Haichiman's Super Strength

The Palace of Stars explained the rules extremely quickly.

So much so that no one could be seen in the teaching building.

Soon, Hikigaya Hachiman spotted Hoshinomiya Chie and quickly ran to her side.

"Ah, Hikigaya-kun?"

Hoshinomiya Chie stopped and joked with a smile, "What do you need from me? Could it be that you fell in love with me at first sight? If so, I should think about it carefully."

"That last sentence was unnecessary," Hikigaya Hachiman replied, speechless.

He didn't know why, but while being too close to a girl usually made his palms sweat from nervousness, he never felt embarrassed around women of other age groups.

Maybe it was because he had a younger sister, which made him more comfortable dealing with younger girls.

As for Hoshinomiya, she didn't feel any different from a little girl.

"I have something to ask you, Sensei," Hikigaya said frankly.

"Hm?"

Hoshinomiya frowned slightly, though Hikigaya keenly noticed the sudden hint of irritation in her expression.

"Why didn't you ask in the classroom just now?"

"Well..."

Hikigaya hesitated, feeling a little awkward. "There are a few reasons."

"For example?" Hoshinomiya pressed.

Although school had just started, Hikigaya—who was clearly a member of Class B—had come out alone to ask questions.

She seriously suspected that he didn't see himself as part of the class.

"For example..." Hikigaya's mind raced before he finally said, "Well, because I wanted to ask something more personal."

"Hmm..."

Hoshinomiya gave him a scrutinizing look, making Hikigaya feel as if she could see right through him.

This school is terrifying.

Hoshinomiya may act cute, but she's actually a devil in disguise.

"Go ahead, ask," she said after a moment, placing her hands on her hips proudly. "But whether I answer depends on my mood."

"Can I apply to voluntarily withdraw from school?"

Hikigaya looked serious.

He had no idea how he got admitted, but couldn't he drop out voluntarily?

Without Komachi, this school—no matter how luxurious—meant nothing to him.

Not to mention…

Just ten minutes ago, his youth had officially ended.

"Hm?"

Hoshinomiya was momentarily stunned.

Advanced Nurturing High School was one of the most prestigious institutions in Sakurajima, and getting admitted practically guaranteed a bright future. At least, that's what most new students believed.

Yet, in all her years of teaching, she had never encountered someone who wanted to drop out on the first day.

"Why do you ask?" she asked, her frown deepening.

"Well... for various reasons," Hikigaya replied vaguely.

This time, Hoshinomiya didn't push further. For someone without ambition, staying at this school would be a waste.

"You can," she answered bluntly. "The school will notify your parents and inform them that you were unable to adapt."

"No, that's not what I meant," Hikigaya said quickly, laughing dryly. "I meant, can I be expelled without notifying my parents? Like, if I'm not capable enough to keep up with my studies?"

If it was due to incompetence, his parents wouldn't have much to say.

As for being considerate of them? That was ridiculous.

He was sure his dad was celebrating finally getting rid of him.

Stupid dad, go get a real job!

"Hm?"

Hoshinomiya blinked, finally understanding his intent.

He didn't really want to drop out—he just wanted to find a convincing excuse to leave and satisfy his parents.

There was still hope!

Although this school was unique, as Class B's homeroom teacher, she cared about her students.

She had memorized their names before they even arrived.

Hoshinomiya Chie was determined to save this lost lamb.

"You can be expelled," she said with a smile. "If your grades are too poor, you'll eventually be forced out. But if you intentionally fail just to drop out, I'll be sure to tell your parents. That's my responsibility as a teacher."

What the hell?

So, I could have dropped out, but now I just blocked my own escape route?

If my dad finds out I threw away such a great opportunity, he'll definitely kick me out of the house.

That can't happen.

I love my parents. I genuinely hope they live long, prosperous lives and evolve from ordinary corporate slaves into ultimate corporate slaves, working hard to support me until I'm a hundred years old.

Being kicked out of the house is not an option.

Not to mention…

What strength am I even hiding?

I'm just an ordinary, loner house-husband-in-training, someone who can't even make friends. At best, I'm a future corporate drone.

I know my place.

Even Ichinose, Kanzaki, and Shibata earlier were obviously leagues ahead of me.

"I get it. Please don't do that," Hikigaya admitted defeat, bowing his head.

This teacher might look cute, but she was a demon who could see right through people.

"But, Sensei, what do you mean by 'you'll be expelled sooner or later'? Is it normal for students to drop out of this school?"

Hikigaya asked curiously.

"Yes. Any other questions?"

Hoshinomiya nodded without hesitation.

Even knowing that, he didn't seem surprised.

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Hikigaya sighed.

In Sakurajima, dropping out labeled you a failure. Your future would be doomed.

This school was a scam.

Though, that had nothing to do with his ultimate goal: attending a private university and becoming a stay-at-home husband.

As long as I lay low, no one will target me.

"And about liberal arts and sciences…"

Hikigaya started, but Hoshinomiya cut him off.

"This school doesn't separate them. Whether you prefer liberal arts or science, you must study both."

"Of course..."

Hikigaya sighed again. What a garbage school.

His original plan was to abandon science after middle school, specialize in liberal arts, and then use his dad's money to attend a private university.

After all, he hated math.

Now, he didn't even have the option to give it up.

"I remember you left your entrance exam completely blank, Hikigaya," Hoshinomiya mused, resting her chin on her hand. "Are you struggling with something?"

"Haha..."

Hikigaya averted his gaze, chuckling awkwardly.

If you knew that, why the hell did you let me enroll?!

"Whatever."

Hoshinomiya placed her hands on her hips proudly. "If you need help with your studies, go to Fanbo. She ranked first in the entrance exam. Don't come to me."

"Shouldn't a teacher say, 'Leave it to me!' and act all cute?"

Hikigaya quipped.

"Do I look like someone who tries to act cute?"

"Yes."

"You little—!"

Hoshinomiya raised her fist threateningly.

Confirmed.

This teacher was irritating.