The reverse pole contest was a breeze for the white group, consisting of Class B and Class C. After that came the girls' pitching contest. Ichinose and the others, who trained frequently, displayed overwhelming excellence. Then, the seniors' competition took place.
Hikigaya sat on a folding chair, observing people congratulating each other. Nobody mentioned the incident during the reverse pole contest. After all, Ryuuen's victory was almost too easy, and it seemed everyone was willing to overlook his questionable methods. It was understandable — people often chose to ignore things when it benefited them.
But even so, Hikigaya felt uneasy. As a social worker in Class B, his responsibility was to report anything noteworthy to the leader. Making decisions, however, was Ichinose's business.
With that thought in mind, he approached her.
"Ichinose."
"Ah?" Ichinose turned around, her expression slightly tense before softening. "Hikigaya, when you call out to me like that, it makes me nervous. Maybe try not to do that."
"Ah… Oh…" Hikigaya mumbled awkwardly. He wasn't good at striking up conversations, especially when there were so many people around. It felt embarrassing.
"Um, Ichinose, can I borrow some of your time?"
"Alright."
Ichinose briefly spoke to Okakura Asako and a few others before leading Hikigaya to a quiet corner of the Class B camp.
"So, Hikigaya, what's this about?"
"Did you watch the reverse pole contest just now?"
"I did." Ichinose nodded with a bright smile. "It seemed like a fierce competition, but thanks to Ryuuen's team, we won pretty easily."
"Fierce, huh..." Hikigaya muttered. "Actually, I saw Ryuuen and his team beating down — or more accurately, trampling on Sudou from Class D."
"Huh?"
Ichinose's smile faded, her brows knitting together as she considered his words. After a moment, she sighed, her voice complicated. "I had a feeling Ryuuen might use some dishonorable methods. So, Hikigaya, what do you intend to do?"
"Me?" Hikigaya was startled. Why was she putting this on him? She was the leader of Class B. "I can't do anything…" he replied indifferently.
The truth was, the white team's win was largely thanks to Ryuuen's performance. Hikigaya preferred not to interfere. After all, it wasn't his problem. If the school's fairness was at stake, he'd complain and criticize, but not now.
"I thought so." Ichinose nodded knowingly, her smile returning. "Then, if I asked you to testify for Class D, what would you say?"
"Sure." Hikigaya shrugged. Class B and Class D had a cooperative relationship, so he didn't mind helping out. Plus, the decision-making was Ichinose's job. As long as he did his part and didn't cause trouble, he was fine with it.
"Alright."
"Are you going to talk to Class D now?"
"Yes. We might as well go while the senior competition is still ongoing."
"Okay."
The two of them headed towards Class D's camp. Hikigaya glanced at the camp, where Sudou, Hirata, and others were arguing with a burly blonde-haired boy. The boy sat elegantly, looking into a mirror, clearly athletic and tall.
But Hikigaya couldn't recall seeing him in any of the previous events. Maybe he was just skipping the sports festival altogether. Class D really had all kinds of characters.
"Hirata-san," Ichinose called out as they approached.
"Ah, Ichinose-san, what brings you here?" Hirata greeted them with polite confusion.
"I'll get straight to the point since we're short on time." Ichinose gestured towards Hikigaya. "This is Hikigaya Hachiman from our class. He said he witnessed Ryuuen's team viciously trampling Sudou during the reverse pole contest."
Hirata's cheerful expression froze. "No, that's not true. Maybe Hikigaya just saw it wrong?"
"Um?" Hikigaya blinked, thrown off by Hirata's response. They were here to help him, so why was he denying it?
"No, Hirata-san, you misunderstood," Ichinose quickly explained. "If Class D needs it, we can testify for you."
"Eh?" Hirata's expression softened, but confusion still lingered. "But Class B and Class D are both in the white group. If we appeal, the school might cancel the results of the reverse pole contest. Why would you help us, Ichinose-san?"
"It's true we're on the same team," Ichinose replied. "But I can't just turn a blind eye to Ryuuen's underhanded methods. I want to win honestly."
Hikigaya scratched his head. Sorry, but he was fine with accepting the win however it came. He had no noble intentions of achieving victory through honor.
"As expected of you, Ichinose-san." Hirata smiled bitterly. "But we appreciate your kindness. However, this time we don't want to make a big deal out of it. We won't appeal to the school. Just accept the victory for the white team."
"Seriously?" Hikigaya couldn't believe what he was hearing. Class D was willing to swallow their pride and let Ryuuen's bullying slide?
Ichinose glanced at Sudou, who looked upset but ultimately resigned. "Alright. But if you ever change your mind, Hikigaya and I will be willing to help you."
"Thank you, Ichinose-san." Hirata bowed his head slightly, and the two of them left the Class D camp.
"Are we heading to Class C next?" Hikigaya asked.
"Yes. We should have enough time."
They arrived at the Class C camp. Ryuuen lounged casually with his group of boys. His sharp gaze landed on them, intrigued.
"Ah, Ichinose and… Hikigaya?" Ryuuen sneered. "Strange combination. What brings you here?"
"Ryuuen-san." Ichinose's smile was polite but firm. "You used unfair methods against Sudou from Class D. I'm here to advise you not to use such tactics again."
Ryuuen laughed. "Even if I did, what does it matter to you? You're on the same team."
"Because it's unfair. I will testify if necessary." Ichinose stated calmly.
"Testify, huh? Whatever. If it happens, we'll deal with the consequences." Ryuuen's mocking grin didn't falter as he turned away.
As they walked away, Hikigaya stared at Ichinose's back. Her kindness was genuine but almost self-destructive. Did she really believe she could lead Class B to Class A with that sort of idealism?
But that wasn't his problem. His only goal was to reach 20 million personal points. Whether Class B succeeded or not was irrelevant.
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