Chapter 82: Sometimes a Man's Pride Is More Important Than His Life
[In Class 1-A…]
[Hashimoto: "Princess, what's going on here? You didn't participate in the deserted island exam, but I remember you were on the ship, right?"]
[Sakayanagi, still calm as ever: "No need to be surprised, Hashimoto. There's only one reason I didn't show up—I didn't want Hikigaya to see me."]
[Hashimoto: "But what's the point of that?"]
[Sakayanagi: "When someone's left without any help, they reveal their true strength. And, of course, there's the crucial question of whether he can be pushed to his limits."]
[Hashimoto nodded, half-understanding. He had no objections to the princess before him. Since her mind was made up, it meant everything was part of her plan.]
[Kamuro: "Princess, you were probably still on the ship, but in the video, none of us knew."]
[Sakayanagi: "Exactly. I told you to follow Katsuragi's orders because I couldn't afford to show myself easily."]
[Kito: "That explains it."]
[Though they didn't know what Sakayanagi was scheming, as members of her faction, they followed her orders unconditionally. And as long as Sakayanagi held absolute dominance, Hashimoto would stay by her side.]
[In Class 1-D…]
[Yamauchi, clutching his stomach and laughing: "Ike, you're killing me! In the video or out of it, you're such a coward, haha!"]
[Ike: "You're no different! At least I got close to Kushida. You don't even have a shot with Sakura."]
[Their words dragged Sakura into it, and even an idiot could tell Yamauchi had a thing for her. But… too bad.]
[In the video, it was impossible. Outside the video, it was impossible too.]
[Sudō: "Alright, you two idiots, quiet down."]
[Ike: "To think I'd get lectured by Sudō. The world's turned upside down…"]
[Yamauchi: "Yeah, Sudō, how could you abandon us like that?"]
[Facing their "kind persuasion," Sudō was speechless.]
Hikigaya and the others watched as Ike bravely stepped forward, only to end up just swapping names, leaving them momentarily at a loss for words.
But, come to think of it, Sakura probably felt the same way back then, pouring all her emotions into calling out someone's name.
Sudō: "Ike, is this guy an idiot or what?"
Yamauchi and Hikigaya exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement.
After a brief pool party, Sudō, Yamauchi, Ike, and Hikigaya left the pool first and headed to the restaurant.
Looking at the luxurious storefront, it felt even more extravagant than the school's commercial district. The group hesitated at the entrance.
Ike: "Hey, is this really a place to eat? It looks crazy expensive, like we can't afford it."
Yamauchi: "Probably is. Look, other classes are eating here."
At that moment, Sakura caught up to them, panting heavily.
Sudō: "Sakura? Wanna eat with us?"
Sakura shook her head, then nodded. Sudō seemed to get her meaning and dragged Ike and Yamauchi inside first.
Yamauchi: "Hey, Sudō, what about Hikigaya?"
Sudō, grinning: "Hikigaya's waiting for Sakura and the other girls, so let's eat first."
Yamauchi's face twisted in regret: "Ugh, why isn't it me waiting for them? I want to eat with girls too."
Sudō continued: "I'm starving here. If you guys don't come with me, I'll die. C'mon, let's eat already."
On the other side, only Hikigaya and Sakura remained at the entrance.
Hikigaya: "Waiting for Horikita and the others?"
Sakura shook her head: "She told me to eat first. They'll be here soon."
Hearing Sakura's words, Hikigaya felt a chill.
So, that meant Horikita and Kushida were alone together. If he remembered correctly, those two were like oil and water…
But since Horikita said so, he had nothing to say. Food came first.
Hikigaya: "Let's go."
Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudō went to a table at the far edge of the restaurant, where they apparently caused a huge mix-up since the ordering system used buzzers to summon waiters.
Thankfully, with Sudō's mediation, no real trouble arose.
As Hikigaya entered, he spotted a few familiar faces.
Kamuro and her friends, plus the bald guy he'd seen before boarding.
Losing your hair so young must be tough, but Katsuragi didn't seem bothered. What a strong mentality.
As Hikigaya walked into the restaurant, a strange hostility from Class A was palpable.
Kamuro looked at him with concern but, bound by her position in Class A, couldn't say anything.
Sakura sat down nervously, regretting entering the restaurant.
"Hachiman, I feel like these people are hostile toward us."
Sakura's voice was so soft that only Hikigaya could hear it.
"I feel it too… But most of these people are strangers. I shouldn't have caused any trouble, right?"
"Hachiman, you're not the type to stir up trouble. I know that."
"Thanks, Sakura. But they don't seem to think so."
Since Horikita and Kushida were coming later, Hikigaya and Sakura chose a four-person table, sitting on the same side, their proximity somewhat ambiguous.
Pretending not to notice the tension, they picked up the menus and started flipping through them.
But at that moment, a student, seemingly from Class A, spoke up: "Hey, since when do Class D students get to eat in a place like this? Not just you two, but those three idiots who came in earlier. Better check the prices, or you'll end up washing dishes."
The student's words sparked laughter throughout the restaurant, confirming to Hikigaya that it wasn't just his imagination—these people were clearly hostile toward him and Sakura. No, toward him specifically.
Is this what Sakayanagi was talking about?
He knew most of Class A didn't like him, but he didn't expect it to reach this level.
Hikigaya ignored the comment, calmly opening the menu. After a quick glance, he said softly: "Thanks for the reminder, but with prices like these, with the points I have, ordering won't make much of a dent."
It wasn't a lie. Though the restaurant's prices weren't cheap, Hikigaya did have quite a few points saved up.
To be honest, pride for the sake of pride was meaningless. Hikigaya wasn't one to show off for something so fleeting. His only reason for responding was to fish for more information from them—something points couldn't buy.
Hearing Hikigaya's reply, the student from earlier, visibly irritated, stood up abruptly: "You're just a Class D student. Your monthly points are pitifully low, and you're still acting like a big shot? I don't know what Sakayanagi sees in you…"
"Enough, Yahiko. Don't pick fights for no reason."
"Katsuragi…"
The man with not a single hair on his head hadn't paused his elegant movements until now.
Hearing Katsuragi's words, Yahiko's hostility seemed to vanish instantly, and he slowly sat back down.
This allowed Kamuro Masumi to finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Even though it's vacation time, you could still lose points for your behavior. Maintaining a proper attitude is what a Class A student should do. Yahiko, you failed at that just now."
Yahiko lowered his head, responding dejectedly: "Yes…"
'So strict and cautious, huh, Katsuragi? According to Sakayanagi, this guy's one of Class A's leaders.
A class couldn't have two leaders. If it did, it could only mean Class A was still divided.
In that case, the supposedly overpowered Class A wasn't invincible. They didn't need external enemies—their internal conflicts alone would expose massive weaknesses.
The catch was whether Katsuragi had the same caliber as Sakayanagi.
Thinking back, Hikigaya realized Sakayanagi was truly insane. From their meeting in the library, getting to know each other in the park, their rendezvous on the rooftop, to her appearance at the pool—almost everything seemed planned from the start. Even now, Hikigaya Hachiman couldn't figure out what this girl was planning next. Even though she wasn't participating in this exam, that terrifying feeling never faded.
What a monster.
As Hikigaya was lost in thought, Katsuragi slowly stood up and sat across from him.
"Class 1-A, Katsuragi."
"Class 1-D, Hikigaya."
Katsuragi nodded in satisfaction, then shifted his gaze to the girl.
Feeling Katsuragi's eyes on her, the girl stammered:
"C-Class 1-D, Sakura."
Katsuragi nodded approvingly again. While his purpose here wasn't to talk to Sakura, as Class A's leader, he had the right to give every student an equal introduction. Besides… Sakura Airi was no ordinary person.
She was the only known first-year in the student council.
Katsuragi didn't know why she was able to join the student council led by Nagumo Miyabi and Horikita Manabu, but if she was in there, she definitely wasn't simple.
Meanwhile, Kamuro deliberately switched seats with her friend. If she listened carefully, she might catch their conversation.
Hikigaya: "You orchestrated that provocation, didn't you?"
Though Katsuragi had stopped Yahiko's taunting, he was also the one who instigated it. Hikigaya was certain of that.
"Not bad. As expected from the investigation—you're terrifyingly sharp."
"Are you praising yourself?"
"No, I'm talking about you. Though I pride myself on being cautious too."
Hikigaya really didn't want to deal with someone like this. Not only was it mentally exhausting, but he also had to think from their perspective.
Otherwise, he'd fall behind in an instant.
"Let's cut to the chase. Sakayanagi isn't participating in this cruise event. The reason's simple—her physical condition."
Hikigaya nodded, then asked a question that even stunned Katsuragi.
"Are you sure Sakayanagi isn't on the ship?"
"…I can't confirm that."
After all, they hadn't done a specific headcount during the assembly, but Sakayanagi indeed wasn't in the lineup.
Katsuragi: "You're quick to react, but unfortunately, whether Sakayanagi is on the ship or not, she can't protect you this time."
Hikigaya remained silent, not responding.
Katsuragi: "Class A could've been even better, pulling further ahead of you all, but every time Sakayanagi acted for your sake, Class A lost significant points, even stirring up chaos. Now, Class A has reached its limit."
Hikigaya: "I don't think I've ever done anything against you."
Katsuragi nodded. He wasn't unreasonable.
"You haven't done anything to us, and I bear you no personal grudge. But you've infringed on Class A's interests. I can control myself, but I can't control the rest of Class A—especially Sakayanagi's faction. Most of them despise you."
Hikigaya was speechless. He hadn't antagonized Class A. Just eating, sleeping, and attending classes somehow made them hate him. This school was truly rotten.
Katsuragi: "Sakayanagi can't shield you forever unless you're part of Class A. But you're just from another class—the weakest one, Class D."
Hikigaya nodded. That was undeniable.
Katsuragi: "So, be prepared. You must've noticed too—this luxury cruise isn't just a simple vacation."
Hearing Katsuragi's words, Hikigaya gave a slight nod, while Sakura looked shocked.
After all, the ship's destination was an island under the school's boarding system.
So, there might be some bizarre test waiting.
Katsuragi stood up: "That's all I have to say. I look forward to facing you."
'First, we became enemies with Class C. Now, Class A too. And the alliance with Class B fell through. What a hassle.'
"Someday, I'll climb to Class A."
Just as Katsuragi turned to leave, a familiar voice came from the entrance.
A dark-haired girl in a dress, her hair still damp, walked toward them step by step.
Behind her, of course, was the universally adored little angel, Kushida Kikyo.
Katsuragi: "Horikita Suzune? President's sister?"
Horikita was truly an odd one. No matter the occasion, her presence was commanding, her confidence overflowing.
But in moments like this, that wasn't a bad thing.
"That's right. No matter what the next test is, we won't lose."
"I hope you can keep that in mind until the exam's over."
Katsuragi didn't seem to want to say more. He leisurely returned to his seat, continuing to cut his steak elegantly.
Horikita sat down, while Kushida smoothed things over for everyone. Under her angelic smile and Katsuragi's orders, the people in the restaurant resumed their meals.
Horikita: "You step away for a moment, and you cause this much trouble. How do you do it?"
Hikigaya: "Idiot, they started it."
Kushida: "Now, now, it's not like Hikigaya-kun meant to cause trouble, right?"
Hearing Kushida's words, Horikita seemed to calm down gradually and said: "So, what happened?"
Hikigaya glanced at Sakura beside him, deciding not to mention Sakayanagi to the two girls for now.
"Nothing, just a quick chat."
Seeing she couldn't get anything out of Hikigaya, Horikita turned her sharp gaze to Sakura.
"What happened?"
She repeated the question, but it carried a menacing edge. Classic Horikita Suzune.
Sakura: "I-I… I don't know."
Her lying skills were terrible, but good job, Sakura.
"Let's not talk about that. By the way, your relationship's actually gotten better?"
Hikigaya tried to change the topic, not expecting his words to completely kill the mood.
Topic killer, well-deserved.
Kushida laughed twice, quickly salvaging the situation: "My relationship with Horikita-san has never been bad, right?"
Hearing Kushida's words and seeing her angelic smile, Horikita responded reluctantly: "Right…"
No matter how you look at it, you're forcing yourself, Horikita. Your lying skills are even worse than Sakura's.
Though he didn't know what had happened between them, pressing further would only make things more awkward. At times like this, Ike and Yamauchi's foolishness would've been useful.
Kushida: "By the way, where did Sudō and the others go?"
As soon as she spoke, the three, having finished their meal, appeared from behind.
The group stood there, staring at each other, until Sudō broke the silence.
"We're done eating. Take your time."
With his monstrous strength, he dragged the other two away.
Yamauchi, being pulled along, wailed: "Wahhh, I wanted to eat surrounded by girls too."
Ike: "We just missed the chance of a lifetime. What a pity, such a pity!"
Sudō quickened his pace, determined to get the two embarrassing idiots back to the deck.
In his heart, he thought: 'Bro, this is as far as I can help you.'
On Hikigaya's side, a situation he'd never imagined in his life.
Since only one side of the table had seats left, Horikita and Kushida sat across from Hikigaya and Sakura, making the atmosphere incredibly awkward.
Hikigaya: "So, you guys must've noticed, right? This vacation…"
Coming up with a topic like this at a time like this—I'm not that bad at socializing…
Kushida, playing along eagerly, said with excited eyes: "What?!"
Horikita, puzzled, asked: "Noticed what?"
Hikigaya: "This vacation is definitely not as simple as it seems."
Horikita suddenly grew interested. Though her expression didn't change, her racing heartbeat betrayed her.
"You're saying this cruise vacation was planned by the school."
Hikigaya: "If I'm not wrong, our destination is a small island in the south, right?"
Kushida nodded, her gaze lingering on the boy.
Hikigaya: "Knowing this school's style, they'll probably announce the exam's details the moment we arrive. And on a deserted island, what do you think the exam will be?"
Sakura: "Deserted island… survival?"
Sakura's words made both girls shudder.
Horikita: "So, that guy already predicted there'd be an exam."
The person Horikita referred to was Katsuragi, who had told her to hold onto her confidence until the exam's end, clearly believing Class A would dominate.
Hikigaya: "It sounds ridiculous, but it's probably not wrong…"
Kushida: "Before we reach that island, we still have time to prepare. Even if the exam isn't about surviving on a deserted island, we can get the class mentally ready."
Hikigaya nodded. For the current Class D, mental preparation was crucial. Despite their progress in overall ability, they still lagged far behind the other classes.
And this time, their opponent wasn't just Class C.
Hikigaya: "I'll leave that to you, Kushida."
Kushida nodded, accepting the task.
Horikita: "It'll take a few days to reach that island. Are you sure the school won't do anything in the meantime?"
Hikigaya: "I can't be certain about that, but… since we're here, we can only face it, right?"
Horikita nodded. At the very least, for the remaining days, resting properly was the best course of action.
Today, she clearly felt her stamina was lacking, and her head was a bit feverish.
Hikigaya: "Anyway, this time, Class D will be up against several classes. We need to be prepared for that."
Horikita: "Are you finally aiming to rise to Class A?"
Hikigaya scratched his head, responding casually: "Nah, if I could, I'd rather stay in bed. But sometimes, I don't want to lose too badly. Maybe that's… what you call a man's pride."
Horikita, holding her head in exasperation, said: "That's not convincing at all. Your personality's completely twisted."
Sakura let out a small laugh: "That's just how Hachiman is."
(End of this chapter)