Ch. 1701When Sogo Doma Became a Teammate (a Tool), Things Felt Secure
Shizuka Hiratsuka tried to persuade Sogo Doma to help Hikigaya make friends, but he challenged her assumptions and her reasons for asking him. He eventually turned the discussion toward Rumi Tsurumi, leaving Shizuka confident that he could help with her plan.
- Sogo Doma questioned why Shizuka Hiratsuka assumed Hikigaya wanted friends and pointed out that teachers had contributed to his problems.
- Shizuka argued that Hikigaya's friendship with Yuigahama showed he did want friends, but Sogo dismissed the idea of forcing Hayato Hayama and the others to befriend him.
- Shizuka reminded Sogo that the Service Club formed bonds by helping others, then brought up Rumi Tsurumi.
- Sogo said Rumi Tsurumi had been chatty, surprising Shizuka, who decided his absurdity made her plan unlikely to fail.