"You really don't hold back, huh?"
Although Hikigaya's words were a bit harsh, Ayanokoji had to admit that they made perfect sense.
If Tsukishiro was truly pulling the strings behind this exam, then facing off against the acting chairman as an opponent would mean certain defeat.
For this reason, Ayanokoji had prepared a backup plan, though it carried significant risks—one he preferred not to use unless absolutely necessary.
His first priority was to persuade Hikigaya.
However, at this moment, that seemed like a rather difficult task.
After his usual round of sarcasm, Hikigaya seemed to have exhausted all his energy and returned to his previous lethargic state.
If possible, Ayanokoji really wished he could put that energy into something more productive.
"You're absolutely right. That's why I have to ask for your help this time."
"…What does this have to do with me?"
Hikigaya's blank expression as he said this made Ayanokoji's heart sink slightly.
If Hikigaya had mocked him instead, it would have been better—it would at least mean that the discussion was still open.
But his current attitude was reminiscent of the time when Hirata learned of Ike's expulsion—completely crushed, losing all interest in the class affairs.
Could it be because of Yamauchi…? No, that didn't make any sense.
Either way, Ayanokoji had to find a way to get him back on track.
"Don't forget, I helped you before."
Normally, Ayanokoji wouldn't even need to bring this up.
Considering Hikigaya's personality, he would have repaid the favor on his own sooner or later. Ayanokoji had no problem extending goodwill to him, as there was always the chance it would prove useful down the line.
But for some reason, Hikigaya was acting particularly strange this time…
"…I suppose I did ask for your help," Hikigaya muttered, nodding slowly as if trying to recall something.
Even though it had only been a few days ago.
If an outsider saw this, they'd probably assume he had a terrible memory.
Then, after a pause, Hikigaya spoke again.
"But I'm really not in the mood right now, so I'll repay that favor some other time."
"If you don't step up this time, there won't be a next time for me." Ayanokoji responded, deadpan.
"Yeah… that would be a real shame."
Despite his words, Hikigaya's tone carried not a shred of actual regret.
"If anything, isn't this a good thing for you? The sooner you're gone, the sooner you're free. You're going to leave after graduation anyway, so why not just obediently go back to your father now?"
"But I'm a rebellious high school student. I can't just let the adults win so easily."
"Then go ahead and struggle all you want."
With that, Hikigaya lost interest in the conversation and turned to leave.
"Whether you help me or not isn't the main issue here," Ayanokoji quickly caught up to him.
"This exam is a great opportunity for you. If you don't seize it, won't you regret it later?"
"…What?"
"Our opponent this time is Class A. Right now, they're the only real threat to your standing in the grade. If you're going to face off against Nagumo later, this could turn into a major problem."
"…I have no idea what you're talking about." Hikigaya gave him a confused look.
"Of course, I know this isn't your intention," Ayanokoji continued unfazed.
"But objectively speaking, your actions so far have instilled a significant amount of fear in the other students. You've already crushed Class B and Class C, and because of this vote-based exam, even Class D is afraid of you now."
A first-year student rallying others to challenge an upperclassman couldn't rely on charisma alone.
Even Nagumo had eliminated over a dozen students first, making sure there was never any evidence linking him to their expulsions. Only after establishing total control over his grade did he challenge Horikita Manabu.
Horikita's leadership style relied purely on personal strength, which didn't quite align with the philosophy of this meritocratic school.
That's why back at the forest training camp, Class 3-B had no qualms about teaming up with Nagumo to set up Tachibana.
They simply didn't fear Horikita Manabu's retaliation.
But if the one they were up against had been Nagumo instead, they would have thought twice before making a move, knowing that he could easily get them expelled before graduation.
Hikigaya was likely aware of this as well.
And since he wasn't a natural leader, he had deliberately built the current situation—where the first-years feared him more than they feared Nagumo.
Exposing Nagumo's true nature only further solidified his moral advantage.
"That just leaves Class A. But using underhanded tactics against Ichinose's class will only make them more united. You'd be better off crushing them in a fair fight during this exam—only then will you be able to truly prove your strength."
So far, Hikigaya has left a strong impression in every exam.
But to some, he was merely someone who relied on cheap tricks. His true capabilities remained in question.
At the end of the day, they were still students, and grades mattered.
Horikita quickly took over as class leader after Hirata precisely because of her high academic ranking.
Put simply, Hikigaya needed a solid victory to establish his position. And this exam was the perfect stage.
"If you succeed this time, you won't have to worry about Nagumo anymore. Even if he tries to buy off the first-years, they'll hesitate, knowing they might provoke your retaliation."
"…Haaah."
Unfortunately, all of Ayanokoji's reasoning earned him a sigh from Hikigaya.
After a long silence, Hikigaya finally spoke.
"To be honest… I don't care about dealing with Nagumo anymore."
"…Huh?"
This time, it was Ayanokoji's turn to be caught off guard.
"Wait, after everything you've done, you're just giving up?"
"…Thinking about it, does it even matter? It's not like Nagumo can do anything to me. At worst, he's just annoying."
To be fair, that was how most things worked at this school.
Whether it was Ryuuen bullying Horikita, Sakayanagi targeting Ichinose, or even Ayanokoji's actions—most of it could simply be ignored.
But if Hikigaya had ever been the type to turn a blind eye, he wouldn't be who he was.
Even Ayanokoji found it strange that he didn't want to see Hikigaya like this.
"I can't believe those words just came out of your mouth. You really must be sick."
Despite all the trouble Hikigaya had caused, he had always piqued Ayanokoji's curiosity.
His actions were unpredictable, yet he always managed to deliver some kind of surprise.
People like him didn't exist in the White Room.
Even without the current crisis, Ayanokoji didn't want to see him stuck in this slump.
"If you need a scapegoat, why not just use Hirata or Karuizawa?" Hikigaya muttered listlessly. "You've already PUA'd them into submission. If you're such a smooth talker, can't you convince them to take your place?"
"Karuizawa's abilities are too weak. If she were to replace me, it would be too obvious. As for Hirata, he's being held back by other girls, and besides..."
As he spoke, Ayanokoji couldn't help but sigh.
"If Hirata gets expelled because of this, I won't have a peaceful life anymore."
Because of that, unless absolutely necessary, he really didn't want to rely on Hirata.
Although Hirata would most likely agree, his current state wasn't great. If he went up against Class A, he would probably lose.
Ayanokoji had no interest in spending the rest of his school life under the scornful gazes of the girls.
So, he had to find a way to resolve Hikigaya's inner conflict.
"Hikigaya, if you don't mind, you can talk to me about anything that's bothering you."
"…Hmph."
Alright, it was clear he minded.
Ayanokoji didn't give up and continued in a calm tone. "I know you don't like me, but don't you think there are some things you just can't say to people close to you? In that sense, someone unrelated like me might actually be a better listener."
"I don't think so."
"...Well, forget it then."
Even though he had long known that Hikigaya disliked him, being so openly rejected still stung a little.
Ayanokoji continued probing. "That being said, I don't see anything particularly unusual about you lately—aside from Nagumo, that is… Could it be about rejecting Ichinose's confession?"
"…What? Just because I rejected Ichinose, I'm now the enemy of the entire grade?"
Hikigaya scoffed with clear disdain.
It seemed that wasn't the reason.
"Not really, but quite a few guys have been talking behind your back, and the girls are upset on Ichinose's behalf."
As he spoke, Ayanokoji discreetly observed Hikigaya's reaction.
Still indifferent.
That pretty much confirmed that his change had nothing to do with Ichinose.
This guy was really ruthless toward girls he wasn't interested in. In that sense, he was just like other men… Wait a second.
At that moment, Ayanokoji felt like he had caught onto something.
"Hey, Hikigaya."
"What now?"
"Are you troubled by romance?"
"Uh..."
Hikigaya turned to him with an impatient glare, not even bothering to answer.
But then, Ayanokoji added, "I'm not talking about Ichinose. I mean… is there someone else on your mind?"
"…None of your business."
This time, Hikigaya froze for a solid few seconds before replying stiffly.
Then, as if trying to escape, he quickened his pace and disappeared in an instant.
Bingo!
It seemed he finally guessed right.
Watching Hikigaya flee like that gave Ayanokoji an odd sense of satisfaction.
It was like solving a riddle that no one else could figure out.
That said… who exactly was Hikigaya thinking about?
Ayanokoji mentally went through all the girls in the school, only to realize that none of them fit the criteria.
Generally, one could tell from a person's gaze.
Among the girls around him, Hikigaya either treated them like kids, as friends, or simply as nuisances.
There wasn't a single one he saw as a romantic interest.
Or rather, it was impossible to imagine what kind of girl could move his heart.
Ayanokoji couldn't figure it out.
Besides, romance wasn't his forte.
If he wanted to solve this issue, he would need someone else's help.
With that in mind, Ayanokoji pulled out his phone and contacted someone.
If it was that person, they should be able to get Hikigaya to talk.
—
The day after deciding on the opposing class.
Since there was another discussion scheduled after school today, there were no special restrictions during lunch break.
Like usual, Hikigaya bought some bread from the convenience store and headed to his preferred dining spot, planning to eat lunch while enjoying the cold breeze.
Even though he had no appetite, hunger was still hunger.
…Wait, why didn't he have an appetite?
That question had been bothering Hikigaya.
It was just a piece of chocolate from Yukinoshita—most likely given at random.
If that was the case, he should just accept it with gratitude and move on.
After all, his relationship with Yukinoshita had long ended… No, to be precise, there was never anything special between them to begin with.
They were just clubmates, and not even in the same class.
They hadn't even spent a full year in the club together—if this were the workplace, it'd be like a colleague who left after less than a year. No one would care.
"So, I'm just overthinking things… Haha, this isn't like me."
Hikigaya muttered to himself, trying to shake off his thoughts, but his mood remained unsettled.
"Besides, it's probably just a prank from Haruno-san. That Yukinoshita would never give chocolate to anyone!"
The more he analyzed it, the more convinced he became.
"Yeah, yeah, that's it! No way Hachiman would fall for something like this… Ugh."
Convincing others was easy.
Convincing himself, however, was nearly impossible.
Regardless of whether it was Haruno's prank or not, the fact that he was still thinking about it meant he had already lost.
"Seriously… Why did this have to happen?"
He couldn't help but complain. Even if it meant not receiving chocolate from Komachi this Valentine's Day, at least he wouldn't have to deal with this mess.
"Students aren't even allowed to receive things from the outside world… Such a hassle."
"That's true. Even for online shopping, we can only use the school's designated sites."
A voice suddenly interrupted.
Hikigaya didn't turn around.
He recognized that voice.
More importantly, he wasn't in the mood to deal with this nonsense right now.
"Hikigaya-kun, you just said something very interesting. Care to explain it properly to me, the acting director?"
The newcomer was Tsukishiro, dressed as impeccably as ever, with that irritatingly polite smile.
As for how he found this secluded spot… it was probably the same as last time—by using security cameras.
What an unpleasant guy.
"...What interesting words?"
Although Hikigaya didn't want to bother, this matter involved Matsunaga, who had helped bring the items.
With no other choice, he decided to deal with it briefly.
"What, you've already forgotten what you said yourself?"
"I did forget. Hope you recorded it."
"Heh, still as arrogant as ever."
Perhaps recalling their previous encounter, Tsukishiro's smile remained, but his tone was no longer as friendly.
However, he didn't dwell on it and instead shifted to a surprising topic.
"This special exam for your first years… Your class is quite unique."
"Didn't expect the distinguished acting chairman to take an interest in this."
"It's precisely because I'm the chairman that I care about students' exams." Tsukishiro spoke in a light tone. "I noticed that all other classes sent students with protection points as commanders, yet your class chose Ayanokoji-kun. Do you all have that much faith in his abilities?"
"…Hah."
Hikigaya didn't answer, only letting out a cold chuckle.
Tsukishiro, watching his expression, continued, "Or is it that you lack confidence in your own abilities? I was quite eager to see just how capable the Hikigaya-kun, who dared to act so arrogant in front of me, really is. Don't tell me you're just an empty shell?"
"Acting Chairman Tsukishiro… You've got one thing wrong."
Such a low-level provocation had no effect on Hikigaya—after all, there were times when he truly felt like an empty shell himself.
"I may act arrogant in front of you, but that's only because the things you do are so stupid that it'd be a waste not to mock you."
"Is that how you really feel?" Tsukishiro didn't seem angry. "But I'd advise you to keep those thoughts to yourself. No matter what, I hold the authority of the chairman. If a student keeps opposing me, I'll have to respond accordingly."
"If you really had that much power, you could just expel Ayanokoji already, couldn't you?"
"Heh, but I never said I'd expel you, did I?"
"Then what are you rambling about?"
Leaving things vague, making the other party guess on their own.
This was a technique Tsukishiro had used countless times—creating an aura of unpredictability for subordinates and making colleagues feel like he was unfathomable.
And if necessary, it was a convenient way to evade responsibility.
Unfortunately, it didn't work on Hikigaya. He had no desire to stay in this ridiculous school anyway.
If he didn't even care about expulsion, then the chairman's authority meant nothing to him, and he saw no need to show courtesy.
"Alright, alright. Looks like I can't treat you the same way I treat Ayanokoji-kun."
After several failed attempts to probe, Tsukishiro finally realized the reality.
Unlike Ayanokoji, who clung to staying in school, Hikigaya wasn't just bluffing—he truly had no strong attachment to this place.
That's why the former had to tread carefully under threats from his homeroom teacher, whereas the latter had no such concerns.
"You specifically tracked me down using the surveillance cameras. Surely it wasn't just to say all this?"
If possible, Hikigaya wanted Tsukishiro to leave quickly. If not, then at least wrap things up soon.
Right now, he just wanted some peace and quiet.
However, Tsukishiro was never one to be straightforward.
Like a man wearing a thick mask, he would test the waters in every possible way before revealing his true intentions.
"It's not like I want to abuse my authority, but Hikigaya-kun, you've suddenly changed your image, and the number of girls around you has increased. This was the only chance to speak with you alone."
"…I just wanted to cover up my dark circles."
"Oh? Are you having trouble adjusting to life at this school?"
Tsukishiro's words were becoming more and more bizarre.
If he was trying to act friendly, it was a completely wasted effort.
Besides, he had no reason to do so in the first place.
If it were any other time, Hikigaya might have instinctively tried to analyze the other party's hidden intentions, but right now, he simply didn't have the energy for it.
…It was best to just ignore him.
However, as if seeing right through his thoughts, Tsukishiro suddenly spoke words that he couldn't overlook.
"Hikigaya-kun, have you ever considered studying abroad?"
"…Huh?"
"Many schools have programs like this. Outstanding students are recommended to prestigious universities or sent abroad on government-sponsored exchanges."
Ignoring Hikigaya's surprised reaction, Tsukishiro continued speaking fluently.
"Originally, only Class A students in this school were granted such privileges, but in reality, that's not entirely the case. Occasionally, exceptionally talented students from other classes can also receive this opportunity. However, they're only informed of it shortly before graduation, and it doesn't happen every year. If you're unfamiliar with it, think of it as something like internal recommendation points."
"Uh…"
Hikigaya couldn't help but fall into deep thought at those words.
Just what exactly… was this guy trying to do?