Chapter 41: The Study Session Goes Well?
Aniverse
Sudō: "What's going on? Horikita didn't even call me an idiot, and I didn't lose my temper. What on earth is happening here?"
Horikita found it baffling as well. She had clearly known back then that she had driven everyone away. Yet now, thanks to Hikigaya's quiet presence, Sudō had taken the first step in changing. His early arrival had brightened her mood, and in that moment of near-frustration, she realized her own flaws through Hikigaya's words.
Although Hikigaya didn't appear to have done anything, he was unknowingly guiding the story's trajectory.
Ichinose: "Looks like a really powerful guy has arrived in Class D."
Sakayanagi: "To guide someone toward the outcome you desire… I really can't underestimate you."
Ryūen: "It would be pointless to have such a being as an enemy, since the weaker ones could easily trip him up. But… if we became partners, if he were part of my class, we could more than double our strength. Now I finally understand why I was so obsessed with him in that video."
Ibuki: "…So you're saying his class can correct its original mistakes."
Ryūen: "Not bad…"
Hirata: "Hikigaya, you're really amazing…"
[Service Club…]
Ebina: "Although you've helped me before, I never imagined you could have such a profound influence."
Miura: "Yeah, I didn't notice anything at school…"
Hikigaya: "It's just a video. I might be deified. I'm not that great."
Yuigahama smiled softly. "That's right, Hikki always says that. He doesn't even realize how much he's helped others… how much he's helped me. Aqi is so kind."
Hikigaya: "…Idiot, no."
Yukinoshita glanced at the tsundere Hikigaya, then gave Yuigahama a calm smile.
"Yes, Yuigahama is right. Although he himself is unaware of it, I am also one who unknowingly accepted his help."
Yuigahama nodded: "Me too…"
Isshiki: "Senpai is very kind, though he can be pretty funny sometimes too."
Yukinoshita, Hayama, Yuigahama, Isshiki, and Ebina all spoke with different perspectives, while Miura suddenly realized she had never truly understood the boy in front of her. To her, he had only ever been gloomy and quiet. But hearing their words, she began to see there was far more to him.
Perhaps, from this moment on, she really needed to pay closer attention to this unassuming yet oddly conspicuous boy.
Because of Hikigaya's presence, Horikita and Sudō did not quarrel.
---
At the same time in the video, Kushida arrived late with Yamauchi and Ike.
They carried drinks in their hands, probably just bought at a convenience store. Even when the class was strapped for points, they somehow managed to waste more. Truly, they were geniuses in their own way.
Kushida's body trembled slightly before she spoke in a tearful voice:
"Oops, I forgot to buy one for you… I'll go back and get it right now."
Whether intentional or not, Hikigaya noticed her subtle maneuver—an attempt to leave Horikita alone, letting the atmosphere collapse.
After watching carefully, Hikigaya realized it wasn't just coincidence. Kushida clearly had deeper conflicts with Horikita, even if the others weren't aware of it.
Horikita, however, simply waved her hand and said calmly:
"No, we're here to study, that's all."
Ike and Yamauchi tried to smooth things over, and Kushida eventually sat down with her usual smile.
Since Horikita had only just adjusted her approach with Sudō, she wasn't fully prepared today. Instead of the previous exam-style paper, she handed out a simpler worksheet.
"This is a diagnostic paper. It's not hard—it's just to check your foundation. Give it a try first."
Horikita's tone was cool, but not hostile.
The paper wasn't particularly difficult. Even so, Sudō struggled badly, managing only barely passing answers.
And Hikigaya… wasn't much better.
Once again, Horikita's sharp eyes radiated irritation.
"Calm down…" Hikigaya muttered under his breath as he felt the chill of her glare.
But just as she was about to lash out, Horikita caught herself. She took a deep breath, suppressing her instinct to insult them, and instead began carefully explaining their mistakes.
If anyone could improve quickly, it would be through science—especially for Sudō and his friends.
The first day of study sessions ended on an unexpectedly smooth note. Yamauchi and Ike left laughing, even remarking on the way out: "Horikita isn't as bad as she looks. Guess I misjudged her."
For Hikigaya, it was a relief. On the other side, Sudō and Horikita lingered, continuing to discuss questions. Though Sudō still barely understood, he was studying seriously for once.
Kushida also left after the session. Her smile never wavered, but it was clear she hadn't achieved what she wanted.
If things continued like this, Class D might actually manage. But whether Sudō and the others could pass before the midterms was another matter entirely.
Wait—pass?
Who determined what "passing" meant?
What score would qualify?
Normally, schools set a clear cut-off line. But at the Advanced Nurturing High School, could things really be that simple?
Hikigaya frowned. Ever since the previous points crisis, he knew better than to expect normal rules here.
He glanced sideways. Kamuro was still watching him. The moment their eyes met, she snapped her head away in panic.
"…Perhaps Sakayanagi would know," Hikigaya muttered.
With that, he returned to his dormitory. But the questions lingered, gnawing at him.
If he didn't figure out this school's true system, studying alone wouldn't save him.
He would always remain in a passive state.