Seeing that Hikigaya remained silent for a long time, Shiina showed a trace of unease in her eyes and softly asked,
"Um, Hikigaya-kun… could you tell me what you're thinking?"
"I'm trying to decide which method to use."
"Oh, I see… Eh?"
Shiina was momentarily stunned, but then her face lit up with a bright smile.
"As expected of Hikigaya-kun! I knew you'd have a plan. I was right to come to you!"
As she spoke, she happily took hold of Hikigaya's hands… So soft.
"You're exaggerating…"
Without showing much reaction, Hikigaya gently withdrew his hands before continuing,
"Anyway, I've thought of two possible methods. But neither of them is… ideal. That's why I'm hesitating."
"In that case, would you like to discuss it with me?" Shiina eagerly suggested. "And if you don't mind, can I join in? We can work together to help Ichinose-san."
"But…"
"It's fine."
Shiina interrupted him with a reassuring smile and reaffirmed her resolve.
"I already said it earlier," she clenched her small fists and declared firmly, "I'm ready to fight to protect my friends!"
"…Got it."
Hikigaya stared at her for a long moment before quietly revealing his plan.
"First, the first method—cleansing the environment that allows these rumors to spread."
"Cleansing…?"
Something felt off to Shiina. She frowned in confusion and asked,
"How exactly would you do that? Are you planning to involve the student council?"
"No. I intend to force the school itself to step in."
"…Force them?"
"That's right." Hikigaya nodded.
"Regardless of whether the rumors are true or not, using such means to damage someone's reputation is something the school definitely won't condone. The problem is that right now, Ichinose is the only victim, and she hasn't reported it to the teachers. So the school is turning a blind eye."
Normally, involving the student council would be a more secure approach. But since Nagumo had already formed an alliance with Sakayanagi, that path was no longer an option.
That left only one viable solution—forcing the school to take action to prevent further rumor-spreading.
Of course, unless Ichinose herself filed a complaint, the higher-ups would just make excuses to avoid getting involved.
Hikigaya had already seen this play out back in middle school… In the end, whether it was Soubu or Advanced Nurturing High, or any other institution, the people in charge all acted the same.
Unless things escalated, they would keep pretending to be blind.
A crying child gets the milk—this was a universal truth.
Ichinose was simply too honest… Sigh.
"So, Hikigaya-kun, do you want to convince Ichinose-san to file a report with the school?"
"No. I don't think I have the ability to do that."
Hikigaya shook his head, rejecting Shiina's assumption.
Sakayanagi had been acting so boldly because she was certain that no matter what happened, Ichinose would remain silent.
To be fair, she had a good read on people.
However, relying on the kindness of one's opponent when dealing with them was a foolish strategy in itself.
"What I'm thinking is to drag more people into these rumors." Hikigaya continued. "Once the number of victims increases significantly, even if Ichinose does nothing, the school will have no choice but to step in to contain the situation. And as a result, Ichinose will also be saved."
"I see… That does make sense."
Shiina pondered for a moment and acknowledged the method's feasibility.
But it wasn't exactly a great solution.
"If we do that, innocent students will also be caught in the crossfire." Shiina smiled wryly. "And Ichinose-san might feel guilty. I'm sure she wouldn't want others to help her in this way. Hikigaya-kun, you're worried about that too, aren't you?"
"Yeah…"
Even if it was for Ichinose's sake, Hikigaya didn't want to hurt others in the process… well, except for a few select individuals.
Besides, there was a more fundamental issue.
"Also, this method only eliminates the symptoms, not the root cause."
"Eliminates? Solves?"
Shiina murmured those two words under her breath before asking,
"Hikigaya-kun, may I ask… When you say 'the problem,' are you referring to Ichinose-san, or to Sakayanagi-san?"
"…Both."
This girl really was sharp.
Hikigaya couldn't help but be impressed by Shiina's keen insight. She had probably already realized that the rumors weren't entirely baseless—that some parts of them were actually true. Otherwise, Ichinose wouldn't be acting like an ostrich, burying her head in the sand.
And yet, despite that, Shiina still chose to believe in her friend and extend a helping hand.
"Let's set that aside for now," Shiina said. "Can you tell me what the second method is?"
"The second method is to directly deal with Sakayanagi," Hikigaya said flatly. "And… to have Ichinose admit her mistakes and take the hit."
If Ichinose had come clean from the very start, even if only privately, she wouldn't be in such a vulnerable position now.
She wasn't just an ordinary student—she was the leader of her class and controlled its finances.
But, well… not everyone had the courage to openly reveal their past mistakes.
Still, at this point, coming clean was the best option.
"You want to convince Ichinose-san to bravely face her past? That's a great idea."
Shiina was a student who disliked conflict, so a peaceful resolution was ideal in her eyes.
That said, she didn't mind giving the mastermind a little lesson.
"But dealing with Sakayanagi-san will be difficult, won't it? Is there anything I can do to help?"
"…No, you got it backward."
Hikigaya hesitated for a long moment before sighing in exasperation.
"Dealing with Sakayanagi is actually the easiest part. But when it comes to Ichinose… I have no idea how to talk to her."
"Eh?" Shiina tilted her head in confusion. "I think Ichinose-san would definitely listen to you. She just needs someone to give her a little courage."
"No, that's not the issue."
"Then… Ah, I see."
Shiina suddenly realized something. She locked her gaze onto Hikigaya and spoke decisively.
"The one who really needs courage… is you, isn't it, Hikigaya-kun?"
"…Sigh."
Being called out so directly, Hikigaya let out a long, exhausted sigh.
Like he had given up, he admitted,
"Yeah, that's right. I just don't know what right I have to tell Ichinose what to do. Even if I could act like some arrogant jerk and lecture her, I'm not her guardian or anything. I have no authority over her. And she might not even listen to me. In the end, I'd just be overstepping my boundaries."
Though his words were a mess, the meaning was clear enough.
"Hikigaya-kun…"
For some reason, Shiina's gaze was full of sympathy, as if she were looking at some pitiful creature.
"But if you say your concerns are just you overthinking things… then aren't your earlier worries also overthinking?"
"Ugh?!"
Critical hit—Hachiman's HP instantly dropped to zero!
"Geez, pull yourself together."
Seeing Hikigaya swaying like a defeated boxer, Shiina smiled helplessly.
"How about this? Hikigaya-kun, you'll give Ichinose-san courage… and I'll give you courage."
"…Thanks."
"Nope! You can't refuse."
Shiina decisively rejected his attempt to brush it off. Then, she suddenly reached out and gently placed her hand on the back of his.
"Actually, at first, I was really hesitant about asking you for help, Hikigaya-kun. I was afraid I'd be troubling you… But in the end, I still asked, because I'm a shameless little troublemaker."
As she spoke, she playfully stuck out her tongue.
…Why did she have to do something so adorable?
Just as Hikigaya found himself growing increasingly frustrated, Shiina continued, "So, Hikigaya-kun, why don't you try being a little shameless too? Even if Ichinose-san really sees you as meddling, at worst, it's just that—nothing serious. Besides, you know that's not going to happen."
"Yeah… And since this is your request, I guess I have no choice but to go through with it."
"Wait, that's not the point, is it?"
Shiina let out a helpless laugh, feeling like the conversation had gone in circles.
But… maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
"Anyway, this time, please be firm with her. If necessary, you can even scold Ichinose-san."
"Scold, huh…"
It wasn't like Hikigaya had never scolded anyone before—in fact, he was quite good at it.
However, no matter how much he scolded or mocked Ichinose, she probably wouldn't talk back. She was the type to truly embody the phrase "never hit back, never talk back."
If she were like Sakayanagi or Ryuuen, stubborn and quick to retaliate, he wouldn't bother intervening at all.
But the way she was now… just made people feel sorry for her.
The more he thought about it, the more disgusted he felt with himself. He always ended up sympathizing with others on his own accord.
That was nothing but arrogance—arrogance so repulsive it made him sick.
"Hikigaya-kun, you mentioned before that you have a younger sister, right?"
"Yeah, her name is Komachi."
"When Komachi does something wrong, do you ever scold her?"
"No… Usually, I'm the one at fault."
Even as he said it himself, Hikigaya found it kind of ridiculous.
Now that he thought about it, even though they were siblings from Chiba, quarrels between them were inevitable. But in the end, it was usually him who ended up apologizing.
Of course, Komachi wasn't a saint either—she must have made mistakes too.
And yet, he always took the blame for her… Wait, had he been spoiling her too much?
"Maybe it's because you're an older brother, but I feel like you're too forgiving sometimes, Hikigaya-kun," Shiina pointed out bluntly. "Take Sakayanagi, for example—if she hadn't gone too far this time, you were planning to just let it slide, weren't you?"
"Uh… maybe."
That was exactly what he had planned. Sakayanagi had been spreading rumors since the training camp.
Originally, if she had known when to stop, he would've let it go. But unfortunately, that girl just wouldn't listen.
…Wait, why was he even feeling sorry about that?!
That cunning white-haired menace deserved a proper lesson!
"Since Sakayanagi-san crossed the line, you decided to punish her. So why should Ichinose-san be an exception? If you're too biased, you'll only end up hurting her."
"Uh… why don't you talk to her yourself?"
"It's because I can't do it that I came to discuss it with you, Hikigaya-kun."
"But I also—"
"Hikigaya-kun will definitely do it!"
Shiina seemed convinced that as long as Hikigaya took action, Ichinose would surely listen, and the problem would be resolved.
Annoying. Where did she even get that kind of confidence?
What if Ichinose refused…? Forget it. There was no turning back now.
After all, Hikigaya had already accepted the request.
The storm of rumors still hadn't settled, and it seemed Sakayanagi had no intention of stopping.
However, the situation was starting to take a new turn.
That morning, as Hikigaya arrived at the shoe lockers, he immediately sensed something was off.
It felt like a lot of people were staring at him… What was wrong with these guys now?
Normally, he wouldn't have bothered to care, but just as he finished changing his shoes, someone suddenly blocked his path.
"Hey, Bitoku!"
It was Yamauchi, holding up his phone and shouting, "What's the meaning of this? Can you explain to everyone?"
"…Speak like a normal person."
"Ugh, don't play dumb!" Yamauchi huffed and pointed at his phone screen. "Someone posted on the forums claiming you used improper means to collect a massive amount of points! What do you have to say about that?"
His words immediately caused a stir, drawing the attention of even students who normally didn't check the forums.
"…Give it here."
Hikigaya impatiently snatched Yamauchi's phone, glanced at it, and then tossed it back.
"So what? What about it?"
"What do you mean 'what about it'…? You need to give us an explanation!" Yamauchi stammered, looking dumbfounded.
"An explanation?" Hikigaya gave him an exasperated look. "Yeah, and I'm asking—why should I explain anything to you?"
"Wait, huh? What?"
For a moment, Yamauchi was completely speechless, unable to come up with a rebuttal.
Then, someone nearby chimed in, "But last time, when the same thing happened to Ichinose, she went to the school to clear up the misunderstanding, right?"
"Heh, that's right."
Out of nowhere, Ryuuen appeared, stepping closer to Hikigaya as if eager to stir up trouble. "Dead Eyes, since people are doubting you, why don't you prove your innocence? If you just follow Ichinose's example, you'll clear your name in no time. Besides, we're curious about what you've been up to."
Hikigaya simply rolled his eyes at him.
"Not my problem. You guys can believe whatever you want."
"So, you're saying you won't give everyone the truth?"
"No shit. You think I care what you people think?"
"Haha, classic you." Ryuuen burst out laughing. "That level of shamelessness… someone should learn from you."
Hikigaya didn't think he was shameless—there was simply no reason to explain anything.
Seeing Ryuuen gloating, he couldn't help but mock him in return. "Don't celebrate too soon. Your name's on the forum too."
"Oh?"
Hearing that, Ryuuen pulled out his phone and checked. A grin spread across his face.
"It says I assaulted a classmate… heh, what a ridiculous rumor."
"Yeah, no kidding. After all, you're the one who got beaten up by Ayanokoji. Like you'd ever be the one doing the hitting."
Hikigaya's sarcastic remark didn't provoke a response. Instead, Ryuuen simply put his phone away, as if he had lost interest.
However, just before he left the entrance, he leaned in close to Hikigaya and whispered,
"Hey, Dead Eyes. You owe me one."