With midterm exams looming, the atmosphere in the classroom grew increasingly tense. Students were visibly more on edge, their nerves frayed as they prepared for the upcoming tests.
Hikigaya, however, remained largely unfazed. His approach to studying was methodical and consistent. He had long since resolved not to concern himself too much with the specifics of the exam—his strategy was to focus on his studies rather than worry about potential test content.
Speaking of which, it dawned on him that Horikita had yet to make any significant moves regarding the exams. Given the subtle hints she had dropped, it seemed likely that she planned to distribute the test papers a few days before the exams.
This tactic would ensure that everyone in the class had no choice but to study seriously, knowing that they would be tested on familiar material.
Though hiding the answers and pushing students to repeat the practice papers seemed like a trivial matter, Hikigaya decided it was best not to draw attention to it. He preferred to keep his observations to himself rather than stir the pot unnecessarily.
"Hey, where's Hikigaya?"
A voice called out from the doorway, startling Hikigaya. He turned, expecting a face he didn't recognize, only to hear Yamauchi's voice.
"Hikigaya? We don't have anyone by that name in our class?"
Hikigaya sighed inwardly. Yamauchi was a well-known class clown, and his antics were as predictable as they were tiresome.
"By the way, which class are you from? Your face is okay. I'm Yamauchi Haruki, nice to meet you!"
"Don't bother me. I don't care what your name is."
Hikigaya's irritation flared. The annoyance was compounded by the fact that Ibuki, Ryuen's errand girl, had shown up in his classroom. Ryuen was playing games, sending someone all the way here just to make a scene.
"Let's go."
He gestured impatiently to Ibuiki, who looked at him with evident irritation.
"You, can you respond a little faster?" she snapped.
Before Hikigaya could reply, Yamauchi's loud voice cut through the conversation.
"So it's Hikigaya you're looking for?! Why are you always so popular?"
Hikigaya rolled his eyes. The commotion was growing louder, drawing unwanted attention. His head throbbed as more classmates began to chime in, their curiosity piqued. He just wanted to escape to the dorm.
"Let's go."
Ignoring the growing cacophony, Hikigaya led Ibuiki out of the classroom. After a few steps, he noticed her scrutinizing him with an odd expression.
"What are you staring at?" he asked.
"I was just thinking that there seem to be a lot of idiots in your class," Ibuiki said bluntly.
"Isn't that obvious?" Hikigaya shot back, "Otherwise, who would score a zero? Chabashira-sensei even praised us as the worst Class D in the school's history."
"That's not a compliment. It makes me worry about your language skills."
"You don't need to worry about that… Oh, speaking of language, it reminds me."
Hikigaya pulled out a familiar letter from his pocket and waved it in front of Ibuiki.
"Look here, the grammar in this sentence is incorrect."
Ibuiki's eyes widened in surprise and anger. "Give it back!" she demanded, her face flushing red as she tried to snatch the letter.
Hikigaya deftly avoided her grasp.
"You're mistaken if you think I'm foolish enough to be swayed by your antics."
Ibuiki glared at him, seething with frustration.
"Why is that letter here? I took it away that day!"
"It's a copy," Hikigaya said, his tone mocking.
"Do you think I'm as easily fooled as you?"
He then added, "By the way, what happened to your face? Did you fall down the stairs like me?"
Ibuiki's expression turned fierce. "You know how to fight; you've been messing with us from the start."
"No, I don't know how to fight. It's just that your movements are too slow."
"Go to hell!"
Ibuiki's frustration was palpable. It seemed she was taking out her anger on him, perhaps because she couldn't confront Ryuen directly.
At that moment, Ryuen made his entrance.
"Hey, I told you to bring Hikigaya, not to fight with him."
Hikigaya's irritation spiked at the sight of Ryuen. Instead of handling matters discreetly, Ryuen had sent someone to his classroom, turning it into a public spectacle.
"Showing off your underlings again, huh?" Hikigaya retorted.
Ryuen ignored the insult, lifting a contract with a smirk. "Let's go."
"Lead the way, King of Dogshit."
Despite the derogatory remark, Ryuen maintained his cold smile. "Consider this round yours, but don't think I'll let it slide. One day, I'll take you down."
"Oh? Good luck with that," Hikigaya replied nonchalantly, secretly admiring Ryuen's unwavering confidence.
They proceeded to the classroom office. Ryuen barged in without knocking, his demeanor unruffled. In this school, such behavior was common, though it still struck Hikigaya as odd.
"Sorry for the intrusion," Ryuen said.
Only Hoshinomiya-sensei was present.
She greeted them with mild surprise.
"Oh, Hikigaya-kun and Ryuen-kun, what a rare combination. What can I do for you?"
"Hoshinomiya-sensei, I'd like to sign a contract with Ryuen. Could you witness it for us?"
Hikigaya asked.
"Of course. Is the contract prepared?"
"Yes, it's ready."
Hikigaya handed the contract to Teacher Hoshinomori. She examined it closely, her initial surprise giving way to a mysterious smile.
"Oh, I didn't expect Hikigaya-kun to be such an interesting student."
"I'd prefer if you didn't describe students as interesting."
Hikigaya felt that Class C wouldn't find this situation amusing at all.
"Just a small joke," Teacher Hoshinomori said with a chuckle.
"Let's verify everything."
After a thorough check, she handed the signed contract back to them, retaining the original for the school's records.
"Remember to manage your class well, Ryuen-kun."
"Of course," Ryuen replied, his attitude still aloof.
"Thank you, Hoshinomiya-sensei," Hikigaya said with a bow.
"Don't mention it," Teacher Hoshinomori said pleasantly.
"It's part of the job, and thanks to you, Hikigaya-kun, Class C should be more stable. We've had a tough time in Class B lately, so Ichinose can finally have some peace."
"You flatter me. I'm just doing my duty as a member of the student council," Hikigaya replied.
With that, he left the office. To his surprise, Ryuen was waiting for him outside.
"Hey, Hikigaya, I have a question."
"What now?"
"Did you do all this because I interrupted you and Hiyori?" Ryuen's gaze was piercing.
It seemed Ryuen was probing for deeper motives. Hikigaya knew Ryuen was trying to understand his actions.
"I've already said, I just wanted to annoy you," Hikigaya replied lazily.
"To be precise, I'm frustrated with your cleverness. You sent Shiina to test me back in April. Even though I pretended not to notice, you still dared to push your luck."
Ryuen's expression shifted to one of shock.
Hikigaya grinned.
"Though I admire your initiative, blind confidence isn't a good thing. Everything you've done and plan to do is within my expectations. After all, someone like you is too easy to understand."
Ryuen stared at him, processing the information before turning to leave.
But after a few steps, he turned back.
"Hey, Hikigaya."
"What now?"
"I did ask Hiyori to test you, but I didn't know you in April."
"Eh?"
Hikigaya was momentarily taken aback. Ryuen's sudden revelation caught him off guard.
"Hahaha, looks like you're not as amazing as you claim to be! Just wait and see, you rotten bastard! I will crush you." Ryuen laughed.
Hikigaya watched as Ryuen walked away, his laughter echoing in the hallway.