COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 124 - 119: Contact while skiing

After landing at New Chitose Airport, we began lining up in the airport lobby. From here, we'd board another bus to attend a ski lesson.

While the bus to Haneda was divided by class, from this point onward, the focus would shift to group activities.

"Once all group members have gathered, decide your seating arrangements. Discuss and assign the allocated seats among yourselves."

For Group 9, eight assigned seats were allocated on the bus. The idea was to decide through discussion where each of us would sit.

Hiyori and I, the only ones from the same class and group, made our way toward the bus. To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings among the group members we'd be spending the next four days with, I planned to refrain from overly intimate gestures like linking arms—something Hiyori and I had already discussed on the plane.

"...Hiyori?"

"? What's wrong... Ah."

We were supposed to be discussing things, but Hiyori, walking beside me, instinctively reached for my hand without hesitation. The surprise wasn't just mine—she seemed startled too. Our eyes met for a brief moment before she shyly looked away.

"S-Sorry. It wasn't on purpose... It's just that when I'm with you, touching you feels so natural that, um..."

She mumbled an excuse, half-forming the words, but essentially, it was just habit—something ingrained.

"I'll be more careful..."

"It's not like we have to keep it a complete secret. You don't need to stress about it that much."

"...When you say things like that, it makes it even harder to hold back."

"Just hold back moderately."

Alone, it wouldn't matter, but our group included students we weren't close with. Being scrutinized by near-strangers wasn't ideal.

By the time we reached the bus, Hirata and Matsushita had already arrived. They greeted us warmly as we emerged from the crowd. I couldn't be more grateful that these two were in the same group. Their friendliness was almost intimidating.

Next, Kanzaki and Himeno from Ichinose's class joined us. While I hadn't interacted much with Kanzaki, we were at least acquainted. As for Himeno, I knew nothing.

"Kanzaki-kun, looking forward to the next four days."

"Yeah. Likewise."

Kanzaki responded amiably to Hirata's proactive greeting.

"Himeno-san, nice to meet you too."

"...Nice to meet you."

Himeno's reply was slightly awkward. Unexpected. Hirata's approach was flawless, and given his social skills, I'd have expected her to react more shyly.

"Now we're just waiting for Iijima-kun and Kamuro-san."

"Those two are already here."

"Eh?"

Since Matsushita didn't seem to notice, I pointed behind us, where the remaining two stood quietly, already gathered.

Iijima was hard to read, but Kamuro wasn't the type to initiate conversation, so she'd likely been observing.

"Since everyone's here, should we decide the seating arrangements right away?"

Hirata's suggestion met with unanimous approval.

Having someone naturally take the lead in these situations was a huge advantage. Hirata was a godsend.

"How about just grouping guys with guys and girls with girls?"

No one objected to my suggestion. Hiyori and Matsushita gave me slightly surprised looks, but I also wanted to bond a bit with the male members.

"That sounds good. Is everyone okay with that?"

With no objections, it was settled. We boarded the bus and began deciding the seating order. Splitting into pairs, Hirata and I sat together, while Kanzaki and Iijima took the seats beside us.

Since Iijima and I were meeting for the first time, I was worried about conversation, but once again, Hirata's skills came into play. He effortlessly bridged the gaps, making the discussion flow naturally.

"Honestly... having Hirata in the same group is a lifesaver."

Kanzaki voiced what was probably on everyone's mind.

"I'm not great at talking to people I don't know, so having someone as easy to talk to as Hirata is a huge help."

"Fully agreed."

"Same here."

"Ahaha, I just enjoy talking with everyone. Don't worry about it."

You're practically a saint.

Kanzaki chuckled softly at Hirata's humble response before murmuring as he glanced a few seats ahead.

"...Just imagining being thrown into that group sends shivers down my spine."

Following his gaze, I saw Ryuuen, Ayanokouji, Watanabe, and Kitou—an unconventional group sitting in near-silence. Kanzaki seemed to pity Watanabe, their lone classmate.

"...That's one hell of a lineup."

"A-Ahaha."

Even Hirata could only offer a strained smile at the sight of Ryuuen and Kitou glaring at each other.

......

After lunch at the large cafeteria attached to the ski resort, it was finally time for the second-years to begin their ski lessons.

Slipping into the rented ski wear and boots, I followed the instructions—unbuckling the straps, widening the inner lining, and sliding my foot in. Heel in first for a snug fit, then tightening the power belt.

Attempting to walk normally, I quickly realized that wasn't the right approach.

"Land on your heels first. It'll make walking easier."

Hirata's advice proved correct, and I moved smoothly after adjusting.

The lesson groups were divided into advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels. With no prior skiing experience, I naturally joined the beginner group.

From Group 9, Hirata, Iijima, Kanzaki, and Kamuro were absent—likely placed in intermediate or higher. That left the rest of us as beginners. ...Wait, so I'm the only guy in our group who can't ski? That's a little lonely.

"Whoa!"

Matsushita stumbled backward right in front of me. I managed to catch her by the shoulders before she fell.

"Ah, thanks, Hikigaya-kun."

Still supported, she turned her head and smiled at me.

"Skiing's harder than I thought. I almost fell just walking."

"I can't even walk properly yet."

"Eh, really? You seem like the type who's good at everything."

"I'm bad at way more things than I'm good at."

Or rather, there are just a lot of things I've never tried. Skiing is one of them.

Attempting to move forward on my own, I managed only a tiny distance.

"...Kinda cute, honestly."

I didn't miss Matsushita's quiet murmur as she watched me struggle from behind.

"Was that an insult?"

"N-No, not at all!"

She waved her hands dismissively, searching for the right words.

"It's just... I had this image of you being good at everything, so seeing you struggle like this is... kinda adorable?"

"Am I supposed to take that as a compliment?"

"I don't even know myself, maybe?"

Her vague answer seemed to amuse her, and she covered her mouth with a small laugh. After all this time at the school, it's rare for anyone to call me cute.

"Gwah—!"

The strange sound was unmistakably familiar. Turning around, I saw a face buried in the snow—unidentifiable except for the build and hair. Clearly, Hiyori had taken a tumble.

"Hiyori. You okay?"

"Ugh... cold..."

Helping her up, I noticed her exhausted expression, now lightly dusted with snow.

"That was a spectacular fall. You alright, Shiina-san?"

"Yeah... Skiing's tough."

For someone as unathletic as Hiyori, even walking on skis must feel like an extreme challenge.

"Hikigaya-kun and Matsushita-san, you're both doing so well!"

"I almost fell earlier too."

"Well, we'll just have to learn as we go."

"Hikigaya-kun, can I hold your hand for balance?"

"Me too!"

With the beginner lesson group starting to move, I tried to step forward to assist them—only for my skis to slide out from under me, sending me crashing onto my backside.

"...Sorry. Mind giving me a hand now?"

Adding insult to injury, my legs were tangled in a way that made getting up alone a time-consuming ordeal.

"Pfft... H-Hikigaya-kun... hehe... so cute...!"

"Fufu. You look very cute right now, Hikigaya-kun."

"Spare me the embarrassment."

Being laughed at by both of them simultaneously was a first. The sight of a guy needing help from two girls on his first day was as pitiful as it got. I needed to master skiing fast.

"Hikigaya-kun, you okay? Need a hand?"

"If you'll accept my help, I'm happy to assist anytime?"

"Are you two enjoying bullying me that much?"

I had a feeling this would continue until the beginner lessons were over.

......

Once all the lessons were done, we were finally free to do as we pleased.

After the training, all the beginners headed to the gentle slopes of the beginner course. Hiyori was still struggling to walk, but luckily, Nishino—who happened to be nearby—seemed experienced and offered to help her.

"Hikigaya-kun? Aren't you coming?"

Matsushita, skis in hand, turned back with a puzzled look.

"I'm gonna try a different slope."

"A different one? You don't mean the advanced course, do you?"

"Exactly. Thought I'd challenge myself."

The moment I said it casually, Matsushita grabbed my arm in a panic.

"Jumping straight to the advanced course is dangerous!"

"If it looks too risky, I'll turn back. Don't worry."

"Well... okay. But promise you'll come back if it feels unsafe!"

"Got it."

Taking her concerned warning to heart, I set off.

"Huh? What're you doing here?"

While lining up for the lift to the advanced course, Kamuro spotted me and called out.

"Thought I'd test the advanced slope."

"Haah? Weren't you just in the beginner lesson?"

"I've got a strong sense of adventure."

"You should quit while you're ahead. The slope's insane—no way someone who just started today can handle it."

Surprisingly, she seemed genuinely concerned. If even she was warning me, maybe I should turn back. I did promise Matsushita...

But just then, the lift arrived, and before I could reconsider, I found myself boarding it. Kamuro sighed, giving me a look of exasperation before sitting beside me.

"If I let you go alone, you'll probably get hurt. Guess I'll tag along."

"...You're nicer than I thought. Thanks."

"Just being a busybody."

Having an experienced skier like Kamuro with me was a relief. The two-person lift gradually ascended, lifting us off the ground.

"Lifts are kinda fun."

"First time riding one? Not scared?"

"Nah. At this height, even if I fell, it wouldn't be that bad."

"That's... not the point..."

"Isn't the danger of falling what makes it scary?"

"...You're really weird, you know that?"

Her small sigh vanished into a white mist. Did I say something strange?

As the lift reached its destination, we prepared to disembark.

"So, think you can manage?"

"Probably. I'll manage something."

Once you master the basics, skiing becomes somewhat manageable. Carefully navigating the slope, I managed to move forward without issue.

"...You seriously just started today?"

"Yeah."

Kamuro sounded skeptical as she watched me progress smoothly.

"Most people can't move this easily after just a basic lesson."

"I was watching the advanced skiers earlier. Just copying them."

"Ugh, genius types."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Never mind."

For some reason, she looked even more exasperated. Following her as she effortlessly glided ahead, I noticed her stopping abruptly a short distance away.

Her gaze was fixed on Ryuuen, surrounded by a group of students.

"Ryuuen, huh. Probably strategizing."

"Should you really be saying that to me? Zero sense of danger."

As an A-class student, Kamuro likely understood—this was almost certainly prep for the upcoming end-of-year exams. The school trip was the perfect opportunity to assess the competition.

"Giving you this info doesn't change anything."

"Are you sure you're in Ryuuen's class?"

"Ryuuen hasn't given me any orders. So it doesn't concern me."

While some of my classmates had received instructions, I was excluded. Probably because Ryuuen still doesn't fully trust me.

Kamuro seemed focused on Ryuuen's group, but my attention was drawn elsewhere—to a student lurking just out of sight, keeping watch on Ryuuen. A-class's Yamamura Miki.

"Kamuro, what's Yamamura like?"

"Why the sudden—? Yamamura's in my class, but we've barely talked. Honestly, she's so unnoticeable I sometimes forget she's there."

Yamamura was supposed to be in Ryuuen's group. And she'd been in the beginner lesson with me—no way she should've made it to the advanced course.

Kamuro's comment about her being unnoticeable was also odd. Despite not standing out, Ryuuen hadn't noticed her tailing him. Kamuro herself seemed oblivious, showing no reaction even when the classmate she'd just mentioned was right in front of her.

"Ah—"

Her foot caught in the snow, Yamamura fell face-first.

Though people were nearby, no one seemed to notice or care.

"...This goes beyond just being unnoticeable."

Having already caught up, I couldn't just leave her. Stopping in front of her, I offered a hand to help her up.

"Can you stand?"

"!?"

Startled by my voice, Yamamura flinched violently before whipping her head around. Staring at my outstretched hand in disbelief, her eyes widened.

Kamuro finally seemed to register her presence.

"Did you cramp up or something?"

"Eh... Are you talking to me...?"

Follow current novels on freewebnσvel.cѳm.

"Who else would I be talking to?"

Still skeptical, she stared at me as if questioning my existence. Then, abruptly, she began flailing her arms in a panic.

"S-Sorry! It's just... people don't usually notice me when we first meet..."

...That's a concerning thing to admit.

"Anyway, you okay? If your leg's cramping, I can help you up."

"N-No, I just fell. I'm fine."

"Then you should get up. Here."

Offering my hand again, Yamamura hesitated before finally taking it and standing.

"Th-Thank you. Um..."

"Hikigaya Hachiman."

"Hikigaya... kun."

Stammering my name, she glanced down at the hand she'd just held.

"Um, your hand... Sorry about that."

"What for?"

"For touching it... It must've felt gross, right?"

"Gross? Why?"

"Because I touched it..."

Was she a germaphobe or something? I didn't get it, but maybe Yamamura had her reasons.

"Th-Thank you again."

Bowing deeply, she thanked me before scurrying off, glancing back repeatedly.

"You actually noticed Yamamura, huh."

Kamuro remarked as we watched her retreating figure.

"I might not have if Ryuuen hadn't been there. Now I get why you called her unnoticeable."

Unnoticeable, huh. That might be a weapon I hadn't considered before.

Yamamura Miki. She's piqued my interest.

......

+Extra Scene 1

I was really happy to be in the same group as Hikigaya-kun. Since group assignments weren't voluntary but decided by the school, the chances of us ending up together were incredibly low. That's why I was so glad it happened.

Being with him makes me smile naturally. Even when it's just the two of us, it never feels awkward—if anything, it's comforting. I realized I like Hikigaya-kun even more than I thought, and I wanted to grow even closer during this school trip.

"Hey, Matsushita, look! I can walk properly now."

"Ooh. You're a fast learner, Hikigaya-kun."

Even during the beginner ski lessons, being able to talk like this was another perk of being in the same group. But... there was still a tiny knot in my chest.

"Hikigaya-kun, I still can't figure out how to walk..."

"I'm not sure I can teach well since I just learned myself, but if you're okay with that..."

"Please. Otherwise, I'll just be stuck like this the whole time."

I already knew, but Hikigaya-kun and Shiina-san were really close. They got along so well that rumors about them being a couple had spread around school. Even from my perspective, they looked good together. I didn't know how Hikigaya-kun felt, but Shiina-san was clearly head over heels.

Seeing them so close made me feel just a little... unhappy.

"(Lucky...)"

Shiina-san must've been much clearer about her feelings than me. That's why Hikigaya-kun responded to her.

Their relationship made me envious.

But, well, whatever.

"School trips are the perfect chance for confessions, right?"

Not that I'd just give up. I wanted him for myself too. But I also didn't want to make things awkward in the group...

"I wish I could get some alone time with Hikigaya-kun..."

+Extra Scene 2

The day after the school trip—a despicable event designed to tear me and Onii-san apart.

Tch. Stupid school trip. Give Onii-san back.

"Hey, Ichika! Get out here!"

Standing outside Ichika's room during morning prep time, I called her name—but got no response.

"Sigh... Why am I stuck with this?"

Onii-san had entrusted me with a task: Ichika's mental care.

He must've predicted she'd be depressed and asked me to handle it. And sure enough, she'd completely shut herself in. As expected of Onii-san!!

Still, it's only the first day, and Ichika won't even respond? You're way too dependent on Onii-san. Whether or not you learn to stand on your own is up to him, but for now, I'll follow his orders and deal with you.

"Ichika, time for school. Not that this school's pathetic curriculum is worth attending, but still."

Even knocking harder got no reaction.

...Fine. Time for the ultimate weapon.

"Onii-san left a message. If you skip even one day of school, he won't call you during the entire trip."

BAM!! The door flew open. She must've changed into her uniform instantly, but the dark circles under her eyes suggested she hadn't slept at all. Muttering deliriously, "SenpaiSenpaiSenpaiSenpaiSenpaiSenpaiSenpaiSenpaiIwannaseehimIwannaseehimIwannaseehimIwannaseehim..."

Well, seems fine. Mentally stable, as usual.

"Oh, and he said you have to eat healthy and get enough sleep. Those are the conditions for his calls."

"Food... sleep... Senpaaaai ♡ You care about me that much? ♡"

Annoying, but at least she's back to normal. Simple-minded as ever.

"Good. If you screw up, I won't get calls either. So behave, or I'll kill you."

"Senpai's calls ♡ I'll do my best ♡"

Who knew the first day would be this exhausting? ...Onii-san better appreciate this when he gets back.

=================================

Want to support me? 

You can join as member in my P4TR30N

p4treon.com/ShirooYuki ( Change 4 to a)

See ya!!