It was late November, and the long-awaited day of the school trip was finally approaching.
"It's almost time for the school trip—I can't wait!"
On the chilly yet clear morning commute, Matsushita, walking beside me, peeked at my face as she spoke.
"So, where do you want to go, Matsushita?"
"I think Hokkaido would be nice. I'd love to try skiing. What about you, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Kyoto for me."
"Eh, that's unexpected…"
"Is it? Kyoto's not a bad choice, right?"
"Somehow, Kyoto just doesn't match the image I have of you in my head."
I wonder what kind of image she has of me. Clearly, I don't fit the type who'd choose Kyoto, apparently.
"For me, aside from the destination, I'm also curious about how the groups will be formed."
"Wouldn't it just be with classmates?"
That would be the norm. But this school is anything but normal.
"Even if it's called a school trip, there's no guarantee there won't be a special exam. That's something to consider."
"Hmm… Yeah, you might be right. So, does that mean group assignments could include people from other classes?"
"It's just a possibility."
It'd be best if nothing happens. I'm just speculating—if we can purely enjoy the trip, that'd be ideal.
"Well, it's just something on my mind. Doesn't really concern you."
"But if that's the case, then there's a chance we could be in the same group, right?"
"Sure."
"Yay! There's a chance I'll be in the same group as Hikigaya-kun!"
Even if the possibility is slim, Matsushita smiles happily.
"If we end up in the same group, it'd be fun."
"If it's Hokkaido, we could ski together, and if it's Okinawa, we could play at the beach. Sounds fun!"
Resting her index finger on her lips, Matsushita imagines the scene with a grin.
I'd prefer if Kyoto was included in that vision, but… given the current odds, it's hopeless. Oh well.
"But I'm not giving up on Kyoto yet."
"Knowing when to give up is important too, Hikigaya-kun."
Pat. She taps my shoulder and directs my gaze forward, but I won't give up on Kyoto until the destination is officially announced.
......
Today, the first two hours of the morning were dedicated to discussing the school trip. But before that, students faced a major hurdle—the results of the final exams were announced.
The results were largely unchanged. Kaneda and Hiyori maintained their top positions, while a scattered few others showed improvement. As for me, I scored high in math as usual and winged the rest.
One notable change was Nishino's grades. Compared to others, her scores had improved significantly.
"You did great, Nishino-san. That's amazing!"
"Thanks to you. I owe you for tutoring me."
Judging from Hiyori and Nishino's exchange, they must have studied together. That explains Nishino's improvement.
"Now, before we discuss the school trip—which I'm sure you're all looking forward to—there's something I need you all to do."
After wrapping up the exam results (with no expulsions this time), Sakagami-sensei pulled up a screen.
Following his instructions, we opened our tablets to find a list of familiar classmates, displaying their names, genders, and student numbers—except the numbers were blank. There must be a reason for that.
"This sheet contains a roster of Class 2-B—your class. In the blank column labeled 'Rank,' I want you to rank all your classmates."
There are many ways to rank people, but Sakagami-sensei elaborated.
"The ranking is based on your personal evaluation of them. It could be ability—who's the most skilled, who you get along with best, who's the most interesting. Whatever criteria you choose, rank them positively."
In short, we were ranking our classmates.
Wait—scrolling further, the list included all four second-year classes.
"This ranking will be done across the entire second year. Of course, no one interacts with every student in other classes. For those you don't know well, you can leave them blank or rank them arbitrarily."
"Uh… There are girls I've never even talked to. Won't that just make some rankings totally random? Is that okay?"
"Yes. Rankings for students you barely know can be arbitrary. However, these results will serve a specific purpose, so whatever happens, it's on you."
Komiya's hesitant question was met with a firm response from Sakagami-sensei, putting many on edge. No one expected this before the school trip.
But—overall evaluations, huh?
Should I rank based on personal preference or overall ability? It's a dilemma, but I guess it's up to me. For students I've never interacted with, I can just base it on their OAA scores.
I quickly finished ranking the other three classes, leaving only Class B. While OAA played a role, I put Albert at the top. He's excelled in events like the sports festival and has above-average academics.
Second is Ryuuen. His contributions during the uninhabited island exam alone were immeasurable. If that were the sole criterion, he'd easily be first, but personally, I don't like him, so second it is.
Fourth and third go to Kaneda and Hiyori, based on academics and their roles as key strategists. Katsuragi and Tokitou land around 12th and 13th.
It's unclear what purpose these rankings serve, but they'll undoubtedly play a major role in the school trip.
......
"Now, let's begin discussing the school trip."
"Finally!"
After the tedious ranking task, Ishizaki and others clapped excitedly.
"First, the results of the unanimous exam."
Sakagami-sensei paused for dramatic effect.
"Based on each class's votes, Hokkaido—with three votes—has been selected as the destination."
I see. So it's Hokkaido.
Cheers and groans erupted simultaneously. Many had hoped for Okinawa, but there was no helping it—they seemed to accept it without complaint.
"Uh, sensei! Just to confirm… there won't be any special exams, right…?"
Speaking for the class, Kondou voiced everyone's concern. Sakagami-sensei smirked slightly.
"Rest assured. There will be no special exams involving class points."
A collective sigh of relief filled the room.
"Typically, school trips involve forming groups for activities. While that remains the same here, there's one key difference: groups won't be limited to your class. They'll be formed across the entire grade."
"Wha—Huh!? Does that mean we might end up with people we don't even know!?"
The excitement for Hokkaido was quickly replaced with dread.
"Exactly. Depending on social circles, some groups might consist of complete strangers."
I can't say I've made many friends outside my class, so Sakagami-sensei's scenario is entirely possible.
"As for group assignments, they won't be random—they'll be based on the rankings you just completed."
So that's what the list was for.
After further explanations, the session ended, leaving the students buzzing with mixed feelings about the trip.
......
By lunchtime, Ishizaki and Katsuragi invited me to the cafeteria.
Initially, it was just the three of us, but Hiyori and Nishino joined along the way, making it five. While I'm an outlier, the other four bonded during the uninhabited island exam, so the atmosphere was relaxed.
"Still, grouping up with other classes is kinda disappointing, y'know?"
Ishizaki, leading the way, wasn't wrong. School trips are major events—naturally, you'd want to be with friends.
"Don't say that, Ishizaki. On the flip side, we'll have a lot of free time."
"Katsuragi's right. More free time is a good thing."
"W-Well, yeah! It's not like we're guaranteed to be stuck with total strangers!"
Ishizaki quickly shifted to a more positive outlook.
"It's my first time going to Hokkaido. Have you been, Hachiman-kun?"
"Nope."
Hiyori's question got a simple response.
Having grown up in the White Room, most experiences are new to me. While simulated trips were part of the curriculum, real-world experience is nonexistent.
"That's a shame. If groups are mixed, the chances of being with you are slim."
"Statistically, yeah. But group assignments aren't everything, right?"
I recalled my conversation with Matsushita this morning. It was hypothetical, but eerily accurate.
Hiyori leaned against me, hugging my arm as if clinging to me.
"I don't like being apart, so if we get free time, let me spoil you."
"Of course."
Her face lit up, eyes narrowing as she nuzzled my arm. Even if we're not separated, her clinginess is adorable.
"Hey, you two…"
Nishino stared at us with exasperation—or maybe exhaustion.
"What's wrong, Nishino-san?"
"I mean, holding hands is one thing, but how can you say stuff like that in public?"
"Is it weird?"
"Is it?"
"…Sorry, you two. I agree with Nishino."
Even Katsuragi, looking away, chimed in. At this point, I'm used to Hiyori's antics, but… maybe it is embarrassing.
"You don't feel embarrassed?"
"Hmm…? Not really in public. If anything, I feel more embarrassed when it's just the two of us."
"Eh, why?"
"When we're alone, Hachiman-kun sometimes—"
"Hiyori, please stop."
Hearing that made me embarrassed. I quickly covered her mouth, and she tilted her head curiously. That's Hiyori's airheaded side for you. Nishino and Katsuragi looked at us with surprise.
"Hey, you guys! Hurry up! The cafeteria's gonna get crowded!"
Ishizaki, ever the pace-setter, had already reached the cafeteria and was waving at us.
His carefree attitude snapped everyone out of the moment, lightening the mood.
For better or worse, Ishizaki's obliviousness is always a saving grace.
......
After lining up to buy meal tickets, we split up—Hiyori went to save seats while the rest of us ordered. I decided to grab drinks from the vending machine as a thank-you.
"Man, I'm starving~!"
"What're you getting, Ishizaki?"
"Large karaage set meal, no question!!"
"Didn't you get that last time? Don't you get sick of it?"
Nishino's remark made Ishizaki blink in confusion.
"Karaage is always good, though?"
"…I was an idiot for asking."
Nishino's sigh was a familiar sound.
When it was my turn, I hesitated—the variety always stumps me.
"What about you, Katsuragi?"
"Ramen. I've been craving it."
He ordered tonkotsu ramen. Not wanting to hold up the line, I went with gyoza—Hiyori and I often share side dishes.
"I'll grab drinks. Go ahead without me."
Leaving Ishizaki and the others, I headed to the nearby vending machine. Luckily, there was no line.
"Hiyori would like… café au lait, I guess."
After buying two bottles, I turned to leave—only for an arm to slam into the vending machine beside me.
"Yo, Hikigaya."
The arm blocking my path belonged to none other than Nanase Yagami, wearing a smug grin.
"…Hello, Nanase-senpai."
I knew his voice, but seeing him up close confirmed it. That smirk meant trouble.
"What's with the weak reaction?"
"Wall-slams between guys aren't exactly in demand."
The surrounding students' reactions said it all—some were shocked, others baffled. A few even had their phones out. Ichinose, why are you holding your nose and filming this? You're supposed to be the nice one. Stop. That's illegal.
"Then let me create some demand."
His whisper sent the cafeteria into chaos.
Ichinose, stop. Don't you dare start recording. Look beside you—Kanzaki is glaring at you like you're a criminal.
As Nanase reached for my face, another arm shot out, stopping him.
"President Nanase. Could you refrain from bothering my brother?"
The voice was calm, the smile polite, but the hostility was unmistakable. It was my younger brother, Yagami Takuya.
"Buzz off, Yagami. We were having a moment."
"Not interested. My brother is uncomfortable. Remove your arm immediately."
"This was mutual. Or are you just possessive? You a brocon or something?"
"I'd prefer you didn't reduce it to something so simplistic."
What a pointless argument. While I appreciate Takuya's help, I'd rather avoid unnecessary drama.
Ichinose—why is your nose bleeding like a waterfall, yet you refuse to lower your phone? Look at Kanzaki. He's trembling. You've been branded a criminal in his eyes.
I've had enough. Slipping out of Nanase's grasp, I left the two to their squabble.
"......…Rough day?"
Kanzaki, who had returned, offered sympathy—but honestly, he seemed worse off. Probably because Ichinose was still filming.
"It's fine. I'm used to it."
"Can you really get used to that…?"
"You'd understand if you were in my shoes, Kanzaki."
"I'd rather not."
At that moment, a student bumped into Kanzaki from behind, knocking him off balance. I caught him by the arm, but the momentum left us in a position eerily similar to my earlier one with Nanase—faces way too close. I quickly stepped back.
"Sorry. You okay?"
"Y-Yeah… Thanks…"
Kanzaki's slightly flushed cheeks made me promptly excuse myself.
"F-F-F-FATE'S BLESSINGGGGGGGG!!!!"
"Ichinose!?"
Behind me, Ichinose's scream and Kanzaki's near-panicked shout echoed, but I'd had enough trouble for one day. I didn't look back.
......
+ Bonus Scene
While saving seats in the cafeteria and waiting for Nishino and the others, I noticed Hachiman wasn't with them.
"?"
"Something wrong, Hiyori?"
"I was just wondering where Hachiman-kun is…"
Only Nishino, Ishizaki, and Katsuragi had arrived.
"Oh, Hikigaya said he'd stop by the vending machine first. He mentioned getting something for you too."
Nishino's explanation lifted my mood. Little gestures like that are part of his charm, and it makes me happy.
As we chatted while waiting, I spotted Hachiman at the vending machine. He'd just bought drinks and was about to return when Nanase Yagami approached him from behind.
"…"
Nanase pinned him against the machine with a wall-slam, causing a minor commotion. Ishizaki and the others were too engrossed in conversation to notice.
…Lately, even guys have been targeting Hachiman-kun. How does this keep happening? Does he emit some kind of irresistible pheromone?
"Is that… Yagami-kun?"
The one who intervened was first-year Yagami Takuya—Hachiman's younger brother, as I'd heard. He must've stepped in to help his flustered brother.
In my heart, I cheered, Go, Yagami-kun! As his brother, he'd protect Hachiman-kun without ulterior motives.
After Nanase and Yagami started arguing, Hachiman slipped away, clearly done with the situation.
…What is Ichinose-san doing? Is that a pool of blood on the floor? No, it must be my imagination.
"Ah!"
Kanzaki stumbled forward, but Hachiman caught him—though the rescue ended up looking like another wall-slam.
"Why does this keep happening…?"
After helping Kanzaki, Hachiman quickly left, but I didn't miss Kanzaki's slightly reddened cheeks.
"…Grr."
It's irritating. Fine, if that's how it is, I'll just smother Hachiman-kun with affection later. He said it was okay, after all. I'll make sure he's so dazed by me that he forgets all about today.
…Not that I was just looking for an excuse to cling to him or anything.
(That's a secret.)
=================================
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