Question: What is something that never decreases, no matter how much you do or how you do it? The answer is work!
Under the trial of a certain hero, the drinkability of the river water had been proven. Hikigaya boiled the water, let it cool, and then poured it into plastic bottles. Each person needed to drink 2L of water per day. Under the conditions of high summer temperatures and high work intensity, they might even drink around 3.5L. To be safe, 4L was best. This meant that for the whole class of forty people, nearly half a ton of drinkable river water had to be boiled every day. Counting the water used for washing in the morning and evening, several tons needed to be boiled daily.
By the way, why do the girls only voice their opinions at times like this, saying things like "I can't accept cold washing water"? Are they targeting him? It felt like he chose the wrong job. Waking up earlier than a rooster, sleeping later than a dog, and working harder than an ox.
Fortunately, the fishing group often brought back several buckets of river water for him, which was a huge help.
Additionally, he had to thoughtfully label each person's plastic bottle. If someone were to say, "I actually drank from one used by Hikigaya, you did it on purpose, right? Disgusting," that would be terrible. He would definitely not be sloppy about that point.
"Hikigaya, is the water ready yet?"
"Oh, understood." Hikigaya quickly responded and put the filled bottles into the bag. The boys' water could just be thrown over; given the personalities of the Class B boys, they shouldn't mind.
However, for the girls' water, he had to climb down the cliff to deliver it. He actually wanted to just throw it down, but he'd likely get beaten up, so he decided against it. If he accidentally hit someone, he'd just have to ask them to take responsibility for supporting him for the rest of his life.
Hikigaya walked into the sunshade. He placed the plastic bottles on the table one by one.
"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun~" an unknown girl smiled; her name seemed to be Kobashi Yume.
"Oh." Hikigaya's mouth twitched. If she hadn't pushed several more empty bottles toward him, he probably would have been very happy.
In the morning, Hikigaya sat to the side waiting for the water to boil. Just then, three boys carrying Coke and chips appeared in the camp with a swagger. It was truly infuriating. These guys actually used points privately to buy snacks. Well, then he should go buy a can of MAX Coffee too.
"No way, right?"
"People are actually taking the exam seriously!"
"Look at that guy." The leader pointed toward him and said sarcastically, "His face is blackened by smoke, looking like a total idiot. Isn't he hot sitting by the fire?"
"Stop it, maybe there's something wrong with his head, he's definitely being bullied by others, how pitiful." A companion smirked and teased.
"Hmm?" Hikigaya drank some cold water and frowned. They weren't talking about him, were they? Surely not. Although it was indeed hot sitting nearby, since it was the job he took on, he naturally had to do it to the best of his ability. If someone got sick and had to withdraw because they drank undercooked river water, someone would have to be responsible. Even a water-boiling job couldn't be done sloppily—it wasn't because he had nowhere else to go.
Just then, Hikigaya felt someone press on his shoulder. He looked up to see Ichinose.
"Kondo-kun." Ichinose kept her hand on his shoulder and smiled at the people in front of her. "Is there something Class C needs at our camp?"
So that's it. They were from another class. He had thought he was being hated by Class B and almost wanted to die. But Ichinose didn't need to press his shoulder so worriedly. He had long since grown used to this kind of harmless damage; it wouldn't cause him to snap. Hikigaya sat still to show there was no need to worry, yet Ichinose's small hand didn't let go.
"It's nothing." Kondo casually threw the snack bag on the ground and said disdainfully, "We just wanted to come see your miserable state. It's indeed quite interesting."
Polluting the environment would result in a twenty-point deduction, yet the other party seemed completely unconcerned. What Kaneda said was clearly the truth. Class C seemed to have really given up on the exam. By the way, this was Class B's camp. Leaving trash here was just making trouble for them; what rude and ill-mannered guys.
"Holy crap, Kaneda, you're here too." At this time, one of the people next to Kondo mocked in surprise. "I didn't expect you to be getting along so well with Class B. How does it feel to be kicked out of Class C and helping Class B? Hey, how does it feel? Is moving firewood fun?"
Kaneda, who was currently helping move wood, had a dark expression and gritted his teeth without responding. As someone who had been kicked out of his class, he must feel quite terrible inside.
"Kondo-kun." Ichinose raised her hand and smiled. "If your Class C has already given up on the exam, could I trouble you to leave and not disturb our exam, please?"
Kanzaki and the others looked cold as they gradually approached the group.
"And Hikigaya." Ichinose took a handkerchief from her pocket, leaned forward slightly, and wiped his forehead.
"Eek." Hikigaya was startled and jerked back, but eventually accepted it helplessly. Having Ichinose wipe his sweat was just too embarrassing. And so many people were watching. However, the other party's goal was clearly to disturb morale; Ichinose's action served to stabilize it. Class B was very united and wouldn't be affected by such small tricks.
"Tch."
Kondo's mouth twitched, and he threw his half-drunk Coke on the ground in disdain. "Do you think we want to be in such a hot place? We've seen enough of how pathetic you look." After saying that, the group turned and left, seemingly looking back as they did.
Ichinose was cheerful, beautiful, had a great figure, and was smart. Although there were others who could rival her, Ichinose was the undisputed school belle in terms of overall evaluation. Being able to have Ichinose wipe his sweat... the guys in that group were probably gritting their teeth. They didn't manage to cause Class B trouble; instead, they ended up annoying themselves.
"Is that enough now?" After they left, Hikigaya shook his head. While he understood Ichinose's intention, it didn't mean he could accept it; it was just too embarrassing. He could still feel the piercing stares of several Class B boys. Ultimately, it was a problem of Ichinose being too popular.
"Eh?" Ichinose blinked, then continued to hold the handkerchief to his forehead, smiling. "Just a little more, it'll be done soon."
No. Ichinose-san, it seems your comprehension skills also have a problem.
"It's fine, I'll do it myself." Hikigaya quickly wiped his face clean with his sleeve, and Ichinose finally pulled back.
Meanwhile, Kanzaki and the others picked up the trash Class C left behind. This little trick wouldn't affect Class B. It only further solidified the fact that Kaneda had been kicked out by Class C. Hikigaya noticed several classmates were currently comforting Kaneda