I haven't taken any action so far, because I thought this school was filled with outstanding students. Even if our class is Class D, I believed someone might step up and try to change things before it's too late.
But it seems my waiting will be in vain. No one is going to step in.
I know Yukinoshita has her own thoughts about the situation, and she might start trying to change things.
However, after our conversation at the café, I made it clear that I would handle it. I haven't told her my reasons yet, but once I fix this mess, I'll tell her everything.
Originally, I was going to wait two weeks, but with how fast things are deteriorating, I think we'll reach a disastrous outcome. So I'll try to minimize the damage.
So far, I don't know if the plan will succeed or not, but it won't depend on me alone. I'll need someone else's efforts.
The only person who would work for the class and might successfully guide them is Hirata.
There are more important things than talking to Hirata right now, but I decided to clear things up with him before I begin.
Of course, I won't tell him my plan at all, but I'll try to get his perspective on the current state of the class.
But this morning, I realized how hard it is to get a moment with him. From the moment he enters in the morning, girls start gathering around him.
Even at lunch, I couldn't find a chance. So I decided to wait until after school.
I heard he's in the soccer club, so… after club activities.
Why is it that all the popular guys I've known play this sport?
Is that the secret to their popularity?
I'm sure that if I had heard something like that back in elementary school, I would've joined the soccer club without hesitation.
I was kind of naive. Who wouldn't want to be liked by everyone?
The school day ended again, and I saw Hirata heading to his club.
Well, I didn't go talk to him because I had mentally prepared myself for after club, not now.
I was rude during our first meeting, so I find it difficult to talk to him again.
I know he's the type of guy who wouldn't care and would act like nothing happened.
But that would just be taking advantage of his kindness… and that's not good.
Well, I'll treat him to a can of Max Coffee… or let him choose. It doesn't matter.
While organizing my thoughts, the class left, and only Yukinoshita remained, staring at me from her seat.
"What?"
I placed my hand on my cheek as I looked at her.
"Hikigaya-kun, your condition is getting worse. You've been spacing out for 10 minutes." Yukinoshita shook her head dramatically.
Why doesn't she stop making fun of me? It's really annoying.
"Then why didn't you wake me up? Isn't that what a normal person would do?"
"No, no. I wouldn't come near you in that state. It was like you were performing some kind of ritual. I also wanted to see how long it would take you to notice I was waiting."
Ah… I didn't tell her I had something to do, so she waited for me.
"Yukinoshita… I have something to take care of, so go on without me."
She looked at me in confusion before understanding my words.
"Oh… are you planning to do it today?"
I didn't tell Yukinoshita I'd be involving Hirata, so she must be talking about something else.
Well, it's better to keep things secret. There might be someone in the hallway.
"No, I'll do that tomorrow. Today, I'll do something else."
Yukinoshita smiled softly. She understood that I didn't want to tell her and respected that.
"I see… Well, I was thinking of going to the library with you… Anyway, don't get yourself into trouble. And if you need anything, just call me."
I'm not used to receiving this much attention… or trust. I can feel my temperature rising. This is bad.
"…Sure."
Yukinoshita picked up her bag and left the classroom.
I remained alone inside a classroom meant for 40 students.
Yet… I feel happy.
×××
I spent about two hours in a park next to the soccer field, waiting for Hirata.
What's the best way to pass the time?
Reading a light novel.
I didn't feel time passing at all. I was completely absorbed in the story. The only thing that bothered me was the cold wind blowing every now and then.
Even though it's spring, the weather is unstable.
Is human behavior like that too?
I put the novel back in my bag and headed toward the field, standing by the road, waiting to spot a familiar face among the crowd.
It didn't take long before Hirata appeared, carrying a sports bag and talking to what I assume were his club teammates.
He had the same expression he shows when dealing with classmates.
It's impressive how he uses the same approach with everyone.
I decided to approach him before I missed the chance again.
"Hirata, do you have a moment?"
He looked at me with surprise. He didn't expect me to come talk to him.
Well, no one would expect that.
"Senpai, sorry, I'll go with my friend." Hirata politely said goodbye to his clubmates, then approached me.
"Hello, Hikigaya-kun. It's surprising to see you come up to me. Is there a problem?" He looked concerned.
"Hmm… Let's go somewhere else if you're free."
There are too many people here. I'd rather talk face-to-face somewhere quieter.
"Sure. Where do you want to go?"
"By the lake."
It's the best place—there are benches, it's quiet, and there's a Max Coffee vending machine.
I had thought about eating there, but it's far from the school building.
"…Alright."
We walked in complete silence toward the lake.
I was busy organizing my thoughts.
How should I start the conversation?
I thought about writing a draft, but I dropped the idea. I'll improvise.
We arrived at the vending machine. I bought a can of Max Coffee.
"You can get whatever you want. It's on me." I raised my phone to show I'd pay.
"No, there's no need." He declined politely.
"No, I'm the one who asked you to come… Besides, I was rude during our first meeting, so consider it a gift."
I'm the one who needs him. And I still feel embarrassed about how I treated him.
He reminded me of Hayama, so I acted that way without thinking.
"…Alright, then I'll have black coffee." he said with an awkward smile.
Come on, don't you like this yellow machine? It's worth trying.
I pressed a button, and a black can dropped. I bent down to pick it up and handed it to him.
"Thanks."
I nodded and moved toward the railing.
I opened my can and took a sip.
It's really the best. I think I can talk properly now.
Should I be direct or indirect?
I don't care.
"Hirata, I think you're smart enough to realize this school isn't normal, right?"
He looked surprised—maybe because I praised him, or because of my direct approach.
"Well… like we saw in the orientation…"
"No, I'm not talking about that." I cut him off.
I know he understands what I mean, but he's avoiding it—just like he does in class.
"I'm talking about the points… and our classmates' behavior."
Anyone can understand that the points the school gives us aren't free, and that no school exists without rules.
So there must be a connection between points and behavior.
"…Yeah, I understand that." Hirata looked at the lake and sipped his coffee.
"Then why aren't you doing anything? Don't you care about your classmates?"
If he truly cares about their comfort and unity, he should help them.
"I do… but I don't want to create conflict. And I don't want to force them to do something they don't want."
Because of the darkness, I couldn't clearly see his expression, but I felt a sense of sadness from him.
"…What do you mean?"
His words could be interpreted in many ways, so unless he clarifies, I won't understand.
Maybe it's because I'm not used to group dynamics.
"They don't have a reason to act. So if I force something on them, it will only create conflict."
He's still afraid of conflict.
"If I create that 'reason' you're talking about… will you guide them?"
Hirata looked at me seriously.
Maybe he wasn't unaware of the situation. Maybe he tried to fix things before but couldn't find that "reason."
From what I've observed, Hirata has a strong influence over the class, especially the girls.
If he can guide them, then I have my own way of creating that "reason."
He took a long time to respond. He must be measuring the impact this would have on his classmates.
If he truly cares, he won't hesitate.
I finished my coffee in one go and walked toward the trash can.
I heard footsteps behind me.
Still silent… is it that hard for him to decide?
"Hikigaya-kun, I don't know your reasons, but if you're going to help with this, I promise I'll do my best to guide them."
He looked at me with sincerity—genuine concern for his friends, not just an act.
I nodded, but there's still one thing.
Hirata has wide influence in the class, maybe even across the entire first year.
But there are people he won't be able to handle. His honest kindness won't work on them.
We'll need a gentle… but manipulative approach.
And I saw yesterday who could provide that.
"Hirata, you might need Kushida's help, right?"
Kushida clearly has more influence over male students because of her personality.
She managed to make two older students back down, so people like Ike and Yamauchi won't be a big problem.
"Yeah… you're right. Kushida would be happy to help the class." Hirata said with a smile.
It doesn't matter how he sees her—as long as she plays her role.
If she wants to maintain her kind image, she won't refuse his request.
Right?
Exactly.
"Thanks, Hikigaya-kun. I appreciate your effort—and thanks for the drink."
"No problem."
Hirata left toward the dorm with a genuine smile.
After our conversation, I realized he really is like Hayama in one way—maintaining harmony.
Hayama does it because he was raised that way. It's his role to meet expectations and keep peace.
But Hirata… I don't know why he does it.
It feels like… regret.
Anyway, I have a task ahead.
Preparing motivation.
Forty files should be enough.