Hachiman Hikigaya, who returned from his studies after completing his training.

How could someone as gentle as Ichinose possibly like him? Don't repeat the same mistake, Hikigaya. Have you forgotten the middle school classmate who was hurt after you confessed to him?

Putting aside his chaotic thoughts, Hikigaya carried the ingredients into the kitchen and began cooking. Seeing that Ichinose didn't seem to be unfamiliar with Shiina, he decided not to help with the introduction.

The same applies to Shiina; she couldn't possibly not know Ichinose, after all, she's the most famous girl in the first year.

Outside the kitchen,

"Hello, Shiina-kun, I'm Ichinose Honami, Hikigaya-kun's girlfriend." With a smile, Ichinose introduced herself to the cute silver-haired girl in front of her.

Just like she had met before, Shiina Hiyori was an extremely cute girl, with a gentle and quiet temperament and an outstanding aura that made people want to love her.

Ichinose is feeling a lot of pressure right now. When did Shiina suddenly appear as a cheater? Why is she suddenly so close to her Hikigaya-kun and even has a key to his room?

"Hello, I'm Hiyori Shiina, a fellow reader of Hikigaya's books." Shiina replied to Ichinose with a smile, "Please have a seat. I'm going to help Hikigaya cook, so I won't entertain you for now."

"Who are you to Hachiman? Why are you acting like the master of the house?" Ichinose was a little angry but couldn't do anything out of line, so she could only get even angrier.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Ichinose's Rampage

Since it's a single dormitory room for high school students, its area won't be very large, not to mention the kitchen area.

"I said, 'Wouldn't this be a bit crowded? I think it would be better to move out.'"

The tiny kitchen has only a little over one square meter of standing space. Now, with three people standing in it, Hikigaya feels that if he makes even the slightest movement, he will bump into the other two girls.

He welcomes help from others, but two helpers seem a bit redundant, and the strange atmosphere between Shiina and Ichinose also makes him feel uneasy.

“I also think Ichinose-san doesn’t need to come in and help, since they are guests from other classes.” Shiina was skillfully rinsing the rice, her slender white hands gently kneading the white rice.

"She's not a guest, she's my girlfriend, by all accounts."

Ichinose, who was chopping vegetables behind Hachiman, was a little unhappy. It was one thing for Shiina to have already taken the spot next to Hachiman, but why did she have to leave?

"Now that there are no other students from Class B here, Ichinose-san doesn't need to pretend anymore. Hikigaya-san has already told me."

Hikigaya's role as Shiina's strategist was that Shiina knew more about him than Kikyo Kushida, whom he had recruited from the beginning. Hikigaya had also discussed his plans for Class B with Shiina.

If we're talking about the person Hikigaya trusts the most among the first-year students, Shiina might not be number one, but she's the only one he can entrust with important responsibilities.

Sakura and Hasebe are just ordinary students. Horikita and Kushida have the ability, but they both have their own strong desires, so it wouldn't be surprising if they suddenly rebelled against him for some reason.

Needless to say, Ichinose from another class is just a business relationship now; she pays him to do things, it's that simple.

Only Shiina, with her ability and unassuming nature, could stay by his side and extend his will.

"I'm dancing #IV for a long time, is this Hikigaya-kun?"

As Hikigaya had thought, Ichinose asked the question: "This matter shouldn't be publicized too much."

"Shiina is now my strategist, much like Kanzaki is to you."

Ryuji Kanzaki, who comes from a wealthy family, is knowledgeable and intelligent, but he is not good at communicating. He is impressed by Ichinose and stays by her side to offer advice.

Compared to Kikuya's explanation, Ichinose didn't press the matter further, but she didn't leave the kitchen either; only the sound of the cleaver cutting into the cutting board continued to ring out.

Realizing that Shiina and Ichinose didn't want to go out, Hikigaya stopped what he was doing and took out his phone. "Someone is looking for me. I'll go out and reply to their message."

Not knowing the situation between the two, he decided that the best of the thirty-six stratagems was to run away.

After taking out the small dining table cushion stored in the corner and arranging it properly, Hachiman sat down at his desk, opened his newly bought laptop, and opened the document titled "Exam Paper".

As he typed, the test papers he had done in his senior year of high school under the guidance of elite tutors were slowly reproduced in his hands. This was a powerful weapon he specially prepared for his seniors during the summer vacation.

There are quite a few students from Classes C and D who lost their chance to compete for Class A in the third year, and they are determined to study hard to get into a good school. This is the kind of votes that Hikigaya can win in the student council president election.

The election for student council president is a secret ballot. Students know who they voted for. Buying votes with personal points only means hoping that the student who received the money will keep their word.

If it were a named vote, Hachiman would have no choice but to submit to Nagumo, because his personal points were not as high as Nagumo's, and the second-year students would also be afraid of his retaliation and dare not not vote for him.

I typed on the keyboard while recalling the memories.

Hikigaya stopped working and closed his laptop after the knocking sounded. He turned around and saw that the kitchen door was open and Ichinose was bringing out dishes.

"-Moon Chair 2 Zero Japanese Japanese Yin Shirt Strolling I'm going to open the door."

Seeing that Ichinose was about to go out and open the door after putting down the food, Hikigaya stopped her, saying that he should do such a small thing as opening the door.

After welcoming Ryuji Kanzaki and Asako Amakura inside, Hikigaya first introduced Shiina to them, explaining that she was his trusted strategist to avoid any reservations about what they might say.

"Hikigaya, is it true that you ousted Hirata and became the leader of Class D?" Kanzaki was more concerned about Hikigaya's current position than about Shiina's matter.

In the past, Hikigaya could introduce Kushida, a talented member of the class, to them without a second thought, and even offer suggestions on how to improve the class's strength. Now that he has become the leader, what will he think?

"It's true, but the agreement remains the same. Kushida will transfer to your class after the summer vacation."

Hikigaya wouldn't go back on his word, and it would indeed be better for Kushida to be relegated to Class B, given that his and Horikita's presence puts a lot of pressure on Kushida right now.

"Didn't you become the leader of Class D?"

In Kanzaki's understanding, Kikyo Kushida is equivalent to Ichinose, who is less academically capable. No leader would give someone like that to a rival.

It's possible that Hikigaya made such an easy decision to send Kushida into Class B because he wanted him to be a spy.

"Please sit down first. We'll take Kushida to Class B. The reason is that I can't say more, it's a private matter. Besides, once she's in Class B, her position will be tied to Class B, so you don't need to worry about her being a spy."

Hachiman grabbed Kanzaki's arm and pulled him to sit down next to him, leaving the remaining three girls to squeeze in and sit opposite him.

After everyone sat down, Hachiman told Kanzaki and the others that the reason he became the leader was not because he wanted to lead Class D to A, but because he had agreed to a request from a big shot at the school.

Such an explanation naturally did not satisfy Kanzaki. Kanzaki was not only dissatisfied with Hachiman's vague answer, but also with Hachiman's failure to prioritize the class after becoming the leader.

Kanzaki believes that a leader should be like Ichinose, responsible for prioritizing the class.

"I don't think you can be trusted anymore, Hachiman."

Kanzaki spoke frankly, and his expression changed to one of indifference.

"Kanzaki-kun, don't say things like that. Hikigaya-kun isn't that kind of person," Ichinose quickly tried to smooth things over.

Although Hachiman was clearly hiding something, she didn't think Hachiman would harm her at all.

"I also think Kanzaki went too far."

Amakura Asako, who was standing nearby, also chimed in, trying to dispel the uneasy atmosphere that Kanzaki had created.

“Since Hikigaya was capable of threatening Hirata to abdicate, I don’t think he’s a good person,” Kanzaki insisted.

"That's going too far, Kanzaki-kun."

Ichinose's voice became somewhat low, and he walked behind Kanzaki and Hikigaya.

Not only Kanzaki, but Hikigaya was also startled by Ichinose's low tone, which gave him a sense of déjà vu of Hirata breaking down in his defenses that morning.

"Ichinose, you..."

Before Kanzaki could finish speaking, still in shock, Ichinose, who was kneeling behind Hachiman, hugged his neck and pressed his body against Hachiman's back.

Ichinose's delicate, fair cheek rubbed against the frozen profile of Hikigaya, and the corners of her mouth curled up.

"I trust Hikigaya-kun completely, Kanzaki-kun."

Chapter 40 Ichinose ruined me!

Just as Hirata, who was completely different in the morning, was able to suppress Horikita, Kanzaki was also suppressed by the powerful Ichinose and dared not say anything more.

The lavish dinner made everyone feel right at home... what a joke!

Hachiman had never eaten such a somber dinner. Kanzaki and Amakura sat upright and ate their food in small bites like obedient children. Shiina also remained silent. The only conversation at the table was between him and Ichinose.

Ichinose said, and Hikigaya replied.

Seeing that things were not going well, the other three despicable guys finished their bowls of rice and each made an excuse to leave, leaving only him and Ichinose in the room.

At this moment, Ichinose was washing dishes in the kitchen, while Hachiman was tidying up the room outside. After finishing tidying up, Ichinose was still in the kitchen. Thinking that things had come to this, Hachiman simply opened his laptop.

As long as he is focused enough on his work, he won't have any worries. Hachiman thinks he's a genius.

Work is great!

After finishing another third-year student's exam, Hachiman, feeling a bit tired, saw that it was already 7:30 on his computer. In half an hour, he would be going to continue his real-life 1v1 match with Horikita.

Is the thrill of work followed by the thrill of battle?

Just as Hachiman was about to stretch with his arms raised, his right arm was suddenly embraced and he was enveloped in softness, his wrist and palm each held by two delicate hands.

"Hachiman."

Accompanied by a gentle and delicate voice, Hachiman felt a familiar touch on his right palm, a touch he had recently experienced on his cheek.

"Don't continue, Ichinose-san."

Hikigaya used a low, suppressed voice. Ichinose was now craving something he didn't want to continue. If Ichinose could take a step back and maintain the fake girlfriend relationship, it would be better for everyone.

Having gone this far, Ichinose's meaning was quite clear; he couldn't fool himself into thinking he was just acting. If things continued like this, he might say something hurtful.

Not loving means not loving.

If it's just a question of whether he likes Ichinose, Hikigaya might not be able to give an answer, but if you ask him whether he loves her, then right now he definitely doesn't.

"Do you hate me that much, Hachiman?"

"No." Hachiman could answer this question quickly, "It's just that I really can't imagine myself... falling in love with someone."

Saying the word "love" is too shameful, so Hachiman chose to use a different word. He has two requirements for his girlfriend: one is that she loves him, and the other is that he loves her.

If there are no such people, then there is no good thing.

"Since you don't dislike it..."

Ichinose pulled the chair that Hachiman was sitting in away from the desk, then walked up to Hachiman and stood two steps away from him with a smile.

Summer had arrived, and Ichinose wore a thin, pure white undershirt, the fullness of her chest pushing her blue bow tie high. Beneath her white pleated skirt with blue trim were her full, smooth thighs, and her knee-length black stockings looked even more alluring under the incandescent light.

Like a moth drawn to a flame, Ichinose jumped onto Hikigaya.

"Eh?!!"

If Ichinose isn't caught when she jumps like that, she'll definitely fall to the ground. Once Hachiman's brain realizes this, his body immediately moves and he quickly stands up.

Then he gave Ichinose a tight hug as she lunged at him.

Call me Fanbo.

With Ichinose's arms wrapped around his neck, Hikigaya could even feel the warm breath she was exhaling. Because Ichinose was hanging on him, he had to hold her waist with one hand and her thigh with the other to maintain his balance.

"If I've misunderstood you, I apologize in advance. I don't like you yet."

His full, soft body, the smooth feel of his baby-like thighs, and his long, bright pink hair falling in front of him did not cause Hachiman to lose his composure.

"But I don't dislike it either."

"If you keep being so willful, I might start to hate you."

Hikigaya felt Ichinose tighten her arms around his neck. "Why don't you get down first?"

"Ichinose is a bad kid now, so she doesn't plan to listen to Hachiman."

With a helpless sigh, Hikigaya gave a wry smile. "Then how can Ichinose-kun become a good child?"

He couldn't handle Ichinose, who was like a dead pig that wasn't afraid of boiling water, and he was afraid of hurting her if he forcibly pried her apart.

Call me Fanbo.

"Fan Bo."

"I want to have dinner with you tonight too."

"no problem."

"I also need a spare key to the room."

"...I'll copy one for you tomorrow."

After agreeing to Ichinose's many conditions, Hikigaya finally felt the arms around his neck relax, and he bent down to let Ichinose's feet touch the ground.

Suddenly, Ichinose's smooth, rosy lips landed on his cheek, her delicate and beautiful youthful face occupying most of his vision.

"This is Hachiman's punishment." Even the brief act of separating them made Ichinose's face turn pink.

After saying that, the pink-haired girl, her face flushed with a seductive pink, fled from Hikigaya's room as if running away.

"Eh....."

Gently stroking the spot where he had been kissed, Hikigaya carefully recalled the sensation, remembering Ichinose's alluring pink face.