Chương 27: Hikigaya, Interested in Joining Class B?
Hikigaya made his way to the nurse's office, Ichinose slung over his back. Thankfully, the nurse's office wasn't far, but by the time he arrived, he was drenched in sweat.
"Why did I even bother…?" he muttered to himself. This whole situation offered him no benefits, yet here he was, acting out of some strange sense of duty.
His body ached from the weight, and by the time he knocked on the door, he felt like he'd run a marathon.
A nurse with chestnut-colored hair and a youthful face opened the door. She looked at Hikigaya in surprise, and then at the unconscious girl on his back. "What happened? Is she okay?"
"She collapsed during the student council interviews," Hikigaya explained, gently setting Ichinose down on one of the beds.
The nurse quickly took her temperature, her face growing concerned. "She has a high fever—nearly 39 degrees! No wonder she passed out…"
Hikigaya could only watch as the nurse, who introduced herself as Hoshinomiya Chie, the Class B homeroom teacher, tended to Ichinose. Despite the situation, Hikigaya's internal warning system went off. There was something about this teacher that made him uneasy, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
As Hoshinomiya thanked him for bringing Ichinose to the nurse's office, Hikigaya responded cautiously, "It was no big deal. I'm Hikigaya Hachiman from Class D."
"Class D, huh?" Hoshinomiya's eyes lingered on him for a moment, a strange expression crossing her face.
After hearing Hikigaya's explanation, a subtle shift appeared in Chie Hoshinomiya's expression, as though the situation had caught her entirely off guard. It was clear she hadn't expected things to unfold in such an unexpected manner.
At the same time, her gaze softened. The traces of hostility or tension she had displayed earlier seemed to fade, leaving behind only a more gentle demeanor.
Was this an increase in favorability?
Hikigaya didn't dare let his guard down. Without hesitation, he spoke up, "Well, uh, I've delivered Ichinose, so I'll leave her in your care, Hoshinomiya-sensei. I should get going now."
"Wait a moment..." Hoshinomiya called out just as Hikigaya was about to leave. "You've been a great help today, and I haven't even had a chance to thank you on behalf of Class B."
"Uh, that's really not necessary…" Hikigaya replied awkwardly. From the start, his actions had been driven by personal satisfaction rather than any expectation of gratitude. Besides, he had no interest in forming closer ties with Class B's homeroom teacher. In his mind, this association would only bring unnecessary trouble in the future.
Sensing Hikigaya's reluctance, Hoshinomiya's eyes softened even further. She surprised him with a sudden proposition, "Hikigaya, have you ever considered joining Class B?"
"Uh, what?" Hikigaya blinked, caught completely off guard. His brain seemed to freeze for a moment.
What kind of suggestion was that? Could someone just switch classes like it was nothing?
Seeing his bewilderment, Hoshinomiya quickly realized her misstep. She composed herself and, with a graceful smile, said, "Sorry, I might've been too forward. I just thought someone like you would fit better in Class B, so I made the offer. Of course, switching classes isn't something that can be done so easily. There's a complicated process behind it."
"Ah, I see," Hikigaya nodded, calming his racing heart. For a brief moment, the thought of switching classes had intrigued him. After all, Class B was in a much better position than Class D. With Ichinose as its reliable leader, there was a good chance they'd accumulate a lot of personal points in the future. It was a far more promising prospect than staying in Class D.
But Hikigaya knew full well that this school valued merit above all else. Ordinary students couldn't just change classes on a whim.
"Thank you for the offer, Sensei," Hikigaya said, regaining his composure. "If it were possible, I'd want to join Class B. But regardless of whether it's feasible, I'd prefer to accomplish something like that on my own. I wouldn't want to trouble you with it."
I, Hikigaya, don't accept charity.
Thirty years on the east bank of the river, thirty years on the west. Don't underestimate a poor youth.
He wanted to say something like that, but it felt too melodramatic, so he held back. Despite his disinterest in appearing heroic, Hikigaya still had a sliver of pride as an otaku. If he ever changed classes, it would be through his efforts, or it wouldn't feel right to him.
Understanding his resolve, Hoshinomiya smiled warmly.
"I see. That's a shame, but I respect your decision. Regardless, Class B will remember your kindness. And, Hikigaya-kun, our doors will always be open for you should you ever want to join us."
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