The second class meeting was interrupted by a mobilization event held in the No. 1 Gymnasium. Fujimaki-senpai from third-year Class A gave a speech so dull that Hikigaya almost dozed off.
When the speech finally ended, Ryuuen showed up, leading Class C students to make a statement. Kanzaki, Shibata, and others stood behind Ichinose, supporting her with forced enthusiasm.
Why do these people always like to gather in groups? It's like they're preparing for a fight. Of course, with so many people around, there's no way an actual fight would break out.
Hikigaya stood off to the side, uninterested in cheering for Ichinose.
"Ichinose," Ryuuen said coolly, "Classes that can't trust each other will only hold themselves back if they cooperate. This sports festival will be nothing but a hindrance for us. Understand?"
And with that, Ryuuen turned and left, his group of Class C students trailing behind him like lackeys.
"In other words, you don't even want to discuss cooperation?" Ichinose asked, her confusion clear.
This time, Class B and Class C were both part of the White Team, a supposedly cooperative relationship. But with the Red Team made up of third-year Class A and second-year Class A, their chances of winning were slim. If they couldn't cooperate, those chances would only diminish further.
"I was just giving you a friendly warning." Ryuuen shrugged. "Even if I suggest cooperation, I doubt you'll trust me. In the end, we'd just waste time second-guessing each other."
Hikigaya watched the exchange, finding Ryuuen's confidence absurd. The guy seemed to believe that only his own judgment mattered and everyone else was irrelevant. It was arrogance masked as confidence.
But, considering Ryuuen's determination to win, he likely had some strategy in mind. After all, surviving a few days alone on an uninhabited island wasn't something just anyone could pull off.
"I see. So you were thinking of us and sparing us the trouble," Ichinose replied, nodding thoughtfully. "If that's the case, then thank you."
"Yeah, sure. You should be grateful," Ryuuen sneered, then led Class C away.
Shibata sighed. "I didn't expect Ryuuen to give up so easily. Looks like we'll have to work harder on our own."
"Probably not," Ichinose shook her head. "Ryuuen most likely has a strategy. He just doesn't need our cooperation. Or maybe he's trying to mislead Class A and Class D."
Hikigaya's gaze shifted to where Class A was talking to Class D. Standing out from the crowd was a petite girl with long hair, seated alone on a folding chair, holding a cane.
Just one glance gave Hikigaya a bad feeling.
She was undeniably cute, but the fake smile plastered on her face looked like something straight out of a customer service manual. That girl had to be Sakayanagi Arisu from Class A.
The worst part? She didn't even try to hide her phony smile. It was like she enjoyed letting others know she was just playing a role.
Hikigaya quickly averted his gaze. Whatever game Sakayanagi was playing, he wanted no part of it. She seemed like the kind of person who'd manipulate others for amusement, and he'd end up as her latest toy.
"That makes sense," Kanzaki nodded thoughtfully. "Ryuuen isn't the type to give up easily. He must have something planned."
"But we don't have to worry too much," Ichinose said with her usual bright smile. "We just need to do our best and enjoy the sports festival."
"Yeah! I'll definitely win first place in the individual competition!" Shibata declared confidently.
"Shibata-kun, you're so reliable," one of the girls praised, her eyes sparkling.
Handsome, athletic, smart, cheerful, and kind—Shibata was basically a walking fantasy for most girls. Disgustingly perfect.
Ichinose looked relieved. "Then we'll be counting on you, Shibata-kun."
After school, Ichinose approached Hikigaya before he could leave.
"Hikigaya-kun, we're planning to train on the playground for a while. Don't leave yet."
"Eh? Why?" Hikigaya frowned. "Isn't gym class enough for practice?"
He didn't understand why they were trying so hard. The school had already added extra PE classes this month. They should appreciate the school's mercy.
"Our class's overall performance isn't bad, but our individual strength isn't as good as the other classes. So, we need to work harder," Ichinose explained seriously.
"Uh… Okay." Hikigaya had no clue. But remembering how strong Sudou was, even Shibata would probably struggle against him. And Class A was on another level.
"But... I have club activities," Hikigaya attempted.
"There isn't much happening with the Wool Club," Kanzaki interrupted from the front. "Or are you planning something that I, as a member, don't know about?"
"...Well, I actually have something to do this week. I'll join next week," Hikigaya said, forcing a smile.
"Can I help you?" Ichinose asked, genuinely concerned.
"No, no. It's fine," Hikigaya quickly assured her.
Just then, a boy walked into the classroom, looking puzzled.
"Hikigaya, there's a girl outside looking for you."
"Eh?" Hikigaya was confused. He definitely hadn't made plans with any girl.
He walked into the hallway and saw a girl with long pink hair tied into twin tails, glasses resting on her nose. She looked timid and kept glancing around nervously, her shoulders hunched.
A group of guys from his class peeked out, curious about the girl who had come looking for him.
"Uh... Who are you?" Hikigaya asked, baffled.
"Eek!" The girl stiffened, her sapphire-blue eyes brimming with tears.
Wait, had he actually made her cry?
"Oh! I remember now! Airi-chan, right?" Hikigaya said quickly, raising a finger with confidence. "Airi-chan, I didn't forget about you!"
"S-Sorry!" Airi's cheeks flushed red, and she ran away with her head bowed, leaving Hikigaya standing there with a stunned expression.
"Wow. Did you actually make a girl cry?" Watanabe asked, appearing beside him.
"No! How was I supposed to know she'd react like that?" Hikigaya replied awkwardly.
Back in the Wool Club room, Hikigaya sat at the table, tapping his pen against the paper. His plan to exploit the school system through this made-up club wasn't going smoothly.
Clubs had to produce results, either through sports competitions or relevant assessments. But a club like the Wool Club, which he had somehow managed to establish, didn't exactly have anything to show.
And with Horikita Manabu stepping down as student council president soon, things would only get harder. The new president, Nagumo, was more of a wildcard.
Hikigaya checked his phone. His personal points amounted to 853,623.
"So little..." he muttered.
Twenty million points was still a long way off.
He sighed and leaned back in his chair.
Well, whatever happens, happens.
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