Chapter 30: Transformation of the Red-haired Hedgehog – Sudo
Since the other party showed no ill intentions, Hikigaya merely shook his head.
His understanding of this school still remained at the level of an ordinary one. Sure, the mechanisms and rules were different, but aside from that, it didn't feel too unusual.
But in truth, he was still just a student who had been here for less than a month.
What exactly was the so-called danger?
Sakayanagi put away the cutlery and looked at him with a faint smile.
"You'll know soon enough. Then… I'd really like to see how you react."
"Scary… you read my mind like it's nothing. I'm not as powerful as you think."
"Who knows…"
"I'm not listening to anyone at all."
There wasn't much time left for lunch break, and Sakayanagi's purpose had already been achieved.
She slowly stretched out her hand, using her leg problems as an excuse to ask for Hikigaya Hachiman's help.
The boy blushed. Since he had eaten her food, and she was indeed disabled…
While he hesitated, the girl teased him:
"What's wrong, Hikki? When you held my hand earlier, you weren't this hesitant."
"I wasn't hesitant."
The boy stood up, dusted himself off, and extended his hand toward her.
Seeing Hikigaya's hand, the girl's smile grew even brighter.
"As expected, Hikki, you're very gentle."
"I told you, I'm not."
For some reason, when she was alone with him, Sakayanagi lost her usual intimidating aura as Class A's leader, and simply interacted like an ordinary girl. Hikigaya didn't dislike this feeling.
Of course, that didn't mean he had developed feelings for her. It was just that, in this brief moment, his guard loosened slightly.
But which side of her was the real one? Was he being toyed with?
Countless questions churned in his mind.
How many unknown secrets did this girl hold?
Were the things he pursued nothing more than illusions?
No matter how much he thought, Hikigaya couldn't find the answer in such a short time.
So, for now, it was enough to maintain the status quo.
---
Meanwhile, inside the Service Club, watching the two of them appear intimate, murderous glares were fully directed at Hikigaya.
Isshiki: "The snow… it's getting heavier…"
Yuigahama looked at her own hand resentfully, muttering, "Hand… I've never even held hands with a boy before…"
Hikigaya: "What's the big deal? I've never held hands with a girl either, except Komachi. Komachi is so cute."
Ebina: "Did he just expose himself as a sis-con again?"
Yukinoshita: "If it's Hikigaya-kun, I understand. But… saying that while watching this video…"
Yukinoshita: "It looks like Hikigaya-kun's luck with women is about to change."
Hikigaya: "Hey, don't say that with murderous eyes."
Though no one voiced it directly, the jealousy leaking through the Service Club made everything clear.
The boy wasn't slow. He naturally understood their feelings. But Hikigaya was someone with low self-esteem. He couldn't be sure of anyone's sincerity, and always doubted whether feelings were real or fake.
That was why his heart resisted such things.
---
With his help, the two returned to class. After a simple farewell, Hikigaya sat back down.
Reviewing his lunchtime conversation with Sakayanagi, he realized he hadn't gained much. Apart from acknowledging how unusual this school was, he'd really just scored a free meal.
As he put on his headphones and opened a book, preparing to pass the time, a huge figure suddenly drew his attention.
"School violence… punishment — expulsion. The red-haired hedgehog under surveillance."
Before he could think further, Sudo bent down and bowed deeply to him.
The sudden movement startled Hikigaya so much that he flinched, closing his eyes. When he felt no impact, he cautiously opened them again.
Sudo: "What I did before wasn't manly at all. I'm really sorry."
"Even though I don't feel any strong attachment to this class, if someone can make such a huge sacrifice for the class, I have to admire it."
"I already told you it wasn't self-sacrifice. You're all just idiots."
The red-haired hedgehog didn't notice Hikigaya's expression and kept speaking, piling apology upon apology.
"I can't really dislike someone this straightforward, even if it's scary… but…"
Hikigaya turned his head. "I didn't do this for you, or for the class. I only did it for myself. So don't misunderstand — I'm not as great as you think."
Sudo: "Even so… I still have to apologize for what I said before…"
Hikigaya raised a hand, cutting him off.
"Didn't I call you an ape before? That makes us even."
He didn't want the apology. No — in truth, he never thought he'd been wronged in the first place. Apologies like this were just self-satisfaction on the other party's part.
Still, Hikigaya couldn't deny he appreciated Sudo's frankness.
After a few perfunctory words, he put his headphones back on — but then heard the black-haired girl beside him mutter:
"It seems Chabashira-sensei was right. If I want to reach Class A, you're necessary."
Not sure if she was speaking to him, Hikigaya chose to pretend he hadn't heard.
"I'm talking to you. Why are you pretending again?"
Horikita turned toward him, arms crossed, visibly frustrated.
"Why is this guy always so arrogant…"
"When you talk to someone, look them in the eyes first."
That was the simplest etiquette. Hikigaya didn't care to elaborate further.
Once again corrected, Horikita's face turned faintly red.