CHAPTER II

…

…

Kawasaki Saki now found herself in front of a familiar face - an old friend of hers. If she could still consider him a friend after everything that had happened, she inwardly corrected herself. They both sat in a booth across from each other in the restaurant, right beside the window. The place was located down Kaigan-dori freeway, in Takeshiba overlooking the pier. In an hour the resto would close up anyways, and she was in no mood for dinner. She started in a cool voice. "You wanna tell me what this is all about now?"

"It's nice to see you here. I'm glad you responded to the invitation."

"Well, I figured it might be another sit-down. So?" She asked.

Hachiman had a soft look on his face. He seemed solemn. "Again, I'd like to apologize for everything that happened…"

"Don't. Just, don't." Kawasaki slowly shook her head, furrowing her eyebrows. She crossed her arms. "I didn't come here for this. Let's just get this over with so I can go back to work," she muttered. She went all the way from Kanagawa, where she'd been taking some time to get her mind off things, not to cry over spilt milk.

Hachiman cleared his throat. He began straight to the point. "We're expanding into Tokyo city. After the collapse of the Inagawa-kai, large swathes of territory remain without proper order. Hanzo insisted on taking over some of the gambling operations and bootlegging businesses in the area. I have no interest in dabbling with business that is none of mine, but there are people who are willing to align with us, although at the moment we're short on reliable associates." He then said quietly, "I want to offer you a position in managing a place near the bayside. You may take your friends along also if you wish."

Kawasaki Saki merely pursed her lips, skeptical. She said, "I don't see why you'd put such an amount of trust in me, after all that's happened. What's the catch?"

Hachiman shrugged. "Do you accept the offer?" He asked.

After a moment, Kawasaki tilted her head and smiled a bit. "How could I ever refuse you, boss?"

Hachiman immediately chalked it up to her being sarcastic. He sighed. "If only you knew. It's a wretched life at the top - no," he corrected himself, "I'm not even there yet and I don't desire it. I could never get no peace."

She took a sip from the cold iced tea on the table. The two shared a minute in silence, and then Kawasaki spoke again. There were still questions begging for clear answers in her mind. "How in the hell did you end up on this side of things anyways?"

"It's a long story."

"You can start telling it now."

Hachiman smiled quietly. "Another time," he said. "If you were wondering, it was Hanzo who was the start of it all. As you know, we went down our separate paths. I see that time has brought us back together again."

Hanzo entered the room, grinning. He was wearing a proper dress shirt and waistcoat as if he'd just come from the union gathering. Upon seeing Kawasaki Saki at the table, he was a bit surprised. He approached her amicably. "Hi there, Kawasaki-chan. Long time no see."

Kawasaki was not overjoyed. "Yeah, indeed. You hadn't showed up since, what? Two years?" She said with a glower.

"Look, I was busy."

"You men are always busy. Couldn't even keep in touch with me for a moment. You're a bit of a douche for that, y'know?" Kawasaki stared at him pointedly. Hanzo chuckled gingerly, scratching his head. "That's the same nonsense Hachiman was saying."

"Oh no, but him - Hikio was being antipathetic. He's shy towards you, that's what, and for no good reason at all!" Hanzo protested, deflecting the attention towards his friend.

"OK. I admit that I may have been insensitive- " Hachiman was cut off.

Kawasaki laughed incredulously. "So you have?" She mused.

"But I'm making progress… with myself." Hachiman added quietly.

Hanzo burst out into a chuckle. "You heard that? Hachiman is a changed man!" He snickered. Kawasaki joined him with an amused look. To Hachiman's expense, the atmosphere between the three gradually lightened. After a while, Hachiman watched as Hanzo and Kawasaki slowly warmed up to each other. They had worked together from way back, still remembering the time he spent with them at the Angel's Ladder café. They'd been the best of friends, until graduation forced them apart. Inwardly, Hachiman was glad to see them reunite.

Hanzo and Kawasaki shared a brief embrace. "It's good to have you back," he smiled at her. "I'm sorry about what happened..."

"What happened then was all… something we didn't intend. Let's just not bring it up again," Kawasaki replied somberly.

It would still take time for recent wounds to heal, especially those held so close to the heart. Kawasaki needed time to grieve the loss of a dear friend of hers. Hanzo understood this. He cleared his throat and tried to change the subject. He still remembered the times when he and Hachiman would look out for Kawasaki Saki's siblings while she went on an errand. It unnerved him when he realized that he couldn't remember their names clearly.

Still, Hanzo was curious. "How's your little siblings?" He asked.

"They're doing fine. Taishi-kun's in his first year of college now, and Keika-chan starts high school soon. I have to work extra to keep them in school, but that's alright," Kawasaki said. She reckoned that this new job Hachiman talked of would solve her financial concerns for the time being, but only that. She decided not to mention the other problems she was facing at home.

"Look here, if you need a hand we'll help you out. Hikio can take care of Taishi's and Keika's tuition fees. We're all friends here, so we'll help each other out in any way," Hanzo said politely.

Kawasaki was appreciative of his gesture, but shook her head. "You're too nice. But I think you underestimate me too much." Kawasaki turned to Hachiman. "Listen, since you already gave me this job I'll still owe you one, so don't guilt-trip me any more. I'll return the favor in time."

Hachiman raised his hands to insist, but she shushed him. "Alright," he finally said.

Kawasaki then explained that she and her class were graduating a year in advance, having completed the curriculum earlier than their peers. Hachiman was surprised by this. It meant that Kawasaki was pretty much set with an accredited diploma - and sooner at that. It was indeed possible to accomplish college in less than four years, though these were mostly particular circumstances. He wondered if the case was the same with his class back in Chiba.

In contrast, he still had one more year to go. Hachiman thought of the irony - why the hell was he even paying attention for an accredited diploma? It wasn't like he would live that long and make full use of it. Regardless, he'd do it. Most of his peers at the cabstand and his crew at The RePublic all had the whole day to go about their business and duties. His crew were running the rackets and operations for him back in Chiba. Those were their objectives - currently, his was getting that coveted diploma from the Lyceum. If it was that important, maybe it would have a use, perhaps in improving his credit with the legitimate world. Otherwise it would also be humorous if the headlines told of a promising, supposedly law-abiding graduate who turned out to be a notorious crime boss.

Hachiman continued. "Since we're setting up shop in Tokyo, we're about to run into some issues first. The biggest might be the fact that the Diet is pushing a new law to prohibit the sales of booze and cigarettes and stuff even more. And it's not even an outright ban at all - unless you go through hell and high water to get a certified reseller's permit, you can't sell the goods in your own shop anymore."

Hanzo joined in. "It's coming into full effect this summer. They keep talking about it on the news. The PSIA actually goes to storm your place and confiscate fuck-all, it's unbelievable."

"It's obvious that it's just another scheme to make rich people even richer. I mean, the new prohibition law pretty much eliminates every other competition in the alcohol and tobacco market and wipes out the small-scale distributors in the country. This means only the big corporations have monopoly over this sort of business. The revenue goes straight into the businessmen's pockets."

Kawasaki hummed thoughtfully, after listening to the two. "It's just like a repeat of the Prohibition era in the U.S., isn't it?" She said quietly.

Hachiman glanced at her, eyebrows raised. "Yes," he answered, "that's right. You know history well, huh. Except this time, it's a pretext for a monopoly."

"And you want to go against it?"

"I am simply concerned for the welfare of our friends," he said. "Some of the other families depend on reselling alcohol, imported wines, whiskey, cigarettes, the like for a livelihood. I'm no economist, but this is of my concern. I suspect that the Prohibition isn't going to affect just that, but you give it some time and then every other product is going to get monopolized." Hachiman needed to figure out how to insulate their wholesaling and smuggling business in the bayside. Hanzo Ieyori revealed that the police rounds and inspections were becoming severely thorough, and fines for illegal distribution of goods were doubled during the month.

Through the course of their discussion, the topic changed slightly. "I don't know about you, but if I were to legalize a drug, it sure wouldn't have been alcohol," Hanzo interjected. He appeared to be completely adamant with his notion. "Sorry. There's better drugs out there and better drugs for people. I mean, hell. I don't risk a car crash or a barroom brawl when I'm smoking pot, because it's scientifically impossible. You get into a car accident, what, you're only going five, six miles an hour? Imagine getting rear-ended by a blasted trucker!" he insisted.

Hachiman cast a sidelong glance at him. "Hanzo-kun, I appreciate your insights. Damn it, why don't we have more of this kind of guy in R&D and politics?" Hachiman said out loud, dripping sarcasm.

"You had better put off your nasty habit. Have you?" Kawasaki perused suspiciously.

"I did," Hanzo said. When he saw that the two still remained dubious of him, he sighed. "Hey, I'm not mad! It doesn't make me any worse than anyone else, and that's a fact. Fact, Hikio. Stop debating about it."

Hachiman rubbed his eyes in irritation. "You dope!" He chided.

"Fine," Hanzo sighed. He was reminded of another pressing affair that needs to be settled. "The retinue is going to discuss this in the next meeting," he told him. The latter gave it some thought and agreed.

Hachiman then brought another subject up. "Also, do you remember Tobe?"

"Yeah, Tobe. I remember him." Hanzo recalled one of their friends from way back, involved as an accomplice in a particularly devilish job they recklessly took up.

"His cousin happens to be in our class. His name is Ryuuen. I found out as soon as I checked the surnames."

"Ah, what a jolly coincidence!"

"Not so. The guy is something of a pompous prick. He's currently the self-proclaimed king of Fourth Class."

"Is he giving you problems?" Hanzo asked patiently.

Hachiman shook his head. "Nothing I'm too bothered with. I sent Tobe to talk some sense into the guy. Would be a shame if Ryuuen doesn't straighten up, because I don't think he's aware we're purging Minato of its wayward street gangs. But that's not the most important thing. I've also found another relative of the Sieyes."

"No! For real?" Hanzo was astonished. "Who?"

"A certain Mr. Albert Yamada. At first I had no idea and mistook him for a Frenchman, but the similarities were too uncanny. It was by a stroke of fortune that I'd run into him, because now Mikaeru will be pleased. We can take him in. On the other hand, I'll be able to remove him from Ryuuen's influences and turn him over to my side, so even better."

Kawasaki had been listening for a while, and briefly spoke. "From what I've heard, the Minato Lyceum is notorious for having a hundred percent employment rate but somewhat of a savage competency, expelling students every month and then. Even worse if you're at the bottom classes, which if I'm not mistaken Hachiman, you're currently in?"

"Honestly, it could be worse," Hachiman shrugged. "I could find myself there without the connections and leverage I have now, and I'll have no way to do myself favors."

"True. You've got to have something to show for when you get into a university. I managed to get myself into the Martial Arts varsity before I went to Narashino, and that's how come they handed me a scholarship. Everybody knows that being a sports player quickly puts you on the list," Kawasaki said lightly.

Hachiman then suddenly thought, perhaps it was the reason why he got accepted up at the Lyceum in Class IV only, even barely. He didn't write himself as a varsity member - not even specializing in any sports at all. He wasn't keen on sports anyways. Still, that may possibly be one of the vague, determining factors in the Minato Lyceum that wasn't stated clearly.

Hanzo seemed content by now. "Well you finish up now and get that bloody diploma, so I can boast that my brother has a PhD in… what's that again? Languages? Ah, how lame!" He jeered, but Hachiman was unamused. "Anyway, we have something to deal with back in Chiba. Miura-sama and I crossed paths yesterday and she asked me to bring you next time. Somethin' about facing off with another rich family involved with the municipality. You think the old woman is planning a coup-de-tah or some?"

"It's 'coup d'etat', Hanzo, and no. But I think I know what this is all about. I think she's making a move to oust one of the mayor's friends out of their ivory tower. You watch and see. I'll be sure to call Miura-sama regarding that." Hachiman fished out his watch from his pocket and looked it over. It wasn't nearly past nine yet, though he decided to hit the sack earlier to get some much-needed rest. "Yeah, I've got to go. I still have to attend the Lyceum tomorrow," he said, before parting ways with Hanzo and Kawasaki.

…

Hachiman silently traipsed the campus of the Minato Lyceum. He'd arrived at an unusually early hour, when the sky was still dim and blue and the corridors and classrooms were empty, save for a few early arrivals already inside. He could hear voices echoing from the cavernous gym just a few blocks down the path he'd just come up from. Varsity members and athletes always got up at five o' clock and went straight to practice. Hachiman was impressed by this discipline. He wondered how good the Lyceum basketball team or baseball team were compared to the rivaling institutions in Tokyo. In the summer, there were always the famous playoffs between Keio and Waseda University.

It was often a lucrative scheme, if they successfully got into it. The last time, Hachiman had rigged and organized bets on the baseball playoffs between the Lotte Marines and Seibu Lions in Chiba, and it raked in several hundred thousand yen every game. It was much more difficult to line up bookmakers to bet on college basketball games, but they were just as great. People loved gambling on sports. Hachiman pondered the feasibility of running another scheme in the Lyceum, involving the varsity teams. But the Chiba Outfit didn't have great success the last time they tried to infiltrate the Keio and Waseda playoffs, which Hachiman blamed was largely due to the fact that their bookmakers had horrible negotiation skills. This time with him directing the scheme, it couldn't possibly fail.

Then again, there were thorns to his side that were already posting annoyances to him. Hachiman was still in Class IV, the lowest category in the Senior year. He wasn't exactly in a peak position to make moves. There was also the brief debacle that unfolded yesterday between him and a certain delinquent in his class. Hachiman decided on waiting for Ryuuen Kakeru to fall in place first, as the class wasn't cohesive enough at the moment. He did not plan on handling order in the class and becoming a representative of sorts himself; Hachiman had better things to do than play as the class president. Hachiman had asked Tobe Kakeru to straighten his cousin out, as Ryuuen Kakeru did not need to end up as another problematic factor to his plans.

What happened yesterday would definitely spark commotion if anyone from his class caught wind of it. Hachiman sighed. He would try to skirt and avoid associating with anyone else for now. Maybe he would talk to that cousin of the Sieyes again. Ryuuen would likely not bother him anytime soon.

Hachiman continued to walk along, surveying the campus, eventually stopping near a wall. He'd reached the very corner of the westernmost side of the entire campus. He could hear the streets just over the six foot tall red brick façade. Did students really use to scale over walls like these when they went and cut classes? Hachiman never tried that before, nor plotted to. He was currently behind an empty four-storey building which was still in the process of being furnished. There were no other students around, he noted. Almost out of habit, his hand snuck under his coat and fished out a pack of cigarettes.

He still needed to figure out what Kawasaki had said about this school having "savage competencies". It entailed a lot of rather concerning things. Hachiman had struck a match and was in the process of puffing his cigarette when he was startled by a voice.

"Hey you! What do you think you're doing?!"

Hachiman turned his head around, slowly. Somehow he wasn't relieved that it was just a student that had spotted him. His back was now facing the wall.

Hachiman stared at the female student. She had long brown hair loosely tied at the end and chocolate-hued eyes. She had a sweet face but she was not at all fooling around, Hachiman noted. A bright yellow student officer's armband was attached to her right sleeve. She'd definitely write him down on that clipboard she was holding, and it was instant trouble for him. He started in a low voice.

"Excuse me?"

"Smoking is not allowed on campus. Don't you know that? That's bad for your health, you might develop a destructive addiction, and it's a serious offense." The girl stated confidently, giving him a serious look.

"You are on point." Hachiman shrugged, relaxing a bit. He pocketed his hands and leaned on the wall. "So what?"

"What do you mean 'so what'?!"

"What are you gonna do to me?"

"I-I will report you for your severe violation of the rules and regulations of this school, you…"

The girl finally stuttered a bit, as she realized the student in front of him was a stranger. He didn't wear any ID though he was dressed properly according to the regulations. She furrowed her eyebrows and held the clipboard in her arms closer to her chest.

She questioned him in a rather demanding manner. "What is your name? Tell me."

"Little miss, don't you know it's only courteous to introduce yourself first?"

Hachiman's response made her eyebrows furrow even more. She sighed and answered begrudgingly. "My name is Miko Iino, Disciplinary Officer of the Student Council. Now, you tell me yours."

"Hikigaya Hachiman," he replied. "I'm from Fourth Class."

"Very well. What should I do to you, now that you've committed a serious offense?"

"Hmm… well how about you just forget about this and leave me alone?" He deadpanned.

Miko Iino was astonished. "Pardon me?!" She snapped. Just how blunt could this guy be? "I just told you that you've committed a serious offense! It's a breach of orderly conduct! It's- it's a…"

"It's just a cigarette," Hachiman said coolly, puffing away, which provoked the student officer even more. "What's the matter with you? You've a problem?" He said it with a smug look.

"As a matter of fact, I do!" She retorted pointedly.

"Well then, little miss if it bothers you that I smoke, I recommend you taking a good look around the world in which we live and… shutting you fucking mouth."

Miko Iino had heard enough. "Oh, this is unbelievable!" She blurted out, turning red with indignation. She marched towards and seized Hachiman by his arm. "Y-You… you're coming with me! And you're just a fourth-class student, you didn't even bow respectfully to me! Is this how you always act, rude and uncooperative? You've gone far enough, and this offense will not go unpunished by the Student Council!"

He continued to watch her with a blank look. Miko was now struggling to make him move, but Hachiman was rooted in his place. Her valiant efforts to move someone two heads taller than her amused him. Did she plan on pulling him all the way to the Student Council office? Hachiman chuckled.

"Oi. Little miss, do you remember my name?"

She paused. Miko was now steamed. "W-Well, you're not remembering mine either! I am not a 'little miss'! My name is Miko Iino!" She glared up at him.

Hachiman now stepped forward. This made Miko flinch a bit and loosen her hold slightly. She was suddenly apprehensive. "OK, Miko," He spoke gently. "Here's what's going to happen. You and I walk away from this peacefully and without hassle and forget about it. After all, this is my first mistake so why don't you be a sweetie and let me go?"

Miko shook her head. "I-I can't allow that." She continued. "Who do you think you are? You can't just get away with breaking the rules."

"Oh, spare me the moral outrage, officer. Are you always such a pain in the ass?"

"It's my duty to keep my fellow students in line… and that includes you. No exceptions."

What kind of girl does rounds around a huge campus anyhow? Hachiman thought. The girl must've been trailing him like some jaded cop. She was his junior even. He'd rarely come across someone with so much commitment to their duties, even if it meant giving other people a hard time.

In fact, Miko Iino was one of the youngest members of the Student Council, bearing the responsibility of keeping fellow students in line and making sure that the regulations were respected. Being a constant part of the Public Morals Committee in the Lyceum doesn't exactly translate into popularity among her peers. She lost the student elections again and again due to her nature. Nevertheless, it did not discourage her from fulfilling her duties. Both her parents were always away from home due to work; her father was a judge in the Supreme Court and her mother was a philanthropist - a United Nations speaker. The way she saw it, there were too many bad people in the world, that it cost her precious time and attention from her family.

Hachiman held down his cigarette and said, "Miko, rules will always be broken and there's nothing you can do about it. That's just life - call it the constant entropy of things. The more you try to keep the order, the more chaos ensues. It doesn't matter what you do."

"That's an awfully rotten way to look at things, Hikigaya-san." Miko stared back at him, unfazed. "People like you are hazards to society."

"You are too harsh." Hachiman looked down at her, a bit contemptuously. "People like you are a nuisance, a nosy pest that sticks themselves into other people's business. You'll see. Even your friends will hate you if you keep being nosy," he said.

This had the sudden effect of stopping her momentarily. Miko looked crestfallen for a second, her eyes losing some of its gleam as she became quiet. Hachiman felt that he may have been too harsh on her.

"I know." Miko looked up at him. She smiled again. "Everybody hates me, I know that. But it's my duty as a Disciplinary Officer, and even if it means being ridiculed and despised by delinquents like you, it's okay. Because who else is going to set things right if everyone has the same mind as you? That's why… I'm like this. I'm sorry."

Hachiman noticed the hint of sadness and hurt in her voice. He slowly looked for words to say.

"You don't have to be sorry about anything," he muttered. "You're a good person, Miko. I don't see why you shouldn't do what you do if you're really convinced it's the right thing. Forget about those other people - in fact, don't pay attention to people like me." He then added with a small smile, "I like that about you."

Miko jumped back in surprise. "P-Pardon?!" She whirled around to hide her embarrassment.

"One more thing, I'm not a delinquent," Hachiman said behind her. "I'll see you around, officer."

Miko then realized what had just happened. She whirled around, only to see Hachiman slip away around a corner and disappear. She was furious. "Hey! Don't think you've gotten away from me, you!" She pouted helplessly, having been outsmarted by that rogue of a student.

...

The number of students from Class IV that actually show up during lectures surprised him.

Hachiman knew that college students were given a high degree of freedom when it came to managing their time; they got to make their own schedules, and choose when and what lectures to attend. There were subjects that were technically considered mandatory of course, such as mathematics and arts and literature, but at the Minato Lyceum it didn't seem the case at all - in his class at least. The few truly competent students in Class IV made good efforts to learn and study for the formative tests, but the majority were a different story. Not even a week in, Hachiman counted some of his classmates cutting classes and even outright not attending homeroom.

It wasn't his problem of course. Hachiman couldn't care less with what people chose to do with their time. Though he was slightly concerned for the general performance of the class. It was this sort of ineptitude and incompetence that put them all in Class IV. If they didn't change soon, it would be extremely difficult to turn things around after the first semester.

Hachiman had formulated a schedule for himself already. Wednesday was the day when he went on with his jobs. Every other day, he attended lectures on arithmetics, economics and most importantly, literature. He still needed to work on his English skills. Along the way, he'd also study history and arts - he didn't need to be accused of being uncultured. Everyone at those repulsive, elitist clubs that he attended occasionally during business matters were ostensibly well-versed in all things renowned. He would not allow himself to be at a disadvantage, so that day he decided to pay a visit at the school library.

The place itself was magnificent, and possessed hundreds of shelves. There were encyclopedias, biographies, memoirs and every other sort of informative work. Otherwise, there were also magazines and almanacs displayed near the librarian's desk. There were very few people at this time, as most of the students were having their lunch and there were no more lectures to his class for the rest of the day. Hachiman roamed around quietly, laying his eyes on the rows of volumes he passed by.

He stopped when he came across a cart down the aisle. There was a sizable stack of books loaded on it. Someone had probably taken it out, but was too lazy or stupid to rearrange it in the proper order, Hachiman seethed. He walked over and picked out a book at random. He opened it somewhere in the middle. It wasn't one that was published in Japanese, though he could read it easily - the chapter discussed something about western politics.

It wouldn't be a bad read. Hachiman propped the book open on one hand, and began sorting through the stack at the same time. He perused the book while he put the others back up on the shelf. He might've been doing this for a while, as someone passed by his vicinity and walked closer.

"May I help you?"

"Ah, of course please."

Hachiman put up a small smile of relief. He quickly recognized the student as the same girl from the train a few days ago. The acquaintance of a certain delinquent. It was a peculiar match he didn't forget easily. She was Hiyori Shiina, one of the more reserved and amicable girls in his class.

Hiyori Shiina gladly assisted in picking up the books, sorting them, and tucked them into their respective places on the shelves. She asked, "are you by chance a member of the Literature club in school?"

Hachiman shook his head. "Just doing my time here at the library."

"Do you work here part-time, or something like that?"

"Something like that," he said.

"That's nice," Hiyori giggled.

After they had finished putting up all the books from the cart, Hachiman turned towards Hiyori. "Thank you, really. I wouldn't know what I'd do if you hadn't shown up," he said sweetly.

Hiyori was flattered. "Don't mention it," she smiled. As Hachiman began to turn away, she called him. "Wait… what did you say your name was?"

Hiyori might've stumbled clumsily with her words, as she immediately felt awkward afterwards. Her cheeks turned pink and she chuckled sheepishly. But Hachiman answered gently. "I didn't say, but it's Hikigaya."

"Oh. My name is Shiina… Shiina Hiyori."

"It's a pleasure to be acquainted with you, Shiina-san."

"Where are you from?"

"I came over from Chiba," Hachiman replied. "Just decided to come here, to the big city."

Hiyori parted her lips, and her eyebrows rose up. "I'm from Shibuya district… but I have relatives in Chiba. My auntie probably still lives in the city."

"You don't say? Funny I haven't seen you around before."

"I don't visit often," she mumbled softly. "What kind of books do you read?"

"It depends," he said.

"Depends on what?"

"On my mood of course. But I guess I'll say, I enjoy reading the classics. And historical novels."

"Do you happen to know the author, madam Dorothy Sayers?"

Hachiman searched the back of his mind. He definitely saw a novel by said author in a bookstore he visited before. "'A Mysterious Death'?" He tried.

"Yes, that's one of her works!" Hiyori said excitedly. "You read it?"

"Skimmed through it, once, and it's good. I liked the suspense attached to it."

This was a lie. Hachiman simply threw a vague reply for the sake of making the conversation progress faster - something everyone does all the time, he thought. If Hiyori decided to pursue and question him further, he would just have to redirect the conversation with a little interjection. However he decided to later skim through the said novel, just in case, to back his claim. Thankfully she did not continue.

She said, "I hope you don't mind me… I'm sorry, I must be bothering you with my talking."

"No, not at all!"

"I was meaning to ask you a question, see..."

"Well, what is it?"

"It's about Ryuuen-san. I don't mean to assume, but did you two get into a quarrel?"

"You saw the thing back there, in the corridor?"

Hiyori nodded. Hachiman furrowed his eyebrows. He said, "it wasn't a quarrel, but you'd certainly be led to think that it was."

"Please don't mind him. Ryuuen-san is just like that," she laughed guiltily. "That's just his nature. But don't let that intimidate you, he's my friend. Ryuuen-san was a loyal member of our class last year."

Hachiman nodded, smiling. "Kakeru-san is a smart fellow. We have a lot of things in common, so I'm sure we could work things out," he said.

Just then, they were made aware of the approach of two more people. Hiyori san was both surprised and delighted. She welcomed the newcomers. "Ayanokoji-kun, Kei-chan!" she walked up to meet the female student. "I didn't expect to see you here, Kei-chan."

Hachiman watched curiously. The two girls naturally struck up a bond in earnest, in the manner that was so typical of riajuus, he noted. The blonde-haired one named Kei easily reminded him of a certain fiery queen he knew well. Kei Karuizawa had come along with a seemingly well-behaved student. Hachiman became even more intrigued.

There were no introductions between the two, unsurprisingly as the two seemed to be cut from the same cloth. Both of them, Ayanokouji and Hachiman, were reserved, introverted and detached from social interactions. While he stood still, the two girls apparently forgot about them for the moment. Maybe, Hachiman thought, the guy was a loner as well. They exchanged silent glances.

"I see you were placed in Fourth Class."

"So you did."

"Have you crossed paths with Kakeru-san already?"

Hachiman replied in a low voice. "How would you know that?"

Ayanokouji shrugged. "Everybody knows who he is, and what he's like."

"I see."

"You do not agree with how he treats Fourth Class, do you?"

"I have no opinion of him."

"And of the rest?"

Hachiman threw a sidelong glance at him, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Frankly, I don't care neither."

"I understand," Ayanokouji said tonelessly. "If Kakeru-san keeps this up, he will first be expelled within the next few months. It's obvious that the majority of Fourth Class are willing to oust him. All that's needed is one little push."

"I see," Hachiman quietly said again.

Their prompt conversation was over. Small talks were off the table for the likes of them. Ayanokouji walked back towards Kei Karuizawa, who was by now overwhelming Hiyori with her cheerfulness. Hachiman simply stood back, observing them.

"Hiyori-chan, wanna come with us? We're going to the mall today, it'll be fun," Kei enthused.

Hiyori seemed indecisive. "A-Ah, well… um, I think I'll..."

"What's the matter?" Kei wondered. Being a highly popular persona in her class, usually her peers didn't refuse her. Her eyes slowly pointed towards Hachiman, and she hummed skeptically. "Ne, what're you standing there for? Oh, nevermind. Hiyori-chan you can bring your boyfriend along if you wanna~."

"Pass." Hachiman said flatly. Hiyori flushed red upon this.

"I knew you'd say that!" Kei giggled. "Y'know, Kiyo, you two seem really alike!" She nudged the guy beside her.

Hachiman and Ayanokouji both shrugged simultaneously.

"Well, next time Hiyori-chan."

"Yes, I'll come along next time. Sorry!" Hiyori smiled sheepishly. She turned around but to her surprise, he was gone.

Hachiman had promptly strolled out of the library. He had a silent, apathetic look on but was meditating inside. He recognized that student. It was the same guy from his first visit to the Lyceum. Ayanokouji Kiyotaka - he obviously wasn't from Class III. Hachiman already did his own investigations of the neighboring class. That left the possibility that he was of either Second, or First Class.

But that wasn't very important. Hachiman perused in his mind what Ayanokouji Kiyotaka had just told him. He already knew everything Ayanokouji had said - it was apparent from the start. Class IV didn't exactly love Ryuuen as their supreme leader. What intrigued him rather was what Ayanokouji was implying. At that moment, Hachiman immediately became soft-spoken, inwardly sensing something afoot with the mysterious student. Hachiman, not trusting of anyone else, would not give any more hints away unnecessarily.

Class IV would certainly oust Ryuuen if they unanimously decided on it. The previous classes he was in could've done it a long time ago even. But they didn't. Unless, as Ayanokouji said, someone stepped in.

Hachiman could easily take Ryuuen Kakeru out of the equation, but he didn't need to. He had the liberty of making do with diplomacy from a position of power, if not at least outside of the classrooms. Besides, Ryuuen was more useful around than not. Hachiman recognized potential when he saw it - Ryuuen was simply not some minor pawn in the big picture. Going back, he thought, it almost seemed as if this Ayanokouji Kiyotaka would find it beneficial - most likely for himself - if Ryuuen was indeed expelled.

"Wait, wait, wait!"

Hachiman looked around. Hiyori had run after him, and was catching her breath. He looked at her curiously. "I thought you were with them?"

"What? Oh no, I wasn't. I thought you were standing by for me, so I..." She stammered nervously.

"Well, you should've gone with your friends," he said. Hiyori noticed Hachiman busy himself with something from the pocket of his blue overcoat. It was a pocketbook of sorts.

"What's that?" Hiyori asked, wide-eyed.

Hachiman stared at her. "Grocery list," he said nonchalantly, and showed a page to her. True enough, there were twelve items enlisted. "I'll go now. Be well."

"C-Can I go with you? I happen to have a couple of things to pick up from the supermarket as well," she said gingerly.

Hachiman narrowed his eyes, but ultimately relented. "Okay."

Hiyori Shiina was relieved. She picked her pace up and the two walked in relative silence, until Hachiman said something. "Shiina-san," he said.

"Huh?"

He seemed to pause and think for a moment. He shook his head. "I think you may be able to help me out with something, concerning our class. Besides, you're a friend of Kakeru-san, correct?" Hiyori nodded.

"Sure! I'll be happy to help you out. If I can," she added, blushing a bit. Hachiman kept forward, nodding to himself already.