Triple Shura Field

I am currently facing the greatest crisis of my life.

Although I have experienced many predicaments before, this situation is completely different.

"Um... Hi, Hikigaya-kun..."

Right now, I am clutching Ichinose tightly.

We were originally studying in the library, and as we were about to get up near closing time, my leg fell asleep, causing me to fall and drag Ichinose down with me. In the process of falling, I accidentally touched somewhere I shouldn't have.

An incredibly soft sensation traveled through my right hand, and Ichinose before me was already panting with a face flushed bright red.

"Hachiman-kun, how long do you intend to keep doing that?"

Hiyori said this with a brilliant smile, but it made me feel immense pressure.

The gentle atmosphere that usually surrounds her had completely vanished.

I hurriedly tried to pull away from Ichinose, but...

"Oh my, it seems something very interesting has happened."

The sudden voice made my entire body stiffen.

Th-that voice belongs to that person.

Trembling, I looked back—

"Ah, Sakanayanagi-san, thank you for your hard work."

"Yes, Shiina-san, thank you for your hard work as well."

As expected, Sakanayanagi was standing there with a brilliant smile I had never seen before.

Of all people, I had to be caught in this scene by the one person I least wanted to see...

The other students shouldn't have seen it, right?

After all, it was near closing time, and our study spot was in a corner.

But for me, being seen by Sakanayanagi was already bad enough.

In any case, I must apologize to Ichinose first.

I hurriedly backed away from Ichinose and bowed my head in apology: "I'm sorry. Even if you might not believe it, I really didn't mean to."

All I can do now is apologize sincerely.

I'll deal with Sakanayanagi later; in the worst-case scenario, I'm prepared to pay a million points as a fine.

"Um... I know... Could you please be more careful next time?"

"Understood. I promise it will absolutely never happen again."

If I do it again, I will definitely be labeled a pervert.

However, this Ichinose, being able to so easily forgive me for groping her even if it was an accident, she really has a broad heart.

Since the person involved doesn't mind, the biggest threat now is...

"To think that just by leaving for a little while, such an interesting drama would unfold. I really should have moved the study session to tomorrow."

Sakanayanagi was laughing exceptionally happily.

Her smile right now was different from her usual meaningful ones; it was genuine, heartfelt joy.

If only I could see this smile in other circumstances.

"Sakanayanagi, can I ask you to keep this a secret?"

"Sure."

"Really?!"

"Of course. Rather than letting others know and becoming hostile toward Hikigaya-kun, I personally prefer to tease you slowly."

Th-this woman... her personality is truly wicked.

"Ah—I suppose you're about to reject my request now, aren't you?"

"That was too fast! I haven't even said it yet!"

"You probably want me to stop teasing you, right? Sorry, but I just love teasing Hikigaya-kun."

"There should be a limit to your bad taste, you sensitive-eared Lewd Yanagi!"

When I blew into Sakanayanagi's ear at the movie theater before, the way she looked was, honestly, quite sexy.

"Wha...! Hmph... Isn't the Hikigaya-kun who held onto me all night even more lewd?"

"I really can't argue with that..."

"I think you two are two of a kind, you know?"

""Please (I beg you) Hiyori (Shiina-san), don't say anything right now.""

If Hiyori joins the fray, things will be completely out of control.

At this moment, Ichinose interjected with a bitter smile: "Haha... Anyway, Sakanayanagi-san, I have already forgiven Hikigaya-kun. Could you please tease him in moderation?"

"Know when to stop? I thought you were going to tell me to stop teasing him altogether."

"Hmm~ As the person in question, of course I'd hope you'd stop, but Sakanayanagi-san certainly wouldn't listen, would she?"

"That's correct."

"So, please, just know when to stop."

"Understood... I will tease Hikigaya-kun in moderation."

I'm begging you to stop teasing me entirely...

"...Forget it, let's leave. It's almost closing time."

If we stay any longer, the librarian will scold us.

Hearing me say that, the other three nodded in agreement, and the four of us walked out of the library together.

"Actually, I came to pick up Hikigaya-kun and Shiina-san. I didn't expect Ichinose-san to be here too. Would you like to join us for dinner?"

"Sure! I was planning on inviting these two anyway."

"Then it's settled. What would you like to eat, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"Because I'm the one who decides the restaurant every time after school. It's about time I let you choose for once. What do you think, Shiina-san and Ichinose-san?"

"I have no objections."

"Me neither."

Actually, I wanted to eat rich seafood-based ramen, but I figured the girls wouldn't be into that.

So I'll choose...

"Boss, one tuna and salmon roe rice bowl, please."

"Coming right up! Thanks for your patronage!"

After I placed my order, the owner nodded and began preparing the sushi.

The sushi place I chose was a traditional counter-style shop, not a conveyor belt restaurant.

There were other students sitting around us, but they were almost all unfamiliar faces; they were probably upperclassmen from the second or third years.

This was my first time eating sushi since enrolling, so it was a good opportunity.

"Mmm~ This is delicious. But are you really okay, Hikigaya-kun?"

Ichinose looked at me with a worried expression. What was that supposed to mean?

"What are you suddenly talking about?"

"Well... your Class D's class points are currently at zero, right..."

"Don't worry, I still have private points saved up."

"Oh, I see. That's good then."

Ichinose nodded in understanding and ended the topic.

At the same time, I felt a slight sense of dissonance—whenever anyone heard about me hoarding points before, they would be surprised; even Ryuen had raised an eyebrow at it.

But Ichinose wasn't surprised at all. This suggests she is likely earning points herself, or at least knows how to earn them.

I glanced up and saw Sakanayanagi narrowing her eyes as she sized up Ichinose.

What is this? Is this a mutual probe disguised as a dinner party?

"Indeed, Hikigaya-kun should be fine. What about you, Ichinose-san? Many girls spend quite a lot of points on fashion."

"I'm fine. I only bought the bare minimum of clothes. If I really want to dress up, I'll wait until the second semester when I've saved up enough points."

Faced with Sakanayanagi's casual question, Ichinose's answer was airtight... though her eyebrow twitched slightly just now.

Was she judged by Sakanayanagi as having "too many points to spare," or "actually having no leeway"?

(...No, I can't read her at all... Whatever.)

Even if Ichinose has earned millions, so what?

Although private points are important and can sometimes help earn class points, Class B is still Class B.

Even if Class D were to climb up, Class C is still standing in the way.

But the current Class D can't even beat Class C. If we really want to advance, paying 20 million private points might be more realistic.

Though saving up 20 million is a pipe dream in itself.

"That's good. How about you, Shiina-san?"

"Yes, I haven't been wasting my points either."

"Many people in our class have been splurging. Once they learned about the class point system, everyone said they wanted to hold onto our current position, or even aim for Class A."

Even though Ichinose said that, Class B still receives 60,000 private points per month even if they lose points, which is far better than our class, which is at zero.

What's more, Class D isn't just at zero; if we fail a test, we get expelled immediately, yet some people are still slacking off... No wonder the school and the other classes treat us like defective goods.

I was used to being discriminated against back in middle school, so it didn't bother me, but for others, it must have been hell.

"Hehe, I'll welcome you anytime if you decide to come."

Sakanayanagi wore a provocative smile, but if Class B truly dared to attack, she would undoubtedly crush them without mercy.

"Mm, I look forward to it then. Even if I'm up against Hikigaya-kun and Shiina-san, I won't lose."

Ichinose broke eye contact with Sakanayanagi and turned toward Hiyori and me.

There wasn't a hint of contempt in her gaze; if we really did face off, she likely wouldn't take it lightly.

"Looking forward to it."

Compared to Hiyori's polite response, my reply was much simpler: "I don't think our class has any chance of winning against Class B."

"Geez, you can't just give up before you've even started, right?"

Ichinose teased with a smile.

However, I wasn't joking in the slightest.

Even without considering Class B, there's no way Class D could win, right?

After all, we in 1-D are known as the worst class in history.

"But if I really do end up facing you, I'll give it my all."

Otherwise, the people in my class would stab me in the back.

Responding with that, I took a bite of sushi.

It was delicious, as expected.

Once I get the reward points from the midterm exams, I'll definitely have to come eat here again.

30 minutes later...

"I'll be getting off on this floor."

After finishing our meal, we didn't linger and headed straight back to the dorms, taking the elevator to our respective floors.

When we reached my floor first, we began to say our goodbyes.

"Mm. Thank you for today."

"Including the part where you got groped?"

""Sakanayanagi(-san)!""

"Just kidding."

That bastard... she actually dropped a bombshell like that with a smile.

Ichinose's face was bright red, and I was pretty much the same.

"Geez~ I meant for the tutoring and joining me for dinner. See you tomorrow, Hikigaya-kun."

"I'll be heading to Hachiman-kun's room tomorrow morning. Good night."

"I had a lot of fun today, too."

After exchanging greetings, the elevator doors closed in front of the three of them.

I returned to my room and collapsed onto the bed.

Damn Sakanayanagi, pulling a surprise attack like that at the very end.

Just thinking about what she said makes me...

Drip.

Just as that thought crossed my mind, I suddenly felt a warmth in my nose.

I wiped it with my hand and found traces of blood.

Crap, I remembered that soft sensation from earlier again.

I hurriedly got up and rushed to the sink to wash my face, while secretly resolving—next time, I'll definitely get my revenge by blowing into Sakanayanagi's ear.