But I Refuse

Although Hikigaya wasn't great at talking with bigwigs, he figured this was a rare chance to interact with the highest authority at the school.

He had a few questions he wanted to ask, even if it might upset the person in front of him.

Luckily, Chairman Sakayanagi seemed to have a good temper and likely wouldn't hold a grudge against a student.

Then again, you never know... Anyway, Hikigaya made up his mind quickly and spoke up: "Chairman Sakayanagi, there's something about the school I've always been curious about."

"Oh? And what might that be?" Chairman Sakayanagi looked intrigued. "I've heard that on your very first day, you figured out the truth behind the S-System and were soon after invited to join the student council by Horikita-kun. So, I'm curious about what kind of questions a student as exceptional as you might ask."

"…You're too kind," Hikigaya replied, though he knew he was about to disappoint. He wasn't here to ask questions.

"In our class, there's a student named Horikita Suzune," Hikigaya began slowly. "Though her personality is a bit problematic and she rarely interacts with others, she's top-notch in both academics and sports."

"Horikita Suzune… Ah, yes, I remember her. She ranked third in the entrance exams," Chairman Sakayanagi recalled.

Hikigaya hadn't expected him to remember Horikita's name. Was it just a good memory, or did he remember every new student? But that wasn't important.

"I assume she was placed in Class D due to significant social deficiencies, right?"

"Haha, that's a tough question for me to answer," said Chairman Sakayanagi, his face already showing admiration.

But Hikigaya wasn't here to brag about his classmate. "Teachers often say that society values more than just good grades; other aspects are important too," he said deliberately. "So, why was someone like Sakayanagi placed in Class A despite having shortcomings? Was it due to a congenital illness that granted her special consideration during the assessment? Even though she's no longer in Class A, I'm still curious."

The last sentence was a deliberate addition. People often accidentally reveal the truth when they're angry. Unfortunately, Chairman Sakayanagi wasn't the kind of person to get easily upset. He seemed rather pleased.

"Haha, yes, Arisu has been demoted to Class C. That should be a good lesson for her."

"Well, that's not exactly fair… She wasn't present for the two failed exams," Hikigaya countered.

"That's not right," Chairman Sakayanagi said, his expression turning serious. "Since Arisu decided to lead the class, their failure is her failure. As a leader, she must take full responsibility and cannot use her absence as an excuse."

"…Understood," Hikigaya said, having just tried to defend Sakayanagi but ending up being schooled himself. This father was certainly a serious man.

"Speaking of class placement, didn't you mention that earlier?" Chairman Sakayanagi's kind smile returned, though his tone remained slightly stern. "While I can't disclose the details, I assure you Arisu wasn't placed in Class A just because she's my daughter. The assessment was fair."

"I see… So the assessment was fair," Hikigaya nodded lightly, then shifted his tone. "But does that mean other aspects might not be so fair?"

"Oh? It seems Hikigaya-kun has more to say." Normally, questioning the school like this would anger most people, but Chairman Sakayanagi just smiled. "Rest assured, I won't give Arisu any special treatment. Even if you intend to oppose her, as long as it's within the rules, I won't interfere. Besides, she wouldn't want me to."

"…Huh?" Hikigaya was stunned. "No, that's not what I meant..."

"It's okay, I understand," Chairman Sakayanagi cut him off with a wave of his hand and a look of resignation. "I know Arisu can be overbearing at times, but she means no harm. She can be childish at times, so I hope you won't take it to heart."

"…You mean her figure?"

"Haha, don't let Arisu hear you say that," Chairman Sakayanagi chuckled. "It might sound strange coming from her father, but sometimes I wish Arisu could experience failure. It would be beneficial for her future… Ah, don't take this to heart, just a foolish father rambling."

"I understand…" Hikigaya did get the sentiment. There's a saying: a setback is a blessing. Experiencing some setbacks in a relatively safe environment like school could toughen one up for the real world.

Just like how he had experienced plenty of setbacks since elementary school… No, getting off track. The issue at hand wasn't that!

Hikigaya had initially intended to use the class placement topic to slowly steer the conversation towards Ayanokouji's admission, and to gauge Chairman Sakayanagi's stance on him. But somehow, the conversation had inexplicably shifted to his daughter.

In the end, Hikigaya couldn't bring up Ayanokouji. Once Chairman Sakayanagi realized his intention to deal with Sakayanagi Arisu, he repeatedly assured Hikigaya that he wouldn't give his daughter any special treatment, encouraging him to act freely. While it was nice to know, it still felt… a bit off.

Some things you just had to try to find out.

After seeing Chairman Sakayanagi off, Hikigaya immediately took out his phone to start preparations. He initially planned to contact Ryuuen directly but decided to message Ibuki first.

Hikigaya: [How did the thing I asked you to look into go?]

Ibuki replied half an hour later, probably because she was in class. It was a free period in P.E.… Why wasn't she slacking off?

Ibuki: [Nothing worth investigating.]

Ibuki: [I've interacted with him a few times, but I can't see anything suspicious about him.]

"…Like you'd ever be able to spot it," Hikigaya muttered to himself, regretting asking Ibuki. She had been played on the uninhabited island and was still clueless. Sigh, no more free labor next time. Because it was free labor, his expectations were lower, just like people don't expect high quality from free stuff. This mindset was wrong. Reflecting on this, Hikigaya started typing back.

Hikigaya: [Got it, useless as expected (thanks for the effort).]

Ibuki: [Huh?!]

Ibuki: [You're the one who asked me to look into it! I don't think you should blame me for your poor judgment!]

Hikigaya: [Oh, sorry, typo.]

Ibuki: [Yeah, right, like I'd believe that!]

It was time to get to the point.

Hikigaya: [Fine, I didn't expect much anyway.]

Hikigaya: [Do me one last favor and we'll call it even.]

Ibuki: [Go to hell, I won't do anything else for you!]

Hikigaya: [This isn't just for me; it benefits your class too.]

Ibuki didn't reply immediately, hesitating for a few minutes. But Hikigaya was confident she'd comply.

Ibuki: [Tell me first. But I can't promise I'll agree!]

As expected, she relented. Although Ibuki wasn't fond of her classmates, she was determined to rise to Class A, which is why she tolerated the annoying Ryuuen. Unfortunately, this matter involved Ryuuen.

Hikigaya: [Tomorrow afternoon, help me arrange a meeting with Ryuuen. I need to talk to him directly.]

Ibuki: [Why should I do that for you?! Can't you call him yourself? Don't you have his number?]

Even through the screen, Hikigaya could sense Ibuki's reluctance.

Hikigaya: [Because I want you to be present during the conversation. Don't worry, it won't be boring, and you won't be disappointed.]

Ibuki: [...]

Ibuki: [Tch, always finding the right words.]

Ibuki: [I'm warning you—don't you dare trick me!]

Ibuki: [Or I'll tell Shiina everything about you!]

Hikigaya: [Relax, I'm not that kind of person.]

In the end, that fool Ibuki finally gave in. Honestly, she's so easy to manipulate…

But, what exactly was she referring to? Hikigaya couldn't think of anything he'd done that would weigh on his conscience. Besides, he was free of any constraints now—he could focus on dealing with "The Ultimate Masterpiece" without the burden of controlling Class D.

Ibuki was probably just rambling. Hikigaya brushed it off and turned his thoughts toward the response he was expecting from Ryuuen tomorrow. Maybe that tyrant would surprise him.

***

The next afternoon, Hikigaya arrived at the designated café in the Keyaki Mall right on time. The moment he stepped inside, he spotted two familiar faces—it was Ryuuen and Ibuki, whom he had called out.

"Hey, you're late!" Ibuki complained the second he walked over. "You were the one who arranged this meeting, yet you're the last to show up… I had to sit at a table with him."

"Sorry, I got held up changing my shoes."

"Then maybe you should have come out earlier!"

"Uh…" Hikigaya tried to avoid attention by choosing a time when most students would be in gym class, busy preparing for the upcoming sports festival. But it seemed that wasn't enough to stop Ibuki's grumbling. Was she just picking a fight?

"Is it that big of a deal?" Hikigaya countered. "Besides, you're in the same class with Ryuuen every day anyway. Why don't you just stop breathing altogether?"

"Huh?!"

Ibuki glared, speechless, while Ryuuen chuckled.

"Heh. Rotten Eyes, even with a broken arm, you're still so mouthy. Maybe you should break your neck too, so you can stop spouting nonsense."

"If I did that, I'd be dead, you moron."

With that, Hikigaya decided to cut the small talk and get straight to the point.

"I called you here to make a deal."

"Oh? Let's hear it." Ryuuen didn't seem particularly surprised—naturally. They didn't get along well enough to be hanging out just for fun. In fact, Hikigaya doubted Ryuuen had any real friends; people like Ishizaki were just subordinates.

"Are you still planning to go after X?" Hikigaya asked.

"Tch. Rotten Eyes, you're acting weird today," Ryuuen replied bluntly. "Why would you care? What is this—did X send you here to feel me out?"

"…Quite the opposite."

Hikigaya had to resist the urge to sigh. Even now, Ryuuen still suspected he was connected to X, though it was probably just another way of testing him. Not that it mattered—earning Ryuuen's trust was almost impossible, and Hikigaya wasn't counting on something as unreliable as that. This wasn't some shounen manga.

"I'm here because I want to team up against X. But I'll need your cooperation."

"Stop spouting nonsense—your brain must be fried—"

"Just hear me out first." Hikigaya cut him off before Ryuuen could continue with the taunts. "You only need to provide one thing, and if you agree, I'll annul that contract I have with your class."

"Ah!"

Ibuki gasped before Ryuuen could respond, and who could blame her? This was a surprise. Class B had been riding high after defeating the former Class A over the summer, hoping to ride the momentum into future exams. But their biggest obstacle was, of course, the contract with Hikigaya.

Having to pay him half the personal points of the entire class every month was like a slow bleed. The worst part was that there seemed to be no way out—Hikigaya was so cautious that even if he were expelled, Class B would still take a massive points hit. To ensure they'd have a way to cancel it later, they even had to prevent Hikigaya from getting expelled—a fact that made him all the more infuriating.

But while Ibuki looked thrilled, Ryuuen's reaction was colder.

"Rotten Eyes, stop playing word games. Which contract are you referring to?"

"…Right." Ibuki suddenly realized something. "Hey, Hikigaya, you don't mean the one from the uninhabited island, do you?"

Hikigaya had two contracts with Ryuuen. One required him to pay Class B half his personal points each month; the other was for Ryuuen's 300,000 points. Compared to the first, the second was just pocket change.

"As I said, it's the one with your class—50% of your points, monthly." Hikigaya understood their wariness; he'd spooked them more than once. "Don't worry. I'll write a new cancellation contract and let you review it thoroughly."

By now, Ryuuen and Ibuki had no reason to question his intentions.

"Interesting… You're willing to go this far against X? What's the catch?" Ryuuen looked directly at Hikigaya, trying to read his real motives.

"Consider it a personal interest," Hikigaya replied nonchalantly.

"Is that so." Ryuuen didn't sound convinced. "Though, regardless of your motives, it seems to work in my favor. I've grown tired of paying you every month."

Hikigaya nodded slightly.

"Glad you understand—"

"But I refuse."

Before Hikigaya could finish, Ryuuen flatly rejected him. This guy…

Hikigaya knew it—Ryuuen never failed to disappoint when it came to being stubbornly uncooperative. Not a bit of progress.

"Quit playing games with me," Hikigaya sighed.

"Games? What games?"

"…You're seriously not joking?" That only made it more annoying. Although he could guess Ryuuen's reasoning, he decided to ask anyway.

"Why did you refuse so quickly?" Hikigaya sighed, exasperated. "At least hear what I'm asking you to do. It's not difficult—just a few words, that's all."

"Yeah! Hear him out first," Ibuki chimed in, of all people. She was actually the one most eager to make the deal, which was exactly why Hikigaya had invited her along.

"No need. X is my prey, and I won't let anyone interfere."

Just when Hikigaya had written him off as hopeless, Ryuuen surprised him with a bold claim.

"Besides, I don't trust you, Rotten Eyes," Ryuuen sneered. "What hidden price would my class pay if we agreed to this scheme?"

Without warning, Ryuuen grabbed Hikigaya by the collar, pulling him in close.

"Be honest with me, Rotten Eyes," he growled. "What would this so-called partnership really cost us?"