The results of the sixth vote.
In favor: 1 vote; Opposed: 39 votes.
During the break.
Amikura Mako and others' gazes were all a bit hesitant.
They looked back and forth between Kanzaki, Hikigaya, and Ichinose, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say.
They couldn't judge who was right or wrong.
It felt like both sides had their reasons.
However.
If they had to choose a side, they still leaned more toward Kanzaki.
At least Kanzaki's logic was understandable.
No need to worry about not having enough private points, no loss of companions, no one getting hurt, and the gap with Class A could be closed.
Nothing bad about it.
Whereas the thing Hikigaya worried about was truly a bit ethereal.
Actually.
Even Amikura Mako and Kobashi Yume felt Hikigaya's concern was a bit redundant.
After all.
Things like path dependency—it's not like they didn't understand.
But if there were a risk, how could they choose to sacrifice a companion?
Hikigaya really looked down on them too much.
However.
Ichinose and Hikigaya were undoubtedly the ones who had done the most for the class in over a year, and were the class's most outstanding existences.
The joint statement of the two naturally carried weight.
Therefore.
Amikura Mako and the others didn't have much to say, and Kanzaki clearly hadn't been able to make a decision.
At this moment.
Kanzaki sat in his seat with a heavy brow, equally unable to make a decision.
Leaving him aside.
If they let the companions in the class form path dependency.
Would it really be okay?
After hearing Hikigaya's explanation, Kanzaki knew very well that the consequences of this choice were likely more serious than he had imagined.
More importantly.
Although Class B and Class A were still 400 class points apart, they were still in the Class B position.
Was it necessary for these one hundred class points?
To take this risk?
Kanzaki was truly having a bit of trouble judging right from wrong.
"Kanzaki."
Finally, Hikigaya reminded him somewhat helplessly: "Time is limited."
"Phew."
Kanzaki took a deep breath, knowing he couldn't drag it out anymore.
Although Class B had no objection to such a discussion, the exam wouldn't let them drag it out forever.
"Hikigaya."
Kanzaki said somewhat seriously:
"I can understand what you mean; to be honest, I'm still more leaning toward gaining one hundred class points."
Saying this, Kanzaki then changed the subject: "But to be honest, I also find it hard to judge what exactly is the correct choice. If losing these one hundred class points results in us ultimately being unable to rise to Class A."
"When that time comes, what will we do?"
"..."
Hikigaya's expression was heavy.
He could naturally understand what Kanzaki was worried about.
If by the time of third-year graduation, they couldn't rise to Class A because of these one hundred class points, they would likely regret it deeply.
Since a dissent was raised.
It naturally came with responsibility; a new solution needed to be proposed.
Otherwise.
That would just be empty talk.
And proposing a new solution, as the proposer, comes with new responsibilities; one needs to be responsible for the plan they proposed.
If one cannot even be responsible for their own plan.
How can they demand it of others?
How to ensure they can rise to Class A?
Proposing a new plan means carrying the responsibility of everyone; if they can't rise to Class A, how will they face everyone.
This question was heavier than imagined.
"Phew."
Hikigaya took a deep breath, turned to look at everyone in the class, and finally his gaze landed on Kanzaki.
"I have a bit of an idea. Kanzaki, can we pass this exam first, and after the exam is over we'll talk about the topic of how to rise to Class A?"
"Hmm?"
Kanzaki furrowed his brow.
He was just asking casually whether Hikigaya's concern had a value matching these one hundred class points.
How did Hikigaya suddenly feel so heavy?
Feeling Hikigaya's serious gaze, Kanzaki couldn't help but nod.
"Alright, if you have some kind of idea, I don't have any objection either."
This wasn't a difficult problem for Class B; an answer could be reached easily through consultation.
Kanzaki wasn't concerned about these one hundred class points.
He just felt this might be better.
Soon.
Watching the scene before her.
Hoshinomiya looked at Hikigaya and the others with a complex expression.
Emotionally she leaned more toward Hikigaya's choice, while rationally she knew Kanzaki's choice was more beneficial for the class.
However.
Hikigaya and the others.
Were as if they were just like them eleven years ago, making the same choice as Chabashira Sae!
This matter also became Chabashira Sae's lifelong obsession.
Hoshinomiya Chie knew very well.
In this matter.
There is no distinction between right and wrong.
However, if in the end because of these one hundred class points, Ichinose and others are unable to graduate from Class A.
When that time comes.
What will it turn into?
Although she rationally knew there was no right or wrong in this matter, Hoshinomiya could no longer face Chabashira Sae with a normal heart. .0
After graduation.
Their class had already fallen apart.
Aside from her and Chabashira Sae, the companions from that time had gone their separate ways, never even having a class reunion.
Even.
It was as if they never interacted again.
Losing the opportunity for free career choice, losing the most important companions.
Every time she saw Chabashira Sae, Hoshinomiya couldn't help but hypothesize how good it would have been if she hadn't made such a choice then.
What was left was only endless regret.
No one could be happy.
Now.
Hikigaya had made the same choice as them again.
If.
In the end, because of these one hundred class points, they can't rise to Class A.
Ichinose and Hikigaya had similar thoughts.
It might not be a problem.
How would Hikigaya face Himeno Yuki then, and how would he face companions like Amikura mako and Kobashi Yume.
"Everyone, have you decided yet?"
Seizing the final dozens of seconds, Hoshinomiya couldn't help but speak up, instantly making the supervisor at the back of the classroom frown.
As for...
Whether it would be judged as a violation would depend on Hoshinomiya's subsequent words.
"Yes."
Kanzaki nodded calmly and said: "Teacher, we have decided. We will vote 'Oppose' in the next round. Sorry, everyone, I've wasted a lot of your time because of my reasons."
"That's not the case at all. Kanzaki is also thinking for the sake of the class."
Amikura mako shook her head with a smile.
Until now.
They still weren't clear about what exactly Hikigaya and Kanzaki were arguing about.
They only knew that whether it was Hikigaya or Kanzaki, both were acting for the sake of the class; they couldn't be happier.
"Alright then."
Hoshinomiya pursed her lips.
Although she wanted to offer a reminder.
Even she herself couldn't judge right from wrong, so what could she remind them of?
She could only hope.
That Hikigaya could achieve a different result.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded.
"Now then, the seventh round of voting begins."
Soon.
Hikigaya looked at the "In Favor" and "Oppose" on the tablet.
Although it was still in time to regret, Hikigaya chose the "Oppose" vote without hesitation.
No matter how many times.
He would make the same choice.
Results of the seventh vote:
In Favor: 0 votes; Oppose: 40 votes.
Looking at the result on the screen, the exam officially ended. Hikigaya placed the tablet face down on the desk.
This exam wasn't difficult for Class B.
But once a choice is made, one must bear the corresponding responsibility.