For the first time, Hikigaya saw Haruno genuinely angry. It was a stark contrast to her usual sunny demeanor, and he wondered if it stemmed from a deep sympathy for the children subjected to those twisted experiments.
"How about it, Hikigaya-kun? Will you help me?"
Haruno's voice was serious, lacking the playful tone she usually employed. It was clear that this time, there was no room for her typical lighthearted persuasion.
If Hikigaya refused, she would likely accept it with a graceful smile, hiding her true feelings behind a familiar mask.
In truth, Hikigaya wasn't particularly invested in the organization, Ayanokouji, or even the dynamics within Class D. But there was something that nagged at him.
"Haruno-san, why did you get involved in this?"
"There are two main reasons."
Haruno didn't hesitate. "First, I despise the organization's philosophy. Their methods strip people of their individuality, making the world a duller place. Without individuality, intriguing individuals like you, Hikigaya-kun, might never exist."
"Please, don't use me as an example," Hikigaya interjected, feeling uncomfortable with the compliment.
"I'm serious, Hikigaya-kun. You're unique and valuable, at least to me."
"Uh, and the second reason?"
Hikigaya hoped to steer the conversation away from any further misunderstandings.
"As for the second reason..." Haruno hesitated, her confident facade momentarily wavering. She took a deep breath and placed a hand on her chest as if bracing herself.
"Because I'm Yukinoshita Haruno, the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family. You understand what that means, don't you?"
"Yeah, I get it," Hikigaya sighed, sensing the weight of her words.
There was more to this than just personal disdain. Political factors were undoubtedly at play. Haruno had mentioned a politician leading the organization, but she had never revealed the name, likely to protect him from unnecessary dangers.
Even so, Haruno chose to involve him.
After all, she was Yukinoshita Haruno, the eldest daughter of her family.
Haruno seemed to hope, deep down, that Hikigaya would turn her down. But just like her, he couldn't make a definitive choice. The silence between them stretched on until Haruno finally broke it.
"It seems I'll need better reasons to convince you, Hikigaya-kun," she said, her tone uncharacteristically somber.
For a fleeting moment, her expression reflected deep sadness, but it quickly morphed back into her usual, cheerful demeanor.
"Hehe, I understand that you're uneasy about this, but don't worry. Even if you fail, I'll reward you generously. For example... a future as secure as if you were in Class A!"
"Oh," Hikigaya responded, his voice flat.
"Don't be so cold," Haruno teased, nudging him playfully.
"If you want to go to college, the Yukinoshita family can arrange a recommendation letter for you. If you're aiming for a big company, we'll use our connections to get you in. Your future will be smooth sailing!"
"Really? That sounds pretty good," he replied, his tone still indifferent.
Haruno sighed theatrically.
"It seems those offers aren't enough to sway you. But then again, you're already exceptional, Hikigaya-kun. I suppose I'll have to present you with something you can't refuse."
She spread her hands in a gesture of helplessness, but her lips curled into a mischievous smile.
"If you succeed within three years, not only will you receive all of that, but the Yukinoshita family will also ensure Komachi's future."
"...What?"
Hikigaya hadn't expected Haruno to bring up Komachi. Despite his indifferent front, his sister's future was something he deeply cared about. Komachi was bright and sociable, but even her acceptance into Sobu High had been a challenge.
It wasn't that Komachi's future was destined to be difficult. Her social skills and charm would likely serve her well in life. But if there was a chance to secure an even better future for her...
"I understand. I'll do my best," Hikigaya agreed, his voice soft.
"But let me be clear—I can't guarantee success. Don't expect too much from me."
"I knew you'd agree, Hikigaya-kun," Haruno said with a smile, her tone light but knowing.
Yes, there was no other choice.
After all, that's how all siblings are.
That's how Hikigaya Hachiman is.
Hikigaya told himself this, accepting the weight of his decision.
...
After parting ways with Haruno, Hikigaya wandered around the campus, his thoughts in turmoil. But he couldn't quite put his finger on what was bothering him.
Was it Ayanokouji?
That guy had an unnerving aura, but the worst-case scenario was that Hikigaya would get expelled because of him. Not that expulsion worried Hikigaya; it would just mean getting to see Komachi sooner.
Despite needing to keep Ayanokouji in Class D and prevent his expulsion, Hikigaya doubted Ayanokouji would lift a finger to help the class. The possibility of them becoming enemies was uncertain.
Did he feel sorry for Class D?
Absolutely not.
Every word he had spoken to Horikita came from the heart. Most of the students in Class D didn't deserve to be in Class A, and their presence there would only cause trouble for society. He would never help the class.
His conviction remained the same, even now.
"So why am I so worried..."
Even after analyzing his thoughts, Hikigaya couldn't pinpoint the source of his unease. Rationally, everything seemed fine, but the anxiety persisted.
As he was lost in thought, a voice called out to him. "Good evening, Hikigaya-kun. What are you doing here?"
"...Shiina?" he responded, looking up to see Shiina Hiyori approaching.
"I wasn't doing much, just about to head back to the dormitory," Hikigaya replied, noting the large bag she carried.
"What about you? Were you tutoring your classmates?"
"Yes, we just finished. Everyone worked hard," Shiina said with a smile.
"That sounds like a lot of work."
"No, it's surprisingly enjoyable to work hard with everyone, but..." Her smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern.
"Even though everyone tried their best, there are still a few students whose results worry me. I'm not sure if they'll pass the exam."
"…I see."
Hikigaya understood the situation in Class C. Despite their higher class points compared to Class D, their academic performance wasn't much better. In fact, it was about the same.
He admired Shiina for her dedication. Despite her usual quiet presence in the library after school and her lack of common interests with her classmates, she was willing to step up and help those struggling academically.
Unlike Horikita, who was motivated by the desire to reach Class A, Shiina simply didn't want anyone to be expelled.
"What's the main issue?" Hikigaya asked, hesitating slightly. "If you don't mind, I could offer some advice. Just don't expect too much—I'm just an average student."
"No, no, Hikigaya-kun is very smart... but are you sure about this?" Shiina seemed hesitant.
"I told you last time—I have no interest in class struggles."
"Is that so... Then I'll gladly accept your help. But let's find a place to sit and talk, shall we?"