Surprisingly, the one who stepped forward even faster than Yukinoshita was Hikigaya Hachiman.
Hikigaya was a rather peculiar presence in class. His grades in the humanities were consistently among the top three in the entire year, and he was fairly good-looking if only not for those dead-fish eyes that gave off a creepy vibe. There were even rumors floating around that he was some kind of delinquent from outside school.
Ironically, it was thanks to those very rumors that, despite his loner tendencies, Hikigaya had never been the target of bullying.
At this moment, he tapped his desk sharply, his expression grim. "If no one volunteers soon, when Hiratsuka-sensei shows up and starts assigning roles, it's going to be way worse for everyone. And more of you will be dragged in."
Hikigaya Hachiman, the king of self-sabotage.
Sure enough, the moment he opened his mouth, the atmosphere turned hostile so much so that even Yui Yuigahama's awkwardness from earlier was instantly forgotten.
"What's that supposed to mean, Hikigaya? You think we're still scared of the teacher like we're in elementary school?"
"So what if she gets mad? Doesn't mean she'll assign it to me. Heh."
"If Hiratsuka-sensei still has that temper, no wonder she's still single."
"No wonder no one likes Hikigaya. Guy's the definition of a killjoy!"
Teenagers, proud and stubborn as they are even when regret started to creep in, they weren't about to back down in front of their peers.
Yukinoshita pressed her fingers to her temple in silent exasperation.
She'd stayed quiet earlier, hoping Yuigahama might develop a little backbone.
But judging by the situation now, it was clearly a hopeless dream.
Yukinoshita rose from her seat and walked over to Yuigahama. "Put my name down."
The entire classroom froze.
Yukinoshita Yukino. The legendary Yukinoshita of Sōbu High. Once considered a toxic presence, now known as the Ice Queen. Brilliant in both academics and sports, stunningly beautiful, from a wealthy family, exuding a natural air of authority and on top of it all, she got along surprisingly well with two of the school's most popular figures: Hayama Hayato and Miura Yumiko.
Unlike Yuigahama, who often got caught up in trying to please others, or Hikigaya, who was always busy imploding socially, Yukinoshita rarely spoke in class. But lately, more and more students had come to recognize her as someone with considerable influence both in the class and the school at large.
The moment she stood up, the chaotic and mocking energy in the room instantly died down.
Yuigahama blinked. "Eh?"
Eh what? You bleeding-heart pushover if you keep this up, you'll end up scammed out of your money and your dignity.
Yukinoshita said plainly, "Sign me up."
Yuigahama just stared blankly as Yukinoshita walked over.
She wasn't surprised when Hikigaya volunteered. At least they were kind of friends. But Yukinoshita...
Biting her lower lip, Yuigahama sat back down. "Um… Yukinoshita-san, which event would you like to join?"
Yukinoshita slightly raised her voice, just enough to be heard clearly. "Which ones are the easiest and least effort?"
"Oh... uh," Yuigahama glanced at the list, "three-legged race, and "
"I'll take all the easiest ones," Yukinoshita cut in, then added seriously, "That's the proper use of a class committee member's authority, isn't it?"
At that, the group of students who'd been silently dreading Hiratsuka-sensei's "love-powered iron fist" began to panic.
"Wait, you can't do that, Yui! That's an abuse of power!"
"Not fair, even Yukinoshita-san isn't allowed to cheat!"
"Yui, don't listen to her!"
Still stone-faced, Yukinoshita fanned the flames. "Put down Miura, Onosawa, yourself, and everyone else for the easiest events. Otherwise, you're going to end up with whatever Hiratsuka-sensei throws your way."
A crowd instantly surged forward.
"I'll go first! Sign me up for the easiest one!"
"No, I'm first!"
"I was literally here before you!"
"Yui, you're my bestie, right?!"
In the frenzy to claim the "easy" events, the sign-up sheet quickly filled out. Yuigahama took advantage of the moment and quietly assigned the dreaded long-distance races to a few of the less-liked students.
The poor souls tried to protest, but Yuigahama immediately turned to them with teary puppy eyes. "Please? Pretty please?"
And just like that, what had been a complete headache of a situation was resolved in record time.
After finalizing the list, Yuigahama glanced to the right and sure enough, Yukinoshita had already returned to quietly working through another practice exam.
She'd aced the most recent school mock exams. Hiratsuka-sensei had praised her to the skies in class, and rumor had it that the school wanted her to give a motivational speech to the student body.
Yukinoshita had politely but firmly declined.
Friends from other classes had complained through gritted teeth that thanks to Yukinoshita, most teachers had suddenly become inspired educators again, dreaming of molding their own students into passionate protagonists of some feel-good school drama.
Whenever they mentioned her, it always started with, "Why can't you be more like Yukinoshita?"
She's so smart. And works so hard, too.
After school, Yuigahama waved goodbye to Onosawa, then hurried to catch up with Yukinoshita.
"Yukinoshita-san, wait for me!"
Yukinoshita didn't even glance over. "Why are you following me?"
Yuigahama jogged to her side, then slowed to match her pace. "Just wanted to say thanks again for earlier."
"I only signed up for a few easy events."
"I know, I know. Heh."
You know nothing, Jon Snow.
Yuigahama clasped her hands behind her back and leaned forward slightly as she walked listening intently, looking utterly adorable.
But whatever thoughts had crossed her mind moments ago seemed to darken her expression.
She lowered her head. "You probably look down on people like me, huh?"
Yukinoshita: …What?
What the hell is this popular girl even saying?
Yuigahama continued with a quiet smile. "I'm really bad at saying no. Just the thought of someone being mad at me makes me shake all over."
"There are times I think... I must be a burden to Yumiko and the others. I can't really do anything well."
Yukinoshita stopped walking.
"To Yumiko and the others, you're probably just... really cute."
Who would blame a useless kitten that occasionally breaks things?
Yuigahama's eyes lit up. She bit her lower lip gently, then looked at Yukinoshita with newfound courage.
"Then… what about you, Yukinoshita-san?"
The system dinged yet again with a task: Tell Yuigahama she's cute.
Yukinoshita nearly choked.
Seriously, system? You really think I'm so socially inept I can't even give a simple compliment?
Well… fair.
Clearing her throat, she muttered, "Uh…"
After a painfully awkward pause, she practically gritted the words through her teeth.
"…I also think you're pretty cute."
Yuigahama's eyes shimmered, like pink cherry blossoms rippling across a clear pond.
She looked at Yukinoshita, who stood there with a serious expression, and after a long moment, let out a soft giggle.
"Yukinoshita-san, you're seriously adorable."
You're the adorable one. Your whole family is adorable!!!
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