To win this upcoming sports festival, most classes prioritize ability, ensuring the best athletes are given the chance to shine. While some adjustments may be made based on the specific situation of each class, this general approach holds.
However, Class D decided to prioritize the weaker students over winning, which, while logical, didn't sit well with everyone. This approach overlooked those in the middle—not exceptional athletes, but not the weakest either.
It all started with a comment from Karuizawa, which emboldened others to speak up.
"I agree with Karuizawa-san," Shinohara said. "I'm not great at sports, but I'm not hopeless either. I don't want to just give up the chance to place in the top three."
To support the weaker students, the plan was to group them, giving them a better chance at winning.
For example, the 100-meter race had each class sending two students. In Class D, they had fast runners like Hirata and Sudou, as well as slower ones like Yamauchi and Sotomura.
To maximize the class's chance of winning, it would make sense to avoid pairing Hirata and Sudou together. Instead, they would be split up to balance the groups, ideally ensuring at least one win. However, this left Yamauchi and Sotomura as sacrificial lambs, likely to finish last.
On the other hand, if students of similar ability were grouped, at least Yamauchi and Sotomura wouldn't both come in last. But this would reduce Hirata and Sudou's chances of winning.
Class D didn't have many outstanding athletes, but they were oddly confident that if luck favored them, they might face weaker opponents.
Horikita, clearly frustrated, spoke up. "I don't understand why you're upset. This strategy is for the good of the class."
"But if we win, we earn valuable exam points... I just think it's better to let everyone team up as they wish," Shinohara argued.
In simple terms, they wanted to group with weaker students to increase their chances.
If someone assertive like Shinohara asked someone timid like Sakura, it would be hard for Sakura to refuse.
"Enough," Horikita snapped. "If you studied properly, you wouldn't need to rely on bonus points. If you're capable of placing in the top three, then compete against Sudou. These competitions aren't easy enough for someone mediocre like you to win."
Horikita's blunt words crushed the hopes of students like Shinohara who believed they could place in the top three. It was harsh but true.
Even Sudou, who excelled at sports, was willing to follow the plan, making it harder for others to argue.
But Karuizawa wasn't ready to back down. "Horikita-san, I understand what you're saying, and I don't want anyone in our class to finish in the bottom ten. But forcing others to make concessions—will that unite the class?"
She defended Shinohara, glaring at Horikita. Yet, something felt off to Hikigaya. Despite the strong resolve in her voice, it seemed more like an act.
In other words, Karuizawa might be acting on someone else's orders.
Setting aside the suspicious actions of Ayanokoji, if he was behind this, what motive would he have to oppose Horikita? Surely, Ayanokoji wasn't foolish enough to want Class D to go all out to win the sports festival.
While Hikigaya was lost in thought, Karuizawa continued, "Kushida-san, what do you think?"
It was surprising that Karuizawa would suddenly ask Kushida, who had been quietly listening.
Not only was Kushida caught off guard, but Hikigaya also began to piece things together.
If Karuizawa was indeed acting under Ayanokoji's orders, his true intent might not be to oppose Horikita but to test Kushida.
In the preferential exam, the Dragon Group had achieved the first result, and with Ryuuen's hints, Ayanokoji likely suspected Kushida.
Moreover, Ryuuen had expressed disinterest in cooperation during the gym discussion but probably hadn't given up on victory. He likely had several strategies in mind, one of which might involve planting a spy in other classes.
From Ayanokoji's perspective, the prime suspect was undoubtedly Kushida.
"This is a complicated issue," Kushida mused, adopting a thoughtful expression before smiling.
"I understand both sides. I sympathize with Karuizawa-san's desire for everyone to achieve good results. However, as Horikita-san said, I'd prefer that no one in our class finishes in the bottom ten."
With the class idol siding with Horikita, others quickly voiced their agreement.
Yet, even in this situation, Karuizawa remained defiant. "I still find it unacceptable... What do you all think?"
She began rallying support from the other girls.
"If Karuizawa-san is against it, then I am too."
"Yeah, it doesn't seem right."
Without much thought, the girls followed Karuizawa's lead, opposing Horikita.
Horikita was taken aback, not expecting Kushida to agree with her plan. But before she could celebrate, she was quickly infuriated by the others. Unable to hold back, she muttered, "Idiots..."
No, if even Hikigaya at the back of the room could hear, it wasn't a mutter. "Are you stupid? Just because she opposes, you oppose too? How about using your brain for once?"
"Hmph, someone like you who has no friends wouldn't understand," one of the girls shot back.
"Spare me. Unlike you, I don't need to form cliques. For your good, instead of wasting time on petty groups, why not hit the books?"
As the argument escalated, Kushida quickly intervened to calm things down.
"Let's all take a step back. Since we can't agree, why don't we settle this with a vote? That would be fair to everyone."
Since Kushida suggested it, Karuizawa quickly agreed. She seemed strong-willed earlier as if she wouldn't compromise, but she immediately backed down once Kushida offered a way out.
This only confirmed Hikigaya's suspicions.
"...You're right. Now isn't the time for our class to be divided," Horikita said, looking puzzled by Karuizawa's sudden change in attitude. It was as if her earlier opposition had been just a game.
But she wouldn't figure it out anytime soon.
In the end, a vote was taken, with the majority siding with Horikita. While Karuizawa's side also garnered over ten votes, most were cast in support of her personally.
Hmm... This could be troublesome.
Hikigaya wasn't sure what exactly the relationship between Karuizawa and Ayanokoji was, but if she was fully aligned with him, he couldn't just ignore it. Perhaps further investigation was necessary...
Thinking this, Hikigaya glanced over at Matsushita, who immediately noticed his gaze.
"Hmm? What is it, Hikigaya-kun?"
"...I was just surprised you didn't vote in favor of Karuizawa's plan."
"Why would I? Even if we're friends, I don't have to agree with her on everything. Besides, I think she was being unreasonable this time," Matsushita replied with a smile.
Even so, had this been at the beginning of the school year, Matsushita would have likely voted along with her.
Now, with her grades improving and her place secured in the top tier of the class, she had grown. However, interpersonal relationships weren't that simple—just because someone was capable didn't mean others would follow them. Matsushita still lacked the charisma needed to lead.
...Well, no need to rush things. I can think about it later.
With the discussion about the sports festival finally over, everyone began packing up to leave the classroom.
Class D's basic strategy was settled, but the specific details would be determined after testing everyone's abilities in gym class. This didn't concern Hikigaya, who had already decided to do just enough to avoid falling into the bottom ten.
Sigh... Another day of being tormented by the president starts today.
With a heavy sigh, Hikigaya trudged toward the gym.
Why did the first day of the new semester have to be an odd day?
A break to catch my breath would've been nice!
Just then, someone called out to him.
"Excuse me, Hikigaya-kun, can I have a moment?"
"...Horikita?"
Hikigaya didn't expect her to approach him, and he had a bad feeling about it.
"I need your help with something regarding the sports festival."
Before he could respond, Horikita continued, "Don't worry, I'm not asking you to do anything strenuous. I just need you to invite Kushida-san out."
"Eh...?"
The unexpected request left Hikigaya dumbfounded.
"Hold on," he quickly interrupted. "I don't care why you want to meet Kushida; that's your business. But why are you asking me to invite her? That doesn't make sense."
"What's so unreasonable about it?"
"Everything! I have no connection with Kushida. Why would she listen to me?"
Horikita simply shook her head.
"Hikigaya-kun, while I may not have much experience in this area, I'm still a woman. I can tell how Kushida-san looks at you."
"..."
"Enough with the pointless self-deprecation. I just need you to help me arrange a meeting with her. Once that's done, you can leave," Horikita replied, clearly annoyed by Hikigaya's attitude.
Hikigaya sighed in resignation.
"Fine, but I want to make one thing clear. If things go south, don't blame me. If you're prepared for that, I'll invite her out."
"No problem," Horikita responded confidently.
She planned to use Hikigaya to get closer to Kushida. A woman's friendship is like a rose garden. No one knows what's hidden beneath the surface. Horikita was playing a dangerous game.
If Kushida found out, it could have serious repercussions.
But Hikigaya agreed because he could guess Horikita's plan.
It wasn't necessarily a bad thing for Class D.
This was a rare opportunity to disrupt the power dynamics between the girls in the class. By leveraging their jealousy and competition, he could reduce the influence of Kushida and Karuizawa over the class.
This might work better than just relying on force, even though it was risky.
Well, there's no perfect plan. Nothing worth doing comes easy.
Besides, despite her somewhat awkward and bossy attitude, Horikita wasn't a bad person at heart. Hikigaya might just enjoy watching her struggle a little.
As they discussed the details of the plan, Horikita's brow furrowed.
"Are you even listening?"
"I am, but you haven't said anything about what I should say to Kushida," Hikigaya responded.
Horikita's frustration grew. She wasn't used to relying on others.
"I just need you to tell her that I want to meet with her, that's all."
"...It's simple, but you've left out a lot. If I just say that, she'll probably be suspicious."
"Then you can say that we need to talk about the upcoming sports festival. Kushida-san will understand the importance of such a meeting," Horikita finally said.
It wasn't a perfect explanation, but it was good enough.
With the plan in place, Hikigaya reluctantly agreed to help.
This will be a hassle, but it's not like I have a choice...
It wasn't just him thinking this, was it? Something must have happened.
"Did you eat something strange?" Hikigaya couldn't help but ask.
"Honestly, what a random thing to say," Horikita sighed softly. "But actually, I can guess what you're thinking... On the one hand, I don't believe we have any hope of winning this sports festival. On the other hand... Lately, I've realized that even someone like my brother, who seems perfect, has things he's not good at. So, I can't hold others to impossibly high standards either."
Her brother... Ah, she must be talking about that takoyaki stall.
Hikigaya hadn't tasted the takoyaki, but judging by the fried noodles, the takoyaki probably wasn't much better.
So, she did eat something bad, huh?
"Anyway, let's set aside your inner journey for now. But I don't have any obligation to help you, right?"
"Of course you do."
Horikita said this with conviction.
"You keep saying you don't want to get involved in class affairs, but ever since Sudo's fight, you've been meddling nonstop. During the deserted island test, after the preferential exam, even during the summer vacation…"
Her voice grew softer as she spoke, and by the end, she had lowered her head.
"I'm sorry, Hikigaya-kun. I'm always relying on you... Thank you."
"…You did eat something bad, didn't you?"
"Maybe," Horikita smiled wryly at herself. "Even now, I can only turn to you for help. I'm frustrated with how useless I am... But if we want to change the situation in Class D, we need Kushida's help. I want to ask you for one last favor... Please."
She had said so much that Hikigaya didn't know how to refuse.
Or rather, he was starting to feel a bit of admiration for Horikita.
Class D was undeniably at rock bottom right now. The idea of reaching Class A was long gone, and most of the students were just hoping to avoid expulsion.
But instead of being crushed by it all, Horikita seemed to be transforming.
Is this what they call bouncing back after hitting rock bottom?
"Fine, I'll give it a shot. But I can't guarantee success."
"It's okay. As long as you tell her you're with me, she'll definitely come running."
"Uh…" Hikigaya was at a loss for words. Her confident tone was really starting to get on his nerves!
"Why does it have to be me?" Hikigaya asked, exasperated. "Even if you ask Ayanokoji instead, Kushida would probably agree just as easily, right?"
"Ayanokoji-kun… isn't in a good position right now, and besides, it wouldn't make much sense for him to handle this."
"Huh? Why?"
"…Anyway, I'll explain everything once we're at the café."
"Wait, I have to go too?"
Hikigaya was stunned. Wasn't this something he could just resolve by sending Kushida a message?
"Hold on, I never said—"
"It's fine, isn't it?"
Before he could refuse, Horikita cut him off.
"You're supposed to meet my brother for training at the gym in Keyaki Mall, but there's still plenty of time before your scheduled five o'clock. Let me buy you a drink as a thank you."
"…Are you a stalker?"
"Could you not slander me so casually?" Horikita brushed her long hair behind her ear. "This has been going on for an entire semester. How could anyone not notice?"
No, no, no. The only one who would notice is you, with your extreme brother complex!
With no other option, Hikigaya had to reluctantly agree.
His only hope now was that Kushida would reject his request.
Otherwise, once he got involved, it was hard to imagine anything good coming out of it—just more trouble.
Please, seriously, let her refuse!