There is something wrong with Hikigaya’s classroom of the Elite, as expected

Chapter 121: Horikita’s Defeat

If Hikigaya hadn’t reminded her, Horikita wouldn’t have even realized the true severity of this dispute.

A suspension was secondary—the real danger was expulsion!

“So, originally, the punishment for this fight was supposed to be a three-week suspension. But because Sudo not only clashed with teachers and the student council, but also displayed a terrible attitude during the meeting and damaged school property, they added further penalties. As a result, he’ll miss the final exams and be expelled?”

Horikita clenched her fists tightly. If Sudo were in front of her right now, she would probably give him two solid punches!

After all, the entire situation had reached this disastrous point purely because of Sudo’s own actions. And now, he expected Hirata, Kushida, and even the entire Class D to clean up his mess?!

“So… Horikita, you really have the nerve to come to me tonight, huh?”

Hikigaya spoke indifferently.

Hearing his mocking words, Horikita felt an intense, burning shame on her face. Even someone as proud as her couldn’t help but lower her head, unable to meet Hikigaya’s gaze.

She still vividly remembered how she had made promises to Hikigaya that day. She hadn’t even begun repaying the 200,000 private points she owed!

She had followed in her older brother’s footsteps to this Advanced Nurturing High School, believing that she could prove her progress and excellence to him. But in the end… she had failed.

For more than three months, she had hit one obstacle after another—being placed in Class D, facing Hikigaya, and now dealing with this crisis. Horikita suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of defeat!

Was she really just a… frog in a well, as Hikigaya had said?

Hikigaya silently watched the ice-cold girl bowing her head before him. He knew that some obstacles could only be overcome by oneself.

And besides…

Horikita, if you give up now, then you’ll have completely wasted everything your brother has done for you!

“I… I know I don’t have the right to face you right now…”

Horikita’s voice was low and filled with frustration. It was the first time Hikigaya had seen her so deflated.

But then, she slowly raised her head.

“But this situation isn’t at its worst yet!”

Horikita looked straight at Hikigaya. There was an undeniable determination in her eyes… and an unwillingness to accept defeat.

“Sudo’s fight incident— the reason the school gave a one-week buffer period wasn’t just because they had doubts about the case. More importantly, they wanted us and Class C to reach a private settlement within this time!”

Her expression was firm, but there was also a hint of self-reproach. “You reminded me of this. I’m sorry—I should have realized it sooner!”

Horikita clenched her fists. She was still unwilling to accept the situation, but thanks to Hikigaya’s reminder that her ‘approach’ was wrong, she finally saw the true nature of this dispute and the roles played by each party.

Both Hirata and herself had been too fixated on the immediate problem, neglecting many important details!

They had been too caught up in the situation, while Hikigaya, as an outsider, had seen things more clearly. With his ‘awakening blow,’ Horikita suddenly felt like her thoughts had been freed—like the clouds had cleared to reveal the blue sky!

“But I also made a new discovery—about a witness.”

Horikita suddenly spoke.

“…What? There really is a witness?”

Hikigaya was surprised. It was twilight when the incident happened, and the special teaching building was practically deserted. Could there really have been someone who saw it?

“It’s Sakura from our class.”

Horikita explained her reasoning. Every time Hirata or Kushida asked for witnesses in class, she had noticed that Sakura acted suspiciously—lowering her head and closing her eyes. Earlier, before leaving school, Horikita had also tested her. Though she didn’t have concrete proof, Sakura’s expressions and tone made her intuition scream—Sakura was very likely a witness.

Hikigaya frowned, not dismissing Horikita’s words. He recalled Sakura’s recent behavior—it did seem like she had been acting strangely ever since Hirata and the others started searching for a witness.

Realizing this, Hikigaya felt frustrated at his own carelessness. He also hadn’t expected this fight incident to drag Sakura into the mess.

“For now, let’s assume Sakura is a witness. But judging from her attitude, you should already know—she doesn’t want to get involved.”

Hikigaya took a deep breath and looked at Horikita.

“So… what do you plan to do?”

“I…”

Horikita was about to speak but suddenly stopped. Looking at Hikigaya’s expression, she sighed.

“I actually understand… Even Kushida couldn’t communicate with her.”

“Wait a second!”

Hikigaya suddenly asked, “Who else have you told about this?”

“Kushida, Ayanokouji—they all know. But for now, no one has been able to get through to her.”

Before coming to Hikigaya, Horikita had already discussed this briefly with Kushida, Ayanokouji, and others. In fact, she had initially hoped that Kushida could ‘persuade’ Sakura, considering that among them, no one was more socially skilled than Kushida.

Hikigaya rubbed his forehead in frustration. Sakura was naturally introverted and shy. Suddenly becoming the center of attention would undoubtedly make her feel extremely uneasy. But what concerned Hikigaya wasn’t just her discomfort—it was the potential storm of class-wide rumors and pressure. He didn’t want Sakura to be dragged into this mess.

That girl… she’s too fragile, like a piece of glass that could shatter at the slightest touch.

“I know you’ve helped tutor Sakura before, so…”

Hikigaya immediately understood Horikita’s intention—she wanted him to convince Sakura. But he firmly shook his head and refused.

“If Sakura doesn’t want to testify, she must have her own reasons. I’ll respect her decision. And… I don’t want any of you forcing her either.”

By the end of his sentence, Hikigaya’s tone had turned serious. Horikita, of course, could hear the warning in his voice. Still, she found it difficult to accept simply letting go of such a crucial witness.

Hikigaya could tell what she was thinking. The existence of a witness could potentially ‘clear’ Sudo’s name and prevent his suspension.

But would the outcome really play out the way Horikita and the others envisioned?

“Horikita, I know you and everyone else don’t want to give up. But let’s be realistic. Even if Sakura steps forward to testify, at this point in time, what are the actual chances that Sudo will be ‘cleared’?”

Horikita was about to respond when Hikigaya gestured for her to think carefully. Initially, she had assumed that as long as a witness surfaced, they could overturn Class C’s testimony and prove Sudo was falsely accused.

But after Hikigaya’s reminder, she realized two major issues she had completely overlooked.

Her expression darkened as the weight of the situation fully sank in.