Chapter 080 Sakayanagi: You Can Order Masumi Around Anytime
On August 1st, the updated class points were announced:
Class A: 1120 points (+130) Class B: 990 points (+120) Class C: 770 points (+100) Class D: 70 points (+70)
"Congratulations, Hikigaya-kun."
"Setting aside what exactly there is to congratulate me for, isn't waiting for me specifically on my way to the restroom a bit much, Sakayanagi?"
"You're overthinking it. I'm just here accompanying Masumi-san."
"Then where is she now?"
"Perhaps she's having some... digestive difficulties?"
"When you're using the toilet, watch out or Kamuro might steal your tissues."
Sakayanagi Arisu's eyes paused for a moment. A flash of momentary horror crossed her cute face before she stared at him with sharp eyes.
"My, my~ Hikigaya-kun certainly has many wicked ideas for dealing with girls!"
"So, what do you want from me?" Hikigaya didn't want to waste time bickering.
"How about we sit down and chat first?" Sakayanagi sat on a bench and patted the seat next to her with her small hand.
Hikigaya scanned the surroundings warily. There were security cameras in the hallway, and no one was hiding in the bushes. Taking in all of Hikigaya's reactions, Sakayanagi simply smiled without speaking.
Hikigaya sat down cautiously, but the moment his butt hit the bench, his face froze.
"Sakayanagi, you..."
A warm sensation came from the seat, indicating she had been sitting in that exact spot for a while, keeping it warm.
"Fufu~ Hikigaya-kun's reactions are truly something I never grow tired of." Sakayanagi curled her lips into a mischievous, delighted smile.
"Are you an elementary schooler? Do you think this level of 'cuteness' could disturb my state of mind?" Hikigaya's expression returned to normal as he leaned back in the chair with total composure.
"Oh? Can I take that as Hikigaya-kun complimenting me?" Sakayanagi maintained her smile.
"Yes. You're about one-third as cute as Kamuro in a maid outfit." Hikigaya said with a straight face.
"...It's best to say fewer things that destroy female friendships." Sakayanagi narrowed her eyes.
'Shouldn't I say it more then?' Hikigaya was about to continue mocking her when a cold voice came from behind.
"...When exactly have you ever seen me in a maid outfit?" Kamuro Masumi stared at him with a look of pure disgust.
"Uh... in a dream?" Hikigaya spoke the honest truth.
"Hmph~ Pervert!" Kamuro snorted, her cheeks flushing slightly. She seemed very angry.
"Fufufu~ Does Hikigaya-kun like that type? If I hire Masumi as a housekeeper in the future, I could have her wear a maid outfit." Sakayanagi teased with great interest.
"I believe you on that point."
Hikigaya nodded seriously.
'Not just a housekeeper, but also a substitute for the mistress of the house.'
"This sudden trust is quite baffling." Sakayanagi blinked her soulful eyes, observing Hikigaya closely as if trying to see through his true thoughts. However, no matter how high her IQ was, it was impossible for her to imagine that all of this stemmed from Hikigaya's dreams.
"Hmph~ Do you really want to see me in a maid outfit that badly?" Kamuro bit her lip, her face full of conflicted emotions.
'Wait, are you actually considering it?' Hikigaya looked puzzled. Was she actually a masochist?
This topic was getting a bit too close to the line for high schoolers. To avoid the awkwardness, Hikigaya decisively changed the subject. "Sakayanagi, you came to find me today because of the cruise exam, right?"
"To think you even know about the special exam..." Sakayanagi opened her eyes wide in surprise.
"So it really is an exam!" Hikigaya looked enlightened. He knew this crappy school couldn't be that kind-hearted. The so-called luxury cruise trip was nothing more than a giant, sugar-coated trap!
"A slip of the tongue... I accidentally let a vital piece of information leak to you." Sakayanagi showed a bitter smile.
"If it's vital information, why did you get it in advance?" Hikigaya's eyes shifted as he followed the logic. "Are you a 'connected person' at this school?"
"Hikigaya-kun, that's quite rude. This school is a government-funded experimental project; all students receive equal treatment here regardless of their background." Sakayanagi explained.
"But you didn't deny being a connected person." Hikigaya keenly caught the key detail.
Sakayanagi's face darkened, slightly embarrassed and angry.
She decided to explain the situation fully. "Because of my poor health, I was told I'm prohibited from outdoor activities and will be absent from this round of the special exam. In other words, Class A will be led by Katsuragi Kohei this time..."
To be honest, Class A led by Katsuragi would definitely show weaknesses; it was the perfect time to attack them.
"But what does that have to do with me?" Hikigaya expressed zero interest.
"I know Hikigaya-kun isn't interested in class rivalries. But what if I said Katsuragi's targets this time might affect the girls you know?" Sakayanagi fanned the flames.
"Who?" Hikigaya remained unmoved on the surface, but a surge of nameless irritation rose in his heart.
"..." Sakayanagi froze for a moment, then looked at him with a strange expression. "It seems Hikigaya-kun knows quite a lot of girls."
"Why are you telling me this?" Hikigaya frowned deeply, entering deep thought. Sakayanagi didn't interrupt, quietly waiting for him to reach a conclusion.
Hikigaya didn't make her wait long. Within seconds, he guessed her true intention.
"You want me to deal with the Class A led by Katsuragi?"
"Exactly. As expected of Hikigaya-kun." Sakayanagi clapped her hands and smiled.
Class A dealing with Class A—anyone else would find it unbelievable. But to Hikigaya, internal power struggles were perfectly normal.
"I haven't agreed to anything." Understanding was one thing, but Hikigaya didn't want to be used as a pawn.
"It doesn't matter; it all depends on Hikigaya-kun's personal will." Sakayanagi looked as if victory was already in her grasp. "During this special exam, whenever you have a need, you can order Masumi around at any time."
"Hey, don't just treat people like tools!" Kamuro Masumi issued a token protest.
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