After two long weeks, the students finally had their cell phones returned to them. Judging by the relieved smiles spreading across their faces, you'd think they'd been handed the keys to paradise. In this modern age, smartphones aren't just conveniences - they're absolute necessities, as vital to daily life as oxygen.
The luxury cruise ship cut gracefully through the open sea, ready to provide these weary students with a well-deserved summer vacation.
They could splash around in the pool to their hearts' content. They could indulge in gourmet feasts fit for royalty. They could have heartfelt conversations with loved ones on the deck overlooking the boundless ocean.
While they couldn't go completely wild, a little carefree fun wouldn't hurt anyone.
Now then - within reasonable limits and proper decorum - let the week-long cruise festivities begin.
....
August 4th - The Day After the Uninhabited Island Exam
For the next week until August 10th, the students would enjoy their holiday aboard the luxury cruise ship.
The vessel boasted every imaginable amenity - swimming pools, a fitness gym, a movie theater, a spa, concert halls, observation decks with panoramic baths, shopping areas, café terraces, and various dining establishments.
But before indulging in these long-awaited pleasures on this first day, my first stop after leaving my cabin was the infirmary. The reason? To visit Komiya, who'd been forced to withdraw from the exam due to an unexpected accident.
"Sorry for making you come see me like this."
Lying in bed, Komiya welcomed me with those words.
"Don't worry about it. You look well - that's what matters. Here, it's nothing special but..."
I handed him a plastic bag containing drinks I'd bought from a vending machine.
"Whoa~! Cola and cider too? You're a lifesaver, Hikigaya! With this leg, I can't exactly go walking around yet."
His leg injury appeared serious - the limb was firmly immobilized. He probably couldn't even make it to a vending machine in this state. His face lit up as he checked the bag's contents.
"By the way, I passed Ryuuen earlier - did he say anything to you?"
"Huh? Oh yeah, Ryuuen actually came to visit me too. See that fruit basket over there? He brought it."
Ryuuen paying a visit? That was unusual. Then Komiya's expression clouded slightly.
"Though... it's kinda worrying."
"Worrying? How so?"
"Well, Ryuuen seemed dead set on finding out who pushed me. Kept asking if I remembered anything."
The perpetrator's identity remained a complete mystery, but with the class competition reaching its climax - and the possibility of White Room students being involved - this wasn't something we should delve into deeply.
"Oh yeah! I heard about you and Ryuuen! Second place with 300 class points, right?"
"Yeah, though Kouenji took first."
"But the rewards were basically the same! Seriously amazing, Hikigaya and Ryuuen! Just two guys dominating the exam - you're like the ultimate tag team!"
Komiya said this excitedly, but it was unlikely Ryuuen and I would team up again. Neither of us wanted that.
"Everyone who's visited says the same thing - with you and Ryuuen, A-Class isn't just a dream anymore!"
This exam undoubtedly increased support for Ryuuen, though some students still opposed him.
"At this rate, we might actually reach A-Class next exam, right? We're so close now!"
"It's still uncertain, but the possibility exists."
"Hell yeah!"
The uninhabited island exam had caused massive fluctuations. With such drastic point changes, class standings shifted dramatically.
Current Class Points as of August:
Sakayanagi's Class A: 1242 points
Ryuuen's Class B: 1129 points
Horikita's Class C: 585 points
Ichinose's Class D: 581 points
The biggest change was between Ichinose and Horikita's classes. Thanks to Kouenji's performance earning 300 class points, Horikita's class had narrowly advanced to C-Class. While still far behind, they were gradually climbing toward A-Class.
As for our Class B, we were now within striking distance of Class A. Overtaking them in the next exam was entirely plausible.
"Can't afford to laze around. Gotta heal this leg fast so I can contribute in the next exam."
Tapping his immobilized leg, Komiya made his renewed determination clear.
......
After finishing my visit with Komiya and leaving the infirmary, my phone buzzed with a notification - the detailed results of the uninhabited island exam were now available. Since only the top and bottom groups had been announced earlier, this would undoubtedly interest many students.
Personally, I needed to review them carefully to plan my next moves.
As I pondered this, something collided with my back.
"Whoa—... Hiyori?"
"Good morning, Hachiman-kun."
When I turned around, Hiyori seemed to hesitate for a moment before throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.
"Quite the affectionate mood for morning."
"We've been apart for so long, my life force is depleted. I'm suffering from acute Hachimanium deficiency."
"Don't just invent new elements."
"It's an essential nutrient for my survival!"
Well, it had been a while since we'd seen each other. After yesterday's results announcement, I'd immediately returned to my room, so we hadn't met. Must have been tough for the clingy Hiyori.
"Incidentally, I can absorb Hachimanium more efficiently if you pat my head."
Hiyori glanced up at me through her lashes. Complying with her request, I gently rested my hand on her silky hair. Her locks were incredibly soft and pleasant to touch. She closed her eyes contentedly under my ministrations.
"You're really adorable."
"...Eh?"
Hiyori's eyes flew open in surprise at my words.
"What's wrong?"
"I-It's just... you don't usually say things like that..."
"I'm just stating facts. You're always cute, but the expressions you show when we're alone are especially charming."
Hiyori's gaze darted away shyly, though she couldn't hide her pleased smile.
"Your hair is beautiful too - so smooth to touch."
"Th-Thank you..."
"Every little mannerism of yours is captivating. Your cooking's delicious too - I'm always grateful."
"I-I should be the one thanking—"
"Your skin's as fair and flawless as a whitefish's. I probably shouldn't say this, but I always look forward to touching you."
"S-Stop it...!"
"The way you rush over whenever you spot me is endearing too. You're reserved in public, but when we're alone you always—"
"I said stop!!"
Finally overwhelmed, Hiyori clapped both hands over my mouth to silence me.
"What? I'm just telling the truth."
"The t-truth...! I'm happy but please no more! If you keep going, I might... I might just..."
Her face burning crimson, Hiyori spun around to face the opposite direction. As she took deep breaths to compose herself, I wrapped an arm around her shoulder from behind and whispered near her ear:
"You're adorable, Hiyori."
"Eeek!!"
The squeak that escaped her was downright precious. Hiyori jumped like a startled cat, hands flying to cover her ears.
"See you later. I'm going to check the exam rankings now."
Leaving the dizzy, flustered Hiyori behind, I headed off with those words.
.......
As expected, the lounge near the gym where the exam results were displayed was packed with students. Next to the monitors, a prominent sign read "STRICTLY NO PHOTOGRAPHY", with teachers keeping a watchful eye.
'Hey, isn't that...'
'Yeah, from Ryuuen's group.'
"..."
Since arriving, I'd been the target of stares from every student in the vicinity. Their gazes were a mix of curiosity and scrutiny—like they were examining some strange specimen.
The downside of placing second in the island exam. Though the group was named "Ryuuen Group", the fact that it only had two members meant my name had spread across the entire school. With OAA, they could even see my face. Staying under the radar was practically impossible now.
"Maybe I'll check later."
There was no chance of reviewing the results in peace right now, and I could always look them up afterward. Being gawked at wasn't exactly pleasant anyway.
As I turned to leave, I heard quick footsteps approaching from behind.
"Hikigaya, got a minute?"
It was Katsuragi from my class. If he'd followed me, he must have been in that crowd earlier.
"Here to check the results too, Katsuragi?"
"That was the plan, but it doesn't look like I'll get a proper look anytime soon."
"Same. So, what do you need?"
Katsuragi tapped on his phone, and a notification instantly appeared on mine.
"The 100,000 points I borrowed last month. Consider them repaid."
"...This is 10,000 extra."
Sure enough, my screen showed 110,000 points transferred.
"Call it gratitude. Frankly, thanks to you, I got through last month without much strain. Take it as a token of appreciation."
"If you say so. But are you sure you can spare the points?"
"No issue. Thanks to you and Ryuuen placing, our class points rose. Plus, my group ranked in the top 30%, so we got rewards too."
Katsuragi's group—the well-balanced four-man team led by Ishizaki. I hadn't expected them to rank that high.
"Hikigaya, what do you think about our class's current state?"
The sudden question made me turn back to him.
"Meaning?"
"While your and Ryuuen's results have visibly boosted our class points, to maintain this momentum, we still need—"
"Katsuragi."
I cut him off mid-sentence.
"I respect your dedication to the class, but you should try enjoying school life a little more."
"...Enjoying?"
"Yeah. You're so cautious you neglect having fun. Rest when you need to, play when you can. I'm sure Ishizaki's invited you out by now?"
This exam should have expanded Katsuragi's social circle.
"...Actually, Ishizaki and Yamada did ask me to a movie."
"We're on a luxury cruise. Every now and then, act like a high schooler and do what you want. Forget about the class."
Even the most diligent need breaks.
No one can function on work alone forever.
Katsuragi fell silent for a moment before nodding slowly.
"'Forget about the class'... I'm not sure if that's the right approach, but I see your point."
He pulled out his phone, likely messaging Ishizaki to accept the invitation.
With nothing left to discuss, I resumed walking.
.....
The days on the uninhabited island had dragged on endlessly for most students, yet aboard this luxury cruise, time flashed by like lightning.
Now on the second day of festivities,
with fatigue finally wearing off, the ship's corridors bustled with students fully embracing their vacation. Amidst the crowd, I headed to a convenience stall for lunch, aiming to claim some random bench by the poolside.
"Oh? If it isn't Hikigaya, the second-place finisher of the island exam."
The voice came diagonally ahead. Turning, I saw Kiryuin lounging on a beach chair in her swimsuit, watching me.
"That's an odd way to greet someone."
"I was curious about your newfound fame. That one remark just made half the pool area look our way. Quite the celebrity now, aren't you?"
A quick glance confirmed her words—students were indeed stealing cautious glances in our direction.
"Just novelty. It'll fade."
"Heh. Hard to believe that's coming from the man who overtook the student council president for second place."
Kiryuin took a sip from her glass before beckoning me closer. "Come here. Must be awkward talking like this. There's space beside me."
"Don't mind if I do."
I accepted, settling into the adjacent chair.
"Mind if we delve into something... sensitive?"
"And that would be?"
"Let me preface—this stays between us. I have no intention of spreading it."
Her seating arrangement wasn't just courtesy; she clearly wanted privacy.
"I know what you and Ayanokouji were doing on the final day."
The confrontation with Tsukishiro, no doubt.
"...Is that so."
"Barely a reaction. You could stand to be more surprised."
"I am. But if you planned to expose us, you'd have done so already. Plus, you just promised discretion."
"Should I take that as trust?"
"More like reading your character."
Kiryuin chuckled at that, clearly amused.
"Why were you at I2? That wasn't a standard designated area."
"Same reason as you—curiosity about Ayanokouji. I considered intervening when things looked dire, but you beat me to it."
"Glad it was you who saw us."
"In three years of indulging my freedom here, you're the first to intrigue me this much, Hikigaya."
To most, our actions would seem aberrant. But to Kiryuin, they'd sparked a chemical reaction of fascination.
She then did the unexpected—rising from her chair only to perch lightly on the armrest of mine.
"Aren't you crossing personal space boundaries, senpai?"
The proximity was borderline intimate, and with her in a swimsuit, I desperately needed somewhere else to look.
"True, even I find this distance excessive."
"Then maybe adjust it?"
"Logically, yes. But subjectively, I don't mind closing the gap with you. Quite the cognitive dissonance."
She shifted further, her hips now grazing my knees as she stared me down.
"Speaking of which, I owe you a reward."
"!"
Here it comes.
Not that I'd been anticipating it. This was merely a byproduct—a serendipitous bargain from the exam.
"As declared, you dethroned Nagumo for second place. Name your wish—anything goes."
Had the phrase "anything" ever been so tantalizing?
Kiryuin traced a finger along my neckline.
"Well? Don't hold back. I've been told I have admirable proportions, should you wish to explore—"
"Yeah, no. That's off the table."
"Why? Mutual attraction between consenting adults is hardly scandalous."
That's... not the issue here.
"Rest assured, you'd be my first. No other man has ever caught my interest."
"Please spare me the unsolicited confessions."
"How stubborn. Most men would've folded instantly. Then again, your abnormality is what draws me in."
Even by my irregular standards, this situation was decidedly not normal.
Regardless, I needed to decide my request.
"...There is one thing."
"Do tell."
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity—or was I imagining it?
(...Come to think of it, there's something endearing about older beauties getting excited.)
"Lately, I've been curious about cosplay."
"Oh? You want me to cosplay?"
"Not a demand. I wouldn't impose my whims on you."
This was purely academic interest. A refusal wouldn't faze me.
"Heh. It'd be my debut, but knowing you'd be the audience... I'm game."
"Wait, seriously?"
I'd fully expected this to backfire.
"Of course. I did promise anything. Consider my cosplay something to anticipate."
"...I'll look forward to it."
Damn. Her acceptance left no room to backtrack.
"Well, I should probably—"
Hunger beckoned, so I made to leave.
Until—
"Ghk—!"
I may have emitted the dumbest sound of my life.
Kiryuin had yanked my hand against her chest, forcing me to grope her.
"Mph!... Fascinating. A novel sensation."
The sheer volume I'd observed paled in comparison to the pliancy engulfing my fingers. The swimsuit's thin fabric offered negligible barrier—my only prior reference being Matsushita, yet the difference was staggering.
"...The hell was that?"
Despite Kiryuin's provocative murmur, I recoiled instantly.
"Consider it a bonus. Granting your wish alone seemed lackluster."
"So you had me... fondle you?!"
"Heh. Care to review your experience?"
"Hard pass."
"Pity."
Her smirk remained unshaken.
Most girls would recoil from such contact—was Kiryuin an exception?
Wait, come to think of it, Hiyori and Matsushita also...
"Ah, one last thing, Hikigaya."
As I turned to leave, Kiryuin's voice halted me.
"Since the exam ended, Nagumo's been eyeing you differently. Can't decipher his intent, but stay wary."
With that parting advice, I nodded and took my leave.
.....
On the luxury cruise, leaving one's room after 10 PM was strictly prohibited. Naturally, I had no intention of breaking rules, so I'd planned to return to my cabin by around 9 PM.
But then, a message arrived.
Stepping out into the night breeze, I made my way to the central deck in response to the summons.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Ah, n-no, it's fine! I'm the one who called you out so suddenly..."
The one who'd summoned me here was third-year student Asahina. She greeted me with a smile, though her slightly flushed face betrayed her nervousness.
"So, why did you call me out here?"
I could guess, but asked anyway—just in case I was wrong.
"W-well... I was wondering... when we'd go on our date?"
The shyness in her voice confirmed my suspicions.
"My apologies. I should've been more specific when inviting you."
"Eh? N-no, it's fine! If anything, I'm sorry! We could've settled this over messages, but I wanted to decide in person..."
Ah, so that was why she'd called me here—to finalize plans face-to-face.
"Then what should we do? My schedule's open, so I'll adjust to yours, Asahina-senpai."
"Really? Then how about tomorr—"
Mid-sentence, Asahina suddenly clamped both hands over her mouth in panic.
"N-not tomorrow! The day after! Let's do it the day after!"
Her rushed correction surprised me, but since I had no objections, I nodded. The day after tomorrow—that would be the fourth day.
"Do you have plans tomorrow?"
Her urgency suggested something important might be scheduled.
After a brief internal struggle, Asahina seemed to decide on answering.
"D-don't laugh, okay?"
"I won't."
She fidgeted, her lips pursed hesitantly.
"...I want to prepare properly for the date. You know, like spa treatments... they take time..."
"...That's all?"
"T-that's all?! This is the most important thing for a girl, you know!"
Puffing her cheeks, Asahina leaned forward indignantly—but when I placed a hand on her head and gently stroked her hair, her anger dissipated instantly.
"Sorry, that was thoughtless of me."
"Geez... you're so cheeky."
Despite her words, she made no move to stop the head pats.
"Found you. Hikigaya."
Just as I was wondering when to stop, a figure emerged from the far end of the deck.
"Masamune...? Why are you here?"
Asahina narrowed her eyes at the sudden appearance of Nagumo, who merely smirked.
"Some unfinished business. With Hikigaya."
"It can wait, can't it? ...You're ruining the moment. Worst timing."
Though Asahina's grumble was barely audible, Nagumo continued approaching.
"Nazuna, I need to talk to Hikigaya alone. Step aside."
"Hah? That's not fair. I was with him first."
"Too bad. This isn't negotiable. I've been searching for him all day."
Searching for me all day? An odd choice of words.
"Asahina-senpai, let's call it for tonight. I'll look forward to our date the day after tomorrow."
"...If you say so. See you then!"
Reluctantly, Asahina conceded, waving as she retreated into the ship.
Now, only Nagumo and I remained on the deck.
"You mentioned searching for me all day. What did you mean by that?"
Given Nagumo's influence, he could've easily had other third-years locate me. That he'd chosen to search personally was... peculiar.
After a scrutinizing glare, Nagumo began.
"On the final day of the island exam, I was knocked out for reasons unknown."
"...I see."
I know. I'd witnessed him unconscious on my way to I2.
"Hikigaya, here's what I want to know about that time."
"What about it?"
"When I came to, someone had laid out bedding beneath me. There was even a damp towel on my forehead."
His eyes sharpened, locking onto mine.
"At first, I didn't know who did it. But during my blackout, I had faint awareness. ...It was you, wasn't it? You treated me."
"Well, yes."
Upon finding Nagumo unconscious, I'd had no intention of reviving him—but I had provided basic care. Using a tent sheet as a makeshift mat and a water-soaked towel for his forehead.
"Why? Helping me gains you nothing."
"This wasn't about gain. The treatment was rudimentary at best."
Nagumo studied me silently, seemingly concluding I spoke truthfully. Roughly running a hand through his hair, he averted his gaze.
"Whatever. Thanks, I guess. Saved me from waking up sore."
Lying on hard ground would have left him aching.
"Don't mention it."
At my dismissive response, Nagumo fidgeted before speaking again, his tone oddly detached.
"Heard you went out to eat with Horikita-senpai."
"Eh? Well, yes, but..."
Where is this going?
Nagumo's face twisted with something like embarrassment as he looked away.
"...Then next time, you're having a meal with me."
"——Hah?"
What kind of logic is that?
My voice cracked from sheer bewilderment.
"Wait, why?"
"Just do it. No ulterior motives—just sharing a meal."
"Uh... sure, I guess."
Given how the exam had thrust me into the spotlight, a bit more attention hardly mattered now.
"You agreed. No backing out. I'll contact you!"
"I said okay."
His aggressive leaning-in felt... different from Asahina's approach. Hers was preferable.
"Don't play dumb when the day comes."
"I'll be there."
I just said I would!
"...That's all. Sorry for the trouble."
Having said his piece, Nagumo turned to leave—then suddenly spun back around.
"Don't forget our promise! Absolutely!!!"
For the last time, I'm going!
How many confirmations do you need?!
This exchange repeated three more times before finally ending.
=================================
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