The day after a date with Nazuna.
I woke up in bed, sat up, stretched lightly, and leaned forward.
"Oh, Hachiman's up? Mornin'."
"Morning, Kondo."
I exchanged morning greetings with my roommate Kondo, but since my brain wasn't fully awake yet, I decided to wash my face in the bathroom.
"...Why are you following me?"
When I noticed Kondo trailing behind me, his eyes were clearly darting around.
"Huh? Oh, uh, well. You had stuff to do yesterday, right?"
"Yeah. Just some errands."
"Right, right. That's cool, but... you got any plans for tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow? Not really."
"Seriously!?"
He grabbed my shoulders aggressively, leaning in a bit too close.
"Whoa, my bad."
"So, what's up tomorrow?"
Again, Kondo averted his eyes. I don't know if it's something he doesn't want me to find out, but he really needs to work on his poker face.
"Uh, well. This might sound weird, but can you keep tomorrow free for me?"
"Sure. Just let me know if something comes up. I gotta go now."
"Alright! Thanks, man!"
From the looks of it, he's planning something without me noticing. I don't know the details, but given it's Kondo and Ishizaki we're talking about, it probably won't be anything too serious.
........
I was supposed to be eating breakfast in the dining hall, but now I'm stuck in a very troublesome situation.
"...And that's how it went. You get it now, right? That's all there is between me and your brother."
"To think something like that happened during the mixed training camp... But I heard that's when you and my brother grew closer. Can you tell me what happened between then and graduation?"
This must be what they mean by "talking fatigue."
Right now, I'm having a meal with Horikita. She's been grilling me about the "relationship between me and her brother" that I promised to explain during the uninhabited island exam.
The surprising part is that Horikita was the one who invited me. That would've been unthinkable at the start of the school year.
"I'm honestly worn out from talking. Let's save the rest for another time."
"...You're right. I'm sorry, I got a little carried away."
Though only slightly, Horikita averted her eyes with a hint of guilt.
"...You actually apologized."
"What do you mean by that?"
"...Never mind."
Her signature sharp glare is still intact. A single glare from her is enough to make me drop the subject.
"By the way, I heard you went out with Asahina-senpai yesterday."
"Yeah, did you see us?"
"Not exactly. I just ran into Nanase-senpai yesterday, and he mentioned it."
"Nanase-senpai did?"
"Yes. But he seemed... off. Depressed, or maybe even a little teary-eyed."
"What's that about?"
"Don't ask me."
What on earth happened? Lately, Nanase's odd behavior has been noticeable, but I have no idea what's going on.
"So, have you decided?"
"Decided what?"
Lost in thought, I turned back to see Horikita sighing in exasperation.
"Did you forget why I invited you to eat with me?"
"Wasn't it to hear about your brother?"
"Not... entirely, but the main reason was to ask if there's anything you'd like me to do for you."
Oh, right. She mentioned that in her message. She wanted to repay me for the water during the island exam.
"Like I said during the exam, you don't need to worry about it."
"And like I said during the exam, I won't be satisfied until I do."
She parroted my words back at me, and my instincts told me she wouldn't back down unless I asked for something.
"A favor, huh..."
What could I ask Horikita to do...? Nothing comes to mind.
It'd have to be something simple. Asking for class info is obviously off the table, and demanding anything physical would be suicidal.
"...You're thinking something perverted, aren't you?"
"That's slander."
She glared at me, hugging herself defensively. I raised both hands to show I had no such intentions.
"Ah."
Wait—maybe... I just thought of something great.
"I've got it. What I want from you, Horikita."
"That's wonderful. So, what is it? If it's private points, there's a limit, you know."
"Nothing like that. What I want is much simpler."
She tilted her head slightly, unable to predict what I'd say next.
"There's something I want you to try."
"...What is it?"
"Puff out your cheeks and say, 'Muu.'"
I pointed at my own cheeks as I explained. Horikita's face twisted in utter confusion.
"...What are you talking about?"
"It's not that hard, is it?"
"Well... no, but why would I—"
"The reason is classified."
Well, the reason is just that I want to see it.
Hiyori often puffs her cheeks when she's mad, but I wonder how it'd look on someone as different as Horikita.
"...Fine. If this will satisfy you."
After agonizing for a while, Horikita seemed to make up her mind.
Her clear eyes met mine—then, gradually, her cheeks puffed out. She narrowed her eyes slightly and glared at me as she forced out a single word.
"M-Muu..."
It sounded awkward since she wasn't used to it, but she managed to squeeze it out.
"Whoa~"
Genuinely impressed by how different she looked, I gave her a round of applause.
But Horikita immediately reverted to her usual expression, then looked down, her ears burning red as she trembled slightly.
"...This is humiliating... I've never been this embarrassed in my life..."
"Uh, sorry."
I don't regret not savoring the moment, but maybe I should've taken a picture.
........
After thoroughly enjoying the library with Hiyori, we were on our way back to my room when I faintly heard voices in an empty hallway.
"What's that...? It's Katsuragi-kun, Tokitou-kun, and... Okabe-kun, right?"
Hiding in the shadows, I peeked out and saw, as Hiyori said, Katsuragi and Tokitou—along with Okabe.
Hiyori has a strong aversion to Okabe, so she lowered her gaze slightly.
"Don't worry. No matter what Okabe does, I'll handle it. Let's listen in for now."
"Then... can I hold onto you tightly? I'm scared..."
"Of course."
Hiyori's expression softened happily.
Hiding in the shadows while being clung to by a cute girl and eavesdropping... What a bizarre situation. But for now, I focused on the conversation.
"Tokitou, it's no secret in class that you oppose Ryuuen's ideology. But why are you confronting me about it?"
"I've said it before. I wanna know if you've just become Ryuuen's dog. So, what's the deal, Katsuragi?"
"I don't recall becoming anyone's dog. Why do you hate Ryuuen so much? I admit his methods are flawed, but he's produced results."
"'That doesn't matter'—that's what I would've said a while ago."
Tokitou, who was about to get emotional, paused to reconsider his words. Katsuragi narrowed his eyes slightly, surprised.
"First, I'll admit it. Yeah, Ryuuen's efforts have boosted our class points. But tell me—was a dictatorship really the only way to do that?"
Though he sounded frustrated, Tokitou stood his ground.
"...I can't say for sure."
"More people in class are supporting Ryuuen now, but that's it. Plenty of us still resent him."
"What's your point?"
"Ryuuen's way will never unite the whole class. No matter how many results he gets, isn't that a downside?"
"...That's a fair argument."
Katsuragi closed his eyes and nodded, unable to refute it.
"Um, Hachiman... Is Tokitou-kun always like that?"
"He's changed a lot in a short time."
Tokitou's words showed he'd been observing the class objectively. Only someone who once rebelled could reach this conclusion.
"I get your point, Tokitou. But why tell me? I don't plan to reject or support the current class dynamic."
"Katsuragi... come to our side."
"What?"
"I'm making Hikigaya the new class leader. You shouldn't be under Ryuuen. Join us, Katsuragi."
"Making Hikigaya... the class leader...?"
"H-Hey!! I didn't hear about this, Tokitou!!"
Okabe, seemingly learning this for the first time, broke his silence and shouted at Tokitou.
"Shut up, Okabe. I've made up my mind. Stop making a scene."
"I won't accept that guy as leader!!"
"Do what you want. I never expected anything from you."
Tokitou dismissed Okabe with a glance and turned back to Katsuragi.
"...That's a bold idea, Tokitou."
"Great, right? Hikigaya's skills are insane. The way things were before was wrong. He should've been leader from the start."
"I understand what you're saying. But does Hikigaya himself agree?"
"Well––––––"
"I'm... open to considering it."
Stepping out of the shadows, I drew the attention of all three. If this kept up, things would get messy. It'd be better if I stepped in to mediate.
"Why are you here?!"
"See, Katsuragi? Hikigaya's on board."
Ignoring Okabe's outburst, Tokitou smirked.
"You've changed your mindset quickly, Tokitou."
"Was what you said earlier the right call?"
"Mostly. Targeting Katsuragi was a good move."
"Tch, flattery won't get you anything, Leader."
"Whoa, isn't it too early for that title?"
"Relax. It's just my way of saying I'm following you, Hikigaya."
In a way, my dynamic with Tokitou now is like Ryuuen and Albert's.
"You're serious... Both of you."
"Well, I had zero interest until Tokitou brought it up, but there are some advantages."
"Katsuragi, you should join us too. No downside to being friends with the future class leader, right?"
Katsuragi fell silent for a moment. Then, as if reaching a decision, he looked at both of us.
"I can't decide yet. At this point, I can't judge which path is best for the class. I'll observe your actions before making a choice."
"Fine. Do what you want, Katsuragi."
"Then I'll take my leave. Oh, and don't worry—I won't tell Ryuuen about this."
With that, Katsuragi gave a slight nod and walked off. Seems he's staying neutral for now.
"Recruiting Katsuragi was my idea, but was it okay not to push harder?"
"Like I said, targeting him was smart. And we don't need to rush gathering allies. Not that we don't need them, but we can't act immediately."
"Alright, if the Leader says so."
"...I'm not used to that title."
"I can call you Boss if you want?"
"Then stick with Leader."
I'll get used to it eventually. Between Leader and Boss, the former is better.
Just then, Okabe—who'd been as inconspicuous as air until now—grabbed my collar.
"Cut the crap!! What the hell, Tokitou!? You're seriously following this guy!? Hikigaya as class leader!? Are you out of your mind!?"
"Let go of the Leader, Okabe. ...I'll punch you for real."
Tokitou raised a fist and glared. Okabe immediately released me, shrinking back. If he was gonna back off that easily, he shouldn't have done it in the first place.
"What the hell... Tch... Huh?"
As Okabe turned to leave, he noticed Hiyori hiding in the shadows.
"What're you doing? Hiyori."
"U-Um... I was with H-Hachiman..."
"Tch...! Hikigaya again? C'mon, hang out with me instead!"
...Of course.
Hiyori doesn't just dislike Okabe—she's practically terrified of him. Anyone would be with his pushy attitude.
"Stop."
I grabbed Okabe's wrist as he tried to drag Hiyori away, stepping between them.
Tokitou moved to back me up, but I signaled for him to stay out of it.
"What's your problem!? Always getting in my way! This has nothing to do with you!!"
I'm used to dealing with Okabe now. Half-hearted responses only encourage him. I need to reject him clearly.
"It has everything to do with me."
"Stop screwing around!!"
As he raised his fist, I caught it and looked him straight in the eye.
"Hiyori is mine. Stay away from her."
Okabe froze. Behind me, Tokitou nodded approvingly.
"You like Hiyori, right? Give up. She's mine, and I'm not letting anyone else have her."
I had to crush his hopes completely to prevent further trouble.
"Don't think you ever had a chance. Your forced affection will never work out. Got it? Stay away. You're bothering both of us."
I took Hiyori's hand and walked off with Tokitou, leaving Okabe behind.
"That should do it."
"Damn, Leader. What a man. ...But, uh, is Shiina okay?"
Right, she must've been scared. She's probably still shaken.
I turned to check on her—
"Ehehe... I-I'm Hachiman's♡ Ahh, that sounds so nice♡ That was so cool... It's like a romance novel♡"
Her cheeks were so relaxed she looked lovestruck.
Do girls actually enjoy hearing stuff like that?
"Hiyori, weren't you scared?"
"Yes! Because I'm Hachiman's♡"
She was so excited she didn't even mind Tokitou watching, clinging to me like we were alone.
"Damn, you two are close. Leader."
"Don't tease me. And Hiyori, can you give me some space? It's hard to walk."
"No. I want to stay like this all day."
At this rate, she won't let go today... What should I do?
.......
While most students were busy around the ship...
Amasawa Ichika of Class 1-A made her way to a guest cabin where one student waited.
"What's your excuse if your roommate comes back? Not that I expect you to leave that to chance."
She smirked at the silent occupant.
"So, what's your deal? I know how you feel about Ayanokouji-senpai, but with Hikigaya-senpai... I don't get it."
"Want to guess? How I feel about Hikigaya-senpai."
"No way I'd know. I could guess about strangers, but––––––you two are real brothers. Takuya and Hikigaya-senpai."
Takuya—Yagami Takuya of Class 1-B—slowly stood from the bed.
"Even if I told you, Ichika, you wouldn't understand."
"Oho~ So little ol' me, not bound by blood, can't possibly get it?"
"Your jealousy when it comes to brotherly bonds is the only thing that makes me wary."
His deflection confirmed he knew her jealousy well.
"I called you here today to confirm something. You genuinely like him. So why hide me from him?"
If Ichika revealed Yagami's existence, even if Hikigaya didn't believe her, he'd at least be on guard.
"No deep reason."
She grinned playfully.
"It's simpler than that. Takuya, you're Hikigaya-senpai's family. Eventually, he and I will get married. If we're on bad terms, that'd trouble him, right?"
"Haha. So it's all for you and Hikigaya-senpai? I like that about you."
Most would balk at her leap to marriage, but he played along effortlessly.
"Planting the seeds of your own exposure... You're having way too much fun, Takuya."
"Of course. It's almost time. I've got so much I want to do with him."
"Yeah, yeah, brocon brocon."
Yagami's monologues were nothing new to her.
"So, Takuya... You wanna expel Hikigaya-senpai?"
"Expel him? Maybe."
"Ugh, so vague~"
None of his answers were definitive.
"The reunion is close. I can't wait."
"Gonna pick a fight?"
"That's on the list too. At the very top."
"Gonna be the world's greatest sibling rivalry~"
As Yagami sat back down, Ichika took the hint that her presence was no longer needed.
"One last question."
Before leaving, she asked what intrigued her most.
"Why didn't you change your last name?"
Yagami smiled like a child and answered:
"Because––––––wouldn't that weaken my bond with him?"
"Fufu. You're twisted, Takuya."
With that, she left.
=================================
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