As discussed yesterday, since school is over, I head to Ayanokouji's room. That said, his room is on the same floor as mine, so it's no different from usual.
"Here we are."
I arrive at the door and ring the intercom.
Since I arrived exactly at the appointed time, there's no doubt Ayanokouji is in his room—but for some reason, there's no response.
"——!!"
"...I can hear shouting."
A faint, angry yell—clearly from a girl—reaches my ears from inside.
It's hard to imagine Ayanokouji carelessly letting someone of the opposite sex into his room, and it'd be strange for him to invite someone else over when he already had plans with me.
In other words, there's an unexpected female student inside—one he didn't anticipate.
"Ah, I see. Karuizawa."
Once I reach that conclusion, it's easy to guess who it is. The girl closest to Ayanokouji, the one he has no choice but to tolerate even if she acts a little spoiled. The only one I know who fits that description is Karuizawa.
"Whoa."
The door suddenly swings open, so I take a step back as the two people I expected stick their heads out.
"See, Kei? I told you the visitor today wasn't a girl—it's Hikigaya."
"W-well, yeah… But with you, Kiyotaka, I thought you might've brought Amasawa-san or someone else in again!"
"I wouldn't do something like that when I already have a girlfriend."
"Who are you to say that?!"
Karuizawa snaps back at Ayanokouji, who remains calm.
Just as I thought. The girl inside was indeed Karuizawa.
"Wait, but Hikigaya-kun? Why would you call him here? That makes no sense!"
"I'll explain that later too. For now, Hikigaya, come inside."
The rapid-fire exchange leaves me a little stunned, but it'd be bad if anyone saw the three of us together like this.
"Got it. Sorry for intruding."
.....
"I see. So Karuizawa misunderstood Ayanokouji calling me here as him cheating and barged into his room."
"Pretty much, yeah."
After entering the room, Ayanokouji first explained the situation.
"...I mean, there was that whole thing with Amasawa-san, so if Kiyotaka had just clearly told me he had plans with Hikigaya-kun, it would've been fine!"
Sitting next to Ayanokouji across the table, Karuizawa fiddled with her hair while muttering her dissatisfaction.
The fact that Amasawa's name came up means there's at least some connection there.
"Originally, I planned to talk with Hikigaya alone. And if I said anything unnecessary, it would've just caused more confusion, right?"
"Well… I guess, but still!"
Unable to fully accept it, Karuizawa leaned back against the bed behind her. Given how relaxed she was, it seemed she was used to being in Ayanokouji's room.
Ayanokouji, is it okay if Karuizawa stays for the discussion?
I lowered my voice so she wouldn't hear.
"It's fine. I was planning to tell Kei about it anyway."
With Karuizawa here, I couldn't carelessly bring up anything about the White Room. The scope of the conversation would be limited, but even just exchanging information would be beneficial.
"What do you want to drink? I have coffee and tea."
"Coffee, then."
"Kei?"
"I'll have tea~"
Nodding, Ayanokouji headed to the kitchen.
I thought we'd start talking immediately, so this level of hospitality actually felt a little strange.
"Hey, Kiyotaka. I know it's kinda late to ask now, but was it really okay for Hikigaya-kun to find out we're dating?"
That really is late to bring up.
"It's fine if Hikigaya knows. Besides, he probably already figured it out anyway, right?"
"I had my suspicions."
"Eh, seriously? I was trying really hard to keep it hidden, though."
"You don't seem that surprised, though."
"Ah—well, after seeing Hikigaya-kun go toe-to-toe with Kiyotaka on the rooftop, I kinda figured he'd be able to guess something like this~"
She let out a dry laugh, recalling the rooftop incident.
"I'm sorry about that time. Not that it's an excuse, but I didn't have another choice."
Since we'll likely be involved with each other from now on, I figured I should apologize, even if it was late.
"O-oh, yeah. It's… it's fine. Hikigaya-kun didn't actually do anything to me—he just fought Kiyotaka in the end. I'm really not bothered by it."
...She's right. I didn't do anything to Karuizawa.
Even back then, I only sparred with Ayanokouji—I never laid a hand on her.
But since I'm from Ryuuen's class, an apology was necessary.
"Actually, since we're on the topic, I've been wanting to ask—why are you following Ryuuen, Hikigaya-kun? You're stronger than him, aren't you?"
Karuizawa spoke with complete confidence that I was stronger than Ryuuen—likely because her standard for strength was based on Ayanokouji.
"I'm not following him. We're just cooperating as classmates."
"...You and Kiyotaka really are alike, huh. I bet Kiyotaka would say the exact same thing."
Please don't act like Ayanokouji and I think the same way.
After that, we barely spoke, each fiddling with our phones until Ayanokouji returned with two cups and sat next to Karuizawa.
Seeing this, Karuizawa also put her phone away and straightened her expression.
"First, Ayanokouji. You said you had something to tell me, right?"
Ayanokouji gave a small nod and spoke.
"You know about the discussion between the first-year and second-year Class D yesterday, right?"
"Yeah, I heard about it."
"At that time, Nanase mentioned that among the first-years, a certain special exam has already begun."
Nanase. That must be the girl who was with Housen.
"What's the exam about?"
"If they expel me and Hikigaya, they'll receive 20 million private points as a reward."
"I see. That's the perfect incentive to get the first-years moving."
Most likely, this was Tsukishiro's doing.
He's even using the first-years to try and expel me and Ayanokouji.
"Wha—huh?! What kind of unfair nonsense is that?! And why are you two so calm about it?!"
Overwhelmed by what she wanted to say, Karuizawa slammed the table in frustration.
From a normal perspective, her reaction was the reasonable one.
It's just that our circumstances were different, so we weren't surprised.
"Also, 20 million points… It's almost like the school itself is trying to get Kiyotaka and Hikigaya-kun expelled..."
"Exactly. Both Hikigaya and I are being targeted."
"Uh, you can't just drop that and expect me to understand!"
"I can't explain the details right now. Just know that Hikigaya and I are being targeted."
"...Fine. But you have to tell me eventually, okay?"
Tugging lightly on his sleeve as she spoke, Karuizawa got a nod from Ayanokouji.
Only because of the time they've spent together could she be this understanding.
"So from now on, we'll have to watch out for first-years too, huh?"
On top of Tsukishiro and the White Room students, now we have to deal with other first-years as well.
This is going to take a lot of effort.
...
After finishing my discussion with Ayanokouji, I headed to a nearby vending machine before returning to my room.
"...That should do it."
I sent a message to Takahashi on my phone—20% encouraging words, 30% about the exam, and 50% about our future relationship. I didn't expect a reply, but at least my thoughts would get across.
I wasn't going to cut ties with Takahashi here. A mutually beneficial, platonic relationship would be ideal.
When I reached the vending machine, the sheer variety made me hesitate.
...What the hell is this?
"Super Drink Coacha—a mix of cola and tea?"
"Good evening, Hikigaya-senpai."
While I was staring at the bizarre drink, someone called out from behind me.
For a second, I wondered if it was a ghost, but when I turned around, I saw Nanase in casual, loose-fitting clothes.
"...Oh, what a coincidence. Here to buy a drink too, Nanase?"
"Yes. This is the closest vending machine to the girls' dorm."
"..."
"Did something happen?"
It was dark, but now that I got a better look, Nanase's outfit was... very thin.
I'm not familiar with fashion terminology, but from my angle, I could see the valley between her—
Her shoulders and arms weren't completely exposed, but for a high school boy, it was dangerous.
"Nanase, that outfit of yours..."
"This? I actually run hot, so I prefer breathable clothes."
"No, that's fine, but... you really shouldn't dress like that in front of guys."
"? ...Is there something wrong with it?"
Nanase checked her clothes again, but she didn't seem to grasp my meaning.
Ah, I see. She's one of those—the airheaded type.
"Never mind. Forget I said anything."
Well, as long as I don't stare, it's fine.
With that thought, I turned back to the vending machine.
"What is this... Super Drink Coacha—a mix of cola and tea?"
Nanase leaned in, staring at the drink like it was some kind of oddity.
"Must be a new product. Wasn't here last time."
"A new product... Even though I know it probably tastes bad, something about it being 'new' makes me want to try it. Why is that?"
"I totally get that."
In fact, I was debating buying it myself.
Even though I knew cola and tea were a terrible combo.
After a moment of hesitation, I bought the Coacha. The color was like apple juice—not bad.
But the real question was the taste.
I twisted off the cap and took a sip.
"..."
"S-Senpai? H-How is it?"
Nanase watched nervously from the side.
"...Is it good?"
"W-Well, I wouldn't know!"
"No, it's... hard to describe. A strange taste."
Like... creamy cola? Not bad, but not good either. Just... weird.
"One sip is enough. A whole bottle is too much."
"Ugh, what do I do... Now I want to try it."
Nanase fidgeted, torn over whether to buy one.
Meanwhile, I was already regretting my purchase.
"Wanna take a sip?"
"...Eh?!"
When I offered it to her, she let out a surprised noise.
"B-But... This is yours..."
"I'm not stingy enough to care about one sip. You were curious about the taste, right? Try it."
I held out the bottle, and Nanase's cheeks flushed slightly.
"B-But, this would be..."
What was she so hung up about? Sharing a drink wasn't that big a deal.
I've done it with Ishizaki after P.E., and even with Hiyori, Arisu, Ibuki, and Matsushita. Nothing embarrassing about it.
"O-Okay... Just one sip."
Hesitantly, she took the bottle and slowly twisted off the cap.
For some reason, the way she did it felt oddly... suggestive.
She stared at the mouth of the bottle for a while, face red, before finally taking a tiny sip. Then she quickly closed it and handed it back.
"So? I thought it was kinda weird."
"...I liked it."
She avoided eye contact, but if she liked it, I guess tastes really do differ.
"D-Don't you feel anything, Senpai?"
She frowned slightly, looking dissatisfied.
"About what?"
"I mean... This is basically an indirect kiss..."
"Indirect kiss? What's that?"
How do you even kiss a joint?
Like, kissing someone while performing a joint lock?
"...Ah... I-I see..."
Nanase's face turned beet red, and she covered it with both hands.
"You okay? Something embarrassing happen?"
"...N-No, I'm fine. Thank you for letting me have a sip."
She bowed just for tasting my drink.
The motion made her chest sway softly—was she gonna be okay walking back like this...?
"...Nanase. If any guys try to talk to you on your way back, don't go with them. Got it?"
"Um, yes. But I'm not a child, you know?"
That's not what I meant, but I couldn't exactly explain.
"Then I'll be going now."
Nanase bought another Coacha for herself and left with perfect manners.
...Did she actually like it?
"Seems pretty different from what Ayanokouji described."
He said Nanase had glared at him with pure hatred, but to me, she just seemed like a normal high school girl.
Then again, maybe she was just acting.
.....
After Hachiman left, Karuizawa felt a strange sense of unease lingering in Ayanokouji's room.
"Not that you have to answer, but... what kind of relationship do you and Hikigaya-kun actually have?"
She asked her boyfriend sitting next to her, though she didn't really expect an answer. Still, she couldn't help but ask—the distance between Ayanokouji and Hachiman felt different from normal, and it bothered her.
"...Hm. Before that, I have three questions for you." Ayanokouji tilted his head slightly. "First—what do you think of Hikigaya?"
"What, you wanna know if I'd cheat on you with him?"
"No. I mean in terms of ability—skill."
Karuizawa blinked, then took a moment to think.
"...A monster, I guess? Just being on par with you in physical ability alone already makes him an outlier."
"You think of your own boyfriend as a monster?"
"I just couldn't think of a better comparison!"
Ayanokouji exhaled faintly before continuing.
"Next question—what do you think of me?"
"Huh? W-Well, you're cool and all... and you can do pretty much anything, and even though you're insensitive, that's kinda cute in its own way—"
"Not like that. I meant in terms of ability."
"Oh. That."
This question also served as a way for Ayanokouji to gauge how much of his true capabilities she had picked up on.
"Umm... I still can only say 'monster'! And I'm not insulting you! It's just—there's no other way to describe you!"
"Fine, no need to panic."
He lightly pushed away his flustered girlfriend, who had practically lunged at him in her haste to explain.
"Then, last question—if Hikigaya and I fought... who do you think would win?"
"You, obviously."
Karuizawa answered instantly.
Even if she didn't know everything about Hachiman, after everything she'd seen, she couldn't even imagine Ayanokouji losing to another student.
"I mean... Hikigaya-kun is weird, but there's no way you'd lose to him."
"If that's what you think, then that's how it is." Ayanokouji's voice was calm. "I can't imagine myself losing, either."
"Yeah, yeah. I know you best."
Karuizawa smiled at the expected response.
"But don't underestimate Hikigaya."
"I'm not underestimating him! I don't know about his grades, but his reflexes are monster-level. That's all, right?"
"For now, that's fine. But I think your assessment will change soon."
"…?"
To Karuizawa, those words made no sense.
Ayanokouji had only stated facts.
He couldn't imagine himself losing to Hachiman.
That was the truth—an absolute one.
But at the same time...
Not being able to imagine himself winning either—that, too, was the truth.
...
May 1st. The results of the special exam were announced.
At the end of the day, during the sixth period, the announcement was made.
"I will now announce the results of the special exam. They will be displayed on the blackboard, but for a more detailed breakdown, they will also be sent to your tablets simultaneously."
It seemed we wouldn't even need to look at the blackboard to check.
The classroom was a mix of excitement and nervousness—though the latter overwhelmingly dominated.
There was no doubt that, in terms of scoring high marks, this exam had been the most difficult one yet. Even Kaneda and Hiyori, who usually aced their tests, looked visibly unsettled this time.
But judging by the overall spread, it seemed no one had failed enough to be expelled.
Relieved sighs and murmurs of joy spread through the room.
"Kuh... Kuhaha! Fucking perfect!"
"R-Ryuuen-kun? What's so funny?"
Suddenly, Ryuuen burst into laughter—genuine, unrestrained amusement.
"This is just too damn entertaining."
For just a second, his gaze flicked in my direction.
Starting with Ryuuen, the class's initial relief gradually shifted into murmurs of confusion.
I didn't even need to figure out the cause. Saka-sensei's eyes were already locked onto me. And soon, the rest of the class followed.
Mathematics.
There was no helping it—not when my name was displayed above Hiyori's 84, the second-highest score.
"A... perfect score? No fucking way..."
No matter which subject you checked, no one in the class had scored above 90.
Except for one.
Mine.
Even for students who struggled academically, this exam had been absurdly difficult.
Sure, part of it had been a provocation toward Tsukishiro, but raising my academic standing would also be useful for future moves.
Still, with all these bewildered stares fixed on me, I had a feeling I'd be fielding a lot of questions soon.
=================================
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