A Shocking Truth

Since that day at the pool, Hikigaya had sensed something off about Kiriyuin.

Knowing her personality, she should have confidently praised him for completing his task. Instead, she handed him the memory card in a roundabout way. This subtlety wasn't her style. But Hikigaya had been too preoccupied with the peeping incident to press her for answers, and they rarely crossed paths afterward, so he let it slide.

But some things are impossible to ignore once you notice them. When Kiriyuin admitted to being in a fight, Hikigaya immediately guessed who her opponent was. It had to be Ayanokoji. The timing, the location—it all pointed to him.

Hikigaya's theory was simple: Ayanokoji must have initially sent Karuizawa to stop the peeping incident. However, Kiriyuin intercepted her, forcing Ayanokoji to intervene directly, fearing his involvement would come to light.

Not that such a drastic step was necessary.

Even if facing expulsion, Hikigaya would never assault someone to solve a problem. He could understand Ayanokoji's motives, but he couldn't condone his methods.

Words would never convince someone like Kiriyuin of innocence in a peeping incident. She had solid evidence, and no amount of persuasion could sway her. From Ayanokoji's perspective, a forceful solution was probably the most efficient. Yet, despite his understanding, Hikigaya found it hard to accept.

Ayanokoji was undoubtedly a dangerous individual.

And despite resolving in his mind to keep his distance from Ayanokoji, Hikigaya couldn't shake his inner conflict.

Ever since the dissolution of the Service Club, Haruno had been looking out for him. Nearly every time they met, she'd tease him about calling her "big sis." Annoying as it was, Hikigaya often found himself thinking that if he ever had an older sister, she might be something like her.

So, when Haruno had asked him for a favor at the beginning of the term, Hikigaya had initially feigned reluctance. Secretly, however, he was pleased. It was his chance to finally repay her.

He never expected that after all his careful planning, she would forget about Ayanokoji entirely!

"Oh, come on, I was just teasing you!" Haruno quickly clarified when she saw Hikigaya's look of dismay. "Honestly, I was invested in the situation at first. But as time went on, I just found it...boring."

"Seriously?" Hikigaya grumbled. "Why would I want to mess with someone like him? Getting beaten up for nothing sounds like a horrible deal."

"Ohhh, so what bothers you is getting hurt for nothing?" Haruno's expression turned playfully curious.

"When did you become such a hard-hearted kid, Hikigaya? Your big sister is heartbroken!" she teased, heaving a theatrical sigh.

"Save it."

With a smirk, she went on, "You know, I think I only called him 'masterpiece' once, yet it left such an impression. Has that nickname been bothering you?"

[T/N: I hope this clears up for many readers how Hikigaya came to learn the word "masterpiece." It was Haruno who introduced him to it.]

"Nope."

Despite his flat answer, Hikigaya's gaze wandered.

"At the end of the day, it's just some title a private institution slapped on him. It's not as if it's recognized nationally or anything."

Haruno raised an eyebrow. "Then why won't you look at me when you say that?"

"...You're insufferable."

No matter how loudly he protested, a trace of self-doubt gnawed at Hikigaya. He had no grand abilities of his own, and facing someone like Ayanokoji would be nerve-wracking for anyone.

"So, you believe he's stronger, but still think you'd come out on top in the end?" Haruno observed with a knowing nod, giving him an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "That's the spirit! I knew I picked the right guy!"

"That's a bit much," Hikigaya replied, exasperated.

"No need to be modest. Your sister has an impeccable eye for talent!" she said confidently. But then her tone shifted. "Anyway, that whole 'masterpiece' business is in the past. You don't need to worry about it anymore."

"...What?"

The unexpected statement left Hikigaya speechless.

"Hold on, Haruno. What do you mean by that?"

"It's exactly what it sounds like."

"No… I mean, why so suddenly?"

Hikigaya was baffled. Everything had been progressing so smoothly, and even now, Class D hadn't lost a single point.

"This isn't about you," she explained, reading his confusion. "If anything, you've exceeded my expectations."

"Then why...?"

"The issue lies with me," Haruno admitted with a small smile. "I once told you that things rarely go as planned in life, didn't I? Well, that's what's happening now."

For a fleeting moment, an unusual hint of bitterness surfaced in her voice, but it vanished as she resumed her usual cheerful demeanor.

"But don't worry, Hikigaya. I'll make sure you and Komachi don't have to worry about a thing."

"...What's going on?"

Hikigaya didn't pay attention to her reassurances. He just wanted answers.

"Come on," Haruno replied with a smile. "Is it something you need to know? Wouldn't you rather break free from all this hassle?"

Her reluctance to share seemed almost protective, as though she was sparing him from something unpleasant. And honestly, she was right—it wasn't his issue. She always kept her promises, so he had little reason to press further.

Yet, the unclear explanation didn't sit right with him. Was he angry? He couldn't say for sure, but the irritation was real.

Maybe he should never have gotten involved in the first place.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, Haruno spoke up again.

"But maybe... there's no harm in telling you."

"Huh?"

"Don't make that face," she sighed. "I wasn't telling you for your good. But you're sharp; if I keep it from you, you might still piece things together on your own."

"Uh…" Hikigaya stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.

"To pull this off, I needed more than just the Yukinoshita family's resources. I also had to rely on this school's highest authority—Chairman Sakayanagi himself."

She sighed and, to Hikigaya's surprise, slumped onto the table, a rare look of regret crossing her face.

"Everything was going so well; I even managed to win over that idealistic old man. But I had no idea he was so... naïve."

"...What?"

Seeing Haruno like this was a first for Hikigaya. Usually, she was poised and confident, never one to voice complaints like she was now.

"Long story short," she continued, her voice tinged with frustration, "someone he deeply respects is plotting against him, trying to take him down as chairman. But he refuses to believe they'd ever do such a thing, no matter how many times I warn him."

"...Come again?"

This was way out of Hikigaya's depth.

She couldn't mean... the Chairman of the school?

Was he really about to be ousted? If anyone else had said it, Hikigaya would've dismissed it outright.

"How do you even know all this?" Hikigaya asked, curious.

"I don't have hard proof," she admitted, "but I noticed a pattern in recent personnel changes. That's not the point, though. What matters is that I tried to warn Chairman Sakayanagi, but he dismissed it as overthinking."

"...And who's behind it?"

"Oh, that would be Ayanokoji's father," Haruno replied casually, dropping the bombshell.

"Honestly, that old man's head is in the clouds. He knows there's a risk in sheltering Ayanokoji here, yet he doesn't see the need to keep an eye on the man pulling the strings. He's lucky to have inherited the position as an only child, but…"

She trailed off, suddenly catching herself mid-rant.

"Oops," she laughed, looking at Hikigaya with a mischievous smile. "Pretend you didn't hear that, okay?"

"...Ayanokoji's father is using him as a test subject?"

"Ugh, why do you pick things up so fast?"

At that moment, Hikigaya had no time for her sarcasm; he was in shock.

Haruno had mentioned before that a politician owned the secret institution responsible for Ayanokoji's "training." That man wanted Ayanokoji expelled from the prestigious Advanced Nurturing High School. But now, it was clear that this politician was Ayanokoji's father.

Using his son as an experiment—there are people capable of that in this world.

Even if his emotions couldn't accept it, reason told him that this world indeed had its fair share of deranged people.

"In any case, I can't say for certain," Haruno continued, "I might be mistaken. Besides, Sakayanagi's father has plenty of support, so even if he were ousted on false charges, it would only be temporary. There's no need to dwell on it too much."

It seemed that Haruno genuinely didn't want Hikigaya to get involved; she even went as far as downplaying her previous words.

"Once my internship ends, I'm out of this anyway. You won't need to worry about beating anyone's 'masterpiece,' and your sister's future will be secure. It's a win-win-win, don't you think?"

"...Yeah, I guess."

"Good! As long as you understand," she said, flashing a cheerful smile.

"All you need to do next is enjoy your school life. Study hard, hang out with friends, and make the most of a fulfilling high school experience!"

"...I'm not exactly a social butterfly."

"Oh, and feel free to date a few girls while you're at it! Make the most of your youth, right?"

Haruno suddenly leaned in close, whispering in his ear with a mischievous glint.

"And don't end up like Shizuka. I heard she just bombed another matchmaking meeting recently."

"Pfft—!" Hikigaya nearly choked on his water.

"Watch out, or you'll be on Hiratsuka-sensei's bad side," she teased.

"Heh, you finally smiled," Haruno noted, poking his cheek. "So just keep things like this, alright? Don't worry about all that other nonsense. What happens to everyone else doesn't have to concern you."

"...Right."

"Ah," she sighed, throwing her hands up in resignation at the sight of his troubled expression.

She knew he wouldn't be able to let it go just like that—some things never changed.

"Well, it's about time for me to head back. You get some rest."

"Yeah. Take care."

Hikigaya muttered a quiet goodbye as Haruno left.

Even after she'd gone, he remained seated, unmoving.

Honestly, he wasn't sure how he felt.

Was he unhappy? There wasn't much reason to be. If anything, he should be relieved.

No more Class D issues, no more "greatest work" nonsense—he could finally live the peaceful school life he'd always dreamed of.

Besides, what did it matter if the Sakayanagi director was forced out?

It was just Haruno's speculation, after all, and even if it did happen, how would it affect him as a student? Whether Sakayanagi or someone else held the director's chair, he'd still have to come to school every day.

As for Sakayanagi...

He never even considered giving her a warning. It wasn't his place to pass on secondhand information.

And if the director were truly forced out, protecting his daughter would be impossible too, right?

Though Haruno mentioned it might be temporary, perhaps during that brief window…

No. Nothing had happened yet. There was no need to overthink things.

Feeling mentally exhausted, Hikigaya found himself yearning for a good night's sleep.

Maybe, just maybe, he'd wake up without all these worries.