If Hikigaya hadn't pointed it out, Horikita wouldn't have realized just how serious this whole dispute was.
A suspension was secondary. The real issue was expulsion!
"So originally, he was supposed to be suspended for three weeks, but because he not only clashed with the teacher and the student council but also acted aggressively during the meeting and even damaged school property, they gave him additional punishment. And now, he'll miss the finals and get expelled?"
Horikita clenched her fists tightly. If Sudou were standing in front of her right now, she'd probably punch him. Twice.
After all, the reason everything had ended up in such a mess was entirely because of Sudou. And now, he expected Hirata, Kushida, and even the entire Class D to clean up after him?
"So... Horikita, you still have the nerve to come to me tonight?"
Hikigaya said flatly.
Hearing his sarcasm, Horikita felt her face burn with shame. As proud as she was, she couldn't help but lower her head, avoiding Hikigaya's gaze.
She still clearly remembered the promise she had made to him that day. And the 200,000 private points—she hadn't even come close to repaying them yet.
Following in her brother's footsteps, she had enrolled in ANHS, thinking she could prove her progress and excellence to him. But in the end… it had all been a failure. Over the past three months, she had encountered obstacles at every turn—being placed in Class D, facing off against Hikigaya—and suddenly, an overwhelming sense of defeat washed over her.
Was she really… just a frog at the bottom of a well, like Hikigaya had said that day?
Hikigaya silently watched the girl in front of him, head lowered like a defeated warrior. He knew that some obstacles could only be overcome by oneself. Besides…
Horikita, if you give up here, you'll only be letting the student council president down after all he's done for you.
"I… I know I don't deserve to be here right now…"
It was the first time Hikigaya had ever heard Horikita sound so down. But then, she slowly lifted her head.
"But things haven't reached the worst point yet!"
She looked him straight in the eye, her gaze filled with determination—and defiance.
"The reason the school gave us a one-week grace period for Sudou's case isn't just because they have doubts about the incident. More importantly, they want us to settle things privately with Class C within this week!"
Her expression was firm, but at the same time, she couldn't hide her regret.
"You reminded me. I should have realized this sooner—sorry."
Horikita clenched her fists tightly. She was still unwilling to accept it, but thanks to Hikigaya's words, she had finally grasped the true nature of this situation and the roles everyone was playing.
Both Hirata and herself had been too focused on the problem right in front of them, completely overlooking important details.
They had been too caught up in their own perspective, while an outsider like Hikigaya had seen everything much more clearly. With his words, it felt like the fog in her mind had finally lifted.
"But I also made a new discovery—about a witness."
Horikita suddenly added.
"Hm? There's actually a witness?"
Hikigaya was surprised. That evening, in a nearly deserted part of the special teaching building—there had really been someone there to see it?
"It's Sakura from our class."
Horikita explained the details to Hikigaya. Every time Hirata or Kushida asked about witnesses, she had noticed Sakura acting strangely—lowering her head, closing her eyes. Earlier after school, she had even tested Sakura a little. There was no solid proof, but from her expression and tone, Horikita's instincts told her that Sakura was very likely the witness.
Hikigaya frowned. He didn't doubt Horikita's words. In fact, thinking back, he also recalled Sakura's odd behavior over the past few days. Everything seemed to have started when Hirata and the others began searching for a witness.
Realizing this, he felt annoyed at himself for not noticing sooner. He also hadn't expected this whole mess to drag Sakura into it as well.
"For now, let's assume Sakura is the witness. But from her attitude, it's obvious she doesn't want to get involved."
Hikigaya took a deep breath and looked at Horikita.
"So… what do you plan to do?"
"I…"
Horikita started to speak but then stopped. Looking at Hikigaya's expression, she sighed.
"I know. Even Kushida hasn't been able to talk to her."
"Wait a second!"
Hikigaya suddenly asked, "Who else have you told about this?"
"Kushida, Ayanokouji, and the others. But none of us have been able to get through to her."
Before coming to Hikigaya, Horikita had already discussed it briefly with Kushida and Ayanokouji. In fact, she had hoped Kushida could use her social skills to "convince" Sakura. After all, when it came to communication, none of them could match Kushida.
Hikigaya rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
Sakura was naturally shy and afraid of attention. With so many people suddenly focusing on her, she was bound to feel anxious. But what worried Hikigaya wasn't just that—it was the growing pressure within the class.
He didn't want Sakura to get caught up in this mess.
That girl was too fragile, like glass that could shatter at the slightest touch.
"I know, Hikigaya, that you've helped Sakura with her studies before, so..."
Hikigaya immediately understood Horikita's intention—she wanted him to convince Sakura to testify. But he firmly shook his head and refused. "If Sakura doesn't want to testify, she must have her own reasons. I'll respect her decision. And... I don't want any of you to pressure her either."
By the end of his sentence, Hikigaya's tone had turned serious. Horikita caught the warning in his words but couldn't help feeling frustrated. They had finally found a witness, and now they were just going to give up?
Hikigaya could see what she was thinking. A witness could prove Sudou's innocence and prevent him from getting suspended. But would things really go as smoothly as Horikita and the others imagined?
"Horikita, I know you and the others don't want to accept this, but let's be realistic. Even if Sakura steps forward, how likely do you think Sudou will actually be cleared of all charges at this point?"
Horikita was about to answer, but Hikigaya gestured for her to think carefully. At first, she had believed that as long as they had a witness, they could overturn C-Class's testimony and prove Sudou was innocent. But now, Hikigaya's words made her realize two major problems she had overlooked.
Her expression darkened.
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