Returned to the dormitory.
Having not rested for a night, Hikigaya lay on the bed feeling exhausted, then quickly got up and called Sakura Airi over.
Within a moment.
Looking at Sakura before him, Hikigaya was somewhat helpless.
"Airi, there's something I need to discuss with you."
"Hmm, is it something about Hoshinomiya-sensei?"
"Sort of."
Looking at Sakura Airi's cute little face beside him, Hikigaya weighed his words:
"You all should know about this in a few days. For now, I'm talking about another matter."
"Really... Hikki, don't show that kind of expression. No matter what it is, I'm willing to help. Until now, I haven't done anything for the class and have always been bothering Honami and the others. Rather, please let me help!"
"I see."
Hikigaya nodded and explained:
"You should also know that Class D's current state is very bad."
"Yeah, Karuizawa also always says the atmosphere in Class D is terrible. It's simply annoying."
"Something happened. The school is now very worried about Class D's mental state and doesn't want to see Class D collapse just like that. This matter needs your help."
"Hmm..."
Sakura Airi's expression was somewhat complex.
After all, she frequently stayed with Karuizawa, so she also understood Class D's current state very well.
Although it wasn't certain if Class D would collapse because of this, the possibility couldn't be ignored.
"But... what should I do?"
"It's not hard. You just need to have some contact with the people from Class D at an appropriate time, so others can see that your relationship is still okay."
"Is that enough?"
"Probably..."
Hikigaya didn't dare to guarantee it.
At most, it could only provide Class D with a release valve; he couldn't do any more than that.
"Then there's no problem. I should be able to do something like that. So when is the appropriate time?"
"We can talk about that later... I'll tell you when the time comes. It's just... Airi, are you really not going to consider it a bit more?"
Looking at Sakura Airi's slightly nervous little face, as if she were worried about whether she could do it well, Hikigaya felt a bit surprised.
Although he knew persuading Sakura Airi should be very easy, he hadn't expected it to be this effortless.
"Consider what?"
Sensing Hikigaya's confused gaze, Sakura Airi explained non-chalantly:
"After all, I also understand the reasons why everyone chose to make me get expelled. It couldn't be helped, so I don't really hate Class D."
"I see."
Hearing this, Hikigaya nodded.
His own way of doing things wasn't worthy of praise.
The original intention was just to make Horikita Suzune reflect. This couldn't be forgotten. Therefore, Sakura Airi and the others could accept it.
It's just that he hadn't expected.
Even after being abandoned by the people of Class D.
Sakura Airi truly didn't have a trace of resentment. Perhaps in her eyes, Class D was already just a group of irrelevant strangers.
"Even if you don't care, at least consider yourself a bit?"
Hikigaya still decided to clarify the pros and cons to Sakura Airi first.
"If you easily forgive the people of Class D, it might make outsiders think you are weak and easy to bully."
"Would it be like that?"
"Very likely!"
On this point.
Hikigaya had some degree of certainty.
The hierarchical status of the campus was often decided by these inconspicuous little things.
"Hmm..."
Sakura Airi thought for a moment, and a brilliant smile appeared on her lips:
"That doesn't matter. Anyway, Hikki and everyone will protect me when the time comes, right?"
"Of course..."
Hikigaya also followed with a smile.
How could he fail Sakura Airi, who trusted him so much? No matter what happened, as long as he could protect Sakura, it would be fine!
Having obtained Sakura Airi's consent, fatigue suddenly surged up. Hikigaya let out a yawn.
"Sorry, I'm really too sleepy. I'll sleep for a bit."
"Hmm, that's fine. After all, Hikki hasn't slept from yesterday morning until now."
"Hmm, good night."
"Wait, wait..."
Looking at Hikigaya, who fell directly onto the bed, Sakura Airi quickly pulled his arm, a bit speechless.
"Even if you are tired, you must take a bath before sleeping."
"Eh? Too troublesome... it's just one day, it doesn't matter, right?"
"No! Alright, get up."
Pulling Hikigaya up, Sakura Airi lowered her head, her little face slightly flushed:
"If you find it troublesome, let me help you wash."
"..."
Hikigaya was somewhat helpless. He flicked Sakura Airi's nose with his finger, held her slender waist, and walked into the bathroom.
Soon.
Rhythmic sounds of splashing water came from inside the bathroom.
...
Next day...
Hikigaya arrived at the hospital.
Although he knew clearly that Nagumo Miyabi's stabbing had nothing to do with him, he still felt an lingering sense of guilt in his heart.
He couldn't help but think that if he hadn't done things that way, there might have been a better outcome.
After communicating with the staff.
Hikigaya came outside Nagumo Miyabi's ward.
If he were to appear before Nagumo Miyabi now, it would probably be a provocation. Hikigaya observed the inside through the window.
He saw a figure with striking yellow hair lying on the bed, his head turned toward the window.
Except for a look that seemed a bit dazed, there shouldn't be anything majorly wrong.
Hikigaya let out a slight sigh of relief.
Nagumo Miyabi must be very dazed too, wondering why things turned out this way.
With outstanding abilities and having long held a high position, he lacked empathy for the weak and presumably found it hard to understand why Nishishi would dare to do this.
Ability-supremacy.
Nishishi simply changed the track. In any case, anyone who gets stabbed will die.
However glorious he was before.
Nagumo Miyabi was probably that dazed now, perhaps still unable to figure out where the problem lay.
This experience.
Might change Nagumo Miyabi, or perhaps nothing would change at all.
In short.
With graduation approaching.
It was definitely impossible for Nagumo Miyabi to participate in another special exam.
Right then.
A familiar figure appeared within the window.
It was Asahina.
The two were childhood friends after all, and this relationship could not be severed.
Asahina was seen handing cut fruit with a toothpick to Nagumo Miyabi, but Nagumo Miyabi was like an empty shell and gave no response.
Seeing this.
Asahina had no choice but to place the fruit plate on the bedside table. She happened to look over here.
The two locked eyes.
Asahina said a few words in a low voice and then got up to leave the ward. Nagumo Miyabi still gave no response.
On the other side.
After a moment's hesitation.
Hikigaya walked to a bench in the hallway to wait, somewhat concerned about Nagumo Miyabi's condition.
On the other hand.
Hearing the gradually approaching footsteps, Hikigaya felt a bit nervous.
Although this matter had nothing to do with him.
It wouldn't be surprising if Asahina blamed him for everything.
Thinking of this.
Hikigaya felt a bit overwhelmed.
But these were all things he should face.
Soon
The sound of the door opening rang out. Asahina closed the room door and walked over here.