Although being misunderstood by Ryūen wasn't a big deal, Hikigaya felt it was necessary to clarify.
"I'm not targeting Class A over something so trivial. Do you think I'm that petty and vindictive?"
"Hmph, say whatever you want."
Unfortunately, Ryuen didn't seem to believe him at all. Sigh… It's hard to tell the truth these days and have anyone believe you.
Hikigaya sighed inwardly. "Anyway, when the time comes, just make sure to write down Yahiko's name."
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
Ryūen waved dismissively, reclining back on his beach chair with an air of indifference.
But this laid-back attitude was a façade. Even if Hikigaya hadn't known about the spy, he wouldn't have been fooled. A person's eyes rarely lie, and the fierce determination in Ryūen's eyes had never wavered.
It made sense. If his plan succeeded, not only would it benefit his class, but it would also silence any internal dissatisfaction within Class C.
Just think about it—while students from other classes were forced to endure the grueling special exams, Class C's students were out here having fun. And their leader, who outwardly appeared carefree and reckless, had secretly crafted a meticulous plan. Once the other students had withdrawn from the game, he would quietly make his move on the island.
This alone showcased Ryūen's charisma, making it no wonder why students like Ishizaki followed him so loyally.
Unfortunately, a lack of skill was a fatal flaw, and this operation was bound to fail.
The only question was, how badly would it fail?
After all, Ayanokōji seemed to be taking this seriously. Let's hope Ryūen can handle it.
Hikigaya had done his best to warn him about the walkie-talkie, so now all he could do was wish him luck.
"Hikigaya-kun!"
Just as he was about to leave, a girl approached him from a distance, jogging over at a steady pace.
Though she wasn't moving quickly, she was getting closer…
"Shiina, having fun?"
Hikigaya greeted her. Unlike the other Class C students, Shiina was still dressed in her athletic wear.
It was rare to come to the beach and not swim. It seemed she still didn't like sports.
Wait, she doesn't like sports, yet she's wearing sportswear?
That sounds… odd.
"Nothing much to do here," Shiina replied with a lonely shake of her head. "There are no books here, and without you around, Hikigaya-kun, it's boring."
"Is that so…"
Hikigaya felt a bead of sweat form. Luckily, it was him she was talking to—any other guy would misunderstand.
"Haha, Hikigaya, you're one lucky bastard."
See? There's one misunderstanding right there, courtesy of Ryūen, the king of jerks. Shiina, please refrain from making such comments in the future.
And of course, Ryūen wasn't done yet, adding, "Hikigaya, you should keep her company. Eat some meat, go waterskiing—whatever you want. That girl's been moping around since last night, and it's annoying to watch."
After saying this, he broke into a mischievous grin.
"But if you want to play some other games, I can prepare a private tent for you."
"...Go to hell, scum."
Isn't that sexual harassment? Especially in front of a girl! You could seriously get reported for that!
Hikigaya mentally screamed, his eyes darting around nervously. He couldn't even look at Shiina's face, the embarrassment was so intense.
"Ryūen-kun, please don't bully Hikigaya-kun too much."
"Uh…" Ryūen's expression twisted into something odd after hearing Shiina's words.
Then, with a bright smile, she grabbed Hikigaya's hand.
"Hikigaya-kun, you don't have to pay him any attention. Let's go have some fun on our own."
"Oh, okay."
Still dazed, Hikigaya let himself be led away by Shiina. But if he wasn't mistaken, the usually composed girl's ears were tinged with red…
Hmm, it must be the heat!
They hadn't walked far when Ryūen's loud voice rang out from behind them.
"Ishizaki! Where the hell are you? Get me some black coffee!"
...Black coffee?
Once again, Hikigaya realized just how incompatible he was with Ryūen.
Life's already tough enough; the least coffee can do is be sweet.
As he mulled over such trivial thoughts, Shiina, who was walking ahead of him, suddenly turned back.
"Hikigaya-kun, is there anything you'd like to do? We've borrowed all sorts of fun stuff. You can ask for anything."
"Umm…"
Hikigaya glanced around. There were indeed all kinds of entertainment options, even a jet ski, which was a rare opportunity.
Everyone was gathered together, having a blast.
But if he had to pick something that suited both him and Shiina, it would probably be that.
"I'd like to collect some seashells. Will you come with me?"
"...Of course!"
Shiina hesitated for a moment, then happily nodded.
Looks like that was the right choice. For someone who enjoys quiet, she'd probably prefer to avoid the crowds.
"Wait here for just a moment."
Shiina darted into a nearby tent, reappearing shortly with some snacks and drinks.
"Here, this sweet coffee is for you, Hikigaya-kun."
"…Thanks."
Shiina seemed to be in a really good mood, even playfully pressing the cold drink against Hikigaya's neck.
On any other day, she would never pull a prank like this.
The sea must truly be magical, even lifting Shiina's spirits.
"But are you sure about this? I'm not part of your class."
Hikigaya wasn't too keen on accepting anything that came from Ryūen.
"It's fine," Shiina said casually.
"The points for this exam belong to the whole class. I'm entitled to a share too. Besides, Ryūen's already pocketed more than half of them himself, so he has no right to complain."
"I see…"
Hikigaya couldn't help but notice the subtle message in her words.
She didn't say Ryūen had used the points; she said he had "pocketed" them. If they were for the whole class, she wouldn't have used that word.
Honestly, Ryūen's move was quite unexpected.
Most people wouldn't believe he'd make a deal with Katsuragi from Class A—a serious and by-the-book leader teaming up with a tyrant from Class C.
These two seemed like they'd never have anything in common.
It just goes to show, you can't judge a book by its cover.
Hikigaya realized his own observations weren't as sharp as he'd thought. There were still plenty of things he didn't fully understand.
"Hikigaya-kun?"
Suddenly, Shiina called his name, her tone tinged with slight annoyance.
"Aren't we supposed to be spending time together?"
"...Sorry, I got a little lost in thought."
Hikigaya shook his head, trying to clear away the distractions.
Right, this was supposed to be a time to enjoy the beach.
Time to take a break from everything.