The Legendary... Jealousy?

Three days had passed since the start of May. Over the past few days, the students with good grades in the class had been working hard to discuss ways to help as many classmates as possible within their abilities.

Horikita was one of them. Apparently, Ayanokoji had already tried to talk to the Idiot Trio himself.

The result was, of course... failure.

Hachiman had no interest in how he had tried to drag the Idiot Trio into the study group.

"You're really relaxed for someone who's part of the Failing Group."

Horikita's sarcastic remark quickly reached his ears.

Hachiman merely smiled faintly. He had already become immune to Horikita's sharp tongue.

"Of course. With you tutoring me, I feel more at ease than ever."

"Please stop saying such disgusting things."

"Since Ayanokoji still hasn't brought them over, Horikita, could you tutor me separately first? After all, my grades are terrible.

They might not be in a hurry, but I'm already like an ant on a hot pan, desperately wanting your tutoring.

Even though I feel at ease, the more time you spend tutoring me, the more reassured I'll be."

Horikita helplessly closed her extracurricular book. "I can't tell that you're in such a hurry. Fine, we'll start after school today. I'll begin with the subjects you're worst at, so prepare yourself."

"Then we..."

"No. I'm not letting you go to my room again."

Horikita saw through Hachiman's intentions easily. She rejected him outright without giving him a chance to say it.

"Huh? I thought our relationship had become close enough for me to visit your room often.

Horikita, your cooking is so good that if I go a day without eating your food, my whole body starts itching!"

Hachiman spoke in an exaggerated tone, then suddenly sensed a sharp gaze.

Horikita was glaring straight at him, a trace of anger in her voice.

"I have no intention of forgiving you for what you secretly did with Kushida."

"Haha, it's fine. The food at the Student Cafeteria is pretty good too. I can't keep bothering you all the time."

Hachiman wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. This woman was even smarter than he had imagined.

A cold snort rang out, and Horikita returned her attention to her extracurricular book.

After school came quickly. As soon as the bell rang, the students began leaving the classroom one after another.

Hirata, one of Class D's most prominent figures, came over to Hachiman and Horikita.

"I heard from Ayanokoji that Horikita is willing to help them study. That's wonderful!"

Without even looking at him, Horikita said, "I'm not particularly willing to help those useless idiots dragging us down, but our class is in a dire situation. We can't let them reduce our class points any further."

The only reason she was willing to do this was because she wanted to advance to Class A. Before that, she had to stop failing students from being expelled.

"Regardless of your reasons, I still want to thank you especially."

Hirata bowed to Horikita, then looked at Hachiman. "Since Horikita is willing to help, Hachiman, who is relatively close to Horikita, should join Horikita's group to study as well."

"Sure, that was what we discussed too. Sorry for troubling you."

Hachiman answered politely.

"It's fine. Helping classmates is what I should do. I hope our class can safely get through this midterm exam without a single person being expelled!"

Hirata confidently stated his goal.

At that moment, Horikita added, "We are not close."

After saying goodbye to Hirata, they crossed the Dormitory off their list of options and went to the Library together.

The environment here was relatively quiet. Compared with a noisy place like a Cafe, it was more suitable for studying.

"Alright, let's start with the subject you're worst at—English."

Horikita took out some English materials. Recalling Hachiman's English score, she sighed helplessly.

"I never expected someone could actually score nine points. Even if you guessed every answer, it should be impossible to get only nine points."

She found it especially unbelievable, and Hachiman's face reddened slightly.

Whether in this life or his previous one, his English grades had been utterly disastrous.

"Teacher Horikita." Hachiman raised his hand with a red face.

"What is it?"

"Regarding English, I've actually already asked Wang Meiyu from our class for help."

"I see!"

With a slap, Horikita slammed the English materials onto the table. A terrifying aura leaked from her eyes, making Hachiman tremble.

"So you had already prepared for it. I was being unnecessary."

"No, it's only English. I still need to rely on you for the other subjects."

"Fine, then we'll start with the other subjects."

Horikita revealed a rare smile, but Hachiman somehow felt a chill down his back.

Could this be the legendary... jealousy?

Whether intentionally or not, Horikita became especially strict while teaching. Whenever Hachiman made a mistake, a harsh scolding was guaranteed to await him.

They studied from evening until nightfall, then left the Library together and walked back toward the Dormitory.

The streetlights slowly stretched out their shadows. Even after night fell, this school did not become quiet.

The brightly lit shopping center still had plenty of students having fun, hoping to relieve the exhaustion of the day.

"Hey, Horikita, do you think your plan will go smoothly?"

There were barely any students on this road. The silence in the air was almost frightening.

Horikita looked straight ahead, her face devoid of worry.

"I don't think there's anyone I can't teach with my abilities, unless they're idiots beyond saving."

"Huh? I don't see it that way."

"Why? Do you think my abilities aren't enough?"

Horikita questioned him, her tone radiating dissatisfaction at Hachiman's lack of faith.

Hachiman laughed. "Because Horikita is too strict. You're even a little socially inept, someone who completely doesn't know how to read the room before speaking."

"I just don't like beating around the bush." Horikita retorted.

"Yeah, yeah, but have you thought about it? Sudo is a well-known troublemaker in class. I don't think he'll be able to tolerate your temper.

And it isn't just him. Ike and Yamauchi probably won't be convinced by you either, since you were the one who invited them to the study group. Once they experience your temper, I'm sure they'll say something like, 'I'm fine reviewing on my own.'

If you don't change, this study group will be difficult to keep going. Besides me, Ayanokoji is probably the only other person who can tolerate Horikita's personality."

Hachiman voiced his thoughts, but Horikita remained unmoved.

"It doesn't matter. I'm only doing what I can. If they aren't willing to cooperate, then their expulsion has nothing to do with me.

People like them will cause trouble for the class next time even if they aren't expelled this time."

Horikita sighed. Just thinking about Class D's current situation made her feel exhausted.