Chapter 10

Horikita stopped me, and I had a bad feeling, so I decided to take the plunge and quickened my pace.

If you look, Ayanokoji is also walking faster, he seems to be thinking the same thing.

"Hikigaya-kun, if you tell me how you got your points, I promise not to put any charges against you for sexually harassing me?!"

Then Horikita walks alongside us. It seems like she has no intention of letting me escape.

Even though I am happy about not being complained about in the police station, it's still my secret after all.

Maybe I should tell her?

But I'm not going to teach her anything. If Horikita joins the chess club, my share will decrease.

"I don't have any intention of teaching you. If I teach you how to earn money and you imitate me, my share will decrease."

Well, there are probably very few D-class people who can imitate it. They're wasting so much money that they don't get any points.

However, there are ears in the wall, and there is a possibility that other classes might find out about the bet, so the truth is that I don't want them to know as much as possible.

".....That's quite a self-centered way of thinking."

"It's a way I found to make money. It's up to me what to do with that information. Besides, I said I was selfish, but the majority of the class is even more selfish than me, right?"

Especially this girl!

I was really worried for a moment that she'll take all my money!

Besides my classmates were making a lot of noise during class without thinking about the inconvenience to others.

If I tell them about my secret, they'll go crazy and start causing trouble to other classes because of the loud  noise.

As an honour student, I shouldn't cause trouble to other classes.

I sincerely thought so and decided not to tell my classmates.

"And I'm really sorry for those comments earlier so I'll give you some advice, okay?  If you're thinking of moving up to A-class, it's definitely not possible, so just give up."

I gave her good advice.

"I swear, if it's not for those cameras, I would definitely want to punch you right now!"

"Please spare me, Horikita-san"

"I wonder if you gave up after seeing the point difference at the moment?"

"No, that's not true. Well, that's one of the reasons, but when you compare A class and D class, there's a huge difference in the quality of the students, their motivation, the ability of the students, etc."

Considering the system of this school, it is obvious that there is a possibility that the classes will clash someday.

When it comes to group battles, there are many things that are important, such as the number and quality of soldiers, their cohesiveness, high morale, and the strength of the general.

Soldier: The number of classmates is the same, but the quality of the classmates is completely different.

The students in class D are all idiots who are now high school students and use their cell phones and masturbating during class.

In terms of unity, even if Hirata and Kushida try to bring it together, Sudo, Ike, Yamauchi and others are disrupting the peace.

Well, this can also be said for A-class, which is divided into two groups: the Sakayanagi faction and the Katsuragi faction.

Regarding the level of morale, or motivation, I think this is also better over there. Class A students are the only ones who can receive support from the school when going on to higher education or finding employment, so they are highly motivated because they will protect their position to the death.

The Sakayanagi faction and the Katsuragi faction probably have the same idea about this, but the current D-class is in despair over their current situation and has no motivation.

Finally, let's talk about the quality of the generals. There are two generals in Class A, and I don't know Katsuragi, so Sakayanagi is incredibly talented. If I were to pick generals in class D, it would be Hirata and Kushida, who are popular in the class, but when compared to Sakayanagi, it is true that these two are just clowns.

From the above, it would be almost impossible for D class to defeat A class. I think this is a fairly correct consideration.

"…So you have no intention of cooperating with the class?"

Horikita looks at me with a displeased look, but I nods without feeling pressured.

"Of course, if there is an event that requires the strength of the entire class, I will cooperate... but I don't know about other events, such as how some people avoid red points."

In the first place, I don't have much interaction with my classmates, so I'll be able to see what they can do, and there's a good chance they'll find it unpleasant to learn from me.

"...If the story is over, Please let me go. Judging by the way you look in the instruction room, I know that you have extraordinary feelings for Class A, but from my point of view it doesn't matter, so it's unnecessary. Don't involve me any further."

"Aren't you dissatisfied with being treated as a defective product? Don't you want to move up to A class?"

"I don't think so. I chose this school because I wanted to be away from my parents. If you want someone's help, you can rely on your boyfriend there."

"....." Ayanokoji.

"Huh? Wait a minute..."

Ayanokoji tries to stop me, but I ignore him and quickly walk away.

After a while, I glanced behind me and saw that Ayanokoji had been captured by Horikita.

I'm sorry Ayanokoji, please do your best in my place.

While doing this, I try to contact Shiina and the others, but when I see an email coming in, I see an email from Shiina saying that she was killing time at the library.

Seeing this, I changed my shoes in the shoe closet and headed to the library. Once inside, Shiina was sitting at the seat closest to the entrance, reading a book, and Sakayanagi was using her cell phone.

"Sorry, both of you, I'm late."

When I say that, the two notice me and stand up.

"It's not that long. By the way, why were you summoned?"

Shiina says so. Sakayanagi, on the other hand, uses her cane to get up from her chair, but she has a strangely happy smile on her face, which is eerie.

"We'll talk at the cafe for now. So, why is Sakayanagi smiling?"

"No, I just realized that Hikigaya-kun isn't satisfied with just me and Shiina-san, and he's also making a move on Ichinose-san."

While saying this, Sakayanagi showed me her cell phone, and when I looked at it, a picture of me being hugged by Ichinose was displayed on the screen.

At the same time, a cold sweat begins to flow. I expected it to be found out someday, but I never expected it to be found out so quickly and with a photo.

Shiina looks at her phone and nods with interest, but Sakayanagi is already laughing and seems to be having fun.

"Wait. This was an accident caused by a collision with Ichinose in the hallway!" I tried to protest.

"I don't think Hikigaya-kun, who doesn't like to stand out, would do something like this."

Shiina-san, you're really an angel.

"I don't know, Shiina-san but I think Hikigaya-kun is a very suspicious person."

Don't talk to me with the intention of making fun of me. In fact, since I'm used to this kind of interaction, I must have been able to train my mental health considerably.

"Well, let's move on and go to the cafe."

Sakayanagi apologized without any apology and started walking away, so I let out a sigh while Shiina followed her with her usual expression on her face.

"...That's why Chabashira-sensei used me and a guy named Ayanokoji to set Horikita on fire."

I arrive at the cafe and explain why I was called.

"I see. Considering your personality, Hikigaya-kun, it must have been difficult."

"Yeah, I really thought I would be arrested today. By the way, Sakayanagi, do you know Ayanokoji?"

When I asked a question that interested me, Sakayanagi smiled. However, if that smile was different from the usual teasing smile, it was a mask-like smile,

"...Why did you ask me that all of a sudden?"

"It may be unconscious, but when I told you about me and Ayanokoji, your eyebrows twitched for a moment."

"As always, you have an outstanding ability to see through people's gestures. Well, to put it simply, I know Ayanokoji-kun. However, I only know one-sidedly, they won't know me."

Saying this, Sakayanagi narrows her eyes nostalgically.

I thought he was definitely an ex-boyfriend, but if Ayanokoji doesn't know Sakayanagi, that's probably not the case.

"Is that so? If you want to meet, I'll introduce you but please be on guard, he's a very suspicious person!"

"No. I'll go myself, so it's okay. Besides, it's still early to meet him."

Sakayanagi makes meaningful statements. I don't know how to react, but if that's what she's saying, then I shouldn't do anything.

"I see. I couldn't get enough of the unnecessary attention."

"Don't worry about it. Besides, Hikigaya-kun, are you going to challenge A-class?"

"I'm not going to challenge you. To be honest, I don't feel like I can win, and if I'm going to aim for A class, I'm going solo"

At this school, you can buy anything as long as you have points. The same goes for the class you are enrolled in; if you have 20 million points, you can move up to class A.

Of course it's a very difficult path, but it's more possible than going with the entire D class which is full of scumbags.

"I see. If Hikigaya-kun were to move up to A-class, it would be even more fun."

"Your definition of fun is definitely different."

I think this girl Sakayanagi will definitely bully me more with a smile on her face.

"However, if Hikigaya-kun moves up to class A, Sakayanagi-san will definitely make fun of him even more than before, right?"

Look, even Shiina-san thought so.

"You know it very well, Shiina-san. I love teasing Hikigaya-kun."

"Don't say things like that with a big smile on your face…tsk."

Even though I say that, I don't feel that much anger. It's probably because I enjoys casual interactions like this.

Sakayanagi is teasing me, Shiina has been making me upset by accidental outbursts, and I sigh at their actions.

That's the kind of relationship we have.

However, from my point of view, it's much more comfortable than the abusive relationship I had in the service club.

If it comes true, I'd like to continue living peaceful days without any trouble.

____________

Sunday a few days later...

I still miss my 5000 pps, taken away by Horikita-san for her mental damages.

"Well...I'm hungry so I'd like to go get some food."

When I was studying in my room, my stomach started growling, so I left the room to eat.

I've earned a lot of money, so I want to eat some okonomiyaki. To be honest, in April I often ate wild vegetable set meals to save money.

I was heading to the shopping mall, determined to be careful not to let my classmates find out. The cell phone rang in my pocket, so when I took it out it was a text from Shiina.

"I apologize for contacting you so suddenly. Please come to the fountain in the center of the shopping mall now.''

It was such an email, but there were some things that didn't make sense.

I have been called by Shiina several times, but she always asks, "Will you come?" she sends me an email in a questioning form.

However, even though she has an apology this time, it is in the imperative form.

I checked to see if it was an email from Sakayanagi, but it was Shiina. Maybe she made a typo? Well, I'm heading to the shopping mall anyway, so I don't mind.

Having made that decision, I replied that I understood and quickly headed to the shopping mall.

After walking for a while, you will arrive at a shopping mall. It's a holiday and there are many students enjoying shopping.

There's someone I vaguely recognize.

I don't see much about my classmates. Probably because there are no points.

While thinking this, I headed towards the fountain where we would meet and found Shiina standing there.

However, as soon as I glanced at Shiina, I turned my attention to the man next to her.

The man is about the same height as me and has black-reddish hair or it purple, but he has a rather unusual long hair style.

However, what attracts attention is its ferocious eyes. In contrast to my rotten eyes, it harbors ambition. If you didn't have confidence in yourself, you wouldn't be able to have such a belligerent look.

As I was observing the man, he opened his mouth.

"You're Hikigaya Hachiman who

gets along well with Hiyori, Sakayanagi from class A, and Ichinose from class B. You have rotten eyes just like the rumors say."

"Thank you for the compliment. You also look smart."

When I answered that, the man let out a small laugh.

"I didn't think you'd respond that way."

"I don't know how you thought I would respond, but let's go ahead and do something. You were probably the one who asked Shiina to call me, right?"

"I'm sorry for forcing you to call me."

While saying this, I looked at Shiina and she apologized, looking apologetic, but I wasn't particularly angry.

"Don't worry, I was heading to the shopping mall to get some food. So, let's talk about our business quickly. I'm hungry."

"Huh...don't you want to ask who I am?"

"You're probably a C-class general. That's enough to know. You're not interested in me as a member of the same sex, are you?"

There's no one else in C class who would call me. In addition, this guy in front of me is looking at me as if observing me, but I don't think he's interested in me as a lover.

"Damn, you're interesting. I'll buy you some food for now."

"I'll order okonomiyaki."

There's no need to hold back if you want to treat yourself to something.

"Hahaha. You're so brazen towards someone you're meeting for the first time."

"I'm not going to lose to you, who called me rotten from the beginning."

"However, I'll still give my name." While saying this, the man looked at me and became ferocious.

A smile appears on his face.

"Ryuen Kakeru, the king of C class to which Hiyori belongs."

Ryuen, a C-class general, took me and Shiina to the okonomiyaki restaurant I had requested.

The inside was set up like a Japanese-style room, and I was sitting cross-legged on the tatami while grilling monja, while Shiina sitting next to me was grilling squid balls, and Ryuen was sitting across from me grilling pork balls.

And since it's grilled, the flavor spreads in your mouth when you eat it.

"...It's delicious."

When I say that, Ryuen laughs.

"This restaurant's facilities and food are not bad, but the prices are high. Since you don't get points, you won't be able to enter unless it's someone else's luxury."

Ryuen laughs as he says that, but there is no hint of mockery in his eyes.

I mean, he doesn't have any malicious intentions, he just seems to be ridiculing me naturally. I know what I'm saying, but this guy seems to have some problems as well.

"I guess so. Well, this time I'll thank you for the treat."

As they eat while talking, Shiina talks to Ryuen.

"Can I get a treat too?"

"There's no way I'm going to make you, a girl, pay. Eat without hesitation,'' Ryuen says, but I guess he's just splurging on a whim.

I don't think this guy is the type to tell if he's a boy or a girl. However, he seems to be in the mood now, so I feel free to treat myself.

"Amu, hmm... So? Why did you call me?"

Well, I have a pretty good idea.

"We met by chance at a shopping mall, and at that time I was told to call Hikigaya-kun, so I called him."

"I don't think it's just a coincidence though."

I couldn't help but complain.

The fact that Ryuen ordered her to summon me when he happened to meet Shiina means that he had business with me for some time.

In that case, it would be a good idea to call me on weekdays when school is in session instead of on Sundays.

When I say that, Ryuen sighs.

"When you're at school, you're always hanging out with Sakayanagi. I don't want to have any contact with her at this point."

Well, I won't deny it.

Basically, Shiina and Sakayanagi eat together during lunch break, and after school, the three of us spend time together three days a week.

And for now, we'll just have to wait and see.

Well, if you suddenly challenge A-class, you'll likely lose, and if C-class is aiming for B-class, which is one rank higher, or D-class, which has a slight chance of approaching from below...Yeah, it's probably B-class.

From Ryuen's point of view, they probably don't have a D-class in mind.

"That's too bad. Now, tell me your requirements."

"Ah. Well, I'll just say it straight to the point...you won't have anything to do with Hiyori from now on."

Ryuen didn't change his expression and said it as if it were natural.

"..."

Upon hearing those words, Shiina, who was sitting next to him, had an expression of anguish and clenched her fists.

At the same time, Ryuen looks at me and Shiina with interest.

"I've never seen such an expression on Hiyori's face. You're loved, Hikigaya."

Seeing Ryuen smiling like that, I let out a sigh and opened my mouth.

"Regardless of whether Shiina loves me or not, the reason you're asking me not to get involved is because I'm not a C-class."

"Yeah. I'll take Class C to Class A, but I'll crush anyone who gets in the way, even if they're my classmates."

"I see. I expected that, but you're the dictator type."

There are many different types of kings, but in Ryuen's case, he is a dictator type who kicks out anyone who gets in his way. Such a king has the lowest approval rating if you just look at his personality, but he tries to raise his approval rating by improving his achievements.

Ryuen will probably continue to improve his achievements and gain the trust of his class. On the other hand, if he couldn't improve his performance, I would be very disappointed, but judging by the expression on Ryuen's face, failure probably doesn't exist in his dictionary.

If you just look at his confidence, he's probably comparable to Sakayanagi.

"As for Hiyori, she has no interest in wars between classes. I don't care if that's all there is to it, but I don't approve of contact with other classes."

"What's more, is it because the person I'm in contact with is Sakayanagi, and I know Sakayanagi and Ichinose?"

When I say that, Ryuen nods. At the same time, Shiina seems unconvinced and opens her mouth.

"Wait. I have no intention of selling class information, and Hikigaya-kun has no interest in conflicts between classes. Sakayanagi-san also treats us like friends not as one of the A-class members. And I haven't even talked to Ichinose-san yet."

"I guess. I know Hiyori isn't interested in war, and I'm sure Hikigaya isn't interested in war either."

"Are you going to say it even though it's our first time meeting?"

"I can tell just by looking at you. You have little interest in other people. To be honest, even if a classmate were to be expelled from school, you would dismiss it with just one word."

"Well."

To be honest, even if one of my classmates was expelled from school, as Ryuen said, I wouldn't be particularly sad.

"Also, even though you have no interest in war, I don't think Sakayanagi would reveal important information to you guys from other classes."

That also fits. I talks to Sakayanagi almost every day, but she doesn't ask him about class policies or anything like that. I hear about some interesting things her classmates do, but it's just casual chat.

"If that's the case..."

Shiina bites back, but Ryuen doesn't stop.

"However, from my point of view, the fact that my subordinate soldiers are interacting with other classes is itself a problem. It doesn't matter what they say."

This isn't wrong either. If the soldiers under your command are in contact with other classes, there will be suspicion within the class no matter what the content of the conversation is.

As I was thinking about it, Ryuen looked at me with a fierce smile on his face.

"Well, if you're selling information about D-class, that's a different story."

Got it. If you cooperate with the C-class as a spy, even the lower class C-class will be satisfied.

but...

"That's impossible. If I'm find out, I'll be in a lot of trouble."

If I was found out, I would definitely be ostracised. If that happens, school life will be filled with malice, a resemblance to middle school.

"Kuku, you have a pretty good personality as well. From my point of view, you don't care about your classmates being expelled but still don't want to sell them out".

"Leave me alone. I have no intention of becoming a spy for now."

"Then don't get involved with Hiyori after tomorrow. I'll forgive you today, but if you get involved after tomorrow, I'll crush you without mercy."

Ryuen says this without any particular murderous intent, but if I get involved with Shiina from tomorrow onwards, he will seriously come to destroy me.

If that happens, I'll be easily crushed.

My physical ability is average, and Ryuen is used to fighting.

Thinking so, Ryuen stands up. When I looked at the iron plate, all of Ryūen's share was gone.

"I've finished eating, so I'll go now. I'll pay the money."

While saying this, Ryuen leaves his seat. So it's just me and Shiina.

「「...…」」

However, they didn't know what to say, so they ate the remaining okonomiyaki on the iron plate in silence.

20 minutes later...

「「...…」」

Even after eating, we remained silent. To be honest, I didn't know what to say before I left the store, went back to my dorm, and got on the elevator.

As I did so, the elevator arrived at the floor where my room was located. Therefore, I mean to get off here. It would be rude to leave without saying goodbye.

but...

"...Hikigaya-kun"

Before that, Shiina opens her mouth for the first time. I'm a little surprised by that, but I can't ignore it.

"W-what?"

"Can I go to Hikigaya-kun's room?"

I nodded my head slightly, as she looked very upset.

"Thank you"

After receiving a bow from Shiina, we both get off the elevator, go to my room, and unlock the door.

"I'll boil some tea, so please sit down."

While saying this, I stand in the kitchen and boil some water. As for tea sweets, rice crackers and cookies would be fine.

"Thank you. Hikigaya-kun's room is tidy."

That's because there aren't many things. All I bought was a chess board and a book about chess. To be honest, you can live just with the furniture that was originally placed.

Well, if I make another bet against the chess team and make a profit, I'm going to buy a TV.

"Well, that's it..."

When I was speechless, not knowing what to say, Shiina spoke to me, looking lonely.

"It looks like today is the last time I'll see Hikigaya-kun, so would you mind spending as much time as possible with me?"

Those words make me realize once again that I won't be able to spend time with Shiina in the future.

At the same time, a pain arises in my chest, and a feeling of disgust arises in my head.

It seems like the time I spend with Shiina has become valuable to me. I nod slightly.

"...Okay"

"Thank you...Ah, why don't we take the time to play chess? Usually I just watch Hikigaya-kun and Sakayanagi-san play."

She makes such a suggestion. By the way, Shiina just watched it every time, but she never participated.

"You know the rules?"

"I watched it every time, so I know how to move the pieces."

Shiina nodded, so I took the chess board from the study desk, placed it on the table, and faced Shiina.

"You can go first."

"Well then..."

Shiina nods and moves her pawns, so I also move my pawns to attack.

Starting with that, my room echoed with the sound of pieces being moved. Normally, I could hear Sakayanagi talking and the voices of the other students in the library, but now we were both silent, so I could hear the sounds of moving pieces.

"...The way you attack is kind of similar to Sakayanagi."

"I've seen the two of you interact many times."

"I see...but compared to Sakayanagi, you're not very thorough."

While saying this, I started crushing Shiina's pieces. Even if they say they look similar, it's not scary since it's just an imitation.

"Ah...I guess it's not like Sakayanagi-san after all."

"If anything, it would be scary if it were on par with Sakayanagi."

Even as I says this, I didn't stop moving the pieces. Then, Shiina's pieces gradually decrease...

"Checkmate."

"It looks like so"

After 10 minutes, I checked Shiina's king, and she lets out a breath and admits defeat.

"As a beginner, I'm no match for you. But it was fun to think of different ways to move it."

"Indeed."

"Yes...but if I was going to say goodbye to Hikigaya-kun and the others today, I should have done it sooner."

Seeing Shiina's pained expression makes me feel sad too.

"...Me too. Even though Ryuen's words are not wrong, I can't believe my relationship with you will end like this."

To be honest, I don't like it. For the past month, I've been swayed by Shiina's natural behavior and Sakayanagi has been teasing me, but that time has given me peace of mind.

And there's a part of me that doesn't want that to go away.

"I see...Hikigaya-kun, did you enjoy spending time with me?"

"...Of course, it was very fun."

I honestly admit that it was fun. If I hadn't met Shiina on the bus on the first day, I think I would have just been living my school life by inertia.

However, I met Shiina on the bus and took the opportunity to go shopping, where I met Sakayanagi.

From then on, unlike my middle school days, which were sometimes mentally exhausting, I didn't get as frustrated and I was definitely able to spend each day to the fullest.

"I'm glad to hear that...I had fun too."

Shiina gave me a weak smile, and seeing it made me feel a pain in my chest.

Please stop it, Shiina-san, I don't want to see that face.

Other than her usual laid-back expression, it doesn't suit you.

Breaking up becomes even more difficult.

To be honest, I don't want it to end like this, but I also feel like there's nothing I can do about it. What Ryuen is saying is correct, I have no right to have anything to do with Shiina.

As I was thinking about what to do, I noticed a faint tear forming in the corner of Shiina's eye.

When I saw that, the feeling of helplessness that had been floating in my head was immediately blown away.

Now that I saw that expression, I had no intention of giving up.

"...Shiina"

"What?"

When I call out her name, Shiina looks at me with tears in the corner of her eyes, so I take a deep breath before speaking to her.

"Could you give me the contact information of Ryūen?"

I decided to talk to Ryuen...no, make a deal.