The biggest divide between Hikigaya and Hiyori was still their class differences.
Unlike Haruno, Class C and Class D had a significant point gap, but in the bigger picture, they were still rivals. And because of the midterm exams, Hikigaya's conflict with Class C had become nearly impossible to resolve.
That same conflict had also created an invisible wall between him and Hiyori.
Even if Hiyori didn't mind, Hikigaya couldn't just pretend it didn't exist.
Hikigaya took this chance to think for a long time before finally bringing up the midterm exams, especially the contract. He had expected Hiyori to be furious—after all, he had lost half of his private points for no reason. Anyone in his position would be frustrated and angry.
"No, it's actually the opposite. Because of this, I should be thanking you, Hikigaya-kun."
After a brief silence, Hiyori spoke sincerely.
"I know the others in class will be upset, but this is how I truly feel."
She let out a sigh. "The real problem in this situation wasn't you, Hikigaya-kun. It was Ryuen-kun and the other students in Class C. Just like I thought from the start—if they could rely on shortcuts to get through this time, then what about next time? How will they handle the final exams?"
"The old test questions were just a trigger. Just like your Class D, I know you got the same set of questions. But the way Class D handled things was completely different from Ryuen-kun. That's why, even without the old test questions, I believe Class D would have passed the exam just fine."
"The same logic applies to Class C. If Ryuen-kun and the others don't recognize and face their own weaknesses, they'll just suffer even more in future exams."
"So, in a way, this painful lesson might actually be a good thing."
Most students in Class C—and probably a lot of people—would find Hiyori's words hard to understand, maybe even rebellious. But Hikigaya understood. The girl in front of him could see further than anyone else. She had a way of seeing the truth behind things.
In reality, Ryuen wasn't defeated by Hikigaya. He was defeated by his own arrogance. He thought he had everything under control, but no matter how careful you are, there's always a flaw. And in the end, he was just a high school student.
He could have passed the exam the right way. But instead, he thought he was smart enough to take shortcuts. Even if Hikigaya hadn't interfered this time, he would have eventually suffered the consequences.
Hikigaya couldn't help but admire Hiyori's insight. Compared to most high schoolers, she stood out. Or maybe, in the special environment of Class C, her talents were simply going unnoticed.
"I… I thought you'd be mad at me, so I've been…"
Hikigaya looked embarrassed. He had misunderstood her again. His negative way of thinking…
"I've always known that you're a kind person, Hikigaya-kun."
Hiyori looked at him warmly. "So don't blame yourself."
The girl in front of him was so dazzling. Could he really have a friend like her?
He didn't know. But right now, one thought filled his mind—he wanted to take a step forward.
…
"Hey, Shizuka-chan, we haven't had a meal together in a while, have we?"
"We literally ate together last week. And I was the one who paid!"
At a ramen shop, Haruno and Hiratsuka Shizuka each ordered a bowl of ramen. Haruno let out a sigh.
"Shizuka-chan, why do you like ramen so much? You do know that ramen and high school girls don't really go together, right? It's more of a—"
Before she could finish, Shizuka-sensei smacked her on the head with a karate chop.
Haruno held her head, stuck out her tongue, and pouted in protest.
"So, dear Shizuka-sensei, is there something important you need to tell me?"
Haruno and Hiratsuka Shizuka were close—so close that their relationship went beyond that of a teacher and student. To Shizuka, their dynamic felt more like they were the same age. Of course, Haruno strongly disagreed—she was a young and lively girl, after all!
"Could it be about a certain someone?"
Haruno grinned knowingly, and when she saw Shizuka nod, she couldn't help but complain.
"Seriously? I knew it. I met you first, but you're so biased toward Hikigaya. Totally unfair~"
"Can't you just let me have some peace? That kid already gives me enough headaches."
"Oh?"
Haruno's interest was piqued.
Shizuka looked at Haruno seriously, her tone unusually firm.
"Haruno, I know you're curious about Hikigaya, but I hope you won't interfere too much."
A few days ago, she had met with Hikigaya in private. He seemed normal as always, but she had a sharp sense that something about him had changed. It was subtle—something even she couldn't quite put into words.
But Haruno didn't seem to notice Shizuka's warning. She just kept smiling playfully.
"Hmm? What do you mean, Shizuka? I have no idea what you're talking about~"
"Haruno!"
Hiratsuka Shizuka's expression gradually turned cold. Haruno, sitting across from her, also put away her smile and met her gaze head-on, showing no fear.
"I'm sure you've noticed it too—there's something wrong with that kid's mental state."
"I'd say it's more than just a little wrong."
Haruno narrowed her eyes.
Hiratsuka Shizuka let out a tired sigh. This was exactly what she had feared, and now that it had come to this, she had no choice but to admit it. "Since you've noticed, then you must understand my concerns. Hikigaya has a rare mental disorder… or to be more precise, a psychological disorder."
Haruno's eyes showed a hint of curiosity.
"On the outside, Hikigaya seems perfectly normal. In some ways, he's even more talented than most people. But emotionally, or rather, in terms of mental health, there's something missing."
Hiratsuka Shizuka sighed helplessly.
"What's missing?"
"He has self-destructive tendencies."
Haruno froze for a moment. She had already suspected that Hikigaya had some kind of psychological issue, especially after what happened at the café with Ryuen. That was when it became even clearer—his emotional response to the world around him was unnaturally cold. He seemed normal enough on the surface, showing the right emotions when necessary, but deep inside, there was an indescribable loneliness.
It was as if… the whole world had abandoned him. Like a floating leaf without roots, ready to be blown away at any moment.
She had thought it was just her imagination.
But now, after hearing Hiratsuka Shizuka's words, Haruno finally understood. The curiosity on her face faded, replaced by a serious expression, and she fell into silence.
After a long pause, she frowned and looked at Hiratsuka Shizuka in confusion.
"Shizuka-chan, you know how cruel this school is. So… why did you send him here?"
"Because, for that kid, this is the safest place."
Haruno narrowed her eyes slightly. She had just picked up on something important.
"So… this is connected to the incident at Sobu Middle School?"
"I'd really like to know more about that."
Haruno licked her lips instinctively. "Besides the vice principal, I heard quite a few other people got caught up in that mess too."
"Why are you so interested in all this? You just started high school."
Hiratsuka Shizuka rubbed her forehead in frustration. Hikigaya was already enough of a headache, and now Haruno was proving to be just as troublesome.
"Heh~ Can't help it. I am the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family, after all."
Haruno smiled, but her tone was unexpectedly cold.
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