Chapter 443: Hachiman Taking Over the Work
"About Sagami-san's changes, Hachiman, do you know anything?"
Upon hearing this, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
It seemed that Hayama had already guessed something.
But it wasn't surprising. Hayama wasn't someone who lacked intelligence or emotional intelligence. On the contrary, he was quite capable in both aspects, which was evident from his popularity in the class and the school.
Hayama had a good understanding of Minami's personality from before. He used to visit the class frequently during the early days of the cultural festival. So seeing such a significant change in her now was surprising.
It made him curious about who had influenced Minami's transformation. In his impression, Yukino wouldn't do such a thing, leaving only one possible answer: Hachiman, who was also an executive committee member.
Before, Hayama hadn't viewed Minami's appointment as the executive committee chairperson positively. He knew her capabilities well enough; honestly, not being a hindrance would have been good enough. Allowing someone like her to become the chairperson was definitely not a good thing.
According to his deduction, if there were any disruptions in the various tasks, Yukino wouldn't just stand by. He and Yukino had grown up together, and he knew her personality well. If Yukino ended up handling the mess, Hachiman wouldn't just sit back either.
So Hayama believed that Minami's significant change was definitely related to Hachiman.
But even if he guessed it, what could he do? Was Hachiman someone who would easily admit it?
Hachiman shrugged, appearing nonchalant. "Is that so? I don't think it's a big deal. After all, Sagami-san is the executive committee chairperson for this cultural festival. It's only natural to put in some effort."
Hayama didn't press further upon Hachiman's ambiguous response, simply smiling. "Perhaps."
As time passed, more and more people entered the meeting room. It wasn't just Hachiman and Yukino handling activities exclusive to the second-year students; the cultural festival involved the whole school.
With three grades combined, there were at least twenty to thirty classes participating. And it wasn't feasible for only one representative from each class to attend. So while there wasn't a shortage of manpower like in the original story, there was still some chaos with multiple people crowded around each table.
Certainly, there were some who didn't know which table to report to. For instance, a girl who had just entered was startled by the large number of people. Judging by her somewhat youthful face, she was probably a freshman.
Moreover, this girl seemed a bit timid and shy. She stood there, unsure of how to approach amidst the bustling crowd.
Just then, she noticed Hachiman and Hayama, who appeared relatively free compared to the others, and mustered up the courage to ask, "Excuse me, where should I submit the application form for the performance?"
Apparently, this freshman mistook Hayama for an executive committee member as well.
Although it wasn't his task, Hayama, being helpful by nature, naturally didn't refuse the request from the freshman.
"If you need to submit the application form for the performance, you should go to that table."
"Ah, thank you."
Seeing the location pointed out by Hayama, the freshman quickly bowed in gratitude.
At this moment, others also approached Hayama, thinking he was an executive committee member, and asked him questions. However, most of those surrounding him were girls.
"I'll help too," Hachiman said, standing up at the same time.
But instead of guiding the newcomers like Hayama, he went to Minami's position.
"Sagami-san, why don't you go help Hayama guide the newcomers? I'll handle these documents for you."
Hearing Hachiman's words, Minami, who was extremely busy, nodded as if receiving amnesty and quickly stood up to vacate her seat.
"I understand. Thank you."
Honestly, she wasn't very good at this sort of thing. Compared to handling various documents, she preferred guiding the crowd. After these few days of "enlightenment," she had a clearer understanding of the responsibilities of each department.
Pulling out a chair, Hachiman sat directly in Minami's seat and began taking over her work.
Glancing at Hachiman beside her, Yukino continued her work without interruption, but she felt a slight sense of relief in her heart.
Thus, the two of them, one on the left and one on the right, worked together to handle the influx of documents swiftly.
At the entrance, Hayama and Minami received one student after another inquiring about various matters. Eventually, even Meguri came over to help.
After everyone had been busy for a while, they finally managed to handle the influx of people.
"Great job, everyone," Meguri said, comforting everyone after the busy period.
It seemed that the "Meguri Energy" had its effect, and the executive committee members relaxed a bit.
"Thank you as well, this student," Meguri quickly thanked Hayama.
Before Hayama could respond, some second-year female students who knew him directly exclaimed:
"Hayama-kun truly lives up to his reputation."
"Yeah, he's always so eager to help."
...
With Hayama's popularity, it wasn't surprising that he was recognized.
"Oh, so you're the famous Hayama-kun?" Hearing the remarks, Meguri also understood Hayama's identity.
Hayama chuckled, "Haha, calling me famous is a bit exaggerated. I'm just an ordinary student."
"In any case, thank you for your help, Hayama-kun," Meguri thanked him again.
"It's nothing, just a small thing," Hayama smiled, then turned to the crowd and asked, "But it seems like you guys are working hard. Do you need more hands? Should I lend a hand?"
Hearing this, Meguri and Minami were tempted, but unfortunately, Yukino directly refused.
"No need, today's just busy because the cultural festival is approaching. The number of submissions will decrease later, and if there's anything, Hachiman will help me."
Saying this, Yukino looked at Hachiman sitting beside her.
Hearing her words, many people recalled Hachiman's excellent performance just now.
Upon closer examination, Hachiman seemed to handle various documents even faster than Yukino.
Thinking of this, Meguri clasped her hands together and wore a gentle smile.
"That's right, that's right. I didn't expect Hikigaya-kun to be so capable. No wonder even Haruno-senpai praised him."
Hearing this, Hachiman felt a bit helpless.
This Meguri really was a big fan of Haruno. She couldn't go without mentioning her.
What's the inevitable connection between my excellence and Haruno?
And why mention Haruno in front of Yukino? Although the girl wasn't just chasing after her sister's shadow like before, hearing such remarks still made her feel uncomfortable.
But since Hachiman was pushed to the forefront by the girl, he naturally spoke symbolically.
"That's right, the cultural festival is opening in a few days. This is just the final busy period. Also, Hayama, have the rehearsals for the class performance been completed? I remember you're one of the main roles."
"So there's no need for help. Hayama, just take care of your class's affairs," Yukino added.
Hearing both Hachiman and Yukino, Minami quickly nodded.
"That's right, Hayama-kun, you just need to handle your class's affairs. Leave the rest to us!"
Seeing this, Hayama didn't insist. "Alright, if there's anything you need help with, just let me know."
"Alright then, I'll take my leave as well. I've been out for a while, and I need to go back to my class."
With that, he didn't linger and left the meeting room.
Seeing Hayama off to the door, Meguri returned to the meeting room.
Clapping her hands together, she wore a gentle smile once again and spoke up.
"Well then, let's keep up the effort. The cultural festival is just around the corner, and we only need to push a little harder."
Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a refreshing spring, nourishing everyone's spirits.
Under the influence of "Meguri Energy," the executive committee members seemed to be filled with motivation again, and they resumed their work with renewed vigor.
Meanwhile, Hachiman remained seated at Minami's desk, continuing to handle the remaining files from earlier.
--------
If you want to read 20 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/Flaptzy