There is something wrong with Hikigaya’s classroom of the Elite, as expected

Chapter 143: Harsh Words

“The general situation of this matter has been understood, but ‘illegally installing surveillance cameras’ is still a serious violation with very negative consequences. Therefore, a thorough investigation must be conducted, making sure that no innocent person is wronged, but also ensuring that no guilty party escapes punishment.”

As soon as Hachiman finished speaking, Ishizaki saw Hachiman’s gaze land directly on him. The cold, detached look in his eyes sent a chill down Ishizaki’s spine, and he felt his scalp tingle. Uncontrollably, his mind flashed back to the night before the midterm exams, and the scenes from this afternoon’s lunch break. His throat instinctively swallowed, and sweat poured down his body.

Fortunately, Hachiman soon shifted his gaze away, and Ishizaki felt as though he had been pulled out of the water. The feeling of Hachiman’s cold eyes on him made Ishizaki feel like a lamb to the slaughter, as though he were about to be devoured at any moment.

The overwhelming pressure caused a chill to run through him. In fact, this feeling of fear was more intense than when facing Ryuen’s violent control; Ishizaki had never experienced such fear.

Yes, Ishizaki had just felt a deep-rooted fear, a psychological terror far more frightening than anything physical.

But just as quickly as the fear came, it faded away, and Ishizaki couldn’t help but wonder: Was this just his imagination, or was he simply too nervous, scaring himself?

Afterward, Hachiman turned his attention to Ichinose. The usually cheerful pink-haired girl no longer had her usual lighthearted demeanor. Her downcast expression revealed the inner turmoil she was experiencing, looking as though she was trapped in a cycle of self-blame and mental suffering.

From beginning to end, Ichinose had avoided Hachiman’s gaze, like a child who had done something wrong, too afraid to meet his eyes.

“Ichinose.”

Hearing Hachiman’s voice, Ichinose looked up but continued to avoid his gaze.

“If you think running away from this situation will solve the problem, then I just want to say, I’m very disappointed in you, Ichinose.”

“I… I…”

Upon hearing Hachiman’s words, Ichinose made a low, sorrowful sound. She finally looked into Hachiman’s eyes, but her gaze was filled with regret and guilt, and more than anything, there was a kind of helpless pain in her expression.

“I… I’m sorry, Hachiman-kun. You specifically warned me, but I still went ahead and acted ‘impulsively.’ Last night, you were right. I’ve let myself down, and I’ve let others down too.”

Ichinose bit her lip, clearly devastated by the impact and the consequences of her actions.

“Indeed, as the leader of Class B, acting so ‘recklessly’ means you’ve not only hurt yourself but also the students who trusted you.”

Upon hearing Hachiman’s scolding, Ichinose became even more self-recriminating. Her usually gentle and sunny face was now replaced by a look of guilt and pain. The sight of the pink-haired girl, looking so pitiful and fragile, made it hard for anyone to criticize her.

But Hachiman seemed impervious to her pitiable state. His tone remained serious as he said, “I don’t know if you’ve considered how the other students in your class will think if something happens to you, or how the class will end up in a mess.”

Leaders do not stand near a dangerous wall. If you still want to continue to be the “great good person” in other people’s mouths to satisfy your vanity, I advise you not to be the leader of this B class anymore. People like you who are self-righteous and moved by your own emotions are really disgusting!”

Hikigaya’s words were quite harsh. If the students from Class B were present, they would surely rush over and beat him up. Unfortunately, there were no other students from Class B around, but even so, Hirata, Kushida, and the others couldn’t help but speak up in defense of Ichinose. After all, it was Class D that had wronged Class B first, and during the process, Class B had also helped Class D a lot.

Those who were witnessing this, including Ishizaki, couldn’t help but gasp. This Hikigaya was really too harsh and ruthless, daring to say such “evil words” to Ichinose, the most popular and beloved student in the first year?

No wonder he was the man who had once defeated Ryuen!

A hint of admiration flashed in Ishizaki’s eyes.

Hikigaya completely ignored the gazes of the others, sneering coldly. “Ichinose, this time you were lucky, but luck won’t always be on your side, and luck always comes with a price!”

At this point, Hikigaya couldn’t help but glance at Haruno. HAruno appeared to be ‘innocently’ pretending not to hear anything, acting as though she knew nothing.

Hikigaya no longer planned to pay attention to Ichinose. He turned around and walked in front of Horikita, silently staring at her.

“Lift your head.”

However… Horikita did not respond.

“What, are you embarrassed?”

Hikigaya sneered, “Oh, wait, you should have no face left to come out and embarrass yourself!”

Upon hearing this, Horikita seemed to be enraged. She suddenly lifted her head, glaring straight at Hikigaya, her teeth clenched, her face full of unwillingness, and shame flashed in her eyes!

It was as if she was saying, “Are you satisfied now?”

It was the first time Hikigaya had seen such a ‘rich’ expression on Horikita, the ‘ice princess.’ Normally, there was no noticeable difference in their height, but at this moment, Horikita felt like she was being looked down upon by Hikigaya, who was towering over her, as if both her body and mind were being trampled on by this boy standing before her!

Horikita knew that she had lost terribly this time. If she had backed off during the deliberation meeting, if she had not been so unwilling at that moment, if she hadn’t let her competitive spirit towards Hikigaya get the better of her, would the outcome have been different?

She wasn’t sure, but the decision she made in that moment, even Horikita herself couldn’t explain what emotions or reasons were behind it. Did she really want to defeat Hikigaya? Or was it to prove her ability to her brother? Or was it for some other reason?

Now she understood. No, she didn’t want to defeat the boy in front of her at all. She just wanted his recognition, or rather… she wanted to catch up to the back of the boy in front of her, and nothing more.

Horikita herself didn’t even know when she had developed such an inexplicable obsession with this boy.

“Horikita, you’ve always lived in your own world, lacking empathy for others, and then acting according to your own thoughts, assuming everything should go as you expect. It’s this arrogance that has led to the current bitter outcome.

Just like the words you said to Sudo yesterday at the deliberation meeting, the same can be applied to you. Now, you are no different from a guy like Sudo! Do you finally realize your own ignorance now?”