Chapter 24: Hikigaya's Endurance
Horikita: "It seems you're really popular. I didn't expect that before even a month of school, you'd already become the most talked-about person in the class."
Seeing that Hikigaya pretended not to hear, Horikita continued:
Horikita: "It's not just our class. Your actions have already spread to other classes and even other years. It's amazing that you've managed to make the whole school hate you, all by yourself."
Hikigaya: "Hey, are you looking for trouble?"
Hikigaya put down his book and took off his headphones, but Horikita had already focused her full attention on him.
"Are you doing some kind of social observation experiment? Just to be clear, I'm not a monkey. There's a Golden Lion and a Red-Haired Hedgehog in this class, so why do you have to bother me…" Hikigaya complained silently.
Horikita, however, seemed to have discovered something, and a faintly mischievous smile appeared on her lips.
Horikita: "I used to think you were just a gloomy man, but now I see you, it's not entirely true."
Hikigaya: "Thanks for the indirect insult."
Horikita: "But you're really something. This is the first time I've seen someone who could sacrifice themselves like that. I've only seen such selfless people on TV."
Hikigaya: "Sacrifice? What sacrifice? I told you, I'm doing this for myself. It has nothing to do with you, the teacher, or anyone else in the class. I just don't want to live a life with zero points, that's all."
Why did everyone keep misunderstanding? Whether it was Hayama or Horikita, they thought his actions were for them. But they were wrong. It was nothing more than their self-righteousness. In the end, Hikigaya acted only for himself.
Horikita didn't continue to argue, but simply smiled faintly.
Horikita: "Let's just take it that way."
She's changed somehow… Hikigaya thought. Remembering her arrogance and tsundere attitude at the start of school, it was strange to see her so easy to talk to now.
When she finally stopped talking, Hikigaya picked up his book and headphones again, savoring his free time.
Though he could still hear classmates whispering and glaring at him, that was all. After all, if even the "red-haired hedgehog" hadn't acted, others wouldn't dare to.
---
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka observed the black-haired boy before him. Hikigaya had gradually replaced his position, even becoming a well-known figure in the school. His face was expressionless, but his eyes were sharp.
Ayanokouji (thinking): I never thought the White Room would use such a method to erase my existence. If this keeps up, it won't be long before everyone in class sees me as the outcast, while Hikigaya is considered part of the class…
That said, if I did anything strange now, it would only make me more vulnerable. Better to memorize all the information and verify it later. Besides… I still have a trump card.
Most people thought Ayanokouji was just a marginal student with no presence, but whether it was Horikita Manabu, Chabashira Sae, or Sakayanagi Arisu, they all had memories of him. At the very least, they wouldn't be swayed by the videos.
---
After some time, the sound of high heels echoed in the corridor. The tall, black-haired teacher with a ponytail walked in from the main door, expressionless as always, as if nothing had happened yesterday.
Hikigaya put down his book and focused on class. Seeing the teacher's calm demeanor, the students also followed along.
After Hikigaya's outburst yesterday, almost everyone in class had stopped slacking off. Even the so-called "three useless ones" — Sudo, Yamauchi, and Ike — were devoting themselves to lessons.
Nobody wanted to be compared unfavorably with Hikigaya. In a strange way, his actions had ignited their fighting spirit. For a moment, the classroom atmosphere was far better than before.
Hikigaya quietly observed. The room was calmer now, at least less noisy. But Hirata Yosuke, who normally wore a cheerful smile, sat in silence, head down, lost in thought.
Hirata couldn't accept that peace in the class had been bought through Hikigaya's sacrifice.
If it requires sacrificing one person… then I'd rather quit this class entirely.
Hirata was the kind of person who couldn't accept any failure. His excessive idealism was pathological, and he was only one step away from a breakdown. He couldn't stand the disunity in the class, or the slander aimed at a classmate.
Of course, Chabashira Sae had also noticed something wrong with Hirata.
If another one goes crazy, it'll put too much pressure on this group of first-years… I'll go along with you this time, Hikigaya Hachiman. Don't let me down.
Chabashira set down her book. The classroom atmosphere froze. Not many students had been listening seriously, but her sudden pause drew all eyes back to the front.
Folding her arms, she said with faint pride:
Chabashira: "Hikigaya… it seems the people in Class D really owe you thanks."
Ike: "Huh? Why should we thank this guy? He's gloomy, harsh, and not even good at studying or sports. What's so great about him?"
Sudo: "Yeah, I've never seen anyone more arrogant than me, but he dares talk about the class like that? What qualifications does he even have?"
Yukimura: "Alright, alright, stop it. This matter's over now."
Shinohara: "There's no way! After what he said yesterday, I can't just let it go!"
Most of the girls nodded in agreement. But Kushida Kikyo, as usual, played the peacemaker.
Kushida: "Don't be like this… let's talk it out properly, okay? Let's communicate properly…"