Hikigaya, Are You Actually a Genius?

Hikigaya's words slowly trailed off as he finished laying out the pros and cons of the situation to Kushida Kikyou. In his mind, he believed he had covered everything and that the chances of her refusing were slim.

Of course, there was still a possibility that Kushida might reject his request and refuse to help. Even though she had previously agreed to assist, Hikigaya hadn't fully figured her out yet. He didn't believe she was as simple and innocent as she appeared on the surface.

If that were the case, the whole matter could become much more complicated.

But Hikigaya always kept a few backup plans in mind. He had alternatives ready, such as positioning himself as the bad guy, using negative methods to unite Class D if necessary.

However, he preferred not to use such self-destructive tactics, as he didn't want to attract too much attention in Class D.

Feeling confident with his current approach, Hikigaya cautiously glanced at Kushida and spoke slowly, "So, this is my request. Kushida, will you help me?"

"…"

Kushida fell silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought as she replayed Hikigaya's words in her mind.

After a brief pause, her face lit up with the same smile as always, and she responded softly, "To be honest, I'm surprised, Hikigaya. I didn't expect you to care so much about Horikita, and what you said today really made a lot of sense."

"Well, it can't be helped. Horikita is too stubborn. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here asking you for help."

Hikigaya breathed a slight sigh of relief at Kushida's response. This indicated she was willing to assist, and now all that remained was to finalize the details. "Horikita's the only person I can really talk to in this school. It's only natural that I'd want to help her."

"That's true. But, Hikigaya, I think you've forgotten something," Kushida's smile suddenly dimmed. "Horikita really dislikes me. If I try to help her, there's a high chance she'll refuse."

"That's true."

Hikigaya could feel the tension between Horikita Suzune and Kushida. It wasn't so much hatred as it was an unspoken hostility, a subtle rejection.

It was a feeling he knew all too well—similar to how he felt about Ayanokoji.

Even though Ayanokoji had never directly antagonized him, Hikigaya found himself unwilling to get along with him…

"Horikita Suzune is probably not going to accept your help. But I have an idea—if you're willing to try it."

"Oh? What's your idea?"

Kushida's eyes suddenly lit up with interest.

She hadn't expected Hikigaya to come up with a plan that could make Horikita accept her help, and her excitement made her lean forward, causing a rather... noticeable reaction. Hikigaya quickly averted his eyes to avoid losing his composure.

"Uh, well…" Hikigaya cleared his throat, trying to keep his mind clear. "It's simple. Horikita doesn't have to know it's you helping her."

"Huh? What do you mean by that?"

"Horikita won't be able to convince Sudo and the others to join the study group on her own. When she hits a dead end, you can secretly gather them yourself, then invite Horikita to join. In that situation, she'll have no choice but to participate."

Hikigaya continued, outlining his plan as if predicting the future. "And even if Horikita's pride gets in the way and she still refuses, you can remind her that this is the only way for Class D to advance. That will push her to go along with it."

He spoke with a calm certainty, as if each step were unfolding right before them.

Kushida's expression shifted from relaxed to focused, and finally, she couldn't hide her amazement.

She stared at the boy in front of her, someone who usually went unnoticed in their class. After a long pause, she slowly asked, "Hikigaya... could it be that you're really... really smart?"

Kushida struggled to find the right words to describe him.

She wanted to use more negative terms like "scheming" or "manipulative," but in the end, she opted for something more neutral.

After all, Hikigaya was clearly intelligent, yet he remained unnoticed in Class D, acting like an ordinary, unremarkable student. It was hard not to feel surprised by this—and even a bit wary.

But Hikigaya couldn't care less about what Kushida thought of him. He had already decided to help Class D succeed, no matter the methods he had to use.

"I'm just trying to help Horikita. On that point, our goals are the same, right?"

Whatever Kushida thought deep down, she played the role of a well-meaning girl who wanted to help Horikita, the class outcast.

Hikigaya was happy to exploit that persona to achieve his own objectives.

"Yes, you're right. I really do want to help Horikita," Kushida said, glancing at him. "You know, Hikigaya, I feel like we're more alike than I realized. Maybe we could even become friends."

"Uh, that's a bit..."

Hikigaya definitely didn't think they were alike. The gap between them was far too wide.

"By the way, Hikigaya, since you seem to care about Horikita so much... Do you have any special feelings for her?" Kushida asked suddenly, her tone hinting at something more.

"What?!" Hikigaya was startled. "No way! I wouldn't dare have feelings for someone as dangerous as her!"

He was being completely honest. There was no way he would be attracted to someone as sharp-tongued and unpredictable as Horikita!

"I see..."

Kushida let out a small sigh of relief, almost as if she were glad Hikigaya didn't like Horikita.

Her reaction was somewhat suspicious, and Hikigaya couldn't help but recall the rumors he had planted in her mind about Horikita being into girls. A strange thought crossed his mind.

Could it be... that Kushida is a Yuri and has feelings for Horikita?