Face.
Second Year Class B.
It seemed they could return to the dormitory immediately after the exam ended.
But even after Hoshinomiya Chie left the classroom, no one from Class B stood up to leave.
"Actually..."
Feeling everyone's gaze, Hikigaya said in a heavy voice:
"To be honest, I don't think it's possible to rise to Class A now, or rather, graduating from Class A is almost an impossible task."
Hikigaya didn't speak in absolutes.
It was just that with Class B's current state, rising to Class A was simply too difficult.
With Ichinose's personality.
She likely wouldn't be a match for people like Ryuuen and Horikita Suzune.
Although they were currently clinging to Katsuragi's thigh and no problems were visible for the time being, by the third year, they would likely return to the situation of the first year.
Being treated as a breakthrough point by Ryuuen and Horikita Suzune.
Being pinned down and beaten by the two of them.
Rising to Class A was as difficult as reaching the heavens.
However.
This wasn't Ichinose's problem either.
It is difficult for a good person to survive among a crowd of bad people; naturally, it is also difficult for a bad person to survive among a crowd of good people.
It was just that the environment was unsuitable.
"Hmm?"
Kanzaki frowned and said: "Hikigaya, what do you mean by this?"
"Yeah."
Kobashi Yume and others were also somewhat puzzled: "Isn't our current situation quite good? Besides, we even took third place in the last deserted island exam!"
"That's because we had Katsuragi's assistance that we could take third place."
Hikigaya said in a deep voice.
Although it included the efforts of Shibata and others.
Between Class A and Class B.
It couldn't be said who was helping whom; both gained benefits in this exam.
However.
This was all just an illusion.
If Class B were allowed to fight alone, whether they could even enter the top five would likely be a question.
By the third year.
The competition will inevitably become more intense, and by then, Katsuragi, as a higher-ranked class, will certainly no longer cooperate with them.
And cooperating with Ryuuen and Horikita Suzune.
That was an extremely dangerous thing; with Ichinose's personality, she likely couldn't handle Ryuuen and Horikita Suzune.
"Hmm?"
Ando Sayo knit her beautiful brows and said: "Hikki, what do you mean by this? Are you saying Ichinose's ability is insufficient?"
"That's not it."
Hikigaya shook his head and said: "It's just that Honami is not suited to deal with such a complex environment."
"???"
Ando Sayo was instantly dazed: "Isn't that the same thing?"
"Alright, everyone."
Just then.
Ichinose suddenly spoke, her face wearing a smile as she said:
"Actually, I noticed it long ago; I really am not suited to serve as the class leader."
"That's not true at all."
Amikura mako quickly spoke up: "I've always felt that Honami is the best leader."
"Hikki."
Kobashi Yume and others also looked on with resentful eyes: "If you can't explain clearly, we won't forgive you easily."
"No, I also think Honami is the best leader."
Hikigaya's face stiffened, but he still continued: "It's just that opponents like Ryuuen and Horikita are not good."
"???"
Now.
Kobashi Yume, Ando Sayo, and the others were even more dazed.
You don't think there's a problem with Honami's ability, but instead, you blame the bad environment?
"Then what can be done?"
Amikura mako felt somewhat speechless: "We can't just make Ryuuen and Horikita drop out; if things were that simple, it would be nice."
"Exactly."
Kanzaki also looked at Hikigaya with a frown:
"Hikigaya, even if we take a step back and say what you said is correct, then what can we do?"
"..."
Hikigaya's expression suddenly became somewhat awkward.
Mainly, he wanted to become the leader now.
Whether it was for Sakayanagi's assessment or for the sake of this class.
He had to become this leader.
For such a good class, there was no reason not to rise to Class A!
After all, providing advice from behind the scenes ultimately has limitations; many ideas cannot be implemented.
However.
Hikigaya also knew he wasn't suited to be a leader.
He hadn't even stated his position yet.
amikura mako and the others were already speaking up for Ichinose.
The gap in leadership charisma was immediately apparent.
"Everyone, can you listen to me for a moment?"
Feeling everyone's gaze, Ichinose became somewhat self-reproachful.
"Although I don't know why Hikki feels I'm unsuited to serve as leader, since the project selection exam began."
"I've known I'm not suited to be a leader; I've also mentioned this to Hiki-tan."
"Actually, while serving as the commander, I was constantly hesitating: what if Ryuuen-kun were to drop out?"
"At the critical moment, as the leader, I was actually considering these problems."
"As a leader, I'm certainly unqualified, right?"
"Honami..."
Hearing her words.
Not only Amikura mako, but even Kanzaki was somewhat dazed.
This was clearly a major taboo.
"If it weren't for Hikki, I might not have been able to persevere at that time."
Ichinose then looked up at Hikigaya, a heartfelt smile appearing at the corners of her mouth:
"So, I also want to take this opportunity to step down from this leadership position and let Hikki serve as the Class B class monitor. What does everyone think?"
"This..."
Looking at the awkward-looking Hikigaya, Amikura mako was somewhat stunned.
"I don't have any objections."
"Speaking of which, it doesn't seem like there's much of a difference, right?"
Ando Sayo also felt a bit speechless.
After all, the two were already a couple, and whenever there was a problem, Ichinose always liked to consult with Hikigaya.
Whether Ichinose was the class monitor or Hikigaya was the class monitor.
It didn't seem to make much of a difference.
"Hikki... what do you think?"
"Yes."
Hikigaya took a deep breath and nodded.
Having such a considerate girlfriend like Ichinose was truly reassuring.
Unclear responsibilities were a very serious problem.
Since that was the case.
All the responsibility would now fall on his head.
If they couldn't rise to Class A, he would probably have to commit seppuku to apologize by then.
Naturally, that was impossible.
"However, I'll say this upfront."
A smile couldn't help but appear at the corners of Hikigaya's mouth: "You might not know yet, but Sakayanagi's father is the school's former Chairman."
"If we don't end up rising to Class A, let's all go to Sakayanagi's house for a meal then."
Since Sakayanagi wanted to test him, she naturally had to pay a price.
Spending Sakayanagi's money to build his own connections.
Large.
As long as the future of Class B can be guaranteed, then naturally it doesn't matter.
Only forty jobs.
For someone of Chairman Sakayanagi's status, it would surely be very easy.
"What's that about?"
Kobashi Yume rolled her beautiful eyes: "Are you already backing down before even starting?"
"But, Hikki,as long as you do your best, it'll be fine."
Amikura mako also offered a comforting smile.
However.
There were still many people with complex expressions, naturally wanting to rise to Class A to realize their dreams.
But hindered by Amakura Asako and the others, they couldn't say much.
They would see the situation first.
After all, Hikigaya's strength was not inferior to Ichinose's, and perhaps even above hers.
Watching the scene before him.
Hikigaya also breathed a sigh of relief.
With the help of Ichinose and the others, he had finally become the leader of Class B.
This way.
Many ideas could be carried out.
But even so.
Hikigaya also knew he wasn't suited to be this leader.
In his eyes.
Only Katsuragi and Ichinose were true leaders.
It wasn't because they were the boss that everyone had to listen to them, but because everyone listened to them that they were the boss.
A leader must know how to take care of the emotions of those below.
Only then will the people below be willing to work for them.
At the same time.
The people below must also know how to take care of the boss's emotions so the boss can listen to their words.
This was the standard for a leader in Hikigaya's heart.
By this standard.
Only Katsuragi and Ichinose were qualified to serve as leaders.
A pity.
Ichinose was too soft-hearted.
It wasn't a lack of ability.
It was just that she was indeed unsuitable for facing someone like Ryuuen.
If it were a fair and square duel, Ichinose would undoubtedly be very outstanding.
It could only be left to Hikigaya!
As for him.
He didn't know how to take care of the boss's emotions, nor did he know how to take care of those below; he could only become a corporate drone.
However.
Since things had come to this.
Hikigaya also had to make a change.