Chapter 16

I get ready to go home even though I'm in high spirits. People around me stare at me, but this happens all the time, so I don't care.

(I now have a chance to get bonus points in the midterm exam, so I need to earn as much as I can to offset the TV expenses I spent the other day...)

Just recently, I spent nearly 200,000 points buying a TV, video games, recorder, digital camera, voice recorder, and small camera. Even though I bought it because I needed it, it was a big consumption, so I wanted to earn as much as possible.

So, I'm going to study like hell for two weeks from today, aiming to be at the top of my grade in Japanese, social studies, and English. If you get top in 3 subjects, you will get 90,000 points, which is quite big, so your motivation will increase.

As I stood up thinking this, I heard the sound of clapping hands, and when I looked up, I saw Hirata, the class leader, clapping his hands.

"Everyone, as Chabashira-sensei said, we will start the test study period from today. I think everyone knows that those with red marks will be expelled immediately, but in order to avoid that, we are planning to invite participants and hold a study session."

That's admirable... He's the exact opposite of me, who thinks that if I avoid red points, I'll be successful.

"And I think studying will not only prevent you from dropping out of school, but it will also help you earn points."

There is nothing wrong with what Hirata says. According to the seniors in the chess club, if you raise your class average on the midterm and final exams, you can receive up to 100  class points.

"We prepared for the test with the top few students who had high scores on the quiz the other day. So if you have any concerns, please come and participate.''

While saying this, Hirata looks at Sudo, who has the worst grades and class attitude in the class. It seems that Hirata understands that Sudo is the most dangerous in the class.

"Tch..."

"We're planning to hold a two-hour session every day after school between today and the day before the test. If you want to participate, you're welcome, and if you think it's okay, you can drop out midway through. That's all from me.'' Hirata said.

As soon as the speech was over, students in the red-spot candidate group were the first to jump.

Other students who weren't red dots were also gathering inside.

However, it seems that the three idiots in the class, Ike, Yamauchi, and Sudo, will not participate. The two other people except Sudo seemed a little lost, but in the end they didn't go to Hirata.

I don't know if they were afraid that Sudo would be in a bad mood or if they hated Hirata, but there's a high probability that those three will be expelled.

Well, it doesn't matter.

I have no intention of participating in the study group. Earlier, Hirata said that he had prepared a countermeasure with several people who ranked high in the quiz.

This means that those with high rankings will be on the teaching side.

So, my ranking in the quiz was 4th, so most of the time I was on the teaching side. From my point of view, it's okay to be the one being taught, but I have no intention of teaching it to strangers, so I had no intention of participating in the study group.

30 minutes later…

"If I use this formula... it's like this. Even so, I never thought I'd feel lonely..."

I muttered that while reviewing the math I learned in class in the library.

Currently, most of the seats in the library are occupied, probably because it's a test study period, and I'm studying alone.

Sakayanagi and Hiyori are not there.

Sakayanagi is in charge of the class study session.

Well, unlike my class, the goal is not to avoid red points, but to raise the average score of the class and earn class points. At this point, it is clear that the difference between D class and A class is absolute.

Hiyori goes to the tea ceremony club to hear about their activities after the midterm exam. She's only going to listen, so she'll probably come soon.

As I was studying while thinking about this, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Looks like she's here.

"Oh Hiyori. That was quick."

When I turned around while saying this...

"Nyahaha, sorry, not I'm not Shiina-san."

The person there was not Hiyori, but Ichinose.

"I'm sorry, I made a mistake. So do you need something from me?"

"Rather than Hikigaya-kun, I guess you have something to do in your seat. The other seats are already occupied and the only seats around you are empty, so is it okay if I sit down?"

When I looked around, the seats were filled, probably because it was the test study period. And I've already secured Hiyori's seat, so there's no problem.

"Do whatever you want"

"Thank you"

Ichinose thanked me, sat down next to me, took out her study tools, and began studying. Looks like Ichinose came to study for the test as well.

After studying in silence for a while, Ichinose starts talking to me.

"Now that I think about it, aren't you two always together?"

"Sakayanagi is out in class, and Hiyori is coming in late."

"I thought the three of you were always together."

"Rather than spending time with me, I feel like I'm being manipulated around me… I think you're wrong about that."

Ichinose was studying classical music, but I suddenly noticed a mistake.

"Eh? Is there something different?"

"It's about how to use the conjugated form. You're writing it like this, but actually..."

While saying this, I wrote down the correct answer on my notepad and handed it to Ichinose.

"That's what it feels like. I think it was in the textbook column."

After saying that, Ichinose flips through the textbook and then nods slightly.

"Ah, that's true. Thank you for telling me."

"you're welcome"

I was thanked, so I responded that way. Even so, it's been a while since we had such a normal exchange.

In junior high school, there were a lot of malicious interactions, with Sakayanagi being ridiculed and making fun of me, and with Hiyori being made fun of, and with Ichinose being normal, it felt refreshing.

As I was thinking about this, Ichinose was looking at me, or rather at the notebook in my hand.

"Hmm, I think you can solve this proof problem faster by using the Pythagorean theorem, right?"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, yeah. Um, look."

While saying this, Ichinose shows me how to solve the proof problem I was working on.

My proof is the same as in the textbook, but Ichinose's was solved even though I omitted one step.

"I see...if you think about it that way, you can solve this type of problem a little faster. It's helpful that you went out of your way to tell me."

"If you're having trouble with math, how about I teach you other parts as well?"

Ichinose makes such a suggestion. This time I focused on liberal arts subjects and English, and did not aim for the top of my grade in science subjects.

However, Ichinose's teaching style is easy to understand, and perhaps I should aim to be at the top of my grade in mathematics.

I studied science subjects to death before taking the entrance exam and gained a certain level of ability, and the scope of the mid-term exam is not that wide as it includes a review portion of junior high school, so if I had a competent instructor, I would have a chance.

"Then please."

"Good. Instead, teach me Japanese."

"...The negotiation has been concluded."

I'm not bad at teaching Japanese, and the scope of this midterm exam is easy.

"Yeah. Then I'll tell you first. What's hard to understand?"

"Ah. This is the problem..."

"This..."

When I asked a question, Ichinose explained it carefully and in an easy-to-understand manner. In April, there were a lot of parts that I couldn't understand because my classmates were too annoying, so Ichinose's teachings were a big help.

While I was deeply grateful to Ichinose, I spent 30 minutes learning from her...

"Oh, is Ichinose-san here today?"

Hiyori comes over with a strange look on her face.

"Oh Hiyori. Well, most of the seats were occupied so it was a coincidence."

"Yeah. Nice to meet you, Shiina-san."

"Nice to meet you, too." Hiyori bowed her head and sat down. At the same time, she looks at the notes I'm taking and nods.

"It's an easy-to-understand solution. However, it's better not to just write the formula. It's better to write it properly than the theorem."

"Yeah, I once got deducted points for not writing when I was in junior high school."

Ichinose agrees with Hiyori's murmur. Her grades are better than Hiyori. Their words are persuasive.

As I thought about that, Hiyori moved her chair and took a position next to me. As a result, I was inevitably placed between Ichinose and Hiyori.

"...What happened all of a sudden?"

"No. It's difficult to teach if we're facing each other, so we just sit next to each other."

Ah, it looks like Hiyori is going to tell me more. Then you'll gain more confidence. Let's take this opportunity to learn.

"...Hey, look at that."

"Hikigaya again?"

"Why is he being sandwiched between Shiina and Ichinose...?"

"My mood immediately got worse. I don't want to study now. "

"If, you see this scene from the first day of your test study period it's natural to lose interest, my friend."

"If it was, the members of the "Shiina-san Watching Squad'' and "Ichinose-san's Cheers Squad'' this scumbag will definitely be in trouble.''

"If that happens, it will be the end for this bastard."

...Let's not worry about what outsiders say.

__________

2 hours later...

"It's 15 minutes before closing time. If you are using the library, please prepare to leave.''

"Hmm, looks like it's time."

Ichinose has grown significantly. At that time, Ichinose's bulge shook so much that I hurriedly looked away.

"I'm sorry you asked me to study with you."

I was concentrating on my studies, but when the announcement came, my butt felt a little numb.

"We're mutual. I also asked Hikigaya-kun and Shiina-san to study with me."

"I also learned something about myself."

It was great to see that Hiyori seemed more satisfied.

"It's a good deal, so why don't we go out for dinner after this?"

Ichinose says this while cleaning up. She taught me how to study and I have no intention of rejecting the invitation, so should I accept it?

"I don't really care, but…"

"I'm fine."

"It's decided. Then let's go."

They ignored me again and when I tried to stand up.

"Wow!"

My body stumbles as my butt becomes numb...

"Kyaa!"

As it is, Ichinose gets involved and falls down again.

"It hurts...huh?" As I was writhing in pain, I felt a soft touch in my hand. What is this? As I wondered, I realized what the soft touch was.

"Yay... Anh!'' My right hand grabbed Ichinose's overwhelmingly voluptuous breast.

Oh, this is seriously dangerous

I'm currently in the biggest crisis of my life. I've been in a pinch many times before, but this time it was on a whole other level.

"Hmm...h-Hikigaya-kun..."

Currently, I'm grabbing Ichinose's chest.

We were studying in the library, but it was closing time, so when I tried to stand up, my butt went numb and I fell down, engulfing Ichinose.

In doing so, I ended up massaging Ichinose's breasts.

My right hand feels so soft that it feels out of this world. In front of me, Ichinose was panting and turned bright red.

"Hachiman-kun, how long have you been massaging her?"

Then Hiyori smiles and says such things, but the pressure is amazing.

The usual relaxed atmosphere has disappeared.

At the same time, I panicked and tried to move away from Ichinose, but...

"Oh my. Things are getting really interesting."

I froze when I heard a voice suddenly. Hey, this voice is her.

When I looked back in fear...

"Ah, Sakayanagi-san. Nice to see you again"

"Hehe Me too, Shiina-san."

Sure enough, Sakayanagi was there, with the biggest smile I'd ever seen. I was seen by the person I least wanted to be seen...

Other students won't be able to see it. It was almost closing time, and the place we were studying was in the corner.

However, from my point of view, it doesn't make much of a difference once Sakayanagi sees me.

Well, for now, I'll start by apologizing to Ichinose.

I hurriedly moved away from Ichinose and lowered my head.

"It's okay. Believe it or not, I didn't do it on purpose."

All I can do now is apologize sincerely. Dealing with Sakayanagi will be postponed. In the worst case scenario, I'm also considering paying 1 million points as a fine.

"Uh, no. I know that... so be careful next time, okay?"

"I understand. I'll definitely make sure it doesn't happen again."

If you do it twice, you will definitely be branded a pervert. But that girl Ichinose, even though it was an accident, she had such a big heart for easily forgiving me for fondling her breasts.

In any case, if she doesn't care, the biggest threat is...

"Still, I can't believe how interesting things have turned out even though I wasn't paying close attention to them. It would have been better to start the study session tomorrow."

It's Sakayanagi, who looks like she's having a really fun time laughing.

Sakayanagi is now smiling with pure joy instead of her usual smile. If possible, I would like to see that smile in a different situation.

"Sakayanagi. If possible, I'd like you to remain silent."'

"But It's more interesting for me to personally tease Hikigaya-kun and defeat him than to tell someone else and Hikigaya-kun gets glared at."

This woman... she's really bad.

"Sakayanagi-san!"

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I love teasing Hikigaya-kun."

"There's a limit to your bad taste,  Erotic Yanagi with a weak ear."

I once blew into Sakayanagi's ear at a movie theater, and at that time Sakayanagi was frankly erotic.

"What!... I think Hikigaya-kun, who hugged me all night, is more obscene."

"When you say that to me, I don't have anything to say in response…"

"To me, both are the same, right?"

"I beg you, Shiina-san, please be quiet for now.''

If Hiyori intervenes here, no one will be able to stop her.

As I was thinking about this, Ichinose spoke to me with a wry smile on her face.

"Ahaha... for now Sakayanagi-san. I have forgiven Hikigaya-kun, so I hope you stop teasing Hikigaya-kun in moderation."

"In moderation? I thought you'd clearly tell me not to tease him."

"Hmm, since I am one of the parties involved, I would like you not to make fun of him, but Sakayanagi-san you will definitely make fun of him, right?"

"Of course!" She's too enthusiastic.

Please Don't answer right away, Ero Yanagi.

"That's why I asked you to do it in moderation."

"I see...I understand. I'll tease Hikigaya-kun in moderation."

Please don't make fun of me at all...

"...That's enough. I'll go outside for now. It's almost closing time."

If I stayed any longer, the librarian would probably get mad at me.

When I say that, the other three nod, and the four of us head out to the library.

"Well, I came to pick up Hikigaya-kun and Shiina-san, but I didn't expect Ichinose-san to be there. What do you think, Ichinose-san? Do you want to go eat now?"

"Well, I originally invited the two of them"

"It's decided then. Now, Hikigaya-kun, what do you want to eat?"

"Why do you ask me?"

"No. I make the decision every time we eat after school, so Hikigaya-kun can make the decision every now and then. Would you like Shiina-san and Ichinose-san to do the same?"

"I'm fine."

"I'm good too."

The two of them say so. Honestly, what I want to eat is ramen, but what I want to eat is rich seafood ramen.

As expected, it would be too harsh for girls, so I rejected it.

If that happens...

___________

"General, I would like some tuna and salmon roe, please."

"Hey! Every time!"

When I take the order, the general nods and starts making things.

I chose a sushi restaurant, a sushi restaurant that doesn't go around. There are other students around, but I don't recognize most of them, so they must be two or three years my senior.

I haven't eaten sushi since I entered school, so it was a good opportunity.

"Mmm, it's delicious. But are you okay, Hikigaya-kun?"

Ichinose looks at me with a worried expression on her face, but what does that mean?

"What happened all of a sudden?"

"Look, Hikigaya-kun's class has 0 class points..."

"Don't worry, you can earn private points."

"Ah, that's right. That would be great."

Ichinose nods as if she understands and ends the conversation. At the same time, I feel strange.

Until now, most people have reacted with surprise when they hear that I am earning points.

Even Ryuuen was a little surprised.

However, it was clear that Ichinose was only convinced and did not feel surprised.

In other words, from that it can be inferred that she is also earning points, or there is a high possibility that she knows how to earn them.

If you look, Sakayanagi is also looking at Ichinose with her eyes slightly narrowed.

It looks like it's going to be a groping battle in the name of food.

"I'm sure Hikigaya-kun will be fine. By the way, is Ichinose-san okay? There are many female students who spent their points in style."

"I'm fine. I only buy the bare minimum of clothes. If I want to dress up, I'll probably wait until the second semester when I've accumulated a certain amount of points."

Ichinose answered Sakayanagi's nonchalant question...but her eyebrows moved for just a moment.

Was this because she thought Ichinose seemed to have too much leeway in points? Or did she decide that it seemed like she didn't have enough points?

(...No. It's impossible to see through it perfectly... Well, okay.)

I don't care if Ichinose makes millions. It's true that private points are important and can sometimes be useful for earning class points, but Ichinose is a B class.

Even if the D-class seriously tries to aim higher, there is a C-class in front of it, so it will be a while before it will collide with the B-class.

Well, the current D class won't even be able to beat the C class, and if you want to move up, you'll have a better chance of paying 20 million private points.

However, it is extremely difficult to save 20 million yen because you have to save it.

"Good then. Is Shiina-san okay?"

"Yes. I haven't wasted that much since I was given points."

"There were many people in my class who spent a lot of points, and when I learned about the existence of class points, I became motivated to reach  class A so that I wouldn't lose points in the future.''

Ichinose says so, but in the case of B class, even if the class points decrease, you can still receive 60,000 private points a month, so it's much better than my class with 0 points.

Moreover, even though they have 0 points and are immediately expelled from the school if they get a red point, some of the students are not studying seriously... This is why the school and other classes treat D class as defective.

Of course. I don't really care because I was ridiculed a lot in middle school, but I think it's hell for other people.

"Hehe, if you want to come, you're welcome."

Sakayanagi has a fearless smile on her face, but if Ichinose and the rest of the B class were to approach, I'm sure she'd crush them mercilessly.

"Yeah. Please take care of me then. Hikigaya-kun and Shiina-san, I won't lose even if our classes clash."

Ichinose looks away from Sakayanagi and looks at me and Hiyori. There's no condescending side to her, so if you ever come face to face with her, you won't let your guard down.

"Yes. Thank you."

"I don't think we can win even if our class competes."

"Well, you can't give up before you even try, okay?"

No, even without looking at B class, I don't think D class will win. After all, our 1-D seems to be the most defective product of all time.

"Well, if I ever have to face you, I'll do it seriously, so don't worry."

If I don't, the people in my class will probably point fingers at me.

As I replied, I ate the sushi I had on hand, and it was still delicious. I definitely want to go eat there again when I get bonus points on my midterm exam.

30 minutes later…

"Then I'm on this floor"

After we finished eating, we arrived at the dormitory without making any detours and took the elevator to where we are now. Then, I arrived at the floor where my room was located first, so I said goodbye.

"Thank you for everything today."

"Are you thanking him for rubbing your breasts, Ichinose-san?"

"'Sakayanagi (san)!'"

"Hehe Just kidding"

This bastard... She just burst into me with a smile on her face. Ichinose was blushing bright red, but I was probably in a similar state.

"Thank you for watching me study and going out to dinner. See you then, Hikigaya-kun."

"I'll go to Hachiman-kun's room the next morning. Good night."

"Today was fun too."

After exchanging such greetings, the elevator doors that the three of us boarded closed, so I went to my room and collapsed onto my bed.

Arisu Sakayanagi dropped a bomb at the very end. If you say something like that...

As I was thinking about it, I felt something hot on my nose, so when I wiped it, my hands were smeared with blood.

I couldn't help but remember how soft she was back then.

I stood up in a hurry and headed to the bathroom to start washing my face.

I decided to blow into Sakayanagi's ear next time.