Life As Hikigaya Hachiman

Chapter 550: Really Looking Forward to Your Visit, Hikigaya-kun

"Do you have any good ideas, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Of course," Hachiman replied with a faint smile, tapping his fingers on the armrest of the sofa before glancing at Shizuka, who had been quiet up until now.

"The school doesn't have any objections to the ball, does it?"

"That's correct. The school has no objections," Shizuka confirmed as the school's representative.

"In fact, the school supports students organizing their own graduation events. Valuing student autonomy has always been one of our traditions."

"In that case, since the school, as the primary organizer, has no objections, it suggests that this event is reasonable in the eyes of the majority," Hachiman said with a nod before turning back to Mrs. Yukinoshita.

"That's true. To most people, there doesn't seem to be an issue," Mrs. Yukinoshita agreed, though her tone quickly shifted. "But I don't believe opposition from a minority should be ignored."

"You've misunderstood, Auntie. I'm not suggesting that we ignore those parents," Hachiman said with a smile.

His statement piqued everyone's curiosity.

If the dissenting parents weren't ignored, how could the ball proceed smoothly?

"What we need to do is simply change their minds," Hachiman stated confidently.

Without keeping them in suspense, he elaborated:

"Humans are highly susceptible to persuasion. If we can present enough benefits of this ball and have those ideas spread widely by certain 'socially conscious individuals,' those opposing parents may gradually be influenced and change their views."

There was a moment of silence as the others processed his words.

Sensing potential misunderstanding, Hachiman quickly clarified:

"Of course, we won't ignore the concerns that parents have already raised. We'll revise our plans accordingly to address those issues."

"If some parents are still worried, they are welcome to attend the graduation ball themselves to witness the event firsthand."

"In fact, I think for the graduating students, being able to celebrate with their parents present would make the experience even more meaningful."

"..."

The room fell silent again after Hachiman's explanation.

After a brief pause, it was Mrs. Yukinoshita who finally broke the silence by gently clapping her hands.

"Hikigaya-kun truly is impressive," Mrs. Yukinoshita remarked, her tone carrying a hint of admiration.

It seemed she had made up her mind—Yukino would need to put in more effort. Such an exceptional young man was someone the Yukinoshita family must secure.

"Not at all, Auntie," Hachiman responded with a faint smile, downplaying her praise.

"That said, I do have a small request, and I hope you can agree to it," he added.

"A request?" Mrs. Yukinoshita raised her elegant eyebrows slightly. "Go ahead, Hikigaya-kun."

"It's very simple. I'd like to ask you not to share this plan with the other parents in advance," Hachiman said, smiling as he continued.

"If they find out about it beforehand, the strategy won't work. After all, as one of the organizers, I don't want the efforts we've put into this event to go to waste."

"Of course, if the parents inquire, you can tell them that the school is continuing discussions about the ball," he added.

"Didn't you just mention that you personally don't have any objections to the ball? So even if the event goes ahead as planned, it shouldn't pose any conflict for you, right?"

"Wouldn't you agree, Auntie?"

By the end of his statement, Hachiman's eyes had narrowed slightly, and even the tapping of his fingers on the armrest had ceased.

Mrs. Yukinoshita remained silent for a moment, then responded with a gentle smile, repeating her earlier praise.

"Hikigaya-kun, you truly are remarkable."

"Since you've already devised a plan, I have no intention of interfering," she added before standing and offering a polite bow.

"I've taken up enough of your time. I'll be leaving now."

With that, she made her way to the door, and Shizuka, as the host, naturally rose to see her off.

Before leaving the meeting room, Mrs. Yukinoshita turned back to look at Hachiman once more.

"I'm really looking forward to your visit, Hikigaya-kun."

"Don't worry, Auntie. Once I've wrapped up my current tasks, I'll be sure to pay you a visit," Hachiman replied with a smile.

For him, it was all about finding mutual benefit. After all, if the stakes were high enough, even adversaries could become allies.

What's more, hosting the ball wouldn't negatively impact the school. As long as public opinion was managed well—a task that aligned perfectly with Hachiman's upcoming plans—the event could even enhance the school's reputation. In fact, if executed properly, the successful hosting of this ball might bring acclaim to Sobu High.

Hearing this, Shizuka let out a sigh.

"Alright, I'll help you with this. Let's call it the last favor I'll do for you all."

"Eh? The last favor? What do you mean?"

This unexpected remark surprised Yukino, Yui, and Iroha, while even Hachiman furrowed his brow slightly.

At that moment, Haruno, who had been idly playing with her phone, lifted her head and spoke in surprise.

"Shizuka, you haven't told them yet?"

Shizuka responded with a somewhat resigned tone, "Well, since it hasn't been officially confirmed, how could I just tell them on a whim?"

"I think you just don't know how to bring it up," Haruno retorted bluntly, exposing her hesitation.

"After all, Sobu High is a public school, and you've been here for six years. You're definitely getting transferred next year."

"What? Transferred?!"

The girls were visibly shocked, while Hachiman's expression turned contemplative.

"Could it be teacher rotations?" he asked.

In Japan, there is indeed a teacher rotation policy. Teachers who have been at one school for too long are transferred to other schools within the same region, typically every six years on average for public school teachers.

This year marked Shizuka's sixth year at Sobu High, and the realization that she might be transferred cast a somber mood over the room.

Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Shizuka quickly tried to shift the topic. "Alright, alright, let's talk about this another day. Besides, nothing's been finalized yet—who knows what might happen?"

"For now, the most pressing matter is figuring out how to handle the ball."

At this point, Hachiman spoke up again. "Let's stick to the general plan I just outlined. Iroha, start organizing the feedback we've received from the parents."

"Understood, senpai," Iroha nodded but hesitated, her expression troubled.

"But if we're going to expand the scope of the ball, the preparations and manpower might become an issue..."

"Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it," Hachiman assured her.

For catering, he could ask Erina and Alice for help. Not to mention, there was the whole crew at the Polar Star Dormitory—they basically considered him their unofficial boss, so getting their assistance wouldn't be a problem.

As for manpower, he could reach out to Hayama, Tobe, Zaimokuza, and even Saika. He was confident none of them would refuse his request.

Even girls like Yumiko, Ebina, and Saki could be called upon to lend a hand.

But those logistical concerns weren't the priority right now. The most important thing was to address the situation with Shizuka.

He had to admit, he'd been neglecting her lately and wasn't even aware of such a significant development in her life.

It was clear to him that it was time for a proper conversation with her.

With that in mind, Hachiman turned his gaze toward Shizuka, who was smoking by the window.

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