Chapter 5: My Hikigaya-kun, So Strict with Himself!

Soubu High School had nine regular classes and one special class known as the International Education Class—3-J.

Unlike the regular classes, 3-J boasted an average academic deviation score 2-3 points higher, filled with returnees from abroad or students aspiring to study overseas. Being a single class, it did not undergo the usual reshuffling at the start of each year.

3-J symbolized prestige and academic excellence within Soubu High. Among its students, Yukinoshita shone brightest, both in academics and appearance. Yet, at this moment, she was stealthily playing with her phone during class.

For Yukinoshita, the model student in her teachers' eyes, it was unprecedented to engage in such antics while a teacher lectured—let alone on the very first day of school.

She knew that being caught would surely disappoint her teacher, but she couldn't care less.

Moments earlier, she had seen Hikigaya and Katou together at the school gates, chatting in what seemed like an intimate manner. The image was like a thorn lodged deep in her chest—impossible to ignore or remove.

In the past, she had never felt this agitated when Hikigaya was around other girls, such as Yui or Isshiki.

But ever since they had officially started dating—biologically and emotionally recognizing each other as partners—Yukinoshita found herself growing increasingly sensitive. Seeing Hikigaya too close to another woman left her chest tight and her mood foul.

"Hmm, you don't know her?"

Seeing Hikigaya's prompt reply, Yukinoshita's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and she exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.

He had quickly sent her a flurry of messages, explaining the situation with Katou. From how they had met to his polite gesture of giving her a ride to school, he shared every detail with no omissions and even outright declared that he didn't know her.

From the typos and his frantic speed in replying, Yukinoshita could tell he was genuinely panicked.

That said...

Her suspicions were far from dispelled. Still feigning anger, she continued to press him.

[Yukinoshita: A few words won't clear you of suspicion. Tell me, are you hiding something else from me?]

[Hikigaya: I'm not hiding anything! I've already told you everything about what happened with Katou.]

[Yukinoshita: Think harder. Did you forget anything?]

[Hikigaya: ?]

On the other side of the screen, Hikigaya groaned. He and Katou were at best classmates, not even friends—at least, not yet.

Sigh... who would've thought that after doing "that," Yukinoshita's possessiveness would skyrocket? Looks like I'll have to keep even further away from women from now on.

Just as Hikigaya was crafting another patient explanation for Yukinoshita, a faint whiff of perfume reached his nose.

Hmm? Smells nice.

A woman's perfume?

That can't be right—he was surrounded by a group of sweaty, rowdy guys.

Lifting his head cautiously, he was greeted by a pair of... imposing peaks swaying rhythmically in front of him.

Hikigaya froze.

Ten times Yukinoshita's...

But he didn't have time to appreciate the sight. His thoughts were interrupted by a chilling gaze—the kind reserved for trash.

It was Kirisu Mafuyu.

And she was staring him down like a predator eyeing its prey.

Oh no... she's going to kill me!

A moment later, Hikigaya found himself exiled to the back of the classroom, standing as punishment.

---

Meanwhile, on Yukinoshita's end, her eyebrows were knitting together again as she anxiously awaited a reply from Hikigaya.

You knew her from middle school and didn't tell me?

Was it deliberate? Or an oversight?

Hikigaya-kun, you just want to cheat on me, don't you?!

Just as she was gearing up to launch a full interrogation, her system companion interjected:

[System: Host, you can check Hikigaya Hachiman's basic profile. He currently has zero interest in Katou.]

"Hmm?" Yukinoshita blinked, startled. "I can view Hikigaya's profile? Why didn't you mention this earlier, you useless system?"

[System: Host didn't ask.]

Yukinoshita: "..."

Damn it!

Calm down, calm down. I can't lose my temper at a machine.

"Fine, open it up."

A data panel appeared in her mind:

[Name]: Hikigaya Hachiman

[Personality]: Gentle, introverted, overly self-aware; Hidden Trait: Wife Protector Extraordinaire

[Relationship with Host]: Romantic Partner

[Affection for Host]: 99 (Deep Love)

[Affection for Katou Megumi]: -5/100 (Fear)

[Corruption Level]: 0/100 (Strict with Himself, Loyal and Faithful)

Scanning through the profile, Yukinoshita's previously mounting fury quickly dissipated. Her lips curled up ever so slightly, and a warm satisfaction filled her chest.

Heh, why didn't you say so earlier?

So deeply in love with me, yet still so stubborn.

Just like yesterday afternoon.

"Huh? He dislikes Katou this much?"

Her eyes lingered on the negative affection score, a mix of surprise and curiosity flickering across her face.

[System: Affection starts at 0 and goes up to 100. The higher the score, the closer the relationship and the greater the chance of "intimate bonding."]

"And if it's negative...?"

[System: The individual wishes for the other to disappear.]

"What? Hikigaya-kun dislikes Katou that much?"

Yukinoshita was taken aback, but the revelation brought her immense relief.

Looks like I misunderstood after all.

Hikigaya-kun is as dependable as ever.

---

But the system wasn't done.

[System: Host, this isn't a good thing. Low affection means Hikigaya Hachiman has no chance of bonding with Katou, which means you'll miss out on earning points.]

"..."

The blissful Yukinoshita felt as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped on her. She couldn't argue back and instead moved to the last entry on the profile.

"What's this 'Corruption Level' about?"

[System: As the name implies, it measures Hikigaya Hachiman's moral decline. The higher the score, the more likely he is to bond with other women. Low levels mean he's strict with himself and utterly loyal to you.]

Strict with himself, utterly loyal... that's my Hikigaya-kun! Yukinoshita thought, her heart swelling with pride.

But the system wasn't finished.

[System: A high Corruption Level also means opportunities for, ahem, adventurous scenarios: love triangles, decadent desserts, or even... polyamorous chaos.]

"???"

Yukinoshita was stunned.

Wait, what?!

And what do you mean by "desserts"?!

Calm down! This isn't important right now!

What mattered was that Hikigaya was strict with himself and a reliable man.

---

[System: Host, don't get too comfortable. Hikigaya Hachiman's low Corruption Level means it'll be almost impossible for him to bond with other women, which means no points, which means no saving his life in three years.]

"You..."

The system shattered her happy bubble.

Though the misunderstanding between her and Hikigaya had been cleared up, a new trial lay ahead.

To ensure our future happiness... I have to make Hikigaya-kun less strict with himself and push him toward other girls?

But I'm his girlfriend!

Why is this my responsibility?!

Sigh... I can't handle this anymore.

At that moment, Yukinoshita instinctively longed for help.

Hikigaya-kun, what would you do in my place?