"Alright, all set."
On the morning of the Saturday exam, Hikigaya deliberately woke up early to pack up everything he needed to take with him.
Fortunately, he didn't have much—just some clothes, a few books, and the gaming console that Horikita-senpai had given him… Wait, was he even allowed to take that?
Well, it should be fine. The computer and TV in the dorm were school property, but the items purchased with personal points surely wouldn't be confiscated.
That would be way too stingy, not to mention unnecessary. It wasn't like they needed to help taxpayers save money.
As these trivial thoughts passed through his mind, Hikigaya stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the familiar scenery stretching out before him.
This was probably the last time he'd see this view.
Strange—he never cared about it before, yet now, he felt a slight tinge of reluctance.
But then he thought about seeing Komachi soon… Actually, dropping out wasn't so bad.
In fact, it was only good!
In an instant, he brushed off the fleeting melancholy and instead started thinking about how he'd explain things to his parents once he got home.
He probably wouldn't get kicked out, but his allowance would definitely be gone… Uh-oh.
That wouldn't do! Hachiman couldn't live without Key Coffee!
…Wait, why was that the first thing he thought of?
Hikigaya felt guilty for betraying MAX Coffee, his loyal companion throughout middle school. But… there was no helping it.
He had already gotten used to other coffee brands.
It was the same with people, wasn't it?
No matter how good their relationships seemed now, once they lost contact, they'd eventually become strangers again.
"…That's why I didn't want to get involved with people in the first place."
If separation was inevitable, then staying alone from the beginning would have been easier.
At least that way, he wouldn't feel this strange sense of guilt—like he owed someone something.
Hopefully, it was just his imagination.
—Knock, knock, knock.
Just as Hikigaya was lost in thought, a soft knock sounded at the door.
Huh? Who was that?
It was just past six in the morning—still quite sometime before school started.
Who in their right mind would show up this early? They had no sense of personal boundaries.
However, the person outside seemed to understand this, as they only knocked once and didn't continue.
Hikigaya hesitated for a moment before finally deciding to open the door.
And there, crouching beside it, was… Kamuro.
…Huh?
What was she doing here?!
Without acknowledging his confusion, Kamuro immediately complained, "Hachiman, what took you so long? Did you not hear me? Or were you just waking up?"
"Uh, n-no, it's not that." Hikigaya stammered. "I was just… dealing with something. Sorry about that."
"…Whatever. Can I come in?"
As she spoke, Kamuro lifted the bag in her hand.
"I brought you breakfast. Eat before heading to school. By the way, you're up pretty early today."
"Huh?"
Before Hikigaya could respond, Kamuro had already stepped inside, muttering a casual "Excuse the intrusion."
…Was all this necessary?
Though he felt oddly flattered, he wasn't sure how to deal with Kamuro at the moment.
Especially after last night, where he had tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.
So rather than waking up early, it was more like he hadn't slept at all.
But looking at Kamuro now, she seemed completely unaffected.
Had yesterday just been a dream?
The more Hikigaya thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. There was no way something as absurd as a girl confessing to him could happen in real life.
"…Ah."
At that moment, Kamuro caught sight of his packed luggage.
She froze briefly, then quickly masked her expression, as if nothing had happened.
Instead, she pulled something out of her bag.
"Here, this is for you."
"For me?"
Hikigaya accepted the small, elegantly wrapped box tied with a purple ribbon. It was light in his hands.
"It's nothing special."
For some reason, Kamuro suddenly looked a bit awkward.
Then, in a small voice, she added, "It's just chocolate… for Valentine's."
"…Eh?"
"It's a few days early, but just take it."
"Ah, uh—o-okay! T-thank you!"
Flustered, Hikigaya stuttered as his brain went blank.
Valentine's chocolate…
He never imagined he'd receive such a precious gift just before leaving.
"Don't think too much of it." Kamuro's tone carried a hint of regret. "I just bought it from the supermarket, nothing expensive… Originally, I wanted to… Never mind."
"N-no, it's not like that."
Hikigaya hurriedly shook his head, his face lighting up. "Just getting this makes me happy. Thanks, Masumi."
"…Idiot."
Perhaps unused to being thanked, Kamuro turned her face away, scratching her cheek. But the tips of her ears were red.
Hikigaya, despite his happiness, felt even more conflicted.
"Sorry… I don't have a White Day gift prepared, and—"
"It's fine!" Kamuro cut him off immediately. "I decided to give it to you on my own. I wasn't expecting anything in return… Besides, there'll be plenty of chances in the future, right? Hachiman."
"…Yeah."
"Alright, hurry up and eat. I bought your favorite coffee and some bread."
Even though school didn't start until eight, Kamuro was rushing him—as if she, too, was trying to run away from something.
No matter what was said, reality couldn't be avoided.
Yet, as if seeing through his thoughts, Kamuro suddenly spoke with a serious expression.
"Hachiman, everything I said yesterday—I meant it. If you don't come find me, then I'll come find you. And… even if you leave this school, no matter what happens, at the very least, I won't forget you."
"…Uh, that's nice and all, but what's with that last part?" Hikigaya asked, bewildered.
It made him sound like some heartless bastard.
"Sigh… How should I put it?" Kamuro crossed her arms, looking troubled. "I just have this feeling that, if I'm not careful, you'll end up with two or three girlfriends… But I've already accepted the possibility of being dumped, so you don't have to worry about it."
"Haa…"
Two or three girlfriends, huh?
Don't say stuff like that to someone single since birth!
But strangely enough, the bittersweet atmosphere from earlier had mostly dissipated.
After finishing breakfast, they headed for school together.
Since they left early and only first-years had exams that day, the road was nearly empty.
"This is the first time I've gone to school with you," Kamuro remarked. "It's kind of refreshing."
"Yeah. You usually go with Sakayanagi, don't you?"
"…Tch, don't bring her up right now."
She was still mad at Sakayanagi, huh? What were they even fighting about?
Was it because Sakayanagi had given up and accepted her expulsion?
…Huh?
As Hikigaya pondered this, he suddenly noticed that Kamuro's body was inching closer.
And—was she subtly brushing her hand against his?
…No way.
Hikigaya froze, completely at a loss for what to do.
Seeing his useless reaction, Kamuro grew irritated, clenched her fist, and—
"Geez, what are you dawdling for? Walk faster!"
She grabbed his hand and pulled him forward, too embarrassed to even look back.
Hikigaya, meanwhile, remained silent, simply following along.
This was the first time he had ever walked to school hand in hand with a girl… Though, to be honest, it felt a little strange.
The two hurried to campus, quickly arriving at the first-year hallway.
A few more steps, and they would reach their respective classrooms. Soon, they would have to part ways.
"Well then, I'll be going ahead."
"Mm, see you… Hachiman."
"See you."
There was no need for any extra words. Hikigaya turned around and headed toward Class D's classroom.
No matter what the outcome was, everything that happened yesterday and today would remain a precious memory for him.
But what made him happiest was… that until the very end, Masumi had respected his choice.
"Hey! Hachiman!"
"Uh…" Just then, Kamuro suddenly called out his name from behind.
Hikigaya turned around in silence, waiting for her to speak.
But Kamuro simply stared at him for a moment, before ultimately saying nothing. Shaking her head, she quickly ran off.
Watching that familiar figure disappear into the distance, Hikigaya murmured softly, "Goodbye, Masumi."
"Oh my, who are you talking to?"
Suddenly, a teasing voice came from the side.
Before Hikigaya could react, Sakayanagi suddenly reached out and lightly patted his butt.
"Hehe, tell me, Hikigaya-kun, why are you staring blankly at our dear Masumi so early in the morning? Could it be that you're planning some sexual harassment?"
"…Wouldn't that be you, actually?"
Hikigaya slightly opened his mouth, feeling utterly bewildered.
Who would've thought that Sakayanagi of all people would do something this inappropriate…? Did she take the wrong medication or something?
Also, maybe it was just his imagination, but something about her aura felt different.
What the hell happened…?
Whatever. It's got nothing to do with me.
As someone who was practically on the verge of dropping out, Hikigaya had no interest in meddling with this troublesome white-haired menace.
But Sakayanagi wasn't about to let him off the hook. And as expected, she opened her mouth with a bombshell.
"Oh, speaking of which—Hikigaya-kun, you're not only planning to force me into dropping out, but you're also planning to leave the school yourself?"
"Huh? What kind of nonsense are you spouting now?"
Though her words sent a jolt through his heart, Hikigaya kept his composure.
Sakayanagi, however, seemed completely confident, covering her mouth as she laughed. "Hikigaya-kun is still the same as ever, with that excellent poker face. But you could also call it a stubborn duck pretending it's not cooked, couldn't you?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Hehe, I already heard everything from Masumi."
"…Is that so."
Hikigaya hadn't expected it to be Kamuro who told Sakayanagi. Weren't those two constantly at each other's throats?
But that explained why Sakayanagi knew… Well, whatever. If she knew, she knew. No big deal.
"Fine, fine. I don't want to keep playing this school game anymore, but that has nothing to do with you, does it?"
"Of course it does." Sakayanagi suddenly said something baffling. "I know, Hikigaya-kun—you just can't let go, which is why you've decided to drop out along with me. How touching."
"Can you not just make up whatever you want? I have absolutely no such intention."
Hikigaya tried his best to refute her, but Sakayanagi ignored him completely.
This damn white-haired menace was fully immersed in her delusions… Seriously, what is she up to this time?
"By the way, Hikigaya-kun, once you return to Chiba, which school do you plan on transferring to?" Sakayanagi suddenly asked.
"…What does that have to do with you?"
For some reason, Hikigaya had a really bad feeling about this.
And of course, Sakayanagi didn't disappoint him. With a sweet smile, she said, "Naturally, I plan to enroll in the same school as you. I recommend Sobu. It has a high deviation score, and with a proper study environment and my guidance, Hikigaya-kun's grades will surely skyrocket."
"Wait! Hold on a damn second!"
Hikigaya clutched his temple, already feeling a headache coming on.
"I'll let all that other nonsense slide for now, but who the hell wants to go to the same school as you?!"
"Oh, my? You don't want to?"
"Why the hell do you sound surprised?! Of course I don't!"
At least here at ANHS, Hikigaya could use the system's rules to keep Sakayanagi in check. But out in the real world, this girl would be an absolute menace.
At that point, he'd have no choice but to run the moment he saw her.
"Hehehe, there's nothing to be so shy about." Sakayanagi smiled faintly, a slight unhealthy flush creeping onto her face. "Besides, even if you don't tell me, it's fine. I'll just have someone look into it later."
"Oi…"
"Although my father is still under house arrest, our family has quite a few connections in the education sector. Arranging for me to transfer into Hikigaya-kun's school wouldn't be difficult at all."
"Oi, oi…"
"Not to mention, I'm a prodigy—schools would love to have me. I could even request to be in Hikigaya-kun's class… No, I could request to be Hikigaya-kun's seatmate… No, better yet, we could share a desk. I'm sure the school wouldn't refuse me. After all, a genius like me would boost their success rate."
With each revision of her words, Hikigaya's face grew increasingly filled with despair.
What kind of stalker was this?!
Even if only one percent of what she was saying was true, that was already way too much of a risk. He couldn't afford to take that gamble.
"Well then, Hikigaya-kun, if you'll excuse me."
Sakayanagi seemed to return to her usual self, giving a perfectly elegant bow.
But when she lifted her head, Hikigaya saw the madness in her eyes.
This girl… she had to have been pushed over the edge this time, right?
"I'll be looking forward to seeing you at your new school, whether it's Sobu or Kaibin. I'll support your decision no matter what."
"Wait, who the hell said anything about going to Kaibin?!"
Hikigaya's voice grew a little agitated.
She even knew about Kaibin…? Had she investigated this? Was she even planning to act on it?!
Wake up, Sakayanagi! With your brain, Kaibin would be way too much of a loss for you!
That place was practically a school for idiots!
"My, my, why do you sound so worked up the moment Kaibin is mentioned?"
Sakayanagi didn't miss a beat, her gaze sharp as if trying to pry into his secrets.
As for the real reason… Hikigaya didn't want to remember.
Luckily, she didn't seem intent on pressing further. Instead, she simply smiled and said, "Looks like there's some sort of unspeakable little secret there. But it's fine—we have plenty of time. From now on, we'll go to school hand-in-hand every day… Well then, farewell for now."
Leaving behind such terrifying words, Sakayanagi gracefully walked away.
Hikigaya's face turned pale. He took several deep breaths, barely managing to calm down.
If she had set her sights on him, there was no way he'd ever have a peaceful life again.
"Tch, that damn brat… Don't think you have me cornered just yet!" Hikigaya muttered in frustration.
Fortunately, he'd already anticipated this scenario last night and prepared a perfect countermeasure.
Of course, he was only doing this for Masumi's sake.
It wasn't because Sakayanagi's stalker-like declaration had scared him or anything!