Just 'Friends'

"Ah, yes, Katsuragi was completely defeated this time. Our class ranking has dropped... Also, there's something else I need to report to the princess."

Hikigaya's ears perked up at the mention of "princess." He knew exactly who Hashimoto was talking to.

"From now on, the twenty-two people, including those in the Katsuragi faction and the neutrals, will each have to pay Hikigaya fifty thousand points every month."

Hikigaya smirked to himself. Hashimoto, engrossed in his call, hadn't noticed him approaching.

A mischievous idea crossed Hikigaya's mind. He quietly snuck up behind Hashimoto and, with a playful tone, said, "Hashimoto, are you secretly bad-mouthing me?"

Hashimoto jumped, nearly dropping his phone in shock. Hikigaya couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

"Hikigaya, you almost gave me a heart attack!" Hashimoto exclaimed, trying to recover his composure. "Be careful, or I'll complain to the princess!"

"No need," Hikigaya replied, his gaze flicking to the phone in Hashimoto's hand. "She's heard everything, hasn't she?"

With a sly smile, Hikigaya extended his hand. "Mind if I say hello?"

Without hesitation, Hashimoto handed over the phone.

"Hi, long time no see," Hikigaya greeted, his tone friendly but with an undercurrent of calculation.

"So, are you satisfied with the results of this exam, Sakayanagi-san from Class B?"

"Hikigaya-kun, thank you for your hard work this week," Sakayanagi's voice came through the phone, as calm and composed as ever. Hikigaya knew that even if they were face to face, her expression would likely be just as serene.

"I've heard the general rules of this exam from Hashimoto-kun," Sakayanagi continued. "So, if I'm not mistaken, it was you who located the captain of Class A and informed the other three classes, correct?"

"Whatever you imagine," Hikigaya replied curtly. He had no interest in discussing the details further. Instead, he wanted to make one thing clear.

"As requested, I thoroughly defeated the Katsuragi faction in this exam. Let me know if this result surprises you," Hikigaya said.

"Indeed… it did surprise me," Sakayanagi admitted after a brief pause.

She had expected the Katsuragi faction to suffer a severe defeat, but Hikigaya's actions had led to consequences that would significantly impact the entire class. While Class B could absorb a loss of 1.1 million individual points per month, the uneven distribution of this loss was bound to create dissatisfaction among students.

Yet Sakayanagi was confident that with swift integration and leadership, she could quiet any discontent and guide her class to victory. Even so, the unprecedented situation brought her a deep sense of satisfaction.

"Hikigaya-kun, your performance this time was truly outstanding," Sakayanagi's voice lifted slightly with genuine admiration. "It exceeded my expectations. This bet is unquestionably your victory."

Sakayanagi regretted not being able to participate in such a fascinating challenge herself. But there would be plenty of opportunities for future engagements. Campus life promised to be far from dull.

"…Yes," Hikigaya replied, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Although he had anticipated Sakayanagi's defense would be formidable, her excitement seemed over the top. It was clear she was a person who took great pleasure in these games.

If it had been the old Hikigaya, he would have ignored her enthusiasm due to its annoyance. But now, having promised not to lose to Sakayanagi, he felt obliged to continue.

Sakayanagi's persistence meant she wouldn't back down easily.

"Feel free to ask for anything you want," Sakayanagi said playfully, "Even something a bit risqué if that's what you're into. After all, you've worked so hard."

Sakayanagi's teasing didn't phase Hikigaya; he knew she was just joking. If it had been another girl from the grade, such a proposal might have been tempting. But with Sakayanagi, the suggestion felt underwhelming.

"Hikigaya-kun?" Sakayanagi's tone suddenly dropped.

"Although it might be my imagination… are you considering something inappropriate?"

"Huh?!" Hikigaya exclaimed, shocked. How could she possibly read his mind over the phone?

"Anyway! I haven't decided yet. Let's talk about it later," he said hurriedly. "If there's nothing else, I'll hang up."

"Don't be in such a hurry. I haven't heard your voice in a while. It's nice to chat with you like this."

"I'm not really into small talk," Hikigaya replied, feeling tense.

Chatting was supposed to be relaxing, but Hikigaya found himself unable to unwind.

"If that's the case, I'll look forward to welcoming you back when you return," Sakayanagi said warmly.

"There's no need," Hikigaya countered. "Your class treats me every month anyway." He knew the cost of this invitation was astronomical.

"If it's you, Hikigaya-kun, you can ask for more," Sakayanagi offered with a laugh.

"No thanks, I don't accept charity," Hikigaya said, aware that accepting Sakayanagi's money would lead to complications. Her generosity, like the 200,000 points given at the start of the year, made it hard to refuse, but it felt like a manipulative gesture.

After ending the call, Hikigaya handed the phone back to Hashimoto, who was waiting patiently. Hashimoto's expression was peculiar.

"Um, Hikigaya," Hashimoto began hesitantly, "If it's not too much trouble, could you clarify your relationship with Sakayanagi? It seems… a bit unusual."

Hashimoto seemed to have bought into the rumors suggesting a closer relationship between Hikigaya and Sakayanagi. In reality, their connection was purely platonic.

"I have nothing to do with her beyond being… 'friends,'" Hikigaya replied.

"Friends? Is that all?" Hashimoto asked, his confusion growing. If Hikigaya aimed to secure his promotion to Class A, then extorting the Katsuragi faction for points made sense. But now, it seemed Hikigaya's actions were directed against Sakayanagi.

Hashimoto was puzzled by their seemingly affectionate conversations.

"Forget it, just ignore what I said," he smiled, trying to move on. "Hikigaya, I'm starving after this week on the island. How about we go out for a meal?"

"I'm fine with that, as long as you don't bring up anything odd," Hikigaya replied.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about you and Sakayanagi."

"Isn't that what you're already doing?"

Hikigaya sighed inwardly, hoping the rumors would fade soon. It would be helpful if the white-haired individual involved could come forward and clear things up.

However, given Sakayanagi's tendencies, it seemed she had never heeded her teachers' advice. But that was all right.

As Hikigaya followed Hashimoto through the corridor, they were met with a crowd gathered ahead. The students were all from the former Class A.

Were they celebrating their defeat or something?

Hikigaya's curiosity grew as he heard a familiar voice from the crowd.

"Kamuro, admit it! It's you who betrayed the class."