Chapter 5 : Stirring Up Trouble

Mid-May

As the days passed, today marks the long-awaited announcement of the midterm test results. Tension fills the classroom.

However, things seem calmer than I anticipated. It appears that the past exam papers distributed by Ryuen have had an effect—more than fearing expulsion, students seem concerned about potential retribution from Ryuen. It's that kind of atmosphere.

"I will now announce the results of the midterm tests."

As Sakagami enters the classroom and declares this, the tension among the students deepens even further. When the class grades are posted, classmates respond with voices of joy and relief.

"I must say, I'm impressed. I never expected you all to improve your scores this much."

It's no wonder the teacher would say that. Until recently, the class average was around 50 points, but this time the average is about 80 points. Such improvement is truly unprecedented. Undoubtedly, it's thanks to Ryuen.

The top scorers in the class are Kaneda and Shiina. I scored 75 points.

After homeroom ends and the teacher leaves, Ryuen steps forward as usual, accompanied by Alberto and Ishizaki.

"You've done well for now. But the past exam papers will only take you this far. This school isn't that lenient. Starting from the finals, study on your own. Of course, those who fall below my standards will face consequences."

Initially relieved by Ryuen's words, my classmates shrink back at his final statement. However, there's no denying that support for Ryuen is growing, given his significant achievements. Although it feels like a dictatorship now, I'm curious to see where this class will go from here.

...

And After School

People head off to club activities or hang out with friends, but today I'm here at an electronics store with Shiina. It seems her hair dryer broke recently, and she wanted to get it checked while we were at the library.

"Thanks for coming along today."

"It's no big deal. I was just tagging along."

Looking around a bit, it seems a bit crowded today. Spotting one counter open, I hurry Shiina towards it.

"Welcome..."

Approaching the counter, a sales clerk stands there. They glance over at us, quickly diverting their gaze when they see me, but scrutinizing Shiina as if assessing her.

"Um, this is... my hair dryer broke recently..."

Seeming uncomfortable with the clerk's gaze, Shiina hesitantly pulls out the broken hair dryer.

"Oh, this one's done for. It's a battery issue."

The clerk says this almost deliberately as they take the dryer in hand. After checking it, they again shoot an uncomfortable glance at Shiina.

"Oh, right. Do you have the warranty card? Warranty card."

"Uh... yes."

Shiina, visibly frightened, searches through her bag and hands over the warranty card to the clerk.

"Oh! It's still within the warranty period. We can exchange it at no cost."

"It'll take about three days, so... can you fill out your address and phone number here?"

Continuing to eye Shiina in a scrutinizing manner, the clerk makes her nervous. Seeing Shiina trembling as she tries to write her address and phone number, I stop her hand holding the pen.

"When the repair is done, please contact me."

"W-wait, you!?"

The clerk sounds surprised at my statement.

"Uh, she's the owner of this dryer, you know? Th-that's a bit..."

"The manufacturer's warranty confirms the purchase date from this store. You've already verified the warranty card. There shouldn't be any issue, right?"

"I... I guess so..."

My response makes the clerk look embarrassed, and reluctantly, they agree to contact me using my phone number, quickly finishing the transaction.

Once everything is settled, Shiina, still shaken by the clerk's gaze, grabs my hand and we leave the store briskly, heading down a less crowded path.

"... Are you okay?"

Looking at Shiina's face, her eyes are moist, and she still seems scared.

"I'm sorry for doing that without asking."

"... No, thank you. If it weren't for Hikigaya-kun, I might have ended up signing something."

She still seems uneasy, her aversion not yet fading. I want to reassure her, but I'm not sure what to say.

"Next time, I'll try to help sooner."

That's all I can convey right now—a genuine sentiment, not just empty words of comfort.

"... Yes. Thank you very much."

Seeing Shiina's relieved expression, I feel glad that I could say something meaningful to her.

"Shall we go to the library?"

Feeling the tense atmosphere, I change the topic as I think Shiina might still be anxious.

"Um, well..."

As I steer the conversation, Shiina blushes, appearing both flustered and nervous.

"Is something wrong?"

"Well... I'm still scared from earlier, but when Hikigaya-kun held my hand, I felt relieved... Could you hold my hand again?"

Blushing and looking up at me due to our height difference, Shiina, a beautiful girl, makes such a request—I can't possibly refuse.

"Y-yeah, sure."

I say this, feeling embarrassed yet seeing her genuinely happy smile, I think to myself that this was the right thing to do as we hold hands and head towards the library.

....

Around the end of June

While there were moments that weren't exactly peaceful, we managed to enjoy some semblance of tranquility. Ryuen had mentioned gathering information from each class.

"Next, Komiya, Kondo, Ishizaki, come see me later. There's something I need you to do."

"Yes, sir!"

Already like soldiers, these three seem resigned to whatever might come next. As I savored this rare peace, gazing slowly out the window, Ryuen directed a smile towards me, clearly plotting something.

"Oh, right. Almost forgot. Hikigaya, you too."

Ryuen's unexpected words drew the class's attention to me.

Please spare me.

After school, we were called by Ryuen to hear his plan. While Ishizaki and the others thought I'd face consequences, they gave me sympathetic looks as I left, planning to provoke Sudou of Class D. Ryuen stopped only me, though.

"Kukuku, well, I just wanted to ask you something."

"Ask me something...?"

"About this situation. Do you think we can win?"

"I don't think so."

As I answered instantly, Ryuen laughed as if he expected my response. In this matter, Ayanokoji will likely get involved. He's associated with that guy, Horikita, who aims for Class A, so Ayanokoji will probably come out in an unpredictable manner. Even though I've grown a bit, beating Ayanokoji is impossible.

"You're probably right. I feel the same way. I just want to see how the school handles it this time. Besides, there are loopholes in this situation."

It's possible someone in Class D will notice those loopholes.

"If you know that much, then I guess I'm not needed?"

"True, I do intend to eventually withdraw my complaint... but."

As Ryuen said this, he threw a punch at me. I caught his fist, and his smile disappeared, replaced by a sharp gaze.

"I want to see what you're going to do after you've said so much to me."

I see, so he means to say...

–––––If you're going to meddle, show me your power.

"... So, am I to handle this situation?"

"Yeah. Do as you like."

With that, Ryuen grabbed his things and left the classroom.

Well, well, what am I going to do now?

=================================

Want to support me? 

You can join as member in my P4TR30N

p4treon.com/ShirooYuki ( Change 4 to a)

See ya!!