In the following few days.
Hikigaya introduced Kushida Kikyo to Kamuro Masumi and the others.
There wasn't much of a problem.
These few people weren't as exclusionary towards Kushida as Class D. Refusing to tolerate while making demands of the other person is the problem. Kamuro Masumi and the others were perhaps more mature.
Of course.
If it weren't for Hikigaya, these people would probably still choose to keep their distance.
Perhaps it was precisely because they weren't from Class D.
An attitude of not being involved might also be the case.
At least, no matter what.
Everything is a personal subjective view.
Only Sakayanagi Arisu, while also not having any objections, stated that Kushida Kikyo must be managed by her.
Only she could control Kushida Kikyo, who might self-destruct at any time.
Forget it.
It wasn't a big deal either.
Hikigaya couldn't say much; it was just that the two had different acting styles.
Soon.
Time flowed.
December 23rd, the last two days of the second semester.
The collaborative comprehensive written test had ended; today was the day to announce the special exam results.
At this time.
Year 2, Class D.
The screen in front of the podium displayed the results of this exam, as well as the changes in class points.
Year 2, Class A (Katsuragi): 1158 points;
Year 2, Class B (Hikigaya): 1125 points;
Year 2, Class C (Horikita Suzune): 853 points;
Year 2, Class D (Ryuen): 598 points.
Horikita Suzune had a complex expression.
Hikigaya had beaten Katsuragi. Class B was now truly only one step away from A, with a difference of only 33 class points.
It was normal.
As long as one was studying diligently and setting a reasonable exam order.
This competition was more advantageous to the lower-ranked classes.
Relatively.
Class D had also risen to Class C.
And the gap with the upper-tier classes was not large.
Everything Hikigaya said had been fulfilled.
Greatly increasing the rewards for each exam made every class plunder each other; not a single exam could be underestimated.
Even if a class was in A yesterday.
In the next instant.
It wouldn't be surprising if they dropped to Class B or even Class D.
A special exam that allowed for zero slack and was strictly rigorous.
Being able to win was normal.
Although the atmosphere in Class D was terrible now, everyone was still studying, whether fast or slow.
On the other hand, Ryuen was too arrogant.
Taking everything upon himself and using deviant means for every exam—for these two years, Class C's growth had been extremely slow.
Although staying in the student council for so long.
She found that Hikigaya also had a bit of chauvinism, liking to take problems upon himself.
But there was still a significant gap between them.
At least Hikigaya wouldn't refuse to hold study sessions to show off his own ability; instead, he was also enthusiastic about studying.
Of course, this part should mostly be Ichinose's credit.
In short.
This special exam.
Class D obtained victory, and thus rose to Class C.
The distance from Class B or even A was only 272 points.
With the school's current reward scale, perhaps winning just one more special exam could lead to A.
However.
Clearly it was a major victory, yet the people of Class D had dim expressions.
They seemed completely unable to be happy.
At this time.
"Everyone."
Hirata stood up and suggested with a face full of smiles:
"It's a rare big victory. It looks like the effort during this time wasn't in vain. Why don't we go to karaoke and have some fun later? It's on me!"
Every time he saw Class D's current atmosphere, it reminded Hirata of when his middle school friend was bullied, making his heart extremely painful.
However.
There was a clear difference from the middle school situation.
By cutting off Sakura Airi, the people around were just telling the truth.
He couldn't distinguish between right and wrong, and Hirata had no legitimacy for action; he could only try his best to do something for the class to change the situation.
Unfortunately.
"Forget it, I'm not interested."
"I've been studying the whole time, I'm too tired. I just want to go back to the dorm and rest now."
Ike Kanji and others said with gloomy expressions.
Bored, unable to muster interest, wanting to do nothing.
The most important thing was that they would be scolded if they went out.
The three-month period had passed, but the disdain targeting Class D had not stopped.
On this point.
The capable people of Class D.
Horikita Suzune, Hirata Yosuke, and even Ayanokouji had secretly inquired with Class C; Ryuen naturally wouldn't hide it.
So.
This also meant.
Whether it was truly feeling disgusted, wanting to show one's righteous side, or simply wanting to step on Class D.
These were all spontaneous actions by others.
They were truly being spurned by others.
They also somewhat felt that cutting off Sakura Airi was problematic; they were so in the wrong they couldn't refute...
Watching the scene before him.
Hirata's expression also followed and became somewhat depressed, not knowing what to do.
In the classroom, Ayanokouji calmly watched the scene before him.
He didn't have any particular thoughts.
Cutting off Sakura Airi was the most advantageous choice for Class D; there was no doubt about that. It just hadn't been expected to turn out like this.
No need to judge right or wrong.
Hikigaya's method of crushing Class D was effectively implemented; Class D was already on the brink of collapse.
So.
Could Class D overcome this difficulty?
At least.
Such a method wasn't effective on everyone.
For now.
Yukimura hadn't been affected much. That was probably a gap on the spiritual level, right? Everyone else wasn't rational enough?
"There's no need for this."
At this time.
Horikita Suzune stood up clenching her fists, saying in a deep voice:
"I know it's been hard on everyone during this time, but that should be exactly because our opponent was Class C."
"That's why Ryuen adopted such a pressuring method, but we have already successfully achieved victory. There's nothing wrong with celebrating a bit."
"Hmm?"
Ike Kanji and the others were somewhat hesitant.
It was indeed a reason. Perhaps it was just because their opponent happened to be Ryuen's Class C that they didn't stop the mental pressure on Class D.
The fact was indeed so.
Seeing that Hikigaya's method was indeed effective, Ryuen also unceremoniously continued to apply mental pressure to Class D, wanting to obtain victory.
Unfortunately.
It was endured by Class D.
There was nothing that could be done; the academic ability gap between the two classes was too large, and in the end, Horikita's class achieved victory.
Currently, the academic level of Horikita's class.
It wouldn't be strange if it were even a bit stronger than Class B.
"That's right."
Seeing this, Hirata quickly added:
"The exam is over. Now that the matter has passed, how about I treat everyone to go out and relax?"
"Then... okay..."
After hesitating for a moment, Ike Kanji and the others nodded in agreement.
Hirata and Horikita Suzune breathed a slight sigh of relief, leaving the class with the crowd.
Both wanted to do something for the class.
However.
Constantly escaping.
Searching for justifications and excuses for one's behavior.
What exactly is the end of the road that they are about to face?
Hikigaya, who had been ostracized for ten years, could not be unaware.