Deserted Island, Hachiman's Home Planet…
After the roll call, the close-knit Class B gathered around their large bonfire for breakfast. The mood was gentle, almost domestic, despite the survival exam.
"...Aside from the 8 spots we already secured, I found 4 more unclaimed spots," Hachiman reported while munching on steamed corn. "Our previous 8 spots already gave us 48 points, and with the additional 4 new spots, we now have 51 points."
A few students exchanged glances.
"So, combined with the 200 points we saved from buying resources," he continued, "If nothing emergency happens, we should be guaranteed to get at least 380 points by the end of the exam from this alone, finally surpassing Class A."
The class let out a gasp. They were clearly impressed by Hachiman, but at the same time, they were more worried about him, especially his health. He had been pushing himself way too hard. Occupying and maintaining control of those spots was no easy task.
Then, after a moment of hesitation, the timid Shiranami Chihiro slowly raised her hand.
"B-but Hikigaya-kun… if you keep openly occupying spots like that, won't the other classes figure out you're the leader?" she asked nervously. "If they submit your name in the 'guess the leader' section, wouldn't that cancel out the points you worked so hard to earn?"
As Chihiro said, if the secret leader of their class were guessed correctly by another class, all the bonus points Hachiman had worked to secure would be nullified according to the exam rules as follows:
1. Each class must choose one student to act as its leader.
2. Leaders cannot be changed without a legitimate reason.
3. On the last day of the test, each class may guess who they believe is the leader of the other classes.
3.1. For each leader who guessed correctly, that class receives 50 bonus points.
3.2. If the guess is incorrect, the class loses 50 points as a penalty.
3.3. In addition, if a class's leader is guessed correctly, that class loses 50 points and forfeits all bonus points gained during the test.
4. Spots on the island can be occupied under the following conditions:
4.1. A special key card is required to claim a spot.
4.2. The key card may only be used by the designated leader.
4.3. Each successful occupation grants one bonus point to the class.
4.4. Occupation rights expire every eight hours, and each renewal grants an additional bonus point.
So normally, what Chihiro had said could be interpreted as.
'Why are you still wasting your effort on something that could end up meaningless?'
But to Hachiman and the rest of Class B? It sounded completely different.
To them, her words meant.
'You don't have to push yourself so hard. Please take care of yourself.'
Class B's united and compassionate hearts simply couldn't assume the worst of someone—well, maybe except when it came to Class C, but that was a special case.
Chihiro's concern for Hachiman's health was heard loud and clear by everyone.
"Thank you for your concern, Shiranami. But this is actually part of my plan, so don't worry too much, okay?"
Hachiman gave her a genuine smile.
The timid girl immediately grew even redder. She lowered her head, trying to hide both her flushed cheeks and the small, uncontrollable smile on her lips—something everyone noticed except Hachiman himself.
'This guy… how many more is he planning to charm?!'
Several students glanced at Honami, who was sitting right beside him. They caught the faint twitch at the corner of her lips. Cracking her angelic smile.
'Father… please look at Mother properly. She's clearly jealous, alright?!'
Those supporting both Hachiman and Honami from their duties as class representatives—Kanzaki Ryūji, Shibata Shō, Amikura Mako, and Kobashi Yume—interacted with them closely enough to notice what others were likely not to see.
The affection between the two was obvious.
Especially Honami, who wasn't even trying to hide her favoritism. The tacit understanding between them, the silent conversation, the effortless coordination, the absolute trust—they were things the whole class could see.
However… their class "father" was a little too charming for his own good.
His connections with other girls were simply too wide.
Sayanagi Arisu and Kamuro Masumi from Class A. Shiina Hiyori from Class C. Sakura Airi, Hasebe Haruka, Kushida Kikyo, Matsushita Chiaki, Satou Maya, Karuizawa Kei, and Horikita Suzune from Class D…
"…Wait. Why does he have that many connections in Class D?!"
A collective, silent disbelief spread through the group.
Ahem.
Moving on.
If they didn't know how naturally dense Hachiman was, they might have already criticized him for being a womanizer.
Which somehow made it worse.
Arisu, they could understand. She was his childhood friend—she had known him longer than Honami had. Matsushita Chiaki had been his classmate Sobu until the second year of Junior High before he transferred to Shujin Academy at the start of his third year, where he met Honami.
But the others…?
Why did he keep attracting girls like this?!
One time, Kanzaki and Shibata casually asked Hachiman, under the noble excuse of "deepening male friendship," about how he ended up entangled with so many girls. His answer was unbelievable… yet somehow made them respect him even more.
"For Sakura?" Hachiman had shrugged. "There was a stalker at the mall. The guy tried to touch her. I stepped in. That's it."
That's… it?!
After that, Sakura introduced him to Hasebe Haruka when he started tutoring her for the midterms. Somewhere along the way, Hasebe's playful personality surfaced, and before he realized it, she had grown comfortable teasing him.
"For Kamuro, she just owes me," he added flatly. "So I told her to help Arisu out. Her health isn't great."
Kanzaki and Shibata exchanged looks.
"That's… all?"
"What else would it be?" Hachiman replied innocently.
As for Shiina Hiyori and Horikita Suzune, he met them on the bus heading to ANHS. Hiyori noticed the book he was reading and struck up a conversation. Horikita made an offhand comment that led to a short debate. It turned into a surprisingly pleasant discussion.
"And the gal trio?" Shibata pressed.
"Matsushita was talking to me after we reunited," Hachiman said. "Satou and Karuizawa overheard when I asked her about my old friends back in Sobu."
Apparently, Chiaki's words painted him in a better light than he deserved. The other two formed a good impression and gradually became friendly with him.
"And Kushida?"
At that, Hachiman went silent.
The faint twitch at the corner of his cheek—and the barely noticeable redness creeping up—only made Kanzaki and Shibata more curious.
"…I'm not answering that."
No matter how much they probed, he refused to say another word.
Back to the present, Kanzaki rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a tired sigh, trying to suppress the headache brought on by Hachiman's overly complicated relationships with women.
"What's the plan for today? Same as yesterday?" he asked, deliberately steering the conversation back to safer territory.
"Ah…? Oh. Right."
Hachiman blinked once, then smoothly followed Kanzaki's lead.
"To be honest, our food supply should last until the evening of the sixth day of the exam… if we ration it properly. Since we're near the sea, getting seafood isn't difficult. But that still won't be enough to feed forty people."
He paused briefly. "So we'll need to continue searching and scavenging for more food sources."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"So, Kobashi-san—same as before. Lead three groups to search for resources around the island. I'll show you the new spots I secured this morning. That's where I found those bananas."
"Sure~ Leave it to me!"
Yume gave him a playful salute and a wink. Hachiman responded with a small, grateful smile.
"With that settled, and now that our camp setup is complete, the essentials are taken care of. We can move to the next phase—information gathering."
He looked around, meeting everyone's eyes before continuing.
"Amikura-san, Shibata. Take four people with you and circle the island. I want you to search for signs of human activity."
"Human activity?"
"What exactly are we looking for?"
Both of them frowned slightly.
"Even if Class C 'officially' resigned for this exam, I doubt that gangster wannabe Ryūen is the type to accept defeat, so I want to narrow down the potential places he could have been hiding," Hachiman spoke calmly.
"At the same time, I need you to scout the other classes' bases. Check how much time they have left on their occupied spots. I want details."
Amikura blinked. "Hmm? Are you planning to steal those spots, Hikigaya-kun?"
Hachiman didn't answer. He simply let a gentle smile form on his lips.
The rest of Class B felt a chill run down their spines, silently offering condolences to the other classes.
"H-Hachiman… um… please leave them at least a little dignity?" Honami pleaded gently, though she did not attempt to stop whatever he was planning.
"Mm. Aside from Ryūen, the others can keep their pride as humans." Hachiman nodded matter-of-factly.
'That's… not really assuring.... Poor Ryūen.'
Every single member of Class B silently agreed.
"Then, Kanzaki, like yesterday, you'll remain at the base. Direct the others in their tasks… and welcome any visitors who feel like scouting us as well."
"Huh? You're willing to let them come to our main camp?"
Kanzaki raised a brow, looking at him for confirmation.
"Yep~," Hachiman answered casually, taking another bite of his corn. After swallowing, he continued, "It's just a minor power play… and a small diversion."
There it was—the look Class B had dubbed as 'Father's scheming grin.'
"We let them see everything," he explained calmly. "We show them we're not hiding anything. Let them relax. Let them think we're just enjoying island life without a care…"
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"And once we're ready… heh. They're done for."
'Ah… Father just became Godfather instead.' Class B tilted their heads toward the clear blue sky, suddenly very interested in how nice the weather was.
"Lastly, Honami and I will personally visit the other classes' camps," Hachiman said. "We'll act as the primary scouts—and a smoke screen for Amikura-san and Shibata. That way, we'll have two perspectives when observing their bases."
Everyone nodded. With their roles clearly assigned, they began thinking through how to carry out their duties.
"After breakfast, we move out. But for now, let's enjoy our humble meal." He glanced around. "You're also free to complain about this damn exam while we eat."
"Ahahahaha!"
And just like that, Class B's day began with laughter.
—-----------
"So, Hachiman, which class should we check first? Horikita-san's Class D or Katsuragi-kun's Class A?"
Honami asked as they walked along the forest trail. She playfully hopped onto a fallen tree branch at the side of the path. Because of that sudden movement—and, unfortunately, gravity—Hachiman's eyes were attracted to the two splendid Honamins bouncing in front of him.
'…I wonder which is bigger, Honami's or Mei's.'
The moment he realized what he was thinking, Hachiman quickly shook his head, forcefully clearing away those very unstrategic thoughts.
"A-ahem… Honami, please don't jump like that. It's dangerous… for various reasons." He scolded her, though the last part he whispered, barely even audible. There was no way he was saying that out loud.
"Hehehe! Sorry, sorry! I'm just happy to finally have some time alone with you after so long, ~" she replied sweetly, flashing him an angelic smile.
"…Didn't we have time alone when we stargaze together on the ship?"
He looked away as he answered, trying to hide the redness on his cheeks. Because of that, he missed the brief, calculating glint that flashed in her eyes before vanishing.
"But that was three days ago, you know? Since we landed on the island, we've been sooo busy that we haven't had time to just sit together."
Honami stepped closer to him, her hands placed behind her back as she leaned in slightly with a tilt of her head.
Hachiman's cheeks twitched. Honami's current posture was dangerously tempting, and it stirred something in his pride as a man.
'Damn this girl… She's clearly using her charms on me! And the worst part? She knows it. And it's working!! Who the heck corrupted my angel?! If I find out who— I'll… I'll…!! WAIT, DID I JUST SAY MY?!'
On the surface, he only showed a faint deepening of red on his face. Internally?
Full DEFCON.
"I was actually looking forward to this trip, you know~. Since Sayanagi-san wasn't here to monopolize your attention."
Something inside Hachiman snapped the moment he heard that.
He slowly lifted his hand and reached toward Honami.
"H-Hachiman…?"
Her eyes widened as his hand moved closer.
'Ah… D-did I go too far?' she wondered. But the instant his fingers touched her cheek, she froze. Her face burned bright red.
She peeked at his expression shyly—and stiffened.
His face was calm. Blank.
But his eyes…
There was an intensity there that made her heartbeat pound loudly in her ears. It felt as if he might devour her whole.
She gulped unconsciously. Her temperature rose. His fingers were warm—rough, yet gentle—as they brushed against her cheek.
And then Hachiman leaned closer.
"?!"
'N-no way… I-is this finally H-Honamin's Great Victory?!'
Thinking that he was finally going to 'do it,' she closed her eyes and lifted her face slightly, surrendering herself to the moment she had secretly waited for all this time.
But…
But…!
"…You shouldn't tease me like this, okay? Or else I might really not be able to stop myself next time."
Instead of the kiss she had imagined, Hachiman's low whisper brushed against her ear.
"Ehh…?!"
Her eyes snapped open in shock. She was about to look at him, but the hand that had been gently caressing her cheek suddenly—
Pinch.
Hard.
"Owweeeiiii!!!"
He squeezed her cheek as if releasing all the pent-up feelings he had been holding in.
Only after he seemed satisfied did he finally let go.
"Huhuhu! That's cruel, Hachiman! You can't give a girl a false hope like that!!!"
Honami complained, glaring at him while rubbing her sore cheeks. But her glare had no real bite. If anything, she just looked like a sulking kitten.
"Don't talk nonsense… Let's go to Class A's camp," he replied flatly before turning away.
"Muuu…" Honami puffed her cheeks as she watched him walk ahead. "Fine. I'll let you off the hook for now."
She muttered softly—but the way he almost stumbled in his next step told her everything she needed to know.
Her earlier attack had worked.
Regaining her confidence after making him fluster, Honami's smile returned, and she quickly followed after him with light, cheerful steps.
—-----------
"Well, well. If it isn't the legendary power couple of the first years. The mother and father of Class B have graced the humble camp of Class A."
The voice came from a frivolous, smirking blond boy stepping out from the shade of a tree. He casually positioned himself in front of Hachiman and Honami, blocking their path toward Class A's main camp.
"So, what can we do for the most sought-after boy of the first years?" he continued, narrowing his eyes as his smirk sharpened.
Another boy stepped out beside him—tall and slim, with tired blue eyes that could easily compete with Hachiman's eyes for first place, and long dark-purple hair with a sky-blue underside that reached his shoulders.
Honami raised a brow at the sight of them. Hachiman, however, remained mostly unfazed.
That was… until he processed the phrase 'most sought-after boy of the first years.'
He blinked.
"…A what now?"
"Whaa—"
"Pfftt—!!"
The blond boy's confident smirk cracked instantly.
Even Honami had to cover her mouth to stop herself from laughing out loud.
"What? Did I say something weird?"
Hachiman furrowed his brows, genuinely confused by their reactions.
"Ahahahaha!! N-no, i-it's j-ju-just a veeeery Hachiman reaction! Ahahaha!" Honami said between laughs, holding her stomach.
"…Is this what they call being oblivious to one's own blessing?" the blond boy muttered under his breath, his cheeks twitching.
"…I really wish someone would explain what's going on," Hachiman sighed.
He glanced at the long-haired boy, hoping for clarification—but even that one was staring at him as if he had just said something outrageous.
Seeing that no one intended to enlighten him, Hachiman gave up on understanding and decided to move straight to the point.
"Can you let us through? We want to check your class's base camp."
Honami's laughter died instantly.
The two boys from Class A straightened, their playful mood replaced with caution. Their eyes narrowed as they focused on him.
"…Did you really have to phrase it like that, Hachiman?" Honami asked, exasperated.
"We can't gather information by standing here smiling at each other," Hachiman replied with a shrug. "So I asked."
"…Still. Who talks to their rival like that?"
"You've known me for years, Honami. Subtlety isn't my strong suit. I prefer being direct."
"…If you could also be direct when answering my feelings, that would be even better," she murmured darkly.
"Eh? What did you say?"
"Nothing."
The two boys from Class A exchanged a look. Somehow, they couldn't keep a straight face with the strange atmosphere between Hachiman and Honami.
"Ehh… Hikigaya? Sorry, but we can't let you pass. Katsuragi's orders," the blond boy said. "Ah, right! I forgot to introduce myself. Hashimoto Masayoshi. Nice to officially meet you!"
"…Kito Hayato," the other boy introduced himself calmly.
"Hikigaya Hachiman." Hachiman nodded, returning the courtesy.
"And I am Ichinose Honami!" Honami added cheerfully.
"We know. You two are quite famous, after all," Hashimoto replied with a polite smile.
"Hmm. So you won't let us peek into your camp?" Hachiman asked again.
Hashimoto shook his head. "Sorry, can't do that. Even if I don't always agree with Katsuragi, he's still our leader. With how close the gap between our classes is, I don't want to hand you any advantage."
Hachiman's eyes narrowed at Hashimoto's words. After all, just as he said, with the current class standings, a dramatic change could occur the moment any class managed to seize a decisive advantage.
Class A: 1004 Class Points
Class B: 963 Class Points
Class C: 492 Class Points
Class D: 187 Class Points
The current gap between Class A and Class B was only 41 points.
In a system where a single correct leader guess could grant 50 points, the balance between the two classes was far more fragile than it appeared.
Which meant that if Class B managed to gain even a slight advantage during this exam, the title of Class A could easily change hands.
"Hmmm…"
Hachiman mused as he glanced at Kito, who stood firmly in front of them, still blocking the path. For a brief moment, he noticed the bushes not far behind Kito sway slightly. His eyes narrowed for a split second before returning to normal.
'…Let's try this.'
"I see. So what you are saying is, the so-called Elite Class is actually afraid, lacking the confidence to compete with lower classes such as us?"
"Hachiman?!"
Honami stared at him in disbelief at how bluntly he had just provoked them.
"Hikigaya…" Hashimoto's cheek twitched at how Hachiman twisted his words into such a shameless provocation.
"What? Isn't that how Class A sees Classes B, C, and D?" Hachiman replied with contempt. "Your class may not follow Class C's petty harassment, sure. But some of your classmates still looked down on the rest of us. Acting superior just because you sit at the top—Class A."
Honami, Hashimoto, and Kito all grimaced.
Because what he said wasn't entirely wrong.
Honami still remembered how a few boys from Class A had approached her, trying to flirt while flaunting their bright futures as members of the so-called elite class.
Hashimoto and Kito were also well aware of their classmates' arrogance. And even knowing that… they had never truly stepped in to stop it. Perhaps because, deep down, they understood that as long as they remained in Class A, a successful future would practically be handed to them.
"That's enough, Hikigaya!"
A powerful voice cut through the tension.
All of them turned toward the source.
A bald boy was walking toward them, his presence solid and commanding, accompanied by a green-haired boy glaring openly at Hachiman.
Katsuragi Kōhei.
And Totsuka Yahiko.
"If you wish to look around our camp, that's fine. There's no need to provoke us like that."
"Hmph. Can't help it," Hachiman replied coldly. "The memories of my classmates being humiliated and looked down on by the so-called elites keep replaying in my head. So don't expect me to stay polite about it."
He then turned his eyes toward Yahiko.
"Ahh… hello there, Mr. Elite. Did you enjoy your full-course meal enough? Or do you still need to have my friends surround you to serve and pamper you?" His tone was full of sarcasm.
Yahiko gritted his teeth, his face flushed red with restrained anger.
"Hikigaya, for the last time—enough with your provocations. Besides, we already settled what happened at the cruise ship's restaurant. There's no need to bring that up again."
Hachiman's expression turned cold, laced with open contempt. The scowl on his face deepened.
'This self-righteous bastard!'
But just as he was about to fire back at Katsuragi, Honami reached out, took his hand, and gently placed it against her cheek.
The warmth and softness touch on his palm stopped the words from forming on his tongue.
He looked at her.
She was looking straight at him, eyes filled with emotions… he didn't want to name.
But it was enough.
The frustration and anger he had been carrying for days slowly melted under her touch. He closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath. Then another.
After a few moments, he opened his eyes and met hers again.
He gave a small nod.
Honami smiled and nodded back.
She lowered his hand from her cheek but kept holding it. Turning toward Katsuragi and the others, she offered a polite smile.
"I'm sorry about that, Katsuragi-kun. Hachiman just couldn't stand seeing our classmates hurt or looked down on anymore. He let his emotions get the better of him."
"…No," Katsuragi replied. "I understand. We are not entirely without fault either. So there's no need for you to apologize, Ichinose-san."
Katsuragi shook his head gently as he answered her.
"Thank you for your understanding," Honami said softly before tugging Hachiman's hand. "We'll take our leave now."
"You're leaving? You won't look around our camp?"
"There's no need."
Honami shook her head gently and pulled Hachiman away.
"…Father of Class B, huh."
Katsuragi let out a sigh, still feeling the blunt force of Hachiman's anger.
He glanced at Hashimoto, Kito, and Yahiko. Though none of them showed it openly, Katsuragi could tell they had been shaken as well.
Without another word, he turned and walked back toward their camp.
"No wonder he was called like that," he murmured. "He truly is like a father protecting his children from those who would harm them."
======