An Unexpected Opponent

Even after the morning meeting ended, the commander still hadn't been decided.

For some unknown reason, Hikigaya had shut himself off, making communication impossible. Hirata, on the other hand, was held back by the girls, and no one else volunteered for the role.

"If this keeps up, the school might actually end up picking one randomly," Horikita sighed.

That was the last thing Ayanokoji wanted to see happen. He needed to find a way to prevent it.

However, given his strained relationship with Hikigaya, it would be better to have Horikita handle this matter instead.

"If that happens, it would be the worst-case scenario," he said.

"Yeah... No, not necessarily," Horikita suddenly changed her stance. "Even though the commander is important, we can thoroughly plan everything in advance. As long as we stick to the strategy, it won't make much of a difference who takes the role."

She had a point, but Ayanokoji couldn't let her argument stand.

"But have you considered what would happen if someone like Sudo were chosen as the commander? Even if he manages to remember the strategy, we'd be losing our ace for the physical events, which would put us at a huge disadvantage," Ayanokoji pointed out.

"…Hmm, that's true."

"That's why a random selection would do more harm than good. Not to mention, the commander carries the risk of expulsion. I'm sure the other classes will assign someone with a protection point."

The implication was clear—Horikita needed to convince Hikigaya.

A lack of effort in the exam wasn't the issue. The real problem was that someone had to take on the role of the scapegoat.

However, Horikita remained reluctant.

"By the way, why are you so eager about this?" She gave Ayanokoji a suspicious look. "Are you afraid of getting chosen yourself? Honestly, I wouldn't mind. You were planning to slack off in this exam anyway, right? If you or Kouenji became the commander, it'd actually be great for us."

Indeed, if that happened, even Kouenji wouldn't be able to laze around. He'd have no choice but to do everything in his power to secure victory to avoid expulsion.

But for Ayanokoji, the problem wasn't that simple.

If this were a solo competition, he was confident he wouldn't lose.

The real challenge, however, wasn't just working within the class's capabilities—it was the likelihood of external interference.

And if that happened, giving it his all wouldn't be enough to win.

Ayanokoji couldn't explain the full picture to Horikita, so he continued persuading her.

"I really don't want to be chosen," he admitted. "But you don't want to be either, do you? Besides, our class just lost Yamauchi. If we lose another student in this exam, it would be a blow to both our strength and morale."

"…I already know that."

After a brief pause, Horikita sighed and shook her head helplessly.

"But if Hikigaya refuses, what can I do?"

"How would you know if you don't even try?"

"Besides, Kushida and Matsushita are going to try persuading him. If even they fail, then I have no chance."

Her tone left no room for discussion—perhaps she was simply afraid of being rejected.

Left with no choice, Ayanokoji resorted to nonsense. "I wouldn't be so sure. Maybe, in Hikigaya's heart, your position isn't any lower than theirs… After all, didn't you give him chocolate on Valentine's Day? He was really happy about it."

"…I didn't see him looking particularly happy," Horikita replied skeptically.

"That's because he was too embarrassed to show it in front of you. After you left, we walked to school together, and he was in a great mood."

Even Ayanokoji didn't believe his own words, but at this point, he had no choice but to keep feeding Horikita comforting lies.

"Besides, think about it—if Hikigaya didn't care about you, would he have helped you so much? Remember, all I did was use you a little on the deserted island, and he nearly wanted to kill me for it."

"You really have the nerve to bring that up?"

"I was just trying to secure victory for the class."

"Hmph, who knows what you were really thinking."

Despite her words, Horikita's mood visibly improved.

It seemed the pep talk was working.

But just moments later, she shook her head again. "Thinking about it again, I still don't think it'll work. It's best not to bother Hikigaya-kun for now. The exam is still two weeks away, so let's give him some time to cool off."

"…You only show this much patience when it comes to Hikigaya," Ayanokoji muttered, exasperated, though there wasn't much he could do.

"And what about the commander selection? The decision has to be made this afternoon."

"I asked Chabashira-sensei about that. In principle, the commander cannot be changed freely. But if they are unable to participate on the exam day, exceptions can be made."

"You mean…?"

"If Kushida, Matsushita, or—cough—even I get randomly selected, Hikigaya-kun would probably be willing to take our place."

Toward the end, Horikita seemed a little embarrassed and quickly added, "Of course, it's just a simple return of favor, since we voted for him in the appreciation poll. Hikigaya-kun is someone who repays kindness."

"Is that so…? By the way, I voted for him too." [T/N: What is he trying to imply? ☠️]

"You?"

Horikita glanced at Ayanokoji, then smiled slightly. "Then you can figure out a way to convince him yourself."

"Calling it 'convincing' makes it sound like I'm lying… Whatever."

With that, Ayanokoji gave up.

For now, he would have to take things one step at a time… Hopefully, Tsukishiro wouldn't do anything as bad as he feared.

Although the commander selection remained undecided, Horikita continued to take on the responsibility of leading the class.

During her break, she made copies of the exam guidelines and distributed them during lunch, making sure everyone understood the rules.

The rest of the class was equally diligent, with nearly everyone staying in the classroom.

Those without packed lunches quickly went out to buy food and returned as soon as possible.

Even with the entire class showing their commitment to the exam, there was one exception—someone who continued to do as he pleased.

Unfortunately, that person wasn't Hikigaya, but Kouenji.

"So much for 'turning over a new leaf'! That guy is still the same as ever!"

Sudo's outburst earned a chorus of agreement from the class.

After the class vote exam, some students had hoped Kouenji would at least put on a facade of effort.

But people don't change so easily.

No matter how well he had spoken back then, once the crisis had passed, he immediately returned to his old ways, coasting through school like always.

Still, that tactic wouldn't work forever.

Eventually, there would be another class vote exam.

By then, no one would be foolish enough to trust his empty promises again, and he'd have to face the consequences.

On another note…

Honestly, Ayanokoji would have preferred if the one leaving was Hikigaya.

That way, he'd have a chance to talk to him alone and maybe pinpoint the issue.

Unfortunately, not only did Hikigaya stay in the classroom, he didn't even seem interested in eating. He just sat there, unmoving.

This was serious.

He had lost his appetite and was completely out of it—practically love-sick levels of distraction.

On a normal day, Ayanokoji would be glad to have one less person potentially causing him trouble, but right now, he needed a shield.

Why did Hikigaya have to pick the worst possible time to shut down?

Sigh… Couldn't he have at least chosen a better day for this?

By the time afternoon classes ended, Ayanokoji still hadn't found a solution.

And then, like the Grim Reaper, Chabashira-sensei delivered the final verdict.

"It seems you still haven't chosen a commander."

At her words, most of the class turned their gaze toward Hikigaya.

But Hikigaya had never cared much about the class, and now, he had even less reason to. He completely ignored everyone, lost in his world.

"…Alright, since nothing is changing, the school will decide for you."

With that, Chabashira-sensei pulled out her phone and tapped it twice.

"I'll now use the exam's designated system to randomly select a commander… Ah, there we go."

She turned the screen toward the class and announced the chosen name.

"Congratulations, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. You have been chosen as the commander."

"...Ayanokoji?"

At those words, everyone froze for a moment before collectively letting out a sigh of relief.

On one hand, they were glad it wasn't them—at least they didn't have to worry about being expelled. On the other hand, Ayanokoji's abilities were well known, meaning their chances of winning the exam weren't entirely hopeless.

Even Horikita, both pleased and slightly sarcastic, remarked, "That's great, Ayanokoji-kun. Just as you feared, you really did end up as the commander."

"I can't guarantee victory."

"Then you'll just have to drop out."

Horikita was certain that Ayanokoji's abilities far surpassed those of the other students; he simply never put in serious effort.

So for her, the only satisfying part of this situation was that he wouldn't be able to slack off this time. It also meant there was no longer any need to convince Hikigaya.

Ayanokoji understood this perfectly, so he didn't argue further and instead began considering the next steps.

"Ayanokoji, come with me to the hallway."

Leaving those words behind, Chabashira-sensei walked out of the classroom first.

"We're heading to the multipurpose room to determine the opposing class, right? If you get the right to choose, pick Class C," Horikita reminded him.

This had been the conclusion of the class discussion during lunch.

"I assume you know this already, but don't expect too much from me."

Ayanokoji didn't believe his selection was purely a coincidence.

Even if probability allowed for such an outcome, he wasn't naive enough to take it at face value.

"Also, find a way to keep Hikigaya here until I get back."

Since this was the final special exam of the year, everyone took it seriously. Even after school ended, students voluntarily stayed behind to review the exam rules.

Even Kouenji hadn't left yet—though he was simply staring at his phone with a carefree expression.

"Regarding that, I hope you don't have too high expectations of me either."

"That line sounds oddly familiar..."

"Still, I don't think you need to worry too much," Horikita said, glancing at Hikigaya. "He doesn't even seem to realize school has ended."

"...Is that so? Well, I'll leave it to you."

Depending on the situation, if they couldn't pull Hikigaya out of his self-imposed isolation, things could get troublesome.

Under the watchful gazes of his classmates, Ayanokoji left the classroom to meet Chabashira-sensei.

The two of them headed to the special teaching building.

"Just to decide an opponent, we have to go all the way to the special building?"

Ayanokoji sounded like he was complaining, but he was actually fishing for information.

"It's also to explain the system that will be used on the day of the exam."

Chabashira replied casually, then smirked. "Still, you're pretty unlucky. Getting chosen as the commander—like a sacrificial pawn."

"...Didn't you decide that?"

"I told you, the system randomly selected the commander for this exam. Besides, I have my responsibilities as a homeroom teacher—I wouldn't interfere lightly."

"Is that so? That doesn't sound like the same teacher who once threatened me."

Even so, Ayanokoji didn't think Chabashira was lying this time.

That meant... the only one who could be behind this was that person.

"Heh, believe what you want." Chabashira chuckled. "Either way, I'm looking forward to this. I'll finally get to see your true ability."

"Maybe."

"Speaking of which, we should thank Hikigaya. Who knows what's gotten into that guy?"

"...Yeah."

Normally, the students with protection points were the ones chosen as commanders.

Refusing the position would naturally draw backlash from the class, leaving them with two choices—either be pushed off a cliff or jump off themselves.

Yet Hikigaya had withstood all of that. No—he had simply ignored everyone's opinions altogether.

In that sense, he was even more willful than Kouenji.

Upon arriving at the multipurpose room with Chabashira, Ayanokoji found the other three classes' representatives and their homeroom teachers already there. It seemed they were the last to arrive.

From Class A, it was Ichinose.From Class B, it was Yamamura.From Class C, it was Ryuuen.

As expected, they were all students with protection points.

The only somewhat surprising part was that Sakayanagi wasn't present. It seemed the rumors were true—she really wasn't planning to lead her class anymore.

Otherwise, given her personality, it was hard to imagine she'd give up the commander role just because she lacked protection.

"Heh, yet another unexpected face has shown up."

Ryuuen seemed to have the same thought, which was why he referred to Ayanokoji as "another one."

Not just him—the two girls also seemed a bit surprised.

"Oi, Ayanokoji, where's that dead-eyed guy? I was looking forward to seeing what kind of face Ichinose would make when he showed up."

"Uh..."

Hearing that, Ichinose's expression darkened slightly, while Ayanokoji remained silent.

There was no need to provide unnecessary information.

"Alright, alright, since everyone's here, let's get started."

At that moment, Hoshinomiya-sensei clapped her hands, cutting off the conversation.

It was likely an attempt to protect Ichinose.

"Now, we will determine the matchups. Each of you will draw a stick from this box. The student who draws the one marked with a red circle will gain the right to choose their opponent."

As she spoke, Hoshinomiya-sensei placed a small lottery box in front of them, urging Class A to draw first.

The drawing began with Ichinose, proceeding in the order of Class B, Class C, and finally Class D.

Unexpectedly, the first three students did not draw the winning lot. Which meant…

"Congratulations, Ayanokoji-kun. It looks like Class D has earned the right to choose their opponent," Hoshinomiya-sensei announced, holding up the final lot, which unsurprisingly had a red circle on it.

…This was troublesome.

Although he could follow Horikita's suggestion and simply pick Class C, Ayanokoji didn't believe that was the best course of action.

More importantly, doing so would limit his options for future moves—or at the very least, make them significantly harder to execute.

It was better to stick to his own plan. If necessary, he could always come up with an excuse later.

"Tell me which class you want to challenge," Majima-sensei urged.

Ayanokoji nodded slightly.

And then, the name that left his lips caught everyone off guard.

"For this exam—I choose to challenge Class A."