Chapter 38: A Traitor Among Class B
As they continued, Ichinose occasionally brushed aside the foliage, glancing back at Hikigaya. "Hey, Hikigaya, have you found out anything new?" Ichinose urged.
"No..." Hikigaya started, but an unsettling sensation washed over him.
Despite the group's overall competence, their attention to detail appeared to be lacking. Perhaps he had noticed something that the others had missed.
Hikigaya moved closer to Kanzaki and whispered, "I can't help but wonder if this island might actually be artificial."
"Eh? What do you mean by that?" Ichinose inquired, turning her attention toward him.
Surprised by how close she was, Hikigaya cleared his throat lightly to hide his flustered demeanor. "Look at the ground," he explained. "We should be here for the first time, yet there are faint traces of footprints. They're somewhat obscured, but definitely present."
"Do you think they were left by staff or previous exam candidates?" Ichinose speculated. "Since this is a test, the school must have stocked parts of the island with supplies. Otherwise, 300 points wouldn't last. It would render the exam meaningless if students couldn't survive."
"Exactly," Hikigaya nodded in agreement. "The school wouldn't spend resources on a one-time-use island. It's likely been utilized and refurbished multiple times. Who knows? There could even be something useful left behind by former graduates."
"I see," Ichinose said, her eyes brightening with understanding. "Hikigaya-kun, information like this is crucial. Please share it upfront next time, alright? Waiting to explain it later might create an awkward situation." she ended with a pout on her face.
"Understood..." Hikigaya replied.
He couldn't shake the thought that some classmates might perceive him as trying to act superior. But who wouldn't notice such an obvious Cabin? He had assumed there was a reason no one was using it—living in such a structure had its drawbacks.
"Next, we should head that way," Hikigaya suggested, pointing ahead. "Can I leave the leading to you?"
"Whatever," Kanzaki responded curtly.
Hikigaya sighed internally. He mustve been irritated that I sacrificed him from Ichinose earlier, then again, he was accustomed to being disliked. Without making any further comments, he positioned himself at the back of the group. The island itself is not big, its impossible to get lost during daylight, at least thats what he thought. He let Ichinose and Kanzaki lead he already pointed where the cabin was. So it`s best to let them lead, after all those two are better than him.
As they moved forward, Ichinose turned to Kanzaki. "Don't you think you're being a bit too harsh on Hikigaya?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Kanzaki exhaled and glanced discreetly at Hikigaya before replying. "You've noticed it too—Hikigaya is undeniably strong. His first instinct is always to face problems alone."
"That mindset reveals someone who sees themselves as superior to us or hes just independent," Kanzaki continued. "He believes he can handle everything on his own. It also suggests that he doesn't see us as companions, nor does he view himself as part of Class B."
Ichinose frowned. "But he is part of the class. He has contributed, hasn't he? From the beginning of the term until now—especially with the cabin just now—his assistance has been significant."
"I know," Kanzaki conceded, his expression conflicted. "I initially tried to help him integrate, but I realized he didn't require assistance. Still, I can't accept it when someone capable does nothing. That's the most foolish thing." For Kanzaki, its not acceptable if the person isnt motivated while being very capable. Its an insult to those who worked really hard.
"Maybe..." Ichinose murmured, her thoughts equally tangled. "We just haven't earned his trust yet."
Meanwhile, in the Rear
Feeling the cautious gazes of his classmates, Hikigaya quickened his pace and approached Hoshinomiya Chie.
"Ah, Hikigaya~" Hoshinomiya greeted him with her usual cheerfulness. "Your help really makes my job easier!"
You mean to pass your work to your students!. How this woman became a teacher is still an unanswered question to this date.
"Sensei," Hikigaya said with the resigned tone of someone well-versed in social interactions, "were you also a student at this school?"
"Eh?" Hoshinomiya blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"
"I didn't," Hikigaya admitted. "You just mentioned that the portable toilets wouldn't break for seven days. That seemed oddly specific."
"Ah, I see." Hoshinomiya nodded. "Yes, I went through the same exam. And Sae-chan—Chabashira-sensei—was in my class."
"Really?" Hikigaya asked, now more intrigued.
Hoshinomiya puffed out her chest with pride. "Yep! Would you like me to introduce you to Sae-chan? She's still single, you know~"
"Haha..." Hikigaya's laugh was dry. This teacher's personality was... quite unique. No wonder theyre close, former classmates turned into colleagues.
"Sensei," he said with mock seriousness, "if you ever decide to betray Class B, call me. Let's betray them together."
"Eh?!" Hoshinomiya stared at him before playfully smacking his back.
"Cough, cough!" Hikigaya winced, stumbling slightly. That really hurt.
The commotion drew attention from the front. Hikigaya felt his face flush and avoided eye contact. Watching from ahead, Ichinose sighed. "Hikigaya and Hoshinomiya-sensei seem to have a close relationship."
"Really?" Hoshinomiya said with feigned innocence, leaning in closer to Hikigaya. "If you prevent Class D from reaching Class A, I'll give you a reward~" she whispered.
Hikigaya's heart raced, and he quickly stepped back. "That's definitely not the kind of reward I'm thinking of," he muttered.
Hoshinomiya pouted. "Your expression is so rude, Hikigaya~" She put her hands on her hips and looked at him seriously. However, shes still cute in that pose. She pouted her lips and said, "There`s a strange guy in Class D this school year. I feel hes a dangerous guy"
Hikigaya could only laugh dryly, silently wishing for this bizarre conversation to come to an end. He concluded that Hoshinomiya Chie was not planning to betray Class B but instead, he learned his teacher had a grudge against Chabashira Sae. Its not his problem so its better not to get involved and let them fight if they want. To work is to lose!