COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya-Chapter 171: Different Small Groups

When Horikita found out that a medical kit cost 15 points, she almost wanted to go find Chabashira-sensei to return it.

Fifteen points could provide enough food for the entire class for a day!

But in the end, she still took the medicine. The thermometer showed she had a slight fever, so she was "forced" to stay in the tent and rest, despite her reluctance.

"Actually, while you guys were negotiating with Class B, something happened."

Hirata let out a sigh.

When Hikigaya and the others went to Class B, Koenji claimed he wasn't feeling well and dropped out of the exam, returning to the cruise ship. Because of this, Class D lost 30 points. After their deal with Class B, they were left with only 170 points.

Hearing the news, Horikita, who had just lain down, immediately got up, looking furious.

Even though Koenji said he felt unwell, everyone in Class D knew he had quit on purpose. Just moments ago, they saw him looking as strong as a gorilla, even swimming in the ocean. And then, the next second, he suddenly claimed he wasn't feeling well? He clearly just didn't want to suffer in the wilderness!

"No wonder everyone looked so upset when we got back. So that's why."

Kushida gave a helpless smile.

Koenji dropping out was a big blow to Class D. The real concern was whether someone else would follow his example. Hirata was worried about this, so he and Kushida worked to calm everyone down.

But just as the situation was settling, another unexpected event happened. Ayanokouji, Yamauchi, and the others returned from outside, bringing along a girl with short blue hair.

"Ibuki?"

Hikigaya naturally recognized the girl following behind Ayanokouji and the others—Ibuki Mio from Class C, the only girl in Ryuen's small group.

She looked a bit battered, her face swollen as if someone had punched her. When Hirata and Kushida asked what happened, Ibuki claimed she had gotten into a fight with a guy from her class, got beaten up, and was thrown out. She was wandering alone in the forest when Yamauchi and the others found her. Then, thanks to Yamauchi's insistence, they brought her back to camp.

Honestly, Hikigaya didn't even know where to start with this story. He hadn't interacted with Ibuki much, but his impression of her was that she was a tough, rebellious girl—someone who feared nothing. And now she was acting all meek?

As for the guy she mentioned, it was most likely Ryuen. But there were a lot of questionable points in her story.

Still, whether it was Hirata or anyone else, they all believed her. According to Hirata, they should help anyone in need. Besides, the sun was about to set, and they couldn't just leave a girl alone in the forest at night.

Hirata's actions earned him more admiration from the girls. Even though Shinohara and the others weren't happy about letting in a possible "spy" from Class C, that didn't stop them from fangirling over Hirata.

Honestly, with Hirata's kindness and charm, it would be weird if he didn't attract girls.

Hikigaya had been in Class D for a few months now, and the longer he stayed, the more he realized that everyone in the class was a troublemaker in some way. Unlike Sudou, who was obvious about it, many of them were "quiet troublemakers." Arguments between boys and girls, conflicts between the girls themselves—Hirata was the one constantly stepping in to smooth things over.

Without Hirata as the mediator, Class D would've fallen apart a long time ago.

Even at dinner, it was easy to see the different cliques in the class. Since this was a group exam, everyone had to gather and eat together, making it even more obvious.

Among the boys, there was the "idiot squad"—Ike, Yamauchi, Sudou, and Ayanokouji. Then there were the quieter, rule-following students like Yukimura. The rest were scattered loners, including Hikigaya himself.

The girls' side was even more interesting. There was Karuizawa's "queen bee" group, Kushida's circle of friends, and Shinohara's arrogant clique. The only ones left out were Horikita, Sakura, and a girl with long blue hair—probably Hasebe.

Looking at it this way, the girls' side had already split into three factions. Thanks to Hirata, Karuizawa had the most influence, so her group got the best seats. Shinohara and Kushida followed, while the loners were completely excluded.

"Hikigaya-kun, can I sit here?"

Hirata walked over with his meal. Hikigaya glanced toward the girls' side and saw several of them looking in his direction.

Yeah, right.

They were obviously looking at Hirata, not him. Hikigaya had a pretty good idea of what was going on and nodded.

"Great."

Hirata let out a small sigh of relief. The moment he sat down next to Hikigaya, the girls quickly turned their attention elsewhere.

"Hirata, you're seriously popular. You're like a rare delicacy or something."

"Don't tease me."

Hirata gave a wry smile.

Hikigaya just shook his head. Hirata already had a girlfriend, yet he was still this popular. Maybe people really do want what they can't have?

But speaking of that, even though everyone knew Hirata and Karuizawa were dating, they were rarely seen together. In class, they didn't act like a couple at all—just like regular classmates.

Were they just shy? Afraid of gossip?

Hikigaya had never been in a relationship, so he didn't really get it. It just seemed odd that they were dating but didn't give off any romantic vibes at all.

After dinner, most people were exhausted. They had been up since early morning, gathered for the exam, and had been busy the entire day. Many felt like today had been way too eventful.

Nights in the wilderness were boring, especially for Class D, which lacked a strong sense of unity. Plus, they were saving points, so there were no entertainment activities at all.

Before long, everyone started turning in early.

The next morning, Hikigaya woke up early, as usual. It was a long-standing habit, but more than that, it was because of the snoring, teeth grinding, and occasional unpleasant smells coming from the other boys around him.

After all, it was August, and with all the sweat from yesterday's work, the air smelled as sour as old pickled vegetables.

Just as Hikigaya was about to go wash his face, his eyes drifted toward the girls' tent. Though it wasn't where they slept, a lot of luggage was stored there—specifically, the basic supplies they had exchanged. A boy was sneaking around, picking up a backpack that was a different color from the rest.

If he remembered correctly, that uniquely colored backpack belonged to Ibuki.

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