As soon as the weekend arrives, you start seeing couples and groups of friends everywhere: cafés, restaurants, cinemas—any place that fits the atmosphere young people enjoy.
That's normal.
But what's not normal is me being excited to go to a café.
Normally, I would refuse any invitation, especially if it were on the weekend.
Who would give up their day off for a tiring outing?
But believe it or not, I—Hikigaya Hachiman—am standing in front of the mirror like an idiot who glorifies youth, getting ready to go out on my day off… to a café.
This is really bad… I've started to change. Is this normal?
I'll consider it a good thing if it makes Yukinoshita happy.
I finished buttoning up my white shirt; all that's left is to put on my black jacket.
I don't think the weather will be bad, so I'll go with light clothes. The forecast said it would be clear—but who knows when the weather might suddenly change its mood?
Alright, I'll stop thinking about stupid things. I should go before I'm late.
We agreed to meet at 9:00 in front of the dorm.
I think it's a perfect time. Students tend to spend their weekend mornings sleeping and start their plans in the evening.
So we'll have more freedom to walk around.
Well, who cares about others' opinions? Do whatever you want—I'll do what I want. Though… I'd hate for Yukinoshita to be affected by that.
I left the room and closed the door behind me. It seemed no one was in the hallway.
It was still 8:55.
I'll head downstairs and wait in the lobby.
I stood in front of the elevator and pressed the button.
Looks like it's coming down from the upper floor…
Isn't that the girls' floor?
The elevator doors opened, revealing a girl inside wearing a dark purple dress that reached below her knees, with a black jacket over it.
I was stunned by how beautiful the sight was.
Her snow-white skin and long black hair matched perfectly with her dress.
"That's…"
"What?"
"That's… beautiful."
The girl blushed in embarrassment. Well, I'm not used to saying things like that—and it seems Yukinoshita isn't used to hearing them from me either.
"Thank you," she muttered awkwardly.
She's really cute.
I lost track of time; all I did was stand outside the elevator trying to compose myself.
"Are you going to stay there?"
"Ah… no."
It seems Yukinoshita noticed I was spacing out. I wonder how long I would've stayed there without moving?
I stepped into the elevator and stood beside her.
"Hmm… these clothes… suit you," Yukinoshita said while brushing her hair with her hand.
"Yeah… thanks."
As expected of Komachi's taste. She always says we can't change our eyes, but some clothes can cover for that.
Do these clothes really improve how I look?
Well… thanks, Komachi.
The elevator reached the ground floor. It seemed there was no one around.
"So, where's the café?"
I won't be able to go if I don't know where it is.
"In the shopping mall, first floor."
It seems all entertainment facilities are gathered in the mall.
I've never visited it before. I usually just buy what I need from small shops on the way and head to a restaurant.
This seems like a good chance to explore more places.
"Let's go."
We started walking together.
The road seemed empty of students.
A new school term is always exhausting for students.
If not physically, then mentally.
A new environment, new faces… it's natural to feel drained.
And naturally, you need rest. The best option is sleep.
So go ahead—keep sleeping until our outing is over.
As we got closer to the mall, the number of people increased.
Without uniforms, just wearing casual clothes, the students seemed to be enjoying their time.
The mall was complete—it had everything you might need from stores, and its design looked top-class.
I wonder how much money it took to build this entire school?
More importantly… who even came up with this idea?
Locking students up and giving them points based on their value… it feels like training them to become obedient employees.
If isolating them here is part of helping them grow and become independent, isn't family also important in their development?
Isn't sitting at home and relying on your parents part of a child's growth?
This doesn't seem like a good way to develop anything other than a burden on society.
Though… I wouldn't mind that role.
We decided to go straight to the café, since neither of us had breakfast yet.
The café was elegant—the chairs, tables, everything.
Now I understand why Yukinoshita said students complain about it.
An average student wouldn't normally get the chance to enter a place like this.
Well, it's fine to spend some points today, right?
We approached the staff to order.
It didn't take long before we received our order.
Even the service was top-class.
The café wasn't crowded yet, but Yukinoshita seemed… nervous.
Alright, I'll try to fix that. Let's sit first.
We found a table easily.
Yukinoshita sat first, and I sat across from her.
We placed our trays in front of us.
I ordered café au lait with a piece of chocolate cake. Not the best breakfast choice, but who cares?
Yukinoshita had café au lait and some biscuits, but she was still fidgeting nervously.
"Yukinoshita."
"Yes?" She raised her head, her blue eyes staring at me.
"Umm… it's fine. No need to worry. Let's just think of this as two middle school classmates spending some time together."
It seemed Yukinoshita understood what I meant and let out a sigh.
She's not used to this kind of relationship yet—and neither am I. So let's take it slowly.
"Alright."
I nodded and took a sip of my coffee.
Not bad. Though Max Coffee is better, this is still good.
Yukinoshita also started drinking hers, seemingly enjoying the taste.
Should I bring up a topic?
I don't know.
Even the silence between us feels comfortable, so I'll keep it this way.
We stayed like that until Yukinoshita broke the silence.
"Hikigaya-kun, what do you think of this school?"
"Apart from the annoying system, this school would be enjoyable in every way—monthly allowance and various facilities."
It's like a dream school for any student. But reality hits, reminding you that dreams are just dreams.
"Are you bothered by having to face the challenges here? Do you think it would've been easier if you went to another school?" Yukinoshita asked, her face full of concern.
Originally, I didn't plan to attend a school like this. A normal school in Chiba would've been enough.
But Yukinoshita convinced me to come with her.
So she… feels guilty for dragging me into this.
"Yukinoshita."
When she heard my voice, she straightened up quickly, as if preparing for my answer.
I took a deep breath through my nose and exhaled.
This might embarrass me later.
"Yukinoshita… I'm satisfied with my current situation. I never imagined I'd get the chance to attend a school like this. Even my family is happy—they see it as an opportunity for change."
I took a bigger breath.
"Besides… I'm happy I'm here with you. It would've been annoying to think about you from Chiba without even being able to contact you because of the school rules. So… yeah, I'm happy with this."
I'm sure I'll remember this later and wish I could disappear—but I won't.
So it's fine.
Yukinoshita lowered her gaze, a faint smile appearing on her face.
She seems at ease now.
But something still bothers me.
"Are you bothered by… being placed in Class D?"
Ever since I learned about the class system, I've wanted to know how Yukinoshita truly feels about it.
Is she annoyed? Angry?
Or… has she lost hope?
She looked at me, then at her plate.
"I won't deny that I was disappointed at first—and I'm still a bit bothered. But… isn't all I have to do prove otherwise?"
Determination appeared in her eyes.
"Do you want to reach Class A?"
If she wants to prove herself, that's what she has to do.
"It's enough for me to prove that my abilities are Class A… just like I did with my mother."
Yukinoshita had faced unfair judgment from her mother, so she seems used to dealing with situations like this.
"I wonder what kind of challenges we'll face to move up."
No matter how I think about it, we'll probably face tests that go beyond academics.
"I don't think the teacher would answer that. They're trying to hide the system… but there might be a way to buy the information. Didn't the teacher say we could buy anything with points?"
As expected of Yukinoshita—she noticed that too.
"I think it'd be difficult for them to sell system information. And even if they did, it would be extremely expensive."
I wouldn't be surprised if it costs more than what we were given on the first day.
Because once you understand the system, you understand the core of the school.
"We should test the limits of what we can buy with points," Yukinoshita said, placing her hand on her chin.
"Well, everything has limits."
For example, you probably can't pay to expel another student.
"I have an idea."
I've thought about something before—but should I share it now?
"I see… you mentioned before that you have ideas. If you want to share them…"
Yukinoshita said hesitantly.
I don't see any problem telling her.
She might even find flaws in my plan.
Seems reasonable.
I'll tell her.
Besides, she won't tell anyone—and there's no one around us.
After I explained everything, Yukinoshita rested her chin on her hand, thinking.
She might take a while.
I picked up a fork and started eating the cake.
It's really delicious.
I might become a regular here.
Just kidding—I won't waste my points.
After processing everything, Yukinoshita looked up at me.
"Hikigaya-kun, it's a good plan. It will allow you to test what can be bought with points, and it has some credibility. While it could be exposed easily, if your conditions are met, it could create conflict among students—and might yield satisfying results."
Right—the key condition is making sure students spend all their points so they'll have none left next month.
With enough pressure, they'll do anything to earn points.
"Yeah, they'll become addicted to luxury. That'll make it easy."
"It's simple… yet complicated."
Well, it needs some work—and I'll handle that.
"It seems what you wanted is already happening. I heard some girls talking—they've spent large amounts on clothes and such."
"Yukinoshita… since when do you join girls' conversations?"
The Yukinoshita I know wouldn't engage in what she sees as trivial talk.
"It's not like that… I just happened to overhear them. It's not like I was talking to them."
She said nervously.
Does she dislike the idea that much?
Well, it doesn't matter.
"It seems we forgot to enjoy our time and started talking about the system."
"Yeah."
Normal people would enjoy the moment.
But it seems Yukinoshita and I enjoy discussions.
That's fine.
After finishing our drinks and desserts, we left the café.
It seems our outing ends here—even though it's only 10:15.
Should we spend more time together?
I looked at Yukinoshita.
She seemed like she was thinking about whether it's okay to say something.
Does she want to go somewhere?
Should I invite her?
"Yukinoshita… I want to go somewhere. Will you come with me?"
My eyes instinctively drifted aside.
I still get nervous inviting her.
"Ah… with pleasure."
Yukinoshita's expression shifted from surprise to happiness.
It seems she doesn't mind spending more time together.
That's good.