"Tsk."
Masumi Kamuro clicked her tongue in displeasure. "As expected, no one from Class B is that easy to fool."
Hikigaya was mildly surprised. It seemed the tactics employed by Class A had managed to scare quite a few people. From this, he could tell that the two girls standing before him weren't just acting on a whim—it was all part of Class A's overall strategy.
It didn't hurt to try. If he could gather some useful information, all the better.
Clearly, Class A wasn't just on the defensive; they were also trying to uncover the leaders of each class.
"No choice, then."
Kamuro Masumi stepped closer and proposed, "If you can tell us who the leader of Class B is, we can offer you personal points—200,000, maybe even 300,000. That's more than enough for you to live comfortably for a year. What do you think?"
"Really?"
Hikigaya's interest was piqued for a moment before he quickly suppressed the reaction, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Of course."
Masumi smiled. "We can't transfer it to you right now, obviously, but we can sign a contract."
Hikigaya coughed a few times to cover his momentary lapse. The thought of getting 300,000 points had been too tempting.
"Actually, the leader of Class B is Ichinose."
For a moment, silence fell over the group.
Masumi Kamuro and Miki Yamamura exchanged looks, both unimpressed.
He didn't even wait to sign a contract before giving up the name? Did he really take them for fools?
"What?"
Hikigaya said seriously. "Are you going to sign the contract? Did you forget to bring a pen and paper? Should I lend you mine?"
As expected of Class A, they weren't just defending themselves but also trying to instigate betrayal from other groups.
Hikigaya recalled the names of Class A's leaders—Katsuragi and Sakayanagi.
With Sakayanagi absent, Katsuragi was likely leading Class A. If even he was this troublesome, then how terrifying must Sakayanagi be?
"Heh."
Kamuro Masumi let out an irritated chuckle. "A contract, huh? Fine. But let's add one more clause—if your information is false, you compensate us 500,000 personal points."
"Uh... okay."
Hikigaya hesitated briefly before nodding.
If he could trick Class A like this, it'd bring him one step closer to them. And if he ended up owing half a million points, Ichinose wouldn't let him suffer alone.
"Ha."
Kamuro Masumi glared at him. "Get lost, you stinking liar. I thought Class B was full of goody-two-shoes, but I didn't expect there to be someone like you."
She had tried recruiting Class B students before, but they always rejected her with a polite smile. Hikigaya, however, actually attempted to deceive them.
"You're the one trying to pull something sneaky, yet you have the nerve to insult me?"
Hikigaya muttered under his breath before turning to leave.
Class A was no easy opponent. A simple lie wouldn't be enough to fool them.
"Hey! What did you just say?"
Hikigaya picked up the pace, ignoring her. This woman was dangerous, like an angry tiger.
Behind him, Kamuro Masumi laughed bitterly, while Miki Yamamura simply shook her head in exasperation.
"He's both strong-willed and cowardly at the same time. What kind of person is he?"
Evening.
By the time Hikigaya returned to camp, he was met with a hilarious sight—Kaneda's face was completely covered in soot, making him look like a human chimney.
The moment he saw Hikigaya, his eyes lit up like he had found his savior.
This job was hell. Not only was it scorching hot and exhausting, but there was also no one to talk to. The loneliness was unbearable.
However.
Hikigaya merely glanced at him before looking away, pretending not to notice.
Today was his day off.
It was an official rest day, approved by the leadership.
"Ugh..."
Kaneda took a deep breath, barely holding back the urge to lash out.
Just half a day left.
Once his shift was over, he was going to beat this smug bastard up.
Meanwhile.
Hikigaya quietly approached Ichinose.
"Ichinose, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Ah? Hikigaya."
Ichinose turned around, then smiled warmly. "Welcome back. Sure, let's go somewhere private."
After informing Hiyori and the others, she followed him to the edge of the cliff.
"I ran into some people from Class D and Class A today," Hikigaya said, explaining the situation. Then, with a frown, he added, "It doesn't seem like Horikita is fully in charge of Class D yet, so how is this cooperation between Class B and Class D even happening?"
After all, he was from Class B.
He had to report anything that could affect the class.
No matter how the two classes worked together, Class B was at a disadvantage.
If Ichinose wasn't aware, that was one thing.
But if she was...
"Hikigaya, don't tell me you've forgotten?"
Ichinose looked surprised. "I mentioned this in the group chat a while ago."
Hikigaya shifted uncomfortably.
That was probably months ago.
Was he supposed to scroll through hundreds of messages to find it?
"Alright, alright."
Ichinose smiled at his awkward expression. "I know Horikita hasn't officially taken over Class D, but realistically, no one else in Class D has the ability to lead."
"True..."
Hikigaya nodded thoughtfully.
Hirata? Too soft.
Ayanokōji? Too indifferent.
Karuizawa? Just a loud, attention-seeking girl who clung to handsome guys.
Given the options, Horikita Suzune was probably the best choice.
"Hikigaya, even if you like doing things alone, you should check the group chat once in a while."
Ichinose sighed. "Or should I just message you directly whenever something important happens?"
"That would be great." Hikigaya agreed without hesitation. Then, after some thought, he added, "But from what I see, Class B is only helping Class D. Isn't that unfair?"
"That's just because we haven't needed Class D's help yet," Ichinose said simply. "Besides, what's wrong with helping them?"
Hikigaya was silent.
Even though he preferred keeping to himself, he couldn't deny that being helpful was never a bad thing.
"Don't worry."
Ichinose smiled brightly. "This is just temporary cooperation. We're only allied for the duration of the exam. Even just avoiding hostility is beneficial."
Maybe.
As a leader, Ichinose had a long-term vision.
If it were Hikigaya, he would definitely demand some kind of compensation.
"By the way, Hikigaya."
Ichinose suddenly spoke up. "Close your eyes."
"Eh?"
Hikigaya hesitated. "Why?"
"Just do it."
Ichinose covered his eyes with her hands.
He sighed and complied. It wasn't like she was going to hurt him.
Rustling noises came from behind him.
"Not yet?"
Hikigaya asked warily.
"Almost."
Ichinose's voice was soft.
Then, something cold touched his cheek.
"So cold—!"
Hikigaya's eyes flew open, and he saw a yellow-and-black can in Ichinose's hand.
"MAX coffee?"
Ichinose grinned and held it out. "You like this, right? Here."
Hikigaya stared at it in disbelief. "Did you... buy this?"
"Yeah."
Ichinose nodded, placing it in his hand.
"It's from the whole class. You helped us a lot, and this is our way of saying thanks."
Hikigaya clutched the can, feeling its warmth.
For the first time in a long time, he felt truly accepted.
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