"You bastard teacher, you tricked me."
Hikigaya's eyes were filled with resentment.
What does it mean to drive someone to anger? The first part of that sentence was unnecessary, but the second part was even worse—it was painfully accurate.
"Hikigaya."
Ichinose looked at him curiously. "What do you know?"
There was no way he could hide it now. He had some guesses, and even if he didn't want to say them out loud, he had already drawn some conclusions.
"Actually..."
Feeling the eyes of everyone on him, Hikigaya stood up and took a deep breath.
"This school isn't designed to cultivate outstanding students. Instead, it's a city of sin, a place meant to turn us into social drones!"
Silence.
It was over. He had accidentally voiced his true thoughts.
"Uh..."
Class B students looked stunned, their words stuck in their throats. Out of the corner of his eye, Hikigaya noticed that Juke, from the next class over, was suppressing a laugh.
"Ahem."
Hikigaya coughed twice to hide his embarrassment. "Class B is indeed filled with competent students, but there's still a gap between them and actual working adults."
He continued, "For example, whether you show proper respect to teachers and elders, how you address them, and whether you're polite to Keyaki staff."
"I feel—just feel—that this is where the gap lies."
He glanced at Juke again and added, "There's also something to be said about self-discipline."
Class B was definitely capable. However, considering how Juke often talked about throwing parties, it was clear that they still had a child's mindset.
After all, they were still high school students.
And yet, the school was dead set on turning them into corporate slaves. If that wasn't a crime, then what was?
"That's true..."
Ichinose thought for a moment and nodded before giving Hikigaya a bright smile. "As expected of you, Hikigaya. You're really observant."
"It's nothing."
Feeling a little embarrassed, Hikigaya sat back down, only to notice Kanzaki frowning at him from across the room.
What's with this guy?
Was he unhappy with him? Had the hero of Class B gone completely dark?
"Then, about class..."
There was one thing he didn't dare say out loud.
The biggest problem was Hoshinomiya-sensei.
If the school encouraged competition, then it was likely that teachers had their own incentives or bonuses for pushing their students forward.
However, in all this time, Hoshinomiya-sensei showed zero motivation to advance Class B to Class A. In fact, it felt like Class B was the one taking care of their unreliable teacher.
She was probably the reason so many points were lost.
Like earlier, when the students greeted her. Not raising their hands? That alone was enough to dock points.
But could anyone say Ichinose and her class were at fault?
No.
So most of the blame should go to Hoshinomiya-sensei.
Seriously.
Hoshinomiya-sensei, please apologize to hardworking teachers everywhere!
After School
"Hikigaya."
Ichinose approached him with her usual bright energy. "We're planning to hold a study session together. Want to join?"
"No, I'm fine studying alone."
Seeing her look a little disappointed, Hikigaya gave her a small smile. "I work more efficiently that way."
"Alright, then I'm relieved."
Ichinose smiled again. "If you ever need help, just ask, okay? See you tomorrow!"
"Yeah."
Hikigaya nodded and watched her leave.
It wasn't a lie—he was the type who worked better alone.
Besides, who could focus on studying while surrounded by Ichinose's group?
More importantly...
Class B was already academically strong.
Even if they didn't do anything special, they would still perform well. Holding study sessions almost felt redundant.
And anyway...
There was something far more important to do today.
Dormitory
Hikigaya finished his shower, changed into fresh clothes, and styled his hair with some wax.
He even lit a stick of incense worth a hundred dollars.
If you're wondering why...
Because today was the day of the MAX Coffee god's descent!
At exactly six o'clock, the truck carrying the divine nectar would arrive at school. The sacred light of MAX Coffee would shine upon this forsaken city of sin.
The devoted corporate slaves would finally receive the god's blessings.
Sure, it was a little late.
But to welcome the God of MAX Coffee, one needed to have a sense of ritual.
8:00 PM - The Heretic's Trial
Hikigaya walked downstairs, confident that two hours was enough for the staff to stock the vending machines.
If they hadn't finished yet, he'd file a complaint.
Neglecting the coffee god was an unforgivable crime!
As he reached the vending machines, he noticed a guy in a burgundy uniform picking up a drink.
Something about the green pants facing him looked oddly familiar.
Ayanokouji's pupils shrank.
He felt an immediate sense of danger.
Someone had approached within three steps of him without his knowledge.
There should only be one person capable of doing that!
Quickly standing up, Ayanokouji turned to look behind him.
Sure enough—he found himself staring at a lunatic dressed in a weird, over-the-top way.
After a moment's hesitation, Ayanokouji nodded slightly.
Over time, because they lived in the same dormitory, they had become used to running into each other.
It was a weird, unspoken agreement.
Normally, they would nod and go their separate ways.
But today was different.
Hikigaya's gaze softened when he saw the yellow-and-black can in Ayanokouji's hand.
It was MAX Coffee.
This guy...
Was actually a comrade.
Hikigaya had assumed Ayanokouji was a psychopath, but now it seemed he was actually a good guy.
"Do you... like MAX Coffee too?"
Hikigaya asked, his voice filled with genuine warmth.
Now that he thought about it, he didn't even know the guy's full name.
As fellow believers of MAX Coffee, wasn't that a bit rude?
Ayanokouji stiffened.
Then, his eyes sharpened.
In all this time, he had assumed Hikigaya was just a weirdo.
But this?
This was too much.
His outfit. His sudden speech. His intense gaze.
Was this a pickup line?
Too dangerous.
"...No, I don't like it."
Without hesitation, Ayanokouji dropped the MAX Coffee can on the ground and quickly turned to leave.
No.
This guy was way too dangerous.
Hikigaya froze.
HERESY.
Unforgivable!
But then he looked at the fallen MAX Coffee can.
Oh.
A free can.
Profit.
He picked it up, pulled the tab, and took a sip.
The thick condensed milk and overwhelming sweetness flooded his taste buds.
It was pure bliss.
"...I'm alive again."
Feeling renewed, Hikigaya's senses sharpened.
And then—
A familiar voice caught his attention.
"My clumsy sister will only bring shame to me. If you understand, then leave quickly."
...Huh?
Who the hell was still here at this hour?
Curious, Hikigaya walked towards the dormitory corner.
(End of Chapter)
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