Part 4

The bad atmosphere persisted even after classes had ended.

Whether she minded it or not, my neighbor Horikita quietly began to prepare her belongings just like always.

It was difficult to tackle an exam like this one by yourself. Usually, you would want to think about making as many allies as possible, yet Horikita didnt show any intention of doing such a thing.

Putting it optimistically, Sud was pretty much the only person guaranteed to cast their praise vote for Horikita.

That said

I recalled Horikitas confrontation with Ryen the other day.

Pondering over what she wanted to gain from him and what she lacked as a person had allowed me to understand her strategy moving forward.

It seemed as though she intended to handle this exam in a different way from everybody else, but that wasnt an easy road to take.

However, if she could really pull it off, itd be a wish come true as far as I was concerned. Id be able to treat her strategy and mine as the same thing, and have Horikita take responsibility for all of it.

I turned and looked throughout the classroom, envisioning how Horikita saw our classmates.

Its rare that you havent tried to ask me for advice yet. Youre really fine with the exam?

Even though it had only been a day, I decided to confirm whether Horikita had changed or not.

Even if I asked you for advice, its not like youd give me a straight answer.

Certainly.

Horikita was gradually beginning to understand that I wouldnt give out advice so easily.

Besides This isnt exactly the type of exam where you can just go and ask your classmates for help.

Many of the other students have been forming groups in order to secure praise votes, though.

If people want to do that, then they are perfectly free to do so.

Horikita finished gathering up her things and got up from her seat.

Then, what are you going to do?

What I can.

With these words, Horikita left the classroom.

As I was a bit curious, I decided to follow after her.

What is it?

She stared at me with a bit of a scowl, displeased that I had followed after her.

Im a little interested in what youre going to do.

You usually dont like to involve yourself with me, so why now?

Why, huh?

Put simply, it was because I was looking forward to the strategy she had decided on.

If she really put it into action, I wanted to fully support her.

That said, I didnt intend to say this to her here.

You havent joined a group yet, right? If youre in a pinch, I can help you.

Is that how it is? More or less, youre worried about my situation, arent you? If I asked you for help, youre saying that youd let me join that group youre a part of?

It wouldnt be troublesome for us to take in another person.

Even though I appreciate the offer, I must refuse. You arent the person Im looking for right now.

It appeared as though she had already resolved herself.

However, her resources were limited and she was still at the point where she was being driven by her anxiety.

I probably wasnt the right person to make up for those deficiencies.

You really

She scowled at me even more intensely than before.

What?

Just leave me alone.

She spoke harshly, stopping me in my tracks.

If I were to continue to follow Horikita, it would only serve to make her angrier.

After watching her leave, I gazed through the hallway window for a moment, taking in the view.

I guess Ill head home for today.

Could I bother you for a moment, Ayanokji-kun?

As if he was just passing by, Hirata showed up. It made me wonder if he had followed behind me as well.

Judging from the timing, he had probably been waiting for Horikita and I to separate.

If its alright with you, could you join me for a bit after school? I need to talk with you.

It was a rare invitation from Hirata, one which I had no particular reason to turn down.

As I responded to him with a nod, Hirata let out a sigh of relief.

After passing a full day immersed in the strained atmosphere of the classroom, he seemed to be the most worn out student in the class.

Of course, I could infer this was largely related to the special exam.

Alright, how about meeting near the southern entrance of Keyaki Mall at half-past four?

Sure.

That was all we said to each other.

It didnt seem like it was something we could talk about here.

After all, the students heading off to club activities and returning home were constantly walking past us.

I had been planning to meet up with Keisei and the others after school today, so I had to tell them that I was going to be a little late. Hirata seemed to be busy talking with his friends for the time being, so I decided to head to Keyaki Mall ahead of him.