Chapter 11: Yukinoshita Haruno that Exists Only in Memory
Ichinose's reply had yet to arrive, and Hikigaya's school life was very stable. From Monday to Friday, his schedule formed a perfect triangle: classroom, student council, dorm. On Saturdays and Sundays, it narrowed down to a straight line between the library and the dorm.
The matter of asking Kushida to organize a study group was quickly handled by her. Saturdays and Sundays at the library became the location where Hikigaya tutored Hasebe Haruka, Karuizawa Kei, and Sakura Airi.
Just like in a light novel where the protagonist gains a cheat ability after reincarnation, Hikigaya clearly remembered all the knowledge he had learned in the past. His memory had improved significantly, and teaching a few students who were struggling to pass was no problem at all. His physical condition had also improved considerably.
It was now mid-to-late May, less than two weeks before the midterm exams. Because it had only been a short while since school started, every class had already bought his information. The class point rankings published on May 1st showed that the gap between classes wasn't that significant.
Class A: 980
Class B: 940
Class C: 810
Class D: 750
———
"Sudo got into a dispute with three students from Class C in a place without surveillance. Both sides got physical, but Sudo didn't have a single scratch, while all three of the Class C students ended up in the infirmary."
Peaceful days were bound not to last. Class C, led by the aggressive Ryuen Kakeru, was the first to launch an attack on Class D.
"Class C is now reporting to the school that Sudo used violence first and that they didn't fight back. But Sudo claims it was the other way around," said Hirata, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor of Hikigaya's dorm room. "Since only the other side was injured, the school is giving Sudo one week to prove he didn't start the fight. Otherwise, the class will lose points, and he'll be suspended."
With just a few words, Hirata summarized the incident caused by Sudo. Hikigaya, Horikita, and Kushida all understood that Sudo had fallen into a trap set by Class C.
Sudo Ken's physical ability was among the top five in the entire year. With his red buzz cut and delinquent appearance, his academic ability and temper matched the look. But unlike his friends Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki, he had a social sense of right and wrong and wouldn't hurt others unprovoked.
If Ike or Yamauchi had asked for help, Hikigaya would've just said, "Serves you right." But Sudo was someone worth saving. In the future, he would even overcome his temper and poor academics to rise from the bottom to the top ten of the class through hard work.
"To prove Sudo didn't start the fight, we need a witness. But even if there's a witness, it still might not fully clear him."
Horikita sat on the only chair in the room, her long legs clad in black tights crossed, back pressed against the chair, holding a small notebook in hand. Her side profile, as beautiful as a sculpture, was partially obscured by the braided black hair.
After Hikigaya helped her understand that her brother Horikita Manabu wanted her to grow, Horikita Suzune resolved to lead Class D to Class A as proof of her progress.
"Hikigaya-kun, tell us what you think."
A small round foot in white stockings stepped on Hikigaya's thigh and began to apply pressure.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor with his back against the bed, Hikigaya was within reach of Kushida, who was sitting on the bed.
Don't do things that can be easily misunderstood. Hikigaya thought about pushing her foot away, but that seemed too aggressive, so he pretended nothing was happening.
Kushida wasn't jealous because he was looking at Horikita—this was just her being unhappy that Horikita drew more male attention than she did.
"The best way to resolve this issue is to make it disappear. Unless someone happened to record a video proving Class C attacked first, there's no real solution. Sudo has already admitted he hit them. If we want to prevent the class from losing points, the only option is to get Class C to drop the complaint. There are plenty of ways to do that—you could even take a page from Ryuen Kakeru's playbook of framing people."
If Sudo hadn't admitted to using violence, Hikigaya would've had him deny everything. When others pointed fingers, he would claim the three Class C students all secretly had crushes on the tall and strong Sudo and fought each other out of jealousy. What did that have to do with Sudo?
Places without cameras are like Schrödinger's cat—anything could have happened.
"Amazing, as expected of Hikigaya-kun," Kushida said with a sweet smile.
"Don't think I can't hear the sarcasm."
Slap.
The small foot still resting on his thigh was smacked away. The feel of her white-stocking-covered leg stirred up some memories.
Yukinoshita Haruno.
He met her after leaving this school. That day, she dressed like her younger sister. The slightly small black uniform of Sobu High accentuated her proud figure, and beneath her plaid pleated skirt were slender legs outlined by white stockings.
The silky texture remained deeply imprinted in his memory.
"Gross."
Sensing danger, Kushida moved to sit on the other side of the bed, far from Hikigaya.
Watching them bicker, Hirata smiled slightly.
"Framing someone isn't easy. Ryuen is an expert in that. I can't think of a good method off the top of my head."
It wasn't that Hirata didn't want to do it—he just hadn't come up with a plan yet.
His heart was too soft. Taking care of his own classmates was already exhausting; he didn't have room to care about students from other classes.
"There are six days left before the school's deadline. The first three days are for you and Horikita to try solving this. If nothing works by the third night, bring Sudo and his friends to my dorm and we'll see if my method can be implemented."
"Can't we hear the plan now?"
"If Sudo agrees at that time, you'll find out."
The method was a bit…..
So Hikigaya wasn't sure if he could convince Sudo and the others. But if Sudo didn't try to save himself, Hikigaya wouldn't force the issue.
Although he didn't have high hopes for Horikita or Hirata resolving the issue, Hikigaya wasn't eager to use his idea either.
After seeing off Horikita and Hirata, only Hikigaya and Kushida—now sitting in the chair Horikita had occupied—remained in the room.
Kushida's plump legs, wrapped in white stockings, were crossed elegantly like Horikita's had been. In her hands was a book recently borrowed by Shiina Hiyori and loaned to him.
"You're such a tease," Hikigaya said. But as soon as he finished, Kushida raised the book threateningly and gave him a predatory glare, prompting him to surrender with raised hands.
"I'm sorry, Kushida-sama, it was my fault. Please forgive me. I'll atone for my sins."
"What's going on with Class B? Still no answer?"
"Don't worry about it. If Class B doesn't agree, there's still Class A as a backup. I just won't be guaranteed the leadership role."
Class B was ideal, but Class A would do. The students of both classes were rational and obedient. Class C and D weren't suitable.
Hikigaya didn't have the patience to coax them like Hirata did, nor did he want to rule them by force like Ryuen.