Chapter 78: The Massive Points in Ichinose's Phone
Sakayanagi's smile left Hashimoto frozen in place.
He had just said that anyone who believed Hikigaya's words was an idiot, and now… the idiot had appeared, and it was the princess he'd always protected.
Realizing his behavior had completely crossed the line, Hashimoto quickly composed himself and stopped talking.
Hikigaya: "What? You're finally speaking up, Sakayanagi?"
Sakayanagi smiled faintly, without any hostility: "I was just curious to see how Classes B and D were getting along. No other intentions. I'm sorry for the trouble our class caused you."
Hikigaya naturally understood the hidden meaning behind her polite words. The more they entangled with her, the harder it would be to extricate themselves.
So, Hikigaya didn't respond to the girl any further.
But how could Sakayanagi let go so easily? If Hikigaya could think of something, how could this genius not have thought of it too?
"Little Hiki-kun, you said your alliance is just about helping each other, right?"
"Of course."
"Then, since our class's Kamuro has helped you so many times, have you ever done anything to repay her?"
Hearing her name being used as a tool by the princess, Kamuro couldn't find any way to object.
Right now, there was no room for her to interrupt. She might be willing to go along with it, but in Sakayanagi's words, she couldn't.
"That's something I'm sorry about."
"Little Hiki-kun, I'm not expecting repayment, and neither is Kamuro Masumi. Class A isn't so weak as to need it. But… you understand, don't you? It's not just alliances that allow mutual help. Is this kind of relationship really correct? Or is it just an excuse you're giving yourself?"
Impossible to refute. No chance to argue back.
Sakayanagi didn't seem to want to keep pressuring Hikigaya. Before turning to leave, she said one last thing.
"I hope you'll think it over carefully, little Hiki-kun. Class A's doors are always open to you, and Class A's help is always available, just like Masumi…"
Without looking back, Sakayanagi led Kito and Hashimoto away.
Kamuro, before leaving, gave Hikigaya a deep look and then followed the girl's steps.
Sakura: "I'm sorry, Hachiman. I shouldn't have said…"
"It's not your fault, Sakura. Whether you spoke or not, they would've achieved their goal."
At least for now, they had successfully created a certain distance between Classes B and D. The hope of building an alliance through the earlier enthusiasm was probably no longer possible.
This time, they had indeed lost.
In Sakayanagi's eyes, she had long seen through what Classes B and D were trying to do. Even Hashimoto, by her side, had seen through it.
Ichinose lowered her head, feeling a bit dejected.
Class B's students were clearly affected by the earlier exchange, and Class D was no different.
Though they were still chatting casually on the surface, their hearts were pondering whether the alliance was even worth pursuing.
The biggest issue still lay with Hikigaya.
Sakayanagi said Class A had helped him before. If Class A ever faced trouble, Hikigaya might help them in return. In that case, would the alliance even mean anything?
Class B's students, except for Ichinose, were starting to feel a creeping crisis of trust.
Class D's students, having just clashed with Class C, were in an awkward position.
The problem had shifted, yet everything was still in Sakayanagi's grasp.
[Class 1-D…]
[Horikita: "No, that's not right. I remember when we formed the alliance with Class B, it went very smoothly."]
[Ayanokouji: "That was during the deserted island exam. Sakayanagi didn't participate in that exam. But in this video, because of Hikigaya, the alliance that was supposed to happen was pushed forward by nearly a month. And perhaps because of Hikigaya, Sakayanagi couldn't accept him getting close to any class, leading to this outcome."]
[Horikita: "Are you saying that all of this is because one person's existence changed our relationship with Class B?"]
[Ayanokouji: "From what the video shows, that's undeniable."]
[Horikita took a deep breath. No matter how hard it was to accept, she could only face it now.]
[But without Class B's support, how would Class D survive the upcoming special exams?]
[The real crisis hadn't even appeared yet. Where would Class D go from here?]
[Inside Class 1-B…]
[Ichinose: "The alliance… failed, huh…"]
[Kanzaki: "It's strange. I clearly remember it was Class D who proposed the alliance back then. But now it's us proposing it. Is this guy named Hikigaya really that impressive?"]
[Ichinose: "I don't know either… But he feels different from everyone else in this school. Like… a one-of-a-kind feeling, I guess."]
[Shiranami: "If you put it that way, in the upcoming deserted island special exam, we might end up as enemies with Class D. I remember in that exam, Class D came out on top, and we secured a solid second place. But this time…"]
[Kanzaki: "You're right, it's different now…"]
[Ichinose: "Even so, we can only stay united and protect our points. I believe the me in the video thinks the same. As long as we stay united and work together, we can safely pass the exams."]
[Kanzaki nodded. Right now, besides trusting Ichinose's words, he had no other choice.]
After Sakayanagi from Class A left, the sunset soon bathed the pool in its glow.
Ichinose stretched, inadvertently showing off her full figure: "I'm so tired but so happy from playing. Still, we should get ready to leave."
Kushida returned a smile: "Yeah, yeah, we have classes tomorrow. If we play too hard, we won't be able to get out of bed, haha."
Ike: "This trip was totally worth the ticket price, but running into Classes A and C was such bad luck."
Yamauchi: "What's the big deal? It won't affect our friendship with Class B, right, Kanzaki-kun?"
Kanzaki, still serious as ever: "Of course, we're still in a mutually helpful relationship."
Though he said that, there was a slight sense of distance in his words.
It's just that the two idiots didn't notice.
…
The sun had set.
After a brief farewell, Class B's students left first, except for Ichinose, who seemed to have something to say to someone.
Kushida: "Then, Shinohara and I will head out first. We had a lot of fun today, Ichinose-san! Call us again next time!"
Ichinose: "Sure, let's hang out again next time."
Sudō glanced at Hikigaya and said tactfully: "I'm heading out. Finals are coming up, and I need to review a bit."
Hikigaya nodded. After Sudō left, Ike and Yamauchi followed suit, leaving only three people standing awkwardly at the water park's entrance.
Sakura glanced at Ichinose. After what had just happened, she could tell Ichinose wanted to talk to Hachiman alone about class matters, and she wasn't so clueless as to miss that.
Sakura forced a smile and said to Hikigaya: "Hachiman, I just remembered I have some student council work to finish, so I need to head over there."
"Oh, you'll be okay on your own?"
"Of course! This school's super safe!"
"Then be careful."
"Okay."
Waving as she turned, Sakura left, leaving only Hikigaya Hachiman and Ichinose Honami standing there.
Seeing the time Sakura had given her, Ichinose felt deeply touched.
She had no obligation to do this, and her feelings for Hikigaya were obvious, yet she chose to give Ichinose this moment. The students of Class D were truly making huge efforts for their class, step by step.
Lost in these thoughts, Ichinose didn't realize she was standing there, completely frozen.
Hikigaya waved his hand in front of her eyes and asked: "What are you going to do now?"
"Huh… I don't have any plans yet. What about you, Hikigaya?"
"I'm planning to go home and sleep."
"How about we grab dinner together?"
'This girl totally didn't listen to a word I said.'
Hikigaya, not one to easily refuse, gave a slight nod.
Since the water park was near the commercial district, they reached it after a short walk.
Even now, Hikigaya hadn't properly explored this area. After all, he didn't have companions, nor did he have tasks from Komachi or his mother anymore. For him, the convenience store below the dorms was enough to handle most of his daily needs.
Of course, that didn't mean Hikigaya was unfamiliar with the area. The last time he came here with Sakura to eat ramen, he'd taken a quick look at the layout of the commercial district.
No matter how many times he came, he couldn't help but marvel that a place like this existed within the school.
Ichinose: "What do you want to eat, Hikigaya?"
Hikigaya: "You choose. My picks usually aren't popular with girls."
Ichinose put a hand to her lips: "Oh? Really? Didn't you come here with Sakura-san last time? It looked like she had a pretty good time."
It suddenly hit him—Sakura and Ichinose had met that time. And that time… he and Sakura had come to eat ramen, right? Yeah, definitely ramen.
To be honest, it tasted pretty good.
Hikigaya: "Sakura's the kind of girl who needs others to make decisions for her. In that situation, she didn't choose, so she went along with my choice. But you're not like that, are you, Ichinose?"
Hearing the boy's words, Ichinose suddenly seemed intrigued and said: "Oh? So what kind of person am I in your eyes, Hikigaya-kun?"
Feeling her intense gaze, Hikigaya turned his head, avoiding eye contact with Ichinose.
"Kind? Always thinking of others?"
"Since you think that, I'll accept whatever decision you make!"
"But I'd rather know what you choose."
"My choice? My…"
Ichinose fell into thought, then looked at Hikigaya with a beaming smile.
"Got it! Your choice is my choice. How's that!?"
"That's totally cheating."
"Sometimes cheating is necessary, you know. Besides, Hikigaya-kun, you don't want us to get recognized on the street, do you? That'd be real trouble for you. Hurry up and choose."
"Then Saria."
As soon as Hikigaya said it, he seemed to regret it, but it was already too late to take it back.
Ichinose noticed something off about Hikigaya and asked: "What's wrong, Hikigaya-kun?"
"I had a friend once. When two female… classmates asked him where to go for dinner, he suggested Saria. But all he got was their laughter. So my friend warned me never to take girls to Saria, though he didn't know why."
"That friend was you, wasn't it, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Idiot, I said it was my friend."
"Alright, alright. Then I've decided—we're going to Saria!"
"Hey, that's not…"
"What?"
"Nothing."
Ichinose, brimming with excitement, raised her hands and headed toward Saria with a smile.
Hikigaya, on the other hand, was quiet, simply following behind Ichinose.
So, Saria should still be pretty popular with girls, right…?
Not only was it cost-effective, but the service was top-notch. A restaurant that combined affordability and deliciousness—Hikigaya Hachiman couldn't even fathom why his choice had been rejected back then.
Though it was the restaurant he'd chosen, in front of Ichinose, Hikigaya felt a bit uneasy.
Ichinose had already grabbed her juice, took a big sip, let out a sound like she was exhausted, and stretched again. In this situation, Hikigaya quickly averted his gaze. Staring at her body like that would definitely get him mistaken for a pervert, right?
Ichinose: "You must be tired too, Hikigaya-kun, right?"
Hikigaya: "Yeah, just thinking about classes tomorrow is already annoying."
Ichinose: "What? That's why? I actually think classes are fun. You get to chat with friends about what happened over the weekend, and during lunch, you can try everyone's food."
Hikigaya: "That's something only you can do, Ichinose. For someone like me, a class outsider, it's usually just sleeping, reading, or listening to Sudō-kun ramble."
Ichinose gave a meaningful smile, which in Hikigaya's eyes was pure teasing: "Hikigaya-kun, how about I transfer to your class and be your friend? Then we could swap bentos."
Hikigaya naturally assumed everything she said was a joke. Who would be dumb enough to transfer from Class B to the bottom-tier Class D?
Hikigaya shook his head slightly: "Don't tease me, Ichinose. I spend most of my time alone, but I don't hate that version of myself. I even kind of enjoy it."
Ichinose returned a smile: "I knew you'd say that, Hikigaya. But I'm not joking. If you ever needed me, I might just impulsively transfer over."
Hikigaya continued, unconvinced: "Then Class B would lose their beloved leader. That'd be too pitiful, wouldn't it?"
His words seemed to strike a chord in Ichinose, causing her to slowly lower her head, her voice softening: "If they can't move forward without me, that's the real failure to grow…"
All her previous words might have been in jest, but this one sentence—Hikigaya could feel Ichinose Honami's sincerity.
Hikigaya: "Maybe you're right. We all need to grow…"
Ichinose finally showed a calm smile: "In my eyes, Hikigaya-kun is already pretty perfect."
Hikigaya scratched his head, a bit embarrassed: "Flattering me like that will make me shy."
"Hehe…"
As the food arrived one by one, the two began eating and chatting in sync.
Ichinose: "Hey, Hikigaya-kun, sorry about what happened today."
Hikigaya: "If it's not your fault, you don't need to apologize. Besides, Hashimoto wasn't wrong. He just brought up the alliance issue early. Without resolving that, we can't truly share a common goal."
In Hikigaya's view, forming an alliance wasn't wrong, and not forming one wasn't wrong either.
Hashimoto wasn't wrong, and neither was Sakayanagi.
In a school where strength defined victory, every class was inherently an enemy. The only reason he was sitting here with Ichinose was because, for now, they weren't enemies.
Ichinose, understanding Hikigaya's meaning, grew visibly anxious.
"No, no, no, even without an alliance, I don't want to be enemies with you. You feel the same way, don't you, Hikigaya? That's why you're thinking this way, right?"
Hikigaya nodded, unable to deny it.
But his agreement didn't represent Class D.
He had never cared about rising to a higher class or had any grand ambitions, but Horikita was different. She came here to catch up to her brother and reach Class A.
So, he never saw Class B as his enemy, and the same applied to Classes A and C.
"My stance doesn't represent my class. You understand that, right, Ichinose?"
Ichinose's smile faded, and she nodded.
"I still don't want to be enemies with you, Hikigaya."
"Same here."
Ichinose leaned forward, placing her hands over Hikigaya's: "Hikigaya, if we ever become enemies one day, if I'm in trouble, would you still help me like you did back in the special teaching building?"
"If you need me, I'll help you."
His actions never represented the class. As long as it didn't harm the class, Hikigaya would always make his own decisions, even if they were wrong.
Hearing his response, Ichinose finally smiled, saying with a mix of emotions: "If only I'd been in Class D back then. If only I'd been your classmate, how great would that have been."
"If that were the case, Class D might've gotten on the right track under your leadership."
This wasn't flattery. Ichinose, as the leader of an upper-tier class like Class B, had undeniable leadership skills, something Hikigaya had observed and fully acknowledged.
That's why he said those words.
Ichinose tilted her head casually, brushing it off: "If I were in the same class as you, Hikigaya, I wouldn't want to be the class leader anymore. I'd just want to follow you like Sakura does and leave all the troublesome stuff to you."
"Then I'd turn into a trash can… And for someone as outstanding as you to rely on others—that's way too twisted."
Hikigaya's weak retort was met with the girl's nonchalant smile.
"Anyway, I still want to thank you for choosing to help me back then."
'Getting so serious all of a sudden,I'm not used to this.'
Hikigaya didn't retort, just lowered his head slightly, accepting her thanks.
…
"Since I invited you to dinner, of course I'm treating!"
Under her grand reasoning, Ichinose ended up paying the entire bill.
Eating at Saria wasn't exactly expensive, but letting Ichinose Honami cover the cost still made Hikigaya feel a bit uneasy. At least let him pay his share…
But Ichinose Honami's response was: "Next time, it'll be your turn to treat!"
Though he didn't know when this "next time" would be, Hikigaya had a feeling it wouldn't be in the next lifetime.
If that's the case, then let her have her way.
By chance, Hikigaya caught a glimpse of the massive number of points in Ichinose Honami's phone—over two million points.
To be honest, seeing that number made Hikigaya freeze for a second. Ichinose, having paid, seemed to notice that he'd seen her points, but she didn't show any reaction, still wearing that calm smile.
Perhaps it wasn't a bad thing for him to see.
After all, it would let him know that her talk of impulsively transferring to Class D was absolutely not a joke.
Snapping back to reality, Hikigaya saw the girl gazing at him intently, her eyes still filled with endless hope.
(End of this chapter)