After school.
Before heading to the study session, Hikigaya dropped by the Martial Arts Club to explain the situation and request to postpone today's training.
Muto, the club president, nodded in understanding. After all, he'd been around long enough to know how this crazy school operated.
"Sometimes, the real test isn't found in the textbooks…"
He said it in a tone that carried more weight than it seemed.
Hikigaya blinked, pausing for a moment before nodding earnestly.
"I get it. Thanks, Muto."
"Ha~ What are you thanking me for? I was just talking nonsense."
Muto laughed it off and left it at that.
On his way out, Hikigaya happened to run into Ibuki Mio, who was arriving for practice.
"Hikigaya? You're leaving early today?"
After training together for over a month, Ibuki had grown used to his company.
Hikigaya briefly explained that he had a study group to attend.
"Ah, so that's why…"
"Heh~ So you need tutoring, huh? Guess your grades aren't that great after all."
Ibuki smirked teasingly, assuming he was one of the "slow learners" getting remedial help.
Then she made a suggestion.
"How about you study with me instead?"
"With you…?"
Hikigaya instinctively leaned back, as if dodging a punch.
"Hey! What's with that look?"
Ibuki's brow twitched.
"No offense, Ibuki," Hikigaya said flatly, "but the idea of you being an honor student just doesn't match your… adorably dense personality."
"You—! What are you saying!"
She stomped her foot in frustration, though she couldn't actually deny it.
"Anyway," Hikigaya continued, "I'm being tutored by one of the top students in my class. You could join us if you want."
"By the way, Shiina's a straight-A genius and a total beauty~"
Ibuki proudly puffed up her chest as she introduced her best friend.
"Sounds impressive," Hikigaya said, genuinely surprised.
Though he wasn't talking about her grades — more like the fact that someone as stubborn as Ibuki managed to have a friend at all. That Shiina girl must be a very kind, patient soul.
"Hey! Don't you dare try anything with Shiina!"
Ibuki suddenly shot him a suspicious glare.
"What the—?" Hikigaya groaned. "I haven't even met her!"
He let out an exasperated sigh, half amused, half resigned.
"Anyway, I'll pass. There are still a few decent students in Class D, you know."
Hearing that, Ibuki didn't insist further. She simply crossed her arms and huffed.
"Fine. But if you bomb the midterms and get expelled, I'll be laughing at you for the rest of my life!"
***
Location: Library lounge.
A quick glance told Hikigaya that nearly half of Class D had shown up.
That was thanks to the combined star power of Yosuke Hirata and Kikyo Kushida — when those two attended, everyone else followed like moths to a flame.
Seriously, are these people here to study or to gawk at pretty faces?
"Hikki~ Over here!"
From a quiet corner away from the crowd, Haruka Hasebe waved at him cheerfully.
Next to her, Airi Sakura nervously raised a hand and gave a timid little wave.
"Sorry, club business ran a bit long," Hikigaya said as he sat down, feeling several stares from the surrounding students.
"Alright then, let's get star—"
"Wait, wait! We need to set the mood first!"
Hasebe interrupted him, standing up from her seat.
"I'll grab some drinks. What do you two want?"
"I-I'm fine…" Sakura stammered, waving her hands quickly.
"Airi wants strawberry milk tea," Hasebe replied with a teasing grin before she could object.
Ignoring the flustered protests, she turned to Hikigaya.
"And you, Hikki?"
"Americano. Two and a half packets of sugar. Thanks."
"Ohhh~ So you've got a sweet tooth. Info +1~"
Hasebe pointed playfully at him, smiling mischievously.
"Even if you say that, it's not exactly valuable intel," Hikigaya replied, deadpan.
"You never know~"
She winked, then lightly patted Sakura's shoulder.
"Good luck, Airi!"
"E-eh? G-Good luck for what…?"
Sakura ducked her head, pretending not to understand — though the pink tint on her ears betrayed her flustered mood.
This girl…
Is she just here to stir up chaos?
Hikigaya watched as the blue-haired troublemaker skipped off, leaving him alone with Sakura.
The silence that followed was… thick.
This is awkward.
What do you even talk about when you're alone with a girl again?
He racked his brain, drawing on his extremely limited experience:
Experience 1: Talked about literature with Horikita Suzune.
Experience 2: Talked about martial arts with Ibuki Mio.
…Neither fit the situation.
Before he realized it, his mind wandered back to a dream he once had.
"Um… Sakura, do you like photography?"
The moment he asked, Sakura's eyes lit up like a camera flash.
"Y-Yes! I mean, yes!"
She nodded quickly, her voice filled with sudden enthusiasm.
Whoa, that much energy?
"D-Do you like photography too, Hikigaya?"
"I dabble," he replied casually. "I know a thing or two about it."
"That's not true!" she said, eyes sparkling. "Asahina-senpai from the Photography Club told me your shots are as good as professional photographers!"
Her tone carried a hint of admiration.
Then, for a fleeting second, a wild thought crossed her mind — what if she asked Hikigaya to take photos of her?
But she quickly shook it off. No way! If he found out I'm 'Shizuku,' my secret would be exposed!
She pressed her lips together, caught in a silent struggle.
Hikigaya noticed her unease but wisely chose not to pry. Instead, he changed the topic.
"Sakura, mind showing me your grades?"
"Ah…"
Instantly, her expression dimmed. She lowered her head and pulled a crumpled test report from her bag, handing it to him with an apologetic face.
Japanese: 30, Math: 35, English: 48, Science: 34, Social Studies: 29.
Two subjects below passing.
"Got it," Hikigaya said after a moment, taking a slow breath.
Fortunately, his strengths were in Japanese and Social Studies — exactly the areas she struggled with.
"Don't worry. Liberal arts scores can improve fast."
Still, she kept her head down, clearly lacking confidence. Without thinking, Hikigaya reached out and gently patted her head.
"I'll make sure you pass the exam."
"!!!"
"???"
Feeling the soft strands of her hair under his hand, Hikigaya froze.
Wait wait wait—what the hell are you doing, Hikigaya Hachiman?!
"S-sorry! Seriously, I'm so sorry!"
He snatched his hand back like it was on fire.
"U-um…"
Sakura clasped her head with both hands, feeling the lingering warmth where he touched her. In a barely audible whisper, she said:
"I… actually don't mind…"
It was the most honest thought she'd had in a long time — and it even surprised her.
Not long ago, she'd been stalked by obsessive fans, leaving her terrified of men.
Since enrolling here, she'd purposely dressed dowdy to hide her looks — a disguise that worked well, keeping unwanted attention at bay.
And yet, the very first day, he saw right through her.
For some reason, the moment brought to mind a line from Utada Hikaru's "Spring Encounter":
♪ In the crowd of strangers, I saw you once… ♪
***
Will update again in the afternoon, after work ✌️