A man in a burgundy uniform stepped out from the corner and appeared directly in front of Hikigaya Hachiman.
"Commander…"
Hikigaya blurted out instinctively.
"Commander?"
Horikita Manabu raised an eyebrow.
"No, it's nothing. I'm just a little sleepy," Hikigaya replied with an awkward laugh. Given that this man held the power of life and death in the Wool Club, maintaining a certain level of respect was the safest option.
"Never mind."
Horikita shifted his gaze to the drink in Hikigaya's hand and remarked, "You really like this coffee. This should be the first can sold by Gaoyu Cheng."
Hikigaya chuckled dryly.
It was ironic. This was a bottle someone else didn't even want. The birth of the MAX Coffee god was far from ideal.
More importantly, he was subtly hinting for Horikita to leave. He really didn't feel like talking.
"There's still a chance," Horikita commented calmly. "By now, you must have realized that the Wool Club is just a boring club with no real value. Rushing to join the student council now is unnecessary."
"Haha, well, I still want to devote as much energy to my class as possible," Hikigaya said, looking away while taking a sip of coffee.
He had to admit—using "for the sake of the class" as an excuse was extremely effective. No one could argue against it.
"I see. That's a shame."
Horikita Manabu didn't press further. Instead, he turned towards the dormitory building and added, "Although sugar can help improve learning efficiency, drinking too much isn't good for your health."
As Horikita's footsteps faded into the distance, Hikigaya took another sip.
"Thanks for the concern, Commander," he muttered sarcastically.
Seriously, if Horikita cared, why not just say it outright? Instead, it felt like a warning rather than genuine concern.
The guy probably didn't have many friends.
Then again, why was he here in the first place?
Curious, Hikigaya glanced around the corner—only to immediately regret it.
In the long, narrow hallway, a girl with striking features leaned against the wall, clutching her stomach. There was no visible pain on her pretty face, but there was a hint of remorse and reluctance.
Wait a second.
Isn't this that arrogant girl?
Hikigaya's face stiffened.
Though they had deleted each other's contact information, they were in different classes and usually had their own things to deal with.
Without actively seeking each other out, their paths rarely crossed.
Yet, here they were.
If he recalled correctly, she had the same surname as the Commander—Horikita.
So they were siblings?
Offending both the Commander and this arrogant girl at the same time...
That was not ideal.
Hikigaya instinctively wanted to turn and walk away.
"I didn't expect it to be you," the girl suddenly spoke.
Hikigaya instantly knew—he was doomed. There was no escape now.
"Haha."
He let out a dry laugh, shifting his gaze to her stomach. "Are you okay?"
"None of your business," Horikita Suzune retorted.
Using her other hand for support, she slowly stood up, her gaze hesitant as she studied him.
"Are you familiar with my brother... Horikita-senpai?"
So they were siblings.
No need to ask such an obvious question.
But seriously, this girl had such a bad attitude.
Even when he was just trying to check on her, she had to act like she was better than him.
Still, considering her older brother was the student council president, he should avoid making enemies.
"Not really," Hikigaya answered casually. "We've met a few times, but I wouldn't say we're close. He asked me to join the student council, but I declined."
"Is that so?"
Horikita Suzune pursed her lips, her expression growing even more troubled.
For the first time, she truly looked at him.
Lifeless eyes, like those of a corpse.
His messy, wax-coated hair lacked any sense of style.
His physique was barely above average, and his slightly hunched shoulders were a major flaw.
In summary—
No redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Yet, her brother had invited this person to join the student council. More than once.
Horikita Suzune bit the corner of her lip—hard enough to draw blood.
Hikigaya was taken aback.
Wait.
Don't cry.
Why was she crying all of a sudden?
He hated seeing people cry in front of him.
"What, did you and your brother get into a fight?" Hikigaya asked, trying to remain as calm as possible.
It reminded him of his younger sister, Komachi, whenever she was upset.
"I told you to mind your own business," Horikita snapped, her eyes sharp. "My weakness brings shame to my brother. It's only natural that he despises me. This is between us—there's no room for outsiders to interfere. So if you understand, then move."
What a difficult personality.
"Yeah, yeah…" Hikigaya stepped aside, letting her pass.
As he sipped his coffee, he muttered, "Still… I feel like your brother doesn't actually hate you. If anything, he seems to care about you. Strictly speaking, I think he feels guilty."
"Eh?"
Horikita Suzune stopped in her tracks, her expression slightly confused.
"Well, how should I put it…" Hikigaya hesitated, rubbing his chin. "I have a sister too, so I get it. He probably feels apologetic towards you and doesn't know how to approach you."
"Ridiculous. You sound like an idiot," Horikita scoffed, pressing her fingers against her temple. "If my brother felt guilty, that would be a terrible joke. I wouldn't forgive him."
"Well…"
Hikigaya shook the coffee can in his hand.
Horikita Manabu wasn't someone who made careless mistakes.
Yet, in front of his sister, he had deliberately brought up the student council—knowing it would get her attention.
That didn't seem like an accident.
It was almost as if he wanted Hikigaya to say something to wake her up.
A power exchange, maybe?
After all, as the student council president, Horikita Manabu controlled club funding and equipment approvals.
A few words in exchange for smoother processing of club resources? That seemed reasonable.
"Are you saying you will wake me up?" Horikita Suzune asked, looking unimpressed.
"Maybe…" Hikigaya replied with a sigh. "Or maybe I'll just make you reflect on your arrogant attitude."
Horikita frowned, but he continued.
"I don't know what happened between you two. But I think your brother doesn't hate you—he just doesn't know how to face you. So he's keeping his distance instead."
"..."
Horikita lowered her gaze, deep in thought.
It was all just speculation, but it did present a new perspective.
If this was true…
That would be nice.
"I see," she muttered. "And your name was… Biki—?"
"Hikigaya Hachiman."
His expression darkened. Was she really getting his name wrong on purpose?
"Right. Since what you said wasn't completely useless, I won't hold it against you today," she said, turning to leave.
Seriously, what an annoying personality.
Still, she didn't seem to notice that he had deleted her contact information.
Which meant…
She had never intended to contact him either.
That thought left him feeling oddly empty.
With a sigh, Hikigaya bought two more cans of MAX Coffee, hoping that Horikita Manabu would hold up his end of the deal and approve the Wool Club's equipment request.
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