Kushida furrowed her brows in frustration. "What are you talking about? Of course, I hate Horikita. After all, she knows about my past."
Hikigaya leaned back, giving her no chance to argue. "No, even if she didn't know, you'd still hate her."
Kushida shot him a glare, but he continued, cutting off her retort. "You despise her because she represents everything you think you can't achieve. You excel at what you do best to gain others' approval, while Horikita believes she can do everything—and, to be fair, she's not wrong. When you see her, it feels like your entire existence is being invalidated."
From tutoring Sudo to surviving the deserted island, and now this preferential treatment exam, Horikita had always been in the spotlight. Even though Hikigaya hadn't been present for the Dragon Group's discussions, the seating arrangements alone made it clear—whether it was Katsuragi, Ryuuen, or Kanzaki, they were all more focused on Horikita than anyone else.
In the pre-exam briefing, Katsuragi greeted Hikigaya and even exchanged a few words with Horikita, completely ignoring Kushida. She had noticed all of this, yet there was nothing she could do to change it.
"...Hikigaya, do you realize how disgusting it is when you act like you know everything?"
"Do you think I don't know that?" Hikigaya shot back irritably. "So, what are you going to do about it? Unlike Horikita, I genuinely know who you are. After you deal with her, are you planning to come after me next?"
"Ha, if you keep running your mouth... that might just happen," Kushida replied coldly.
"Really? And what are you willing to pay for that?"
"...What do you mean?"
Seeing her confusion, Hikigaya explained further. "You've already exposed your true self to Ryuuen just to deal with Horikita. How many more people will you need to pull into your schemes to deal with me? How many more will learn the truth about you? And following that logic, won't you eventually have to deal with Ryuuen too?"
He couldn't help but chuckle. "At this rate, the whole school might end up knowing what kind of person you are."
"Don't treat me like a fool! Do you think I'd leave any evidence for Ryuuen?"
"But you can't deny the possibility, can you?" Hikigaya threw her words back at her. "Just like you can't deny that Horikita knows your past, you can't deny that Ryuuen might betray you or blackmail you."
"...Gah!"
As Hikigaya's words peeled away the layers of her façade, Kushida's theory of betraying her class to get rid of Horikita began to crumble.
"If that's all you wanted to say... forget it, I'm leaving."
Like most people faced with unpleasant truths, Kushida chose to escape. But Hikigaya wasn't about to let her off that easily. He had tried to end the conversation several times, only to be interrupted by Kushida herself. Now, he was determined. There was no turning back.
"Kushida, I understand your desire to be in the spotlight," Hikigaya said calmly. "That moment when you feel valued is indeed the best... But even if I, Horikita, and Ryuuen weren't at this school—even if no one knew the real you—you'd still never achieve that desire."
Kushida spun around, marching up to him in a few quick steps. "What do you know? If Horikita were gone, I'd be..."
"This is a school that values strength above all else."
Hikigaya cut her off with a cold expression. "As you said, in elementary and middle school, you thrived by being kind to others. If this were any other school, you might be the center of attention. People like Horikita and I, who don't have friends, wouldn't matter to you. But this place is different."
He delivered the harsh reality without mercy. "Here, strength is everything. No matter how skilled you are at socializing or how kind you are, all you'll get are superficial compliments. You know this deep down—no one truly values you."
"...Shut up."
"In this school, most people have one goal: to reach Class A. So even if Horikita is difficult, even if Ryuuen is ruthless, as long as they have the potential to lead their class to victory, others will naturally respect and follow them. You, on the other hand, are just someone they confide in when they're troubled—a convenient tool, nothing more."
"...I said shut up."
"And when it comes down to it, you're just a substitute for Ichinose. She's kinder and better at socializing, and she excels in both academics and athletics. Most importantly, she led her class to Class A. She's accomplished everything you've ever dreamed of."
"Didn't you hear me? I said shut up!"
Unable to hold back any longer, Kushida grabbed Hikigaya by the collar, her face contorted with rage, more terrifying than he'd ever seen.
Despite only knowing her for a few months, there was a strange sense of familiarity. It was as if Kushida reminded him of himself—someone who hadn't yet given up. The desire to be special was something everyone experienced at some point.
Hikigaya was no exception.
When he was younger, he had unrealistic dreams—making a hundred friends, earning the admiration of teachers and parents, and excelling in everything he did. His desire for recognition had been just as strong as Kushida's. He often did things to draw attention, hoping to stand out.
Of course, those memories were now embarrassing, leading him to become who he is today. But at the end of it all, Hikigaya, like Kushida, had come to realize the harsh truth—he simply wasn't capable of achieving those dreams.
The difference was that Hikigaya had chosen to give up, while Kushida had resorted to another method to reach her goals. This was one of the few things he respected about her.
So—
"Kushida, I don't care whether Horikita stays or leaves," Hikigaya said, gently holding her wrist. "But you need to understand something—you're not targeting Horikita because she's standing in your way. You're doing it because you're frustrated by your unfulfilled desires and looking for someone to blame. If you want to be special, you need to accept this first."
"...What's the point of saying that?" Kushida stared at him for a long moment, then let out a bitter laugh.
She released her grip and stood there, shoulders slumped, muttering under her breath.
"If I had that kind of ability, I wouldn't be so troubled."
"No, you do have it."
Kushida lifted her head slightly at his words.
"Maybe you haven't noticed, but you're more considerate of others' feelings than your own, and you act accordingly. You try to ensure everyone is satisfied. Someone who can genuinely be kind to everyone is undoubtedly special."
"...What exactly are you saying? Didn't you just tell me that kindness is useless in this school?"
"I did. But I'm not talking about kindness," Hikigaya said with conviction. "You're different from Ichinose. Your kindness isn't just a personality trait; it comes from a deep-seated desire and keen insight. Unfortunately, your past experiences misled you, causing you to misuse your talent."
"Stop lying to me. I don't have any talent... And besides, it's too late now. My deal with Ryuuen can't be undone."
Kushida seemed slightly moved, but convincing her entirely would take time. After all, words alone weren't enough to sway her—or anyone else, for that matter.
Fortunately, this time was different. Hikigaya wasn't looking to brush things off, nor was he planning to let it end with just words.
"Who said anything about stopping?"
"...What?"
Seeing her confusion, Hikigaya smiled slightly.
"Since you've already made a deal with the devil, why not see it through to the end? It would be a waste not to take advantage of such a good opportunity."
Kushida wanted to be seen as special by others, so she played the role of a gentle angel. In other words, as long as she could achieve her goal...
Kindness didn't matter, did it?
---
On the third day of the VIP test—or more accurately, the designated rest day during the exam—there was still an undercurrent of tension in the air. Though technically a day off, with the final round looming tomorrow, few students could fully relax.
After all, the test wasn't over. This so-called "rest day" might be even more dangerous than the others. The VIP could slip up at any time, not only during group discussions but even in casual encounters. A single moment of lowered guard could spell trouble for the entire class.
No one dared to play too freely.
"Ugh—I'm so tired."
Yawning, Hikigaya made his way toward the buffet. He had spent hours last night discussing strategies with Kushida, and they hadn't wrapped up until nearly 2 a.m. Unsurprisingly, he was now utterly exhausted.
On top of that, something strange had happened on his way back last night. He had run into Karuizawa, who was sprinting down the second-floor corridor as if fleeing something. Not long after, he spotted Hirata and Ayanokoji nearby, with spilled drinks scattered across the floor.
Seriously? We're high school students; can't we avoid making a mess and causing problems for the ship's staff?
And more to the point, what an unusual combination of people. Hikigaya couldn't shake the feeling that something had transpired between those three.
A love triangle, perhaps?
If only it were that simple. Hikigaya genuinely hoped it was nothing more complicated. He was curious about what role Ayanokoji might have played, but probing too much wouldn't get him anywhere. For now, it was better to let it be.
Besides, he didn't have the energy to get involved in other people's problems at the moment.
Come to think of it, Hirata's parting words—"Don't overdo it"—might have been said out of concern, but they still left a strange, unsettling feeling in his gut.
Did he misunderstand something?
As Hikigaya wrestled with his thoughts, the ship's PA system suddenly cracked to life.
"The Ox Group's exam has concluded. Students in the Ox Group are no longer required to participate in the test. Please proceed with caution and do not disturb other students."
Ox Group? That's… odd.
It was still a rest day for the exam, so while it wasn't impossible that someone had identified the VIP, why the rush to finalize things? Unless they were certain, no one would dare make a move—well, no one except someone like Koenji, of course.
Sending out a betrayal text at a time like this? Something about it felt off.
If he remembered correctly, the VIP in the Ox Group was… Ah, so that's what's going on.
After a moment of thought, Hikigaya decided to avoid the crowded buffet and headed for the quieter café on the third basement level instead.
He sighed as he entered. I am becoming a regular here, aren't I?
Or perhaps this place had just become a secret meeting spot, akin to the plotting gardens of Game of Thrones. Even though it was labeled as a café, they also offered sandwiches and other light meals. But with free steak and lobster available elsewhere on the ship, who would settle for something as plain as a sandwich?
Hikigaya ordered a coffee and a sandwich, then took a seat in the corner, waiting quietly.
If things went as expected, that person would show up.
...Would they really, though?
If not, no harm is done. He wouldn't have to worry about it becoming a humiliating memory—at least no one else would know.
Unfortunately, after he had finished his entire sandwich, that person still hadn't arrived.
Oh well, it wasn't urgent.
Hikigaya slowly sipped his coffee, mulling over his plans for the coming days when, suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey, dead eyes. What're you doing sitting here all alone? Why aren't you letting the girls wait on you today?"
"...I don't recall ever doing something like that."
Ryuuen's sudden appearance was somewhat welcome—at least it confirmed Hikigaya's suspicions—but his words were as crude as ever. And what was this about girls waiting on him? He had never been treated so well!
But now wasn't the time to get hung up on that.
"You seem unusually cheerful today, Ryuuen," Hikigaya remarked, changing the subject on purpose. "Did you hit your head when you woke up? If so, I'd recommend getting to the infirmary quickly. Head injuries can have lasting consequences, you know."
"Heh heh, enjoy running your mouth while you still can, dead eyes."
It wasn't just an insult. Ryuuen did look pleased with himself. The satisfaction on his face was hard to miss.
"This time, I'm completely confident. Your little tricks aren't going to work on me anymore."
"Oh? You're talking about me being the VIP?"
"Heh, I told you, didn't I? That old game won't work on me."
Ryuuen's grin widened, perhaps assuming Hikigaya was still playing dumb.
"No matter what you say, I've got you figured out. You're the VIP, and there's no point in denying it anymore!"
"Well, congratulations," Hikigaya said with a dry smile, nodding. "It seems you've finally pieced everything together. A little later than I expected, but compared to the others, you did pretty well. I'll give you some credit for that."
"...Cut the act."
Ryuuen's grin faltered. His expression darkened as if realizing that even in this supposed victory, something felt incomplete.
"Say what you want, but this time I've won. You're all beneath me now."
"Is that so? All of us, you say?"
"...What are you getting at?"
Hikigaya's calm question seemed to unnerve Ryuuen, planting the seeds of doubt.
"It's simple," Hikigaya replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "To discover the pattern, you must've had help from another class, right? That means you've lost the ability to attack them. In other words, you've already paid the price for that alliance."
Ryuuen's face darkened further, his suspicions growing. Hikigaya pressed on.
"The Ox Group's test just ended, right? You had one of your people send in an incorrect answer on purpose. It seems your proposal from yesterday wasn't in vain. You've successfully allied with Class A."
Based on the pattern, the VIP in the Ox Group was from Class A, and a wrong answer would award Class A fifty class points and five hundred thousand private points. Ryuuen must've used this strategy to seal the deal with Class A.
"Heh heh heh, you are sharp, dead eyes."
Ryuuen didn't even try to deny it now. His laughter was filled with admiration.
"You're impressive. I didn't expect you to figure it out. Yeah, I made a deal with Class A. Now it's Class C and Class A against the rest, and Ichinose's interference was useless, thanks to you. If it weren't for—"
"That's where you're wrong," Hikigaya interrupted without hesitation. "It wasn't Ichinose you made the deal with."
Ryuuen's face twisted, intrigued by the revelation.
"Oh? Then who was it?"
"It was Kanzaki."
Hikigaya didn't mince words. While his tone was modest, he was confident in his deduction.
Ryuuen and Kanzaki were both in the same Dragon Group, so they had ample opportunity to communicate. Moreover, when Ryuuen proposed his plan yesterday, Kanzaki didn't outright reject it; he merely refrained from giving immediate approval.
And Kanzaki, like Ichinose, was loyal to his class. But unlike her, he was more pragmatic.
Hikigaya had also figured out that the VIP in the Monkey Group was Chihiro, and Kanzaki knew it too. To minimize losses for his class and recognize Ryuuen's advantage, Kanzaki had likely made a deal with him in secret, even hiding it from Ichinose.
In some ways, Kanzaki was a real talent.