Chapter 19

It's the morning of HR, two days after the midterm exam, and there is some tension in the class.

The reason is simple: today is the day the midterm exam results are announced. No matter how many past questions there are, it's only natural that one red mark will result in expulsion.

While the class is tense, Chabashira-sensei enters the classroom and stands at the podium.

At the same time, Hirata speaks. "Teacher. I heard that the scoring results will be announced today. When?"

"Are you really that concerned about the results? Rejoice, I'm going to announce it now. There are times when you won't be able to complete all the procedures in time after school." Procedures... those are probably the procedures for awarding bonus points or for expulsion.

"What does that mean?"

"Don't panic, Hirata. I'll make the announcement now," Chabashira-sensei said, and a large white piece of paper with a list of students' names and scores was posted on the blackboard.

When I check my name...

English 100

Japanese 100

Mathematics 93

Science 85

Social Studies 100

That's what it felt like. I got perfect scores in English, Japanese, and social studies, so I'm guessing I'm number 1 in my grade.

As for math...unfortunately, Horikita, Yukimura, and Koenji all scored over 95 points, so they were ranked 4th in their class, meaning they wouldn't be in the top 3 of their grade.

As for science...Yeah, okay. For now, I'll say it's good because I earned at least 90,000 points.

"Honestly, I'm impressed. I didn't expect you guys to get such a high score.''

That's because there were past questions. If it wasn't for this, many of them would have dropped out of school.

"Shh! There's no red dot!''

Just as I was thinking, Sudo stood up and shouted.

When I checked Sudo's scores, I got close to 60 points in 4 out of 5 subjects, and 41 points in English. If I remember correctly, I got a red point of 31 or 32 points, so he thinks he passed.

"You saw it, sensei! We can do it too!'' Ike said with a smug look on his face.

"Ah. I recognize that you guys tried your best. But... you're a red point. Sudo."

While speaking, Chabashira-sensei draws a red line over Sudo's name. What? Is it a red dot?

"Huh? You're lying, aren't you? Why am I a red dot!"

Sudo yells. Well, right after I thought it was okay, there was a red dot.

"Sudo. You got a red mark in English."

"The red point is probably 31 points! I got 41 points!"

"Who said when did a red point equal 31 points?''

"No, no, you said it! Hey, everyone!?" Ike follows Sudo, but perhaps the red dot isn't fixed and changes depending on the grade in the class?

"No matter what you guys say, it's useless. And the red point line for this midterm test is less than 43 points. It's a shame."

"43 points!? This is bullshit!"

"In that case, I will teach you the red point grading standards for this school,'' Chabashira-sensei said as he began writing mathematical formulas on the blackboard. Written there was the number 86.6÷2=43.3. I see.

Is that so? '

"The red point standard is set for each class.The way to find it is to divide the average score by 2.Get a score that is higher than that answer.In previous years, the red point is around 30 points for D class, but we are looking for bonus points. It seems like there were a lot of students."

Ah, I see. Since I proposed the idea of bonus points, the motivation of the students who did well in the class increased, and in the end, they were able to obtain past exam questions.

Well, the average score will be more than 10 points higher than last year.

In fact, out of the 40 players, nearly 70% scored over 90 points.

But in this case, will I get bonus points? If I were a teacher, I'd say,

"If you use past questions, you'll naturally get a high score, so there are no bonus points.''

"You're lying...do you mean I'm expelled from school?"

"It was a short time, but it was a lot of trouble. You will have to submit a notification of withdrawal from school. To do that, you will need to be accompanied by a guardian. I will contact you." While Sudo was stunned, Mr. Chabashira said, calmly.

Well, this was probably his own fault for falling asleep before the test.

"The rest of the students did well. They passed without complaint. Please keep up the good work on the next final exam."

"Teacher. Are you really going to expel Sudo? Is there any relief?'' Hirata was the first to worry about Sudo. As expected of a class leader. Even though he is aware that Sudo hates him.

"It's true. If you get a red point, that's it. Sudo will be expelled."

"...Could you please show me Sudo-kun's answer sheet?"

''Let me tell you, there are no grading mistakes, right? If you don't mind, do whatever you like.'' Mr. Chabashira handed Sudo's English answer sheet to Hirata.

Hirata immediately lowered his gaze to the problem, but his expression quickly became dark. "There are no marking mistakes."

"If you are satisfied, this concludes homeroom. Sudo, please come to the staff room after school. Also, I would like to say to the students who earned the bonus points that Hikigaya suggested, that the points will be transferred as soon as tomorrow.'"

Chabashira-sensei says that and leaves the classroom. For now, let's just say it's good that I earned 90,000 points.

That's what I was thinking at the time.

"Hey Hikigaya! What are you going to do for me!"

Ike comes towards me, showing his anger.

"What are you talking about?"

"We're talking about bonus points! Because you made that suggestion, the people with good grades probably worked harder and their average scores went up!"

"...So you're saying I'm the reason Sudo was expelled from school?"

"Who else is there?!"

No, no, is it because of me? Well, I'm probably the reason why the average score went up. but...

"It's ugly."

Before I could argue, Koenji, who was sitting nearby, said this while putting his feet on the desk. At the same time, Ike glares at Koenji.

"What do you mean, Koenji!"

On the other hand, Koenji is arranging his hair without hesitation in response to Ike's yelling.

"It means exactly what you said. The reason why the average score went up is because of Hikigaya Boy. However, the reason why Red Hair-kun was expelled from school was probably due to his own lack of study. Even though he knew he was in danger of expulsion, he fell asleep. Isn't it unreasonable to blame his negligence on Hikigaya Boy? It's really not beautiful.''

Koenji simply stated what I was thinking. Ike is silent at this. I'm sure I suggested bonus points as the reason why Sudo got a red point.

However, there is no doubt that the main reason is Sudo's negligence.

But what is surprising is...

"I never thought you would go out of your way to take my side."

I thought that Koenji was a self-centered person and wouldn't be on anyone's side, but I didn't expect him to be on my side.

"I hate ugly things, so I just eliminated them. And thanks to you, my pocket is warm."

It is true that Koenji scores over 95 points in all subjects. Some of them have perfect scores, so it wouldn't be surprising if they were able to take first place in the overall rankings.

He would have earned at least 150,000 points.

Well, in any case, Ike can no longer complain after Koenji's words, so it's a good thing.

Having made that decision, I finished preparing for the first period and left the classroom.

There's still 10 minutes left, so let's go to the bathroom.

After going into the bathroom and urinating for a while, when I came out I saw a very suspicious person outside the boy's washroom.

Horikita Suzune.

"You took your sweet time, didn't you?"

I frowned, "What're you doing here, Horikita?"

"Follow me"

"....." Hikigaya

Why?

"What are you doing? Let's go. I don't have much time!"

"I don't feel safe around you" I protested.

"Huh? What do you think I am?!"

"A bad person who has a criminal record for trying to steal my points."

"....." Horikita Suzune.

"....." Hikigaya.

"Don't tell me you're here to steal my points again!?" I was very angry at this person.

"....." Horikita Suzune, "....How?"

So, I was right!

"You know what, if you don't come with me right now. I will complain to my brother about you sexually harassing me!" She said with a grin.

This girl!

"....." Hikigaya.

"You know who my brother is right?" Her grin widened even more.

I had no choice but to follow this bad person, albeit reluctantly.

With a question mark on my face, I follow Horikita and walk down the stairs at a leisurely pace.

I think my stride length has become shorter because I'm walking with Sakayanagi.

While thinking that, I went down to the first floor...

(What are they doing?)

There, Ayanokoji was facing Chabashira-sensei.

The tingly atmosphere makes it seem like something is going to happen at any moment.

I had a bad feeling about this place, and it seems like Horikita has no intention of letting me go.

Chabashira-sensei has an amused expression on her face.

I feel scared!

On the other hand, Ayanokoji had his usual blank expression on his face, and Horikita narrowed her eyes for a moment before speaking to me.

To be honest, I don't want to be here, but I don't know what will happen if I don't, so I make my way down the stairs with a sigh.

Horikita often messes with Ayanokoji, so it would be too bad if she started messing with me too.

"How many points do you have now?"

"...I think it's around 1.1 million, but what's wrong with that?"

"In that case, I would like you to pay me 100,000 points."

"For what? What are you asking me to pay you 100,000 for!?"

"Sudo-kun's score."

Oh, I see. Are you willing to buy points for Sudo's score?

"Chabashira-sensei, how much does one piece cost?"

"One point is 100,000 points. In other words, Sudo will need 200,000 points to avoid expulsion."

"It's quite a rip-off. But since the two of you can only spend 100,000 ye-"

I was interrupted.

"Can you please send it now?!"

Why is this girl always shouting?

"Just as you said. What's the benefit of me paying 100,000 points for Sudo?"

"If someone drops out, there might be a negative impact in places you can't see. If that happens, it will be difficult to move up in the class, and to avoid that, we shouldn't let students drop out."

"It only prevents the disadvantages for the entire class, but it doesn't benefit me. In the first place, I can earn private points even if my class points are 0, so it doesn't matter if my class doesn't go up."

Only A-class students can receive support regarding employment and further education, and it is almost impossible for the class itself to move up to A-class. If you want to move up to A class, it would be faster to move up individually.

"In the first place. Why do I have to pay points for free for someone I don't care about? The only people I pay free points for are people I think are important."

The only time I pay points without consideration is for myself and for the people I think are important.

Sudo isn't one of them, so I won't pay unless I gets something in return.

"...Then I'll break it up."

"what?"

"You could have avoided Sudo-kun's expulsion, but you didn't take action."

Did you come like that? If that were the case, people around Ike and Yamauchi would probably take their anger out on me.

However, there is an important drawback to that threat.

"Please feel free to do as you wish. But I think most of the class will not get angry, but will be relieved."

Sudo is probably the most hated person in the class. He is the one who is late, absent, talks privately during class, and falls asleep the most, and he also yells at Hirata, the popular student in his class, over and over again, even though he's nice to him.

Even if Horikita were to break this up, only a few people would be angry at me, and probably not more than 20 students.

As for those who vented their anger, if they assaulted me, I would immediately crush them.

「...…」

I guess they didn't think it would be okay to break it up. Horikita remains silent, unable to argue any further.

I thought this was the end of the story, but before I could do so, Ayanokoji opened his mouth.

"In that case, instead of paying the teacher 100,000 points for Sudo, could you lend Horikita 100,000 points? I'm sure Horikita got a perfect score except for English, so she'll get 120,000 bonus points. In that case, you can return the 100,000 yen right away, right?"

As long as I can get it back tomorrow, I have no complaints.

However, this guy Ayanokoji also has a bad personality. If you pay 200,000 points to the teacher in this way and exempt Sudo from expulsion, Ayanokoji will have to pay 50,000 points and Horikita will have to pay 150,000 points.

Horikita is actually glaring at Ayanokoji.

I couldn't help but be dumbfounded, are these two troublesome people really dating? It doesn't really feel like it.

Maybe they have a love-hate type relationship, that I read about in  mangas in my middle school?

I thought so.

However, I don't complain because there is no other way.

"...Give me 120,000 including interest. Then I'll lend it to you."

"...Even though you have over 1 million points, you're quite petty."

"Whatever you say. I hate things that have no benefit. So? Make a decision now."

When I say that, Horikita glares at me and then sticks out her device.

Apparently she chose to borrow points from me. It would be better to just abandon Sudo.

Well, it's good because I get points too.

"The negotiation has been concluded. Well then, Chabashira-sensei When you transfer the bonus points, would you please transfer Horikita's portion to me?"

"Deal. I promise to transfer 210,000 points to Hikigaya's terminal."

"Aasu..."

I also take out my device and transfer 100,000 points to Horikita's device.

"I sent the money, so I'm leaving now."

With that said, I leave this place to buy a drink. To be honest, there were many frustrating moments, but in the end, I was promised a profit of 110,000 points in one day, so I guess it's okay.

After that, I bought a can of Max coffee from the vending machine, and when I returned, the three of them were gone in the hallway on the first floor, and when I returned to the classroom, Sudo was happy, so I guess he was able to avoid expulsion.

For now, the mid-term exam is over and things have calmed down, so I can live a peaceful life..

___________

On the day the mid-term exams were returned, perhaps because not a single student was expelled, the atmosphere in the class was quite different from that of the morning HR, and the atmosphere remained cheerful until lunch break.

As I walked out of the classroom and down the hallway with the bento that Hiyori had made for me, I saw Ichinose leading the members of Class B as they walked down the hallway.

Everyone was wearing gym clothes, so the fourth period was like PE.

Then, the other side seemed to notice me as well, and Ichinose came trotting towards me.

"Hello Hikigaya-kun. How was your exam?"

She greets me with a smile. Seeing your innocent smile is soothing.

"I got perfect scores in Japanese, English, and social studies... but I was 4th in my class in math, and less than 90 points in science. Therefore, my overall ranking was around 10th, so I only got 90,000 points."

Well, I made a profit of 20,000 points from the interest I lent Horikita with.

"Oh no. Well, 90,000 yen is enough, so take good care of it."

"That's what she said.

"Come on, Ichinose-san"

Most of the people who caught up with Ichinose were glaring at me, but I guess it was because of the suspicion of being a scumbag.

But I didn't think they would openly show their hostility.

Ichinose seems to have noticed this as well, as she scolds her classmates with a wry smile.

"Come on. Don't show your hostility like that. Hikigaya-kun is not a bad person."

"But Ichinose. This guy seems to be connected to Sakayanagi from A class and Ryuen from C class."

Sakayanagi and Ryuen seem to be dangerous people after all. but...

"Aside from Sakayanagi, I have no connection with Ryūen other than regarding the contract."

"I don't know. Isn't he planning something to raise the level of D-class by connecting with Ichinose?!" This guy is annoying.

"If you want to think that way, feel free to do so. If you have any complaints, feel free to say them as much as you like. But if you try to destroy my peaceful life and my precious existence...I will kill you."

"You! "

'"....." Ichinose.

For a moment, I glared at the man who was trying to pick a fight with me with murderous intent.

Then, the girls except Ichinose moved back, and the boys stood to protect the girls.

"Hamaguchi-kun, stop doing obvious provocations!"

"B-but this gu..."

"I've known Hikigaya-kun for quite some time, but he's not the kind of person who would plan something like that."

"I understand."

Ichinose says so, and it's true. I never planned anything for the class. I don't deny that I have many plans, but it's all for my own benefit.

"Hikigaya-kun, I can understand why you're angry because my classmate suddenly started a fight, but please stop showing off your murderous intent."

"I felt bad about that."

That said, I'm not angry. I simply warned you. If I were to get angry at this level, I would be angry enough to commit murder when I was in junior high school.

"Well, whatever, I'm leaving now. See you later."

"Ah, yeah. See you later. Also, thank you for studying with me. Thanks to you, I got a perfect score in Japanese."

"It's mutual. Thanks to you, my grades have improved as well."

Finally, I said that and walked past Ichinose.

At that time, the B class guys glared at me, but I didn't really care and walked away.

Ichinose's class is also full of shit.

When I got near the stairs, Sakayanagi and Hiyori were waiting for me.

"You really took your precious time? Let's go then."

Sakayanagi says that and starts walking, so Hiyori and I walk along with Sakayanagi's steps.

"Now that I think about it, Hachiman-kun. Have any students been expelled from class D?"

"No, no one has dropped out."

One almost got expelled though. If I hadn't gone to buy a drink at that time, that monkey with no brains would have been gone from the class.

"I see. I just found out what kind of penalty will be imposed if someone is expelled..."

Sakayanagi keeps a straight face and mutters something terrifying, but if someone is expelled, class points will probably be forfeited.

As I was thinking about Sakayanagi's mutterings, I arrived at the dining room and headed to my seat.

"So? What were your results, Hikigaya-kun?"

"I got perfect scores in Japanese, English, and social studies, but I was out of the top three in science and mathematics. I'd probably rank around 10th at most in general subjects."

"I see. You got 90,000 points anyway, so it's good."

Hiyori says so. It's true that I was aiming for 200,000 points, but as she says, 90,000 points is more than enough.

You can also request bonus points at the end of the term, and if approved, you can earn them.

For that reason, I need to increase the amount of time I spend studying each day.

That's when I thought about it. Sakayanagi approaches me.

"Anyway, thank you for your hard work. Therefore, I would like to thank Hikigaya-kun."

Just as I thought she said that, she straightened up and...

Thuuu

She kissed me on my right cheek. I can feel the soft touch on my cheeks.

As a result, the dining room became quiet for a moment...

"Haaaaaaaaaaaa!?"

"Wow!"

The boys let out a cry of surprise, and the girls cheered.

There are nearly 200 people in the cafeteria, and they're all looking at us.

While I was stunned by this unexpected turn of events, Sakayanagi moved away from me and started talking to Hiyori.

"How about you, Shiina-san? I think Hikigaya-kun needs a reward for his hard work."

That's it! Don't make such a suggestion to Hiyori, the natural queen!

If you make a suggestion...

"Ah, that's right...Thank you for your hard work."

Thuuu

"That bastard! "

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaa! "

Hiyori's lips hit my left cheek, and they let out an even louder scream and cheer than before.

What are you doing?!

My peaceful life!

While sweating profusely, Sakayanagi put her face close to my ear and opened her mouth.

"I am just thanking you for embarrassing me in front of Masumi-san the day before midterm."

Oh! By the way, that time in front of Kamuro, I blew into her ear. I was wary of the fact that she would soon retaliate, but since she didn't make any flashy moves, I forgot.

"You have done it this time, Ero Yanagi."

"That's my line. Breast massager Hikigaya-kun."

As she said this, we both laughed and looked at each other. I have decided that someday I will definitely make Sakayanagi surrender.

I want to see Sakayanagi, who has no intention of losing, give in.

but...

"Let's both take a seat. Also, since Sakayanagi-san and I worked hard, Hachiman-kun, please kiss me and Sakayanagi-san on the cheek."

"Please give me a break from that.''

I didn't feel like I could win against the natural queen Hiyori.

__________

"Well, now that the test is over, what do I do?"

After school, I'm walking alone to the shopping mall. Since entering the school, I have started to get involved with Sakayanagi and Hiyori, and recently with Ichinose, but there are quite a few times when I want to spend time alone.

That's why I'm going to the shopping mall to eat dinner. Hiyori also likes dinner, but sometimes I also want to eat something high in calories like ramen or yakiniku, so I am giving Hiyori some free time today.

With this in mind, I headed towards the area where the restaurant was located, and at the corner I bumped into someone, and my uniform got wet.

From that, the person I bumped into must have been drinking.

"Ah, sorry... Hey, it's Hikigaya!"

"Huh?...Is that you Kamuro-san?"

The person there was Masumi Kamuro, a subordinate named Sakayanagi's friend.

She looks at me on the other side, then immediately looks at my uniform and apologizes.

"Too bad, I wasn't looking ahead."

"I'll forgive you if you buy me some ramen."

"You have a bad personality, telling me to treat someone who has over 1 million points."

"Thank you."

"Boo"

"What's wrong?"

"Huh...well you're getting along well with Sakayanagi... Is ramen okay?"

"Huh? Are you seriously going to buy me something?"

It was half, or rather, mostly, a joke.

"This is what's wrong in the first place."

"Let's have a feast."

If you're willing to treat me to something, I'll feel free to accompany you. I take off my uniform and put it on my shoulder.

Luckily my shirt wasn't that wet so it wasn't a problem.

While I was saying that, I went out to eat ramen with an unexpected partner.

_______

"Ah, it's delicious."

"I can eat that often. Just thinking about it gives me heartburn."

When we arrived at the ramen shop, I had the rich pork bone ramen and Kamuro had the light soy sauce ramen.

"It's best to eat it occasionally. I mean, you eat ramen too."

"It's because you told me to treat you. I was originally planning on having dinner as well, but I don't really care."

"Really"

"Yes... so? What are you planning?"

Kamuro says this while eating ramen. Am I planning?

"What are you talking about?"

"It's revenge for Sakayanagi. Rumors about you are spreading even in A."

Ah, the double kiss incident during lunch break. It has already become famous throughout the school. In fact, after lunch break, I was questioned by many men and women in the classroom.

"I'd like to make her say ××××× someday, but I'm not thinking about it right now. To be honest, rumors have been spreading for a while.''

After all, there were rumors of me being a scumbag on the second day of school, so it's too late.

"...You're not too angry, are you?"

"I have a high tolerance for anger."

After all, before entering this school, I was being abused and ridiculed every day. It's impossible for me to get angry on Sakayanagi's teasing.

"Hmm... Same goes for Sakayanagi, but you're also quite special."

"What's wrong with being special? In English, it's special. It sounds like I'm superior, right?"

"Then let me put it another way. You've changed quite a bit."

They eat ramen while having a casual conversation. Still, that's it...

"You and Ichinose are similar."

"Huh? What are you talking about? There's no way that Ichinose and I look alike."

Kamuro turns to me with a shocked look.

"I'm sorry. I said that wrong. I thought the way I treated you was similar to the way I treat Ichinose."

"What do you mean?"

"Ah. Somehow, I can interact with you and Ichinose normally."

In Sakayanagi's case, I am often teased, and in Hiyori's case, I am sometimes swayed by spontaneous remarks, and sometimes changes my attitude and behavior in response.

On the other hand, when talking to Ichinose or Kamuro, they can talk in their natural state. Since I can talk normally, I don't feel particularly tired, unlike when I talk to Sakayanagi or Hiyori.

Well, lately I've come to think that being tired isn't a bad thing.

"...That's what you mean. I thought you were saying that we were similar in behavior, personality, and appearance."

"No matter what, that's not true."

The only thing Kamuro and Ichinose are similar to is their physical style.

As I finished slurping my ramen while saying that, Kamuro finished eating at the same time.

Kamuro confirms this and tries to stand up with the bill, but...

"Your mouth is dirty."

"...I can wipe it myself, please don't treat me like a child?"

Kamuro's mouth was dirty, so when I wiped it, she glared at me.

"It's okay. Hiyori kept wiping my mouth, so I just had to do it."

"...." Kamuro-san.

I feel like her eyes are getting more intense, but I won't worry about it.

I ignored Kamuro's glare and headed back to the dormitory.

By the way, when I went back to my room and was browsing the school internet, I found a video of eating ramen with Kamuro (I don't know who took it), and I was given the new title of Damn Bastard and Pimp.

I'm dead...