Chapter 70: A Promise For The Future

The fact that Ryuuen and I had formed a group spread like wildfire throughout the grade. 

The unexpected alliance between the two of us—who had never openly collaborated before—seemed to send minor shockwaves through the other classes. Despite being just a duo, our pairing was apparently seen as troublesome by others. 

"Oi. You're coming with me after school." 

The moment homeroom ended, Ryuuen strode up to my desk. 

"What? Strategy meeting?" 

"Something like that. Move it." 

Now that we were a group, we were in this together. It made sense to discuss things. With no reason to refuse, I packed up and followed him. 

"Whoa, check that out." 

"Damn, those two are something else. Just standing there, they already look unbeatable..." 

"Dragonboy & Monsterboy..." 

Merely being near Ryuuen earned me awed stares from some of our classmates—chief among them Ishizaki and Albert. 

Ignoring them, we stepped into the hallway, where the murmurs and sharp gazes from students of other classes prickled at my skin even without looking. 

"We're getting a lot of attention." 

"People just ain't used to seeing you and me together." 

I wasn't accustomed to being stared at, but Ryuuen remained unfazed. Probably hardened by years of being watched as a class leader. 

"So, where are we headed? Another café?" 

We usually talked in cafés. My guess proved right when Ryuuen gave a slight nod. 

"Just confirming—you're not planning to form a large group for the exam, right?" 

"Tch. Why the hell would I drag dead weight around?" 

His answer was predictable. A large group would mean bringing in students from other classes—and worse, girls. Sure, some were capable, but not enough to outweigh the drawbacks. Ryuuen clearly saw our duo as more efficient. 

As we stepped into Keyaki Mall at our usual pace, a familiar head of blonde hair caught my eye. Spotting us, she approached. 

"Good afternoon, senpai." 

Nanase, lighter in demeanor than before, bowed slightly to both of us. 

Ryuuen didn't react outwardly, but a vicious grin slowly spread across his face as he turned to me. 

"The hell, Hikigaya? Another new girl? First-years now too? You work fast." 

"Nanase isn't like that. You've got the wrong idea." 

"Keh. Do I?" 

"That's what I just said." 

Seeing no end to this, I faced Nanase. 

"Uh—" 

"Don't mind Ryuuen. What's up?" 

Her eyes kept flicking toward him warily. Standing to block his line of sight, I gave her an out. 

"Ah, it's nothing urgent, but... I wanted to confirm if you remembered what I told you before." 

"About not teaming up with Ayanokouji?" 

She nodded eagerly. 

"You can relax. I'm sticking with Ryuuen here. Already submitted the group, so no takebacks." 

"!... I see. That's a relief!" 

Her smile was dazzlingly pure—so much that it reminded me of Hiyori's. 

"Sorry for taking your time. I'll get going now." 

Bowing to both of us (despite Ryuuen's clear disinterest), she turned to leave. 

"One last question." 

"Yes?" 

She paused, tilting her head. 

"Last time, you warned me about Housen targeting Ayanokouji, right?" 

"...Yes. That's correct." 

A beat of hesitation before her reply. 

"So, what do you think? About Ayanokouji getting expelled." 

For a split second, she looked caught off guard—then her expression frosted over. 

"My feelings haven't changed." 

Her voice was sharp, eyes burning with quiet hatred. 

With a final "Excuse me," she walked away. I let her go without another word. 

"Done chatting?" 

"Yeah, sorry for the wa—" 

Turning back to Ryuuen—who had been oddly quiet—I found him grinning, phone pointed at me. 

"...Let me ask." 

"Hah?" 

"...What's that?" 

Dread pooled in my stomach as Ryuuen theatrically waved his hands. 

"Whoops~ Looks like I accidentally snapped a pic of you cozying up to a girl." 

"I told you, it's not like that with Nanase." 

"Not my call, is it? Wonder what'll happen if I send this to Hiyori... or Sakayanagi." 

..Hiyori especially would be bad. 

Lately, she'd been less subtle about her jealousy. Just talking to another girl had put her in a mood last time. 

"Keh. I'll let it slide for now." 

"How about letting it slide forever?" 

"Depends on my mood." 

With a sadistic smirk, Ryuuen strode ahead. 

..Lesson learned. 

Ryuuen is never harmless when he's quiet.

.......

Upon arriving at the cafe, I expected the strategy meeting to begin immediately, but Ryuuen showed no intention of starting the conversation. Apparently, there were two other students he had summoned besides us. 

After casually ordering drinks and waiting a few minutes, one student approached our table. 

"Took you long enough." 

"I only came because you called. Get to the point." 

Katsuragi Kohei from Class 2-A glared at Ryuuen while giving me a stiff expression. 

"Standing around's a pain. Sit down." 

"Unfortunately, I have no intention of staying long. Once you state your business, I'll leave immediately." 

"Too bad. There's one more guy I called besides you." 

Katsuragi clearly had no interest in idle chatter, but his principled nature meant he had no choice but to wait. Still, I hadn't expected Ryuuen to summon Katsuragi. What could his goal be? 

After a brief silence, another figure appeared at our table—Ayanokouji, who looked somewhat bewildered. 

"So, the other person you mentioned was Ayanokouji?" 

Katsuragi narrowed his eyes, while Ayanokouji made a slightly uncomfortable face. My presence here probably surprised him, but the combination of Katsuragi and Ryuuen must have been even more unexpected. 

"What kind of gathering is this?" 

"You planning to stand the whole time? Sit down." 

Following Ryuuen's amused order, Ayanokouji took the remaining seat. 

"I always thought there was something unusual about you, but it seems you hide far greater fangs than I imagined. Ayanokouji, Hikigaya—scoring perfect marks on that test?" 

Katsuragi, whom I hadn't spoken to since our second year began, brought up the math exam. 

"Tch. No need to be so impressed, Katsuragi." 

"Is that so? You know full well how difficult it is to get a perfect score on that test." 

"That's not the point. I'm saying you're too damn slow to realize how abnormal these two are." 

"Calm down. This isn't getting us anywhere." 

Given the unexpected combination, tensions were already rising. If I hadn't stepped in, they would've kept arguing for at least a few more minutes. 

"...So? Care to explain why you called us here?" 

At Katsuragi's words, Ayanokouji—also summoned—waited for Ryuuen's response. 

"Don't rush me. Relax a little." 

"How can I relax? Just being seen with you is trouble enough." 

Katsuragi's wariness of the surroundings wasn't unfounded. With so many students from our year around, it was inevitable that someone would notice us and raise suspicions. 

"About the next special exam—you planning to form a group?" 

"If anyone should answer that, it's you. Since when were you so eager to team up with Hikigaya?" 

Trading barbs, Ryuuen only laughed in amusement. 

"What's so strange about it? If we're in the same class, teaming up's natural." 

"Don't lie. I know you've been harboring hostility toward Hikigaya." 

"Hah. That so? Sharp eyes you got." 

Ryuuen tacitly admitted it. Katsuragi, however, showed no reaction, simply crossing his arms and closing his eyes. 

"Tch. Katsuragi. You look pretty damn miserable, you know?" 

Ryuuen's sudden remark made Katsuragi's eyes snap open. 

"...What did you say?" 

"Last year, you could still keep up with my games. But now? There's not even a trace of that left. Is this the fate of someone who lost in factional struggles?" 

"That's none of your concern." 

Most would've been angered by such words, but Katsuragi remained calm, brushing it off without emotion. 

"Don't you wanna climb back up from scratch? That deadweight Totsuka's already gone." 

Suddenly, Katsuragi slammed his hand on the table. The mention of Totsuka—a student who had admired him—finally broke his composure, revealing his anger. 

"If pissing me off was your goal, then congratulations, Ryuuen. Satisfied?" 

"What's this? You can still show some emotion. That's a relief." 

Ryuuen clapped three times before continuing. 

"Wouldn't it be fun if Sakayanagi got expelled in the next special exam?" 

"...What?" 

"If she's gone, Class A's leader will obviously be vacant. That'd be your chance to reclaim your position." 

"I don't know what you're plotting, but it's impossible. Even if you somehow beat her in an uninhabited island exam, Sakayanagi has a Protection Point." 

With her funds and Protection Point, expelling Arisu would remain an insurmountable challenge. 

"True. To expel her, we'd need to stab her at least twice. Well, saying 'next exam' was a joke." 

"Then what's your point? No matter what you say, I have no intention of agreeing with or assisting your schemes." 

Katsuragi's firm declaration carried unwavering resolve. 

While he undoubtedly held strong feelings toward Arisu, opposing her would also mean turning against his own class. During their power struggle, it might have made sense, but now, it would only bring disadvantages. 

"Fine by me, Katsuragi. That pointless integrity of yours isn't so bad." 

"Flattery won't get you anywhere, Ryuuen." 

"––––––Don't play dumb, Katsuragi." 

Ryuuen's eerie gaze locked onto him. 

"You could've refused my invitation today. But you came anyway. Did someone from Class A ask you to spy on me?" 

Katsuragi had ignored previous summons but responded this time. There had to be a reason. 

"You're like a dead man walking, but you're still looking for a chance to come back to life. Right?" 

Arisu had forced Totsuka—a student who admired Katsuragi—to drop out. Had Katsuragi truly forgiven her for that? 

"Whether I have thoughts on the matter or not, it's none of your concern." 

"You came all this way. Might as well hear me out, no?" 

"Even if I listen, I won't lift a finger to help. I have no desire to cause trouble for my classmates." 

Hearing this, Ryuuen tapped the table in amusement. 

"Don't want to cause trouble? Ever since last year's uninhabited island exam, your Class A's been sending me huge sums every month under our contract. Forgotten already?" 

At that, Katsuragi's expression darkened. 

Though it was in the past, the fact remained that Class A was still suffering continuous damage because of it—and Katsuragi himself was the cause. 

"Must feel pretty shitty, huh, Katsuragi? But you can't even take revenge because of your guilt." 

"So what? What's your point?" 

Katsuragi's anger flared again as he glared fiercely at Ryuuen. Seeing this, Ryuuen smirked as if confirming something and made his offer. 

"Come to Class B, Katsuragi." 

A shockingly bold proposal. 

Katsuragi's thoughts must have frozen for a moment, his anger momentarily forgotten. 

"Don't be absurd. Why would I go to Class B?" 

"I'll cover the missing points, of course." 

"Even if you had the points to spare, why should I abandon Class A? Do you think I'd willingly give up my position?" 

"Sakayanagi won't last much longer. Once I drag her down, that class will keep falling. Meaning, the current Class A has no value left. Right?" 

Without Arisu as its leader, Class A would indeed struggle to remain competitive. 

"How many points do you have?" 

"...About 1.8 million." 

"Hah. Not bad for a fallen Class A student." 

But it was still far from the 20 million needed. Ryuuen had earned plenty of points in our first year, but even he probably hadn't reached 15 million yet. 

Knowing this line of questioning was coming, Ryuuen pulled out a sheet of paper and placed it on the table. 

"Recognize this? The contract we signed last year." 

"...Yeah." 

"I negotiated with Sakayanagi and agreed to sell it for 5 million points." 

The negotiations with Arisu must have happened before Ryuuen teamed up with me. Meaning, he might have planned to recruit Katsuragi for a while now. 

"Why... would you go this far for someone like me?" 

"Tch. You really undervalue yourself, Katsuragi. Well, it's not exactly cheap, but I think you're worth it." 

With that, Ryuuen glanced at me, signaling for my input. 

"I'd say so. Ryuuen might be able to take down Arisu, but with you around, it'd be a pain. Recruiting you is more convenient. You're highly capable—worth the 20 million points, I'd say." 

At our evaluations, Katsuragi closed his eyes briefly. 

"You're serious about this." 

"Lucky you, Katsuragi. The fact that you've been alone until now is why I even considered inviting you." 

Had Katsuragi already been in a group, this conversation wouldn't have happened. 

"Take it as fate and accept it." 

Katsuragi remained silent for a while before finally sitting back in his chair, as if resigning himself. 

The vengeance he had secretly harbored toward Arisu—Ryuuen had expertly drawn it out and successfully recruited him. Now, Katsuragi was under Ryuuen's wing. One thing was certain: this would undeniably benefit Class B. 

Katsuragi slowly signed the contract. 

A class transfer with no precedent in this school—and from Class A, no less. I'd just witnessed something incredible. 

As I lost myself in thought, I noticed Ayanokouji doing something odd. He seemed to be diluting his coffee with water. ...Interesting. 

"I don't mind joining you, but what do you want from me? Am I free to voice my opinions?" 

Since my drink was also coffee, copying Ayanokouji would be pointless. Maybe I'll just add some creamer. 

"Do what you want. Your uptight opinions might actually be useful sometimes." 

I'll throw in some sugar too. 

"...By the way, Hikigaya and Ayanokouji. What the hell are you two doing?" 

"Huh?" 

Noticing our tampering, Ryuuen gave us a puzzled look. 

"Just wondering how coffee would taste if diluted two or three times." 

"I was testing how much sweetener it takes to make coffee not bitter." 

Our honest answers only made Ryuuen and Katsuragi stare at us even more strangely. 

"...You two are weird." 

Katsuragi's blunt remark was a little harsh. 

"Now then, what about Ayanokouji? Why did you call him here too?" 

"I was wondering the same thing. Why am I here?" 

Ayanokouji, who had stayed quiet until now, finally spoke up. 

"It's about the Challenge Card you drew. Sell it to me." 

So that's what this was about. 

"With Katsuragi's recruitment, your funds must be tight. Can you even afford to buy it?" 

"I can scrape together about 500,000. That's enough, right?" 

If Ayanokouji was willing to part with the card, this was the perfect opportunity. 

"One condition. Trade the Half-Off Card held by one of your classmates with the Free Ride Card held by someone in our class. If you agree, I'll hand it over." 

It wasn't the most advantageous trade, but Ayanokouji bit. The student with the Free Ride Card was probably Karuizawa. He must want the Half-Off Card as insurance. 

"Tch. Deal. You've got a Half-Off Card, right, Katsuragi?" 

"Not like it matters now. I'll lose all my points anyway." 

Come to think of it, Katsuragi had been assigned the Half-Off Card. 

"So, you're serious about aiming for the top three with Hikigaya?" 

Ayanokouji voiced his doubts. Katsuragi also seemed interested, turning his gaze toward us. 

"Hah. Obviously. Why else would I team up with this guy? Nothing but victory is acceptable." 

"Ryuuen aside, Hikigaya's potential is completely beyond me. Do you really think you can take first place?" 

At Katsuragi's question, everyone's eyes turned to me. 

"Who knows?" 

Giving a concrete answer would only make them suspicious—except for Ayanokouji. It was best to dodge the question.

........

After the unprecedented meeting regarding Katsuragi's transfer, I returned to my dorm room.

The delicious aroma of food wafting from the door told me that Hiyori was already inside. As expected, she stood in the living room wearing an apron, smiling softly and waving at me.

Lately, Hiyori being at my place had become the norm. At first, she had been hesitant about using the spare key, but as she gradually grew accustomed to it, I, too, began to take it for granted.

Thanks to Hiyori, my eating habits had improved, and I was living a very satisfying life. I enjoyed the peaceful moments after meals—reading novels or occasionally watching movies together in a calm atmosphere.

...However.

Sometimes, it seemed even Hiyori struggled with self-restraint.

"During the special exam… we'll be apart for two whole weeks, Hachiman…"

Her voice was quiet as she leaned her head against my shoulder, her expression downcast.

Perhaps because we had been together so often lately, Hiyori really hated the idea of being separated. Though she had known from the moment the exam was announced that we'd be apart for two weeks, the reality of it seemed to weigh on her more as time passed.

"Don't look so down. It's not like we won't see each other at all for two weeks, right?"

"That's true, but… I've gotten so used to being with you lately that the thought of being apart makes me really sad."

"I'm sure there'll be chances to meet during the exam. We don't know the details yet, but when we can, I'll come see you. So don't worry too much."

"…Okay."

She still seemed uneasy about the separation, but my words must have eased her mind a little, as she smiled softly.

Hiyori shifted from leaning on my shoulder and, after fidgeting slightly in front of me, wrapped her arms around my neck in a hug. I returned the gesture, holding her close.

"I'm happy. So, so happy."

Her sweet voice tickled my ear, sending a slight shiver down my spine.

"You're such a clingy girl."

"Hehe. Do you dislike me like this?"

"Not at all. It's nice seeing a side of you I haven't before."

Her warm body heat seeped into me.

Occasionally—very occasionally—she would act this affectionate. She must still have some lingering shyness, as her cheeks were faintly flushed.

"Doing things like this has started to feel normal, hasn't it?"

Hiyori completely relaxed, leaning her full weight against me.

"Yeah. Not too long ago, you'd still get embarrassed, but now this distance feels natural."

"Is that a good change? I think it's wonderful."

"What a coincidence. So do I."

Hiyori smiled, looking genuinely happy.

I gently ran my fingers through her soft, silvery hair—a way she particularly liked being touched.

"When you stroke me like this, I feel… something indescribable."

"In a bad way?"

"Of course not. It's definitely good. Did you really think I disliked it?"

She narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at me with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Not exactly, but I still hesitate when touching you. Guess I'm not fully used to it yet."

Touching a girl as beautiful as Hiyori required some mental preparation. That was what I meant, but she still seemed displeased, gripping my right hand firmly.

"Then, keep touching me until you get used to it."

She guided my hand to her cheek.

Her fair, soft skin was an indescribable sensation under my fingertips.

"There's no way I'd refuse anything you do to me. In fact, I encourage more touching."

"…I see."

My response was blunt, but Hiyori didn't seem to mind, replying with a radiant smile.

"I'm happy… Could you come a little closer?"

Her pleading gaze made me pull her in tighter, eliminating any space between us.

The atmosphere was perfect—better than ever before.

"…I just… I can't help how much I love you."

Her melting gaze drew me in, my eyes instinctively drifting to her lips. Hiyori seemed to notice, slowly closing the distance.

The moment our lips met, her arms tightened around my neck.

"Mmm… nngh… ♡"

Unlike the childish, chaste kisses we'd shared before, this one was deeper, our tongues entwining. Hiyori seemed to prefer this kind over the simpler ones.

"Hah… mmn… ♡"

A drowning pleasure spread through me with every movement of her tongue.

Our breathing grew ragged, our bodies craving oxygen, yet Hiyori showed no sign of pulling away. She was completely lost in the moment, her expression growing more dazed with each passing second.

"Ah…"

Unable to hold out any longer, I finally broke the kiss. Hiyori let out a small, reluctant whimper.

"Uu… I really don't want to be apart for two weeks!"

Her face was flushed—whether from the kiss or her frustration, I wasn't sure—but her loneliness seemed to have taken over, her dissatisfaction clear.

This was bad. If her current mood affected her motivation during the exam, it could put her in danger. I needed to find a way to keep her spirits up…

"Once the exam is over, I'll do anything you say. Will that help you stay motivated?"

"…Really?"

"Yeah. You've always taken such good care of me, after all."

My top priority was making sure Hiyori didn't get expelled. If this was the card I had to play, so be it.

"S-So… even if it's a little selfish, that's okay?"

"Doesn't matter. Just tell me what you want, and I'll do it."

I patted her head casually as I spoke.

But in stark contrast to my relaxed attitude, Hiyori's face turned bright red as she agonized over whether to voice her request.

"W-Well… there is something I'd like."

With a look of determination—as if steeling herself—she met my eyes.

"U-Um… please… do it with me."

"…Sorry, I didn't catch that."

She had mumbled something under her breath, but it was too quiet to hear.

"~~~~!!"

Flustered, she bit her lip, her face burning with embarrassment.

"S-So, after the exam…"

She leaned close to my ear, her voice trembling as she whispered something so faint I could barely make it out.

"––––––P-Please… take me."

"…Meaning?"

"D-Don't make me say it again!!"

Overwhelmed by embarrassment, she glared at me with teary eyes.

"Take Hiyori…"

The words echoed in my head. My brain was struggling to process them.

"W-Wait a second. I said 'anything,' but that's a bit…"

"You said anything. No take-backs!"

She turned her bright-red face away with a huff.

"Think about it. We're still students, you know?"

"…No take-backs."

"Come on, be reasonable."

"Don't worry. I'm prepared."

"…Prepared for what?"

"I-I mean… it's not like I haven't thought about it too…"

I had said "anything," but I never expected this. At most, I thought she'd ask me to go shopping with her or something.

"––––––You're really sure about this?"

"Yes. Absolutely."

Even after my final confirmation, her resolve didn't waver.

"And no pretending it never happened afterward, got it?"

She glared at me before lightly headbutting my chest.

"…Please, make me yours."

I couldn't see her face, but I knew it was bright red. Honestly, my mind was still reeling, but…

"…Guess I'll look into some things before the exam ends."

"Look into what?"

"Uh, well… important stuff."

"Important stuff?"

She was the one who brought it up, but… did she not know about contraception?

"Ah—come here for a sec."

"? Okay."

I leaned close to her ear as she looked at me curiously.

"––––––That's why."

"!!?"

Her hands flew to her mouth, her face turning redder than I'd ever seen it. At this point, I couldn't help but wonder if I should actually go through with this.

=================================

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