The next day.
Sobu High, Class 3-B.
During the break between classes, Hachiman stared at his phone screen, scrolling up and down with his fingers.
"B-Komachi, Idol, Hoshino Ai... yeah, this girl definitely has some issues..."
After looking up some information, Hachiman could more or less figure out why Hoshino had been sitting alone on the street like some kind of lost girl last night.
She reminded him of his ex-girlfriend in a way—too dazzling for those around her to truly connect with.
Add in possible personality quirks and a complicated family background, and...
"Hoshino Ai? Huh? Since when did Air-kun start liking idols?"
"!!"
A voice suddenly came from right beside his ear, making Hachiman shudder.
He looked up.
At some point, Kasumigaoka had leaned in, resting her chin on his shoulder as she intently stared at his phone screen.
"Senpai, what are you doing?"
Startled, Hachiman quickly tried to lock his phone.
But...
Right at that moment—
Riiiiing!!
"!!"
His face stiffened as his heart skipped a beat.
Because—
The caller was none other than Hoshino Ai!
"??"
Kasumigaoka stared, dumbfounded.
"Hoshino Ai? She..."
"I-I need to take this call!"
"Hikigaya, you—"
Ignoring her, Hachiman quickly left his seat and hurried out of the classroom.
"That guy..."
Reaching the quieter back staircase, he took a deep breath and frowned at his still-ringing phone.
Honestly.
If he hadn't looked up Hoshino Ai's background, he wouldn't have even considered answering.
But...
After reading about her, he couldn't help but feel something.
Not in a romantic way, of course.
Just... a strange sense of empathy.
"Sigh."
Hachiman sighed, hesitated for a moment, then finally answered.
"Hello, Hoshino... Miss."
"Phew~ finally got through."
On the other end, Hoshino let out a relieved breath.
"Sorry for calling you at school. You're on break now, right?"
"What do you need? If it's nothing important, I'm hanging up."
"Ugh, Hikigaya-kun, don't be so cold."
Hoshino sounded disappointed.
"Looks like you didn't read any of my messages. How could you ignore me like that?"
"Messages?"
Oh. Right.
Last night, she had insisted on getting his contact info.
Just remembering her persistence made his scalp tingle.
This woman's smile had an oddly irresistible quality to it.
It was... absolutely terrifying.
So.
Without a second thought—
Hachiman had blocked her messages.
In hopes of cutting off all contact.
"As expected... you don't know."
Hoshino sighed, but she quickly perked up again, her voice cheerful.
"But that's okay. I can just tell you now."
"What... do you want?" Hachiman asked warily.
"Waaah, don't treat me like some sketchy woman. I was just joking yesterday! I'm just a normal girl, you know?" Hoshino said helplessly, sensing his caution.
You're terrifying.
Hachiman did not want to deal with terrifying women!
"I just wanted to thank you properly, Hikigaya-kun~ Are you free this weekend? Let me treat you to a meal."
"Huh? Thank me?"
Hachiman frowned.
"I didn't do anything for you. What's there to thank?"
"How could you say that?"
Hoshino replied seriously.
"First, there's your kind heart—you pretended to be a bad guy to scare me home. And second... heh heh, you secretly followed me all the way and made sure I got home safe, didn't you? Why not just walk me home properly?"
"Hah???"
Hachiman's expression stiffened.
"I didn't! I was just... passing by..."
Nope.
This was bad.
This girl was way too scary!
Can I just hang up now??
"Alright, alright, if you say so."
Hoshino giggled.
"But that's not the main point. Most importantly... heehee, your little speech last night really inspired me! I feel recharged, all thanks to you, Hikigaya-kun~"
"Hah? I... I didn't say anything like that."
"Fufufu~"
Hoshino just laughed.
Hachiman, on the other hand, turned slightly red, looking awkward.
Fine.
Last night, he may have given a slightly over-the-top, cringeworthy pep talk...
Sigh.
He just didn't want to run into another runaway idol on the streets again.
Caring?
Ha. Hachiman didn't do caring!
"Hmm? Why'd you go quiet? Hikigaya-kun, you still there?"
"I'm not."
"Aww, don't sound so depressed. Shouldn't a guy be excited when a cute girl is talking to him?"
"'Just' cute? You're Hoshino Ai, the top idol of B-Komachi. If your fans knew you were talking to me, they'd probably come at me with knives. I'm weak. I'm scared. Please, have mercy and stop contacting me."
"Pffft—"
Hoshino burst into laughter on the other end.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're hilarious. But... you didn't even know I was an idol last night. So how'd you suddenly find out this morning? Could it be... you secretly looked me up?"
"Y-you..."
Hachiman's face changed slightly.
Nope. Nope.
He couldn't handle this.
This was too much.
This woman was too dangerous!
Hachiman seriously did not want to talk to her anymore!
"Hikigaya-kun, so it's settled! See you this weekend for dinner. Don't worry, I won't let my fans find out~"
"Hah? No, I'm busy this weekend."
"Eh? You're lying."
"I'm serious. I have things to do..."
Remembering that he had to help Iroha with some camp thing, Hachiman sighed bitterly.
And just then—
A voice, dripping with resentment, sounded from behind him:
"Hikikun~"
"Mm?!"
Hachiman shuddered and turned around, trembling.
It was Kasumigaoka.
Smiling brightly.
"!!"
Senpai, when did you get behind me?!
And that expression—are you about to eat me alive?!
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