"Are you sure about Hikigaya contacting Horikita-senpai, Honami?"
"Yes. They've been interacting frequently lately. And it seemed like Horikita-senpai was the one actively approaching Hikigaya-kun."
At night. Ichinose, now a pawn under Nagumo, was faithfully reporting Hikigaya's movements—monitored as per Nagumo's request—over the phone without omitting a single detail.
"Horikita-senpai approached him? That's strange... Any other information?"
"Nothing else in particular, but... Oh, after the graduation ceremony, I think Tachibana-senpai was also there with Horikita-senpai and Hikigaya-kun."
"...I see. Good work. You won't hear from me until April, so take some rest."
"Understood. Goodbye."
After confirming Ichinose had hung up with a polite farewell, Nagumo furrowed his brow.
"Hikigaya Hachiman... He's not a particularly noticeable student, but Horikita-senpai has had her eye on him for a while now."
The image that came to mind didn't carry the aura of a formidable figure, but Nagumo considered that there was something elusive about his demeanor.
"Maybe I'll take a look at the student council records tomorrow. Either way, he's destined to play my game."
........
Late March, when the sunlight began to warm.
The day after the graduation and closing ceremonies, as spring break began.
In a corner of a popular café at Keyaki Mall—favored by female students—two beautiful girls sat by the window, sipping tea and coffee while exuding an atmosphere strangely at odds with their graceful appearances.
"Are you really okay with this, Sakayanagi-senpai? Sharing a table like this?"
"Yes, it's perfectly fine, Shiina-san."
A short while ago, Hiyori had come to this café—well-regarded for its quiet atmosphere—to read in peace. But as expected of a popular spot, it was completely packed during lunchtime.
Just as she was about to leave in disappointment, Arisu, who had already secured a seat inside, unexpectedly offered to share hers. Though suspicious, Hiyori accepted.
After sitting together, the two barely exchanged any words—until Arisu lifted her teacup and spoke.
"Since we happen to be two girls here, why don't we talk about love?"
She took an elegant sip, her eyes glinting with provocation.
"...Love?"
Though love was a common topic among girls, usually lighthearted, there was no trace of cheer between them—only mutual wariness.
"By the way, I do have a man I admire. Romantically, of course. You might already know who."
At Arisu's blatant taunt, Hiyori felt a flicker of anger.
"Oh, so even Sakayanagi-senpai has someone like that? Actually, I also have a boy I like. Right now, we're just friends, but... I hope to deepen our relationship someday."
Hiyori refused to back down, prompting a deliberately exaggerated smile from Arisu.
"Deepen your relationship? That's impossible unless you truly understand him—understand Hachiman."
Not that I'd let you.
The unspoken jab made Hiyori's expression falter for a split second before she forced her smile back.
"I'll accept every part of Hachiman-kun, no matter what. Besides, isn't it you who doesn't really know him?"
"That's impossible. I've known Hachiman since long ago."
"...Since long ago?"
The phrasing caught Hiyori off guard.
"Did I not mention it? Hachiman and I are childhood friends."
Arisu revealed a connection she alone shared with the boy in question.
"But that's in the past, isn't it? Things are different now. Since coming to this school, I've spent the most time with him."
And it was true—Hiyori had indeed shared more moments with Hachiman here than anyone else.
Arisu knew that, so she didn't deny it. But beneath her faint smile, a vein pulsed in irritation.
"Isn't that just your assumption? Even if you feel that way, I doubt Hachiman shares your sentiments."
"You could say the same about you, Sakayanagi-senpai. Maybe you're just bothering him, and he finds it annoying."
Hiyori didn't back down an inch, her tone almost combative. Normally gentle, she couldn't stay silent when her feelings were being dismissed.
A heavy silence fell. Then, as if remembering something, Hiyori pulled out her phone and began typing a message.
Within seconds of sending it, a reply notification chimed.
The happiness on Hiyori's face was unmistakable—her cheeks relaxed into a satisfied smile.
"...What did you just do, Shiina-san?"
Arisu couldn't help but ask. Hiyori tightened her expression back into a smile.
"Oh, nothing much. I just texted Hachiman-kun that I want to stay over at his place."
Having previously secured a promise from Hachiman—"If there's anything I can do, just ask"—she used it to make a bolder request than usual.
Arisu's eye twitched at Hiyori's triumphant look. But the girl wasn't done. Fidgeting shyly, she continued.
"His reply just made me so happy... I'm a little embarrassed."
"His... reply?"
Arisu's composure was hanging by a thread as she pressed for details.
"I always have fun spending time with you too, Hiyori. I'm glad you asked."
"Ehehe... I can't stop smiling."
Something inside Arisu broke.
"Fufu. Fufufu. It seems you're determined to provoke me. If that's how you want to play—"
Just then, Arisu's phone rang—Hachiman's name flashing on the screen.
Arisu's irritation melted away instantly, replaced by a natural smile reserved only for him as she answered.
"What's the matter, Hachiman-kun?"
Almost as if to retaliate, she turned on speakerphone, adjusting the volume just enough for Hiyori to hear.
"Sorry for calling out of nowhere. There was something I forgot to mention earlier."
"Not at all. You're always welcome to call me."
Her earlier displeasure had vanished completely—she was in an unusually good mood now.
"And what was it you wanted to say?"
"Remember when you stayed over at my place before?"
"That was—!"
Hiyori tried to interject, but Arisu raised a finger to her lips, signaling silence. Hiyori reluctantly bit back her words, though her expression remained dissatisfied.
"...Did I just hear Hiyori's voice?"
"Must be your imagination. So, about when I stayed at your place—what about it?"
She deliberately emphasized "I," making sure Hiyori caught the implication.
Hiyori's brows furrowed in displeasure.
"You helped me out a lot back then. Making breakfast, and even the thing with your phone number. I really owe you one."
"Don't mention it. I'd be happy to cook for you anytime, so just call me if you're hungry."
"Nah, that'd be too much."
"Do you... dislike my cooking?"
"That's not it. Your cooking's one of my favorites."
"Fufu. I'm glad."
Covering her flushed cheeks with a hand, Arisu smiled sweetly.
"Well, I just called to thank you. Sorry for taking up your time."
"Not at all. Call me again anytime, okay?"
"...Got it. I will."
The call ended, leaving silence in its wake.
Arisu wore a satisfied grin, while Hiyori puffed her cheeks in frustration.
She wanted to question Arisu about the call, but since she was guilty of the same thing, she held back. Still, her displeasure was evident.
Noticing this, Arisu spoke up.
"Let me give you some advice, Shiina-san."
"Advice...?"
"Or rather, a warning. You're planning to stay over at Hachiman-kun's place, right?"
Hiyori tilted her head at the vague phrasing.
"You don't seem to realize this, but under normal circumstances, a girl visiting a boy's room is absolutely unacceptable."
"...Why?"
"You don't know? For a guy, having an unrelated girl in his room can be interpreted as an invitation. Some might even take it as permission to... act."
Hiyori's face burned at the implication.
What Arisu was really saying was: If you stay over, don't complain if something happens.
"Th-that's..."
"Personally, I trust Hachiman-kun wouldn't do such a thing. But nothing's certain. He is a man, after all. That's why, whenever I go to his room, I'm fully prepared. In fact, I welcome it."
Arisu had already resolved herself—even if Hachiman were to cross that line, she would accept it.
Hiyori wavered for a moment, anxiety creeping in—but only for a moment.
"I-I feel the same! No matter what Hachiman-kun does to me... even if he... I'd accept it. In fact—"
—I'd be happy.
Before she could finish, overwhelming embarrassment assaulted her.
Just imagining such a scenario with Hachiman made Hiyori's face burn crimson up to her ears. She hid her face in her hands.
Arisu watched silently before sighing and standing up.
"...How uncouth of me to bring this up over tea. Shiina-san, let me cover the bill as an apology."
"Eh? That's not necessary. I'll pay my share."
Still red-faced, Hiyori protested, but Arisu shook her head.
"Consider this my way of making amends. I may have been too harsh earlier, so please allow me this much."
"...Alright. Thank you."
Realizing further resistance was futile, Hiyori reluctantly accepted.
With an elegant bow, Arisu left the café.
Now alone, Hiyori slammed her forehead onto the table with a soft thud.
"What kind of shameless thoughts was I having?!"
Influenced by Arisu's words, she had imagined herself and Hachiman in a compromising situation.
She kicked her legs childishly, trying to shake off the embarrassment, but her face remained flushed.
"Uu... But... if it's Hachiman-kun, I..."
Her eyes grew moist as the fantasy resurfaced.
She downed the rest of her coffee in one gulp.
"But... I can't stay like this."
The fear of losing Hachiman solidified her resolve.
"With the new semester starting soon... I need to be more assertive."
.....
After leaving the café, Arisu recalled her earlier conversation with Hiyori and allowed a faint smile to grace her lips.
"That one's hardly a threat. Shiina-san is far too innocent."
Having deduced that Hiyori was inexperienced with men—and that Hachiman was her first love—Arisu wore an expression of absolute composure.
"Sigh. Though I suppose this is all the result of his lack of restraint."
Despite being the only one who recognized Hachiman's worth at the start of the school year, she now found herself surrounded by rivals—Hiyori, Ibuki, Matsushita, even the former student council president. The mere thought made her lips tighten in displeasure.
And who knew how many others lurked in the shadows?
"...Perhaps I should just—create an irreversible fact between us."
Muttering those dangerous words under her breath, Arisu pulled out her phone, suddenly overcome with the urge to hear Hachiman's voice.
Her fingers hovered over the call button, her earlier calm giving way to something far more decisive.
After all, in war—love or otherwise—the boldest move often secured victory.
=================================
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