Borrowed Item Competition

Dragging her injured right foot, Horikita slowly made her way toward the main entrance, preparing to return to her class.

Although she had exuded confidence during the negotiation just now, her mood remained somewhat heavy.

The main reason was that she couldn't be certain whether Ryuuen would accept the deal.

Even if Class D's contract was nothing more than an empty husk—neither valuable nor entirely useless—abandoning it wouldn't necessarily result in any significant losses.

But Ryuuen wasn't someone who could be judged by conventional logic.

If things really escalated to the point of a formal review, it would be akin to stepping into a quagmire… No, even then, it wouldn't matter.

At the very least, for that moment just now, Horikita had finally been able to hold her head high.

It felt as though something that had been pent up inside her had been released all at once, leaving her entire body feeling lighter, more refreshed.

If given the chance to do it all over again, she would probably still make the same choice.

However… why was Ryuuen so fixated on her?

No matter how she looked at it, Class D wasn't worth targeting right now, yet Ryuuen ignored both Class A and Class C.

Not only did he instruct his subordinates to set a trap, but he also personally provoked Sudou.

Even though she had anticipated that Ryuuen would come after her, she still couldn't comprehend his reasoning.

Was it really just his own whim?

Or was there a deeper reason behind it?

Just as Horikita was lost in thought, she unexpectedly ran into two familiar yet surprising figures at the entrance.

"…Brother."

Walking ahead of her was none other than the school's student council president, accompanied by secretary Tachibana Akane.

Tachibana also noticed Horikita's presence and glanced in her direction, whereas the president showed no reaction at all, his expression completely unchanged.

As expected, she was ignored again.

Horikita wanted to greet him, but having grown used to being disregarded, she figured this time would be no different.

But... that was all in the past.

With that thought, she stopped in her tracks and lowered her head slightly.

"Good afternoon, Horikita-senpai, and Senior Tachibana."

"Huh? Ah, ah, good afternoon, Horikita-san."

Tachibana Akane hadn't expected Horikita to initiate the conversation, leaving her momentarily caught off guard.

As for the student council president, he glanced at his younger sister a few times before nodding slightly. "Good afternoon."

"...!" Just those two simple words filled Horikita with immense joy. At the same time, she found herself admiring Hikigaya even more.

Back during the summer break at the pool, Hikigaya had used the same method to help her strike up a conversation with her brother.

Horikita Suzune might not be the most conventional younger sister, but as long as her brother was still the student council president, he wouldn't ignore any student without reason.

Seriously, why did Hikigaya-kun understand her brother better than she did as his actual sister?

Horikita chuckled self-deprecatingly in her heart. Still, thanks to this, she finally understood what she needed to do.

As long as she approached him with a calm mind, they would eventually return to being normal siblings.

However, what surprised Horikita was that her brother not only responded to her greeting but also took the initiative to ask: "Do you understand the current situation of Class D?"

"...Of course."

She paused for a few seconds before a faint smile appeared on her face.

"It may sound strange, but thanks to our class falling to rock bottom again, I've come to fully understand what I need to do moving forward."

To her brother, these words might have seemed like meaningless nonsense.

Horikita never expected anyone to believe her—she wasn't naive enough to think mere words could prove herself.

Yet, she couldn't help but want her brother to hear them.

She hadn't expected a response, but—

"Hmph, that's good."

"...Eh?"

For a brief moment, Horikita thought she saw the corners of her brother's mouth curve slightly—almost as if he was smiling.

Was it real... or just her imagination?

She couldn't even remember the last time her brother had smiled at her. If not for the surprised expression on Senior Tachibana's face, she might not have believed it herself.

"I'll be going now."

Leaving behind those words, her brother walked away.

Yet... his steps seemed slightly quicker than before.

Was he in a hurry?

There was no way he was... embarrassed, right? That had to be a joke.

Thinking of this, Horikita instinctively let out a small laugh but quickly restrained herself.

Originally, she had wanted to be close to her brother in the final relay race of the year, but that dream had vanished with her injury.

Still, just seeing this side of him today left her without regrets.

Come to think of it, all these little changes, including so many others, were thanks to Hikigaya-kun.

Someday... she would repay him properly.

With that silent vow in her heart, Horikita returned to Class D's tent ten minutes before the lunch break ended.

"Horikita, how are things?"

When she arrived, Ayanokoji had also just returned. It seemed he had just finished his lunch.

"I don't think I'll be able to participate in the afternoon events." Horikita didn't hide the truth. "Fortunately, I've saved up enough points, so covering the substitute fee isn't an issue."

Not everyone was required to participate in the recommended events, but swapping participants midway required a payment of 100,000 points—a hefty sum.

However, Horikita understood that this was ultimately her own responsibility, so she had no complaints.

"No, that's not what I meant."

"Then be clearer."

"Even if I don't say it, you should understand... In terms of class performance, you're already behind me."

Ayanokoji's words were as roundabout as ever. What he really meant was asking how she planned to deal with Class B's targeted attacks.

"Sigh, yeah."

Horikita sighed lightly.

"To think I actually lost to you, Ayanokoji-kun. I can't show my face anymore."

"I feel like you're mocking me..."

"At least the rest of the class wasn't affected much." Ignoring his comment, Horikita continued, "That's thanks to Sudo-kun. His performance has really motivated the class. Looks like asking him for help was the right choice."

"Oh? So you're finally recognizing Sudo?"

Ayanokoji seemed a little intrigued by her change in attitude, only to receive an eye roll from her.

"Don't get the wrong idea. Sudo-kun is still immature and easily falls into others' traps... But he's improved. At least now, he listens to advice."

"And what about you?"

"What do you mean, what about me? Can't you be more specific?"

Horikita didn't tell Ayanokoji about Ryuuen. It wouldn't have made a difference.

Besides, she had already received enough help.

This next battle—she had to win on her own.

...

The bell rang, signaling the end of the lunch break.

The second half of the sports festival was about to begin, starting with the recommended events.

There were four events left, making it a much lighter schedule compared to the morning. Everything would likely wrap up in just over two hours.

"Speaking of which, Ayanokoji-kun, you're participating in the borrowing race, right?"

"If possible, I'd rather not..."

Horikita suddenly spoke, prompting Ayanokoji to display a look of resignation.

Each class had six participants for the borrowing race, divided into six groups.

Class D had chosen its participants via rock-paper-scissors. Ayanokoji had originally planned to stay low-key by signing up for the most popular event, thinking he wouldn't get picked.

Unfortunately, he had 'luckily' won in the final round.

For someone trying to avoid attention, this was a disaster.

"Well? This time, don't slack off," Horikita said half-seriously. "Why don't you show me your true abilities for once?"

"This event has nothing to do with ability... But I suppose I'll have the chance soon."

"Huh?"

Before Horikita could react, Ayanokoji had already stepped forward to listen to the referee's explanation of the rules.

"There will be particularly difficult items to obtain. While participants can choose to redraw, they must wait 30 seconds before doing so. The race ends once three students cross the finish line."

The rules were simple, but the deciding factor would be what they drew.

Hopefully, it wouldn't be anything too ridiculous...

Ayanokoji prayed as he got into position.

Before long, the race started.

Running at a leisurely pace, he reached the box as the third participant and drew a slip of paper.

Unfolding it, he saw the words—

[Bring ten friends]

Seeing this, Ayanokoji's vision nearly went black.

This was too much. At least cut the number in half... No, five was still too many. Three... No, just one would already be impossible.

Even with just one, the word "friend" itself was a problem.

Left with no choice, Ayanokoji requested a redraw.

After waiting 30 seconds, he picked another slip.

[Plaster Statues]

...What the hell?

There were some in the school building, but the distance was a problem.

Just as he was about to run over, he caught sight of someone in his peripheral vision.

Oh right, there's always that guy!

"Hikigaya, come with me."

"Huh?"

Hikigaya looked a little puzzled at first but quickly caught on.

"What did you get? I can lend you a hand."

"No, this one requires you to go personally."

Saying that, Ayanokoji handed him the slip of paper.

For some reason, Hikigaya's expression turned rather complicated.

"Uh..." He cautiously lifted his arm, which was wrapped in a cast. "You do realize I'm not a statue, right? Neither Majima-sensei nor anyone else is going to approve this."

"There are no specific requirements for what a plaster statue must look like. In other words, as long as it's made of plaster, it qualifies. If I provide a thorough explanation, I'm sure everyone will agree with me."

Ayanokoji's reasoning wasn't entirely wrong… yeah, right.

How could he say something so absurd with a straight face?

More importantly, Hikigaya just couldn't be bothered. He would much rather sit in the audience and watch everyone else struggle like fools.

Just then, another person came running over.

"Shiina?"

"Hikigaya-kun, p-please come with me!" Shiina gasped, trying to catch her breath.

"Uh…"

Hikigaya hadn't expected even Shiina to get involved… Could it be another plaster statue?

Who the hell came up with this ridiculous prompt?!

"Uh…" Ayanokoji didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes practically screamed, I asked first.

Hmm… Even if he wasn't particularly fond of this guy, Hikigaya knew all too well how irritating it was to be cut in line. That was just disgusting.

That said, Ayanokoji's reasoning was a stretch…

"Shiina, what did you get?" Hikigaya decided to take a middle-ground approach. "Since my classmate also needs my help, why don't I just go with whoever has the more similar prompt?"

"Okay, mine is this."

Shiina had no objections and immediately unfolded her slip of paper.

[A Knowledgeable and Intellectual Man]

Hiss—!

The moment Hikigaya saw the words, he sucked in a sharp breath.

Whoever wrote this prompt was just messing around.

The difficulty is way too high!

Not only do they need to consider the participants, but they should also think about how the people being dragged into this feel!

Meanwhile, the moment Ayanokoji saw the prompt, he was immediately certain of his victory.

Even if Hikigaya seemed to have a good relationship with that girl in private, there was no way he would let Class B score points right now.

Without a doubt, he was currently working against Class B.

Ayanokoji had personally witnessed Hikigaya slipping something to Sudo during the break. Given Sudo's strange behavior afterward, it was highly likely that Hikigaya was secretly giving him advice.

The exact reason was still unclear, but it was probably just because he couldn't stand what Ryuuen was doing.

There had already been some tension between them back on the ship.

Aside from that, there was one more crucial factor.

Shame.

According to the rules, the prompt would have to be read aloud over the microphone to prove there was no cheating.

Knowing Hikigaya's personality, there was no way he would go along with this after seeing that topic.

Sure enough, he was now wearing a troubled expression.

He looked hesitant, but in reality, he was probably just thinking of a way to refuse.

Hopefully, he'd hurry up and do it.