At the same moment Hikigaya was feeding Manabe bad ideas, Ayanokoji, having finished his lunch, was taking a stroll in the courtyard when he happened to come across Hirata, who was also alone.
However, the Hirata he saw now was nothing like the usual bright and cheerful heartthrob.
Sitting on a bench with a blank expression, he exuded a heavy, unapproachable aura, as if he wished to be left alone by everyone.
Faced with this version of Hirata, even students who were on good terms with him would hesitate to strike up a conversation.
But for Ayanokoji, this was actually a convenient situation.
Since Hirata is a popular student, he is always surrounded by a large group of friends wherever he goes, making it difficult to find an opportunity to talk to him alone.
Although the current atmosphere might seem inappropriate, that's just an illusion.
Right now, Hirata needs someone to give him a push... just like during the time when Ike Kanji was expelled.
Fortunately, the situation is much better than back then—at least there are no signs of him losing control this time.
With these thoughts in mind, Ayanokoji slowly stepped forward and spoke from behind him.
"Hirata, can I take up a bit of your time?"
"...Oh, Ayanokoji-kun." Hirata raised his head slightly and forced a smile. "Of course, I was hoping to talk to you as well."
"Then, I'll take the liberty."
With that, Ayanokoji sat down at one end of the bench.
From this alone, it wasn't hard to guess that Hirata had been hoping for someone to talk to—someone he could confide in.
If he truly wanted to reject others from approaching, he should have sat in the middle of the bench rather than deliberately leaving one end open.
Besides, in such cold weather, sitting here idly served no real purpose.
"I was just recalling everything that has happened since the school year started... Haha, I really am an incompetent class leader." Hirata chuckled bitterly, mocking himself.
"I think you've already done quite well."
That was Ayanokoji's honest opinion.
Some students in Class D were indeed quite capable, but getting them to work together was extremely difficult. Hirata was caught in the middle of it all, which was already a challenging role—there was no need to expect even more from him.
Moreover, one particular student was troublesome even for Ayanokoji himself.
Even in this supposedly easy-to-manipulate exam, he wasn't confident that he could eliminate that threat.
However... he could weaken it.
That, of course, depended on whether Hirata was willing to cooperate.
"I used to firmly believe that our class could graduate together." Hirata spoke of an impossible dream. "Even though Ike-kun has already been expelled, after you encouraged me back then, I wanted to keep going and continue guiding everyone… But in the end, I was completely useless."
"It's not your fault. This exam was just too cruel." Ayanokoji said indifferently.
"But... if I had listened to Hikigaya-kun and acted sooner, wouldn't things have turned out differently?"
Hirata clutched his head in frustration.
"If I had stepped up earlier and calmed the anxiety within our class, then Yamauchi-kun wouldn't have done something like that."
"Maybe."
"At the end of the day, he was just trying to protect himself… I despise how Yamauchi-kun framed his own classmates, but I can't bring myself to truly hate him."
That was only natural. Anyone would rack their brains for a way to avoid expulsion.
The fact that others went along with Yamauchi's plan was proof of that.
It just so happened that Yamauchi was the one who took the lead—this didn't mean the others were any more noble.
Besides, Ayanokoji didn't think Hirata could have done much.
Regardless of whether he acted or not, as long as Yamauchi had caught Sakayanagi's attention, the outcome wouldn't have changed.
In reality, the strategy wasn't bad—its only flaw was the choice of target.
If Yamauchi had only wanted to avoid expulsion, he should have targeted Sudo instead. If that wasn't feasible, someone like Sakura, who had few friends, would have been a better choice.
At the very least, Kushida and Matsushita wouldn't have interfered.
But considering the grudge between Sakayanagi and Hikigaya, she was probably pulling the strings in the shadows, meaning things wouldn't have unfolded that way regardless.
All in all, there was no reason to miss this opportunity to weaken Hikigaya.
"Hirata, what kind of person do you think Hikigaya is? And what do you think he wants to see in this exam?"
"Huh…?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Hirata didn't immediately respond.
But Ayanokoji had no intention of waiting for an answer. He continued speaking on his own.
"This is just my speculation, but I believe Hikigaya wants to see the brighter side of human nature. That's why he made that seemingly strange request."
"Yeah… I let him down."
"No, he already anticipated this outcome."
Seeing Hirata's puzzled expression, Ayanokoji explained calmly.
"This special exam is also a test of human nature, and human nature is the most fragile thing when put to the test. Hikigaya is skilled at reading people, but despite that, he still holds onto naïve ideals—so he made an impossible demand."
Unless one possessed the kind of leadership that Ichinose had—where students trusted them completely—the class would inevitably turn on each other.
What Hikigaya wanted to see had never existed in the first place.
"Are you saying... Hikigaya-kun never intended to use his private points?"
"Not exactly." Ayanokoji shook his head. "If anything, Hikigaya just needs a reason. He's not the type to help others without cause, but he will find a reason to justify lending a hand."
"I-I still don't quite get it." Hirata was confused.
"To put it simply, you need to create a reason for Hikigaya to act—just like how he asked you to take action."
"A reason... Could we use protection points in exchange?"
Hirata suddenly recalled what Kushida had mentioned earlier in the morning—it seemed like a viable idea.
Unfortunately, since he had never intended to manipulate the class votes, he had only been thinking about how to prevent anyone from being expelled. As a result, he missed this opportunity.
If he had thought of it sooner, he could have approached Hikigaya with a deal that very day, and things wouldn't have reached this point.
"That won't work. I don't think he'd care about that." Ayanokoji dismissed the idea outright. "Besides, as Horikita pointed out, Yamauchi's actions have completely destroyed the possibility of a deal. At this stage, Hikigaya won't accept it."
Even Sudo understood that much.
"If this continues, Yamauchi will most likely end up in last place."
"...Sigh."
Hirata didn't respond. He simply let out a long breath, a white mist escaping into the cold air.
No matter how unwilling he was to face it, this was an inevitable outcome.
Horikita's speech swayed most of the students. Apart from a few of Yamauchi's friends who might vote for him out of sympathy, the rest wouldn't stand by his side.
"Hirata, I need to confirm something with you."
Ayanokoji locked eyes with him, as if peering directly into his soul.
"How much are you willing to sacrifice to save your classmate—to save Yamauchi?"
"Anything." Hirata answered without hesitation. "Ayanokoji-kun, if you have a way, please tell me. I'll do everything I can to help."
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do. Or rather, this is something that only Yosuke Hirata himself can accomplish."
"...Then what exactly do I need to do?"
"It's quite simple."
As Hirata looked at him in shock, Ayanokoji spoke each word.
"You just need to convince the entire class to vote against Hikigaya. That way, he'll have no choice but to pay the 20 million points to protect himself."
"Wait a minute, Ayanokoji-kun! That's unacceptable!" Hirata immediately objected.
This plan is indeed a good one. Yamauchi and some other students originally intended to go through with it, but Horikita disrupted their efforts.
However, that only holds true when Yamauchi is the mastermind.
If someone else were to take the lead—say, a well-liked student like Hirata—the outcome would be entirely different.
Even if Horikita were to scold him outright, as long as he skillfully wielded the weapon of "moral coercion," most students would likely comply.
Of course, Hirata's reputation would inevitably take a hit.
But that was the last thing this man cared about. Especially if it was for the sake of protecting his classmates, things like fame or prestige meant nothing to him.
The only issue now was that while Hirata genuinely wanted to save his classmates, he also strongly despised the idea of framing anyone.
They had to find a way to persuade him.
"I know this isn't fair to Hikigaya, but aside from this, I can't think of any other way with my abilities."
Ayanokoji first admitted that the plan was far from ideal, then abruptly shifted the tone of the conversation.
"Besides, I don't think personal points are more important than my classmates. If it were me, I would also be heartbroken over the money, but in the end, I still wouldn't be able to just stand by and watch a classmate I spent every day with get expelled… Maybe you think I'm just saying this from an outsider's perspective."
"Not at all. I feel the same way, Ayanokoji-kun."
Hirata's expression was as if he'd found a kindred spirit, completely moved by Ayanokoji's righteous words.
Even so, his fundamental nature wouldn't change so easily.
"Ayanokoji-kun, you really are amazing."
"I'm not amazing at all."
"But… I still don't want to do it. I can't bring myself to do something that cruel to Hikigaya-kun…"
Hirata slowly but firmly shook his head, then gave a faint smile.
"Thanks to this conversation with you, I think I can see an answer now. Leave the rest to me."
"Is that so?"
Though Hirata didn't explicitly state it, Ayanokoji quickly realized what he intended to do.
That wouldn't do at all.
"Oh, right, Hirata, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"What is it?"
"You heard what Horikita said this morning about the secret filming incident, right? That I was an accomplice?" Ayanokoji feigned confusion. "So why are you still talking to me like this? Shouldn't you at least reprimand me a little?"
Hirata gently shook his head before answering with certainty, "Because I know you're innocent, of course. You were just dragged into it by Ike-kun and Yamauchi-kun, weren't you?"
"You trust me that much?"
"Yeah. After spending almost a year together, I can tell these things." Hirata's tone carried a hint of pride.
However, Ayanokoji's real reason for asking wasn't to confirm Hirata's trust.
It was to shut down the plan Hirata was about to put into motion.
"What about yourself, then? Do you think everyone truly understands you?"
"Huh? Well… I'm not so sure."
Hirata scratched his head, smiling a little awkwardly.
"I try my best to show my true self to everyone, but as you know, Ayanokoji-kun, I've done some foolish things before. It's hard to talk to others about it."
"No, that's not what I meant."
Feeling the setup was sufficient, Ayanokoji got to the point.
"Just like how you understand me, the class also understands one thing about you—that Hirata Yosuke is a student who always puts others first. So even if you deliberately act cold or say bad things about them, no one will believe you actually mean it."
"…Huh?" Hirata was momentarily stunned.
"You plan to sacrifice yourself as the one to be expelled, don't you?" Ayanokoji bluntly exposed his thoughts. "Since you can't decide who to abandon, you're going to embrace self-sacrifice instead. But that method won't work. Even if you call on the class to vote against you, no one will want you to leave."
"But…"
"So, in the end, only two outcomes remain."
Ayanokoji mercilessly cut him off.
"This morning's discussion was interrupted due to time constraints, but Horikita won't let it end there. She'll definitely make everyone vote publicly. And given how things are progressing, the result will either be Yamauchi's expulsion or you taking on the role of the villain, urging everyone to vote against Hikigaya. That's the only way to save Yamauchi."
"B-but Hikigaya-kun doesn't have enough points…"
"He's short less than five million. You handle persuading President Nagumo to return part of what he owes, and the rest our class can gather. There will always be a way—it's better than doing nothing."
"…Ha, haha."
After a long silence, Hirata let out two hollow laughs and lowered his head.
"Ayanokoji-kun, you really are the same as before… so utterly ruthless."
"Then you should also remember what I told you back then." Ayanokoji continued without mercy. "Due to your poor management of the class, Ike was already expelled. Since there's been one, another wouldn't make much difference—unless, of course, you refuse to be the bad guy."
Before Hirata could respond, Ayanokoji reenacted the moment, extending his hand and tapping him on the shoulder.
"No matter what you plan to do, you must remember this—Yamauchi's fate now rests in your hands."
After School That Day
"Well then, the class meeting is over. You may all leave."
With Chabashira-sensei's announcement, the day's lessons had officially come to an end.
Just as everyone was about to pack up their bags, a girl suddenly stood up from her seat and quickly made her way to the podium.
"Sorry for taking up your time, but I'd like to continue the discussion from this morning that we didn't conclude."
At her words, the entire class stopped what they were doing.
Yamauchi, in particular, flared up. "Horikita, give it a rest already! Why are you so dead set on going after me?!"
"I'm not targeting anyone. This is simply a matter that needs to be settled."
Without sparing him a glance, Horikita addressed the class once more. "Everyone, I sincerely apologize, but I need you to stay here a little longer. Don't worry—it shouldn't take long."
Even Chabashira-sensei seemed interested in what was happening. Unlike usual, she didn't leave the moment the bell rang.
"For this special exam, I nominate Haruki Yamauchi as the one to be expelled," Horikita declared without hesitation, revealing the name she had long since decided on. "The reasons include, but are not limited to, being the weakest member of the class, betraying his peers, committing an irredeemable mistake in the past, and even now, refusing to acknowledge his wrongdoings."
"I told you, I'm innocent!" Yamauchi shouted.
"See? He's beyond saving."
Horikita sighed, crossing her arms before scanning the room.
"Well then, can everyone share their thoughts? What do you think?"
However, with all eyes on them, few had the courage to openly attack a fellow classmate like Horikita did.
Even if it was Yamauchi—someone with a record full of misconduct—people still hesitated, worried that he might lash out in his final moments.
Horikita wasn't surprised by the silence.
She had already anticipated this outcome, so she intended to move things forward with a vote.
"If no one wants to speak, then let's just—"
"Horikita, please wait a moment."
Suddenly, Hirata stood up, interrupting her.
Horikita had expected interference and calmly asked, "What is it?"
"This morning, I listened to everything without interrupting, but I can't agree with how you're forcing everyone to vote this way. What you're doing—turning classmates against each other—is no different from what you're accusing Yamauchi of."
"Huh?! Hirata, I'm innocent!"
Yamauchi was initially thrilled, thinking Hirata was standing up for him—only to realize he'd been completely thrown under the bus.
"Innocent?" Hirata shot him a rare, piercing look. "Tell me, which part of what you did was innocent? After everything, you really think none of it involved you?"
"Well, that's… But Biqigu really does have twenty million points!"
"It's not 'Biqigu'! It's 'Hikigaya'!"
Hirata suddenly roared, startling everyone.
Yamauchi, who bore the brunt of it, was completely stunned.
"You can't even get his name right. You spend all day obsessing over other people's private points and act like it's normal. Do you have any shame?"
Coming from Hirata, who was usually mild-mannered, these words were exceptionally cutting.
"B-But this is an exam! Is it wrong for me to not want to be expelled?!" Yamauchi protested.
"No, you're not wrong… None of you are."
Hirata's voice suddenly shifted—his tone growing defeated.
"This exam is too cruel. And yet, I let my only opportunity slip away. I naively thought that if I did nothing, the natural voting process would sort itself out… But reality proved me wrong. In the end, it all leads to this—manipulating votes, turning classmates against each other."
"...I don't understand what you mean by 'opportunity,'" Horikita said, puzzled, though she didn't dwell on it. "Ever since the exam was announced, small groups formed within the class, repeatedly discussing 'who to protect' and 'who to expel.' In the end, how is what I'm doing any different?"
"…You're right. In the end, I'm the one who was wrong."
"…What do you mean by that?"
Sensing something was off, Horikita's voice became slightly hurried.
"I really love this class."
Under the pressure of Ayanokoji, Horikita, Yamauchi, and everything else, Hirata finally made a decision—one he normally never would have.
"I believe everyone in this class is necessary. No matter what, I won't change that belief. So… whether you hate me or curse me, I'll accept it all… Because I'm about to do something awful."
This was the conclusion Hirata reached in his desperation.
"When the exam comes, I'll write down Hikigaya's name."
The entire room froze.
No one had expected Hirata to say something like that—especially when Hikigaya wasn't even the one he had an issue with.
Horikita was the first to react, her face darkening. "So you're trying to manipulate votes to expel someone too."
"…That's right." Hirata closed his eyes and nodded.
"Hah, are you even thinking straight?"
"This is the only way I can think of. Hikigaya is the only one who can come up with that many points."
"No! This isn't about money!"
"I know it's wrong… But I… I don't want to see anyone else get expelled." Hirata clenched his fists. "I don't want to see another person leave like Ike did. Back then, I couldn't do anything. So this time… this time, I won't just stand by."
"But what you're doing now is completely wrong!"
Ignoring Hirata, Horikita turned back to the class.
"Everyone, don't forget! Yamauchi secretly took photos in the girls' locker room! Can you really tolerate a scumbag like him staying in our class?"
"Horikita, please don't say it like that. Yamauchi has made mistakes, but shouldn't he be given a chance to change?" Hirata countered.
"What about the rest of you? What do you think?"
Horikita ignored Hirata and instead directed her words at the girls.
"I know you admire Hirata, but this is different. As a guy, he can't understand how we feel. That's why he can so casually talk about forgiving someone like Yamauchi. Or… are you all okay with being secretly photographed?"
"Of course not! That's disgusting!" Matsushita chimed in immediately.
"Y-Yeah, even if Hirata says so… Right?"
"Exactly…"
The girls exchanged uneasy glances, suddenly unsure how to respond.
Though they would normally side with Hirata, Horikita and Matsushita's words had shaken them.
The discussion had shifted—from whether Hikigaya should pay, to whether Yamauchi should be saved.
"What the hell?! Who are you calling a scumbag?!" Yamauchi yelled. "If anyone's a scumbag, it's Ayanokoji! And besides, Hirata already said he'd vote for Biq—Hikigaya! What are you all hesitating for?!"
"Shut up. Trash like you doesn't deserve to speak." Horikita glared at him.
"You shut up! Why the hell are you defending Hikigaya so much?! Oh, I get it—you like him, don't you?"
"I'm not defending him. I just believe scum like you should be eliminated."
Though she spoke harshly, Horikita brushed back her bangs, as if trying to hide her wavering.
…Hopefully, no one noticed.
But before she could re-engage in the debate, Hikigaya—who had remained silent—finally spoke.
"That's enough. Everyone, shut up."
His voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to silence both sides.