…
Class 2-F
4:01, PM
…
"Got a moment?"
Hikigaya heard the voice behind him. He pivoted, turning toward the source to find the prince of Sōbu standing there: Hayama Hayato.
"What do you want…?" Hikigaya's weary voice trailed off as he straightened his posture to face the blonde youth.
A faint, practiced smile tugged at the corners of Hayama's lips. "I wanted to talk about the plans for Saturday," he replied, his expression softening into one of feigned sympathy.
Hikigaya could only stare, bewildered. "Huh?"
Yet, it was that very confusion that drew Hayama further into the conversation.
"She didn't tell you?" Hayama asked, his eyebrows arching in mild surprise. "Orimoto-san and I have been texting." He reached into his pocket for his phone. "She set up some plans for Saturday. I assumed she'd already let you know."
Hikigaya found the entire premise laughable. The idea that Orimoto would reach out to him—let alone text him—was absurd. If she didn't bother in the past, why would she now? And more importantly, why on earth would she tell me?
Hikigaya turned toward the door, intent on leaving. He wouldn't be heading to the clubroom today.
"No, she didn't tell me," Hikigaya said, refusing to look back.
Hayama, who had genuinely assumed Hikigaya was in the loop, could only offer a smile—less of understanding and more of a silent plea. He clearly didn't want to be left alone with those two girls.
"Then, why don't you come along with us?"
Hikigaya tilted his head in sharp disapproval. "Obviously not."
Hayama bowed his head slightly. "You could think of it as… doing me a favor."
A favor… The word echoed with a hollow weight in Hikigaya's mind.
His eyes widened in sudden realization.
"…by helping me out with this," Hayama continued.
Hikigaya shook his head as he watched Hayama remain in that slight, submissive bow. He didn't want to accept—he really didn't. Especially not now, with the thought of Matsuba weighing on him.
He wasn't going to the club today, but the others would be there. Hasegawa and Aisaka would surely tell him if Matsuba tried to pull anything. He needed to devise a plan to keep Matsuba away from Yukinoshita. He had his own work to handle, and the last thing he wanted was to spend his time tagging along with Hayama and Orimoto.
"You know I wouldn't be any help," Hikigaya replied flatly. "And besides, how exactly would you need my help? Don't be ridiculous." Hikigaya began to walk toward the exit. "I have things to take care of."
Hayama was left standing alone, listening to the fading rhythm of Hikigaya's footsteps as he remained bowed.
"I see…"
He managed to whisper the words, but Hikigaya was already gone.
…
Hikigaya Residence
8:45, PM
…
Hikigaya lay sprawled on the living room sofa, lost in the gears of his own mind. He was dissecting the situation with Yukinoshita and Matsuba, trying to find a way to dismantle the problem.
What is he after? What does he want? Why the hell did he show up at the club? And why does he want anything to do with Yukinoshita?
His eyes wandered across the ceiling, searching for answers in the blank white expanse.
Does he like her? Mmm, no, that's just weird, right? He's a strange guy. A psychopath, most likely. But still a man, right? Ah... whatever. His thoughts were useless. Let's recap: what do I know about Matsuba? They call him the 'Dark Prince.' He's a thug—one of the strongest, apparently. A gang leader. Source: Hasegawa. Or was it leader? Tch... I should've written it down. It was too much info. But even so, if he really is the biggest thug in the city—or all of Japan—how am I supposed to convince Yukinoshita that he is? It's impossible.
The soft sound of footsteps on the hardwood floor approached.
"Hey," his sister, Komachi, interrupted. "You've got a call."
Her voice was cold and sharp. A dangerous combination in any woman. Things had been like this between them for days. Just another headache for Hikigaya to deal with.
He turned toward her. "What?" he replied, his tone weary.
Komachi, irritated by her brother's detached and condescending manner, tossed the phone at him.
"Hey!" Hikigaya scrambled off the sofa to catch it.
"I'm going to sleep," Komachi declared. "Leave it there when you're done."
Hikigaya frowned. "S-Sure." Once the door clicked shut, he pressed the phone to his ear. "…Yeah?"
"Yahallo."
Hikigaya pulled the phone away instantly, checking the screen to confirm the caller ID.
Yukinoshita… Haruno.
"Damn it…"
…
"Are you and your sister fighting?"
The enchanting voice resonated through the speaker.
Hikigaya let out a long sigh. "Compared to your family situation, this is nothing."
Haruno laughed at his comment. "Very funny." When her laughter faded, she cleared her throat. "Changing the subject: I heard you were invited out. Why don't you want to go?"
"Nobody invited me out," Hikigaya replied, annoyed by the mere memory of the encounter.
"Hayato invited you," Haruno shot back instantly.
Hikigaya's eyes widened, though not out of surprise. He was intrigued.
How does she know Hayama invited me? Did he tell her? And if he did, he probably asked Yukinoshita-san to force me. A smirk played on his lips. What a clever trick…
He sighed again.
"You should go," Haruno continued.
Hikigaya scowled. "No, I shouldn't."
"But you should," Haruno insisted. "Hayato is the type who never asks anything of anyone. He's a very proud boy, you know…"
Hikigaya's eyes widened again, his interest piqued by the new information.
"Proud, huh?"
Haruno shifted her tone.
"So, I'd really like to know why he wants you to come along," she concluded. Then, her tone lightened, as if nothing had happened. "What's the problem? You have the chance to go on a date with the girl you once loved, right? It's very romantic."
Orimoto's face flashed through Hikigaya's mind.
"Romantic… no…"
He shifted on the sofa, sitting upright.
"I wouldn't call it romantic," he replied.
"Mmm, no," Haruno disagreed. "Then what would you call it?"
"Simple, selfish, personal desires," Hikigaya clarified. "It was just a misunderstanding. It wasn't real."
Haruno listened intently, remaining silent for a long moment before letting out a laugh.
"You're like a monster of logic or something," she chuckled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hikigaya cleared his throat. "That doesn't sound stupid at all."
"Then a monster who's half-insecure? Does that suit you?" Haruno teased.
Hikigaya frowned. Even if she wasn't wrong about the tone, it still annoyed him.
"Like I was saying," Haruno continued, "it would be better if you went on that date." Her enchanting voice suddenly took on a threatening edge. "If you don't go, this Onee-san will have to come to your house personally and drag you out." A beat of silence followed. "Bye-bye."
She hung up.
Hikigaya stood there, phone still pressed to his ear.
Another heavy sigh escaped him.
…
Chiba Station
11:57, PM
…
"Thanks for coming," Hayama said.
Hikigaya turned to him with a look of pure annoyance.
"I only came because Yukinoshita-san threatened me," he replied immediately, wanting to dispel any other notion. "So, if you want to thank anyone, thank her."
"Even so, thanks," Hayama replied. "But that's not why I asked you to come..."
Hikigaya locked eyes with him.
"Then why am I here…?"
Hayama took a deep breath. "It's about Yukinoshita-san..." He paused for a moment. "And Matsu—"
"Sorry we're late!"
A female voice cut Hayama off.
Hikigaya tilted his head to see Orimoto and another girl, whose name he didn't know, running toward them.
"We're almost there!" the other girl called out.
Hayama stepped toward Hikigaya. "That's them," he said, looking at the girls. "We'll talk later."
Both girls arrived.
"Sorry for the wait, Hayama-kun," Orimoto began.
"Yeah, there were so many people," the other girl added. "We couldn't get through."
Hayama gave his signature smile. "It's fine, no problem. Let's go."
Hayama began to walk with the two girls, while Hikigaya could only let out a sigh. Talk... about what? Yukinoshita-san...?
He followed them as they walked. The girls tried to keep the conversation going, and Hayama merely went along with everything they said; there was no real substance in his responses.
"How about we see a movie first?" Hayama interrupted, taking the initiative.
"Yes, yes!" Orimoto cheered. "What a great idea."
"Right?" the other girl agreed. "Which movie should we see?"
Hikigaya offered a cynical smirk. He was impressed by the way Hayama steered the conversation without saying much at all. He only had to suggest one thing for both of them to fall in line. He hated to admit it, but it was incredible.
"Maybe a romance?" Orimoto suggested.
The girls continued to chatter away.
"Absolutely!"
The sound of their voices in the background made Hikigaya yawn.
…
Hikigaya's eyes felt heavy. His hand rested on the back of his seat, his head leaning against his closed fist. He didn't catch a single bit of the plot; he had just wasted his money. Hikigaya had never suffered quite like he did today.
"Hey, Hikigaya," Orimoto whispered, nudging him. "You and me, together watching a movie," she said. "If our middle school friends could see us now, they wouldn't believe it."
Hikigaya heard her words. Friends... Our...
He understood what she meant, but he couldn't fathom how she could distort reality so much. He wondered why she was like that.
Naivety? That seemed the most likely answer.
"I suppose so..." Hikigaya replied, devoid of any interest.
Orimoto shifted slightly toward Hayama, perfectly innocent, leaving a wide gap between herself and Hikigaya.
Hikigaya watched this and thought to himself:
Now that I see this, my bad luck brings me right back to my middle school memories. Of course, I didn't realize it back then. She, Orimoto Kaori, treated everyone the same, even when she had no interest in them. It wasn't that she was faking it or anything like that. That's just how she is. That's her way of being.
And so, Hikigaya reached his usual conclusion.
I hate nice girls.
…
"Wasn't that explosion incredible?" Orimoto was the first to speak as they left the theater. "It was hilarious how Hikigaya jumped in his seat," she continued, laughing.
"I didn't expect it to be so loud," Hikigaya said, sliding his hands into his pockets.
Hayama offered an uncomfortable smile. He didn't like seeing people mock others, even if it was Hikigaya.
"Yeah," he said, drawing the girls' attention. "It caught me off guard too."
"That's true," Orimoto agreed quickly. "It made me jump a little, but Hayama-kun acted like nothing happened," she continued. "But, Hikigaya..."
Orimoto started laughing again, even harder this time.
I have sensitive ears, what can I say? I hope you enjoyed my sudden fright, Hikigaya thought to himself. Besides, why did a romance movie have explosions in it, anyway?
Hayama watched the situation, waiting for the right moment to intervene.
"Let's—let's keep going. If we don't hurry, we won't have time to hit the shops."
…
PALCO
3:35, PM
…
Hayama and Hikigaya stood together, waiting for the girls to finish trying on clothes.
"So, you liked her back in middle school," Hayama began.
"Huh?" Hikigaya replied, his mind clearly elsewhere.
"Orimoto," Hayama clarified. "That was your type? I wouldn't have guessed."
"Shut it," Hikigaya shot back. "It's not 'Orimoto.' There were others—some quieter, some louder who—" He cut himself off. "It doesn't matter. Besides, just because that was the case back then, doesn't mean it's still the case now."
"Fair point," Hayama conceded. "In the end, we could say that neither of us has ever truly been in love. Not you, and not me…"
Those final words struck a chord, pulling Hikigaya back to that night: the night Tobe confessed his feelings for Ebina. It was the same night Hayama had whispered the initial of the girl he liked.
"Y."
That was all he had said.
"And is that what you wanted to talk about?" Hikigaya broke the silence. "My type?"
Hayama stared at the floor. "No, no." He took a deep breath. "First, I wanted to apologize again." Seeing the confusion on Hikigaya's face, he pressed on. "Because of me—because I asked for your help—things in your club have become… uncomfortable."
Hikigaya averted his gaze, staring straight ahead. "I already told you, you don't need to apologize. I did it because I wanted to."
Hayama swallowed hard. "Even so…"
"That's really all there is to it," Hikigaya insisted.
Hayama shook his head. "It's about Matsuba…"
Hikigaya's brow furrowed. "Matsuba?" he asked sharply. "What does he have to do with this?"
Hayama hesitated. "Yukino… shita…" He cleared his throat. "I'm worried about her being around him."
Hikigaya still didn't grasp his meaning. "Worried?"
Hayama nodded. "Yes. You know what they say about Matsuba. Even if I don't believe the rumors, I'm still concerned about him being around her." He saw Hikigaya's frown deepen. "That's why I have a request. I want you to hel—"
"Hayato!"
A shrill female voice cut through their conversation. Both boys turned to see Miura Yumiko, accompanied by Ebina Hina.
"Hayato," she repeated, marching straight up to him. "What are you doing here?"
Ebina glanced at Hikigaya. "Oh, hi, Hikitani-kun."
Hikigaya offered a noncommittal grunt. "Mmmh."
Hayama regained his composure. "We're just at the movies," he said, keeping the explanation vague.
Miura turned her skeptical gaze toward Hikigaya. "With Hikio?" she asked, sounding utterly incredulous.
Hayama didn't answer; he just offered an awkward, pained smile.
"Hayama-kun!" Orimoto called out, walking over. "What do you think of this dress? Does it suit me?"
As Orimoto and her friend approached, she looked at the new arrivals. "And who are you guys?"
Miura's brow twitched. "Huh?" The blonde's temper flared. "Who are you?"
Hayama looked on, paralyzed, not knowing what to say or do.
Orimoto spoke for him. "We're friends of Hayama-kun's."
Wow, I actually feel sorry for Hayama, Hikigaya thought. Or for Orimoto. This day couldn't possibly get any weirder.
"Friends…?" Miura repeated, the word sounding like an insult on her tongue. "Hayato—"
Hayama cut her off, clearing his throat. "A-Ah, Yumiko," he started. "We—"
"Oh! It's Hayato-kun!"
A male voice made everyone turn at once. Tobe Kakeru came jogging toward them.
"Tobe?" Hayama responded, as if seeing a miracle. "What's wrong?"
Tobe grabbed Hayama's arm. "I need your help, Hayato-kun! I came with Irohasu to buy a new suit for the team, but all we've been buying are supplements—" He stopped, finally noticing the others. He recognized Miura and Ebina, but the two unknown girls stood there looking confused.
Orimoto and her friend exchanged glances.
"A-Ah, Yumiko, Hina," Tobe said. "You two are out? Beeeh, why didn't you tell us guys? We all could have come! Right, Irohasu?"
When Tobe turned around to look for Isshiki, she was gone. She was now standing directly in front of Hikigaya.
"Senpai," she said, her eyes locked on his.
Hikigaya held his distance, even with her right in his face. She's fast, he thought, but not quite as fast as what I've been dealing with lately.
"Senpai, what are you doing here?" were her words, but the subtext was clear: 'You have time to hang out with girls, but no time for work.' She finished with a saccharine, "Ah, having fun?"
Hikigaya understood exactly what she meant. "No, I'm really not wasting tim—"
Isshiki pulled his arm down to her height.
"Doesn't matter. So, who are those two?" She lowered her voice, dropping the charm for a colder, sharper tone, whispering into his ear, "Are they your friends? What kind of relationship do you have with them? Is one of them your girlfriend?"
This girl is terrifying, Hikigaya thought. How can she sound so cold with such an innocent smile?
He swallowed hard. "Ah, no, actually—"
"Hayato," Miura barked, her patience completely exhausted.
"How about we all spend the afternoon together!" Isshiki announced to the group.
She had read the room instantly. She wanted time with Hayama, but Miura was an obstacle. Using Hikigaya as a pawn would make things much easier. It would be so simple.
Hayama offered another smile, this one visibly strained. But Miura didn't care.
"Haya—"
"Eeeeh?"
A boy's voice interrupted. A large group approached—more than ten of them—all wearing identical turquoise jackets with a tiger emblem.
One of them stood out. His hair matched the color of his clothes.
"Hey," the boy said. He was almost as tall as Hayama, hands in his pockets, walking with a confident, provocative swagger. "You're the guy who was with Hasegawa yesterday…"
Hikigaya didn't look away. The boy wore a school uniform Hikigaya didn't recognize: blue, matching his hair, with black accents and a lion emblem.
Hikigaya coughed, trying to process the situation. I have to read this right.
"Y-Yeah," he managed, forcing a twisted smile. I didn't think I'd sound this pathetic.
The boy's expression flickered. "I knew it!" he shouted, drawing glances from shoppers nearby. He took a few steps toward Hikigaya, his group shadowing him. "And here I thought Hasegawa had retired from the business. I should've come by to say hello."
The others stood in silence, confused by the exchange. Hayama stepped in front of the girls, shielding Miura, Ebina, and the others. Isshiki stood to the side, just far enough from Hayama to be safe.
Tobe, oblivious to the suffocating atmosphere, just grinned. "Ah! Is this your friend, Hikitani-kun? Woah, I didn't know you were popular at other schools!"
Hikigaya's smile tightened. Shut up, Tobe, he pleaded silently.
The boy fixed his gaze on Tobe.
"Mmmh, Senpai has friends?" Isshiki asked innocently.
Hikigaya frowned again. Is it really that hard to believe I have friends? he thought.
The boy chuckled at the mockery. "Are you friends with Hasegawa?"
Hikigaya blinked. He didn't know how to classify their relationship. They were in the same club, they talked, they knew each other. "I'm not sure how to categorize our relationship, how am I supposed to—"
"Then?" the boy cut in. His tone wasn't openly threatening, but it made Hikigaya's blood run cold.
"Y-Yeah," Hikigaya finally replied.
"Well, in that case, every friend of Hasegawa's is a friend of mine." The boy stepped close enough to drape an arm over Hikigaya's shoulder. "And do you know what friends do, Hikitani-kun?"
Hikigaya sighed. "Hikitani-kun isn't my name."
"What?" the boy asked.
"They share," the boy answered.
Share…
Sharing…
Hikigaya didn't think—he just looked ahead. He saw a massive group of nothing but guys. Then he looked at who he was with. Hayama hadn't said a word; he was just shielding the girls, paralyzed.
Shit, shit, shit! Hikigaya screamed internally. He couldn't fight. Could Hayama? Tobe was useless—at best, he was bait.
"Yeah…" the boy continued with that same fake sympathy. "Didn't you know? Ask your friend Hasegawa. He used to share."
Hikigaya's eyes widened. Hasegawa… the only reason he and Hasegawa even spoke was because they'd met through him.
"Ah, yeah!" someone from the back yelled. "That blonde is cute!"
Miura jumped. "What did you say?!"
"Idiot, it's not your turn," another chimed in. "At least give us something."
Hayama immediately grabbed Miura's arm. "Calm down, Yumiko, he didn't mean it." He turned to the group. "That wasn't very polite."
"What did that asshole say?" murmurs rippled through the group.
"I think he wants a beating."
Another added, "The one with the curls is cute, too."
The group laughed, surrounding them.
"It's true," another agreed.
"But the one with the glasses isn't bad either."
The laughter grew. Ebina ducked behind Hayama, eyes averted.
"Damn, why are the prettiest ones always at other schools? It's bullshit," one guy complained. "They never leave anything for us."
Hikigaya had it clear now. He knew how to solve this. The only way he knew how to solve anything.
Alone.
Hayama was doing nothing, Tobe was Tobe, and the girls were defenseless. Where are the teachers when you actually need them?
The boy with the blue hair smiled. "Right. Since you're new to this, we'll just take the girls and have some fun." He tightened his grip on Hikigaya's shoulder. "You don't mind, do you, Hikitani-kun?"
Hikigaya shook his head.
"That's it!" the boy shouted, releasing him. "You learn fast, Hikitani. You'll go far in this business."
He grabbed Isshiki by the arm.
Isshiki smiled. "Actually, my mom doesn't want me home late," she said, her face a mask of fear and discomfort. She had clearly never been in a situation like this.
"It's fine, we'll go visit your mom later," the boy said, squeezing her arm slightly. "We'll bring her along, too. She's sure to have fun."
Isshiki looked at Hayama, pleading for help, but he was staring at the ground, paralyzed by frustration. Her eyes darted to Hikigaya. "Senpa—"
"I don't mind," Hikigaya's voice made the boy turn back to him. "But I'm not sure if Matsuba would mind."
The boy's pupils dilated. His hand instinctively went limp, releasing Isshiki.
Just naming him made the boy's smile falter. Matsuba. Matsuba. Matsuba.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA"
Memories flooded the boy's mind: the smile, the unhinged laughter, the golden eyes, the hair that looked like horns… the screams of his friends, the metallic taste of blood.
Hikigaya saw the reaction. It was unmistakable. He could see the sweat beading on the boy's temples.
"What do you think?" Hikigaya pressed, using the same tone he'd used on Sagami. "I don't think Matsuba likes people looking at girls from his school."
The words flowed out—sharp, acidic, ugly. But it was his only card. He needed to know if Hasegawa's intel was right—if Matsuba's influence was truly absolute. If it was true, they wouldn't dare touch anyone from Sōbu or Kaihin.
"What did that asshole say?" someone in the back muttered. Another stepped closer. "Does he want to play hero?"
The murmurs grew. "How selfish can he be? We're just using her for a bit."
"Yeah," another added, "and if he wants, he can watch."
The laughter amplified, but Hikigaya never broke eye contact with the blue-haired boy.
Hikigaya took a deep breath and reached into his pocket. "I could give him a call," he said, pulling out his phone.
The boy straightened up, swallowing hard.
I hope this works, Hikigaya thought. I don't even have his damn number—I don't even think he HAS a phone! Shit! But they don't know that, right? If he knows Hasegawa, maybe he'll think we're friends.
"Beeeh," Tobe's voice made them both turn. "But Haruto-kun is here, actually! I saw him a few minutes ago, he was with some Onee-san."
The boy turned pale. This wasn't his territory, and he was with a large group. He cursed his luck; this was a mistake. Rumors said Matsuba had been gone for six months.
Tobe… Hikigaya thought, you're incredible.
The boy put on a brave face, his smile failing to hide the fear.
"Matsuba Haruto…" someone whispered from the back. "The Demon of Hari—"
"What? I thought he was in Kyoto."
"Shit, they're from Sōbu…" another muttered. "Shouldn't we leave? He'll kill us if he sees us."
"I heard he'd been missing for months."
Another guy stepped up, pointing at Hikigaya. "And what of it? Hey, you, dead-fish eyes, are you threatening—"
A hollow, sharp thud echoed through the mall as the boy was struck on the back of the neck.
"He's right," the leader said. "Ah, Matsuba wouldn't like this. Forgive my friend Kota, Hikitani-kun," the leader said, grabbing Kota by the collar. "Kota-kun is an exchange student from Tokyo, he doesn't know the area yet, you know how they are over there. We were just showing him around." He cleared his throat. "Give my regards to Hasegawa."
Hikigaya nodded.
The leader bowed, and Hikigaya mirrored him.
"Let's go!" the leader barked.
"What? We're not taking the girls?"
They shoved each other as they scrambled away. "Damn. I really wanted the blonde."
"Are you crazy? If Matsuba sees us, he'll kill us."
"Yeah, the Demon doesn't pull his punches. He's probably bedding half of Sōbu by now."
The group hurried away, their voices fading into the distance.
"Hey, let's go to Shinjuku, I'm starving."
"Oh, yeah! And we can see that cute waitress."
"Ha! In your dreams, virgin."
Their voices became nothing more than a faint hum, until they finally vanished into the crowd.
…
"Damn it, damn it, damn it," Hikigaya muttered, raking his hand through his hair. "My heart's hammering against my ribs. My god, I thought I was a dead man."
He slumped against the wall, paralyzed by the adrenaline, unable to move a muscle.
"Idiots," Miura murmured, her tone dismissive. Then, turning to the blonde, she added, "Hayato, thank you for watching over us."
"Yeah, Hayama-kun, you totally would've wiped the floor with those guys in a heartbeat!" one of the girls beside Orimoto chimed in.
"Right!" Orimoto agreed, before clutching her stomach as a laugh bubbled up. "Haha, but seriously—Hikigaya-kun, you looked like you were about to pass out!"
"Oh, for sure," her friend snickered, trying to stifle her amusement.
Hikigaya barely registered the jab. His pulse was thumping so loudly in his ears that following the conversation was impossible.
Inhale. Exhale. Once.
"Senpai?" Isshiki asked, her voice tinged with concern. "Are you feeling alright?" Again.
"Hikitani-kun?" Tobe piped up next. In. Out.
Miura noticed his vacant state and stepped closer, pressing a hand against his forehead to check his temperature. "Hikio?"
Hikigaya jolted out of his daze. "Ah…" he exhaled, his mind racing. Miura is a good person, isn't she? He forced himself to stand straight, clearing his throat. "Yeah, I'm fine."
He glanced to the right, toward the path where the rest of the group had disappeared. Nothing but empty space remained. A heavy sigh escaped him.
"Alright, everyone," Hayama announced, drawing their attention and effectively shielding Hikigaya. "Tobe, would you mind helping me escort Yumiko, Hina, and Iroha home?"
"Huh?" Miura protested.
Ebina, conversely, remained silent.
"Sure thing!" Tobe agreed with his usual boisterous energy.
"Just for tonight," Hayama said, turning toward a lingering Miura.
"But, Hayato, they—"
"I'll explain tomorrow," Hayama said, his voice firm. "Yumiko, please."
A flicker of dismay crossed Miura's face. "O-okay," she whispered, barely audible. "See you tomorrow, Hayato…"
"What about you, Hayama-kun?" Tobe asked, not missing a beat.
Hayama waited, hoping Tobe wouldn't press further; honesty was his only option in this situation. "I'm taking Orimoto and Nakamachi, along with Hikitani." He turned his gaze to Hikigaya. "Right?"
Hikigaya nodded slowly.
"Hayato—"
"Yumiko…" Hayama interrupted again. "Tomorrow."
The finality in his voice sent Miura walking away with her head hung low, a sharp ache lingering in her chest. As the group moved off, Isshiki cast one last, lingering look back at Hikigaya.
"Senpai…" she murmured before Miura pulled her along.
…
"Why don't we go get something to eat?" Orimoto suggested.
"Yeah, let's eat!" Nakamachi agreed.
Hikigaya couldn't believe it. What is wrong with these two? How can they be hungry after everything that just happened? I can barely keep my footing—my legs are still shaking.
Hayama offered an awkward smile, noting Hikigaya's deathly pale complexion and unsteady gait. He figured keeping the mood light and getting Hikigaya a chair was the best way forward.
"What are you in the mood for?" Hayama asked the girls.
"Anything is fine by me, Hayama-kun," Nakamachi replied.
Orimoto glanced at Hikigaya. "What about you?"
Hikigaya felt the weight of her gaze and turned back to them. "Saizeriya," he muttered, his voice barely a breath of sound.
Orimoto burst into laughter. Nakamachi blinked in confusion. "Uh…?"
A flicker of irritation crossed Hayama's expression, but he suppressed it; he was too close to the end goal to let his patience snap now.
"How about that café right over there?" Hayama suggested, pointing to an establishment across the street.
Both girls nodded enthusiastically.
"Guess it's not… Saizeriya, then," Hikigaya mumbled to himself.
…
"This is delicious," Orimoto said after taking a bite.
"Yeah, this place has great food," Nakamachi added.
Orimoto sighed, content. "I'm stuffed. Good choice, Hayama-kun."
"Hayama-kun always has the best taste," Nakamachi chimed in. Orimoto then pivoted to Hikigaya. "Unlike some other people… Hey, Chika, would you ever go to a place like Saizeriya?"
"Never," Nakamachi replied.
Hikigaya tuned them out, calmly sipping his water. As he drank, his eyes wandered around the café. It's nice, he thought, but it's no Saizeriya.
His gaze drifted to the window, where he spotted a certain university student wearing a ridiculous disguise—a coat, glasses, and a hat—waving at him.
Does this college student really have nothing better to do? he wondered, taking another sip.
"Right?!" Orimoto exclaimed. "I couldn't believe it when he said that!"
The girls' chatter continued, their comments growing increasingly animated. It was obvious they were enjoying themselves—but Hayama was not. He was breathing through a growing sense of unease and a sharp sting of guilt.
He had brought Hikigaya here hoping to smooth things over, but it felt like he had only made it worse. To make matters worse, Hikigaya had just saved them all from a major conflict.
"You know," Hayama started.
His friendly tone remained, his smile as practiced as ever, but there was a razor-thin edge of suppressed fury beneath the calm.
The girls stopped mid-laugh, their chatter dying as confusion washed over their faces.
"A-Ah, right," Nakamachi stammered. "It's not exactly—"
"That's not what I meant," Hayama's voice tightened. "I'm talking about you two."
Orimoto and Nakamachi went wide-eyed.
"A-Ah…" Nakamachi whispered, looking at her friend, who seemed just as blindsided.
"This…" Orimoto began, her composure crumbling as the words died in her throat.
Hikigaya tilted his head, watching them, equally bewildered. What is he doing?
The sound of soft footsteps echoed through the café. Hayama stood up.
"They're here."
As the footsteps stopped, Hikigaya turned and saw three figures standing before them: Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and Aisaka.
…
"Hikki…?"
Hikigaya still felt a dull throb behind his eyes, but he knew this wasn't a hallucination.
"Why are you all here?" he asked.
"I asked them to come," Hayama replied. He turned his gaze toward the two girls standing before him, then back to Hikigaya. "Hikigaya," he paused, his voice undergoing a jarring transformation. The cheerful, amiable veneer vanished completely, replaced by a sharp edge. "He isn't the loser you seem to think he is." The words left Hayama like a heavy, weary sigh. "He spends his time with people far more remarkable, kind, and beautiful than you could ever hope to be. You should be ashamed. Stop judging others with such superficiality and spewing those selfish, spiteful comments."
Orimoto let out a breath. She hadn't expected the night to end like this.
"Sorry. I'm leaving," she murmured, grabbing her tray and walking toward the exit. She glanced at Yukinoshita for a split second. "I see…" she whispered, barely audible.
Nakamachi followed suit, grabbing her tray. "Yeah, me too. Excuse us."
The rhythm of their retreating footsteps echoed through the room until the silence swallowed the sound completely. Hikigaya was genuinely stunned.
"You said this was a meeting to discuss the elections," Yukinoshita's voice cut through the stillness.
"Elections?" Hikigaya repeated. "The student council ones?"
Yuigahama looked toward Yukinoshita, waiting for a response, but it was clear she wouldn't be getting one.
"You see, Hikki," she began, "we were hoping to have Hayato-kun run for president, so we—"
"And we made a chart of the most viable candidates," Aisaka finished, pointing to a large whiteboard filled with data. "He won."
Hikigaya studied the meticulously detailed chart. "I-I see…" was all he could muster.
So they want Hayama to run. There's nothing strange about that, but this… Hikigaya's mind raced.
"I was just trying to help…" Hayama said, clearly feeling the weight of Hikigaya's gaze.
"Oh, I see now…" Yukinoshita Haruno's voice chimed in.
"Nee-san?" Yukinoshita turned to her sister.
Haruno smiled. "So, you aren't going to run, Yukino-chan?" She took off her hat. "I was so sure you would."
Yukinoshita's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before her mask of indifference slid back into place.
"The way you let others solve your problems for you… it reminds me of Mother," Haruno continued. "Well, it doesn't matter. I suppose you're comfortable with things being this way, aren't you?" Haruno reached out and touched her sister's chin. "You don't have to do anything at all, after all."
Haruno stared directly into her sister's eyes. She didn't expect to break her with this, but she hoped, at the very least, that Yukinoshita would realize how childish she was being.
"Always looking for someone else to do the heavy lifting for you…"
Yukinoshita brushed her sister's fingers away with a clean, sharp motion.
"Yes," Yukinoshita replied coldly. "You're right."
She cast a brief glance toward Hikigaya, then at Hayama, who had his eyes tightly shut. "If there's nothing else to discuss, I'm leaving." She turned toward the exit.
Yuigahama stood frozen, unable to react.
"Oh, another new face!" Haruno pivoted, her voice instantly reverting to its natural, enchanting lilt. "I haven't met you before—only Gahama-chan. You're a friend of Yukino-chan's, too?"
Aisaka met Haruno's gaze with unnerving composure. That smile—it seemed to radiate a hidden malice. To her, the falseness was blindingly obvious.
"Yes," Aisaka replied, offering a polite bow. "I'm Aisaka Aiko, Class 2-B. A pleasure."
Haruno laughed, genuinely amused by the girl's lack of surprise or hesitation—a sharp contrast to how most reacted to her presence.
"Hahaha," Haruno wiped a tear of mirth from her eye. "I didn't think I'd meet two such interesting people in less than a week." Her charm turned incandescent. "I'm Yukinoshita Haruno. It's a pleasure. Thank you for being such a good friend to Yukino-chan."
She bowed slightly.
"A-Ah, Yukinon, wait!" Yuigahama called out, hurrying after her friend.
Aisaka dipped her head toward her two classmates before turning back to the elder Yukinoshita. "Yes…" she bowed for a few seconds before preparing to leave. She couldn't resist adding one last thing. "See you all." Her eyes lingered for a moment on the boy standing alone. "Hachiman-kun…"
Hikigaya nodded, acknowledging the farewell.
…
"Why did you say that to Yukinoshita-san?" Hikigaya asked, turning to Haruno.
"Are you really asking me that?" Haruno replied, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. "It's a game. That's what I do."
Hikigaya hesitated. "It was excessive for a mere game."
"You think so?" Haruno countered.
"Yes," Hikigaya replied immediately. "I have a younger sister, too. I can understand the dynamic, but—"
"Hikigaya-kun," Haruno turned her body, pinning him with a direct, piercing look. "You really can see through everything, can't you?" Her words made Hikigaya tense up involuntarily. His brow furrowed, his posture shifting into a defensive stance. "Don't look at me like that. It's scary," she teased. "I'm supposed to be paying you a compliment."
Hikigaya exhaled. "A-Ah, well, thanks."
Haruno took a step toward him, stopping a few feet away. "You're very interesting. You're always trying to look at what people are really like, reading between the lines of their words and actions. That's something I like about you."
Haruno's hand drifted toward his chin, but when she saw him recoil, she didn't insist. She withdrew it just as easily.
"I like it," she continued. "It's adorable how you're constantly reading the malice in others." Her eyes flickered over to Hayama. "On the other hand, people who act perfect all the time—aren't they just completely boring?"
Haruno didn't look away from Hayama as she delivered the judgment. Hayama, for his part, simply sighed in resignation.
"Well then," Haruno's tone shifted back to something lighter. "I saw what I wanted to see, so I'll be heading home. This has become dull." She began to walk toward the exit. "The sound of her footsteps faded until the room felt hollow once again.
Now, the two boys were alone. The silence wasn't entirely uncomfortable, but it was far from pleasant.
"I didn't need you to defend me," Hikigaya's voice broke the quiet, tinged with irritation.
"That wasn't my intention," Hayama replied. "I only did what I wanted to…"
"Does that include what you said to Orimoto and her friend?" Hikigaya asked with a hint of unease. "Did you really think that was appropriate?"
"I've never felt worse," Hayama confessed, sinking into the seat behind him. "I don't want to do something like that again. Ever."
Hikigaya frowned even deeper. "Then you shouldn't have done it in the first place."
Hayama, eyes fixed on the floor, looked up at him. "Aren't you going to sit down?" Hikigaya remained silent. "I've been thinking," Hayama started, "about how to fix what I've ruined."
"Mmh," Hikigaya murmured, confused.
"I placed my hopes in you," Hayama continued. "That's why I trusted you, regardless of the consequences."
Hikigaya was immediately struck by the memory of his own false confession, the expressions on Yukinoshita's and Yuigahama's faces. But he couldn't stop Hayama from speaking.
"And because of that, you…"
Hikigaya realized what Hayama was about to say.
"Hey—"
"You need to realize your own worth," Hayama interrupted. "You proved it today."
"What are you talking about?" Hikigaya raised his voice.
"It's easier said than done, isn't it?" Hayama noted. "I'm sorry. I wish I could have done more today." The words kept pouring out of the blonde boy. "But this is all I can do. I can't do things the way you do. Why don't you stop sacrificing yourself?"
Hikigaya's posture slumped.
"Sacrificing myself?" Hikigaya spat. "Don't talk nonsense. This—the mall, all of it—it's normal for me. Where were you? You didn't do a damn thing. Unlike you, I'm alone." The words were fueled by a heat he couldn't suppress; they didn't come out empty. "What people think or say about me doesn't matter. So don't get any ideas." Hikigaya inhaled sharply, then let out a breath. "And stop interfering with how I do things."
Hayama nodded slowly. "Then if you don't help others, why do you seek help for yourself…?"
The silence returned for a few agonizing seconds.
"You're wrong," Hikigaya said in a dry, clipped tone. "So drop your pathetic attempt at sympathy."
Hikigaya grabbed his bag and walked toward the exit, leaving Hayama alone in the room.
…
"Sacrifice… what a load of crap."
Hikigaya muttered to himself.
"Is that really what people call what I do?"
Why would Hayama think that? What happened today was just a coincidence. It wouldn't happen again.
"Why on earth would anyone sacrifice themselves for someone like you?"
It wasn't for him. It wasn't for Tobe. It was for…
"I can't put it into words right now, but I have my convictions."
Hikigaya repeated the thought to himself. He knew. He knew what he felt, and he knew why he felt it.
"A conviction I once shared with someone… one that I think I've lost now."
And with that, the inner voice fell silent.
…
Sōbu, Hiratsuka's Office
8:20, AM
…
"Yukinoshita came to speak with me this morning," the teacher began. "She told me she intends to run for Student Council President."
Hikigaya, listening intently, gave a single nod.
"Just like that, huh…"
"That's it," Hiratsuka continued. "What do you intend to do?"
"I'm not doing anything," Hikigaya said, holding her gaze. "What would be the point? Given her capabilities, wouldn't you agree she's the most qualified for the position?"
"Yes, you're right about that," Hiratsuka replied, exhaling a plume of cigarette smoke. "The other teachers will be quite pleased once they find out."
Hikigaya frowned. "You haven't told anyone yet?"
Hiratsuka shook her head. "No, not yet." She took a deep breath and pressed on. "So, I'll ask you again: what are you going to do?"
…
Service Club
Second Break
12:32, PM
…
Hikigaya stood before his two clubmates: Yukinoshita and Yuigahama.
The three of them occupied the clubroom during their lunch break. Naturally, the other members were elsewhere—Hasegawa was eating somewhere else, Aisaka was with her friends, and Matsuba was roaming about. Lately, this had become the norm for the two girls: eating together in solitude.
"Yukinoshita," Hikigaya started. "Are you planning to run for Student Council President?"
Yukinoshita remained seated, silent. Yuigahama turned to her, eyes wide with surprise.
"You didn't know," Hikigaya noted.
"No…" Yuigahama replied, her eyes locked on Yukinoshita.
Yukinoshita looked away, evading her friend's gaze.
"I was going to tell everyone today. I was going to talk it over with them," Yukinoshita said, addressing Hikigaya's earlier comment.
"I wouldn't call that a 'conversation,'" Hikigaya retorted immediately. "Is this about what your sister told you?"
"This has nothing to do with my sister," Yukinoshita replied sharply. "This is my own choice."
"But, Yukinon… what about the club?" Yuigahama interjected.
"Don't worry about that," Yukinoshita assured her. "We'll be fine. We have more members now; Hasegawa and Aisaka will help."
Hikigaya's eyes widened for a fraction of a second.
"Hasegawa and Aisaka…" His jaw tightened. "And what about Matsuba?" he asked, his voice laced with unease.
Yukinoshita looked at Hikigaya, then instantly averted her eyes.
"I asked Matsuba-kun for his assistance…"
Hikigaya felt his blood turn to ice. His skin crawled. She must have made some kind of deal with him…
Anguish flooded through him.
"So, we'll be fine," Yukinoshita continued. "This club doesn't have much to do, and I understand everything the council work entails," she said, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "It won't be a burden."
"Yeah, but—"
"Think about it objectively," Yukinoshita interrupted. "This is the most efficient way to fulfill the request. Even if I'm up against Isshiki-san, I can win easily."
"That's true," Hikigaya conceded with a nod. "But doing nothing is also an option."
"You're talking about your suggestion," Yukinoshita said. "The speech?"
Hikigaya only nodded.
"To believe that you can influence other students through nothing more than your words or actions is a very foolish line of thought," she replied.
"H-Huh…" Hikigaya swallowed hard.
Yukinoshita had a point, but she wasn't entirely right.
"Then," Hikigaya began, "I just need to find a way to handle this that doesn't involve that speech, right?"
Yukinoshita avoided his eyes again.
"If you think everyone cares enough about you to go out of their way to hate you, you're far too self-important…"
Silence descended upon the clubroom.
No one dared to say a word.
…
Sōbu Entrance
5:23, PM
…
She didn't want this. She simply didn't. Yuigahama refused to let the club vanish. And she knew that was exactly what would happen if Yukinoshita left. Her new friends would follow suit—Matsuba, Hasegawa, and Aisaka would all drift away. So, she had to act.
"Wait up, Hikki!" Hikigaya heard the call from a few meters to his right. Yuigahama was jogging to catch up. As she arrived, breathless, she kept a small distance between them. "Let's walk home together," she added.
…
"So, Yukinon… she's going to run…" Yuigahama's voice was heavy, drained of its usual energy.
Hikigaya, still gripping his bicycle, spoke up. "I suppose so," he managed to reply.
"I'm going to run, too…" Yuigahama confessed. "I'm putting my name in."
"What?" Hikigaya shot back. "Run for office? Why?"
"Because I have nothing…" she replied, her eyes downcast. "I'm not good at anything, I don't stand out, and I have no special talents. So, I found myself wondering if doing this… if taking this step might be the right thing for me, in a way…"
"'In a way'?" Hikigaya's voice sharpened, edged with frustration at the naivety of her reasoning. "You're just running because of that? You're being selfish—"
"That's not it," Yuigahama cut in, coming to a halt. "Everyone else is selfish. Everyone does exactly what they want, except for me."
Hikigaya stopped, too.
"Have you really thought this through?" he asked.
Yuigahama nodded. "I have."
"I've been thinking about it since this morning, and I realized it was my only option," she continued. "It's my turn to step up, Hikki. I hadn't realized until now that I'd just been leaving everything in your hands."
"I haven't done anything," Hikigaya countered.
Yuigahama tilted her head, her gaze piercing. "You really think so?"
"Yeah…" he replied. "So, you don't need to prove anything to anyone."
"I'm not trying to prove anything…" she answered immediately. A few seconds passed, and she turned to look at the school building beside them. "I know that if Yukinon becomes president, she'll be the best at it," she paused, a shadow crossing her face. "She'll work so hard for this school… but I'm certain that means the club will be left behind in the end."
"You heard her," Hikigaya said. "She said it wouldn't be a problem."
Yuigahama shook her head. "Do you remember what happened during the Cultural Festival?" she reminded him. "Hikki, you should know better than anyone that Yukinon has a habit of focusing on only one thing at a time."
Hikigaya remembered only too well how sick Yukinoshita had become during that festival.
"You know…" Yuigahama started again, stepping in front of him. "I really like this club."
As she brushed past him, she turned to lock eyes with him.
They held each other's gaze.
"I truly do."
She confessed it plainly, and Hikigaya could only offer a silent nod.
Yuigahama jolted, snapping out of her trance. "A-Ah, well," she began, quickly rubbing her eyes. "Even if I do become president, I'll have to work hard so our club can keep going, right? I mean, we're talking about me here! Nobody expects anything from me anyway." She took a deep breath. "That's why I'm going to beat Yukinon."
Hikigaya didn't take his eyes off her.
"Yui—"
"A-Ah, I'll head off on my own from here," she interrupted. "See you tomorrow." As she started to walk away, she paused and glanced back at him. "Bye-bye, Hikki."
Hikigaya watched her silhouette retreat down the sidewalk.
As the distance swallowed her frame, his thoughts drifted. If both Yukinoshita and Yuigahama believe this is the right decision, then it's fine by me. But even so… he's still going to be close to her.
…
EXTRA 1: Midnight CallsYuigahama Residence
10:55, PM
…
"Aiko-chan!" Yuigahama's voice chirped through the phone. "Can you help me with my student council election campaign?!"
"Elections?" Aisaka's voice came through, heavy with sleep. "You want to run?"
"Yes!" Yuigahama replied, buzzing with excitement. "I want to make a difference. And the only way to do that is to be student council president."
"Hmm." Aisaka murmured, noncommittal.
"So, will you help me, Aiko-chan?!"
Aisaka paused for a heartbeat. "Hold on."
She pulled the phone away from her ear and began dialing another number.
Calling Haru…
After two minutes, Aisaka returned to the call with Yuigahama.
"Sure, Yui-san," Aisaka answered. "I'll help you."
A sigh of relief resonated through the receiver.
"Thank you, Aiko-chan!" Yuigahama exclaimed. "See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, Yui-san…"
The phone screen went dark, and Aisaka collapsed back into her bed.
…
EXTRA 2: Matsuba Haruto's Important Date, Part 2
Sōbu High School
4:54, PM
…
Ōsuki paced on the sidewalk, waiting for her stepson. She glanced at her wrist, checking the time; it was almost there.
"Almost time," Ōsuki murmured to herself, her eyes drifting toward the school entrance. "Hmm? Should I go look for him? It's nearly five. Mmh. But if I do, will it embarrass him? I don't want to be one of those mothers who mortify their children." Her cheeks puffed out in a slight pout. "Still, it's not polite to keep a lady waiting." Her eyes scanned the departing students once more. "Mmh, Haru-kun, when you get here, Mommy is going to give you a long lecture."
Seconds ticked by, but Haruto was nowhere to be seen.
Suddenly, the heavy sound of a group of boys' footsteps reached Ōsuki's ears.
"Excuse me, miss… are you waiting for someone?" A tall boy with a disheveled uniform grinned at her, his friends snickering behind him. His tone was unmistakably flirtatious. "Because a bombshell like you shouldn't be standing here all alone," added another, leaning against the wall beside her.
Ōsuki smiled at the boy's misplaced confidence. If anything, she found it cute.
"Oh, how kind…" She subtly stepped back. "But I am waiting for my son. You boys should really get back to your classmates, shouldn't you~?" The word "son" caused one of them to visibly pale.
The boys exchanged awkward glances, recoiling slightly at the mention of her "son." The first one to speak swallowed hard, stuttering.
"S-son…? Huh? You have… a son?" His tone shifted to one of shock and disbelief, followed by stifled laughter from behind.
"That's right. I have a seventeen-year-old son."
The boys were clearly nervous now; their attempted flirtation had taken a sharp turn. But the ringleader wasn't ready to give up yet.
"No way," the leader said, regaining some of his initial bravado as he noticed Ōsuki was still smiling. "A mom as young and pretty as you should enjoy life a little more." He stepped closer, wearing an arrogant smirk. "Besides, if your son goes to school here, he's bound to know us," another added, crossing his arms. "What's his name? Maybe we're friends."
Ōsuki felt the atmosphere grow heavy, but she maintained her warm smile, though a touch of firmness crept into her voice.
"My, what an insistent young man," she commented with a theatrical sigh. "My son is Matsuba Haruto. Does that name ring a bell?"
Instantly, every student froze. Their skin drained of color.
"E-Eh… Matsuba?" the voice trembled.
"The Demon?" one of them whispered in the back, imperceptible to Ōsuki.
The other boys went pale, exchanging panicked looks. The one leaning against the wall jumped back, as if the brickwork had suddenly turned into burning coals.
"W-We're sorry, ma'am. We didn't know…" The leader bowed in a deeply exaggerated, fearful motion. "We're leaving right now!"
Without waiting for a response, they scrambled away, nearly tripping over themselves to flee—
"Where do you think you're going, boys?"
The distorted voice rose from behind them.
The reflection of his shadow grew, looming over them. As they turned, they saw him. His eyes burned with an unnatural light, fixated on his prey.
"A-Ah… w-we…," one began to stutter.
"We d-didn't know…"
His teeth appeared to sharpen, and his height seemed to stretch, casting a towering, unnatural silhouette.
"I…"
As the moments passed, his grin stretched wider and wider.
Yet, Ōsuki noticed none of it.
"Oh, Haru-kun, are you playing with those voice effects you like so much again?" she laughed softly, shaking her head with affection. She reached up to straighten his collar, completely oblivious to the students trembling and backing away. "But don't scare your classmates so much, okay? Although…" she whispered, looking at the shadow forming on the ground. "That shadow of yours is really impressive today. It must be the sunset making it look so large…"
While the real Haruto projected an aura that sent nearby birds fleeing in a stampede, the students were paralyzed with absolute horror. Their fear reached a point they had never felt before; some began to cry without realizing it. One boy, unable to bear the tension, fainted. Beside him, another covered his ears and curled into a ball on the ground, as if trying to shield himself from a malevolent presence.
Ōsuki, meanwhile, didn't even notice the panic. She only saw her tall, mysterious, smiling son, and she caressed his cheek tenderly.
"Ōsuki-san…" Haruto turned his gaze to his stepmother. "Wait a moment. I need to say goodbye to my friends. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?"
Ōsuki jumped slightly and covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh, yes, of course!" She took a few steps back, watching as Haruto gathered the boys with a single hand. "Mmmh, how nice~ my son is making friends," she thought to herself. But a sudden, light tremor made her sway. "What was that? A tremor…?" She tapped her index finger against her chin. "Mmmh, there haven't been any lately."
"Done!"
Haruto shouted cheerfully, returning to Ōsuki's side.
…
"Alright, where are we going first, Haru-kun?" Ōsuki began. "I was thinking we could head to the mall. Ah, what was it called? Palace?"
"PALCO," Haruto corrected.
"Yes, that…" Ōsuki replied, reaching out to fix Haruto's tie. "Wouldn't you like a different tie? You're always wearing that one. Don't you want a new one?"
Haruto, keeping his pace without taking his eyes off the road, nodded.
"Sure…"
(His father was always gifting him ties of every color, but he never wore them.)
"And then we can buy the meat for the burgers and…" Ōsuki remembered the deal she had made with Haruto a while ago. "You have kept our deal, haven't you, Haru-kun?"
Haruto drew a long, wide smile, though it was entirely lacking in malice.
"Of course. I respect our deals: No trouble for three weeks."
Ōsuki nodded happily. "Good, good. That's my boy."
"And do you remember my condition?"
Ōsuki's cheeks flushed pink. "A-Ah, of course. I… it was… to give you a, what, Manga?"
Haruto smiled naturally, not bothering to correct her further.
"A favor…" Haruto clarified.
Ōsuki nodded. "That's it!" She reached into her purse. "I'm so sorry I didn't remember, Haru-kun. My mind isn't what it used to be."
"It's fine…" he said, pulling his hands from his pockets.
Ōsuki, a bit nervous but relieved, looked up at Haruto. "And do you know what you're going to ask of me yet?"
The corners of Haruto's lips tilted upward.
"Mmmh… perhaps…"
…
Chapter 6 Note: The Judge, the Jury, and the Executioner.
Let us begin with our new original character: Seiran Amagi, one of the leaders in Chiba and head of the Seishikai (青獅会) gang, known by his moniker, the "Blue Lion."
He is a fair-skinned boy, standing 1.70m tall, with a lean build and an unwavering posture. His hair is a striking bluish-turquoise, swept back with a few stray locks framing his face. He attends Inage Elementary. He possesses an expression that can easily intimidate others, yet there is a underlying tension in his gaze—as if he is constantly worried about being perceived as weak.
As you may have gathered, he has already crossed paths with Haruto. The incident sparked when some of his gang members attempted to intrude upon Haruto's territory. They were unaware that the shop they tried to dine at for free was actually the brown-haired boy's favorite spot. Haruto responded in his own characteristic fashion: by shattering the bones of several of them—both arms and legs.
Following this, Haruto marched directly into the Blue Lion's territory. He scoffed at Amagi, mocking him as a "weakling" and a "little blue kitten." That day, Amagi lost a portion of his turf, all because of the incompetence of a few Seishikai thugs. Something tells me this won't be the last time Amagi finds himself in trouble due to the actions of his followers.
Now, regarding our loner—he didn't have the easiest time today, and it certainly won't be his last.
Hachiman: We should be proud of our lone wolf. He stood his ground against one of Chiba's leaders without ever raising a fist. Hikki doesn't realize it yet, but he will, in due time.
Haruno: Today, our Onee-san met the spirited Aiko. It was a short, simple interaction, but there isn't much to say just yet. You will see more of them in future chapters.
Hayama: As I have established, our blonde prince has feelings for Yukino. I'm not sure if this is considered "canon" or not, but in this story, it is.
So, I'm not sure whether to fear for them, or for our Vice President.
End of note. Thank you for reading.