In the end.
It was decided to have Ishizaki and the others pay the repair costs; paying for new ones wasn't realistic either.
If they didn't want to pay, it didn't matter.
They could just deduct it directly from the Class Points.
"Ryuuen-san..."
Ishizaki was a bit apprehensive.
One or two items would be fine, but with the tablet computers, handheld consoles, and so on on the table, there were a dozen or so at a rough glance.
They really had no money.
Fortunately.
Ryuuen was quite generous in this regard.
Since it was his own decision, he would naturally be the one to pay the money, which immediately relieved Kondo and the others.
Only, looking at Ryuuen's somewhat gloomy expression, Hikigaya couldn't help but show a smile.
It was just to let Ryuuen know they weren't easy to bully.
How long could they keep paying like this?
The feeling of being framed was certainly not good, it was just that no one would stand on Ryuuen's side anymore.
People who like to provoke the rules.
It means they will lose the protection of the rules.
Having solved the small interlude.
Kanzaki and the others continued their study session, and Hikigaya and the others also returned to school.
After all.
One side had evidence, while the other side didn't even have evidence.
And the subject was that notorious Ryuuen Kakeru; solving it was naturally simple.
"Onii-chan, Onii-chan."
Hikigaya Komachi pulled Hikigaya's sleeve and said with some lingering fear:
"That guy called Ryuuen is so scary, his eyes are like a snake's."
"The same as Orochimaru's eyes."
Hikigaya seemed to remember something, turned back and instructed:
"Komachi, this school is different from other schools. You want to be the Student Council President just like in middle school, right? Then sooner or later you'll have to come into contact with people like Ryuuen and Housen from the second year. Is it really okay?"
"Um..."
After thinking seriously for a moment.
Hikigaya Komachi nodded vigorously and started laughing.
"It's fine, it's fine. When the time comes, I'll let Nanase-sister help me, okay?"
"Of course, leave it to me."
Nanase Tsubasa patted Hikigaya Komachi's little head, making her eyes light up instantly.
Back at school.
Everyone also dispersed.
The first-years and second-years seemed to have their own special exams.
"Hikigaya."
Horikita Suzune followed back to the Student Council room.
"Those electronic goods must cost at least several million personal points, right? Is it really worth it just to stop Ryuuen from picking more fights?"
"What are you talking about?"
Hikigaya changed the subject.
There was no "worth it" or not; they weren't single-use items anyway.
Just letting Nakanishi and the others play with them was fine; if they broke, Ryuuen would pay to fix them.
"Huh? It's obvious you set Ryuuen up..."
Horikita Suzune furrowed her brow.
As long as one saw Ryuuen's expression, which looked like he'd eaten feces, it should be easy to see.
"No, it was just a coincidence, you're overthinking it."
Hikigaya naturally couldn't admit it; such things are better left understood in silence.
"There's no one else here, it's fine to tell me, right? I won't tell anyone."
Horikita Suzune furrowed her brow, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Is there a need to hide such an obvious thing?
"..."
Hikigaya's mouth twitched.
You are "someone else"... how could he tell Horikita Suzune.
"Could it be..."
Horikita Suzune pursed her lips with some unwillingness: "You don't trust me?"
"If you know, don't ask."
Hikigaya didn't cover it up either.
After all, she had a history of breaking promises.
Hearing his words, Horikita Suzune lowered her head, feeling even more bitter.
Just then.
Sotomura Hideo and Hondou, who were preparing to leave school, came toward them, just happening to run into them and Horikita Suzune behind them.
Glancing slightly at Horikita Suzune, Sotomura Hideo and the others quickly picked up their pace and walked past, as if they hadn't seen her.
Seeing Sotomura and the others brush past, Horikita Suzune lowered her head even further in frustration...
For some time now.
Except for Sudou and the Student Council members Hikigaya and Katsuragi.
No one else was willing to come into contact with Horikita Suzune anymore, or even willing to talk to her.
If it was said that their class was ostracized by everyone in the school, then Horikita Suzune was ostracized by everyone in the school and the class.
If there were a hierarchy in the school.
Then.
Horikita Suzune was undoubtedly a member of the lowest level.
Even below Sotomura Hideo and the others.
Only now.
Did Horikita Suzune finally understand.
She didn't know if her methods were correct.
But if she wanted to become a trusted leader, her methods would absolutely not work.
"..."
Hikigaya looked back at Horikita Suzune.
"Well, don't take it to heart. Anyway, you aren't the type who cares about socializing, right?"
"I suppose so, but it's just a bit complicated...."
Horikita Suzune looked back at the retreating backs of Sotomura and the others.
Being ignored was one thing, but the feeling of being specifically ostracized by everyone was indeed unpleasant.
Although they all knew not to care too much about others' opinions.
A person's heart is not so easily convinced; being treated with strange looks would always be somewhat uncomfortable.
As if one were born a level lower than others.
"Well... Horikita, still, don't take it to heart, and focus on preparing for the exam."
Ichinose and the others comforted her somewhat hesitantly.
In their hearts, they also knew the reason why Sotomura and others ostracized Horikita Suzune, so it wasn't easy to say much.
After all, regardless of whether it was right or wrong, what Horikita Suzune did was too cold-blooded, making it hard even to say comforting words.
They could only tell Horikita Suzune not to take it to heart.
"Um..."
Watching Sotomura and the others' retreating backs gradually disappear, Horikita Suzune responded in a weak voice.
It could be said.
Her high school life had ended early.
Although she was still there, it had nothing to do with her.
During this time.
Horikita Suzune had also put in effort.
But for such things, how could there be results just from effort?
Whether it was apologizing or trying to perform well and provide suggestions, the people in the class looked at her as if they were seeing a plague and quickly avoided her.
If I can't afford to provoke you, can't I at least hide from you?
In any case, they'd still be expelled in the next exam.
No matter how outstanding she was, it had absolutely nothing to do with them, so they naturally wouldn't respect such a cold-blooded leader.
The mistakes she made could not be compensated for.
Even in current study sessions, hearing that she was participating, many people expressed one after another that they wouldn't participate then.
Despite being such a good combatant.
She had become a ghost of the class on all levels.
She could only silently wait for graduation, as if she were waiting to die.
It was truly depressing.
"By the way, Ichinose."
Horikita Suzune hesitated for a moment and suddenly spoke up: "Could you lend me Hikigaya for a bit? I have something I want to say to him."
"Eh?"
Ichinose sized up Horikita Suzune's pretty face.
It was still as cool as in the past, only now her gaze was somewhat dimmed.
"Okay."
"Thank you..."
Horikita Suzune nodded. On the side, Hikigaya's mouth twitched—not asking for his opinion again...