"That… I might be meddling too much." Shiina hesitated as if struggling to get the words out, but she continued, "I know that this exam is bound to result in expulsions, and I've mentally prepared myself for the possibility that someone—maybe even myself—will be leaving. But… please, Hikigaya-kun, don't drop out, okay? I don't want to lose a friend."
"…I'll handle it properly."
What should he do? The guilt was becoming heavier and heavier.
Hikigaya's mood turned somewhat unpleasant. Rationally speaking, this was an emotion he shouldn't be experiencing.
If friendship was something that ceased to exist just because you couldn't meet, then was it even real friendship?
…Just like his relationship with the Service Club.
"By the way, how's your class handling things?" Hikigaya decided to change the subject.
"Ryuuen—did that guy already decide on who's getting expelled?"
"Nope, Ryuuen-kun hasn't done anything this time."
"Really? I thought for sure he'd take the opportunity to get rid of anyone useless or disobedient."
"That's what I thought at first too. But in reality, he hasn't given any instructions at all, leaving us to make our own decisions… Because of that, some students are unhappy with the situation."
A hint of concern appeared on Shiina's face—probably because she didn't want to see her class fall into conflict under these circumstances.
But from what she was saying, the dissatisfaction seemed directed purely at Ryuuen himself… Could it be—
"What exactly are they unhappy about?"
"It happened during this morning's meeting," Shiina explained in detail. "Tokito-kun openly criticized Ryuuen-kun for doing nothing during this exam. He even said Ryuuen was never qualified to lead the class in the first place and hurled a lot of harsh words… To be honest, I found it a little strange. It all happened too suddenly."
So it was Tokito.
Manabe pulled it off… Sigh, teenage boys are idiots.
The moment a girl gives them the slightest push, they start thinking they're some kind of hero and charge recklessly.
Of course, he had probably already secured Nagumo's support beforehand.
With Class A's appreciation votes backing him, he could act however he pleased in front of Ryuuen, completely fearless.
"Oh, right, there's something I almost forgot to mention."
For some reason, Shiina's voice suddenly turned cold.
Hikigaya was baffled.
Weird… Why do all the girls I know have such unstable moods?!
Is it… that time of the month?
But soon, he realized this wasn't something so trivial.
"Hikigaya-kun, from now on, please don't instruct Manabe-san from our class to steal Ishizaki-kun's bread. That's not okay."
"…Huh?! Cough cough!"
This was, without a doubt, the most shocking thing he'd heard in a long time—so much so that he nearly spat out his food.
"So, I made you a bento today."
As she gently patted his back, Shiina softly advised, "Next time, if you're hungry, just let me know. No matter what, you shouldn't steal someone else's food, let alone make someone do it for you."
"N-no, wait! Don't listen to Ibuki spouting nonsense!"
Hikigaya reacted instantly, immediately pinpointing the culprit.
That damn woman! Who gave her the right to badmouth me?!
Objectively speaking, okay, maybe it looked that way. But subjectively, that wasn't what happened at all!
More importantly, how could she accuse me without any proof?!
When it came down to it, he had merely been sitting next to Manabe, who happened to steal Ishizaki's bread, while he happened to be eating his own.
Why did everything have to be twisted into something shady instead of just assuming the best?
That nasty woman… I curse you to be flat-chested forever!
Unfortunately, Hikigaya had reacted a little too quickly.
"How strange. I never mentioned Ibuki-san's name, yet Hikigaya-kun brought her up on his own?" Shiina asked with a smile.
…But why did her eyes lack any light?
"U-uh, I can explain…"
"Hmm, I'm waiting for your explanation, Hikigaya-kun."
Right now, it was obvious from her expression—this was a fake smile.
…Honestly, this was even scarier.
"Please explain properly. When exactly did you and Manabe-san start working together? Ah, I'm not trying to pry, I'm just a little curious."
"Uh…"
"Don't stammer—are you stalling for time to come up with an excuse?"
Under Shiina's relentless pressure, Hikigaya couldn't help but recall everything that had happened recently.
Thinking about it… every time he ate a meal made by a girl, he always had to pay a price.
Damn it, what is this? Equivalent exchange?!
By the time he somehow made it through what felt like an interrogation session disguised as lunch, Hikigaya clutched his stomach and groaned.
"Ugh… I feel like I'm gonna have nightmares tonight…"
Sure, Shiina's cooking was delicious, but who could have guessed that the cost would be this high?
No wonder she suddenly offered to treat me… Damn that flat-chested Ibuki!
The thing was, he and Manabe didn't have much of a connection—he had just asked her to do something risky back at the forest school, and this time, he had merely given her a small suggestion as a way of returning the favor.
But from the current situation, it seemed that a "small suggestion" had shifted the balance in Class C.
The real issue was… Hikigaya hadn't expected much in the first place. The success rate was maybe fifty-fifty at best.
Who would've thought Tokito had the guts? Or maybe Manabe was just really persuasive?
…No, it had to be the former.
That explained why, during the Special Exam for the Preferred Students, out of all the students from the other three classes, only Tokito dared to confront Hikigaya.
Too bad he didn't think it through—just because Nagumo agreed to help didn't mean he could guarantee Class A's appreciation votes.
What, just because that guy was the student council president?
Ultimately, it all came down to perspective.
From Hikigaya's point of view, countering Nagumo's dirty tactics wasn't difficult—he just couldn't be bothered to waste effort on someone like that.
But from Tokito's perspective, Nagumo had easily shut down Hikigaya's account, then thrown two million points at Class A to secure control.
With abilities like that, taking down Ryuuen was probably a piece of cake.
And since Nagumo wanted to increase his influence over the first years, while also being the kind of person who loved stirring up trouble, he naturally appreciated someone like Tokito—someone bold enough to challenge authority.
In other words, they were simply two troublemakers who found each other.
Thus, the two hit it off immediately Tokito—wasted no time in jumping aboard Nagumo's ship of schemes, and Nagumo did not disappoint him.
Just last night, Nagumo had given him a definitive answer, assuring him to go ahead boldly with his plans.
That was why the scene in Class C's morning meeting unfolded as it did.
But that was only the beginning.
While everyone was still feeling uneasy about the future of their class, Tokito launched another offensive during the afternoon class meeting.
"Ryuuen, the entire day is almost over. Are you still not going to give us an explanation?"
"Hey, Tokito! Can you give it a rest already?!"
Ishizaki couldn't stand his relentless badgering and couldn't help but reprimand him.
In response, Tokito retorted, "Did I say anything wrong? Since Ryuuen claims to be the leader of this class, why has he done absolutely nothing in this exam?"
"Ryuuen-san already said it—this exam is for us to make our own decisions. What's wrong with that?"
"Tch, in that case, there's no need for him to be the leader at all. Might as well replace him with a dog."
"You bastard! Do you even realize what you're saying?!"
Although Ishizaki was furious, quite a few students secretly agreed with Tokito's viewpoint.
As a leader, Ryuuen should be the one guiding them through this exam.
Especially considering how he usually ruled over the class with an iron fist—forcing everyone to follow his orders during exams like a dictator.
Yet, this time, he chose to remain hands-off, not even saying a single word... Many found it unsettling.
More importantly, no one wanted to bear the guilt of expelling a classmate, nor the potential risks that came with it.
Originally, all they had to do was follow Ryuuen's orders and cast their critical votes accordingly.
Sure, whoever got chosen as the sacrificial pawn would be unfortunate, but that would be Ryuuen's fault. After all, those were the rules of the exam—there was nothing they could do about it.
That kind of reasoning made it easy to justify their actions.
However, Ryuuen's inaction had allowed unease and confusion to spread rapidly throughout the class.
Sensing this, Tokito pressed on. "Ryuuen, you've been running wild all this time, and now you're suddenly tucking your tail between your legs? Or do you plan to spend your whole life hiding behind your underlings?"
"…Not bad, Tokito."
Under the gaze of the entire class, Ryuuen—who had been sitting with his eyes closed, feigning disinterest—finally spoke up.
"This rebellious attitude of yours didn't just start today. Honestly, I'm glad that an idiot like you finally decided to step forward—I've been bored out of my mind."
The way he spoke made it seem like he had been expecting a challenger all along. Hearing this, many students felt a chill run down their spines, relieved that they hadn't secretly tried anything themselves.
Of course, only Ryuuen knew what he truly meant.
Perhaps he was just bluffing.
"How long do you think you can keep acting smug?" Tokito furrowed his brows and accused, "Don't tell me you believe you're safe from expulsion in this exam. Just because you're the so-called leader of this class doesn't mean you won't get kicked out."
"Yeah, there's no way to guarantee that. So, are you planning to get me expelled?"
"That's right! And I'll rally the entire class to vote against you!"
However, Tokito quickly added, "Of course, I won't deny that you have some skills. But I can't stand the way you rule this class through violence any longer."
"Oh? Then tell me—since you dare to openly challenge me here, what kind of outcome are you hoping for?"
"If you step down as the leader of this class right now and make a public pledge in front of everyone, then I'll withdraw my statement."
"Heh… Hahahaha."
Hearing this, Ryuuen couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"So that's all? What kind of half-assed resolve is that, Tokito? Don't tell me you don't have the confidence to get me expelled?"
"Don't make me laugh. I'm simply giving you a chance. If we're talking about the biggest liability to this class, you're at the very top of the list!"
That being said, no matter how much he despised Ryuuen, Tokito knew it wouldn't be easy to get him expelled from this exam.
Not only did Ryuuen still have several loyal lackeys, but many others in the class had already surrendered to him.
That's why he had to stir up their rebellious spirit here.
"Everyone, you've all seen what has happened over this past year!" Tokito swept his gaze across the class and raised his voice. "I won't even bring up Ryuuen's humiliating defeats during the Uninhabited Island Exam, the Sports Festival, and Paper Shuffle. But every time I see my monthly deductions on my phone at the start of the month, it reminds me just how incompetent and idiotic this guy truly is!"
"Hey! You bastard, stop spouting nonsense!"
Sensing danger, Ishizaki immediately rushed forward, trying to shut Tokito up.
But unexpectedly, Ryuuen stopped him.
"Ishizaki, stand down. Let him finish talking."
"But, Ryuuen-san—"
"I said, sit down."
With just a glare from Ryuuen, Ishizaki flinched his entire body stiffening. Without another word, he obediently returned to his seat.
"Hmph, so what if you shut me up? Will that make the class's loss disappear?" Tokito sneered as he questioned them.
"This isn't Ryuuen-san's fault! It's all because Hikigaya is too despicable!" Ishizaki shouted once again.
"True, that guy is despicable, but at the end of the day, this is Ryuuen's responsibility." Tokito smirked coldly as he looked at Ryuuen. "You ruled the entire class through violence, thinking that method would work on everyone. And what happened? The whole class got caught by the throat instead! Who else is there to blame but you?"
Saying that, he shifted his gaze toward someone else.
"Hey, Yamawaki, why don't you speak up? You and a few others were the ones who went to beat up Hikigaya, right? Who ordered you to do it?"
"Uh… I…"
"You're not saying anything? Are you planning to take full responsibility for it?"
"No! It wasn't my idea!"
Yamawaki hurriedly defended himself. In reality, everyone already knew he wasn't the mastermind.
But naming Ryuuen at this moment would mean siding with Tokito.
No one was ready to make that decision yet.
Still, as Tokito kept pressing, the matter had to be addressed sooner or later.
After all, giving up half of their personal points every month—let alone for almost a year—was too much of a loss to ignore.
At first, they had no way to resist Ryuuen, and over time, they simply accepted it.
But now, with such a golden opportunity in front of them, there was no reason not to take revenge.
"Tokito-san, may I say a few words?"
At that moment, sensing the shift in the class's attitude, Kaneda decided to step in.
"First of all, there's no doubt that this was Ryuuen-san's failure. But I don't think all the blame should fall on him. Besides, if we put aside the use of violence, his plan wasn't bad."
That was true.
Ryuuen's approach wasn't particularly unreasonable. Logically speaking, most students would behave after being beaten up a couple of times.
Especially someone like Hikigaya—he looked like the type who wouldn't dare fight back, the kind who would back down at the slightest threat.
And to be fair, most of the time, he was like that…
Ryuuen's plan had been simple: first, intimidate Hikigaya with a show of force, then use Shiina to rope him in as a spy.
It was a classic carrot-and-stick approach.
Had it worked, even the student council's movements would've been within their grasp.
Unfortunately, Hikigaya's thought process was anything but normal.
This wasn't even Ryuuen's fault. Just put yourself in his shoes for a second.
Imagine there's a beautiful girl in another class. Every day after school, she reads books with you, shares your interests, and you two talk about everything.
Then one day, she suddenly sends you a love letter, practically confessing to you outright.
What would a normal person do in that situation?
Of course, they'd think—"Hell yeah!"
But this weirdo, Hikigaya? Forget being happy—he never even considered the possibility that someone could like him. Right from the start, he suspected it was a prank, then investigated until he uncovered the truth.
And in the end, he completely flipped the situation, pulling the entire Class C down with him.
Thinking about it, Kaneda took off his glasses and wiped them, using the moment to hide his wry smile.
"It's just… we picked the worst possible opponent. That's something none of us could have predicted at the time."
"Yeah! That guy's ridiculously sly!" Ishizaki chimed in.
He had once been tricked into following Hikigaya to the infirmary to get his wounds redressed. He had foolishly believed the guy was being nice—only to nearly ruin Ryuuen's entire plan.
"That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard." Tokito scoffed.
"It's not an excuse. It's the truth," Kaneda said seriously. "Tokito-san, you were in the same group as Hikigaya-shi during the Preferential Exam. I'm sure you experienced it firsthand, more than most."
"…So what? I didn't lose."
"But in the end, Hikigaya-san, as the Preferential Student, successfully led the group to Outcome One. That wasn't your original goal, was it?"
"That's…"
In reality, aside from the Preferential Student and their classmates, most people had aimed for Outcome Three.
"And to be honest, when I was acting as a spy on the deserted island, Hikigaya-san also blocked my attempts," Kaneda admitted his failure without hesitation. "That's why, while I agree that Ryuuen-san, as a leader, should take some responsibility, Hikigaya-san's abnormality is an undeniable fact. Though saying this might sound like I'm giving him too much credit, I don't see anyone in our class, aside from Ryuuen-san, who can stand against him."
"You-you're making him sound way too impressive!" Tokito protested, unwilling to accept it.
Kaneda adjusted his glasses and responded flatly, "If Ryuuen-san were to be expelled, would anyone step up to lead the class against Hikigaya-san and take full responsibility?"
"Who leads the class in the future—that can be decided through discussion or whatever. But one thing's for sure—Ryuuen isn't fit to lead us. Just look at how many times he's lost!"
"Winning and losing is part of the game. And our class did perform well in both the Preferential Exam and the Mixed Training Camp, didn't we?"
"The camp results had nothing to do with him!"
At that, Tokito immediately bristled with anger.
Back then, Ryuuen, Ishizaki, and Albert had cornered him in the bathroom, threatening him to stay out of their way—or else he'd be drinking toilet water.
With no choice, Tokito had complied, but his pride had taken a serious hit.
That was something no one could talk him out of.
Even if Manabe hadn't been stirring things up, he had already been secretly rallying others, waiting for the right chance to get rid of Ryuuen.
"If the Mixed Training Camp's score doesn't count as Ryuuen-san's success, then his failures shouldn't be entirely blamed on him either," Kaneda argued calmly.
"Shut up… Ryuuen, say something already!"
Tokito didn't care about logic anymore—he was dead set on bringing Ryuuen down.
"Heh… how amusing," Ryuuen smirked and snapped his fingers. "Alright, Tokito, I'll give you a chance. Let's settle this one-on-one. Let's see who ends up expelled from this exam."
This was exactly what Tokito had been hoping for.
"Hah! You think you can get me expelled?"
"There may be some idiots supporting you, but all I need is for you to receive the most criticism votes."
Ryuuen exuded confidence—he had already been manipulating the votes in secret.
Originally, Tokito wasn't his target, but since he had jumped out, plans had to change.
If Ryuuen didn't act soon, even his authority would be at risk.
"That's my line," Tokito shot back with a smirk. "Go ahead and have your lackeys vote against me. But don't think for a second that everyone's afraid of you."
"What did you say?!" Ishizaki barked.
"And don't get too cocky, Ryuuen."
Ignoring Ishizaki, Tokito continued staring Ryuuen down. "Not many in this class dare to openly oppose you. But that doesn't mean everyone listens to you. Even if your minions save you from expulsion, that doesn't mean I'll lose."
"Oh? So you're saying you won't get expelled?"
"Of course." Tokito's eyes burned with confidence. "Mark my words, Ryuuen. If you can't expel me, then you're just an incompetent fool. Step down from your position as leader."
"If you don't have the guts, then as I said earlier, you can just step down as the leader right now. That way, no one will hold you accountable for your failure."
Rather than forcing Ryuuen to drop out, watching him lose his authority and fall into disgrace would be just as satisfying.
This could even be considered an act of mercy from Tokito.
Even if Ryuuen refused to abide by the agreement, the fact that someone openly pointed fingers at him, insulted him in front of everyone, and walked away unscathed would severely damage his credibility within the class.
At the same time, Tokito, as the student who dared to stand up to Ryuuen, would undoubtedly gain respect from his classmates. His supporters would gradually increase in number.
If this continued, Ryuuen's influence over the class would weaken, and sooner or later, his rule would be overthrown.
So even if he couldn't force Ryuuen to drop out this time, Tokito had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
However, aside from Tokito himself, the rest of Class C was completely shocked by his words.
—Where did this guy get such confidence?
That was the question on everyone's mind, including Kaneda, who struggled to comprehend it.
Ryuuen, on the other hand, only smiled wider.
"Heh… Interesting. Alright, let's do it your way."
He got up from his seat and walked to the front of the classroom, casually sitting atop the teacher's desk as he addressed the entire class.
"Listen up, all of you. When you cast your criticism votes in this exam, it doesn't matter whether you write my name or Tokito's. I won't hold it against you either way. Do whatever you want."
Although the voting process was anonymous, if a certain number of students coordinated in advance, it was possible to deduce the results afterward.
Many students had hesitated to vote against Ryuuen for fear of retribution.
But now that he himself had given permission… it should be fine, right?
More importantly, this exam, which originally put everyone at risk of expulsion, had now seemingly narrowed down to just Ryuuen and Tokito.
That realization brought a wave of relief to many students.
However, not everyone in Class C shared their optimism.
A small group of students had noticed a disturbing possibility within this confrontation.
What if, in the end… neither of them got expelled?
In that case, it would mean that an unexpected sacrifice would have to be made.