Chapter 98: Hikigaya's Crisis, Asking Kushida for Help!
Comforting a crying girl was something Hikigaya Hachiman never imagined he'd have to do.
In fact, seeing the sobbing girl in front of him, he felt a bit flustered.
She wasn't at fault, the fault lay with his own selfishness.
She could've chosen not to help him, even treated him as an enemy. Yet, he had repeatedly exploited the connection Sakayanagi Arisu had arranged, using it to resolve his troubles.
In that moment, he utterly despised himself.
Maybe this was the time to gently hug Kamuro, or perhaps pat her head softly to make her feel better. That's how it worked in dramas, right?
With that thought, Hikigaya gently placed his hand on the girl's head.
Perhaps feeling the odd sensation, Kamuro looked up, glaring at him with deep resentment. "Don't take advantage of me!"
Her choked voice was gone, and Kamuro reverted to the lively, spirited girl she was. Girls really were unpredictable. Before Hikigaya could say another word, he was met with a swift kick from her.
Clutching his stomach, dizzy, Hikigaya slowly opened his eyes to see Kamuro wiping away her tears, wearing a charming smile.
'Kamuro, you're something else.'
Perhaps this was what made Class A students special, they never easily showed their inner pain, even when abandoned by their classmates.
…
The class had started waking up. Kamuro had already begun helping Class D. Since she'd joined them, doing nothing would earn her disdain, especially as a former Class A student.
Hikigaya, on the other hand, sat idly by the river, watching the vibrant boys and girls throw themselves into work, feeling a bit dazed.
Was he really the same age as them?
But soon, he noticed a girl who didn't quite fit the youthful energy, walking toward him, or rather, toward the stream.
She didn't greet Hikigaya, just crouched by the stream, washing her face with the clear water and wiping it repeatedly.
"Morning," Hikigaya said first.
"Morning," Kushida Kikyo replied coldly, her expression devoid of any ripple, answering impassively.
"So cold," Hikigaya teased, not noticing he'd already earned a glare from Kushida.
"This is the real me. What, shocked?"
"Not really. It's actually kind of comfortable talking like this."
'Because there's no need for extra chit-chat…'
Hikigaya stretched, ignoring Kushida's glare, and said, "How's it feel to show your true self?"
"Unbelievably refreshing. I don't have to deal with those idiots anymore."
"If Ike heard that, he'd be heartbroken…"
"I wasn't talking about anyone specific."
"Now you've offended even more people."
They exchanged a glance and shared a faint smile.
Hikigaya knew what was on the girl's mind and understood her concerns.
He was the one who made her revert to this self. She could've kept up her fake persona, basking in everyone's affection for three carefree years. But now, things were different.
The class might just be puzzled now, wondering if Kushida was upset or facing some issue. But as time went on, if she chose to keep showing this face, she'd never be as beloved as before.
To Hikigaya, this was his doing.
He knew she was uncertain about surviving the next three years in Class D, a problem he also had to consider.
'Take responsibility, Hikigaya.'
So, he hoped Kushida could find one or two true friends.
If they could let go of their grudges, the possibility of Horikita Suzune and Kushida Kikyo, these two sworn enemies, becoming friends wasn't entirely out of the question.
It couldn't be forced, but it wasn't impossible.
"Kushida, help me out."
Hikigaya was no longer the old Hikigaya.
When faced with trouble, he'd ask for help.
And he believed this challenge would benefit her too.
Kushida's expression finally showed a ripple, her shocked gaze saying, You, this capable guy, actually need my help?
Hikigaya nodded in confirmation.
Kushida's expression returned to its cold calm. "What do you want me to do?"
"You're agreeing?"
"I don't like wasting words."
"Well, I haven't figured it out yet, but I'm sure I'll need your help. I have a hunch."
Hikigaya's vague words surprisingly didn't annoy Kushida.
It was as if she'd anticipated this.
After all, the current Kushida was no longer the angelic Kushida. Asking for her help wasn't a small matter.
"When you figure out what you need, come find me, assuming I can do it."
With that, Kushida started to leave, but Hikigaya grabbed the hem of her clothes.
Her body trembled slightly, and she turned to face him again.
"Right now, I don't care how you treat our classmates. But with other classes, I hope you'll use your old persona. The secret won't stay hidden long, but…"
No more needed to be said, they both understood the old Kushida still had strategic value.
Kushida's eyes sharpened, her tone icy. "Is that an order?"
"No, just a request."
"Fine, I'll do it."
Hikigaya let go of her clothes, and Kushida left without lingering.
Though she now showed her true face, she wasn't dragging the class down. She still completed Hirata Yosuke's assigned tasks.
Once again, Hikigaya fell into boredom, but it didn't last long before a rustling sound came from the forest.
The others still at camp seemed to hear it too. Yamauchi Haruki said nervously, "There aren't cannibals in this jungle, right…?"
Karuizawa Kei's tone was slightly panicked but still calm. "Are you an idiot? Don't say discouraging things at a time like this."
Shinohara Satsuki added, "Exactly. Why would the school send us to an island with cannibals?"
Ike Kanji said, "Maybe it's a lion?"
Sudo Ken retorted, "Idiot, lions live in groups…"
Yamauchi: "We're done for. Sudo's actually learned something, but it looks like we're the ones in trouble."
Horikita Suzune: "Calm down."
Horikita held Hikigaya's green card. Though puzzled, she followed his plan, deliberately showing the card to the class multiple times that day.
Though everyone was confused, Horikita said it was part of her strategy, so no one questioned it further. Her strength was evident to all.
Horikita had tied herself to Hikigaya's plan. If it failed, she wouldn't let him off.
But for now, she trusted him completely.
Hikigaya, still by the river, stood up.
'Is Class A finally making their move?'
Sure enough, as the last patch of bushes parted, Class A's students appeared before Class D.
Leading them was the shirtless Katsuragi Kohei, Class A's current leader, followed by Yahiko Totsuka, Hashimoto Masayoshi, and others.
The girls soon arrived too. In their eyes, Class D's students were like prey, their gazes radiating a predatory possessiveness.
Seeing it wasn't a wild animal, Ike Kanji suddenly grew bold, stepping forward. "Huh? What's this about? Coming here in a big group, are you trying to wreck our camp?"
Katsuragi ignored Ike, saying calmly, "Where's your leader? I'd like to talk."
Katsuragi scanned the surroundings, noticing Hikigaya by the river but choosing to ignore him.
However, he spotted something significant, Horikita's green card.
To him, this was a major find. Just stepping into their territory and seeing this? Class D was far too careless.
Hirata Yosuke stepped forward, his usual kind expression intact. "Hello, I'm Class D's temporary leader. How can I help you?"
Katsuragi didn't have much impression of the man before him. He glanced at him casually and said, "Our stronghold was destroyed. This place is nice, with a stream and wild fruit. We've decided to settle here."
"But… there's only one spot to claim here."
"We don't need that. Once the seven days are up, the exam ends."
Katsuragi's words put Hirata in a tough spot, but seeing so many displaced Class A students, his compassion was triggered.
He nodded lightly and said, "If you find a better stronghold, please move out as soon as possible."
"Of course, I will."
Without further discussion, Class A's students, following Katsuragi's orders, set up camp right next to Class D's.
They didn't do anything out of line or provoke trouble. Everything seemed to go smoothly. When Class D claimed the stronghold, Class A neither avoided them nor sneaked peeks.
Soon, evening arrived, and the students who'd gone exploring returned, including Kamuro Masumi.
Kamuro saw Class A's camp next to Class D's. She froze briefly but quickly regained her composure.
Hashimoto noticed her too but only gave a casual smile without saying anything.
Kamuro wasn't low-status in her class and had friends, but now those friends looked at her with disdain.
Perhaps this was how human nature shifted when positions changed.
Kamuro didn't say much, only approaching Hikigaya to confirm, "Class A's started moving. You're aware, right?"
Hikigaya nodded and replied, "Your situation's awkward now. To Class D, you're a traitor. To Class A…"
Kamuro shook her head, cutting him off.
"It doesn't matter. In this school, it's always about benefits. When you lose your value, you lose your so-called 'friends.' But… you're different."
"I trust you. I'll keep my distance from both classes and try not to be a burden."
Hikigaya Hachiman's expression grew heavy. Perhaps the girl was right, not a single word was wrong.
After parting with Kamuro Masumi, Hikigaya was summoned to a high-level meeting within Class D. The group included Karuizawa Kei, Horikita Suzune, Hirata Yosuke, Kushida Kikyo, Yukimura Teruhiko, and Hikigaya Hachiman himself.
Of course, Hikigaya was only there because he was the leader.
Karuizawa Kei: "Class A has plenty of strongholds, yet they chose to come here. They're definitely looking for trouble."
Yukimura Teruhiko: "That's obvious to all of us, but they haven't made any moves yet."
Karuizawa Kei: "Not now doesn't mean not later. We need to be proactive."
Yukimura Teruhiko: "Are we really going to abandon this place? It's a rare, good stronghold."
Horikita Suzune: "They're banking on us not giving it up easily, which is why they came here."
Hirata Yosuke sighed helplessly. "I'll send someone tomorrow to check for other good strongholds. Hopefully, they'll move out."
Everyone knew that hope was slim. Class A had come here specifically to find out who Class D's leader was.
But they couldn't use force to drive them away, not only was it uncertain if they could win, but it would also violate school rules.
Perhaps because he'd been stifled for too long, Hikigaya's head was dizzy, and his face flushed red.
Kushida Kikyo, sitting beside him, was the first to notice something off, but she didn't say anything. She simply leaned her shoulder against his side, supporting his body.
Karuizawa Kei: "And Horikita, why do you have Hikigaya's green card? Aren't you being too obvious? Though, this misdirection tactic isn't bad."
Horikita glanced at Hikigaya, noticing his condition, and quickly said, "Don't worry, I've got this under control."
With Horikita's assurance, the meeting ended with a warning to "keep the green card safe." Everyone left, leaving only Horikita, Kushida, and Hikigaya behind.
Horikita placed her hand on Hikigaya's forehead, the heat making her momentarily disbelief. "You're running a fever."
"Probably."
"What are you waiting for? Withdraw from the exam now."
Hikigaya waved off Horikita's panic, giving a faint smile. "A good sleep will fix it. I don't want to become the class's public enemy."
"But…"
"It's fine."
Horikita sighed helplessly, a bit exasperated. "You told me before the exam to take care of my health, and now look at you, running a fever."
"Special circumstances, you know."
"I'll help you to rest."
Perhaps only then did Horikita notice that Kushida was using her shoulder to prop up Hikigaya, who was sitting on the ground.
She didn't say anything, her expression unchanged, just watching Hikigaya silently.
"Okay…"
"Kushida, lend a hand."
Kushida Kikyo nodded. With the two girls' support, Hikigaya quickly reached the tent's entrance.
Horikita: "We won't go in."
Hikigaya chuckled. "What, you want to see how the guys sleep?"
Horikita's face reddened at his teasing, and she turned to leave. But seeing his weakened state, she stopped. "Rest well."
"I will. Remember what I told you."
"You mean deliberately showing off the green card and abandoning it at the right time? I finally understand why you're doing this."
Hikigaya nodded, and Horikita gave a solemn nod before leaving.
After Horikita left, Kushida also prepared to go.
"I've figured out what I need your help with."
"Speak."
"Get the green card from Katsuragi."
Kushida's face showed disbelief, but only disbelief. "How are you so sure the green card is with Katsuragi? And why do you think I can steal it from him? He's extremely cautious."
"No idea. Just a hunch."
"You're so unreliable."
"I think so too."
After a long silence, determination settled on Kushida's face. "When?"
"Sixth day, afternoon."
"Got it."
Without another word, Kushida left.
…
[In Class 1-D, Horikita Suzune's face showed disbelief.]
["I never expected that after my fever, it'd be this guy's turn."]
[She turned to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, whispering, "Tell me, is he trying to pull the same trick as you, exiting the exam smoothly to change the leader?"]
[Ayanokoji thought for a moment and nodded, "He's aiming to win this way, but the rest is unclear."]
[Horikita sighed, "You guys are terrifying, one after another. Your plans are like a connected thread, all laid out for the final outcome."]
[Ayanokoji stayed silent. He knew that in a true battle of wits, guessing the opponent's thoughts was less useful than predicting their reactions to your actions and planning accordingly. Victory depended on who thought further ahead.]
[Of course, beyond necessary planning, adaptability was crucial. Reality wasn't an idealist's playground. To follow your plan, you needed backups to handle unpredictable changes.]
[He still didn't fully understand what Hikigaya would do, but he was certain that if they faced off, he wouldn't lose.]
[Horikita: "So, is it even possible for him to get Katsuragi's green card?"]
[Ayanokoji: "It's tough, but since Kushida agreed, it's probably doable."]
[He glanced at Kushida, who was also watching the video in class.]
[Horikita: "If Kushida can't get the green card, does that mean Class D will lose?"]
[Perhaps due to her lack of fondness for Kushida Kikyo, she didn't place her hopes on her.]
[Ayanokoji shook his head. "It's unlikely. He's tied all the current factors together. Even if he can't get Katsuragi's card, with the intel he has, he could probably guess Class A's leader. But… he wants Class A to lose completely."]
[Horikita: "How is that possible? Isn't that enough? Hasn't Katsuragi noticed? Isn't he cautious? Is there a way to make Class A lose even worse?"]
[Ayanokoji shook his head, unable to confirm. Perhaps it was just his intuition, but he vaguely felt that, despite Hikigaya's claims of not caring about reaching Class A, his ambitions were greater than he let on.]
[Horikita: "If that's true, this guy's a monster. No wonder in the video, under his covert leadership, Class D keeps winning."]
[Ayanokoji nodded.]
[But was this constant winning a good or bad thing? Horikita wasn't sure. If they kept winning every exam, the day they lost Hikigaya, Class D would collapse instantly.]
[Though everyone had improved under his leadership, the gap with other classes was still massive.]
[What frustrated her most was that even her video self didn't realize this. Horikita could only sigh helplessly. Sometimes, being in the thick of it made everything unclear.]
[And now? Was Class D still the same?]
[With that thought, Horikita cast a doubtful gaze at Ayanokoji's profile.]
[What would this class be without him?]
[Horikita Suzune's heart couldn't help but wonder.]
Having rested late last night, Hikigaya woke to the sound of cicadas and birds, dragging his exhausted body under the midday sun.
Sakura Airi, Sudo Ken, and Kamuro Masumi were out on tasks. As always, Sakura left food by the tent for him, a constant gesture.
Unlike usual, another class was now right beside theirs.
Katsuragi Kohei's Class A… absolute dominance.
(End of this chapter)