Queen and her Guards

With Sakayanagi's unyielding personality, it was clear she wouldn't easily let this go.

Unfortunately, Hikigaya seemed to have miscalculated this time.

"Don't say that. Isn't it nice to chat once in a while? It won't cost you anything, right?" Sakayanagi said with a cheerful tone.

"No, my precious rest time..." Hikigaya protested.

"By the way, this is your first meeting with these two, right? I haven't introduced them to you yet," Sakayanagi continued, seemingly lost in her train of thought.

It was truly frustrating.

Sakayanagi disregarded Hikigaya's discomfort and rambled on as if she were talking to herself. Hikigaya found himself utterly powerless against this situation and unable to escape.

"Hey, I'm Hashimoto Masayoshi. Pleased to meet you. Princess Sakayanagi often talks about you, and I've wanted to introduce myself for a while," said the first person to speak.

Hashimoto was a blond boy with a laid-back demeanor, exuding an air of casual arrogance akin to those who flirted carelessly on the streets. Despite his seemingly frivolous nature, he had been attentively observing the conversation between Hikigaya and Sakayanagi.

Could it be that Hashimoto's true interest lay in observing people?

Hikigaya felt that someone like Hashimoto was more worth watching than the other boy with long hair who didn't look like a typical high school student.

"Talking about me? Were you saying bad things?" Hikigaya asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

"Ah, it's said there's a very interesting person in Class D," Hashimoto replied with a smirk.

"Well, that's certainly a negative remark," Hikigaya said, nodding confidently. He was sure that Sakayanagi's "interesting" didn't mean anything positive.

"Hahaha, you're an interesting guy," Hashimoto chuckled nonchalantly. "But never mind. Please take good care of me from now on."

Hikigaya had to admit that despite his initial impression, Hashimoto displayed impressive social skills. He managed to ease into the conversation without offending, proving his adeptness at managing interpersonal distance.

No wonder Sakayanagi had chosen him as her attendant; she had a keen eye for talent.

As for the other person—

"The one with the fierce look," Hikigaya remarked.

"...Hello," the intimidating figure responded curtly.

This was clearly the muscle of the group. The gloves he wore seemed out of place—were they concealing some secret power or simply part of his intimidating appearance?

Unfortunately, even if Hikigaya voiced his curiosity, it was unlikely that the others would understand his references.

After all, there was nothing of the homebody about these individuals.

"Well…" Hikigaya began, trying to regain control of the conversation.

"…What's wrong?" Sakayanagi inquired, noticing his hesitation.

Kito Hayabusa had been staring at Hikigaya intently as if deeply intrigued by his presence.

"Just as I heard... he's an interesting man," Kito finally said, his gaze unwavering.

"Oh… I see," Hikigaya replied, baffled by the strange comment.

Enough already!

What's so amusing about this?

Hikigaya mentally groaned, wondering how long he would have to endure this excruciating conversation.

"Sakayanagi-san, we've finished the introductions. Can we move on to your reason to meet me?" Hikigaya asked, though reluctant.

Sakayanagi, however, seemed intent on prolonging his discomfort. She suggested something unexpected.

"Hikigaya-kun, since we're all here together, why don't we go out for some barbecue?"

Barbecue?

Hikigaya's expression turned puzzled. It seemed an odd choice for someone like Sakayanagi to suggest—perhaps it would be more fitting for someone like Kamuro.

"What's wrong, Hikigaya-kun? Don't you like barbecue?"

Sakayanagi asked with a slight frown.

"It's not a matter of liking or disliking. I just didn't expect you to suggest something like that. I thought you might propose a more refined place," Hikigaya answered honestly.

"Hehe, don't think of me as too special," Sakayanagi said, narrowing her eyes and smiling gently. "I live a very ordinary life, just like everyone else."

—Impossible.

The other four, however, did not believe her. The glances exchanged among them revealed a shared skepticism.

If Sakayanagi were truly ordinary, then no one could be considered special.

"Really, what do you take me for?"

Sakayanagi said, shaking her head in mock exasperation.

"I only suggested barbecue because there are three men here. Boys generally like barbecue, don't they? And Masumi likes it too."

"…I find it hard to accept your reasoning," Kamuro said, frowning. He felt Sakayanagi's explanation didn't fully capture her underlying intent.

"Anyway, you must be hungry. Let's go quickly…"

"Absolutely not."

Hikigaya flatly rejected Sakayanagi's suggestion. The thought of going out to eat with a group of strangers from other classes was unbearable.

Was this some kind of torture?

Despite facing three and a half opponents, with his retreat blocked by the formidable Kito Hayabusa, Hikigaya was resolute.

"Haha, I knew you'd say that," Sakayanagi said, her smile unwavering. Just when Hikigaya thought she might resort to more aggressive tactics, she appeared to relent.

"Since Hikigaya-kun isn't interested, there's nothing I can do… How about I pick you up from your classroom during lunch break tomorrow?"

"I'm sorry, it's my fault! I'll go with you right now!"

Hikigaya immediately capitulated, realizing the potential fuss and the inevitable questions from his classmates, especially those two troublemakers, Ike and Yamauchi.

Sakayanagi had targeted his weak spot with pinpoint accuracy.

Arisu Sakayanagi was indeed a formidable enemy.

"Haha, I never tire of watching Hikigaya-kun's reactions," Sakayanagi laughed, her amusement evident.

"Hahaha, indeed, no wonder the princess likes him so much," Hashimoto joined in the laughter, while Kito remained silent, his thoughts unknown. Only Kamuro offered a sympathetic glance.

"Hikigaya, you're so pitiful... You're too weak against Sakayanagi."

"I just don't want you to say that," Hikigaya replied.

"But you don't look like you've been captured, right?"

"...No."

Though Kamuro's words rang true, Hikigaya's apprehension remained. The gap between ideal and reality was often vast.

"Then please follow me," Sakayanagi said, leading the group to the Keyaki Shopping Center. They found a barbecue restaurant with pleasant decor and requested a private room.

…Was there something they wanted to discuss privately?

As Hikigaya chewed on a piece of grilled meat, he wondered about Sakayanagi's true intentions. Surely, she didn't invite him to dinner without a purpose.

Could it be related to the bet? Was she interested in knowing his current point total?

Although this seemed plausible, Hikigaya doubted Sakayanagi would be so petty. After all, Kamuro had been trailing him constantly, so Sakayanagi likely knew his point total already.

Perhaps, it was about the class?

Sakayanagi might be seeking as much information as possible about other classes before the official announcement of the S System.

Beyond that, Hikigaya couldn't think of any other reason.

"By the way, Hikigaya-kun, there's something I want to ask you," Sakayanagi said, breaking the silence.

"What is it?"

"How many points do you think you'll receive next month?"

"…Actually, what you're asking is how many points Class D has left, right?"

"Haha, you are sharp, Hikigaya-kun. Of course, if it's inconvenient, you don't have to answer."

Despite being caught out, Sakayanagi showed no embarrassment.

She was remarkably thick-skinned and a competent leader.

"It's fine to tell you." Hikigaya shrugged. "In my opinion, if there are no negative adjustments, our class should be at zero."

"…Zero?" Sakayanagi was visibly taken aback.

"Yes, zero," Hikigaya confirmed.

Not only Sakayanagi but also Kamuro and Hashimoto looked stunned, and even Kito paused in his grilling.

"No way! It can't be zero, no matter how bad things are!" Hashimoto protested.

"You can't be serious!" Kamuro added, disbelief evident in his voice.

It was understandable. These were students from Class A, known for their excellence. They had no concept of what it meant to be truly underperforming.

"Oh, I hope that's not true," Hashimoto muttered, shaking his head.

Hikigaya sighed deeply as if resigned to a harsh reality.

"I see. This must be quite challenging for you. Shall we change the topic?" Sakayanagi suggested.

"Hikigaya-kun, how much do you think Class A will earn next month?"

"…Why are you asking me about your class?"

"It's just casual conversation."

Hikigaya was puzzled by Sakayanagi's odd question, unsure of her motives.

Still, if it was just casual conversation, he decided to indulge her.

"Assuming nothing goes wrong, your class should be able to earn at least 90,000 points next month. I can't guarantee its accuracy, so don't hold me to it."

"Haha, of course not… But Hikigaya-kun, you have a high opinion of our Class A. Did you only deduct 10,000 points?"

"After all, there's an exceptionally outstanding person in your class."

At this comment, Sakayanagi's mood shifted. She lowered her gaze and fell into thought.

Hashimoto then chimed in, "That's right. Our princess is the smartest person I've ever met."

"Sakayanagi is indeed very intelligent," Hikigaya agreed.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't referring to her this time."

As soon as Hikigaya's words were out, a heavy silence fell over the group.