Chapter 28: Kushida Kikyo (Part 1)
In the library, Hikigaya and Shiina-san sat opposite each other, intently reading the books in their hands.
Come to think of it, even though Shiina-san had called Hikigaya out under the pretext of consultation, she hadn't mentioned the consultation at all, only occasionally sharing interesting literary passages with Hikigaya in a low voice and exchanging thoughts on reading.
'Well, I'll just treat this as coming here to read.'
Since he was already at the library, there was no need to dwell on other matters.
Thinking this, Hikigaya settled down and focused his attention on the mystery novel Shiina-san had recommended.
Hikigaya and Shiina-san are both avid readers, and they became absorbed in the ocean of knowledge and stories, unknowingly passing the entire afternoon.
It wasn't until the library lights suddenly turned on that the two of them looked up, as if waking from a dream.
"Ah, darn it! How did time fly so fast? I only planned to read for a little while and then consult with Hikigaya-kun."
'So, you really did want to consult, Shiina-san? And you completely forgot about it because you were too engrossed in reading?'
Hikigaya didn't even know how to complain.
"I'm truly sorry, Hikigaya-kun. I called you out to consult, but I got lost in my own reading..." Shiina looked a little embarrassed, picking up a book to cover her face, only letting her eyes peep out to observe Hikigaya's expression.
"No, it's fine. I also got absorbed in reading and forgot to remind you." Hikigaya gently shook his head.
"Is that so?" Shiina smiled innocently. "Hikigaya-kun really likes reading, doesn't he?"
"...Shouldn't that be my line?"
"Who knows?" Shiina smiled slightly, looked at the time on her phone. "Hikigaya-kun, it's almost dinner time. Let's go eat together..."
Before she could finish her sentence, her phone suddenly vibrated.
She looked down at it for a few seconds, then showed Hikigaya a regretful expression: "I apologize, Hikigaya-kun, something suddenly came up on my end, so it seems I won't be able to eat with you."
"No, don't worry about it. If you have something important to do, Shiina-san, you should go take care of it."
"I'm really sorry, Hikigaya-kun. I had a lot of fun reading with you today. Let's read together again when we're free next time... I'll be going now, goodbye." Shiina hugged her books, bowed slightly to Hikigaya, and walked toward the library exit. Just as she was about to step out, she turned around and waved at Hikigaya with a bright smile.
Although a little awkward, Hikigaya waved back as a farewell.
"Well then, time for dinner..."
Hikigaya checked the time; it was nearing 6 PM. He returned the books the two had finished, leisurely walked out of the library, and headed toward the food court.
.
.
.
Hikigaya knew a shortcut, a path that passed by a lakeside railing. That area was usually deserted, but it led quickly to the food court. He walked quietly along this little-known path, enjoying the beautiful sunset and the cool evening breeze.
Just then, Hikigaya heard the sound of the railing vibrating nearby. To be precise, it was a loud banging sound from being kicked.
Hikigaya followed the sound and saw someone with their back to him, kicking the railing unceremoniously, without any hint of ladylike grace, as if venting.
"Ah—I'm so annoyed."
A low female voice reached Hikigaya's ears.
"This is really annoying. It makes me so angry. Why don't you just go die..."
A blond girl cursed under her breath, as if reciting a curse.
Unexpectedly stumbling upon a strange blond beautiful girl loudly cursing made Hikigaya feel uneasy.
"Acting all high and mighty just because she thinks she's cute, she's definitely a bitch, anyway. A woman with a personality like that couldn't possibly be capable of teaching anyone how to study."
The girl was kicking the railing hard while spitting out venomous words, and her normally sweet and cute face was contorted and sinister, as if she had completely blackened.
This scene was truly awful; the railing was innocent, after all. Although the railing here was sturdy, it could pose a safety hazard if it were actually damaged.
"Ah—it's terrible. Just terrible, terrible, terrible. Horikita is annoying, Horikita is annoying... I'm really annoyed!"
Horikita? Was she talking about Horikita, the Student Council President? But the girl just mentioned a female, meaning she was cursing President Horikita's sister?
'Wait, President Horikita has a sister? That would mean... hold on, no way? Compared to President Horikita, my life is truly a total defeat?!
Forget it, now's not the time to think about this.'
He felt like if the blond girl noticed him, things would get very troublesome, so he should quickly leave this dangerous spot.
Thinking this, Hikigaya held his breath, minimized his presence, and carefully moved his feet, preparing to leave.
'Hmph hmph hmph, you didn't expect this, did you? I've already mastered the silent-step technique of Shadow Walker...'
"Clang!"
The sound of kicking the railing in the evening school was louder than expected, echoing all around. The girl also seemed to feel she had gone a bit too far; her body instantly stiffened and quieted down.
Hearing the loud noise, Hikigaya couldn't help but turn his head to check the situation.
However, that action was what brought disaster.
The blond girl turned her head, as if confirming whether anyone had heard the sound, and her gaze met Hikigaya's perfectly.
"Hey, dead-fish eyes over there, you... you heard that, didn't you?" The girl's face was gloomy, and her voice and tone were extremely cold.
"Um, I was just passing by, please continue, ma'am..." Hikigaya was so scared that honorifics popped out of him.
"What you just heard... if you tell anyone, I won't let you off." The cute-faced blond girl walked toward Hikigaya aggressively. Her voice was so gloomy and cold that it was hard to believe she was threatening him.
"If you tell anyone, I'll tell everyone that you almost r*ped me here."
"T-That's a false accusation!"
'Are all the students in this high school this terrifying? This is awful! I feel like the girls I've encountered since coming to this high school are all a bit strange. Am I being targeted? You could call it being targeted on a high-school level.'
"It doesn't matter, I'm not falsely accusing you..." Her words carried an undeniable forcefulness. As the girl spoke, she suddenly lunged at Hikigaya, quickly reaching out her hands, trying to grab Hikigaya's arm.
But Hikigaya, having already witnessed the girl's dark side, was already wary. He quickly shifted his stance backward, easily dodging the girl's attack.
"Heh!"
Hikigaya quickly raised his hand.
"I didn't..."
Hikigaya dodged to the side.
"...falsely accuse you!"
Hikigaya took a step back.
"..."
"..."
"Y-You can't dodge!" The blond girl suddenly looked up, glaring fiercely at Hikigaya with slightly tear-filled red eyes. She looked a little pitiful.
'Why?! Am I supposed to stand still and let you hit me? That's so unreasonable! Don't think that making these threats becomes gentle just because you look pathetic.'
"No, please calm down, student..." Saying this, Hikigaya waved his hands in front of his chest while slowly backing away.
But seeing Hikigaya's waving motion, the girl's eyes suddenly lit up, and instead of retreating, she rushed forward. She thrust her legs, launching herself straight into Hikigaya's arms. The distance between them instantly closed, and Hikigaya could even smell the faint scent of perfume emanating from her.
The blond girl used a Rocket Headbutt! It was super effective! Hikigaya's vision went black!
"I got you!"
Before Hikigaya could react, his right hand was caught by the blond girl's two hands.
She firmly grabbed Hikigaya's wrist, gently pinching it with her slender fingers, and slowly opened Hikigaya's palm.
Under Hikigaya's gaze, she somewhat tremulously placed her own hand over the back of Hikigaya's hand, then pulled Hikigaya's hand to the area beneath her school uniform's ribbon and pressed it onto her large heart.
A softness Hikigaya had never experienced before was transmitted through his entire palm.
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