A Two-Person Alliance

The atmosphere was tense and oddly strained.

Perhaps sensing the need to break the uneasy silence, Matsushita spoke up, cutting through the discomfort. "Um, Horikita, do you have any specific plans for handling this situation? I could help if you need."

"Would you?" Horikita looked at her, a bit surprised. "I'm grateful for the offer, but what brought this on all of a sudden?"

"Because I don't want to stay stuck in the lowest-ranked class forever."

Matsushita let out a sigh.

"Right now, you're the only one in our class we can really rely on. Hirata may seem dependable, but he's not as solid as he looks. Ike got expelled for secretly taking photos, and yet Hirata acted as if the world was ending… it's ridiculous, honestly."

At the end, her expression showed clear disdain.

If Karuizawa had overheard, it probably would've led to a fight—those two hadn't officially broken up yet, after all.

But despite her harsh tone, Matsushita wasn't entirely wrong.

No matter how you looked at it, Horikita wasn't exactly the ideal choice in certain areas; she lacked some of the strengths of Hirata or Kushida. But she had one thing that couldn't be denied: resilience. No matter how many setbacks she faced, she never backed down. Her mental strength was unmatched compared to the others.

It was a rare quality.

"…Alright."

Horikita considered Matsushita's words for a moment before accepting her offer.

"Then, I'll start by sharing my thoughts." She cleared her throat, choosing her words carefully. "This is just my personal observation, but I was watching Kinoshita closely. Her expression and injuries didn't seem severe—certainly not something that would require hospitalization."

As she spoke, she glanced briefly at Hikigaya's arm, which was in a cast… Was she using him as a comparison?

"So I suspect that Ryuuen will try to use the same strategy as before."

"You mean like he did with Sudou?"

Hikigaya recalled the incident.

Back then, Sudou had roughed up Ryuuen's henchmen a bit, but it was nothing serious—just some minor scrapes. Ryuuen later exaggerated the injuries to sway the investigation in his favor and demand compensation from Class D. Given his track record, Horikita's theory wasn't unfounded.

"Yes, and we managed it then thanks to your help, Hikigaya. But this time, I won't let it fall apart," Horikita said, lowering her head briefly before her expression firmed up with determination.

"Don't worry about it," Hikigaya replied casually. "Even the greatest masterpieces fail sometimes. You're no exception."

"Huh? 'The Greatest Masterpiece?' What does that mean?" Horikita asked, looking puzzled, as Matsushita's curiosity perked up too.

Luckily, Hikigaya was quick on his feet. "Oh, it's just an anime nickname, like 'Dark Flame Master' or 'Black Wing.' It's meant to be funny, you know, like a nod to middle-school edginess."

Neither of them probed further, allowing him to brush off the explanation.

Still, calling it "the masterpiece" was embarrassingly cringe now that he thought about it.

On another note, Ayanokoji was, as usual, taking it easy at this sports festival. It made Hikigaya wonder if he'd bother doing anything to support the class… though, considering Ayanokoji's past moves, he was probably orchestrating something in the background, maybe using Manabe, whose secrets he'd already uncovered, as a spy.

But even if that were the case, Ayanokoji was risking exposing himself… well, whatever. Hikigaya didn't want to waste brain cells trying to figure him out. His focus was on continually pressuring Class B, forcing them to corner Ryuuen.

Then, the whole "masterpiece" thing wouldn't matter anymore.

"In any case, I don't think Ryuuen will act immediately," Horikita concluded. "He'll likely wait until lunch to make his move on Kinoshita, and then use that as grounds to demand retribution from me."

The school's schedule was packed, and with all the spectators around, it'd be risky for Ryuuen to pull anything drastic. But there was a fifty-minute break at lunch, and most people would be out grabbing food—prime time for him to make a move.

"Really?" Matsushita frowned. "Going so far as to hurt his classmate… is it really necessary?"

"I don't fully understand it either."

Someone like Horikita, who was a model student, would never fully comprehend the mindset of a delinquent. But after being manipulated a few times, some people were bound to adapt and push back.

"So I'm guessing Ryuuen will come after me for a hefty compensation. I recently won a 500,000-point bonus in the preferential student exam, so he's probably targeting that."

"Ah, so that's how it is."

Horikita's words suddenly enlightened Matsushita.

Indeed, if they could secure enough compensation, then Class B would profit from sacrificing a key player.

"So, what's your plan to stop this from happening?"

"It's quite simple." Horikita smiled at Hikigaya. "We'll use the same strategy you once taught me. Before Ryuuen can make his move, we'll confirm Kinoshita's injury ourselves, though we'll have to adjust a few details."

That sounded easy enough, but in reality, it would be quite difficult to pull off.

The school had deliberately separated the Red and White teams to prevent them from interacting during breaks, so there was no chance to make contact. While Class B was predictable in their approach, even Class C, which was also part of the White team, wouldn't be helping Horikita.

Could it be...someone outside of the students?

As Hikigaya was lost in thought, Matsushita subtly stepped closer, positioning herself to block Horikita's view.

"Horikita, I understand what you mean," Matsushita said with her usual calm expression. "Is there anything I can do to help? Don't hesitate to ask."

"Well, in that case, I need you to gather some information." Horikita considered her words. "If things go as I suspect, Kinoshita will likely play the victim card. I'd like to know exactly what story she's spreading to others."

"Got it. Leave it to me." For someone as social as Matsushita, gathering information wasn't a difficult task.

While they spoke, the senior class's obstacle race wrapped up, and the next event—a three-legged race for first-year girls—was about to begin.

"Horikita, what are you planning to do?" Matsushita glanced down at Horikita's foot.

Although the medical staff had bandaged it, it was obvious that participating in any further events would be a challenge.

"It's fine, it feels much better now." Horikita shook her head and attempted to stand, only for Hikigaya to hold her back.

"I think you should drop out," he advised. "And besides, in your current state, you're unlikely to score well anyway."

"But…" Horikita hesitated for a moment before refusing. "Even if it's only a few points, I want to earn whatever I can."

"Why bother? It's not like our class has any chance of winning first place, right?" Matsushita asked, puzzled.

Horikita responded, "Even if Class D doesn't place first if I can secure just one extra point, it might be enough to keep us from finishing last. That would mean the other classes lose just a bit more."

Considering the personal rankings in the class, Horikita—who'd been Ryuuen's frequent target—would likely end up near the bottom, further damaging her standing. But she wasn't trying to prove herself; she was genuinely looking out for her team.

"I get where you're coming from, but there's a chance your plan won't succeed, right?" Hikigaya pointed out the lingering uncertainty in Horikita's mind. "If that happens, you need to think about the fallout and how to minimize the damage."

"...Hikigaya," Horikita murmured, gazing at him. "You're already thinking about failure, even before we've started… Do you always act with a losing mindset?"

"Of course," Hikigaya answered without hesitation. "After all, I'm just a weakling."

"Weakling…?" Horikita repeated the word, perplexed.

Since their first day, he'd been respected by her brother, invited into the student council, and proven his abilities time and again. "Weakling" seemed the last word to describe him.

Yet there wasn't a trace of false modesty in his expression or tone.

Did he truly believe that about himself? He was a strange person.

"...Understood." Horikita ultimately accepted his suggestion.

If Kinoshita opted to withdraw from the race but Horikita stubbornly pressed on, it would create a glaring disparity that Ryuuen would certainly exploit. If Horikita's plan failed, that imbalance could significantly affect the outcome of any resulting inquiries.

"Though, my partner for the three-legged race is Kushida… This means I'm inconveniencing her now, too," Horikita said with a sigh.

"She already agreed to support you," Hikigaya pointed out. "Explain things to her properly, and she'll probably understand. And if not, offer her a little something in return."

"A little something…" Horikita looked at him with an unreadable expression, leaving Hikigaya at a loss.

There was something vaguely unsettling about her gaze.

Matsushita excused herself to prepare for the next event, and Hikigaya, deciding he had nothing more to worry about, gave a quick nod and turned to leave. But before he could step away, Horikita caught the edge of his shirt.

"Huh? What is it?"

"I just wanted to… thank you."

"But I haven't done anything."

"No, this is… this is from Sudo." Horikita averted her gaze, speaking quickly, "I noticed you spoke with him before the team event and gave him an earpiece. Ryuuen's schemes were likely thwarted because of your advice to Sudo; otherwise, he'd have been baited into a confrontation by now. Maybe you think I'm overstepping, but since you helped Sudo—our class's key player—it's only right that I thank you on behalf of the class."

Hikigaya blinked. "Maybe he was just listening to music?"

"Don't be ridiculous. He has no interest in that." Horikita dismissed his attempt at a joke without hesitation.

She was blunt as ever.

"Anyway, allow me to thank you... and for taking the time to come here."

"It's nothing."

Hikigaya felt a bit awkward in the face of Horikita's unusually polite tone.

"Besides, you kept sending me your notes while I was recovering. If anyone should be grateful, it's me."

For nearly three weeks, Horikita had shared her class notes with him, meticulously photographing each page and sending them his way.

"Ah, that was nothing… Could you even read my handwriting?"

"Yes, it's very neat."

"And… were the photos clear enough?" Horikita's face lowered as she continued, "My phone's camera isn't the best. If there's anything unclear, I can go over it with you."

"Oh, no need. I'll be back in class after the sports festival anyway."

Horikita looked up sharply, glaring at him without a word.

Could she not look at him like that? It felt like his defenses might slip!

"Hey, what are you two whispering about without me?" A voice suddenly interrupted.

Startled, Hikigaya turned to see Kushida standing behind them, feigning annoyance.

"Uh, Kushida…" Horikita said quickly. "I'm sorry, but it looks like I won't be able to join you for the three-legged race after all. Sorry for holding you back."

"Don't worry about it."

Kushida stepped closer to Horikita, clearly irritated. "Why is my Hachiman here, and why are you chatting with him so happily?"

"…Hikigaya isn't yours, you know."

"Eh—?"

"Uh, let me explain later," Horikita said, hurriedly changing the subject. "Kushida, were you able to handle what I asked?"

"Hmph, do you even need to ask?" Kushida replied with a smug smile aimed at Hikigaya. "Right now, the entire Class A knows that Kinoshita from Class B fell while running, nearly broke her leg, and is under orders not to say a word. It won't be long before the teachers hear of it."

"Thanks, Kushida. I couldn't have done it without you." Horikita gave her sincere praise.

Kushida, clearly pleased, shot Hikigaya a proud look.

In the past, Horikita hadn't even glanced her way, which, for someone like Kushida who craved validation, had been unbearable. But now, things were different.

"So, Hachiman, can you guess what we're doing here?"

"…Leveraging Ichinose."

"Bingo." Kushida beamed. "Since she's a student council member, she's been stopping by to check on you nearly every day, right? It wouldn't hurt if she started looking out for some of her other classmates too."

Setting aside her sharp tone, she had a point.

Even though Class A and Class B weren't aligned, Ichinose was too compassionate to ignore rumors like these. She'd at least inform a teacher.

The school gave students plenty of independence, but safety was always their priority. Just like on the uninhabited island, where Horikita hid her fever to avoid being disqualified by the staff.

This time, the school would send someone to check on Kinoshita.

"Horikita, are you sure this will work?" Kushida asked. "If Ryuuen finds out the school confirmed Kinoshita's injury, he might change his mind and stop trying to blackmail you."

"I can't deny that possibility," Horikita admitted. "But then Class B would take the hit alone. I doubt Ryuuen would let that go. And… how do you think Ryuuen views me?"

"Oh, that's easy—he probably sees you as an annoying, smug, friendless, insufferable girl," Kushida said, not holding back.

Two "insufferable"… was that her way of showing friendship?

"You're so blunt."

Horikita forced herself to stay composed, knowing she needed Kushida's help.

Horikita, feeling that she had no choice but to swallow her pride because she needed something, sighed and replied, "But, you're right. In Ryuuen's eyes, I'm just a loner with no friends, someone who couldn't possibly keep up with everything going on around me. And since the school only sent someone to check on Kinoshita's condition, as long as she insists she doesn't need treatment, the medical staff won't push her, nor will they leave any records. Ryuuen probably won't pay much attention to this."

"So you're betting that Ryuuen will be careless?" Kushida's voice betrayed her skepticism.

"This isn't a gamble," Horikita said, shaking her head. "Once the review process begins, whatever the medical staff say won't be decisive. But I can use this as a starting point to find a way to beat Ryuuen. And even if I fail, I won't lose anything. So there's no need for you to worry."

"Tch, who said I was worried about you?" Kushida scoffed, sounding like the stereotypical tsundere—or at least, that's how it would seem. But, in this case, it probably wasn't tsundere at all.

Either way, Hikigaya felt there was no reason to involve himself any further. It was time to leave the stage to them.

"Well, it's about time for me to go," he said, giving them a quick nod before striding off, not bothering to wait for their reaction.

Kushida, a split second too late to stop him, swallowed her frustration and turned her ire toward Horikita instead.

"Hey, Horikita," she said, smiling with feigned sweetness as she placed a firm hand on Horikita's shoulder. "After all the help I've given you this time, and factoring in what you still owe me from last time… how do you plan to thank me?"

"Huh? Last time?" Horikita blinked, a bit taken aback. "Wait a minute. Didn't I already help you last time?"

"Nope. I never got anything from you," Kushida replied, shrugging with an innocent smile. "I didn't even get the chance to compete in the afternoon's three-legged race."

"That's not right; that was Hikigaya who…"

"Oh? Don't tell me that Horikita-san is someone who doesn't keep her promises?" Kushida interrupted with mock surprise, her tone sly. "Because, if that's the case, maybe I don't need to stick to our agreement either… It would be so easy to share your plans with Ryuuen, you know."

Kushida forced a strained, polite smile. But there was no mistaking the darkness behind it. If you looked beneath that well-mannered exterior, it was clear she harbored a much darker side.

"Fine, fine," Horikita replied, her tone wavering. "After this is all over, I'll figure something out."

"Heehee, I knew you'd keep your word, Horikita!" Kushida's smile warmed again, but something was chilling about it.

"Oh, by the way, I just saw Matsushita leave from here a moment ago... Was she here with Hachiman?"

"Uh…"

"Come on, don't keep me in suspense! Just tell me, was she here with him or not?"

Horikita faltered, glancing around in silence, unsure how to respond. A sinking realization hit her: dealing with Kushida might be trickier than handling Ryuuen.