Chapter 28: Class D's Awakening
In Class D without Hikigaya…
Chabashira watched the two leave and listened to the ongoing discussions in the class, letting out a soft sigh.
She had longed to reach Class A for a very long time, and now, the opportunity was right in front of her. If Hikigaya really joined another class, it would be too late.
She couldn't control this boy, and neither could someone as formidable as Sakayanagi. That much was clear. Fortunately, she knew he didn't want to leave Class D for now. As long as that held true, there was still a chance to strengthen his bond with the class.
Though this year's Class D was still a mess, compared to previous years, it had the greatest hope yet.
Bang bang…
Though it was after class, according to the rules, she wasn't their homeroom sensei right now—just an ordinary school staff member.
So even if the class ignored her, nothing would happen. Thankfully… Everyone still turned their attention to Chabashira Sae.
In their minds, while Chabashira hadn't told them the school's hidden rules, it was, after all, part of the school's system, so they didn't harbor strong resentment.
Chabashira Sae shed her usual indifference. This time… she was determined to keep Hikigaya here, no matter what.
"I believe you've all understood the school's rules by now. As Ryūen said, both the classes and the points play an irreplaceable role in this school."
"You came to this school for its 100% college admission and employment rates, right? I'm sorry to tell you, but that's a lie… If you can't keep up with this school's pace, you'll be expelled. In the end… only the top classes, A and B, get the real resources. Classes C and D are just abandoned existences."
"In the end, you can coast through three years of high school like this, but afterward, you'll have nothing. On the other hand… rise to Class A or B, graduate with a ton of points, and it will, to some extent, determine your life."
She had laid it out this clearly. As a sensei, she had done her duty. If they still didn't get it, they might as well drop out now.
"My advice, as Class D's homeroom sensei, is to keep Hikigaya Hachiman in Class D. He will play a huge role in helping you reach Class A. That's probably why Classes A and C are fighting over him."
Yamauchi, confused, stood up and asked: "Can you even switch classes in this school? If so, can't we just transfer to Class A in our senior year?"
Chabashira gave Yamauchi a cold, disdainful glance, as if he were an idiot.
"I said it at the start of the semester, didn't I? In this school, points can buy anything, including a class transfer. But… to transfer, you'd need about three-quarters of the entire class's points."
"!!!"
A wave of gasps filled the classroom.
Ike: "Three-quarters of the class's points for a nobody? Isn't that too much?"
Horikita Suzune, with the same look of disdain, said: "Guess why they chose Hikigaya and not you."
Ike: "They probably haven't seen my charm yet."
Sudo: "To make them pay such a high price, his value must far exceed that much points. Otherwise, they wouldn't give up Class A's position so easily, and we'd have a hard time catching up."
Surprisingly, it was Sudo's response that stood out.
Known as one of the "three idiots," while the other two made foolish remarks, he remained rational, earning him some newfound respect.
Sudo's analysis made sense. If Hikigaya's value didn't far exceed the points, they wouldn't risk Class A's position.
Hirata Yosuke finally returned to normal, slowly standing up.
The class's backbone regained his usual smile.
"Let's all apologize to Hikigaya. Like Chabashira-sensei said, I don't want our class to fall apart after just a month. I hope we can move forward together, without losing anyone."
Hearing Hirata's call, Kushida Kikyō stood up in support: "I think Hirata's right. We misunderstood him, and not only did he not blame us, he kept sacrificing himself for our class. So, we really should apologize properly."
With the two pillars of the class leading the charge, more and more people agreed with their proposal. Even the usually rebellious Sudo nodded, admitting he had said some harsh things.
Of course, not everyone agreed.
Though they didn't openly object, those who hadn't attacked Hikigaya—like Matsushita Chiaki, Hasebe Haruka, Sakura Airi, and Kōenji—felt uneasy about this sudden call for an apology.
Airi didn't mind, and Kōenji would never apologize. The only ones bothered were those who believed they hadn't done anything wrong.
Though the class was still far from true unity—compared to Ichinose's tightly knit Class B, it was like heaven and earth—Chabashira Sae looked at the students, and the corners of her mouth curled slightly upward.
She crossed her arms and slowly walked out of the classroom.
'Truly impressive, Hikigaya Hachiman… Changing all of Class D single-handedly.'
'I'm even more curious about what you'll do next…'
'This school is far more interesting than any ordinary one…'
Chabashira Sae was just an observer… Even now, she decided to remain an observer.
On the other side, Hikigaya, holding the silver-haired fairy's delicate hand, slowed his pace after leaving Class D.
"So gentle, Little Hikki…"
"I told you not to call me that… I'm not gentle."
"Noticing my inconvenient legs and deliberately slowing your pace—how charming."
"Anyone could notice that. Stop teasing me."
Sakayanagi's face still wore that playful smile, something Hikigaya had long picked up on.
"Well then, let's find a place to sit and talk…"
The girl dropped her playful expression, adopting an innocent look, as if, in her eyes, this was just a simple date.
( End of this chapter)