Chapter 019: President Ichinose

The fifth floor of the special teaching building.

Classroom No. 5-4.

This floor was relatively quiet, with plenty of unoccupied classrooms. Perhaps Commander Horikita had chosen this location to minimize distractions while daydreaming. There were barely any students in sight, and no clubs seemed to be operating here.

Next door was the staircase leading down.

Hikigaya Hachiman arrived at the classroom and took out the key, unlocking the door. He had borrowed it from the student council room earlier at noon. Although the club wasn't officially established yet, he was still allowed to use the classroom. The only condition was that he needed to recruit two more members before the end of April, or else the room would be reassigned.

A system like this seemed to provide enough time for students to prepare before forming a club officially.

Interestingly, the school's clubs didn't require teachers to serve as advisors. Everything was left entirely to the students. However, if necessary, the school could arrange professional staff such as coaches, nutritionists, team doctors, or club managers.

This was inhumane!

For once, he found himself somewhat impressed with this school. Most of the work was handled by the students themselves, while the support staff provided assistance when needed. It was practically a simulation of a small society—one that valued strength above all else.

The entire system functioned as if classes were rival companies competing for dominance.

The purpose of this school is obvious. It's training students to become elite corporate drones!

Hikigaya sighed.

"How terrifying..." he muttered, stepping inside the empty classroom.

Forcing minors to experience the struggles of the working world this early… Sakurajima truly was a ruthless place.

But at the same time, he knew that those who were competent enough could live comfortably here. The strong would thrive, while the weak would suffer.

For someone like him—who lacked ambition—he simply needed to "coast through" and take advantage of whatever benefits he could get.

Mastering the art of slacking off while appearing productive.

That was the true secret to surviving in society.

At least his president, Ichinose, didn't seem like a shady entrepreneur who would fire his employees at will. That meant he could freely enjoy his time at this school.

If things went well, he might even rise to Class A, giving him the freedom to choose his career. The thought of securing an easy future with minimal effort filled him with joy.

Class B truly is a blessing!

With that in mind, Hikigaya began preparing the classroom. It was completely empty, aside from a few tables and chairs stacked in the back.

Any necessary equipment for club activities had to be requested from the school. However, as long as the application was well-written, approval was practically guaranteed.

Of course, there were some restrictions—computers, gaming consoles, and other entertainment devices couldn't be taken outside the school premises.

Hikigaya moved a few desks and chairs to the center of the room.

To him, whether or not the Wool Club was officially recognized didn't matter. The important thing was that he now had a private space to relax.

If the club was approved, he could enjoy several benefits, such as free nutritious meals, three free daily meals if he didn't mind leftovers, and access to various entertainment devices.

It was the ultimate setup for a slacker.

However, finding new club members wasn't a priority for him.

He already had one—thanks to Kanzaki's heroism. That meant he only needed one more.

Even so, if the club was established, the student council would conduct random checks. If he was frequently absent, they could revoke his club status.

After arranging everything, Hikigaya leaned back in his chair, completely satisfied with his work. He had no regrets about what he did yesterday. In fact, he felt even more at ease.

Just as he was about to enjoy some peace—

Knock, knock, knock.

A sudden knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Come in," he called out.

It seemed there were still plenty of students at this elite academy who wanted to slack off like him. Who wouldn't be interested in the Wool Club?

As the door swung open, he saw Kanzaki standing there… along with a familiar face.

Wait. Kuroko?

Juke looked slightly exasperated.

"So, Kanzaki actually found him," she muttered.

Meanwhile, Hikigaya was even more baffled.

Why were these two here?

Had Kanzaki already accepted his role as an official member and was now actively recruiting others?

As expected of the hero Kanzaki!

"Take a seat," Hikigaya said, pulling out chairs for them and placing them around the table. He then eagerly rummaged through his bag, searching for the club application form.

Who would have thought recruiting three members would be this easy?

No one can resist the allure of free benefits.

He handed the application form to Ji Yexue.

"This club has no strict requirements. You don't even have to show up regularly," Hikigaya assured her.

In fact, it would be better if you didn't come at all!

If Kanzaki and Juke became ghost members, he could use the club's budget entirely for himself.

Kanzaki, however, quickly shook his head.

"Uh… Hikigaya-san, I didn't bring her here to join the club," he explained.

"We came to ask about Ichinose."

Hikigaya froze.

"So… I got my hopes up for nothing?"

Kanzaki let out a sigh. He was starting to understand what Himenoyuki meant by "Hikigaya's nature."

Meanwhile, Juke also seemed taken aback.

He's really this straightforward?

Hikigaya scratched his head.

"You want to talk about Ichinose? I don't think I have much to do with her."

"This should be," Kanzaki admitted. "But we noticed Ichinose seemed depressed today. Do you have any idea why? Did something happen between you two yesterday?"

Hikigaya's expression stiffened.

So, she had been acting differently.

Thinking back to their conversation yesterday, he realized that it must have been his words that affected her.

Ichinose hadn't shared what happened with anyone else.

Instead, she had chosen to endure it alone.

That's just like her.

Even at the cost of her own happiness, she prioritized protecting others.

"Looks like you do know something," Kanzaki said, his expression turning serious. Juke also narrowed her eyes as if scrutinizing him.

If they had to choose between Hikigaya and Ichinose, there was no doubt they would side with her.

Hikigaya exhaled deeply and nodded.

"Yeah… I do."

Deciding there was no point in hiding it, he recounted his conversation with Ichinose from the previous day.

"If you're only being nice to me out of sympathy, I'd rather not."

He stared down at the table, fully expecting Kanzaki and Juke to lash out at him.

This was the price of his decision.

But instead—

"...I see. So that's what you told Ichinose," Kanzaki muttered. "Still, I don't understand why she'd be so affected by it."

After a moment of hesitation, he lowered his head slightly.

"I'm sorry. We didn't consider how this might affect you."

Hikigaya blinked in surprise.

An apology?

Even Juke seemed momentarily stunned.

However, Kanzaki quickly continued:

"But Hikigaya-san, you do understand, don't you? Ichinose never meant to hurt you."

That's right.

Whether it was sympathy, kindness, or something else—Ichinose had never intended to cause him pain.

"...Yeah, I know," Hikigaya murmured.

Taking a deep breath, he met Kanzaki's gaze.

"Don't worry. I'll fix this."

Ichinose may not have hurt him, but his words had clearly hurt her.

Since I caused the problem, it's only right that I fix it myself.

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