Chapter 74: Kushida: You Want to Leave a Handprint Too?
Kushida was a central figure in the class, her every move was noticed by everyone. In that situation, Hikigaya could only walk out first.
"You're walking so fast, it's hard for a weak girl like me to keep up."
Kushida stepped out from the classroom's back door, her eyes fixed on Hikigaya like he was prey.
Hikigaya didn't meet her gaze, responding as usual with a perfunctory tone: "If you hadn't insisted on waking me, I'd probably be asleep by now."
"You were just pretending to sleep, right?"
Hikigaya didn't deny it, saying candidly: "Exactly."
"Why are you so scared of me? You get along well with Sakura-san, and your relationship with Horikita-san doesn't seem that bad. Why do you have to put up a front with me?"
Kushida Kikyo tilted her head, feigning innocent confusion like an angel, but Hikigaya had already addressed this.
"Whether it's Sakura or Horikita, I can feel their sincerity. At least in terms of their goals, their efforts are never fake."
"That's going to hurt my feelings, you know."
"Looks like I don't need to say more."
Since Kushida already understood his meaning, there was no need to explain further. After all, if someone didn't want to show their true self…
You can't wake someone pretending to sleep, just like Kushida Kikyo.
Kushida gave a faint smile, then deliberately leaned closer to the boy.
"You really understand everything, don't you? But… you shouldn't want to know my true self. That curiosity will get you in trouble, because I don't want to be enemies with you, Hikigaya-kun."
"No, if you don't want to show it, I won't go out of my way to pry or stalk you. Honestly, I'm not that curious. I'm just speaking as a classmate. You can completely ignore my words."
In the end, Hikigaya never intended to make enemies in this school. He might not have friends, but enemies? That was too much trouble.
That kind of relationship probably only existed in novels. Hikigaya didn't see himself as a novel's protagonist or villain—just an insignificant side character with no presence.
As his words landed, Kushida's body seemed to freeze, then she pressed herself closer.
Though he wanted to step back, there was a wall behind him—nowhere to go.
"Hey, Kushida, if a classmate sees this, your perfect image is done for."
"Oh? You seem pretty scared, Hikigaya-kun. If someone saw us, I'd just have to say you confessed to me, grabbed my waist, and pulled me close."
A devil. An absolute devil.
If he let this continue, the male virtue he'd upheld his whole life would crumble in an instant.
He mustered all his strength to push her away.
But she seemed to anticipate this, gripping his waist tightly, pulling them even closer.
The sensation of her ample chest pressed against him made his face flush red instantly. Though it wasn't his first time feeling this, being toyed with like this wasn't exactly pleasant.
Finally, with a strong push, he broke free from her warm embrace.
Honestly, though it was warm, Hikigaya didn't want a second round.
If someone saw, it wouldn't be a joke.
"Oh my, Hikigaya-kun, how cruel. It was just a friendly hug."
"Stop joking…"
Kushida kept her same smile, unchanged from start to finish.
"Do you remember we never went on that date?"
"That was just you talking to yourself," Hikigaya replied, a bit annoyed.
"Even if it was just me talking, if you reject me, Hikigaya-kun, not only will I be hurt, but the hallway cameras caught you grabbing me. If I twist the story a bit and get that footage, you'll be in trouble."
Kushida said these terrifying things in an utterly innocent tone.
Hikigaya sighed helplessly, then pulled out his phone.
It was still recording.
"In that case, I'll just have to use this recording to prove my innocence. What you just said is enough to show I'm the victim."
Hikigaya returned a smile.
Perhaps not expecting the boy to be a step ahead, Kushida admitted defeat. She thought her plan was flawless, but he'd dismantled it in one move.
"Why are you so intent on…?"
He couldn't bring himself to say the last two words.
"To be friends with you, of course."
"I already said, there are plenty of people in this school you haven't befriended. You should aim for them."
Kushida, as if mocking herself, said with irony: "Maybe it's like that conquest desire you guys have. The more you reject me, the more I'm drawn to you."
'Sorry, I've never had that, so I can't relate. But…'
Hikigaya took a deep breath and said candidly: "You don't need to do it this way. There's got to be an easier way, Kushida Kikyo."
Hearing his words, Kushida thought he was asking her to reveal her true self again and said with rare impatience: "I told you, I won't let you see it, and I don't want to be your enemy."
"No, you misunderstood. I mean… if you just ask me simply, I'd agree. No need to go through all this trouble."
His words left Kushida puzzled, frozen in place.
"Really, if you just ask properly, most people would help, right?"
Indeed, under her daily facade, Kushida had forgotten how to ask for help as an ordinary friend, how to receive it.
"Your impatient look just now—that's your true feelings, right? The real reaction of someone who seems to have no negative emotions."
Hikigaya felt he was talking to himself, but if he didn't say it now, Kushida might one day become the class's enemy—his enemy.
A facade, being a facade, would eventually crumble. If she kept believing that anyone who saw her true self would become her enemy, she wasn't far from becoming his.
So, he wanted to change her perspective.
She trembled again. Though he knew nothing, he saw through her so clearly, like an old friend.
Kushida's maintained smile finally vanished, replaced by a lifeless expression.
She didn't know what face to make, whether to see him as an enemy or a friend.
She wasn't emotionless; she just didn't know how to face this boy.
Hikigaya didn't know when he'd become someone who gave lectures. The old him wouldn't have said much in this situation. Perhaps joining the Service Club had changed him unknowingly.
Now, he could only use this clumsy excuse to justify his actions.
But who didn't know? Hikigaya's heart was always the kindest.
The girl nodded, finally asking expressionlessly: "Then, go on a date with me."
"Hey, that's not asking, that's demanding…"
"No refusing."
"I feel like you completely missed my point…"
Before he could say more, Kushida leaned close to his ear, whispering: "Next week at the water park, let's go together."
Without waiting for his refusal, she flashed her familiar smile and returned to class.
Hikigaya looked at his still-recording phone, sighing helplessly.
Women are just too scary…
[Class 1-D…]
[Ike: "Kushida's expression just now really freaked me out. I didn't think she could make a face like that."]
[Yamauchi nodded: "Me too. It's just a video, but it still spooked me. Kushida would never show an expression like that, right?"]
[Kushida froze, perhaps recalling Hikigaya's words in the video. She forced a smile: "Yeah!"]
['If everyone saw me leaving a handprint, that'd be the worst. Good thing it didn't happen…' Kushida thought nervously.]
[Ayanokouji observed silently from the corner, his expression unchanged, hands propping up his chin.]
[Ayanokouji: 'It's not just the video. Even Class D's students are being helped and changed by him unknowingly. If this continues… it might bring me closer to my goal. Not a bad thing.']
[Horikita's voice, though soft, carried across the class: "We can't deny his huge impact on us, showing us our shortcomings. But relying on him alone won't do, right? Maybe this video is the perfect solution to improve us."]
[Horikita was still Horikita, her sense of justice always overflowing, filling those around her with fighting spirit.]
[Class 1-D's atmosphere was pretty good.]
[In the Service Club, seeing Hikigaya approached by another girl, the mood grew quiet.]
[Miura: "Hikigaya, you're not a player, are you?"]
[Hikigaya: "Hey, don't use normie terms on me. Besides, I'm super loyal, especially to Komachi."]
[Yuigahama laughed helplessly, teasing: "Hikki's only emotion is probably his sister complex."]
[Yukinoshita: "Now that you mention it… that might be true."]
[Hikigaya: "No way. I'm not a cold-blooded animal. I have feelings for normal people too, okay?"]
[Hayama: "I can vouch for that. In middle school, Hikigaya confessed to a girl in his class."]
[Right after, Hayama regretted it, feeling three vicious glares from the Service Club.]
[Hayama quickly added: "Of course, that's in the past. Let the past stay past."]
[Hikigaya jumped in: "Exactly, it's all in the past. I'm completely different now!"]
[Though Hikigaya's words were spirited, the Service Club's atmosphere didn't improve.]
Time passed quickly. After the Sudo incident, Hikigaya enjoyed a decent stretch of days.
No other troubles bothered him. Every day was class, sleep, or eating, and while eating, he noticed his phone's points increasing.
Hikigaya checked the new rankings. The order hadn't changed, but the point gaps had shifted dramatically.
Class A: 890cp
Class B: 600cp
Class C: 210cp
Class D: 180cp
As most predicted, the gap between Classes C and D had narrowed to a single step. With the semester's final month approaching, the final exams were coming.
These exams would likely be decisive. If they performed well, they could surpass Class C, and Class D would become Class C—a great start for a class that began at the bottom, especially in the first semester.
But everyone's focus wasn't on the exams. The water park's opening day was near, and class discussions grew louder. Even the usually shy Sakura Airi seemed excited.
Honestly, Hikigaya wasn't into such lively events. Though a summer staple, he'd rather sleep in his dorm with the AC on.
But thinking of the troublesome Kushida, and the challenge set by Ichinose and Sakura, Hikigaya felt a headache coming.
Time slipped by, arriving at that legendary weekend. The day before, Kushida had bombarded his phone, insisting he go with her.
Hikigaya wanted to refuse, but recalling his earlier lecture, he felt a bit guilty.
Fine, let's do it.
At the same time, he got messages from Ichinose and Sakura. As expected, they wouldn't back down without settling their rivalry. But… Why did he have to be the middleman?
Hikigaya didn't think he could referee this weird contest. Offending either side would make his life a mess.
But that wasn't the main issue. Whether it was Kushida, Ichinose, or Sakura, the problem was he couldn't split himself. He couldn't go with both sides, could he?
'Why do they all pick the same time? Why do they all want to squeeze in right when it opens? So troublesome.'
No need to guess—Kushida's response would be: "If we don't go when it opens, what's the point? If everyone else goes and takes photos and we don't, we'll look like outcasts."
"But if classmates see us together, what then?"
"Then we'll just say we're together."
Kushida answered with devilish words.
Of course, Hikigaya wouldn't let that happen.
His mind raced, and he came up with a perfect solution.
"How about inviting a few more people?"
"But that wouldn't count as a date, would it? If that's the case… you'll have to make it up to me next time, Hikigaya-kun."
'Why are you so hung up on this? As an angel, shouldn't you be more magnanimous…'
He complained inwardly but could only let out a helpless "Mm."
"Great! Then I'll invite some of the guys from class too!"
She'd probably planned this all along. After all, a rare trip to the water park—her real goal was likely to hear things like, "Wow, Kushida's figure is amazing!" If it was just him, she'd probably be disappointed.
Because he was certain he'd only watch quietly.
This way, he could bring Ichinose and Sakura along without it seeming too odd. Even if classmates bumped into them, he'd have a solid excuse.
Wait… was he forgetting someone?
Whatever, let's go with it.
After resolving the temporary trouble, Hikigaya had a good night's sleep.
The morning air was fresh as ever. After a quick gathering, with Kushida's call, most of Class D showed up.
Yamauchi, Ike, Sudo, Sakura, Shinohara, Kushida, and Hikigaya.
Wait, was someone missing?
If he wasn't there, it'd be a perfect three-guys, three-girls lineup—absolutely ideal. His presence ruined the balance, what a shame.
Sudo clenched his fist, excited: "I studied all night yesterday, so I'm here to relax today."
Yamauchi: "Water park, a man's paradise! Bikinis! I'm coming!"
Ike: "Yamauchi, keep your voice down…"
Except for Sudo, who hadn't caught on, the others quietly distanced themselves from Yamauchi.
Right, Hikigaya had invited Sakura, and she was her usual self. As long as he was nearby, she'd trail behind him nervously, hesitant to approach the others.
She'd recently joined the student council and had been there for about two weeks, but Hikigaya didn't know much else about what she did there.
Still, it was a positive change. Besides him, she now had Hasebe and the student council, plus her idol training. Her life at school was getting fuller.
In contrast, Hikigaya himself was getting more idle.
As for her opponent, Ichinose, she'd messaged him that she'd be with Class B's group but wouldn't miss the challenge.
'Honestly, I'm not that excited.'
Hikigaya tried to lie to himself.
Though it was a water park, the main attractions were slides and pools. The school didn't have many rides, and everyone seemed clear that they weren't here for anything else—just to admire.
On the way, they quickly ran into Class B's group, led by Ichinose. The moment they met, Hikigaya felt Sakura radiating a different aura toward the others.
Being closest to her, he sensed it most clearly.
"Kushida, Hikigaya, Sakura, hi!"
Ichinose, the little angel, waved enthusiastically.
Kushida returned a quick smile: "You guys here to have fun too?!"
"Yeah, I made a promise with someone."
"I see…"
Class B's group had Kanzaki and a couple of guys, but mostly girls. Kushida seemed to know them all, chatting away.
Seeing the atmosphere lighten, Ichinose slowed her pace, approaching Hikigaya and Sakura.
"Sakura-san, you better be ready…"
"I-I-I-I… I'm already ready!"
Ichinose gave a faint smile, then turned her gaze to Hikigaya.
"Long time no see, Hikigaya."
"Yeah, it's been a while."
"Still so cold."
"That's just my personality."
"Eh… I was hoping you'd be gentler with me."
She hooked her arm around Hikigaya's, pressing her body and head close with an angelic smile.
They hadn't even reached the pool, and she was already turning up the heat. Hikigaya couldn't imagine what'd happen later.
Since they were at the back, their actions went unnoticed by those ahead. But Sakura, trailing behind, wasn't having it. She grabbed Hikigaya's other arm.
In an instant… Hikigaya's face turned beet red.
(End of this chapter)