Shiranami Chihiro and Totsuka Yahiko found themselves in similar positions—both were close friends of their class leaders, yet lacked any real power or influence. Their eagerness to contribute meaningfully to the class stemmed from this very insecurity.
Ichinose, on the other hand, was someone who could easily be swayed. As long as the request wasn't outrageous, she would generally agree without much resistance.
This combination of factors was what made Hikigaya so certain that Chihiro was the team captain.
"I see. Now I understand why Ichinose holds you in such high regard," Kanzaki sighed.
"At first, I thought she might be exaggerating a bit, but it seems I might have underestimated you."
He gave up on arguing further, likely realizing that any continued denial would only make him appear foolish.
"...No, it's just that the captain you chose isn't very suitable, especially when it comes to dealing with someone like me," Hikigaya responded, curious about what Ichinose might have said about him, though now didn't seem like the right time to ask.
As he had mentioned, if Class B had chosen someone Hikigaya didn't know, it would have been much harder for him to be so certain, even if he noticed the glances from the other students.
Ichinose smiled wryly. "Even so, being able to figure out it was Chihiro-chan after just a few glances is a bit unfair, Hikigaya-kun."
"It's nothing, just good luck," he replied nonchalantly.
"Come on, luck has nothing to do with it... But that answer is just so you, Hikigaya-kun,"
Ichinose said with a deep breath as if trying to calm herself.
Hikigaya couldn't help but notice how her sports jacket seemed close to bursting at the seams. He hoped she'd be more careful.
[T/N: Bro, this is the second time you are doing this.]
"I understand the situation now," Ichinose said, her calm demeanor returning as she smiled.
"Hikigaya-kun, you do keep your word. It's us who seem petty in comparison. It's a bit embarrassing."
"There's nothing wrong with being cautious," Hikigaya replied. Though, in truth, he doubted that Ichinose had even considered being suspicious. She likely just couldn't bring herself to doubt others' good intentions.
That said, Ichinose's acting skills were decent, and Kanzaki played his part well, too. If it were someone else, they might have genuinely doubted their judgment.
"In any case, we'll be sure to write down Class A's captain's name properly. We won't waste your goodwill, Hikigaya-kun."
Ichinose didn't waste time with pointless requests like "Don't tell anyone about Class B's captain." Instead, she made her stance clear—she completely trusted Hikigaya.
"Alright, let's inform Shiranami on the final day," Hikigaya agreed. He checked the time and decided it was about time to head back to his class for lunch.
Though Ichinose and Kanzaki invited him to stay, Hikigaya politely declined. No way was he going to eat with people from another class. The awkwardness would be unbearable. He could already imagine the strange looks, and someone might even accuse him of freeloading.
Seeing his firm stance, the two didn't press further and just walked him partway back.
Unexpectedly, they ran into a familiar boy on the outskirts of the camp.
"Ichinose-san, where should I put these extra fabrics?"
"Thank you, Kaneda-kun. I'll take them from here," Ichinose responded.
Standing in front of Hikigaya was none other than Kaneda Satoru from Class C—a likely spy sent by Ryuen.
Kaneda seemed to recognize Hikigaya, but after a glance, he didn't show any other signs of acknowledgment.
"By the way, Ichinose-san," Kaneda continued, "Is there anything else you need help with? Please, don't hesitate to ask."
"No, I'm very grateful for your offer, Kaneda-kun. Could you help Shibata-kun and the others instead? Just let them know I sent you," Ichinose replied, deliberately adding that last part, likely because Kaneda was from another class.
Kanzaki, understanding this, volunteered, "I'm free as well. I'll go with him."
"Thanks, I appreciate it," Ichinose said with a smile.
With that, the two left together.
Once they were out of earshot, Hikigaya finally spoke. "Ichinose, that guy's from Class C, right?"
"Yes, do you know him?" Ichinose nodded. "He seems to have had some issues with Class C. He said he wanted to live on his own, but we couldn't just leave him like that. He didn't want to talk about the details, so I didn't press him."
"What do you mean you didn't press him...?"
Hikigaya was almost speechless. Hirata was already a bleeding heart, but at least he had asked Ibuki some questions. Ichinose's purity surpassed even that.
Seeing Hikigaya's reaction, Ichinose blinked in confusion. "Is something wrong?"
"...Let's put it this way, our class also took in a student who was kicked out of Class C yesterday."
Hikigaya then briefly explained the situation with Ibuki, including her dissatisfaction with Ryūen's methods, why she was kicked out, and her refusal to return to the ship.
"I see. Ryūen-kun's actions were indeed extreme. I can understand why both Kaneda-kun and Ibuki-san feel the way they do."
Ichinose's expression became more resolute after hearing Hikigaya's explanation, her eyes filled with determination to protect Kaneda.
…This wasn't the outcome Hikigaya had expected.
At least from his perspective, he couldn't understand why Kaneda would act the same way as Ibuki. Even if it was possible, why didn't Ichinose or anyone else seem suspicious?
—Wait, am I just too cynical?
Hikigaya began to question himself, wondering if he had been taught to see the world through a skewed lens.
"Hey, Ichinose..."
"Hikigaya-kun," Ichinose suddenly interrupted. "I've been meaning to ask you something. You could've done more to benefit your class, so why did you come to help us instead?"
"...Didn't I already explain that?" Hikigaya replied, somewhat perplexed.
Ichinose smiled softly. "Yes, but I'd like to hear it again. Could you tell me?"
Hikigaya didn't see the point, but he still answered, "Because you helped Class D before, and took a considerable hit for it. I'm just repaying the favor."
"But under the rules of this exam, your actions could be seen as betraying your class, right? If it's just repayment, you wouldn't need to go this far."
As Ichinose pointed out, Hikigaya's knowledge of Class B's captain could have easily cost Class D fifty points, not to mention other hidden costs.
"It doesn't matter," Hikigaya replied flatly. "I never cared about moving up to Class A, and the class's affairs have nothing to do with me."
"Hehe, that's exactly what I expected you to say."
Ichinose's radiant smile returned, though the words she spoke were somewhat baffling.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're such a complicated person. You're much smarter than me, but sometimes I feel like we're quite similar."
"...I don't see it at all."
On one side was a popular, beautiful girl, and on the other was a friendless, dead-eyed loner—no comparison to be made.
"There are many differences," Ichinose acknowledged softly. "But at least in one way, we're the same—we both don't think reaching Class A is the most important thing, right?"
...I see.
Hikigaya finally understood. Ichinose wasn't oblivious to the possibility that Kaneda was a spy; she simply chose to take him in any way, fully aware of the risks. Even in a place like this school, this girl still wanted to believe in the goodness of people.
What could Hikigaya possibly say to someone like that? No amount of words could do justice to her conviction.
"Hehe, I'm glad you understand me, Hikigaya-kun. I was worried I might be coming off as presumptuous."
Ichinose's smile was genuine, warm, and as bright as the sun.
"So, I won't let anything happen that you're worried about. Please trust me."
"...Alright."
To Hikigaya, that smile was priceless.
However, in a school like this, how long could Ichinose maintain such a smile? How many blows could she withstand if reality continued to clash with her ideals?
"By the way, I heard from Kanzaki-kun that your class only has four tents. Sleeping must be a bit cramped at night, right?"
Ichinose raised the fabric in her hand, seemingly unaware of Hikigaya's thoughts.
"If you don't mind, we have extra fabric here that you can use to make hammocks. We can even spare some rope."
"...Is that okay?"
"Of course! We're friends, right?"
Without hesitation, Ichinose declared, "Friends should help each other."
Indeed… friends should help each other.
And when you accept something from a friend, it's only right to give something in return.
Hikigaya took a deep breath and asked, "Ichinose, Kaneda's backpack should be placed with the boys in your class, right?"