The remaining holiday on the ship is now just three days.
The days, too dense with events, pass by with startling speed.
Just as everyone was beginning to feel reluctant to part with the time spent on this cruise, an email was sent to all students early in the morning. Kondo, who had his phone out the fastest, read it aloud.
"What's this? A treasure hunt game starting at 10 AM today? Did you get this too, Hikigaya?"
"Yeah."
The word "game" stood out in the email—something unfamiliar in this school's usual communications.
Treasure Hunt Game
- A bonus event with free participation.
- Participation requirements: Open to anyone, regardless of gender. Participation fee: 10,000 private points.
- Date: Today, August 8th.
- Further details will be given at the venue.
- You may choose not to participate after hearing the explanation.
Since participation was optional, the only risk was the 10,000-point fee.
"Man, that scared me. It's not a special exam, right? Seems like it's just for fun."
"Yeah. Are you joining, Kondo?"
"Me? Well… I've got plans today. I'll pass."
Something about Kondo's behavior felt off. For the past few days, he's seemed to be plotting something with Ishizaki.
"By the way, I should keep my schedule open today, right?"
"Yeah, yeah! Oh, but if you wanna join the game, go ahead! Just make sure you're free by around 5 PM."
"Got it. I'll keep that time open."
I could join this treasure hunt, but I'm not exactly strapped for points. In fact, I have more than enough—thanks to the rewards from the deserted island exam and this month's class points.
"Are you joining the treasure hunt, Hikigaya?"
"I'll pass too. I'm curious, but not enough to participate."
Like me, students who weren't interested in the event would likely take advantage of the now-less-crowded facilities. Since participation was optional, how we spent the day was entirely up to us.
I got a few messages inviting me to join, but I declined them all. No point wasting time on things I'm not interested in.
"Maybe I'll check out that spa place I've never been to while there are fewer people around."
......
"The spa… was incredible."
After my first-ever spa experience, I walked through the lobby in a daze.
It was a whole new sensation. I'm not used to strangers touching my skin, so even though it was just a massage, I felt awkward. But my shoulders did feel lighter.
"If I get the chance, I'd love to go again after we return to school."
As I looked around for a vending machine to buy a drink, I noticed many students moving in pairs—likely due to the treasure hunt. I didn't know the details, but seeing how much fun they were having, it must've been a simple and enjoyable game.
"Oh? Could that be the Monster Boy over there?"
"Kouenji?"
Just as I was about to buy a drink, I ran into Kouenji. But my eyes were drawn not to him, but to the girl standing beside him.
"Uh… Wang-san, right?"
"Y-Yes! Hello!"
The girl next to Kouenji was Wang Mei Yu, a classmate from D-Class. The unexpected pairing left me speechless.
"Monster Boy, are you participating in this game as well?"
"No, I'm not. …Wait, so you're paired with Wang-san?"
"Indeed. A small twist of fate."
"Not to be rude, but… that's an extremely unexpected combination."
Kouenji seemed to agree, offering only a faint smile in response.
Had these two ever interacted before?
"Well, good luck."
"Wait a moment, Monster Boy."
Just as I was about to buy a drink from the vending machine, Kouenji stopped me. Then, after confirming I'd paused, he used his own phone to purchase the juice I was going to get.
"A small birthday gift from me."
"…Oh, right. Today's my birthday."
"You forgot? Then rejoice. It's rare for me to offer gifts out of goodwill."
He winked at me.
Who would've thought the first birthday gift I'd receive today would be from Kouenji? I was surprised he even knew.
"Thanks, Kouenji."
"No need for gratitude. Now, if you'll excuse me."
True to his nature, Kouenji left with Wang in tow.
"Congratulations, Monster Boy."
Those were his parting words.
Now that I thought about it, August 8th was my birthday. I'd completely forgotten. I'd savor the juice Kouenji gave me.
......
Later, as I rested on a sofa in the ship's lounge, sipping the juice Kouenji had given me, I heard a familiar voice from ahead.
"Tatara-senpai, please don't worry about me and pair up with someone else."
"There is no one else. You don't have plans, do you?"
"N-No, it's just that today is a bit…"
Matsushita was being pestered by an upperclassman—likely about the treasure hunt. She was trying to politely decline, but the guy was persistent.
As I debated whether to step in, Matsushita noticed me sitting on the sofa. Seizing the opportunity, she smiled and approached.
"Sorry, Tatara-senpai. I already have a date today—with my boyfriend."
She sat next to me and wrapped her arm around mine.
Tatara, the third-year, looked stunned.
"Huh? Boyfriend?"
"Yes. My boyfriend."
"Wait, but that's Hikigaya, right? Didn't you go out with Asahina—"
Ah, so the rumors about me and Nazuna were still circulating.
"…That was just a baseless rumor. I'm the one dating Hachiman. Right?"
She gave me a pointed look, her voice tinged with displeasure. Playing along was the best move here.
"Y-Yeah, Matsushita."
"Matsushita?"
"Ah, I mean… Chisaki."
Her cheeks flushed, and she happily leaned even closer.
Realizing he had no opening, Tatara shot Matsushita a lingering glance before glaring at me and walking away.
"Sigh… Thanks, Hikigaya-kun. He was so persistent."
"Rough luck."
Relaxing, Matsushita leaned her weight against me.
At this proximity, stares from other students were inevitable. More rumors were bound to spread.
"Hey, are you free for the treasure hunt? If you don't have a partner, wanna team up with me?"
"Appreciate the offer, but I'm not joining."
"Aw, really? That's too bad. I was hoping to pair up with you."
Flattering, but since I wasn't interested, she'd have to give up.
"Well, I'll get going then."
"Wait, wait!"
As I stood up, Matsushita tugged at my sleeve, forcing me to sit back down.
"What's this?"
"A present. Today's your birthday, right?"
"You remembered?"
"Of course."
Her soft smile made me blush as I accepted the neatly wrapped gift.
"Can I open it now?"
"Mm-hmm!"
Inside was a silver necklace.
"Pretty stylish."
"Right? Actually… it's a matching set with mine."
She pulled her collar aside to reveal an identical necklace.
"It's kinda couple-ish… but you don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all. I love it."
"Giggle. Good."
Being celebrated on your birthday really is special. Like a privilege for being born.
"By the way… was I the first one to give you a present?"
"Nah, someone else already wished me happy birthday earlier."
"Who?"
"Kouenji."
"…Wait, what?"
"Kouenji. From our class."
"…Seriously?"
"Dead serious."
Matsushita froze in shock.
Well, that reaction was expected. I'd thought it was a joke at first too.
Clutching the necklace, I thanked Matsushita and left.
........
"A birthday gift. Will you accept it, Hachiman-kun?"
"Yeah. Sorry for making you do this every year."
"Not at all. I want to give it to you."
Soon after parting with Matsushita, I ran into Arisu, who handed me an elegantly wrapped box.
She'd given me gifts every year, but they were always unpredictable.
"A pen?"
"Last year was an accessory, so I thought something practical would be nice this time."
It was a simple yet meticulously crafted piece.
"Thanks. I really appreciate it… but are you sure about giving me something this fancy?"
"I've said it before—I give you these because I want to."
With that, I had no room to argue.
"Arisu, is there anything you want for your next birthday?"
"Me?"
"Yeah. You've given me so much. I'd like to return the favor."
It'd ruin the surprise, but at least I'd know what she truly wanted.
Arisu paused for a moment.
"...…A ring."
"A ring?"
"…Never mind. Anything from you would make me happy. I'll look forward to it."
Her smile seemed almost artificial.
"Got it. Then I'll get you a ring next time."
I'd heard her whisper clearly.
"…I never said I wanted a ring."
"So you don't want one?"
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she shook her head.
........
Later, as I headed back to my room, I found Amasawa and Nanase waiting outside my door.
They'd tried contacting me but couldn't reach me, so they'd come to deliver birthday gifts in person.
"Sorry. I forgot my phone was off."
"You're so careless, Senpai~! But that's part of your charm~!"
"Amasawa-san! You're too close to Hikigaya-senpai!"
Nanase grabbed Amasawa by the collar and yanked her back.
"Aw, c'mon! It's not like it's any of your business~!"
"Proper distance must be maintained between men and women!"
"Nanase's right."
"Senpaaaai~!"
As Amasawa pouted, Nanase handed me a handkerchief.
"Happy birthday, Senpai. It's nothing expensive, but I'd be happy if you accepted it."
"Of course. Though, how'd you even know my birthday?"
We'd known each other for half a year, but we'd only grown close recently.
"Well… Chairman Tsukishiro provided basic information about you, including your birthday…"
Her voice trailed off as she recalled the past.
I gently patted her head.
"I'm over it. In fact, I'm really happy you celebrated my birthday. So don't look so down."
"! …Okay."
As I went to pull my hand away, Nanase grabbed it and pressed it against her cheek.
"Your hands are so warm… I love it."
She nuzzled against my palm.
"…Don't do this with other guys."
"? I wouldn't do this with anyone but you, Senpai."
She really was a natural airhead. No one fit that description better than Nanase.
"Nana-chan~! What happened to proper distance~?"
"Wah!"
Amasawa shoved Nanase aside and took her place in front of me.
"Senpai, happy birthday~! Here's my gift~!"
"Thanks. What's this—"
"A ring~!"
In one swift motion, she slid a ring onto my left ring finger. It fit perfectly.
"A wedding ring might've been too soon, but rings are every girl's dream~!"
Amasawa wore an identical ring on her own finger.
"…It won't come off."
"Of course not~! It's made just for your finger~!"
At that moment, I was certain—Amasawa was from the White Room.
How else would she know my ring size?
What was I supposed to do? Maybe soap would help slide it off?
"Amasawa-san! How could you?!"
"Oh? Are you jealous~? Too bad~! Senpai's already taken~!"
While I appreciated the gift, I'd have to figure out how to remove it later.
........
Later, I received gifts from Tokitou, Kitou, Hashimoto, and Hirata. By the time I returned to my room, my bed was covered in presents.
"Even Nagumo gave me something… what's this? A student council recommendation form?"
Apparently, Nagumo was recommending me for the student council—vice president, no less. That position was currently held by Kiriyama, but Nagumo had joked (or maybe not), "If necessary, I'll just fire him."
"Not interested. I'll just leave this here."
By the time I finished organizing, it was past 4:30 PM. Ishizaki had told me to wait in my room, so I did.
Ding-dong.
Assuming it was Ishizaki, I opened the door—
"…Why you?"
"Shut up. Let's go."
Ryuuen, scowling, motioned for me to follow.
"Unusual for you to humor Ishizaki like this."
"That bastard spent all day yesterday begging on his knees. Annoying as hell, so I gave in."
"A whole day? That's an exaggeration."
"You think I'd joke about this?"
"…So it's true."
After some back-and-forth, we arrived at Ishizaki and Albert's room. Light spilled from under the door, and multiple voices could be heard inside.
"Should I just go in?"
"Obviously."
With Ryuuen's confirmation, I turned the knob—
BANG!
A loud pop, followed by a shower of confetti.
"HIKIGAYA! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!"
Ishizaki, Kondo, and Albert held party poppers. Even Ayanokouji was there. Further back, Hiyori, Ibuki, and Nishino laughed. On the bed, Komiya—still injured—waved, while Kaneda stood nearby.
"Surprised, Hikigaya?!"
"...Yeah. This is… a birthday party?"
The room was decorated, and the confetti only added to the festive atmosphere.
"Hell yeah! Komiya and I planned this! Gotta celebrate your birthday right! C'mon in—the guest of honor needs to be front and center!"
Ishizaki dragged me to the middle of the room.
Glancing to the side, I spotted Ayanokouji wearing a pointed party hat, his face as blank as ever.
"You came too, Ayanokouji."
"Ishizaki invited me."
"Since you two are close, Ishizaki insisted."
Komiya added from the bed. Despite his injury, he'd forced himself to come.
This was the first time anyone had thrown me such a grand celebration.
...I owed them my thanks.
"Everyone… thank you."
『!!』
The noisy room fell silent for a split second.
Ishizaki, Nishino, and the others stared wide-eyed. Hiyori and Ibuki blushed.
Ayanokouji remained expressionless.
Ryuuen narrowed his eyes.
All their gazes were fixed on me.
"Whoa… I think this is the first time I've seen you smile!"
"Hikigaya's always so stone-faced—this is refreshing!"
"Damn! You're actually kinda handsome when you smile!"
"YES."
"T-Too cool…"
"…Not bad."
My smile had shocked them all.
"Alright! Let's get this party started!"
At Ishizaki's shout, the room erupted in cheers.
........
2 AM. The concert hall.
I quietly pushed open the heavy door.
Inside, Ayanokouji stood alone. Another figure sat with their back turned.
The room was so silent that even footsteps on the carpet would echo.
I approached and stood beside Ayanokouji.
"You called us here. What do you want?"
"Students aren't allowed out of their rooms at this hour, you know."
The one who'd summoned us—former Acting Chairman Tsukishiro—slowly rose from his seat.
"Rest assured. As of today, I've been dismissed as acting chairman. Chairman Sakayanagi has been reinstated, so I'm just an ordinary civilian now."
He raised his hands, signaling he had no ill intent.
"Why did you call us?"
"By morning, I'll never speak to you again. I wanted to see you one last time."
His final act as acting chairman, it seemed.
"If you have something to say, make it quick."
Smiling, Tsukishiro closed the distance until only two meters separated us.
"A last-ditch negotiation. Will you drop out voluntarily?"
"Do you really think we'd agree?"
"I see. A shame, but so be it. Then you'll stay until graduation?"
"That's the plan. Unless the school expels us fairly."
"No matter how much you wish to remain in this world, there's no defying its rules."
Neither of us mentioned it, but the shadow of the White Room still loomed.
"You're clever. And strong. With the two of you as enemies, forcing you out would be impossible."
Tsukishiro chuckled softly, as if reminiscing.
"I see. You've misunderstood something."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
Ayanokouji's words made Tsukishiro pause.
"In your eyes, Hikigaya and I are allies, aren't we?"
"…Are you not?"
"—————Impossible."
Tsukishiro's smile faltered for the first time.
"No matter what happens, Hikigaya and I will never be allies."
I'm sure my eyes mirrored Ayanokouji's.
"After all—————I'll be the one to kill Hikigaya."
To an outsider, it would sound like childish nonsense. No one would take it seriously.
But Tsukishiro's forehead was beaded with sweat.
"Just how far will you two…?"
His expression flickered between panic and awe before settling back into a smile.
"This is truly goodbye. Shall we shake hands?"
His outstretched left hand didn't feel like a mere farewell.
I gripped it with my own left hand. Satisfied, Tsukishiro nodded.
"Then—————we'll meet again someday."
With a final pat on our left shoulders, he turned and left.
........
"Wait, Hikigaya."
In the now-empty concert hall, Ayanokouji's voice echoed.
"What—————"
The moment I turned, a kick grazed my face. I dodged, but my back hit the wall. A fist followed—but it struck the wall instead of me.
"Why didn't you dodge?"
"I knew you wouldn't hit me."
The punch lacked force—nothing like Ayanokouji's full strength.
"So? What's your point?"
His cold eyes reflected my own.
"What do you really want?"
"You already know. To learn."
My answer made Ayanokouji lower his fist.
"Your recent actions—all for the sake of learning?"
"Since when did you notice?"
"When you went out with Asahina."
So he'd caught on early.
"I won't criticize your methods. But one thing bothers me. Why did you smile today?"
"At the party?"
"Even forcing such an artificial expression—did being celebrated make you happy?"
I almost laughed.
Happy? That's what you're asking me, Ayanokouji?"
"I told you. I was curious."
"I don't get what you're trying to say."
If I had more expressive facial muscles, I'd have laughed outright.
........
As if I could ever be happy.
........
Humans are creatures that grow.
And creatures that crave learning.
It's instinct.
As we grow, our perspectives shift.
How can we learn most efficiently?
That's the question driving me.
I don't understand love.
I don't know romance.
I don't comprehend relationships.
Even human warmth feels like a tool.
People find joy in learning.
Discovering the unknown brings pleasure.
Learning is human nature.
To understand, I need examples.
To gather them, I must act.
I experiment with unfamiliar behaviors.
I test unfamiliar social dynamics.
I try actions I'd normally avoid.
All to experience.
Having a lover might deepen my understanding.
But I already have the perfect example.
"Hey, Ayanokouji."
"What?"
"Never mind. Just talking to myself."
If he can learn something—
Then so can I.
We're no different.
Step by step, I'll find answers.
But nothing will truly change.
I'll just keep learning.
Growing. Moving forward.
"Pathetic, isn't it? Ayanokouji."
"…"
"All we can do is expect."
Every person is just a tool for victory.
The process matters.
Results follow naturally.
No sacrifice is too great.
As long as I win in the end.
As long as I survive.
That's all that—————
I stopped my train of thought.
I wish someone would change this mindset.
Yet I know it's impossible.
My restless heart refuses to quiet.
=================================
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