COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya-Chapter 56 - : I Have a Friend

After school, when Hikigaya was packing his things to leave, someone suddenly stopped him.

"Hikigaya, I need to talk to you."

Horikita, as cold as ever. Even her way of talking was the same—direct and forceful, like she wasn't giving him any chance to refuse.

It was... very much like Horikita. Ever since Chabashira-sensei revealed the truth, this was their first conversation.

"I'm in a hurry, so make it quick." Hikigaya replied indifferently.

Horikita didn't seem to mind his attitude. She took a deep breath and said, "I heard your conversation with Hirata during lunch."

"So what?"

"So how exactly did you figure out the truth about this school?" A hint of frustration flashed across Horikita's face as she spoke.

"Does it matter?" Hikigaya frowned. "You're still hung up on that at this point? You're really stubborn, aren't you?"

"No, it matters to me." Horikita stared at Hikigaya seriously. "Because I want to reach Class A. I want to know what you're really thinking."

"I'm not interested in getting to Class A." Hikigaya answered flatly. "That's what I really think."

"No way..."

Horikita looked at him in disbelief, like she couldn't understand what he just said.

"You're so... smart. Why would you rather let people look down on you, get insulted by idiots, instead of fighting to prove your abilities?"

In Horikita's mind, talented people should aim for better, bigger places—not sink into the mud and slowly waste away.

Was she... standing up for me?

Hikigaya felt a strange sensation.

"Horikita, you know the rules of this school, right? One or two people working hard won't be enough to reach Class A. Besides, do you really think some of the students in this class have what it takes to be in Class A? At least for now, I don't see any chance of that happening."

"I see." Horikita took a deep breath and said slowly, "I'll show you that it's possible."

Seriously... why is this girl so stubborn? Hikigaya thought to himself.

"If that's all—"

"No... I have one more question." Horikita interrupted before Hikigaya could finish. "I have a friend. He scores exactly 50 on every subject in exams. What do you think that means?"

"Show-off."

Hikigaya answered without hesitation.

"Scoring exactly 50 on purpose is basically telling everyone, 'I'm actually really smart, but I like to hide it.' That kind of guy definitely reads too many anime and light novels. Total chuunibyou. Thinks he's some hidden genius, pretending to be weak while secretly hoping someone will notice how amazing he is. That's the most show-off thing ever."

Horikita's face stiffened. "Uh... Is that really it?"

It sounded exaggerated, but... it kind of made sense.

"Then what about the last three questions on the recent quiz? Would someone who could answer those correctly make mistakes on easier questions?"

"Horikita, do you think you're funny?" Hikigaya sighed.

"Also, you're talking about Ayanokouji, right?"

"H-How did you know?!"

"Is it that hard to guess?" Hikigaya rubbed his forehead, annoyed. "Chabashira-sensei posted everyone's scores last time. If I remember correctly, there was only one person in the whole class who got exactly 50 points."

"..."

"And also, before you lie, at least make sure it makes sense!"

"W-What do you mean?"

"I mean... I just don't think you'd ever say something like 'I have a friend.'"

Hikigaya added in his mind: just like me.

Horikita's face clearly showed a moment of shock. She wanted to argue back but couldn't find a good excuse, making her look frustrated.

"I'm leaving."

Hikigaya turned to go, but after just a few steps, Horikita hurriedly grabbed the edge of his shirt. At the same time, he noticed an unusual hesitation on her face.

"T-That... did you join the student council?"

Hikigaya had a strange feeling—like Horikita's emotions had suddenly become unstable. It seemed as if everything she'd done up to this point was just to set up this question.

Naturally, Hikigaya thought of Horikita Manabu. The moment he connected their last names, he asked, "Are you asking about the president? Are you two related?"

"..."

Horikita unexpectedly fell silent. Her expression was a mix of hesitation, anticipation, and a bit of fear. It was the first time Hikigaya had seen so many emotions on her usually cold face. She looked completely different from the aggressive and distant "ice queen" he had known.

"If you're family, then just ask him directly." Hikigaya figured there was probably some kind of conflict between Horikita and the student council president, but that was none of his business. "I think the president just looks a bit cold, but once you actually talk to him, he's pretty easygoing. He listens patiently and treats people fairly."

If he had to describe him, it would be "cold on the outside, warm on the inside." Horikita Manabu seemed even more distant and serious than Horikita herself, with a stern expression and a presence far beyond his years, making him feel unapproachable.

But after spending some time with him, Hikigaya realized that was just a first impression. In reality, Horikita Manabu treated everyone with the same level of fairness and seriousness. He didn't judge people based on status, background, or age. Hikigaya actually liked that about him.

Besides, they both had a habit of reading a lot, and sometimes they'd even have literary debates.

"You actually get along with my brother...?"

Horikita's eyes widened in shock. A mix of emotions—jealousy, envy, confusion, and frustration—flashed across her face.

Somehow, she felt a sense of betrayal. She glared at Hikigaya as if he had wronged her.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

Gritting her teeth, Horikita muttered, "I-I have things to do. I'm leaving," and before Hikigaya could even react, she turned around and walked away, leaving him completely baffled.

"...Did I say something wrong?"

Hikigaya scratched his head. Just a second ago, she seemed fine—why did she suddenly look like she wanted to murder him?

Women are terrifying creatures.

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