Hachiman didn't remember himself being such a well-known person. And yet, before even exchanging names, she managed to call his name correctly. That was nothing short of a miracle, a real miracle.
Tadokoro Megumi let out a small laugh. "Didn't Hayama just call you earlier? So I remembered it."
Hachiman tried to recall Hayama calling his name just now. Did that really happen? Disgusting.
"Like Hayama said, I'm a transfer student. So if anything comes up, I'll be counting on you, Tadokoro."
"Eh?" Caught off guard by the sudden request, Tadokoro felt the pressure on her rise, and even her voice started to stumble:
"Hikigaya, how did you know my name?"
'This girl... is she an idiot?'
"Hayama also called your name just now. If I shouldn't call you that, I'll try to be careful." After all, knowing that girls naturally disliked someone like him, Hachiman didn't say much more. Today, it was only about working together.
Hearing Hikigaya's answer, Tadokoro grew even more flustered. She waved her hands quickly, her face showing panic as she denied it:
"No, no, that's not what I meant... I just forgot... Maybe you doesn't know yet, but in Totsuki Academy, if you get an E grade too many times in training class, you'll be expelled... and I only have one chance left." As she said this, Tadokoro's expression clearly carried some self-mockery.
Hachiman found it hard to believe. Still, since the entrance exam was already that strict, having rules like this inside the school was only natural. It's just... to run into someone troublesome like him at such a hard time, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for the girl in front of him.
With that, Tadokoro slowly turned to Hayama, speaking with some emotion: "Even after studying in this school for three years, I still can't match Hayama, who only joined as a transfer student. It's really pathetic..."
Hachiman: "That guy Hayama is really that good?"
Tadokoro gave a simple nod. "At Totsuki Academy, we've spent the past three years studying nonstop—cooking theory, nutrition, public health, cultivation theory, management, and most importantly, practical cooking. Only by passing all of that can we move forward. But Hayama, as a transfer student, caught up to us so quickly." Her face grew darker as she spoke, filled with disappointment in herself.
Listening to her, Hachiman suddenly thought of the girl he'd just seen in the crowd—Yukinoshita Yukino. If he remembered right, she only started learning these things in her first year of high school. Yet now, she was already being called a genius.
This school really was something else.
Tadokoro went on: "Hikigaya, maybe you don't know this, but among us first-years, ninety-nine percent of students are just stepping stones for the one percent. Out of last year's 812 new students, only 76 made it to the second year. And when it comes to graduation... barely a handful."
The more he listened to what Tadokoro Megumi said, the more Hachiman realized this school was even harsher than he had imagined. No wonder his unreliable dad had dumped him here.
Without thinking, Hachiman replied, "This really is just like this rotten society. Survival of the fittest. The useless and the ordinary will probably be mercilessly cast aside."
If it were Komachi who came here, maybe she could survive. But for him to graduate safely… it would take hundreds, maybe thousands of times more effort.
When Hachiman came back to his senses, he noticed Tadokoro, who had been standing next to him just moments ago, now crouched down with a fierce expression, writing the character for "person" on her palm and swallowing it over and over again.
Anyone looking could tell just how nervous she was. Hachiman could only sigh helplessly.
'If you're this nervous, then stop saying stuff like that. What an idiot… Still, to not drag her down, I guess I'll have to give it everything I've got.'
Hachiman said, "Swallowing the word 'person' like it's your mortal enemy—does that actually calm your nerves?"
Tadokoro raised her head, still looking simple and pitiful, then gave Hikigaya a small nod.
"I just hope the teacher this time isn't too strict. As long as I can get a C—no, even a D—I won't be expelled."
Hikigaya shook his head. "I don't deny your way of thinking. But… in a school where the weak are weeded out, praying to others or to God is useless. The ones who are meant to be eliminated will still be eliminated."
"Hard work doesn't betray you. Dreams may betray you, and effort doesn't always guarantee dreams come true. But the fact that you tried—at least that's something that can comfort you."
"If that's how the world is, then all you can do is give it your all until the very end. That's enough."
Moved by his words, a hint of determination slowly appeared on Tadokoro's face.
If she kept relying on prayers every time she stood at death's door, then one day she really would fall through. Only by believing in herself could she escape for real.
No matter what teacher it was, no matter what kind of test it was, she had to face it head-on.
At last, she stood up. Her expression was nothing like before. A faint blush and the firmness in her eyes made it clear she had made up her mind.
"Thank you, Hikigaya. We'll definitely pass."
"Yeah."
Even though this was their first meeting, and they had barely known each other for an hour, Tadokoro felt a strange warmth in her heart. The boy in front of her seemed like someone who had appeared just to save her, giving her strength again.
Just then, a mocking voice came from behind Hikigaya. It was the sneer of two male students.
"Eh? You're not from our school, are you? How can you just walk into our classroom?"
"Hahaha! You don't even know about Totsuki's Elite Ten? I bet even if you somehow pass the transfer exam, you'll be kicked out in no time."
More and more students gathered around, and the noise grew louder.
"Yeah, yeah, every year there are a few transfer students like this, but their ending is always the same."
"Now that you mention it… that's true."