Hikigaya sighed, feeling utterly drained. He hadn't slept well the previous night, not because of Chabashira-sensei or Horikita, but because of Ayanokouji—and, more precisely, Haruno.
Chabashira-sensei had called Hikigaya to the counseling room the day before, where he had seen Ayanokouji's grades.
This confirmed his suspicion that Ayanokouji was the mysterious student Haruno had mentioned.
Initially, Hikigaya had planned to keep up his pretense of ignorance. However, after reflecting on it, he realized it was better to take initiative rather than face consequences later.
He sent a text to Haruno: [Ayanokouji Kiyotaka?]
Yet, by morning, the message remained unread. He was growing anxious and considered calling her but decided to wait until his first math class to find out.
Entering the classroom with a heavy heart, he immediately felt the weight of several stares—an unfamiliar experience, likely due to the events in Karuizawa the previous day.
He chose to ignore it, settling into his seat.
"Good morning, Hikigaya-kun."
Matsushita welcomed him as usual, causing Hikigaya to pause in surprise.
Why was Matsushita acting so normal? Shouldn't there have been some fallout from what happened?
"What's wrong?"
Matsushita inquired, recognizing his confusion.
"Do I have something on my face?"
"Is it really okay for you to talk to me?"
Hikigaya inquired, trying to be subtle.
"What? Oh, are you still bothered by yesterday's events?"
Hikigaya was about to respond when he noticed Karuizawa's lack of reaction. Shinohara, however, glared at him with visible hostility.
Matsushita suddenly clasped her hands together and said, "I'm sorry, Hikigaya-kun. Kei didn't mean to scold you. She's always been outspoken and gets into conflicts, which causes us all trouble."
"Huh?" Hikigaya was baffled.
"So, please don't hold it against her, okay?" Matsushita blinked innocently.
Hikigaya was taken aback. Matsushita appeared to be not only defending Karuizawa, but also concerned that he might retaliate.
"Matsushita, you misunderstood. I have no intention of taking revenge," Hikigaya clarified.
Matsushita's tone was both resigned and concerned. "It's fine to behave around others, but we were classmates in junior high. I know you well. And I know very well what you are capable of."
"I thought I clearly said the student council incident was a misunderstanding," Hikigaya said, feeling frustrated.
"No, I already knew about that," Matsushita interrupted.
"You did?" Hikigaya was surprised.
"Yes. I've heard that the school swiftly punished the other girls who framed Isshiki. And you were the mastermind behind it, right?"
Hikigaya's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected anyone to know about this.
"Yes, I did suggest the school punish them to prevent future incidents," Hikigaya admitted.
Matsushita's eyes lit up with excitement.
"I heard some inside information, but I don't know how accurate it is. I just thought I'd share it as a joke."
"If you're referring to 'Sobu turning a blind eye to its mistakes until the Education Board intervened and imposed a fine,' then yes, I was the one who reported it."
Isshiki's compelled run for student council was a matter of considerable importance. One could view it as a mere prank or, more seriously, as a form of bullying.
To describe it plainly, it was not just a prank—it was bullying.
Bullying doesn't always involve physical harm; when over forty people target a single individual, it's bullying regardless of the form it takes.
Hikigaya's report's success was largely due to timing. During that period, several students committed suicide as a result of bullying, attracting widespread public and media attention.
The school faced intense scrutiny and condemnation online.
The Education Committee, overwhelmed by the situation, struggled to address the issue. Bullying is not a problem that can be resolved quickly or solely through educational measures; it's a complex social issue that requires deeper structural changes.
In their desperation to show they were taking action, the committee sought a high-profile case to make an example of. Hikigaya's report arrived at just the right moment, serving as a convenient focal point.
Numerous media outlets swiftly launched an investigation and covered the story, amplifying its significance.
Hikigaya was unaware that his admission to "Advanced Nurturing High School" was based on a recommendation system. Hikigaya's application alone was insufficient; his junior high school had to recommend him before selecting suitable candidates. Sobu's recommendation of Hikigaya was likely a strategy to get rid of a problematic student like him.
"Even if I reported the school, what difference does it make?"
Hikigaya wondered aloud.
"This isn't about taking revenge on Karuizawa. I never considered it. You're overthinking this."
"No. Over forty female students received severe disciplinary action during that incident, which even led to Hiratsuka-sensei's transfer."
Matsushita's expression faltered as she remembered Hiratsuka-sensei, the Service Club's advisor, who had been close to Hikigaya. Rumors even circulated that Hiratsuka had shared meals with Hikigaya.
"Ah, I'm sorry," Matsushita said, realizing her slip. "I forgot that Hiratsuka-sensei was involved."
Hikigaya dismissed her apology with a shake of his head.
"It's in the past. I don't regret reporting to the school. Isshiki is an important junior, and bullying should never be taken lightly."
Bullying is a process that evolves from childhood into adulthood. Initially, it might be small acts of malice—name-calling or hiding belongings.
But when victims don't resist, the aggressors often escalate their behavior. The larger the group involved, the more emboldened they become, even convincing themselves of their righteousness.
That was precisely what was happening with Isshiki. Allowing those girls to succeed would only encourage further bullying, as they would have tasted victory.
Instead of addressing the issue seriously and punishing the girls responsible, the school forced Isshiki to endure unfair treatment. While ignoring the issue, the school hoped it would go away.
Yet, when the issue became unavoidable, they distanced themselves from responsibility.
Since the school was unwilling to fulfill its obligations, Hikigaya took it upon himself to ensure that justice was served. They needed to face the consequences of their negligence.
His only regret in this situation was dealing with Hiratsuka-sensei.
Hiratsuka-sensei, being the sole supporter of Isshiki, faced an unfair burden of responsibility, which resulted in her transfer to a different school. This was an unintended consequence that weighed heavily on Hikigaya's conscience.