Chapter 162: Truly Good Books Don't Become Popular!
The Student Council transition ceremony went very smoothly, without any issues arising midway. Both the outgoing president, Horikita Manabu, and the incoming president, Nagumo Miyabi, seemed to have already anticipated the outcome.
With the school executive's reading of the announcement, Horikita Manabu once again stood on the stage, the focus of thousands of eyes, to deliver a speech on his year as Student Council President. Although he spoke passionately and with emotion, for Hikigaya, it was simply impossible to fight off the drowsiness.
Therefore, he didn't listen to any of it.
Next to step up was Nagumo Miyabi. He still held immense respect for Horikita Manabu, never denying the achievements Horikita had made for the school. It was just a pity that their philosophies differed, meaning the paths they took would ultimately diverge.
Therefore... after taking the microphone from Horikita Manabu, he simply bowed slightly, then walked towards the brightly lit stage. Now, illuminated by all the spotlights, he had clearly become the school's irreplaceable Student Council President.
After a year of hard work, he had finally climbed from Class B to Class A, completely taking control of the second year with one hand. And now, with the most excellent student in the school, Horikita Manabu, graduating, Nagumo has stepped into this position.
Perhaps, for him, this was the sweet reward after enduring bitter struggles.
"Hello to all students in the first, second, and third years. I am your new Student Council President, Nagumo Miyabi."
"I believe everyone has seen the merits of my predecessor, Horikita Manabu, as Student Council President. Because of him, our school has embarked on a steadily improving path, even cultivating many excellent students."
He smiled, his words casual and refined, praising Horikita Manabu's capabilities in every sentence.
Until...
"However, there is one thing that I absolutely cannot agree with my predecessor, Horikita Manabu."
In an instant, a heated discussion erupted from the audience. The third-year students were the loudest. After all, they felt that Horikita Manabu represented their prestige. To deny Horikita Manabu was equivalent to denying their entire grade. The second-year students were the quietest; they were presumably already familiar with Nagumo Miyabi's personality, and any dissent from a second-year student at this moment would surely lead to a "Nagumo-style" expulsion.
Even so, the bodies of Kiryūin Fūka, Asahina Nazuna, Kiriyama Ikuto, and a host of other second-year students subtly trembled.
Most of the first-year students were in a state of confused ignorance. Since they had not been at the school for long and were not entirely clear about the grudges between the second and third years or the conflict between Nagumo Miyabi and Horikita Manabu.
So...
Ike: "Seriously, how dare this guy deny the previous Student Council President? Is he crazy?"
Shinohara: "Riding on his recent success in becoming Student Council President, he immediately denies the previous one? I bet all his praise just now was just for this moment."
"..."
Classes A, B, C, and D all erupted in discussion. Although not as intense as the third years, most felt confused and perplexed.
And Hikigaya finally slowly opened his eyes.
The moment he had been waiting for was finally approaching.
He could have slept comfortably in his room like Kamuro Masumi, but if this person might become his enemy in the future, then no piece of information could be missed, this was always the foundation of Hikigaya's victories.
Nagumo Miyabi finally put on an arrogant expression and deliberately clapped the microphone. A harsh static noise instantly echoed through the entire gymnasium, immediately silencing everyone.
'He knows how to use tactics. As expected of the new Student Council President.'
Nagumo Miyabi did not rush to speak. Only after the noise completely subsided did he slowly lean close to the microphone, an arrogant smile on his face.
"Students, perhaps you have forgotten: What is the true purpose of this school?"
"I have never denied the merits of my senior, Horikita Manabu. It is merely that his year as Student Council President, this year of ease and comfort, is truly disheartening..."
Once again, aggressive expressions emerged from the people below.
"As a Student Council President, he granted all three grades such an easy-going environment. You must know that we are 'born from adversity and perish from comfort.' If this comfort continues, the number of useless people in this school will only increase, and the value of the reputation we gain here will significantly decrease."
"Don't forget, our school is founded on the principle of ability above all else."
"Therefore, starting next semester, starting from the moment I assume the role of Student Council President, I will introduce more inter-grade competitive exams. I will make the exams even more brutal, ensuring that only truly excellent and capable students are worthy of graduating from this school. I believe that people with ability will surely support this idea."
Nagumo Miyabi gently lowered the microphone. He did not bow or offer any further gestures, turning and returning backstage. The audience below was completely stunned. There was no applause, no further discussion; they merely stared blankly as he left.
This person intended to establish a truly ability-first school, and sitting on that throne of power would be himself.
Why the lack of discussion? Because for every subpar student, there is an excellent student. Nagumo Miyabi was only targeting those students who lacked ability yet continued to attend the school, not the excellent students themselves.
Therefore...
This speech was equivalent to a tranquilizer for the excellent students and a declaration of war for the subpar students. How things would develop in the future... even they could not know right now.
In fact, even now, division has begun. Everyone was unsure whether this proposal was good or bad, but deep down, everyone knew that starting next semester, the number of exams would likely increase, and inter-grade battles would certainly not be scarce.
Hikigaya took a deep breath. It was genuinely difficult for him not to internalize this. Despite being a 'subpar student' who just wanted to coast through three years, he was now being specifically targeted...
If he were to drop out, where else could he live?
He had no practical skills and no desire to work part-time. Compared to getting a month's living expenses with just a click of his fingers, Hikigaya simply couldn't imagine any other path.
The ensuing closing ceremony had no special moments. After the school leaders had finished their speeches, the second semester finally came to an end with Horikita Manabu's retirement.
Hikigaya had intended to leave immediately afterward, but he ran into an intellectual-looking boy wearing glasses and a purple-haired girl carrying documents.
"Congratulations on your retirement."
"You could say I've successfully completed the school's mission."
"That doesn't sound like the words of the former Student Council President."
"Oh? What do you think I should sound like?"
"At least a little more selfless, perhaps? After all, you must have faced many difficulties alone to allow the subpar students of all three grades to continue studying so peacefully here."
Tachibana Akane looked at Horikita Manabu with some concern, then looked at Hikigaya with disbelief. It was truly remarkable that Hikigaya could infer so much information from Nagumo Miyabi's brief remarks just now.
However, Horikita Manabu was not surprised at all; instead, he smiled faintly.
"I am not as selfless as you might imagine. Rather, I also have my own personal motivations."
Hikigaya immediately thought of Horikita Suzune. The misunderstanding between the two of them had been resolved long ago. Initially, Hikigaya had thought Horikita Manabu hated his sister, but that was not the case; it was precisely because he cared so much that he hoped she would not follow the same path he did.
'However, if this guy had long anticipated that his sister would follow in his footsteps, arrive at this school, be assigned to Class D, and then set a three-year plan in motion to ensure Class D could survive, then...'
Magnificent, no further words needed.
Horikita Suzune truly did not know how much her brother had done for her.
Horikita Manabu seemed to have seen the answer he wanted, smiling faintly once again.
Neither of them spoke their true thoughts out loud, but it was as if they knew everything. This was indeed the case, because if they were spoken, the essence of the issue would be corrupted.
Hikigaya: "I have to say, during your year in office, you made an impact not only for her (Horikita Suzune) but for many students. You can proudly say that you succeeded."
Horikita Manabu put on the same mocking expression Hikigaya had earlier: "That doesn't sound like something you would say. But, perhaps. Maybe you're right. My mission is over now. I'm actually quite looking forward to the sparks that will fly when you lead the subpar students of three grades against Nagumo Miyabi leading the excellent students of three grades."
Hikigaya: "Idiot, I would be instantly defeated. Besides, I'm not that amazing and don't possess that kind of leadership."
Horikita Manabu wore an expression that said, 'Don't make me expose you,' and Tachibana Akane instantly understood, handing a file to Horikita Manabu.
"Hikigaya Hachiman, birthday August 8th, Leo, age 17..."
"Are you taking a census!"
"Fine, then I'll say something you want to hear... Hikigaya Hachiman can call upon Student Council resources at any time, holds significant influence in his class, is the mastermind behind the backbones of the three classes, has a good relationship with Ichinose, can utilize Class B resources, has an agreement with Ryūen, generally avoiding conflict, and can utilize Class D personnel. He won the decisive battle against Sakayanagi and has her respect, is close with Kamuro Masumi, has the approval of Sudō Ken, and can also utilize Class A resources."
"Wait, wait, wait..."
Ignoring Hikigaya's attempt to interrupt him, Horikita Manabu continued: "In just two semesters, you've managed to make all four classes useful to you, and you did it all without anyone noticing. What difference is there between you and Nagumo Miyabi's dark rule?"
"Others might not know, but trying to fool me is a bit ridiculous, isn't it? And in my opinion, the class rankings for the first year are meaningless now. Perhaps Sakayanagi knows this, too, which is why she is no longer pursuing them."
Hikigaya: "I don't think I can use the power of all four classes whenever I want."
Horikita Manabu: "That's only because you haven't tried yet. When that day comes, you will naturally know how much power you possess."
Although Horikita Manabu said this, Hikigaya still found it hard to imagine that Ryūen would listen to him, or that silver-haired fairy (Sakayanagi), who would only constantly toy with him.
It was just polite talk. I should just listen casually.
Horikita Manabu didn't continue the discussion on this matter, shifting to a very natural expression, saying: "There is one more thing I need to ask of you."
"The esteemed former Student Council President actually needs help from a class-marginal character like me."
"This is something I truly cannot do myself, and aren't you being a bit deliberate by still calling yourself a marginal character?"
"Then... a grade-marginal character."
This was getting off track...
Horikita Manabu knew this guy was more than capable of trash talk, so he didn't bother wasting any more words and went straight to the point: "Suzune needs you to look after her."
'I haven't agreed to help you yet... and...'
Hearing the name Horikita Suzune made Hikigaya feel speechless.
"I mean, you, as her older brother, are only retiring, not dropping out. Wouldn't it be better if you handled this yourself?"
Horikita Manabu shook his head: "If I do it myself, she will never break away from her dependence on me. Moreover, I will be graduating in one semester. Regardless, I don't want her to continue pursuing my footsteps. Her life should have its own goals and aspirations."
'So I said it would be better if you told her that yourself...'
Without waiting for Hikigaya's agreement, Horikita Manabu entrusted this 'great responsibility' to him.
Hikigaya: "As expected of the Student Council President, always good at ordering people around."
Horikita Manabu smiled calmly: "I forgot to mention, while I don't want Suzune to continue following in my footsteps, using me as her goal, I actually hope to have a proper competition with you."
Hikigaya: "I don't want to."
"....."
The former Student Council President was speechless for the first time.
How many people pleaded with Horikita Manabu for a match, hoping to draw lessons from defeat? Even a complete loss would allow them to discover their shortcomings and the gap between themselves and Horikita Manabu. Horikita Manabu wouldn't even bother with the average person, yet this guy...
But, never mind.
If Hikigaya Hachiman wasn't like this, he wouldn't be himself.
While the two were talking, Horikita Suzune finally found her brother. After simply gathering her courage, she slowly approached their side.
"Suzune."
"Mhm..."
Hikigaya: "I swear, you two sound like strangers."
Horikita immediately gave Hikigaya a glare, then stood a little reservedly in front of her brother.
Horikita Manabu could only smile helplessly: "Suzune, you've made great progress."
Horikita Suzune was naturally happy inside, but she forcefully suppressed that feeling of excitement, continuing only with humility: "Compared to you, Brother, I still have a long way to go."
Horikita Manabu shook his head: "No, you shouldn't aim for me. You have your own life."
Suzune: "But... I..."
Horikita Manabu: "There are no 'buts.' Your life is full of various people. Since you've come to this school, observe closely the difference in this school."
'Honestly, two people who are too stubborn for their own good. Can't they just speak plainly... Do they have to be so cryptic.'
Thinking this, Hikigaya had no intention of continuing to listen to the siblings' conversation and simply left first.
[Yuigahama: "I feel like Hikki isn't qualified to say that!"]
[Iroha: "Right, right? For once, I think Yui-senpai is right. Senpai, your way of speaking is always like an old man's; it's completely incomprehensible. Yet you criticize others."]
[Yukinoshita: "Hmm... Hikigaya-kun does indeed have that problem. But since he's a person who can't even hold a normal conversation, it's already quite impressive that he speaks at all."]
[Hikigaya did not retort, only complaining internally: 'Hey, hey, Yukinoshita-san, you're just as bad.']
[Faced with Yukinoshita's routine toxic tongue, even Miura, who initially couldn't accept it, was slowly beginning to get used to it. It has to be said that Yukinoshita's skill in this area was truly... indescribable.]
[Yuigahama: "If Hikki could just speak a little more clearly and simply, then many things wouldn't be so troublesome."]
[Hikigaya: "Yuigahama, are you sure it's not because you failed to understand?"]
[Yuigahama was exasperated by Hikigaya's words, puffing up her cheeks, and for a moment was unable to retort. But what Hikki said actually held some truth...]
[Horikita: "Why does my brother like this person so much? I don't understand..."]
[Horikita Manabu saw, but he did not speak...]
[He didn't speak, and no one else spoke...]
[Nagumo Miyabi: "I don't understand either..."]
...
From now on, the students have officially entered the genuine holiday period. Although the spring break was relatively short, and due to the cold weather...
Most of the time would be spent in bed. Especially for Hikigaya, time spent in bed would be even greater.
He walked up to the vending machine. What was initially a difficult choice suddenly gained a mandatory option.
There, a MAX Coffee had suddenly appeared.
This was a type of coffee Hikigaya hadn't seen for more than half a year, yet it was suddenly here.
At that moment, Hikigaya's mood truly felt like a rollercoaster, instantly surging with excitement and passion.
He desperately wanted to know which highly perceptive individual at the school had such foresight as to add Hikigaya's necessity to the vending machine.
He realized that with this coffee, Hikigaya suddenly felt less tired, and his mind felt much clearer.
He sat on the long bench next to the vending machine, planning to finish this can first, and then use the points he had saved this year to buy all the remaining MAX Coffee and take it back to his room.
Of course, this was out of fear. Even a man as meticulous as him was afraid of the day the school might lose MAX Coffee again.
The cold weather, the howling wind, the monochromatic scenery, Hikigaya held the newly bought MAX Coffee in both hands, opening it with anticipation for a taste.
Yes, it was that familiar flavor. It was not only unbelievably sweet but also had a mellow richness of coffee.
Just as he was tasting it in this state of rapture, a white-haired girl with a large satchel also slowly arrived, stopping in front of the vending machine.
Shiina Hiyori...
The true brains of Class D now.
"Hikigaya-kun, what are you drinking?"
He hadn't expected this shy girl to strike up a conversation with him, but Hikigaya responded calmly: "It's a new item, MAX Coffee. It's truly delicious; the sweet milk and the mellow coffee aroma are perfectly blended. It's unforgettable..."
"Wow, I've never seen Hikigaya-kun say so much before..."
"Hey, hey, isn't the point of focus completely wrong?"
Hiyori covered her mouth and chuckled softly, then took out her phone and bought the same coffee as Hikigaya.
She sat down next to the boy as if it were natural, clearly not treating him as a stranger. Perhaps it was a case of like attracting like; Hikigaya didn't deliberately distance himself. After all, they weren't yet at the level of physical contact, and this distance felt just right.
Hiyori familiarly took out a book, opened the coffee, and quietly sat on the bench reading. The two of them didn't exchange any words, just sitting silently, continuing to sit.
Of course, passersby would inevitably cast strange looks. Leaving aside reading outside in the dead of winter, sitting here enduring the cold, they truly looked like a strange couple...
Hikigaya naturally noticed this, and Hiyori, being equally sensitive, also perceived Hikigaya's thoughts and the strange looks from the passersby.
But she didn't seem to care.
She struggled to pull a white-covered book from the pile in her large bag and handed it to Hikigaya.
"Here..."
"Oh, okay."
Hikigaya took it.
The name of the book was....
I, Hikigaya, Traverse the Universe
Hmm, a book that sounds very interesting just from the title.
Thus, a strange and unique sight suddenly appeared in a corner of the school. Both of them enjoyed reading, and this brought about significant mutual interest.
The book told the story of a person's experiences in different universes, their different growth experiences in each one, and finally the story of returning to their own universe and intertwining with others. Hiyori and Hikigaya, two people who would normally never initiate a conversation, passionately discussed the story within this book.
Perhaps this was the result of shared interests leading to social connection. Hikigaya finally understood how those who play games and those who like to play basketball managed to make so many friends.
Clearly, Hiyori in front of him was fully engaged, endlessly discussing her feelings and impressions of the book.
The summary could be boiled down to four major words: A Good Book Doesn't Get Popular!
(End of this chapter)