Chapter 084: She Might Always Be Gentle! / Hiyori: Hikigaya-kun is a Dangerous Person!
While Hachiman and Sakayanagi were meeting, things were busy at the Student Council.
Nagumo Miyabi sat at his desk handling affairs.
Horikita Manabu's Student Council was always busy, given that he was a workaholic. As the second-year Vice President, Nagumo couldn't avoid the workload either, especially on the day before the first-years left for their special exam. There were many arrangements to make: bus schedules, coordinating with the designated ships, arranging staff applications, and distributing supplies for the students.
"Speaking of which, Katsuragi, you're heading out tomorrow," Nagumo said to Katsuragi Kohei.
The two secretaries from Class 1-A had been assigned to work under Nagumo and Kiriyama respectively. Katsuragi was Nagumo's secretary.
"Yes, Nagumo-senpai," Katsuragi replied with a slight bow. Unlike the proud Sakayanagi, Katsuragi was very humble as a newcomer.
Nagumo enjoyed working with polite and sensible kouhais like Katsuragi. Unfortunately, Katsuragi was in the same class as Sakayanagi, whose previous actions had thoroughly enraged Nagumo, causing the entire Class A to become "persona non grata" in his eyes.
"Do you have any advice regarding this trip, Nagumo-senpai?" Katsuragi asked, looking up with sincere eyes. He knew this exam wouldn't be easy, especially with Sakayanagi unable to attend. Class A was in a precarious position; if he could get guidance from Nagumo, they might avoid some pitfalls.
"I can't leak the questions. In fact, even we don't know the exact exam content," Nagumo shook his head.
"The special exams for every grade and every month are brand new. There are almost never repeat questions, so our past experiences won't be of much use to you."
He paused, playing the part of the senior for a moment. "However, keep one thing in mind: it's the end of the first semester. The weight and difficulty of this special exam will be much higher than before. And your Class A's current situation is indeed not very optimistic."
Katsuragi fell silent. Because Class B and C were on good terms, and Class B even had connections with Class D, combined with Sakayanagi's absence, this exam was undoubtedly going to be a tough battle for Class 1-A. As the current primary leader, could he really handle the pressure and protect their position?
For the first time, a flicker of doubt appeared in Katsuragi's heart. But he had to shoulder it. That was his duty as the class representative.
"I understand. I will work hard," Katsuragi said, his eyes becoming serious.
Nagumo watched his kouhai's spirited display with a calm expression. "Actually, with Sakayanagi unable to participate, if you perform well, it will be a very impressive achievement," Nagumo consoled him.
Inside, however, he thought differently. He had already made arrangements. As long as Ryuen followed their agreement and led Class C to secretly target Class A, Class A was bound to suffer heavy losses.
'This is the price for offending me, Sakayanagi-san!'
.
.
.
On the morning of the 7th at 8:00 AM, the atmosphere was set. Except for Sakayanagi Arisu, the entire first-year student body walked out of the school gates with simple luggage. Several buses were parked outside. Students lined up in an orderly fashion, faces a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Some looked forward to a school trip, while most were nervous about the impending exam. The buses slowly started, heading toward the port.
Each class was assigned one bus. Since they were finally leaving the school walls, the students were buzzing with excitement. The cabins were filled with chatter.
Hachiman sat near the front of the bus. Normally, he would sit in the very last row where no one would notice him. Unfortunately, this wasn't Sobu High. His visibility here was a hundred times higher. When they were boarding, his classmates spontaneously let him lead the line; no one dared to stand in front of him. Ichinose stood quietly behind him, a gentle smile on her face.
It was almost certain Ichinose would sit with him. As class representatives, sitting together made it easier to discuss matters, and Ichinose always looked out for his feelings. He couldn't very well drag her to the back of the bus, so they took a two-person seat near the front.
Ichinose's popularity was truly something. Within minutes, multiple people had greeted her, leaning over the aisle to talk about the upcoming itinerary.
"Let's switch places," Hachiman said to Ichinose. He was on the aisle, and she was by the window. This made it hard for her to talk to others without Hachiman getting stuck in the middle, which was awkward.
"Sorry, sorry! I didn't notice you were uncomfortable," Ichinose realized his change in expression and asked Shiranami-san, who was trying to talk to her, to return to her seat first.
"No, I'm used to it," Hachiman said, only to see Ichinose tilt her head, blink, and listen intently.
'Wait, what are you listening to? I'm talking to you right now.'
Hachiman's mind was sharp. He realized instantly.
'Wait... has she become addicted to hearing my inner thoughts? Is she not used to me stopping?'
Thinking this, he sent a thought: 'Ichinose doesn't know this, but during past school trips, I usually sat at the very back. Even though Yuigahama would come over since we were in the same class, she was always busy because so many people wanted to talk to her, and she'd get called away.'
He observed her reaction. Her eyes lit up, and a shallow smile appeared on her face, looking satisfied. Her curious expression softened.
However, she quickly asked, "Speaking of which, Hikigaya-kun hasn't talked much about his past. Was there someone special? For example... someone similar to me? I always feel like Hikigaya-kun is looking at someone else when he looks at me."
'...? So you really are addicted to listening. But suddenly digging for intel on Yuigahama is a bit much, Ichinose.'
Hachiman reached into his pocket and felt a voice recorder.
It wasn't the one he sold to Sakayanagi, but a new one. While phones could record, they were easily discovered and couldn't be planted in advance. Plus, an incoming call would interrupt the recording. Since even the "poor" Ryuen used voice recorders, he needed to be prepared. If he could record useful intel, he could sell it for a good price.
Though he used the recorder to "hard-control" Sakayanagi, it proved that recorded content was a marketable commodity. Even though Kushida refused his request, others might not. Collecting the first 20 million points was necessary. Nothing carried more weight than putting 20 million on the table.
But since he was talking to Ichinose, whom he had excluded from those he could "use," he decided to be polite.
Hachiman steadied himself and said, "You are somewhat similar to a classmate of mine named Yuigahama, mainly in the tone of your voice. And your personalities share a trait: you are both excessively gentle."
As he spoke, he thought about Yuigahama, images of their time together flashing through his mind. Rather than just saying she was gentle, it was more that she would always be gentle, even at the end.
Even if she suffered, she would smile and tolerate others to protect their feelings. Because...
'It's hard to say things once the timing is missed. I'm the same way.
Is it really okay not to know? But I want to know more. To understand each other better, to be more in harmony. To help each other if there's trouble.
Hikki, if Yukinon is in trouble, you have to help her, okay?'
He recalled her words. He reached a conclusion: Yuigahama Yui was a gentle girl, kind-hearted, without schemes.
She feared being disliked or abandoned most. She always put others first, even at her own expense, despite being ordinary with no special talents. But beneath that extreme gentleness was a firm determination; even knowing she had no chance of winning, she wouldn't want to hurt her friends or see them sad.
"Gentle...?" Ichinose murmured, her eyes momentarily unfocused. Her tone held surprise, heaviness, and a hint of self-deprecation.
"Yeah," Hachiman nodded.
Only Ichinose could hear these thoughts. Since she wasn't a bad person, sharing a little was fine. He hadn't said anything scandalous.
'Sorry, Yuigahama, your intel is being leaked in bulk.'
Hachiman had only recently realized girls could hear his heart. Yuigahama, Yukinoshita—they were likely known to everyone now.
He hadn't counted the total "listeners" yet.
In Class A: likely Kamuro and Sakayanagi.
In Class B: Shiranami Chihiro and Ichinose Honami.
In Class C: he suspected Shiina Hiyori.
In Class D: there were many—likely Kushida, Horikita, Karuizawa, and Sakura.
'Class D really is full of talent.'
"Actually, I'm not that good," Ichinose's voice rang out again, soft and self-mocking. She looked down at her fingertips.
She felt complicated. Being compared to this "Yuigahama" in both voice and "gentleness" made her feel like she didn't deserve the title.
At least Yuigahama could stay true to her heart and maintain pure gentleness.
Unlike her, who lost her way in middle school and committed the irrevocable act of theft. It was done. Even if Hachiman told her to move forward and she decided to do so, it remained a stain. She wasn't worthy of the comparison.
Moreover, from Hachiman's evaluation of Yuigahama, Ichinose sensed deep emotion. Not necessarily romantic, but a heavy, special friendship. That meant Hikigaya-kun might already have someone he liked. That's why he could distinguish these feelings so clearly.
Hachiman noticed the heavy atmosphere. He wasn't good at comforting girls. To break the silence, he looked around for a new topic.
The Class B students were still immersed in the excitement of the "Mirai" luxury cruise ship. Shibata, the class's star athlete, turned around with glowing eyes.
"Do you think the Mirai is really as luxurious as the teacher said? There's even a free massage spa!"
Homeroom teacher Hoshinomiya Chie had distributed brochures, confirming the luxury wasn't exaggerated. Most students were ordinary people who had never been on such a ship, let alone for free.
"It's definitely real! I'm looking forward to the free swimsuits; heard there are so many styles!
There's a theater and a pool too! I want to relax!"
Hachiman watched the lingering gloom in Ichinose and decided to act. He raised his hand and called out to Hoshinomiya in the front.
"Hoshinomiya-sensei!" His voice carried through the cabin. "We know there's a special exam. Can you give us a hint? What is the content?"
Normally, asking so directly was bad form, especially for a class rep. But as a joke-like inquiry, it might yield something.
The cabin went silent as everyone looked at the teacher with anticipation and fear.
Hoshinomiya turned around with a mischievous smile. "Oh, don't be so impatient. First of all, the school arranged this luxury trip so you can relax after a stressful semester. Don't worry about the exam yet; you'll know when it's time to announce it. Just enjoy the scenery and the trip for now."
Her response was air-tight. It revealed nothing but calmed the students.
Ichinose turned to Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun, do you think what she said is true? Can we really relax for a few days?"
As expected of someone with Yuigahama's voice and gentleness—even when she was down, she immediately worried about the class. She feared the students being too tense to enjoy the rare trip, but also feared that being too relaxed in this merit-based school was a trap.
"Hoshinomiya-sensei said playing a bit is fine, and I agree," Hachiman said.
"The school spent a fortune chartering a luxury liner. They wouldn't start the exam immediately; otherwise, there'd be no point in the expensive ship. Since there's no official notice or requirements yet, it means part of this trip is a genuine vacation."
He looked at the excited classmates. "Besides, Class B finally has this chance. Better to relax and gather strength so we can handle the exam when it actually starts."
Ichinose's worry vanished, replaced by a soft light in her eyes. "Mhm, you're right. I was too anxious about the exam and ignored the trip in front of me."
The nearby students sighed in relief.
"Great! I knew we could relax!"
.
.
.
In the front, Hoshinomiya Chie watched her students. This Class B was excellent—better than she expected. Normally, a teacher should be proud, as they had a real chance to reach Class A.
But she didn't feel joyful. She felt a weight in her heart, an unspoken discomfort. Her own class back in the day had reached this level of hope, only to stop at Class B, leaving behind nothing but regret.
Seeing her students working toward what she couldn't achieve made her feel envious, unwilling, and strangely irritable.
Would this Class 1-B pass the hurdle that stopped her generation? Special exams changed every month, but some themes were inevitable—specifically, the theme of "Discarding." This class would eventually have to choose to expel a comrade or a representative. How would they choose?
She chose to return here to teach largely because she saw Chabashira doing the same, pinning her hopes on Class D. Hoshinomiya wanted to stop her at all costs. Both of them were still trapped in the failure of their own Class B years ago.
-
-
-
Meanwhile, on another bus, the atmosphere was entirely different. This was Class C.
Unlike the noisy Class B, Class C was deathly silent. A heavy air of anxiety filled the cabin. A week ago, Ryuen had returned the 400,000 points he took, informed them he'd paid off 200,000 of the 600,000 debt, and gave everyone 10,000 for living expenses to prepare for the exam.
Now, on the 7th, boarding the bus felt like heading to a battlefield. Ryuen Kakeru leaned back in his seat with his eyes closed, projecting an aura that made students keep their distance.
However, one person wasn't afraid. In front of Ryuen, Shiina Hiyori sat by the window, reading a book intently. With her silver hair and gentle eyes, she looked out of place in the oppressive cabin.
Beside her sat Ibuki Mio, who provided a sense of movement compared to Hiyori's stillness. Ibuki stared out the window with a cold expression.
"Shiina, what do you think about this special exam?" Ibuki asked suddenly.
Nearby students pricked up their ears. Hiyori was observant and often noticed details others missed. Ryuen valued her opinion highly, giving her a significant status in the class.
Hiyori closed her book. "I don't have specific thoughts, but I think the school arranged this departure too early."
"Too early?" Ibuki frowned.
"It's just a guess. Usually, the school gives plenty of time to prepare strategies, so exams happen at the end of the month," Hiyori said slowly. "But we left at the beginning of the month. If the exam starts now, what do we do for the rest of the time? And with this luxury liner brochure, it implies time to play. If you add play and exams together, one week is too rushed."
She continued, "The school never does anything meaningless. Chartering a ship this expensive won't just be for one simple exam. I think there might be two exams. One on the ship, one at the destination."
The Class C students began to panic. "Two exams? Are they trying to kill us?" "Does Ryuen have a plan for two exams?"
Ryuen Kakeru opened his eyes. "Be quiet!"
His voice was loud and full of pressure. The panic vanished.
"I don't care if there are two exams or three, or what the content is. Once it starts, everyone follows my lead!" He sneered.
"I've already joined forces with Hikigaya from Class B. I don't like him, but he will definitely use Sakayanagi's absence to crush Class A. If Class A falls, we take the opportunity to rise!"
His plan was simple: let A and B fight. As B's ally, C wouldn't be attacked. If A dropped to Class B, Class C could move up.
However, Hiyori watched Ryuen in silence, filled with doubt.
'Would it really be that simple?'
To her, Hikigaya Hachiman was someone who set off alarm bells. He was a terrifying person who excelled in "Open Schemes"—strategies where you know what he's doing but can't stop it. Joining forces with Ryuen likely meant it benefited him more.
'Ryuen is no match for him.'
Hikigaya-kun choosing to ally with Ryuen before the exam meant he was playing a much larger game.
'I should find an opportunity on the ship to meet Hikigaya-kun' Hiyori thought.
She had only wanted a quiet school life and book-loving friends, but now she had to act for the sake of Class C.
Read ahead (60 chapters) by supporting me on buymeacoffee com/varietl or ko-fi edwriting