Hashimoto was momentarily stunned, then he gave a wry smile.
"Come on, don't mess with me. My class is already on edge from dealing with Class C's harassment. Everyone's looking to you for help here."
"But I'm not messing with you." Hikigaya looked puzzled. "What, you don't think it's a good idea?"
"How could it be?!"
Hashimoto raised his voice in protest before sighing in frustration. "I mean, that's exactly what Ryuuen is after, right? There's no way we'd just hand it over because of some bullying. Yamamura and Katsuragi would never agree."
"You idiot. You're supposed to be from an elite Class A background. Can't you use your brain a little?"
"Hearing that from you is rich…"
Hashimoto sighed but still fell into deep thought.
After a brief pause, he hesitantly spoke. "Wait… are you saying we should give them fake events to trick Ryuuen? But that guy wouldn't fall for it so easily."
That was true—Ryuuen was always suspicious by nature.
Out of the ten possible events in this exam, five were already meant to act as decoys to mislead opponents.
So, no matter which class it is, even if they manage to gather some information, they will be extremely cautious about its authenticity.
Especially Ryuuen—there's no way that guy would blindly trust one-sided information. He would go out of his way to cross-check details with multiple students from Class B to ensure he gets the correct answer.
With that in mind, even if Hashimoto's acting skills are good enough to fool them, there's no guarantee that others can do the same.
All it takes is for one person to slip up, and they might end up leaking the real designated events instead.
However, Hashimoto's fundamental assumption was wrong from the start.
"Seriously." Hikigaya looked at him with mild exasperation. "I gave you such an obvious hint, and you still don't get it?"
"When did you ever give me a hint?"
"Didn't I tell you? You guys are the elite group from former Class A."
"That was clearly sarcasm…"
"Not just that."
Hikigaya shook his head. Seeing that Hashimoto still didn't get it, he decided to spell it out.
"What I meant is, just pick five events that Ryuuen would never doubt and tell him. Problem solved."
"There's no way such events exist!" Hashimoto looked completely baffled.
"How could they not?" Hikigaya countered. "Let me ask you—if you told Ryuuen that our chosen events were Japanese, English, Math, Social Studies, and Science, do you think he'd believe it or not?"
"Uh… that…"
Hearing this, Hashimoto finally seemed to grasp the idea, nodding thoughtfully.
Hikigaya continued, "Now you get it, right? Your class has the highest overall academic performance in the year. If you guys claim to settle this with just written exams, Ryuuen will have no choice but to believe it."
That's precisely why he kept emphasizing the elite status of former Class A.
Setting everything else aside, their regular grades alone put them far ahead of Class C—and Class C might not even be better than Class D in this regard.
Hashimoto then raised another concern. "But Class C does have a few students who are good at studying, right? If they find out in advance, I'm worried…"
It was true—Class C wasn't full of idiots.
Students like Shiina and Kaneda often ranked in the top ten during exams.
From that perspective, Class C wasn't completely without hope.
"No, that's not a problem." Hikigaya dismissed the concern immediately. "Don't forget—each event allows a maximum of twenty participants. If the final score is based on the total points from all twenty, do you really think your class would lose?"
"Hmm… yeah, you've got a point."
Hashimoto stroked his chin, nodding in agreement.
If it were a small-scale match, like a 2v2 or 3v3, or if the winner were determined by the highest individual score, then Class C might stand a chance.
But in a team-based competition where total points decided the winner, Class C was doomed.
No matter how much last-minute cramming they did, the majority of their students wouldn't improve significantly in just over a week.
"Besides, do you know what the best part is?"
"What is it?" Hashimoto leaned in eagerly.
"It's that when Class C students learn about this, will they feel happy or completely hopeless?"
"You… Haha, Hikigaya, you really are a bad guy."
Hashimoto was quick to grasp the brilliance of the plan.
There was no doubt that Class C wouldn't feel happy at all.
If it were an event like basketball, with effort or luck, they might have a chance to win.
But exams were exams—if you can't pass, you can't pass. No amount of last-minute studying would change that.
This was a lesson every student had personally experienced since childhood, and no amount of Ryuuen's scheming could overcome this fundamental disadvantage.
Faced with an unbeatable opponent, having advance information wouldn't be an advantage—it would only crush their morale.
This was the open conspiracy Hikigaya had devised.
"Ahem, don't be ridiculous." Hikigaya cleared his throat. "I'm just fulfilling Ryuuen's wish since he's so desperate to gather intel on his opponents. This way, I won't have to deal with extra trouble from Class C later."
Back when school first started, Ryuuen had sent his subordinates to mess with other classes, testing the limits of the school's S-System penalties.
As a result, some Class C students became exceptionally skilled at provoking others—maximizing their harassment while staying within the school rules, ensuring they never threw the first punch.
The outcome was always the same: either the target swallowed their anger and walked away, or they lost control and started a fight.
From the student council's perspective, situations like this were a huge headache.
Hikigaya had no interest in wasting his time on such nonsense, so the best solution was to make sure Ryuuen got the information he wanted as early as possible.
In that sense, he was actually doing Ryuuen a favor.
"Tch, everything you just said is an excuse."
For some reason, Hashimoto started spouting nonsense again.
"You're just trying to impress Kamuro, aren't you? Otherwise, why would you be so enthusiastic about helping?"
"What the hell is wrong with you? Why would I need to impress her?" Hikigaya said irritably.
"Then it's for the princess?"
"Even less likely."
His response was even more decisive this time.
"Anyway, I've already given you the plan." Hikigaya waved him off impatiently. "Whether you use it or not is up to your class. Just don't bother me again—I don't want to get dragged into your fight with Class C."
Right now, Class B was in an uncertain position.
With Sakayanagi absent, their leadership had a huge gap.
Neither Yamamura nor Katsuragi had enough achievements or influence to command the class, and their academic performance wasn't particularly outstanding either—unlike Sakayanagi, who held the undisputed top rank in their grade.
For the 'model student' faction, grades were often the ultimate measure of authority.
That was why Sakayanagi remained their leader even if she did nothing at all.
But if someone wanted to lead Class B without being the top student, they had to prove themselves in special exams.
That was what Yamamura and Katsuragi lacked.
Fortunately, since the class itself had high overall ability, losing a leader wouldn't cause complete collapse. If Yamamura could achieve strong results in this special exam, she might gain the recognition needed to unify the class.
However, Ryuuen understood this too.
To keep Class B in its current fragile state, he would definitely try to sabotage them.
Hikigaya had a feeling that all these provocations were just one part of Ryuuen's overall plan.
This time, there was no way Class C would play fair.
"Aww, don't be like that."
Hashimoto, eager to keep chatting with Hikigaya, wasn't about to let him leave so easily.
"You've done our class such a huge favor. I haven't even had the chance to properly thank you yet."
"No need."
"Don't be so modest! Hey, let me treat you to a meal."
"Not necessary."
"Seriously, don't be shy!" Hashimoto casually threw an arm around Hikigaya's neck. "Come on, order whatever you like. It's all on me!"
"I already said—"
"Oh my, I didn't know Hashimoto-kun was this generous."
Just as Hikigaya was about to refuse again, a cold and composed voice suddenly cut in from behind.
Huh? This voice…
"Of course! I've always been a generous man!"
Hashimoto, still unaware of the shift in atmosphere, continued boasting. "Besides, exchanging a meal for a change of heart—totally worth it. If I could, I'd treat people every day!"
"Oh? So Hikigaya-kun has been giving advice to your class?"
"Yeah, fresh off the—uh…?"
It was only at this moment that Hashimoto finally realized something was off.
He didn't turn around immediately but instead leaned closer to Hikigaya and whispered, "Hey, Hikigaya… Who's behind us?"
"…It's Horikita."
"Horikita…? Oh, so it's just your class's Horikita."
At those words, Hashimoto visibly relaxed. He turned around with a cheerful grin.
"Yo! You must be Horikita. I hear your name all the time!"
"Spare me the pleasantries."
"It's not just pleasantries. You're quite the celebrity in our class too! And knowing my name—what an honor!"
"I've only heard it in passing," Horikita replied, narrowing her eyes slightly. "But let's cut the small talk. Hashimoto-kun, what were you discussing with Hikigaya-kun just now? Mind sharing it with me too?"
"We weren't talking about anything important." Hashimoto laughed, brushing it off.
"Nothing important? Then why did you look so pleased?"
"Just some guy talk. You wouldn't get it."
Hashimoto shrugged before casually patting Hikigaya on the shoulder.
"Well then, Hikigaya, since someone's looking for you, I'll catch you later. Gotta run!"
"Hey, wait—"
Before Hikigaya could stop him, that traitor bolted like a rabbit.
Seriously? At least clean up your own mess before ditching me!
"Don't bother watching," Horikita remarked coolly. "Your 'friend' is already long gone. Not even a shadow left."
"…He's not my friend."
"Is that so? Good to know."
Horikita casually brushed back her hair, fixing Hikigaya with a smirk that was equal parts amused and scrutinizing.
"While I have no right to interfere in your choice of company, it's best to be a bit more cautious about these things."
"Yes, you're absolutely right."
Before he even realized it, he had answered in polite, formal language.
"And one more thing…"
Horikita took a step closer, her presence becoming subtly more imposing. "You mentioned this was 'guy talk.' If it's not too much trouble, would you mind sharing it with me as well?"
"N-no, you're misunderstanding."
As Hikigaya silently cursed Hashimoto for dragging him into this, he hurriedly tried to explain.
"That was just nonsense from Hashimoto. We were just making small talk."
"Small talk that warrants a free meal?"
"He… he just has a few screws loose. He enjoys treating people for no reason."
"I see."
Somehow, Horikita actually nodded as if she accepted that explanation.
…No way. There's no way she actually bought that.
Just as Hikigaya was wondering how to slip away, Horikita suddenly said, "In that case, come with me for a bit."
"Huh? Where?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
"Uh, but—"
"Stop stalling. Let's go."
She didn't leave him any room to refuse. With an air of absolute authority, she ordered him forward without hesitation.
This reminded Hikigaya of his time in the student council—no matter how hard he tried, he had never once managed to escape the tasks assigned to him by Horikita-senpai.
…These siblings really were alike when it came to their forceful nature.
As a result, under Horikita's firm lead, a thoroughly bewildered Hikigaya was dragged all the way back to the first-year dormitory area and then into an elevator.
By the time he regained his senses, he was already standing in front of Horikita's door.
Wait… What the hell is going on here?
"Come in, Hikigaya-kun."
Horikita took out her key, unlocked the door, and even made a welcoming gesture with a smile.
This unusual display instantly set off alarm bells in Hikigaya's mind.
"Uh… You're inviting me in all of a sudden. Is there something you need?"
"I just have a few things I'd like to talk about."
As she spoke, Horikita nudged him lightly with her elbow, as if urging him to hurry inside.
Technically, since the sun hadn't set yet, there shouldn't be any issue with visiting a girl's dorm. But for some reason, Hikigaya just didn't want to step in.
He quickly shook his head. "No, no, I'll pass. If you have something to say, we can just talk here at the door."
"Don't be ridiculous." Horikita shot him a mild glare. "Standing in the hallway to talk—what kind of impression does that give? It'd only attract more attention."
"Then let's just text—"
"Hikigaya-kun?"
"…Excuse me for intruding."
Seeing the increasing severity in Horikita's expression and tone, Hikigaya wisely chose to comply and obediently stepped inside.
Sigh… She's definitely mad about earlier, isn't she?
She must've overheard everything.
From her perspective, what I did was basically aiding the enemy… Damn it, why'd it have to be her?
Hikigaya sighed inwardly. If it had been someone like Kikyou-chan or Matsushita-san, they probably wouldn't have cared.
But Horikita? She actually gives a damn about the class…
That just makes this situation even more complicated.
"What are you thinking about? Go sit over there for now."
"O-okay."
Following Horikita's instruction, Hikigaya obediently sat down at the table.
But strangely enough, no matter how long he waited, Horikita didn't come over.
…What is she doing?
"Oi, Hori—Horikita?"
Just as Hikigaya turned around to check, he saw something completely unexpected.
Horikita had, at some point, put on an apron and was now standing in front of the stove, seemingly about to cook.
Uh… Uh?
His brain froze for a moment at the sight. It took a while before it finally rebooted.
"Uh, Ho-Horikita-san?"
"What?" Horikita glanced at him in confusion. "Why do you look so weird?"
No… The weird one here is you.
"Why… are you suddenly cooking?"
"Because it's almost dinnertime."
"Uh…"
Faced with Horikita's completely matter-of-fact response, Hikigaya opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Seeing his dumbfounded expression, Horikita chuckled. "Haha, I'm just kidding. I just thought this was a good opportunity, so I wanted to treat you to a meal."
"W-why?"
Even if she said that, Hikigaya couldn't recall doing anything that warranted a free meal.
"Don't think too much about it." Horikita turned back and started stirring the miso soup. "Just… think of it as me liking to treat people to food."
"…Hey."
Come on, don't just copy my way of speaking!
Copycats are seriously annoying, you know!
"But if you really need a reason…"
Horikita's stirring motion suddenly stopped, and her voice dropped slightly. There was a faint trace of guilt in her tone.
"I suppose… I wanted to apologize to you."