The Class B classroom.
Feeling the expectant gazes of Shibata and the others, Hikigaya shook his head.
"It's no good either..."
Shibata was instantly lost in disappointment, but at the same time, he felt a bit relieved. Even with Hikigaya, Ichinose wouldn't open her heart.
"However."
Hikigaya returned to his seat, still concerned:
"I just saw Ayanokouji at Ichinose's door."
As he spoke.
Hikigaya inconspicuously observed Kanzaki's reaction.
After all, Kanzaki was the class's second-in-command and was often with Ichinose, so he should know more about the situation.
However, they didn't seem to take it to heart, continuing to discuss the issue regarding Ichinose.
Looking at everyone's tense expressions, as they were too busy to consider anything else.
Hikigaya said somewhat helplessly:
"You guys don't need to worry too much. Ichinose will probably return to school later... maybe."
"Eh?"
asakura mako and the others were momentarily stunned: "Hikki, what do you mean by that?"
"Did Ichinose say she's coming back the day after tomorrow?"
Shibata also asked worriedly.
"No..."
Hikigaya thought for a moment and shook his head: "It's just a feeling... a hunch..."
This matter.
It was best not to let Class B know for the time being.
Hearing his words, the people of Class B were speechless. How could one rely on a "hunch" for something like this?
Soon.
The afternoon classes began.
Hikigaya propped his cheek with his left hand, staring at the wall, while his right hand rhythmically tapped a ballpoint pen on the desk.
There were still many things he couldn't figure out.
Why did Ayanokouji appear at Ichinose's dormitory at noon? Did he have some kind of purpose?
...
What was Sakayanagi's true goal?
And where did she learn about Ichinose's past?
What was Ichinose's past like? Did she really need to care so much about a small mistake made in the past?
All of this.
Hikigaya couldn't understand, nor did he comprehend it.
However.
It didn't matter if he didn't understand.
As long as he played this card, no one would be able to stop him.
Everything would come to an end.
If two people who aren't close want to understand each other, what is the fastest way?
The answer is "labels."
Everyone in the world uses labels to slowly understand a person.
The organization they belong to, their location, rank, title, personality—whether they are kind or short-tempered, and so on.
Through these fragments, a complete object is gradually pieced together.
Even if the object is Ichinose, it's the same.
She is clearly so kind and has never hurt anyone.
Now, the people around her are simply adding a fragment of "criminal record" onto her foundation of gentleness.
Thinking of this.
The corners of Hikigaya's mouth curled up slightly.
These fools who think they understand others through labels.
Let him educate these idiots on how the way they think they understand others is actually pathetically weak.
However.
This matter required help from others.
This person couldn't be from Class B. It was best not to let Class B know and let them show their most authentic side.
Actually.
This person should ideally have a certain status in the school and possess good influence.
While Hikigaya hoped he could solve it alone, unfortunately, he lacked those elements.
There was no choice; he had to find someone to help.
Fortunately.
This special school has a personal point system. As long as personal points are paid as a reward in the form of employment.
It shouldn't be a problem.
The only person he could think of was that one person.
However.
Hikigaya inconspicuously looked back. Chihiro Shirahami's eyes were red, her gaze lowered, clearly not paying attention to the lesson.
Chihiro Shiramihadn't poked her senior for a long time.
He suddenly felt a bit unaccustomed to it.
Hikigaya couldn't help but wonder if he had a masochistic constitution.
As the school bell rang.
The people of Class B gathered together again to discuss Ichinose's situation.
Watching this scene, Hikigaya left the classroom with his hands in his pockets and a calm face, heading to the club.
After a moment of hesitation.
Hikigaya organized his words and pulled out his phone to call Karuizawa.
Although Karuizawa had an unknown past, she seemed to hold a high status in Class D.
Moreover.
She was in a fake relationship with the popular Hirata, so her status in the school shouldn't be bad either.
Karuizawa was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
"Eh?"
After a short while, the call was accepted. Karuizawa's cute voice came through the receiver:
"It's rare for you to call me. Is something wrong?"
"That... cough..."
Hikigaya hesitated and gave a light cough: "After school, can we have dinner together?"
As expected.
It should be easier to talk while eating. When you don't know what to do, just treat the other person to a meal.
"Huh?"
A surprised sound came from the phone, followed by Karuizawa's panicked voice.
"Wait a second, let me change locations. Sorry, Chiaki, I have something to do and need to step out for a bit."
"..."
Chiaki probably wasn't calling him?
Karuizawa seemed to be with friends. Hikigaya could only wait helplessly. After a long time, she finally seemed to have found a quiet spot.
"Um... are you still there?"
Karuizawa's voice was a bit weak.
"I'm here."
At least she wasn't using a fake excuse to reject him. Hikigaya breathed a sigh of relief and said:
"How about it?"
"That..."
On the other end of the phone.
Karuizawa toyed with her hair with her fingers.
Her pretty face blushed, and her voice was faint yet carried a hint of expectation.
"Why... why do you want to have dinner with me~"
"This..."
Hikigaya rubbed his brow, feeling a bit of a headache: "I want to tell you this in person, is that okay?"
Hearing this.
The corners of Karuizawa's mouth rose slightly, and she said in a somewhat coquettish tone:
"It's not like it's impossible. Okay, okay, tell me the time and place."
"Yeah, 4:00 PM, the Chinese restaurant, how's that?"
Hikigaya thought for a moment and came up with a location.
Chinese restaurants usually have private booths, which should be convenient for talking. Karuizawa didn't seem like someone who participated in club activities, so 4:00 PM should be just right.
After all, since he was the one asking for help, he had to follow her schedule.
"Eh!!?"
On the other end, Karuizawa leaned against the wall, her fingers pinching her wine-red uniform, her body unconsciously fidgeting.
"Won't that be a bit too early? I want to go back to my dorm first to get ready."
"Huh?"
Hikigaya frowned.
He completely failed to understand what there was to "get ready" for.
However, since she said so, he could only go by her time, as long as it could be resolved today.
"Fine, anyway, I'm okay with whatever. What time do you think is appropriate?"
Hikigaya gave a faint sigh. Indeed, asking for help was a troublesome business.
"Then..."
Karuizawa counted on her fingers.
Washing up, putting on makeup, picking out clothes, plus the round-trip travel time.
"How about seven o'clock?"
"Huh?"
Hikigaya was momentarily stunned: "That's already nighttime, isn't it?"
What on earth is this girl doing that it takes her so long?
"Is that not okay?"
Karuizawa's heart tightened instantly. she hurriedly covered the phone and whispered tentatively.
"Forget it..."
Hikigaya was truly helpless: "It's fine. I'll book the table first and send you the location later."
"Got it~"
Just then, the school bell rang. Karuizawa said with a smile:
"Class has started, I'm going back now. Remember to send me the location on LN, I'll definitely be there!"
"Okay!"
Hikigaya sighed in relief and hung up the phone.
Since she had guaranteed it like that, it should be fine.
After school.
In the dining area of Keyaki Mall, inside a private booth at the Chinese restaurant.
Approaching 6:30 PM.
Hikigaya sat at a round table. The table was set with exquisite dishes: dumplings, stir-fried beef with green peppers, century egg with tofu, crawfish, a fruit platter, and more.
Karuizawa had just said she was almost there, so it should be about time.
Since he was asking her for help, Hikigaya naturally wouldn't be stingy.
Although he didn't understand much, the waiter said that for two people, this was already considered luxurious.
After all.
This was almost six dishes and a soup; it couldn't not be luxurious.
Hikigaya was truly pained for his "small money." If Karuizawa didn't show up, he would suffer a big loss.
Finally.
Approaching 7:00 PM.
The door to the private booth was pushed open from the outside. Karuizawa walked into the room and said softly:
"Excuse me~"
It wasn't until she saw Hikigaya's figure inside the booth that Karuizawa relaxed, and then she saw the luxurious dinner on the table.
"What is this? So luxurious~"
Karuizawa's eyes lit up instantly, and she said in surprise: "Um... is this for me? If we're splitting the bill, my personal points might not be enough."
"Tentatively... you could say that."
Hikigaya nodded with a sigh of relief.
Since he was asking for help, this was unavoidable.
"Great~"
Karuizawa sat happily next to Hikigaya and picked up a slice of watermelon to put in her mouth.
"So sweet..."
Karuizawa squinted her eyes.
But feeling Hikigaya's serious gaze, Karuizawa's pretty face flushed, and she hurriedly put the watermelon back on the plate.
"That..."
Karuizawa's face was flushed red. Her hands rested on her slender thighs, and her gaze couldn't help but drift to the side.
"Didn't you have something to tell me? Say it!"
As she spoke.
Karuizawa's heart was thumping wildly.
As expected, the Valentine's Day gift from a few days ago really worked! Valentine's Day is truly the best!
Should she agree to his confession later?
But if she agreed directly, would she seem too lacking in restraint? Should she be a bit more reserved?
Karuizawa had never experienced something like this before.
...
But then she thought about it.
With Hikigaya's personality, a confession probably wouldn't be easy. He must have made a big decision to confess.
She felt it might be better to just agree.
Thinking of this.
Karuizawa's snowy skin turned red from her neck to her ears.
"That..."
Hikigaya felt a bit embarrassed. Gritting his teeth, he propped his hands on his knees and sincerely lowered his head.
"There's something I'd like to ask your help with. Please!"
"..."
Karuizawa's face immediately fell.
This scum who likes to toy with people's hearts is definitely doing this on purpose.