Chapter 33: Himeno Yuki's Massage

Early June.

Whether Ichinose used some special means or not remained unknown to Hikigaya, but the midterm exams were completed without incident. Class B had little to worry about when it came to academic performance.

Within the Harvest Clubs room...
"Wow, this is amazing!" Himeno clasped her hands behind her back, hopping lightly as she surveyed the computers, game consoles, and various gadgets strewn across the space.

"How on earth did you get all this stuff?" she exclaimed. The room was otherwise empty, leaving Hikigaya to wonder why she was here again.

"Why are you here again?" Hikigaya's face darkened as he sat at the table.

This was supposed to be his sanctuary—a boy's secret base, sacred and exclusive. It wasn't something he'd willingly share, even less so with someone as lively as Himeno Though Himeno didn't often seek company, her loner tendencies occasionally brought her wandering through Keyaki Mall. Yet, she rarely ventured into this space.

As for these things although its kinda easy to apply for a club. However, the club is expected to submit a yearly activity report to keep the club open. Hikigaya also learned the basic standards of all official sports club members are comparable to national-level athletes. In reality, he knows he cant achieve something of that level. So he just planned to use it for a year and then disband the Harvest Club.

"Don't forget," Himeno said, grinning mischievously, "I'm a member of the Harvest Club too."

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow. "So you're here to...?"

"Slack off, obviously," she replied with a shrug grinning at him.

"Slack off?" Hikigaya repeated, confused. "When have you ever been busy?"

Himeno tilted her head, her expression a mix of curiosity and disbelief. "Wait... don't tell me you've never checked the class group chat?" she asked after a pause.

Hikigaya froze. "Uh..."

"Figures," Himeno sighed. "You're always quiet there, but I know you joined. Honestly, don't you ever bother looking?"

His eyes darted away. Of course, he'd muted the group. The constant notifications were more nuisance than useful, and the conversations held little interest for him. But how did she know he was in the group? Could she be stalking him? The thought sent a chill down his spine.

"Why? Something important?" Hikigaya asked, eager to steer the conversation away.

"Sort of," Himeno said, settling into the seat across from him. "Don't you know? Our class had agreed to cooperate with Class D."

"...What?" Hikigaya blinked. Why he didnt know that.

"Yeah. There's been some incident between Class D and Class C—something violent, apparently. Ichinose wants us to help find witnesses." Himeno looks at him skeptically.

"Sounds just like Ichinose," Hikigaya said with a nod.

Even with people who had no direct connection to her, Ichinose would never hesitate to lend a hand. Her kindness was truly boundless. That said, Hikigaya had no intention of involving himself.

Himeno groaned and collapsed onto the table. "Do you have any idea how exhausting it is running around with Chihiro-chan and the others every day? I've been using the Harvest Club as a cover to escape when I can!"

"If it's so tiring, just refuse," Hikigaya suggested.

"You're the worst," Himeno shot back, sitting up to glare at him. "You know I can't say no, and you're rubbing it in on purpose!"

"So endure it, I guess?" Hikigaya shrugged, unapologetic.

"But seriously, are you okay slacking off like this?" she asked, glancing at the untouched treadmill in the corner. "I heard there's going to be some kind of outdoor exam during summer vacation. Are you prepared for that?"

"Outdoor exam?" Hikigaya raised an eyebrow. "Where'd you hear that?"

"From Ichinose, of course. Apparently, senior students mentioned it. This school has some pretty unique exams, and both academics and physical fitness play a big role."

"As expected of her," Hikigaya muttered.

If he could just stick close to her, getting promoted to Class A would be smooth sailing. Not that it mattered. He wasn't too concerned about physical fitness—househusbands didn't need to be particularly athletic.

"You really don't care, do you?" Himeno rolled her eyes and said with an exasperated sigh. This guy isnt taking this school seriously she thought. "But seriously, you're not going to help with the witness thing?"

"Not my problem," he replied bluntly. His apathy speaks volumes.

Himeno sighed, shaking her head in defeat. "I envy your carefree attitude sometimes."

"And I don`t envy people who know when to refuse," Hikigaya shot back, earning a sharp glare from her.

Himeno`s demeanor shifted suddenly. With a sweet but unsettling smile, she asked, "HI-KI-GA-YA-KUN, have you been sitting for too long? Should I give you a neck massage?"

"N-no need!" Hikigaya stammered, his composure breaking as she moved behind him. Before he could protest further, Himeno leaned forward like an assassin ready to kill its victim, her soft hands landed on his shoulders.

"Ah!" he yelped. "Surrender! I surrender!"

Himeno smirked triumphantly, her hands kneading his neck with surprising force. "You'd better start taking this school seriously," she said casually. "If you flunk out, I'll lose my convenient shield."

"Understood! You dont have to remind me geez," Hikigaya groaned, vowing internally to at least improve his physical fitness enough to stay out of trouble. That, however, did little to alleviate the discomfort of Himeno`s relentless "massage."