Hikigaya tried to keep his composure as Shiina greeted him with a smile that seemed to carry an entire season's warmth.
"Hikigaya-kun, you must have had a hard time with the exams. Welcome back."
Caught off guard, Hikigaya fumbled with his response. "Ah, ah, I... uh, thank you."
He almost replied with "I'm back," a phrase that, under normal circumstances, might sound innocent enough. But in this context, it felt deeply personal—too personal. The mere thought of actually saying it out loud filled him with enough shame that he briefly considered jumping into the sea, swimming back home, and never showing his face in public again.
Shiina's smile didn't waver as she continued, "I just heard from Ryuuen-kun that you were at the restaurant, but I didn't see you when I went over there. Luckily, I walked around the area again, and that's how I ran into you."
"Well..." Hikigaya hesitated, unsure of how to navigate the situation. "If you were looking for me... why didn't you just call or text?"
Shiina blinked, her calm demeanor suddenly giving way to visible embarrassment. Her cheeks turned a soft shade of red, and she struggled to find her words.
"Eh? No... that's because..."
Hikigaya quickly realized he might have pushed too hard. Shiina, like him, wasn't someone with a large circle of friends. Their meetings were usually confined to places like the library. The idea of contacting each other via mobile phone simply hadn't crossed their minds. But now that she was flustered, Hikigaya couldn't help but find the situation amusing.
Before he could dwell on it further, a familiar voice cut through the awkward silence.
"Hello, are you Shiina-san? I've wanted to say hello to you for a long time."
Ichinose, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward with her usual bright smile. Her sudden appearance seemed almost orchestrated, as if she had been aware of Shiina's presence for quite some time. It made sense, considering Shiina's stellar grades—especially in Class C. Ichinose had likely noticed her through that lens.
"I almost forgot to introduce myself. I'm Ichinose Honami. This is the first time we've spoken to each other. I'm glad to meet you."
"Me too, Ichinose-san. Thank you for your guidance."
Shiina, now back to her composed self, bowed her head politely.
"By the way, congratulations on your promotion to Class A this time," Shiina said with a smile. "The ranking change happened in just one semester, and many people were shocked. And... although it's a bit strange for me, a student in Class C, to say this, but Ichinose-san is really excellent. Not only did you easily see through Ryuuen-kun's plan, but you also used that clever method to make Kaneda-kun leave on his own. I am really grateful."
She bowed again, this time with a deeper sincerity. It was clear from her words that she had learned some inside information from Kaneda, who had dropped out of the competition. But as for Ryuuen, it seemed she had chosen not to share much with him. After all, to someone like Ryuuen, classmates were merely pawns. They didn't need to know the bigger picture—only follow orders. Even if he had to test other classes, Ryuuen wasn't one to bother explaining his moves to his peers.
"No, this isn't just my achievement," Ichinose responded, humility coloring her tone. "Besides, I haven't done anything to deserve Shiina-san's thanks, right?"
Despite the joy of being promoted to Class A, Ichinose never felt truly deserving of the praise she received. A lingering self-doubt always clouded her happiness.
Shiina shook her head. "No, you preserved Kaneda-kun's reputation until the very end and did not let his situation deteriorate further in the grade. For that alone, I am grateful."
Shiina's gratitude was not misplaced. Ryuuen might have outmaneuvered the two class leaders by exploiting their weaknesses, but he hadn't considered the aftermath for Kaneda and Ibuki. While this school prized strength, reputation and popularity were also crucial—especially for those who weren't naturally gifted. Students who lacked extraordinary abilities needed to cultivate these softer assets to survive and thrive, even if they were in different classes.
Ryuuen didn't care about such things. First, because he didn't value them, and second, because no one dared to challenge him. But for Kaneda and Ibuki, the situation was different. If their roles as spies were exposed, they would face ostracism from their peers. Open bullying might be impossible with the school's surveillance, but gossip and subtle acts of malice were certainly within the realm of possibility.
"Um, what does 'situation' mean?" Ichinose asked, a slight confusion creeping into her voice.
"That is to say, once Kaneda-kun's identity as a spy is exposed, it may cause resentment among everyone in Class A," Shiina explained.
Ichinose's expression froze. It wasn't in her nature to think badly of others, let alone imagine that someone like Sakayanagi might stab Katsuragi in the back just to unify her class. If Kaneda's spying had succeeded, causing Class A significant harm, Ichinose wouldn't have harbored resentment. She might even have tried to persuade her classmates not to blame Kaneda. However, some of her classmates were undoubtedly more astute and would have seen through the situation.
"Eh? No, no, no, how is that possible!" Ichinose hastily denied. "After all, it's an exam. Using that kind of method is also considered... uh, anyway, I believe that everyone won't be so petty!"
But Hikigaya knew better. People were naturally inclined to get angry when wronged, especially in a competitive environment like this. He doubted that Class A would remain entirely composed if the truth about Kaneda came to light.
While Ichinose might have the influence to maintain peace, Hirata, the leader of Class D, had little authority left. He remained the leader only because his classmates preferred to push their troubles onto him. If he couldn't prevent his class from turning on Ibuki...
"Hey, what are you doing!?"
"What are you doing? You bumped into me first, right?"
A loud, heated exchange broke out nearby, interrupting Hikigaya's thoughts. He turned to see Ibuki embroiled in a confrontation with a group of Class D girls. It was hard to say who had started it, but their tension was palpable.
"Sorry, I have to excuse myself for a moment," Shiina said, quickly moving to intervene. Despite her usual detachment from class affairs, she genuinely cared about her classmates. It was one of the things that made her so appealing.
"I'll go with you," Ichinose offered. His personality made it impossible to stand by when someone needed help. He had done the same during the altercation between Hikigaya and Yamawaki in the library.
"Thank you for your kindness, but let's forget it," Shiina shook her head, declining politely. "This is a matter between our class. We can solve it ourselves, and we can't cause more trouble for Ichinose-san."
"Haha, it seems I'm meddling in other people's business."
Ichinose's ever-present smile didn't falter, even in the face of rejection. His resilience in such situations was something Hikigaya admired. If it had been him, he would have been mortified enough to dig a hole and hide in it.
"In that case, I'll leave it to you, Shiina-san. Let's talk about it next time if we have the chance!"
"Yes."
Shiina nodded, and just as she was about to leave, she turned back to Hikigaya with a playful smile.
"Hikigaya-kun, don't forget our agreement, okay? There may be a lot of people these days, so once I make the reservation, I'll remember to contact you on my phone."
"Ah?"
Hikigaya froze, his mind racing. What agreement was she talking about? Wait... no way, she hasn't forgotten that yet!
He had hoped the matter would just fade away, but Shiina clearly remembered every detail. Panic set in as he realized he was still on the hook.
What am I going to do?
The thought of going to a spa with a group of girls from the same grade was overwhelming, to say the least. It was the kind of experience that could easily become a dark chapter in his life, a memory he'd rather bury deep and never revisit.
But the cruise itinerary meant they'd be stuck together for a week, making it nearly impossible to come up with a believable excuse to dodge the event. Desperate for a way out, Hikigaya's mind raced through various options.
There's no other way... I can only suggest that everyone in my grade go for a spa!
Surely, after a week on the uninhabited island, everyone would want to relax. And if the whole grade was involved, there was no way Shiina would get a spot!
Mmmm! What a great idea!
But as soon as the plan formed in his head, Hikigaya realized he had overlooked one crucial point—he didn't have that kind of influence. And recommending a spa trip to the girls would probably make him look like a creep...
"Uh, Hikigaya-kun, are you okay?"
Ichinose's voice pulled him out of his spiraling thoughts, and Hikigaya snapped back to reality.
"No… it's just some trivial stuff of my own. Nothing to worry about," Hikigaya replied, though the weight of the situation made it hard for him to voice it aloud.
"Is that so?" Ichinose didn't press further, but her sincerity was evident as she added, "But if something's troubling you, please let me know. I want to help, Hikigaya-kun, as long as you don't mind."
"It's not that. I've already told you, there's no need to worry. I'm just repaying Hoshinomiya-sensei's favor, so don't misunderstand."
In Ichinose's view, it was thanks to Hikigaya's efforts that their class had amassed so many points, even managing to advance to Class A—a significant achievement. But Hikigaya didn't see it that way at all.
He had only engaged with Class A's captain to deal with the Katsuragi faction and to catch the spy, Kaneda. His dislike for Ryuen's actions was his primary motivation. The camera theft was just a side task, and he had profited greatly from it. To put it bluntly, Hikigaya acted out of self-interest and didn't want anyone's gratitude.
However, Ichinose shook her head firmly, her voice unwavering. "No, Hikigaya-kun, you're misunderstanding me." She smiled, but there was a serious undertone in her words. "I'm not offering help to repay a favor… I'm offering it as a friend. I just want to help you with your troubles. Is that not okay?"
"Uh…" Hikigaya suddenly fell silent.
The girl standing before him meant every word she said. It wasn't about favors or exchanges of interest. She genuinely cared about him as a friend.
Even in a school like this, people like Ichinose existed… No, it was precisely this environment that made someone like Ichinose even more remarkable.
I almost messed up again, Hikigaya thought to himself. Just like with Shiina before, he struggled to trust others' kindness and ended up hurting them in the process.
In that case… maybe this time, I should try to believe her.
"Um, Ichinose?"
Though he had made up his mind, the words were still difficult to say. Fortunately, Ichinose was patient, waiting carefully for him to speak.
"It's like this…" Hikigaya hesitated, rubbing his head. "There's something I'm not sure how to handle. Can you listen to me for a moment?"
"Yeah! Of course!" she responded, her smile reassuring.
This smile wasn't fake—at least, Hikigaya wanted to believe it wasn't. Maybe, just maybe, he could make a real friend, even in a place like this.
But reality soon delivered a harsh blow.
Despite the embarrassment, Hikigaya shared his concerns, hoping for guidance. Instead, as he spoke, Ichinose's smile began to fade—not completely, but it took on a more unnerving quality. Her eyes, in particular, no longer matched the smile on her face.
Sensing that things were going awry, Hikigaya braced himself as Ichinose finally spoke.
"Hikigaya-kun, you've read the dormitory manual carefully, right?"
"Uh, what?"
"I mean… it's not allowed to have relationships with anyone other than the opposite sex!"
"Wait, wait! You're being too loud!" Hikigaya panicked. He had sought Ichinose's help, not for her to announce his troubles to the world.
Damn it, I didn't expect Ichinose to turn traitor too! This school is hopeless—maybe it's time to destroy it!
Not that it mattered much, considering he hadn't even been in a relationship, much less done anything improper!
He hadn't even held a girl's hand properly!
"Hikigaya-kun, are you and Shiina-san dating?" Ichinose asked, her voice tinged with concern. "I've heard rumors, but even if you are, isn't it too early for… that?"
Maybe she was trying to lighten the mood, or maybe she was just curious. After all, Ichinose was an ordinary high school girl, and it was only natural for her to be interested in love and relationships.
But if possible, Hikigaya wished she wouldn't bring it up in front of him—it was incredibly embarrassing.
"The thing is, I went to the spa once with Hoshinomiya-sensei, and you have to undre—wait! What am I even saying?!"
Ichinose's face turned beet red as she realized what she was blurting out, leaving Hikigaya utterly speechless. He couldn't help but think that this conversation was quickly spiraling out of control.
"First of all, there's no way Shiina and I are dating. Someone like me couldn't possibly be a match for someone as beautiful as her," Hikigaya explained patiently.
"…Why would you say something like that?"
For some reason, Ichinose suddenly looked at him with a sorrowful expression.
Wait, did I say something wrong?
Hikigaya had never even considered the possibility of dating someone like Shiina, because he genuinely believed they were worlds apart.
"Anyway, Shiina and I aren't in a relationship. It's just that she's…how should I put this? A bit airheaded and doesn't always realize certain things."
It was the only reasonable explanation he could offer. Yet, oddly enough, Ichinose's eyes only seemed to grow sadder.
—Stop it! You're not Komachi!
Hikigaya inwardly screamed. Sometimes his little sister would look at him with those same pitying eyes, usually muttering "Trash-nii" just loud enough for him to hear.
If he had to be pitied by someone, Hikigaya would at least prefer it to be his sister and not a girl his own age. It was so mortifying!
"Sigh, well, it is you we're talking about," Ichinose said with a helpless smile. "But I can understand. For a guy, it must be hard to talk about this sort of thing… How about this? Why don't you come to the party tonight? I'll invite Shiina-san too."
"Huh?"
Hikigaya was baffled. What did these two things even have to do with each other?
Ichinose patiently explained, "Think about it—if Shiina-san wants to spend time with you at the spa, then maybe she's just looking for an excuse to be with you. So, if you both come to the party, it's the same thing, right?"
"…But I don't think Shiina likes crowded places."
Not to mention, neither did Hikigaya.
"Really? But I don't think Shiina-san lacks social skills. She wasn't nervous at all when she talked to me, and we barely know each other."
Just as Ichinose said, Shiina wasn't socially anxious. In fact, Hikigaya even suspected that she was socially adept. When they first met, who could have imagined that a beautiful girl who often read alone in the library would approach him so confidently?
So, in retrospect, it wasn't entirely his fault for misunderstanding.
"And personally, I'd really like you to come, Hikigaya-kun!"
Then, Ichinose said something completely unexpected.
"After all, you're the star of this party. If you don't come, it would lose its purpose, don't you think?"
"No, no. There's no way I'm the star."
Hikigaya quickly shook his head, trying to reject the notion. He wasn't ready for such a surprise—more like a shock.
Someone like him could never be the protagonist. The ones who belonged in the spotlight were always the handsome, sunny types like Hayama or Ichinose herself.
The dark, untraveled path leading away from the bright exit—that was his stage. And fortunately, Hikigaya didn't dislike such places at all.
It wasn't resignation or anything like that. He had simply discovered the perks of being behind the scenes, just like during the uninhabited island exam.
"Hehe, it's fine if you don't want to admit it."
Ichinose chuckled softly, turning to lean against the railing, her gaze drifting over the blue sea as if she were talking to herself.
"But in my heart, Hikigaya-kun, you're the real protagonist. You're my… hmm, how should I put it? Teacher?"
"…I recall your grades being better than mine," Hikigaya thought to himself, exasperated. Not only had the spa issue not been resolved, but now he had also been roped into another party invitation.
Yet, the current atmosphere made it difficult to refuse.
"So, uh… This isn't a victory party, is it?"
"Huh?"
Ichinose had already braced herself for rejection, so Hikigaya's question caught her completely off guard.
After a moment of surprise, she beamed with excitement.
"Nope! It's just a gathering to relax since everyone worked so hard to pass the exams!"
"In that case…if you can invite a few others from different classes, I guess I could blend in."
"Alright! It's a promise!" Ichinose agreed enthusiastically.
"Uh, okay."
Seeing Ichinose so excited, Hikigaya instinctively took a step back. This girl did enjoy being around people, didn't she? But seeing her so happy, Hikigaya felt that maybe, just maybe, he hadn't made the wrong choice this time.
---
However, that evening quickly proved how naive that thought was.
"Ah… Ah… Mmm…"
"Ah… So relaxing…"
"Ugh…" Hikigaya lay face down on the massage table, listening to the strange noises coming from behind the screen on either side of him as the masseuse worked on his back.
Suddenly, he felt like the world had become surreal.
Wait, wasn't I supposed to be at a party?
Everything had started off normally—eating steak, drinking cola—so how did I end up… Ah, I see!
—I choose the blue pill!
Once again, Hikigaya decided to escape from reality.