Chapter 2

Even though it was a prestigious school, the entrance ceremony was a typical entrance ceremony where a great person talked about the school's philosophy, and I attended it with a yawn.

Afterwards, Chabashira-sensei talked about the school's facilities. Even though it's a prestigious school, the basics seem to be the same as other schools.

"Then, orientation ends here. You have classes starting tomorrow, so please be prepared for that."

Chabashira-sensei said that and left the classroom. This teacher seems to only communicate with her students to the bare minimum.

Well, I'm grateful. Some deity has been communicating through violence.

By the way, I recorded Hiratsuka-sensei's violent behavior around the end of my third year of junior high school, and posted it on the internet shortly before I entered this school, but I wonder what happened to it.

Well, that's good.

For now, let's go to the dormitory, check the daily necessities we need, and go buy them. No matter how much you save money, you don't want to live a survival life, so it's better to just buy the minimum daily necessities, right?

This voice...

I heard a familiar voice from the front of the classroom, so I turned to see Hiyori Shiina, a girl with silver hair and a warm demeanor.

"Oh, who are you? Are you here for my class? Maybe you're coming to see me?"

One of my classmates talks to her with ulterior motives, and the girls in the class look at him with disdain.

I can hear some people saying, "Ike is disgusting,'' but in a sense, it's amazing that people who say "Ike'' are treated with such disdain from the first day of school.

But why Shiina-san?

Somehow, I had a bad feeling,  "This is Hiyori Shiina from Class C. Is Hikigaya Hachiman there?''... My bad feeling came true.

Her words cause an uproar in the class. Probably because I wasn't there when he introduced himself, so he didn't recognize me.

"Hikigaya? I don't think there's anyone with that name in my class?"

"No. He said his class...oh, there he is"

I make eye contact with Shiina, which attracts the attention of my classmates.

I can't escape this.

"…Why are you here?"

I resist the urge to let out a sigh and head towards the front of the classroom.

At that time, the man named Ike who greeted Shiina had a look of disbelief on his face, and I couldn't believe it either.

"I'm going to go buy some daily necessities after this. Would you like to go with me?"

When I asked, Shiina asked me in her usual tone.

At the same time, a commotion broke out among the girls in my class, and I realized that my peaceful life was about to be disrupted.

Shiina looks very cute. The level of appearance of the girls at this school is quite high, and while Shiina isn't at the top, she's probably ranked relatively high.

From the first day of school, Shiina had been asking out a boy from another class - in other words, me. It's not hard to imagine that it would become a topic of discussion.

That means my peace of mind will be destroyed.

To be honest, I want to mourn, but I can't.

I realized that Shiina was quite natural when we were on the bus, and since she asked, if I complained, I would be frowned upon and the whole class would yell at me. It's a recipe for disaster.

So while I was trying to suppress my desire to mourn and think of a response that would allow me to get through this as peacefully as possible, a guy named Ike nearby spoke to Shiina.

"Huh? Hiyori-chan, are you going on a date with this guy with rotten eyes?"

He points at me while talking to Shiina in a familiar tone. Objectively speaking, this guy's words and actions are disrespectful, but I don't find it particularly irritating since I was treated with disdain all the time in middle school.

Shiina nods slightly in response.

"It's not a date, it's shopping. So, Hikigaya-kun, if you have time, would you like to go with me?"

The class becomes even more noisy at those words. These guys totally think it's a date...why do they stand out from the crowd from the first day of school?

But what should I do? I want to refuse bluntly, but it's too difficult to do so.

actually...

"I lie when I have an appointment with a classmate" → I don't have any friends so it gets caught quickly

"I don't know. Go alone.'' → He was judged as the worst man and was pointed at his back for the next three years.

Both were rejected. Then...

"Didn't you invite your classmates? It's your first day of school, so wouldn't it be better to go with your classmates?" This is probably the only option. It's a plausible opinion, and I'm sure my classmates won't glare at me any more.

"Class C was a bit...not a class that really suited me. That's why I wanted to go with Hikigaya-san, who has similar interests.'' However, Shiina's explosive comment made most of the boys in the class look at me sharply.

Ike, who was nearby, was glaring at me with such force that it almost brought tears of blood to his eyes.

The girl on the other hand looked at me and Shiina without hiding her curious expression.

Some girls say things like, "This girl has bad taste,'' but it's true, so I don't care.

However, if I refused after being told this, I would be booed. Is this what it is? Do I have the constitution to be loved by troublesome things?

Although...

"...Fine. I'll accompany you."

There is no longer an option to decline. When I was in junior high school, I received a lot of malice, so I can tell if a person has malice or not, but I can't see it at all from her.

If she showed any malicious intent, I think I would run away, prepared to be booed, but as long as she has no malicious intent, it would be more prudent not to run away.

As the girls' cries echoed around them, Shiina thanked me.

"Thank you. Let's go."

After saying that, she starts walking, and I follow.

As I close the door, I can hear Ike crying out, "How could he go on a date with such a cute girl with such rotten eyes? Please take me!''

But I had no choice but to accept because it would be a lot of trouble if I refused.

I mean, I don't think Shiina did this intentionally, but being natural is scary...

*******

"For now, I'll buy some soap and shampoo."

"According to the pamphlet, it seems like you have to pay for it yourself."

When we arrived at the convenience store, Shiina and I headed straight to our destination section to buy daily necessities.

I just want to buy daily necessities for now.

As for other things, I'm on hold, at least I don't plan on getting into games or manga. As for books, most of them are in the library, so I will decide on new books after consulting with the rest of the points.

When I arrived at my destination, I found a variety of soaps, shampoos, etc. It's no surprise that there are so many different types of schools in a convenience store, but this is a school that the country is putting a lot of effort into.

When I think about it, I see something strange. There is a wagon in one corner of the sales floor, and it says "Free, up to 3 items per month.''

Inside are everyday items such as slightly old soaps and toothbrushes, as well as foods that are just past their expiration dates.

"Free? Is this a relief measure for people who have used too many points?"

Shiina says so...

"You're not mistaken, but I don't think it's a simple story."

"What do you mean?"

"Look at the wagon. Almost half of it is empty and it's placed in different ways. That means there are a lot of people buying it."

If all the products are in one place, I think the unsold items are all in one place, but if they are all scattered around, there is a high possibility that someone is buying them.

The products placed there occupy nearly half of the wagon, which means that the other half have been purchased by students.

"Well, that's true. But is something wrong?"

"Today is the entrance ceremony and it's the beginning of April. In other words, the second and third year students must have just received points."

When I say that much, Shiina becomes surprised. Apparently she noticed.

"Yet a lot of free products are being bought...it's strange."

Yes. If you are 2 or 3 years senior, you should basically be saving points.

Well, there may be some people who are rough with money, but normally people will save up some money in anticipation of the future.

I don't think people who have a certain amount of savings would buy free products at the beginning of the month, even though it would be fine at the end of the month.

Considering the area of the wagon, 50 grades are sold. If all students bought three items, there would be 16 to 17 students.

It may not be helped to buy free products because they were so excited and wasted their money when they just turned their first year, but the seniors have spent more than a year at this school. I'm sure those who wasted their money have learned and have some leeway.

Despite this, free products are still selling well. Does that mean that two or three years of seniority is an unbelievable idiot, or...

"It seems like there are increases and decreases in points after all…"

I can't think of anything else. The amount of points given probably differs depending on each individual's performance and usual attitude.

It seems like every good story has something behind it.

"Increase or decrease in points? I thought it was a good idea to get 100,000 yen worth of points every month, but is that really the case?"

Apparently Shiina also had doubts about our treatment. I'm a bit skeptical, but in Shiina's case, is it because she's highly intelligent?

"Maybe... I-there's a lot of customers coming in, so let's just buy what we need for now."

We came to the convenience store right after orientation, and a group of people who appeared to be new students just like us, who seemed to have been standing around chatting for a long time, started trickling in. If I stand around and talk any longer, I'll probably get in trouble.

Shiina seems to agree as well, so she nods slightly and starts taking what she wants. I was surprised to receive a free item at that time.

Well, I also buy free products. For now, let's buy some old-fashioned shampoo and soap.

An hour after Shiina and I started shopping, I bought the bare minimum of daily necessities and sat in a corner of the food court drinking water. I decided it was a waste to buy drinks when there was a water cooler.

Shiina also talked about free products earlier, so she's drinking free water.

I bought a lot of things, but it was a very meaningful time. There were a few attractive items among the free items.

However, when Shiina asked me to exchange addresses while shopping, I became impatient.

There was no clear reason to refuse, and some of my classmates (who followed me in the store) were looking at me, so I had no choice but to exchange.

Quiet topic...

"So? Why did you think that the points would increase or decrease on the first day of school? I just thought that receiving 100,000 points every month was too delicious and suspicious."

While I was drinking water, Shiina started talking to me. I thought that when Shiina asked me a question at a convenience store, the other students would come in and get in the way, so I decided to talk to Shiina after they finished shopping, and that's how it is now.

"I don't mind telling you anything, but it's just my speculation, so don't take it seriously, okay?"

Shiina nodded slightly at my words, so I opened my mouth.

"Then let me tell you, the total number of students in our school is over 400, right? Even if there are 400 students, how much will the school have to pay if we pay them all 100,000 yen a month?"

"400 x 100,000... That's 40 million yen. In one year..."

"480 million. Even if we get help from the state, just under 500 million a year is too much."

In addition, it would not be strange for some students to be judged not to be worth handing over 100,000 yen a month, and considering that, it is even more so.

"Is that why you thought there would be an increase or decrease in points?"

"Yeah. If I were a director, I would give a lot of points to people with talent and high grades, and give a few points to people with poor grades and behavior."For example, "You have a bad attitude in class, so this month you will get 30,000 yen," or "You... I got a perfect score on every quiz, so this month it might be 150,000 yen."

"In addition, considering the free products I mentioned earlier, some people may not be able to get much points."

Considering that free products are selling well, it wouldn't be surprising if some students didn't receive any points at all.

"I see...but what we can do now, right?'' Shiina was right.

As a new student, there's not much I can do. At best, there are only two things you can do: "Take classes seriously'' and "Don't buy unnecessary things.''

That's the best option right now.

"Well, then I'll just do what I can... That's why I thought there would be an increase or decrease in points. If you think it's nonsense, just cut it off and throw it away in that dustbin. It's empty anyway."

That's what I told Shiina.

"Hehe. No, you have great insight. But please leave that poor dustbin alone."

I heard such a voice from behind, so when I turned around, a silver-haired female student was sitting with my back to her.

"Excuse me. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but you said something that seemed interesting."

She stands up from her seat, uses the cane in her hand, turns towards me, and bows. At the same time, an alarm inside me rings.

She has silver hair like Shiina, but with short hair. Judging by the cane in her hand, she probably doesn't have the strength or her legs are weak.

But that's not the problem. What can I say about the girl in front of me...I can't see the bottom.

However, it is difficult to explain in one word that she is smart or beautiful.

She's much smaller than me, but the vibe I get from her makes her look bigger. I wonder if I should sleep early today, maybe something is wrong with my brain.

"I'm late in introducing myself. My name is Arisu Sakayanagi, a member of Class A. I walk with a cane because I have a congenital disease. My hobbies include drinking coffee at a cafe."

It's a perfectly normal self-introduction.

However, since she introduced herself, we had to respond. "I'm Hiyori Shiina from Class C."

"This is Hayama Hayato from D class."

I tell lies. To be honest, I have a really bad feeling that this woman will be able to remember my name, so I'll have to use a third person's name.

I don't feel any regret. That guy deserves it.

Shiina, who knew my real name, gave me a shocked look, and at the same time Sakayanagi nodded.

"Are you Shiina-san and Hikigaya-kun?."

Grass? Was it a one-shot find out?

As I was wondering about this, Sakayanagi smiled slightly and waved her right hand.

When I thought something was going on, I realized that my name was written in furigana on the envelope containing pamphlets and other things in my right hand.

I can't believe they'll see through this moment...

"I'm about to excuse myself. Also, I have a request for you both. Would you like to exchange contact information?"

Sakayanagi says so. This time I should politely decline, "Yes, please. This is Hikigaya-kun's address." Shiina-san what are you doing...

"Thank you. Now, Hikigaya-kun. I have sent you my contact information."

My phone rings along with Sakayanagi's words, so I have no choice but to register. I'll try to delete it later.

I can feel my peace breaking.

It was partly my own fault, but if this was what was going to happen, I should have talked to Shiina on the phone after returning to the dormitory. Damn!

"Thank you for sharing your meaningful story with me. See you again."

While I was regretting it in my heart, Sakayanagi said that at the end, glanced at me, and left at a leisurely pace.

I used a fake name because I didn't want anything to do with her, but I definitely caught her attention.

"Hikigaya-kun. Why did you use a fake name?"

"...don't ask. A lot of things happened."

That was all I could reply. I can't hope for a peaceful life anymore, so I hope I can at least live a life where I'm not exposed to malicious intent...

__________________

"Hehe."

Arisu Sakayanagi had a smile on her lips after saying goodbye to Hachiman and Hiyori.

What comes to her mind is Hachiman's attitude toward her, his opinions on points, and the lies Hachiman has told.

She herself understood the outline of the points, but she didn't think anyone other than herself, even a D-class person, would be able to explain it so logically on the first day of school.

And above all, the lies he told. At that time, after Hachiman had lied to Arisu, she happened to notice that his name was written on the envelope he was holding, but if there was no envelope, she would definitely have recognized Hayama Hayato.

I think so.

Arisu has had her share of conflicts with all kinds of powerful people, including people in politics, and the heirs of famous families, and she has an eye for seeing through lies.

She was confident that she could tell whether a person was lying by their breathing, gaze, or blinking.

However, Hachiman did not behave in any unnatural manner and spoke in a natural manner, so it was hard to tell that it was a lie.

When I recognize it again, I get a strong interest. He was obviously an unmotivated man, but there were some parts of him that were interesting.

At the same time, a sense of rivalry arises. This time it was just a self-introduction, but if it was during a negotiation, it would mean that she had been deceived at least once.

And that means that depending on the situation, things could turn around, so for her, who hates losing, this is nothing but humiliation.

"I never thought I would be interested in other D-class students, but it looks like he wants to avoid me, so maybe I should invite him to lunch tomorrow?"

Arisu hadn't even talked to Hachiman for more than five minutes, but I could easily imagine him looking annoyed if I asked him out for lunch.

Arisu found this interesting and returned to the dormitory, giggling happily.

_________

After 2:00 in the afternoon, Shiina and I arrived at the dormitory. At the front desk on the first floor, I received a dormitory manual and room key from the manager, then boarded the elevator.

What's surprising is that it's a unisex place. I thought it was clearly divided into a boys' dormitory and a girls' dormitory.

As I was thinking about this, I arrived at my room on the 4th floor and the elevator door opened and I said bye to Shiina.

"See you"

"Thank you for hanging out with me today. It looks like the library will be empty tomorrow, so if you have a chance."

After saying those words, the elevator door closed, so I walked to my room, room 412, and unlocked it.

The inside is a one-room room with an area of about 8 tatami mats, which is large enough for a single person.

I just dive into the bed and check the manual that was handed to me.

According to them, electricity and gas bills are completely free. I was relieved that the school would cover the cost.

There are many other things that you can flip through, but there are no difficult rules and most of them are relatively common sense.

If I had to put it bluntly, one of the most distinctive features of the book was that it said not to fall in love that is not suitable for high school students.

Well, it's not good for a school to encourage sex.

Thinking so, I threw the manual on the table and stretched out on the bed. Then I turned my attention to the blue sky visible from the window.

Starting today, I will be living in this dormitory for three years.

There is little hope for a peaceful life due to the Shiina and Sakayanagi incident, but it is enough that contact with the outside world is impossible. I mean, that's my motivation.

As I was thinking about this, my cell phone started ringing, so I took it out of my pocket and checked it...

"I apologize for eavesdropping on your conversation today. As an apology, I would like to treat you to lunch tomorrow. Is that okay?''

I received an email from Sakayanagi, so I replied immediately.

"It's not okay at all, so eat with your classmates. I don't need an apology.''

If you reply with a refusal, you will receive a reply immediately.

"That's not how it works. I'll come to your classroom tomorrow to pick you up.''

Fuck that bastard! Try being invited by Shiina today, and by Sakayanagi tomorrow. The peace that I already have little hope for will completely collapse!

I immediately operated my cell phone and sent a second email.

"Don't overdo it, your body is weak. I'll accept your apology, so don't come to the classroom.''

If you reply, you will receive a reply immediately.

"I'm looking forward to it.''

Damn it...If I wanted to talk to Shiina about points, I should have called her after I got back to the dormitory...

On the first day of school, I couldn't tell you how many times I let out a sigh.