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

Chapter 133: The Gap Between Siblings

After leaving the student council meeting room, Hikigaya’s phone received a message from someone.

“Surveillance equipment?”

Hikigaya looked at the message and quickly understood why Horikita had ultimately chosen to reject the ‘reconciliation’. So, this was her plan?

“So, Ayanokouji must have reminded Horikita?”

Hikigaya recalled the stark contrast in Horikita’s attitude during the meeting. It seemed like Ayanokouji had said something, and then Horikita’s attitude shifted from being ready to compromise to rejecting reconciliation. This shift was likely due to a reminder or guidance from Ayanokouji, pushing Horikita to use the surveillance equipment as leverage.

From the message Hikigaya had just received, it seemed that after leaving the meeting room, Horikita and the others had started preparing their entrapment plan, using the surveillance equipment to deceive Class C into withdrawing their accusations against Class D.

“That’s actually a good idea, but… a bit too presumptuous.”

If Hikigaya were to evaluate Horikita’s plan, the idea was good. If it succeeded, everything would be perfect. However, if it failed, the consequences might be even worse than the fight dispute itself.

Moreover, with Hikigaya’s limited knowledge of Ryuen, the events that happened during the meeting would definitely reach his ears, and he’d likely be on alert.

“Still too impatient.”

Hikigaya shook his head. Horikita’s plan was far too risky. It was like exposing her own weak points to Class C. It could be seen as a brilliant strategy, but also a dangerous one—reckless.

This also highlighted the difference between Horikita and her brother. Looking at how Horikita dealt with Sudo, it was clear that Horikita’s brother, Horikita Manabu, employed more orthodox strategies. Even if you noticed them, they were hard to counter, and he never placed himself in a dangerous position.

In contrast, Horikita Suzune’s approach in this situation highlighted the gap in their thinking.

However, Hikigaya also understood this. After all, there was a gap of several years between the siblings in terms of experience, and their environments and positions were completely different. The “landscapes” they saw were entirely different as well.

Hikigaya stood by the window in the hallway, pondering for a moment. He then took out his phone, found the group labeled [Class B] in his contact list, and sent a message to someone.

Within seconds, he received a reply. Hikigaya responded with “I need to talk to you guys,” and the other person immediately sent a location.

Not long after, Hikigaya met them in the school cafeteria—Class B’s Kanzaki and beside him, Ichinose.

“Good evening, Hikigaya-kun. Have you eaten yet? How about joining us?” Ichinose warmly invited him, while Kanzaki looked on with a helpless expression.

“Actually, I’m a bit hungry too.”

Hikigaya nodded in agreement, and an unusual scene unfolded: Class D’s bottom-tier student sitting down with the two leaders from Class B.

“Actually, I’ve been wanting to thank you, Hikigaya-kun. It was thanks to your help that our class could focus on studying for the exams.”

Ichinose clasped her hands together and expressed her gratitude to Hikigaya.

She was referring to the events during the mid-term exams when Class C students had been frequently bothering students from other classes, with Class B being the main target. At that time, Hikigaya had taken responsibility for handling and cleaning up those disturbances. Over time, he gradually became familiar with some of the Class B students.

Of course… back then, Hikigaya had felt that Class B students saw him more as their “bodyguard.”

The person Hikigaya had just contacted was Kanzaki, the boy next to Ichinose, who was also a competitor for the student council position during the interviews.

At the time, Hikigaya had thought Kanzaki disliked him, but now, not only had they exchanged friend requests, they were also eating together—such is the unpredictability of life.

As for Ichinose, Hikigaya hadn’t had much interaction with her. Aside from the student council interview, he hadn’t had much direct contact with her. Primarily, Ichinose’s social skills and capabilities were so strong that whenever Class C students tried to harass others, it was never Hikigaya’s responsibility to handle it. Ichinose could easily take care of it herself.

Hikigaya also knew that Ichinose was one of the most popular boys among the new students, especially among the girls. Why “one of the most”? Because another student named Yukinoshita Haruno was also very popular!

Haruno and Ichinose were undoubtedly the most eye-catching and closely watched students in the first-year cohort, and each represented the “face” of Class A and Class B, respectively. Of course, Ichinose also had the additional role of being the “leader” of Class B, while Haruno had the student council position.

Anyone who interacted with Ichinose could sense her pure sincerity. She was someone you could never feel any animosity toward.

In the recent Sudo dispute, Ichinose had unreservedly helped Class D, contributing a lot, and as a result, she gained a great deal of admiration from Class D students.

Naturally, the conversation shifted to the recent review meeting. Hikigaya took the opportunity to speak: “Ichinose, Class B has already helped Class D a lot in this dispute. The review meeting has concluded, so I want to thank you for all your help so far.”

“Mm~ So, Hikigaya-kun, are you saying that you want this matter to end here?”

Ichinose quickly understood the meaning behind Hikigaya’s words.

Hikigaya nodded: “Although it’s a bit presumptuous, to be honest, Class B has already helped Class D enough in this matter. But that’s precisely why it cannot go any further.”

“Eh? Why? Is it wrong to help a classmate? When you see someone in need, you should help if you can. You can’t just ignore someone in trouble just because they’re from a different class or a competitor. That’s not right!”

Ichinose said earnestly.

Kanzaki, standing beside her, clearly wanted to say something but ultimately said nothing, only sighing.

Hikigaya gave a knowing look. He had already gotten a rough sense of Ichinose’s personality during the student council interviews. It was because of her pure sincerity that she could honestly say, “When I see someone in need, I’ll extend a helping hand.”

If it were anyone else, Hikigaya would have scoffed. But in front of him, Ichinose lived up to those words completely.

“That’s exactly why I hope you and Class B can stop here. You carry the trust of other students on your shoulders, so please don’t put yourself in danger. This is not only irresponsible toward yourself but also to others.”

Hikigaya gave a serious warning.