On the surface, attacking the Katsuragi faction seems like an attack on Class A itself, and the other three classes might benefit. However, this is a short-sighted view, one that overlooks the bigger picture.
The final victory isn't about simply reaching Class A; it's about holding that position on the eve of graduation.
From a strategic standpoint, the best move is to find a way to keep the Katsuragi and Sakayanagi factions at each other's throats.
If their rivalry continues, it could eventually fracture their unity entirely, turning them into outright enemies.
But there's no denying that Katsuragi's abilities fall short compared to Sakayanagi's.
More crucially, he lacks the ruthlessness required to secure a win, unlike Sakayanagi, who will do whatever it takes.
If the leaders of the other classes were smart, they would look for ways to support Katsuragi in the exams, even if it cost them some class points. At the very least, they should prevent him from being swiftly defeated by Sakayanagi.
Unfortunately, Hikigaya doubted the other three classes would take this approach.
Especially Class D. Hirata and Kushida have no ambitions beyond keeping their classmates happy. As for Horikita, despite her claims of wanting to lead the class to promotion, she seems more focused on studying hard than actually understanding the dynamics at play.
If you asked her now, she probably wouldn't even know the names of the leaders of the other three classes.
"Hikigaya-kun, we'll have to wait until the exam content is announced to plan our strategy," Sakayanagi said with a smile.
"But don't worry, I'll have Masumi and the others assist you. I won't let you fight alone."
"...We'll discuss it later."
Hikigaya quickly finished his meal and stacked Sakayanagi's empty plate on top of his.
"I'll go return these. That's all for today."
"Oh? No more chatting?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Sorry, I'm not in the mood."
"I see," Sakayanagi replied with a nod, her tone understanding.
"I apologize again. When we return to class, I'll speak to Katsuragi-kun and ask him to rein in his subordinates."
"No, this isn't about them. It's personal."
With that, Hikigaya picked up the dishes and headed toward the recycling area. After a few steps, he suddenly turned around.
"Sakayanagi... I have a question."
"What is it?" she asked, her smile faint but ever-present.
"If I'm overthinking this, I apologize in advance."
"It's okay. Please, go ahead."
Hikigaya stared at her, trying to catch any subtle change in her expression.
"Did you bring me here on purpose today?"
"...Hehe."
Sakayanagi chuckled softly but didn't immediately respond. She then shook her head slowly.
"Hikigaya-kun, has something happened between you and Class C recently?"
"...Why do you ask?"
Hikigaya's guard went up instantly, sensing that Sakayanagi knew more than she let on. Had someone leaked information?
"On our way to the cafeteria, I noticed many students from Class C avoiding your gaze," she continued, her tone laced with curiosity, though she didn't press further.
Hikigaya was taken aback. He hadn't considered that detail. While he could maintain his own composure, he couldn't control the reactions of Class C's students. It was an oversight, a blind spot he hadn't accounted for.
The contract involved the entire class, and even with non-disclosure regulations, it was impossible to prevent some information from slipping out.
It seems I'll have to plan more carefully in the future, he thought.
"So, Hikigaya-kun, do you understand now?"
Sakayanagi narrowed her eyes slightly, like a cat toying with its prey.
"Everyone has secrets they'd rather keep hidden, especially girls. You can't just ask about them so casually, okay?"
"...Yeah."
Hikigaya was nearly speechless. If she didn't want to answer, she could've just said so. Why all the talking around it?
And she practically admitted it anyway!
Alas, she truly is a devil in the making.
Still, Hikigaya couldn't shake the thought that, despite their factional differences, they were all classmates. Was it really necessary to seek out help from other classes to defeat them?
Of course, he was well aware that he was hardly in a position to criticize.
Finally, when the afternoon classes ended, Hikigaya's exhaustion was overwhelming. All he wanted was to retreat to his dormitory and sleep. The lack of sleep last night had drained him, and today had been particularly taxing.
The primary culprit, of course, was a certain black-and-white-haired girl.
Ninety percent of the stress he felt was due to her.
But with the review materials due to Kushida in three days, Hikigaya forced himself to head to the library. At this point, he even felt that office workers didn't toil as hard as he did.
Have I surpassed the status of a corporate slave? He mused.
Fortunately, the library was nearly empty, likely because the midterms had just ended and most students were out having fun. Not that it mattered to Hikigaya—he didn't have any friends to hang out with anyway.
Students should just focus on their studies!
Hikigaya went to his usual seat, pulled out a stack of textbooks from his bag, and spread them out on the table.
His first task was to summarize and organize the material, highlighting key points the teacher had emphasized, annotating the more difficult parts, and predicting which topics would likely appear on the next test.
This wasn't particularly challenging; he had done similar work countless times during cram school.
The only issue was with the math...
Maybe I should ask Haruno for help.
Just as Hikigaya was pondering how to approach the subject, a timid voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Hello, Hikigaya-kun."
"...Shiina?"
Hikigaya looked up in surprise to see Shiina standing across from him, her beautiful silver hair catching the light. But something was different about her. The innocent expression she usually wore was gone.
Even though it had only been a little over a week since he last saw her, it felt like she had changed in some way. And yet, she was still the same.
What happened...?
Before Hikigaya could greet her properly, another thought struck him. Now that Class C had effectively become his cash cow if Shiina was still reaching out to him, she must know what that implied.
...Why bother? he thought, feeling a pang of guilt.
"What..."
But before he could finish his sentence, his resolve crumbled as he saw the tears welling up in Shiina's eyes.
"Stop standing there like an idiot," he muttered, raising his textbook, "want to study together?"
"...! Um!"
It would've been easier if she had refused.
It would've been easier if she had turned him down.
But when Hikigaya saw the bright smile reappear on Shiina's face, he couldn't bring himself to say anything more.
If only I hadn't come to this school...