To an ordinary student, ten million private points is undoubtedly a massive amount—something so out of reach that it isn't even worth imagining.
With that kind of money, you could probably hire someone to do something outrageous.
However, for Hikigaya, who already had close to thirty million, getting another ten million wasn't exactly a cause for celebration—especially since it wasn't free.
Accepting this money meant that for the foreseeable future, he would have to go along with Tsukishiro's plans.
…Just thinking about it was depressing.
"Hikigaya-kun, don't make that face. You've just received such a large sum—shouldn't you be a little happier?"
"…I've heard of extortion before, but this is the first time someone's forced money onto me."
"Hehe, if you ever become an outstanding adult, you'll find that this kind of thing happens all the time."
Tsukishiro shrugged, putting on a helpless expression as he continued, "Sometimes, it's not someone's malice, but their so-called kindness that's more frightening. Like waking up in the morning and suddenly finding a suitcase full of cash by your bed."
No—what kind of "kindness" is that? That's just a blatant threat.
Wait, could that have been something Tsukishiro actually experienced?
…Maybe being a stay-at-home husband really is the safer route.
"In any case, since you've accepted my sincerity, Hikigaya-kun, I'll be counting on you from now on."
"…Hold on a second."
Though he was extremely reluctant, it had already come to this. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and swallow his frustration.
That said, Hikigaya did plan to take advantage of the situation in other ways—as a bit of interest, so to speak.
"Acting Chairman Tsukishiro, suddenly giving me this much money—won't that cause problems down the line?"
"You don't need to worry about that. As acting chairman, I have at least that much authority."
Tsukishiro spoke about ten million like it was nothing. It was probably a way to demonstrate both his composure and the power gap between them.
"Besides, you've received similar funds before, and no one's ever brought it up."
"…You've got some nerve saying that."
Speaking of that incident, Hikigaya immediately responded with sarcasm: "I mean, that was only because I ruined your original plan, right? Otherwise, you wouldn't need to lower yourself to bribery and threats just to deal with a student. Honestly, I feel embarrassed for you."
"Oh? And what plan are you referring to?" Tsukishiro ignored all the sarcasm.
"Obviously, the one about the protection points."
Then, Hikigaya laid out a theory he'd already had in mind.
Tsukishiro, upon taking office, immediately rolled out that ridiculous class vote exam—but then introduced the concept of protection points into the system and even sent orders to both Hikigaya and Sakayanagi to expel Ayanokouji.
Needless to say, Sakayanagi wouldn't sit back and let the school force Ayanokouji out with such underhanded tactics. And Hikigaya had no intention of playing along either.
These two troublemakers would obviously go against the school.
And with that as the foundation, Tsukishiro's scheme became quite clear.
Whether it was Sakayanagi or Hikigaya, as long as one of them manipulated the votes to give Ayanokouji a protection point, he would then be naturally assigned the role of commander in the upcoming selection exam. Tsukishiro could then manipulate the exam system to ensure Ayanokouji lost, stripping away his protection point.
That way, Ayanokouji wouldn't be expelled immediately, and Tsukishiro would appear to be doing his job properly.
Everyone would walk away with a bright future.
However, there was one miscalculation in Tsukishiro's plan.
He hadn't expected Hikigaya to clash directly with Sakayanagi, throwing her class into chaos. As a result, she lost control over her class and couldn't give Ayanokouji the vote.
Logically, since the plan had gone off the rails and Ayanokouji didn't receive the protection point, the exam should've been replaced.
But the issue was that the system for the selection exam had already been built, and Tsukishiro had no reason to cancel it last minute. On top of that, the person who did receive the protection point—Hikigaya—refused to be the commander.
This left Tsukishiro in an awkward position.
Even though he was acting chairman, he was under constant scrutiny and couldn't openly rig the exam for Ayanokouji.
In the end, he could only resort to threatening Hikigaya into participating.
Not that he'd ever admit to that, of course.
"Hikigaya-kun, I've noticed you really like playing the know-it-all."
"Say whatever you want… Oh, by the way, I'm not recording this."
"Heh, you think I care?"
Despite saying that, Tsukishiro likely spoke in such vague terms precisely because he was wary of being recorded.
"Suit yourself." Hikigaya nodded. "Oh, and even if you say it's fine, I think I should return these personal points. Rather than that ten million, I'd prefer if the acting chairman could uphold justice for me in another matter."
"Uphold justice?"
"Not long ago, didn't Nagumo punch me and curse me out?"
As he spoke, Hikigaya touched his cheek.
"My face still kinda hurts, you know… I get that he was mad and all, but he's the student council president. Hitting someone is still crossing the line. So I want him to apologize."
"Hehe, and then?"
Of course Tsukishiro was aware of that incident.
It had stirred up the entire school.
He chuckled, seemingly amused, and asked, "You want me to force him to apologize using my authority as chairman?"
"No. I gave him two weeks to apologize, and the deadline's passed."
"Then what do you want?"
"Obviously, for Nagumo to get the punishment he deserves." Hikigaya finally revealed his goal. "Using violence in the sacred student council office—that's something no president should ever do. And he stubbornly refused my reasonable request for an apology. A person like that deserves a one- or two-week suspension. He should sit in his room and reflect on himself."
"…I see."
Tsukishiro stroked his chin and smiled thoughtfully.
"I knew I wasn't wrong about you—you really will do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. But… very well. It's time we cleaned up the school's discipline a bit. I'll grant your request."
"When exactly will it happen?"
"You're really impatient, aren't you?"
As if seeing right through him, Tsukishiro said with a smirk, "Don't worry. Each grade's special exam starts at different times. Second-years are after you, so just focus on your exam. I'll have the homeroom teachers hold a disciplinary review afterward."
"Got it."
So, Tsukishiro had figured it out.
That's right—Hikigaya had planned this from the start.
His demand for an apology was never about humiliating Nagumo—it was because he was sure that guy would never apologize. That way, he could use it as an excuse to push for a suspension during the special exam period.
That would force Nagumo to miss the school year's final major exam.
It sounded simple, but Hikigaya hadn't had much hope.
Sure, suspending someone for violence and refusing to apologize was reasonable, but Nagumo was still the student council president.
If he wanted, he could drag things out until spring break.
By then, even if he was suspended, it'd be meaningless.
The most Hikigaya could do was complain to his homeroom teacher, forcing Nagumo into endless disciplinary reviews that would at most distract him from preparing for the exam.
But now, with the school's intervention, there was no way the outcome would be delayed.
Huh? Thinking about it like that… wasn't this deal with Tsukishiro actually a good thing…?
Yeah right.
No one from the White Room is ever up to anything good.
"Well, then, we're settled."
Leaving those words behind, Tsukishiro turned and started walking away.
But just before he left, he added over his shoulder without looking back, "Ah, keep the ten million. Honestly, I don't dislike clever kids like you. Consider it an investment in the future."
"..."
Looks like Tsukishiro was dead set on dragging Hikigaya into his schemes.
The money burned in his hand—but not taking it wasn't an option either… Ugh.
Sometimes Hikigaya couldn't help but feel absurd about all this. He had nothing to do with Ichinose—at most they were just friends.
And that was enough for someone to use her as leverage against him?
If it were Komachi, sure, that'd make sense…
But every time Hikigaya tried to say "This has nothing to do with me," he just couldn't get the words out… Pathetic.
…Whatever, maybe it's better to look on the bright side.
He had been hesitating about stepping in as commander in place of Horikita for this exam. Now he had a perfect reason.
And thinking about it that way… didn't he just score ten million for free?
That's actually kind of awesome!
…Awesome, my ass.
Aside from frustration, Hikigaya had no moves left to make.
Even Sakayanagi's father, the actual chairman, had been ousted just like that—what could an ordinary student like him do?
No, he couldn't take it anymore.
He wanted to punch the Earth into space.
…
In the end, when the day of the exam arrived, the Earth remained intact.
Still feeling annoyed, Hikigaya left his room, ready for school—only to be stunned the moment he opened the door.
"Good morning, Hikigaya-kun."
"...Horikita?"
"What, don't even know how to greet someone properly?"
Horikita lightly brushed back her long hair. The gesture was a bit awkward, not quite as composed as usual. Almost like she was trying to hide her embarrassment… no, now's not the time to be thinking about that.
"Morning. That aside, why are you standing in front of my door?"
As he spoke, Hikigaya snuck a guilty glance down the hallway in both directions.
Please don't let anyone see this...
"You've got some nerve." Horikita pulled out her phone with a discontented look and pointed at the screen. "Care to explain what this message means? And next time, could you be a little more specific instead of just sending one line and disappearing? Do you have any idea how long I waited for your reply last night… Anyway, I expect a proper explanation."
"Just hear me out first."
Hikigaya scratched the back of his head a little awkwardly.
"I was just way too tired last night. I fell asleep right after sending that message and didn't see the rest of your replies… But I thought I made it clear—I'm taking your place as the commander. That's not a problem, right?"
After all the preparation, the third-year students were finally about to face their final special exam.
The commander of the losing class would be expelled, though aside from Class D, the actual penalty was just the loss of protection points.
…No, Class D was in the same boat too.
This exam wouldn't result in any students being expelled—just a potentially significant shift in class points.
"That's exactly the problem, isn't it?"
Horikita pressed a hand to her temple like she had a headache, her tone full of exasperation. "You didn't even consult me beforehand—you just decided on your own and informed me after the fact? Don't you think that's a little too reckless?"
"Uh, I wanted to talk to you about it, it's just… I wasn't sure how to bring it up."
He couldn't explain the reason he had to replace Horikita, and he couldn't mention Tsukishiro either.
In the end, Hikigaya had just resigned himself and gone for a "better to ask forgiveness than permission" approach.
Hmm... maybe that's not the right phrase here.
Anyway, I did tell her a day in advance—so it still counts as advance notice!
"You are… Whatever, let's head to school. We can talk as we walk."
"Right."
Feeling a bit uneasy, Hikigaya followed Horikita into the elevator, then left the dorm building toward campus.
Horikita didn't say a word along the way, just marched forward with her head down. Judging from her troubled expression, she was probably trying to figure out how to scold him.
Man, if only she'd keep quiet the whole time.
"Hikigaya-kun."
"Ah? What?"
Unfortunately, just as he dared to hope he might escape unscathed, she opened her mouth.
But what she said wasn't quite what he expected.
"Thanks a lot this time… To be honest, I wanted to ask you to take over as commander from the start."
"…Then why didn't you just say so?"
"With the way you looked at the time, how could I?"
Horikita looked troubled as she spoke, then gave a wry smile. "Later on, I did consider bringing it up… but you've helped me out so much already. I didn't want to burden you again. And yet, in the end, I'm relying on you again. I do feel relieved, though—deep down, I mean."
"It's not that big a deal."
Flustered by her honesty, Hikigaya waved his hands repeatedly, unsure how to respond.
"I just… oh right, didn't you say you wanted to win the special exam as your White Day gift? That's why I decided to take your place."
"…Are you saying there's no way I could win?"
"Uh, are you mad?"
"No."
Even though she said she wasn't, Horikita was sulking.
That's rare… kind of makes me want to take a picture.
"Hikigaya-kun, can you stop those weird thoughts before I call the police?"
"Stop reading my mind! And don't call the cops over something like that."
At least give me a chance to defend myself.
"I'm not saying you can't win. But you can't guarantee that you will win either. And if you lose, you'd be expelled."
"T-that's…" Horikita muttered in a small voice, "I know that, which is why I said I was relieved… why are you still making fun of me?"
"I'm not! I wasn't making fun of you!"
Hikigaya hadn't expected a casual comment to be taken that seriously.
She must've misunderstood, thinking he doubted her abilities—so that's why he volunteered to replace her as commander… Geez, don't overthink it so much.
But in this regard, Hikigaya had no room to talk. He could only try to reassure her.
"Horikita, I really didn't mean it that way. I just… didn't want to see you leave this school before Horikita-senpai does. If that happened, I'd never be able to face him at graduation in our third year."
But his words didn't seem to comfort her.
She crossed her arms and stared at Hikigaya with clear displeasure.
"Please stop using my brother as an excuse. Even if I really did get expelled in this exam, he would never blame you."
"I know that… but I'd blame myself."
"Eh—eh?!"
For some reason, Horikita looked startled.
Then she quickly turned her head and spoke at lightning speed. "W-what are you saying all of a sudden?! Anyway, since you're already taking over, I'll leave it to you. But next time, say something sooner so I can notify the class ahead of time!"
"Is that really necessary?" Hikigaya asked, confused. "It doesn't matter who the commander is, right? As long as they follow instructions, it'll be fine."
"That's true in theory, but considering people's feelings is important too. It makes a lot of things go smoother." Horikita replied seriously.
It seemed she really was thinking about what it meant to be a proper leader.
Back when the school year started, it would've been hard to imagine her growing this much.
"Well, well. You've gotten a lot better at this."
"Hmph. Flattering me won't get you any benefits, you know."
Despite her words, Horikita looked like she was in a much better mood.
After arriving at school, the two of them stopped at a fork in the path.
As the commander, Hikigaya had to go report to the teacher in the special building and also explain Ayanokouji's absence.
The format of the exam was that participating students would wait in the classroom, while the commander gave instructions from the multipurpose room.
"Here, take this."
Horikita pulled a notebook from her bag and handed it to him.
"There's not much time left, so read what you can… No, better to forget it. Just pick five subjects and members based on your own judgment. Don't worry about my opinions."
She changed her mind mid-sentence and pulled her hand back slightly.
She was probably worried her notes might influence his decisions.
"Don't be ridiculous." Hikigaya shook his head, then firmly took the notebook. "Everyone saw how hard you worked. These notes are proof of that. I'm sure they'll come in handy."
"…Is that so? That's good to hear."
Horikita paused for a moment, then smiled faintly.
Then she added one more thing: "This exam is a class-vs-class battle. The commander can interfere, but each event mostly comes down to the overall ability of the class. Our opponent is Class A—the strongest among the third-years. So even if we lose, no one will blame you. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"Got it."
"Also, I've been cramming shogi recently. I thought I might be able to help you out as commander, but now I can just participate as a regular contestant. So don't write that event off too easily—it's still a viable option. But in the end, it's your call."
She kept going on and on.
Honestly, it was the first time Hikigaya had seen Horikita this talkative… Are all girls like this?
But he didn't interrupt her. He just quietly listened.
Horikita had put her heart and soul into preparing for this exam. He didn't want to trample all over that effort.
"And also… Ah, sorry. I think I talked too much."
Horikita finally noticed it herself, and Hikigaya just shook his head.
"It's fine. This is all important info for me."
"…I'm glad if it helps."
"Okay, I'll get going then."
"Yeah… good luck."
"You too."
Hikigaya gave a small wave, then headed toward the special building.
Horikita stood where she was, silently watching him until he was out of sight. Only then did she slowly turn and head back to the classroom.
"Everyone, there's something I'd like to announce."