Kushida's popularity continued to soar.
Hachiman didn't find any joy in having accidentally stepped on her sore spot. If anything, he realized she was far more guarded than she let on. Even during class, she'd go out of her way to check whether he really didn't suspect her connection to Horikita's past. And she'd deploy that weapon of hers—her cuteness like a seasoned tactician.
The school day passed in a haze of distraction. Some students had already picked up on how lax the teachers were with discipline. A few even slept through the afternoon lectures without consequence.
"That's all for today," Chabashira Sae announced as the bell rang, signaling the end of class.
She was teaching history this period. The topic had been feudal leadership structures. Like the other teachers, she kept her distance—never asking questions, never stepping off the podium.
Except now, she did.
Chabashira gathered her materials and descended from the platform, walking calmly down the aisle near the windows in her sharp high heels.
Ka-ka-ka.
The sound echoed with a strange finality. Some students sat up straighter, unsure if they were about to be scolded. She made her way to the very back row, passed between Hachiman and Horikita's desks, and exited silently through the rear door.
No lectures. No reprimands.
Just the fading sound of heels and an unnerving sense of being silently judged.
Relieved sighs rippled through the class.
This school really was something else. Free tuition. Liberal discipline. No homework. It was like heaven—if you didn't understand the trap.
Hachiman, however, wasn't buying the dream. He knew that Chabashira had passed by deliberately. She was checking on him. Watching to see if he had made progress with Horikita.
Seriously? Not even a full day had passed. He and Horikita hadn't exchanged more than a few words, let alone enough to assemble a report.
Glancing ahead, he spotted Kushida engaged in another cheerful conversation. It was only the second day of school, but she'd already woven herself into the fabric of the class. Warm greetings. Soft laughter. She made friends as naturally as breathing.
Today, she seemed especially close with one classmate—Wang Mei-Yu, a petite girl with a reserved air. Hachiman had noted her while operating his mental camera. According to the notes he'd picked up, she hailed from overseas, probably China, and her English scores had never dipped below 100. A quiet overachiever.
Now, she and Kushida looked like they were heading off together to Beech Shopping Center.
Yesterday's shopping trip had been functional—essentials only. Today, with the realization that rules were lax and the point system seemed boundless, students would likely splurge.
Hachiman, on the other hand, had spent cautiously, saving his points like a responsible older brother would for Komachi. She'd be proud, no doubt.
As he mulled this over, a calm, measured voice pulled him back to reality.
"This school is very lenient with its students."
Hachiman turned slowly.
Horikita Suzune. She sat beside him, usually as silent and unreadable as a carved statue. And now, she had initiated a conversation?
She looked directly at him.
"What's wrong? Surprised?" she asked coolly. "You probably don't get it. But there are a lot of idiots in this class."
Well then. Straight to the point.
"Horikita-san, are you good academically?" Hachiman asked.
"I've always been at the top of my class," she replied without hesitation. "Or are you going to mock me for being a nerd who studies too much? Hard work is nothing to be ashamed of."
That wasn't what he meant, but he didn't bother clarifying.
"What about physical education?" he asked next.
"I'm among the best. At least, when compared to other girls."
So. Beautiful, smart, athletic.
If this were a pageant, Horikita might have taken the crown. But because of her cold demeanor, someone like Kushida ended up more adored.
With that kind of profile, why was she in Class D?
Could she be another ticking bomb?
Kushida had almost exploded already today. Did he need to brace for Horikita too?
Maybe not.
If he were an interviewer, Horikita's strengths wouldn't matter as much as her social deficits.
"Do you dislike Kushida-san?" he asked.
"What kind of question is that?"
"She tried talking to you this morning."
Horikita sighed. "I'm not interested in class activities. I'm here to study. That's it. I know she's just trying to organize the class. I don't hate her for it."
So that was that.
Ahead, Kushida was walking away with Wang Mei-Yu, beaming like sunlight in spring. She looked genuinely happy.
Hachiman suspected that happiness wasn't just because of Horikita. She had spent all afternoon monitoring him, nervous about whether he'd figured out her connection to Horikita from middle school.
When he didn't confront her, and even helped her test Horikita's attitude, she must have relaxed.
But really? You're that easy to reassure, Kushida?
You're too naive.
Hachiman glanced around at his classmates. Everyone seemed a bit too trusting, a bit too unguarded.
As for Horikita...
She had started talking, which was more than he'd expected.
Maybe he could actually learn something from her.
Then he turned his head.
The seat beside him was empty.
Horikita had packed up and left, as silently and independently as ever.
Still a lone wolf.
Still not bound by anyone or anything.
Not even polite enough to say goodbye.
So really, Chabashira-sensei. You're expecting too much.
There's no way he could pull together a full file on Horikita in just one day.
That night, the second night at Advanced Nurturing High School, the clock struck nine.
***
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