COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya

Kiryuin was a special case in Class 2-B—Kiriyama's class. 

She was outstanding in both academics and sports, but like Koenji, she was completely uncontrollable. Because of this, Kiriyama had always disliked and resented her. A big reason for that was that his class was originally Class A. 

But now, they had dropped to Class B, and the gap between them and Nagumo's Class A kept growing. This only made Kiriyama hate Kiryuin's refusal to cooperate even more. 

On top of that, Kiryuin had conflicts with Nagumo and his group. And with her personality, she had made plenty of enemies while barely making any allies. So once Nagumo became student council president, he decided to put her in her place—to tame this "wild horse." 

As one of Nagumo's subordinates, Kyoukushin took advantage of the fact that Kiryuin had no friends or supporters. Using his position as the student council secretary, he set a trap for her. 

But he hadn't expected Hikigaya to step in and help, which led to the scene earlier where Kiriyama confronted Hikigaya in the student council office. 

After hearing all this, Ichinose's face didn't look too good. It was only after the illusion of something being good was shattered that one could see the dirt hidden underneath. But what truly unsettled Ichinose was… 

"I just don't get it. Vice President Kiriyama and Kiryuin-senpai are classmates. Why would he do something like this?" 

That was what really upset her, even making her angry. 

"Because people have their own desires. Honestly, the way your class operates is the real rarity."

Unlike the angry Ichinose, Hikigaya remained calm. 

"B-but..." 

"Ichinose, I'm not telling you this to make you hate Kiriyama or Nagumo. I just want you to understand that you shouldn't expect too much from people. No one is perfect. Maybe right now, you feel like your class is one big happy family, and everyone gets along well. But that's because you're in Class A. What if you dropped to Class B? Or even Class C or D? Do you think everyone would still be as close as they are now?" 

Hikigaya's words made Ichinose freeze. It was a question she had never considered before. In her mind, as long as everyone supported and trusted each other, they could overcome anything. That belief was also something she was most proud of. 

"No, I believe that as long as we encourage and trust each other, even if we drop to Class B or lower, our class can still work together and push through." 

Ichinose spoke without hesitation, truly believing what she said. 

Hikigaya shook his head. "So you believe in 'the power of believing'? Sure, what you're saying sounds nice, and a class like that would be wonderful. But have you ever experienced a class falling apart? If that day comes, what will you do as the leader? Stand at the front and shout, 'Everyone, let's work hard and trust each other, and we'll get through this!'? 

So you're going to rely completely on 'the power of believing'? The truth is, if something is meant to fall apart, it will. No one knows that better than someone from Class D, like me. That's why I'm telling you not to expect too much." 

Ichinose fell silent. If there was any class that had fallen apart the fastest, it was definitely Hikigaya's Class D. It didn't matter if Sakayanagi or Katsuragi had been put in charge—both would have said the same thing: "This class is doomed." That gave Hikigaya's words a lot of weight. 

"I remember that shortly after school started, a senior told me something: 'At this school, the best way to manage relationships is by looking at them through gains and losses.' That applies to a class as well. Instead of just shouting, 'Please believe in me,' it's much more effective to tie everyone's interests together so that they rise and fall as one." 

The more Hikigaya adapted to this school, the more he understood the meaning behind those words. He had always been grateful to Horikita Manabu for helping him avoid many mistakes. 

But Ichinose clearly didn't agree with Hikigaya's view. "If we judge relationships purely by benefits, then won't everyone just become selfish, only caring about their own interests? I can't accept such a cold, heartless way of dealing with people." 

"But that's just how this environment works. I know you believe in the good in people, and I'm not trying to deny that. But the truth is, when life seems peaceful, it's only because someone else is carrying the burden for you. If you want to be a good leader for your class, having a strong sense of morality isn't enough." 

"Then... does that mean my relationship with you is also just based on benefits?" 

Ichinose was quiet for a moment before asking. 

"Yes. We're just schoolmates. Colleagues." 

Hikigaya answered without any hesitation. 

Ichinose's eyes widened—not just because of what he said, but because he had said it so easily. For a moment, she felt a deep sense of betrayal. The happiness she had felt earlier suddenly disappeared, like sand washing away under a wave, leaving only emptiness. 

"S-sorry, I... I have something to do. I need to go." 

She quickly stood up, biting her lip, then turned and left in a hurry. 

Hikigaya silently watched her leave, not making a move. Only after she was completely gone did he let out a quiet sigh. 

... 

"Sudou, how are you feeling?" 

At the entrance of the infirmary, Ayanokouji stood to the side, watching as Sudou walked out. Right now, Sudou looked furious. 

"Damn that Hikigaya!!!" 

Sudou had never imagined that he would be taken down by someone like Hikigaya—especially in front of the entire class. To him, it was the ultimate humiliation. Just thinking about it made his blood boil. 

"Sudou, I'd suggest you keep your head down for a while," Ayanokouji said. 

Hearing that only made Sudou angrier, but before he could say anything, Ayanokouji continued. 

"Your violent behavior in class has been reported. Especially the incident with Yamauchi—it's serious." 

Sudou's face stiffened, and his anger instantly faded. A hint of panic flashed in his eyes. "W-what about Yamauchi? How bad is it?" 

"You knocked out one of his front teeth. He's been sent to an outside hospital for treatment. I heard he's demanding severe punishment for you, along with compensation. If it weren't for Hirata and the others pleading on your behalf, you'd already be suspended." 

Ayanokouji spoke without any emotion.

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