"I see...at the beginning of the third semester, a special exam will be held for first to third year students together, and the student council will be involved in the construction of the exam."
The night I spoke with President Nagumo, I talked about today's events to Arisu, Hiyori, and Masumi, who hugged me in the present tense while soaking in the bathtub.
...I don't care, but all three of them are being too kind to me, aren't they?
I feel like I'm going to die from being so happy.
"By the way, Arisu, are you thinking about joining the student council?"
"Me? I haven't really thought about it. When Horikita-senpai was the president, I couldn't talk to him. If I join the student council, I'll be trying to steal the president's position, which will ruin the student council's reputation.''
I guess so. It is impossible for Arisu to think of being subordinate to someone.
It is obvious that once she joins the student council, she will immediately plan to usurp the position of president.
"Besides... I'll have less time to spend with Hachiman-kun."
As soon as I said that, Arisu kissed me on the cheek. Arisu is cool at school, but when she enters this room, she turns into a spoiled brat, which is irresistible.
"I'd like you to join the student council. If that happens, I'll have more free time to spend with Hachiman."
Then, Masumi tightens her embrace a little bit and starts biting my ear. Isn't this gesture a foul?
"No, that level won't make a difference in the battle for Hachiman-kun. To make a difference, a bigger event is more important than time."
In the end, Hiyori wraps her legs around my waist. I'm called the harem king at school, but when you're being pampered like this, I think it's no use being called that.
"That's right. However, I'm not thinking about joining the student council, just in case something happens. Well, if Hachiman-kun joins, I'll definitely join."
"I mean, would you guys please stop hugging me and making sparks fly while being sweet to me?"
Happiness and fear get mixed up and it becomes mentally exhausting.
"Okay. Now I'll focus on pampering you."
When Hiyori says that, Arisu and Masumi simultaneously release their pressure and tighten their grip on me.
That's why it's embarrassing to be completely spoiled...
The next day...
"That's all for today."
When Chabashira-sensei calmly announces this and leaves the classroom, an uproar begins in the class.
I don't have many friends in the class, and I've already prepared 400 questions for the exam and handed them over to Horikita, so there's no point in me staying in this classroom, so I quickly leave.
As I was walking down the hallway, I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind, so when I turned around, Matsushita was there.
"Are you going to create a problem?"
"No that's over, I'll study for the test at the cafe."
To survive at this school, you need not only academic ability and physical ability, but also a variety of things such as quick wit, cooperation, and insight.
However, it is out of the question to neglect academic ability and physical ability, so daily study is essential.
In fact, since I entered this school, my study time has increased dramatically.
"Then can I go out with you? There's a place I know about and I'd like you to see it."
That's a lie. There is a hint of interest in Matsushita's eyes, and she probably wants to extract information from me or tease me.
Therefore, I have no intention of accepting Matsushita's request.
"If you refuse, I think I'll kiss you on the cheek in front of Sakayanagi-san and the others.''
What a horrible thing to say, Matsushita-san!
If you do that, I'll be exploited tonight.
"...I understand. However, I'm not responsible if there were any strange rumors, okay?"
"Yes"
"Okay then."
While saying this, I start walking again. I feel like Matsushita is following me from behind...
"Look, King has another new woman with him."
"Yeah. I thought about harems in manga and anime."
"He's no longer at the level of a king, he's a god."
I don't like it anymore.
Even the King is unworthy of me now, so I am a God.
My head is starting to hurt seriously. Will I become like that just by being with a woman...
Well, originally, it was because I made a shocking comment in front of all the students and the people working at the school during the borrowing competition at the sports festival.
After all, if you surrender to temporary tension, you won't be successful, right?
"Huh...I'm kind of tired even before studying."
When I arrived at the open cafe, I drank tea while sighing, and Matsushita, who was sitting in front of me, laughed.
Students keep glancing at me at the shopping mall and it's annoying.
"But it's because Hikigaya-kun made a shocking comment at the sports festival, right?"
"I'm not denying that, but...does Matsushita care if there are rumors?"
"Yeah. Because as long as you're a girl, it's obvious that rumors will spread if you're with Hikigaya-kun. Maybe rumors will spread to other people besides me, right?"
Wow...just walking around with a girl can cause rumors...I wonder what kind of rumors I get.
If this was the case, I should have changed the topic of the borrowing competition.
While I was thinking about it, I heard a commotion and looked up to see Ryuen walking confidently through the shopping mall with his subordinates.
As expected, Ryuen doesn't stand out.
At this point, I thought our eyes met, and he came over with a smile on his face.
Are you a Pokemon trainer to come straight to me when our eyes meet?
I was thinking stupid things, when Ryuen decided to open his mouth.
Why? Go away!
"Yo Hikigaya. Are you studying to get along well with a new woman? As expected from God."
This guy... he has a nice personality and is using my new nickname today.
"Don't ask questions with malice in mind. What happened to Albert and Ibuki? I'm surprised you brought a small item with you."
Ryuen has three subordinates with him, including Ishizaki and two others whose names I don't know, but I was surprised that Albert and Ibuki weren't there.
"Oh? Who's the accessory?"
Then Ishizaki tried to grab my chest.
However, I didn't panic and deflected his arm with my left hand, then grabbed Ishizaki's right arm with my right hand and twisted it.
"Agh... it hurts! Let me go! Let me go!"
"You seem so arrogant that you're trying to be the first to do it. Why don't I destroy your right hand so that you can't take the test?"
I don't know who Ishizaki's pair is, but if they are not allowed to hold a pen here, Ishizaki's score will drop significantly and the possibility that Ishizaki and his pair will be expelled increases.
"Stop it. I understand what you're aiming for, but Ishizaki's partner is Hiyori, right?"
"I see. Then I'll let him go."
Ryuen says so, so I let go of Ishizaki's hand. Originally, I had no intention of destroying Ishizaki, but if Hiyori was his partner, I could never destroy him.
"But I'm surprised. You would so blatantly fight back."
"Unfortunately, I was irritated."
I'm in a position where just walking around with a girl makes people think she's my girlfriend.
I understood that I was extremely misunderstood and was irritated, which made me hit harder.
"Damn. You must hate yourself for doing something so stupid. So? Did you eat her?"
"Die. What are you doing?"
I replied to Ryuen who asked a playful question while looking at Matsushita.
Going around the mall before a test is out of the question, and I don't think Ryuen would teach a stupid person to study.
"What? I was just looking for someone. Someone who is working behind the scenes using Suzune as a cover."
Whoever is using Horikita as a cover, hey... this guy is most likely looking for that slut Ayanokoji.
There are some talented people in Class D, but the only one working behind the scenes is Ayanokouji.
Hirata doesn't act behind the scenes and stands tall, Kushida hates Horikita and teams up with Ryūen, Matsushita hates standing out, and Koenji doesn't have the slightest interest in the fate of his class.
"I'm just going to ask, is that the woman over there?"
"I don't know if you believe it or not, but it's different. I mean, I'm not interested in my own class. Don't ask me about Class D."
"That makes sense. There's no way you would know because you're having sex with girls from other classes every day."
Ryuen is laughing while using vulgar words, but his eyes aren't laughing and he's looking at me and Matsushita with a judgmental look.
"Yeah. Also, it's not like we're having sex every day. At most three times a week."
"No, it's a lot!"
Matsushita makes a tsukkomi. I don't have any complaints about it once a week, but it's bad that they're being too accommodating.
"Kuku. Well, whoever it is, I'll find it soon and destroy it. Look forward to it."
After saying that, Ryuen takes his subordinates with him and leaves, but judging from his personality, it seems like he will find someone who knows the mastermind and interrogate and torture him.
"Huh... You can easily talk to Ryuen-kun. I'm suffocated here."
"I'm used to it. The way he does it makes other people unhappy..."
"It's tough. By the way, Ryuen-kun isn't here, so I have to ask, but is the mastermind Hikigaya-kun? Is it like a bluff to go to Sakayanagi-san's class?"
"Do you think I'll use my bluff to help the class?"
"No, not at all. I just asked."
I get an immediate answer, but I don't get angry.
After all, I really don't care about the privileges of class A.
"That's the thing. Besides, I don't think the current D class will be able to move up to A. They can move up to C class. If they're lucky, they might be able to move up to B, but A is impossible."
"Does that mean we can beat Ichinose-san's class?"
"I'm not saying absolutely."
However, there is a good chance that we can beat Ichinose's class.
They are all just mindless sheep due to Ichinose's brainwashing, and won't be that much of a threat unless Ichinose herself switches to her dark personality.
Ichinose's top priority is to avoid her classmates from dropping out or suffering a crushing defeat in the exam, and she lacks the tenacity to win at all costs.
On the other hand, Arisu and Ryuen naturally have a strong desire to win, and Horikita, who had a strong will to win but was idling around, has lost to Ryuen and has lost some of her skin, so I think she will improve in the future.
Ichinose's classmates are little angels, so there has been no rift yet, but if this situation continues, there is a possibility that things will be irreparable by this time next year.
To be honest, Archangel Ichinose is better suited to the role of a follower just like her classmates than a leader.
If Ichinose had belonged to A-class from the beginning and followed Arisu, A-class would be invincible.
She's better than the idiot Katsuragi who thought he could suppress Arisu.
In any case, the class I belong to will be able to beat Ichinose's class in the not-too-distant future, and it won't be impossible to beat Ryuen's class as well.
Ryuen's strategy is troublesome, but there are few other students who pose a threat.
However, we probably won't be able to beat Arisu's class. Arisu is excellent, but the overall strength is too different.
In fact, even if they were to win, it would be impossible to maintain their A-class status.
Well, there is a possibility if Koenji does his best and contributes to the class, but I don't think he will make a move.
In fact, if he were to move, he should have been in A class from the beginning.
Anyway, it doesn't matter to me.
From my point of view, I don't care where you are from A to D.
I just don't need anything else, like Hiyori, Arisu, and Masumi, as long as I can spend time with people who know everything about me and won't deny me and stay with me.
________________
"See you then, Hikigaya-kun. Thank you for being with me."
"Not at all. I couldn't study much in the end."
After finishing the study session (or chat session) with Matsushita, I parted ways with Matsushita and returned to my room in the dormitory.
It was pitch black inside, and it was obvious that no one was inside.
After turning on the light, I head straight to the balcony, take the laundry inside, and close the window.
Then I fold my shirts, casual clothes, and underwear and put them in the closet.
The rule for people living in this room is to organize their own clothes.
I would also appreciate myself, that I refrain from folding Hiyori and the others' underwear.
The only time I touch their underwear is when we're laying on top of each other at night.
After sorting out my clothes, I head to the kitchen, wash the rice, and set it in the rice cooker.
Then, when I start cooking the rice, I check the inside of the refrigerator.
(For now, I'm going to have green pepper meat and lace today.)
Take out the pepper meat from the refrigerator and cut it into small pieces that will fit everyone's tastes.
The sound of the knife echoed in the room where there was no one but me. I'm spending my time alone like this...
(...lonely)
That's what I think about. Just being alone makes me feel lonely.
There was nothing like that before I entered this school. I have always been rejected since childhood.
During my junior high school years, I was even persecuted. A few people didn't deny it, but they distanced themselves from me, thinking that if they got involved with me, who was being persecuted, it would cause harm.
Therefore, I was convinced that people would naturally reject me for being alone.
However, after entering this school, I met Hiyori and the others. Even though they knew everything I had to say, they still accepted me.
For me, who had always been in denial, their presence has grown day by day, and now I feel lonely without them.
Since I entered this school, I have studied hard and trained my body in order to survive at this school, so I am confident that my mind and body have improved by an order of magnitude compared to when I was in middle school.
However, feeling lonely when you are alone seems like your spirit is weakening.
Maybe I've gotten stronger because I have been teased a lot at this school, but I don't think so.
(If this continues, I will become dependent on Hiyori and the others)
In fact, I think I'm already half dependent on them.
It would be great if there was a guarantee that we wouldn't break up, but if I were to be rejected or broken up with in a state of complete dependence, my existence might die.
With that in mind, I continued cooking, and when I finished making the green pepper meat, I left the kitchen and lay down on the bed.
"Huh...even if it's a bit painful here, maybe it's better to keep some distance and try to improve it?"
"What?"
I was muttering to myself when a reply came, so when I looked up I saw Arisu looking at me strangely.
At the same time, joy was born in my heart, and at the same time I was acutely aware that my own heart had changed.
"Judging by your expression, it seems like you have a problem. If you don't mind, I'll consult with you."
Arisu looks at me with worried eyes as she climbs onto the bed and stares at me.
If someone looks at me like that, I won't be able to treat them casually, so I'll tell them everything I've been thinking.
"I see...in short, you're becoming dependent on me, Hiyori-san, and Masumi-san, and you're worried about what you should do from now on, right?"
"Well, that's the way it is. Besides, I might cause trouble for you guys if I keep being too nice to you, so I think I should hold back a little."
It may be uncomfortable for the person who is dependent on me, so it is absolutely important to keep an appropriate distance from them.
As I think about this, Arisu puts her hand on my head, then pulls me in and hugs my head tightly.
As a result, I can feel the warmth of Arisu's chest on my face.
"I've never once thought of it as a nuisance. Besides, Hachiman-kun has always been rejected, so even if he's just a little bit nice to someone, he won't get any punches."
Arisu's words were gentle, and the warmth on my face spread throughout my entire body.
"Hachiman-kun needs to be pampered and rested, so please let me pamper him as much as I want…"
The power to hold you becomes stronger. Ah, this... I can't resist.
(Hehe... You're so cute, Hachiman-kun. Please be kind to me more. And please depend on me to the point that you won't be interested in any of the ordinary girls out there.)
When Hachiman hugs Arisu back, Arisu grins. However, her eyes had the look of a carnivore.
Hachiman is worried about depending on Arisu and the others, but Arisu wants Hachiman to be dependent on her on the contrary.
It is well known that Hachiman is already living with Arisu, Masumi, and Hiyori, so Arisu thinks that there are almost no girls who will approach Hachiman while he is in the school.
However, this cannot be said for sure, and there is a possibility that a girl from outside will approach him after graduation, so Arisu wants to make sure that Hachiman does not become interested in a third party.
(As for Masumi-san and Hiyori-san, it would be impossible to keep Hachiman-kun from getting interested in them.)
If possible, she would like Hachiman to focus his attention only on herself, but Masumi and Hiyori accept everything about Hachiman just like she does, and from Hachiman's point of view, they are candidates for dependence.
Therefore, Arisu spoils Hachiman as much as possible so that he will not be interested in girls other than herself, Masumi, and Hiyori, creates an environment where no intruders will enter, and then competes with Masumi and Hiyori for the position of legal wife.
It is expected to be.
(So please be pampered to your heart's content for now. It's not bad for me to be pampered too. And please actively seek us out in the not-too-distant future.)
Arisu tightened her grip on Hachiman and enjoyed Hachiman's warmth.
I don't know how much time has passed since then. All I know is that I am happy.
When you look up, you meet Arisu's eyes, and Arisu gently smiles and pats you on the head.
Even though Arisu is smaller, I think of her as an older sister.
But Arisu doesn't have a sister though.
Sigh..
Why am I disappointed?
Just then, I heard a rattling sound coming from the entrance, and after a while Hiyori and Masumi came in. It looks like they're back together.
"...What's the situation?"
Masumi asks while looking at us and frowning. I says,
"When I asked Arisu if it was okay for me to continue to be spoiled by the three of you, she said, "You can be spoiled as much as you like,''
which is the correct answer, but I'm a little embarrassed to say this.
There is a feeling of resistance.
Then...
"Hachiman-kun wants to be pampered. Masumi-san and Hiyori-san, please pamper Hachiman-kun too."
Arisu says that before I can open my mouth. She's not wrong about what she's saying, but this makes me look like a stag.
I won't deny it though.
"I understand. Please indulge me as much as you can."
"Well, I don't mind being pampered by you."
Then the two nod and climb onto the bed...
"Wait, wait. Now that everyone is here, wouldn't you like to eat?"
Even if you take the pains to make it, it's no good if it gets cold. Or rather, I can't help but feel hungry.
"I see. If you spoil me now, it will be interrupted halfway by dinner, so I guess you want to spoil me to the fullest after dinner."
That's wrong! That's not what I meant! How much do you think I want to be pampered?
The two of them nodded as if they understood Arisu's words, got off the bed and headed to the kitchen.
The fact that they nod so easily means that they both think I'm a spoiled brat.
When I see Arisu saying something strange, she smiles and looks at me.
No, I can't beat this smile.
With that in mind, I get off the bed and follow Masumi and the others to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Once the preparations were complete, the four of us gathered around a table in the center of the room and began eating.
I made it, but I didn't make any mistakes. The three of them didn't have any particularly unpleasant expressions, so I was relieved that there would be no problem.
(I'm also curious about how the three of them reacted to the food.)
Well, I can't help it. I don't like it when someone important to me hates me.
With this in mind, I continued eating and all four of us finished eating.
"Thank you for the meal.
"It was delicious. Make it again."
"I'm looking forward to tomorrow as well."
Damn, I can't help but be happy when three people say that to me.
"You're welcome"
While saying this, I grabbed my dishes and headed to the kitchen sink to wash them.
Then, when I returned to the living room, the three of them stood up and went straight to bed, staring at me.
It looks like the three of them are really pampering me all at once.
I thought for a moment that it might be too sweet, but I couldn't resist the gaze of the three of them and climbed onto the bed in the same way.
Then Arisu got on top of me, and Hiyori and Masumi took positions on either side and hugged me.
"Come on, Hachiman-kun. Please indulge me as much as you like."
"Arisu-san is right. I'll do whatever Hachiman-kun wants, okay?"
"If there's anything you want to do, just tell me, okay?"
I can hear the words of these three people. Ah... when you say it like that...
"...If that's the case, then forever...even after I graduate or get a job, please don't leave me. Please stay with me forever."
I cannot continue. I can't live without these guys.
"Yes! (good)''
The three of them cheered immediately and tightened their grip on me, and I began to indulge them to the fullest.
I don't know if my hopes are correct.
However, from my point of view, the existence of these three people is absolute, so I strongly hope that my own hope will continue.
I ask that this hope lasts until I die.