Chương 26: Aren't Beautiful Girls Supposed To Be Light?
The student council interviews began in earnest, and they were known for their length. Each student had to undergo a thorough interrogation—from personal details to hobbies and goals for joining the council.
The interview process was designed to filter out those who weren't fully committed.
Hikigaya's number was 24, meaning there were 23 others ahead of him. With each interview taking around five minutes, he calculated he had at least two hours of waiting.
Standing for such a long time was a physical trial in itself. The fatigue, coupled with the pressure of the upcoming interview, would surely wear down most people.
Some of the more easygoing candidates took this time to wander off or even return to their dorms for a short rest. However, most of those waiting, like Hikigaya, were serious contenders. They were determined to win a spot in the student council, unable to relax or treat this as anything less than an opportunity of immense importance.
Standing next to him was Ichinose Honami, someone who took this more seriously than most. While Hikigaya stood there with an air of nonchalance, seemingly indifferent about the interview, Ichinose was visibly tense.
She appeared as if she were preparing for a life-or-death situation, not just an interview.
Hikigaya glanced at her and felt the urge to mutter, Is it that serious? It was just a student council interview, not some life-altering event.
If he weren't slightly interested in meeting Horikita, he probably would've found a nice shady spot to lounge in by now. But, alas, here he was.
For Ichinose, however, this interview was a monumental event. Even though her face was pale, sweat beading on her forehead, and her legs trembling slightly, she stood her ground, trying to maintain a facade of composure.
Hikigaya, watching this scene unfold, couldn't help but ask, "Are you okay? If you're not feeling well, maybe you should head to the nurse's office. There's still time before our interviews."
"I-I'm fine, really," Ichinose said, her voice weak but resolute.
She looked as though she might collapse at any moment. Hikigaya couldn't understand why she was pushing herself so hard.
Noticing the confusion in his eyes, Ichinose forced a smile.
"I'm the class representative for Class B. Everyone's counting on me to get into the student council. It's my responsibility to do my best."
"Even if it's at the cost of your health?"
"It's not as bad as it looks," Ichinose said, shaking her head. "I just didn't sleep much last night. You don't need to worry about me, Hikigaya-kun."
Hikigaya shrugged. "If you say so…"
He could tell that no amount of persuasion would change her mind. It was almost endearing, how stubbornly determined she was. Compared to the chaos and selfishness of Class D, Class B felt like heaven.
Maybe I should switch classes, he thought with a sigh, watching Ichinose. Her condition seemed to worsen by the minute, but she was determined to tough it out.
Eventually, the call came: "Number 23, Kōhei Katsuragi."
Katsuragi, standing ahead of them, walked towards the interview room, but not before turning to Hikigaya and Ichinose.
"Good luck. I hope we all do our best."
Hikigaya gave a half-hearted response, "Oh, yeah, sure…"
Ichinose didn't respond at all. She was too far gone, her focus entirely inward as she fought to stay on her feet. Her eyes were glazed over, staring at nothing in particular, as though sheer willpower alone kept her standing.
However, there were limits to what willpower could do.
Just as Katsuragi stepped into the interview room, Ichinose's body gave out. She collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut, hitting the floor with a soft thud.
The other candidates stared in shock, confusion written across their faces.
"Ichinose?"
Hikigaya rushed to her side, relieved to find she was still breathing, though unconscious. She had simply pushed herself too far.
At this point, it was clear someone needed to take her to the nurse's office. But the others, all interviewees, hesitated. To help her would mean giving up their spot in line, and no one wanted to sacrifice their chance for the student council.
In that moment, the true nature of people revealed itself—selfishness. Even her classmates from Class B, those who should have supported her, stood by silently, unwilling to step forward.
Hikigaya sighed, fully understanding their hesitation.
He knew the harsh reality of human nature all too well. Looking at Ichinose, now unconscious and pale, he realized he had no choice. Unlike the others, he wasn't particularly invested in this interview.
With the rest of the candidates watching in surprise, Hikigaya stepped forward. He knelt, carefully lifted Ichinose's arm over his shoulder, and hoisted her up onto his back.
Wow… she's heavier than I thought. Aren't beautiful girls supposed to be light? Feels like I'm carrying a sack of rice…
As he carried her, he couldn't ignore the soft, unusual sensation pressing into his back.
Well, Ichinose, you sure know how to hide your assets.
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