image, she forced a small smile: "Mm, I believe everyone..."

Seeing that Kushida was of no help, Karuizawa Kei turned her hopes to another core figure: "Hirata, say something!"

"Well, I hope everyone can stay calm. Let's sit down and have a proper talk." Hirata Yosuke played the mediator as usual.

'That's the same as saying nothing!'

Karuizawa and the others were immediately disappointed.

"Are you kidding me? Yamauchi and the others secretly kept the points for themselves while we have to get zero. Why?"

Yukimura Teruhiko couldn't help but speak up in opposition. This earned nods of support from a few honest students like Wang Mei-Yu.

"Yukimura, your perspective is too small. We are a collective; personal interests must naturally make sacrifices for the collective interest," Yamauchi Haruki said grandiosely.

"Exactly! Yamauchi is right!" Sotomura Hideo, Okitani Kyousuke, and Hondo Ryotaro—who had clearly also taken benefits from Class C—lined up to support him.

Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, seeing the situation favored Yamauchi, decisively acted as a fence-sitter: "I think so too."

Hikigaya couldn't help but glance at him.

'This guy is too good at acting!'

"You bunch of useless people!" Yukimura Teruhiko cursed, then turned his gaze toward someone in the back row: "Hikigaya... don't you plan to say something?"

"Heh." Hikigaya only let out a cold laugh. He couldn't be bothered to deal with this group of "eccentrics." From the first day of school, he had seen through the essence of Class D. Salvation was impossible; it was better to give up on treatment!

Anyway, he had accumulated enough personal points. Even if they got zero for three years, it didn't concern him!

"What is there for Hikigaya to say? He's definitely been bought off too, probably by Class B!" Yamauchi and Ike said snidely. Last night, they were ordered to harass Class B girls, only to be forcibly interrupted by Hikigaya. Thinking back, they assumed he must have taken benefits from Class B!

"Hikigaya, could it be that you too...?" Yukimura Teruhiko and the others cast suspicious glances.

Hikigaya maintained his attitude of neither denying nor explaining. In his view, being misunderstood as "bought off" was better. It saved him from rumors about being involved with Class B girls.

"Look, he's admitting it by default!" Yamauchi and Ike thought they had caught him and were about to spread more slander.

"That's enough! Hachi would never do something so selfish!" Hasabe Haruka suddenly snapped.

"I... I also believe in Hikigaya-kun!" Sakura Airi spoke up bravely.

"Keh... You two are already in a group with Hikigaya anyway!" Yamauchi and the others said sourly.

'Damn it! I want to be surrounded by girls too!!'

"So noisy! Chirping all day about these pointless matters! Your purpose for coming to school is to study, study, study! If you have this much free time, you should spend it reading more books!!!"

Horikita Suzune slammed the desk hard, her icy aura instantly silencing the room. Everyone's expression changed. Horikita's indiscriminate attack had insulted both sides at once!

Watching Horikita suppress the whole room with ease—something she herself couldn't do—Kushida Kikyo clenched her fists, her heart filled with intense loathing.

Seeing the atmosphere get worse, Hirata Yosuke finally stepped in to mediate. "Let's stop arguing. Let's set this matter aside for now... class is about to start."

Hikigaya's face remained calm, but he felt like laughing.

'With a class full of insects, you're talking to me about class competition?'

Instead of worrying about that, he was wondering how to turn a beautiful dream into reality!

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.

.

Class began. The students of Class D, having just experienced infighting, were either listless or unfocused. The teachers were used to this and simply went through the motions, covering the knowledge points in the textbook and calling it a day.

"Today's lesson is a bit hard to understand..." Sakura Airi had tried her best to take notes but simply couldn't follow.

"Sigh~ There's no helping it. It's all because of those annoying guys; they've seriously affected my mood." Hasabe Haruka was still angry about the class's misunderstanding of Hikigaya.

"It's fine. After school this afternoon, I'll teach you both," Hikigaya said.

"Really? That's great! Hachi-sensei is so reliable!" The two girls immediately beamed and left the classroom hand-in-hand.

"Hachi~ do you want to go with us to—"

"I'm not in a hurry."

"I haven't even said anything yet!"

"Thank you."

Declining the two girls' "toilet socializing" invitation, Hikigaya, with nothing to do, picked up a copy of 13.67 to relax his mind.

"A mystery novel by Chan Ho-kei?"

Beep~ Literature radar activated! Horikita Suzune cast a curious glance.

"What? You've read it too?" Hikigaya asked casually.

"My brother seems to have a classical Chinese collector's edition." Horikita Suzune's eyes lit up, showing deep interest.

'It's a book your brother reads, no wonder you're interested. Hikigaya thought.

"Hikigaya, when did your taste in books become so good?" Horikita Suzune gave him a rare compliment.

"Stop. I'm not used to you being like this..." Hikigaya gave her a strange look and explained, "This is a book Shiina-san recommended to me."

"Hmph! I knew it!" Horikita Suzune sneered.

"Ah~ that's the familiar taste." Hikigaya nodded, indicating this was the real Horikita.

Horikita Suzune kept a stiff face.

'Stop staring; if you want to read it, just say so!'

Hikigaya felt speechless.

Five minutes later... Hikigaya was getting creeped out by her staring. Combined with the murder stories in the book, he felt a sense of "immersion." The killer isn't behind me, is he?

"Sigh~ I lose..." Hikigaya gave in. "Horikita-san, if you don't mind, why don't you sit here and read it with me?"

'Offense is the best defense! This should make you back off, right?'

"Okay." Horikita Suzune acted as if she had been waiting for those words. Without hesitation, she moved her chair next to his and sat down right beside him.

Their arms were almost touching. Hikigaya could smell a faint fragrance coming from her. 'What brand of body wash is this? I haven't smelled it before... No, wait, Horikita? Do you really not read the atmosphere at all?'

Hikigaya could clearly feel the astonished gazes coming from all directions of Class D!

"Turn the page," Horikita Suzune urged seriously.

"..."

'If you don't mind, I have nothing to mind either.'

Hikigaya chose to ignore most of the gazes. As for why he said "most"... it was because one or two of those stares were so sharp they felt like they were going to pierce through him!

Chapter 059 Shiina Hiyori's Turn

Noon, Library.

"Thank you for sharing, Hikigaya-kun. It seems you really liked the book I... recommended to you."

"Yes, it's truly a masterpiece worthy of the Maltese Falcon Award!"

"Does Horikita-san like it too?"

"Like it... wait, how did Shiina know?"

Hikigaya suddenly broke into a cold sweat. Did the other party install cameras in Class D's classroom?

As if reading Hikigaya's mind, Shiina Hiyori explained: "I didn't install any cameras, because school rules don't allow it."

'Is it only because the school doesn't allow it that you didn't install them?'

And please, don't make such a disappointed face about it!

"Otherwise, I could see how Hikigaya-kun maneuvers between so many girls. It must be as interesting as a mystery novel!" Shiina Hiyori blinked her eyes and gave him a playful smile.

"Nothing of the sort! Which bastard is spreading rumors?" Hikigaya firmly denied it.

At the same time, he cursed the spies in Class D in his heart.

'Are you guys really that dedicated? Spreading even this kind of trivial nonsense to Class C!'

"Pupu~ Don't be nervous, Hikigaya-kun, I'm just joking~~" Shiina Hiyori giggled, covering her mouth.

'This kid... she's definitely a bit "black-bellied"'!

Hikigaya opened a can of Max Coffee and was about to pour it into his mouth when he caught a glimpse of Shiina looking over with curiosity.

"Shiina-san, do you want a taste?" Hikigaya paused his movement and put down the coffee. He added: "I haven't drunk from it yet..."

"Can I?" Shiina Hiyori's eyes lit up.

"..."

Sharing something you love with others is also a form of happiness.

"Hikigaya-kun only needs to pour a little bit for me." Shiina Hiyori took out her thermos and unscrewed the cap; the cap design functioned as a teacup.

"That won't do. You have to take at least three sips of Max Coffee to taste the unique flavor contained within." Hikigaya generously poured half the can for her.

"Thank you, then I won't be polite~" Shiina Hiyori took the cup of coffee and took a sip: "Ee~ So sweet!" She stuck out her tongue slightly, indicating it was a bit too rich.

"It's supposed to be sweet. It might feel a bit heavy the first time you try it. Drink a few more sips, and it will start to feel silky and smooth." Hikigaya became a Max Coffee missionary!

"Is that true?" Shiina Hiyori frowned and asked in a deliberately strange, cute tone.

'That's actually pretty cute...'

Hikigaya's heart was struck hard by this sudden "moe" moment.

'Stay calm! Or I'll end up dreaming about her tonight too!'

Shiina Hiyori tried two more sips, her eyes closed as she carefully savored the texture of the coffee. Her slender, elegant neck moved slightly as she swallowed.

"Ah~ Sure enough, it's just as Hikigaya-kun said. The second time it enters the mouth, the tongue gets used to it. It feels like silk made of coffee beans and caramel melting in your mouth." Shiina Hiyori gave a thumb-up, providing a thorough evaluation.

"That last sentence could be used as an advertising slogan for the Georgia Company," Hikigaya said solemnly.

"It's not that exaggerated~" Shiina Hiyori's eyes crinkled into little crescents as she laughed. As if remembering something, she picked up her thermos: "By the way, Hikigaya-kun. I brewed a pot of Oolong tea here, do you want to try some?"

"Sure, but..." Hikigaya agreed subconsciously.

But he didn't have a cup.

"Using my cup... that might not work." Shiina Hiyori glanced at the teacup. Since it had already held coffee, the residual flavor would surely ruin the taste of the tea. "Then Hikigaya-kun can just use this." Shiina Hiyori's eyes shifted as she handed the thermos directly to him.

"Ah?" Hikigaya was stunned.

He looked at the girl's thermos wrapped in a pink-and-blue sleeve.

"Don't worry, I haven't drunk from it today," Shiina Hiyori added.

'No. You haven't drunk from it today. But what about yesterday? Or the day before?'

Is a personal item like a thermos something you can just let others use? Hikigaya stared at her blankly.

"Mm?" Their eyes met, and Shiina Hiyori's expression was somewhat dazed and cute.

"..."

"Is Hikigaya-kun... disgusted by me? Even though I already drank your coffee." Shiina Hiyori pursed her lips, looking aggrieved.

"It's not that... fine, I'll drink!" Hikigaya couldn't resist the girl's innocent gaze. He bit the bullet, picked up the thermos, and took a sip.

He felt a faint sweetness as his lips touched the stainless steel rim of the bottle. However, this was likely just a wrong chemical signal sent by his cerebral cortex—in short: a hallucination.

"It has the natural floral and fruity aroma of gardenia and osmanthus... Is this Phoenix Dancong from Chaozhou?" Hikigaya savored it carefully.

"Eh! Hikigaya-kun even knows about this?" Shiina Hiyori looked surprised and delighted.

"Uh, I just happen to know a little bit," Hikigaya told the truth.

He really wasn't trying to show off. It just so happened that the "old man" at home who often forgot his own son loved tea and collected different varieties from all over the world.

Once, after a middle school final exam where Hikigaya ranked first in the grade for Japanese, he wanted the old man to give him some pocket money. Instead, the man mysteriously opened a box of Oolong aged for seven years, saying he wanted to broaden his son's horizons...

He still remembered squatting on the toilet all night after drinking it.

He thought his stomach was just too weak to enjoy such "fine tea." Later, he checked online and found that not all teas are suitable for long-term storage; only a small portion of Oolong teas are. In other words, he had most likely drunk expired tea! Damn, I was careless and got played by that old man!

"That's wonderful~ Hikigaya-kun likes reading and understands tea. You are practically my lifelong best friend!!" Shiina Hiyori clapped her hands together, looking extremely happy.

"Lifelong best friend? That sounds nice." Hikigaya suddenly thought of his experience in the dream. Then he shook his head. Dreams are dreams, reality is reality.

"Actually, maybe there could be something better..." Shiina Hiyori whispered something under her breath.

Ring ring~

The bell signaling the end of the lunch break rang.

"Time really flies without realizing it." Hikigaya returned the thermos to her and said softly: "Sorry, I couldn't finish your tea." Since it was hot, he couldn't exactly chug it in one go.

"It's okay, I'll finish the rest." Shiina Hiyori smiled serenely.

'Is this kid truly innocent, or is she "white on the outside, black on the inside"?'

Hikigaya was a bit confused.

Chapter 060 Haruka: Airi, You're Repaying Kindness with Enmity!

After school in the afternoon.

Hikigaya was tutoring Sakura Airi and Hasabe Haruka as promised. They chose a dessert shop as the location so they could eat while they studied—focusing on the concept of "happy learning."

"I felt like I didn't quite understand the story 'Sangetsuki' that the teacher talked about this morning..." Sakura Airi pointed to the text in her Modern Japanese textbook, looking a bit embarrassed.

"'Sangetsuki' (The Moon Over the Mountain) is a short story written by the Japanese author Atsushi Nakajima, adapted from the Chinese Tang Dynasty legend 'Enshiden' (The Legend of the Man-Tiger). The story revolves around a Tang Dynasty talent named Li Zheng..." Hikigaya earnestly explained the outline of the story.

"Eh~ I feel like I heard this story when I was a kid." Hasabe Haruka rested her cheek on one hand while absentmindedly playing with her cup with the other.

"Don't cause trouble."

"Ya~" Hikigaya flicked her forehead and sent her off to get more desserts.

"Yes, yes~ Schoolmaster Hachi is so strict~~" Hasabe Haruka covered her forehead with her hand and playfully stuck out her tongue.

"The most classic part of this text is Li Zheng's inner monologue after turning into a tiger: 'I feared that I was not a precious jade, so I did not dare to labor to polish myself; yet I half-believed I was a precious jade, so I would not live a mediocre life among the common rubble.'

This passage reveals the inner conflict of Li Zheng, which is also present in many people in reality.

Fear: Afraid that one actually lacks talent, and that even with effort, success is impossible, eventually proving that one is just a mediocre person.

Pride: Deep down, feeling that one is unique and shouldn't be immersed in mundane life, yet being unwilling to slowly improve through down-to-earth hard work." Hikigaya seriously analyzed the core theme and reading comprehension of the article.

"So that's what Li Zheng was thinking... I understand now!" Sakura Airi nodded with a look of sudden realization.

"Finally, let's summarize... Mmph?!" Before Hikigaya could finish his sentence, a mouthful of sweetness was stuffed into his mouth.

"Heehee~ Is it good? The mango pudding here is actually quite nice." Hasabe Haruka was in charge of "feeding" him. She pulled the spoon back from Hikigaya's mouth, then used the same spoon to scoop up a piece of pudding and offered it to Sakura Airi next to her.

"Li Zheng confessed to his friend, speaking of his deepest inner pain..." Sakura Airi, who was still contemplating the text, subconsciously opened her mouth and ate the food Hasabe offered.

"Eh?" After swallowing, Sakura Airi finally realized something was wrong. She turned her head, looked blankly at Hikigaya, and her cheeks began to heat up at a visible rate.

"Cough, cough~" Hikigaya feigned composure, signaling this isn't my fault!

"No need to doubt it, Airi! This is the legendary indirect kiss!" Hasabe Haruka suddenly burst into laughter, looking delighted with her successful prank!

"Ha-Haruka!!" Flustered and angry, Sakura Airi snatched the spoon, scooped a large portion, and forcibly stuffed it into Hasabe's mouth.

"Wai-wait... Mmph!" The prankster was eventually pranked herself.

"Good for you, Airi... Even though I was giving you an assist, you repay my kindness with enmity?" Hasabe Haruka wiped the corner of her mouth, her cheeks as red as ripe apples—a classic case of "high attack, low defense."

"This kind of thing... is still too early for me!" Sakura Airi shook her head like a rattle.

"Early for what? People with higher levels might just grab Hachiman's hand and press it against their own chest!" Hasabe Haruka lectured her, sounding like she was disappointed Airi wasn't more aggressive.

"Hey, hey! Don't fill Sakura's head with strange knowledge!" Hikigaya broke into a sweat, wondering if girls like that actually existed.

The tutoring session unknowingly extended for over an hour.

.

.

.

Martial Arts Club

"Why are you so late today?" Ibuki Mio was covered in sweat, clearly having practiced for a long time already.

"Uh... I was immersed in studying and lost track of time," Hikigaya replied solemnly.

"Hmph! I think you were immersed in women and couldn't pull yourself out!" Ibuki Mio annoyedly threw the towel from around her neck at him.

"...!" Hikigaya reacted quickly and caught it. The towel was warm and a bit damp, and the scent was particularly strong!

"Heh heh~ Got choked by the smell, didn't you?" Ibuki Mio tilted her chin up and threatened with feigned anger, "Let's see if you dare to be late next time!"

"Yes, yes~" Hikigaya brushed her off perfunctorily, showing he wasn't afraid at all.

To be fair, Ibuki's sweat-soaked towel wasn't as unpleasant as one might imagine. A faint scent of soap combined with the unique pheromones of a young girl... how should he put it? At least Hikigaya didn't hate it. If it were certain minority groups, they might even pay a high price for it!

Just kidding...

Hikigaya folded the towel into a neat square.

"Come on, Hikigaya! I'll be your sparring partner." Ibuki Mio was originally very tired, but after seeing Hikigaya, she somehow found another burst of energy.

"Let's switch to someone else... You're already exhausted from practicing." Hikigaya wanted to decline.

"Junior, I'll spar with you! This Senpai just arrived and has plenty of energy!" Senpai Orange's eyes lit up, looking like a tigress eyeing a lamb!

"..." Hikigaya glanced at the 170-pound, slightly plump Senpai, swallowed hard, and immediately turned back to grab Ibuki's shoulders.

"Actually, let Ibuki spar with me! I'm counting on you!!" Hikigaya suddenly felt that Ibuki Mio, who usually seemed like a "bro," had suddenly become quite delicate and pretty.

"Hmph~ Since you insist on having me, I guess I have no choice but to accompany you to the end~~" Ibuki Mio's face lit up with joy, and she pulled his hand as they stepped onto the ring together.

Half an hour later... once the excitement wore off, Ibuki Mio, having overexerted herself, slumped on the floor like a dead dog, unable to move a muscle.

"I told you not to practice, but you insisted. You literally wore yourself out, I'm impressed." Hikigaya looked at her speechlessly.

"I... I can still practice!" Ibuki Mio was still acting tough.

"I think one day you'll evolve into a creature with a beak made of iron." Hikigaya carefully lifted her arms, draped them over his neck, and then scooped up her thighs with both hands, lifting her easily.

"Wh-what are you doing!" Ibuki Mio whimpered nervously.

"Carrying you back to the dorm. Or would you prefer a princess carry?" Hikigaya said with an annoyed look.

It's not like that's forbidden... Ibuki Mio muttered in her heart, but she was too embarrassed to say it out loud.

.

.

.

At 7:50 PM, at the door of Room 404.

"Why are you so late today?" Horikita Suzune glared at the late-arriving Hikigaya with displeasure.

"Sorry, there was a small situation at the club today..." After taking Ibuki Mio back to her dorm, Hikigaya had to apply ointment and massage her muscles to soothe them; otherwise, she would surely be sore all over the next morning. Only after finishing all that did he return to his dorm.

"But why did I see you coming down from the girls' dormitory?" Horikita Suzune looked at him suspiciously.

"Sigh~ don't worry about the details. I'm starving, is there food?" Hikigaya was too lazy to explain.

Horikita Suzune frowned. Although she really wanted to know the details, she realized that from her standpoint, she had no reason to care about Hikigaya's emotional life. She had no choice but to swallow her questions for now.

"I made beef bowl with a poached egg today." Horikita Suzune took out two food boxes.

"Thanks! Time to eat!" Hikigaya started devouring the food.

"Don't eat so fast, it's bad for digestion," Horikita Suzune couldn't help but remind him.

"Oh, okay." Hikigaya responded, not forgetting to compliment her: "Horikita's cooking is seriously too delicious!"

"Hmph! Of course. My family is in the catering industry," Horikita Suzune said as if it were common sense.

"Does the Horikita family own a restaurant?" Hikigaya asked curiously.

"No, we are food suppliers."

"Whoa! Isn't that even more impressive?" Being a food supplier is not the same as owning a restaurant. The scale is much larger! Moreover, in Japan, you can't become a food supplier just because you have money. It involves territorial divisions—if you overstep your bounds, you'll get crushed! Similarly, if another supplier enters your territory, you have to drive them out!

"No wonder... President Horikita looks refined with his glasses, yet he's trained in martial arts." Hikigaya finally understood why the Horikita siblings had practiced martial arts since they were young.

"Martial arts are just for self-defense. Most of the time, everyone follows the rules," Horikita Suzune clarified.

"President Horikita didn't follow the rules when he beat me up," Hikigaya couldn't help but complain.

"That... that was just an accident..." Horikita Suzune's face looked a bit awkward. "Didn't I apply ointment and massage you afterward as compensation?"

'Yes, and there was also the 1.5 million points. That was the real treat!'

After finishing the meal, Hikigaya wanted to sleep, but Horikita Suzune wouldn't let him. She forced him to finish two sets of math exercises.

"It's still early, how about another set?"

'Are you a demon?'

"No! Thank you very much!!"

After seeing Horikita out, Hikigaya lay on the bed listlessly.

Beep beep~ The phone rang several times in succession.

"Who is it, sending messages so late?" Hikigaya grabbed the phone impatiently, ready to reply with a polite three-step sequence: "I'm going to shower," "I'm tired," and "Goodnight!"

[Sakura Airi: Hikigaya-kun, tomorrow's PE class is swimming... I wonder what kind of swimsuit you like?]

"PE class? Swimming?"

"How come I didn't know about this?!" Hikigaya suddenly sat up from the bed.

He opened the class group and found that there really was such a notice! It was just that he was used to muting the class group and hadn't noticed it.