Chapter 81: Horikita's Dilemma (2)

"Sit on my lap for the entire lunch break."

Horikita's face turned blank before morphing into unprecedented fury.

"You're crazy!" She turned around and started leaving.

Tatsuya watched her leave quietly and smiled, "I guess you're fine with your brother hearing the rumours."

Horikita flinched and paused in her footsteps.

Tatsuya let out an evil chuckle. It was so much fun to exploit other people's weaknesses like this.

Horikita's face twisted with complex emotions.

To let her brother think that she was a despicable individual or endure the humiliation.

Time ticked, second by second.

The wind rustled her hair and gave her a refreshing feeling. Amongst the chirping birds and the gentle sunlight Horikita was faced with a difficult situation.

To agree or not agree?

With a frustrated expression, she turned around, "Change the condition. I won't sit on your lap." She forcefully calmed herself.

"Na na," Tatsuya shook his finger like a pendulum, "Either you sit on my lap or I'll boost the rumours in whatever way possible."

"You...!" Horikita was understandably frustrated. Just what sin had she committed? Why did she have to endure such torture?

She wished she could just grab a knife and stab him to death.

"I'll give you 5 seconds, your choice."

"What?" Shocked by the sudden declaration Horikita wanted to argue back back but—

"1"

Tatsuya ignored her.

"2"

What should I do? What should I do?

Horikita was now put under pressure. Before there was just a chance that her brother would learn the rumors but now she was being threatened by Tatsuya.

"3"

Only 2 seconds were left.

What to do!?

"1"

Horikita took a deep breath.

"Your time is up—"

"Alright."

Horikita's calm voice reached Tatsuya and he was surprised. Why was she so calm all of a sudden?

"Are you sure?" He asked back in confusion.

He had only given her vague pressure but not any direct threat. She could definitely refuse and even if Horikita's brother heard the rumours he would discard it.

He knew his sister's character. Doesn't Horikita know what her brother would think? Was the relationship between the siblings so broken?

"Yes. But I also have a condition." She said and her crimson eyes glistened, her beautiful body illuminated by the sunlight.

There was a certain helplessness in her demeanour that made Tatsuya feel affection for her.

"Alright."

"You can't touch me, I'll sit on your lap quietly for the entire lunch break but you won't force me to talk with you or touch me in any way."

"Oh..." Tatsuya muttered and put on a thoughtful expression.

"But I want to hug you." He said and Horikita tilted her head in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"What do you mean by 'what do you mean?'" Tatsuya was dumbfounded, "I mean when you sit on my lap I'll uh... I guess wrap my hands around your waist or stomach. Something like that." Tatsuya explained.

"Huh? No way!" Horikita refused instantly.

"C'mon, I definitely won't move! Trust me!"

"Never, I don't trust you."

"Just once!" Tatsuya pleaded with sincere eyes and Horikita frowned.

She visualised the image and looked at her stomach before looking back at Tatsuya. She did this a few times before sighing.

"Alright."

Tatsuya's eyes lit up and he shifted a bit making space for her. A disgusted expression found its way to her face and with light steps, she stood in front of Tatsuya.

She turned around Tatsuya sneaked a peek at her underwear before shifting his gaze as Horikita lowered herself and settled down.

"Hmm," he hummed and extended his hands wrapping them around her flat stomach. He tightened them a bit much to Horikita's displeasure.

"The second you move your hands I'll stab you with my compass!" She pulled a compass out of her pocket much to Tatsuya's shock.

"Why the fuck do you have a compass in your pockets?" He asked with an incredulous expression.

Perhaps pleased by his shock she answered, "I keep it to deal with perverts like you."

Tatsuya deadpanned. 

Horikita felt her position was a bit uncomfortable and nestled a bit before finding the perfect spot. Tatsuya widened his legs a bit allowing her more comfort and Horikita nodded with satisfaction.

It was good that Tatsuya chose a spot where if someone came she could immediately jump up and at most it'll appear as if she's having a talk with him.

Otherwise there was zero chance she agreed.

Now she just had to ignore the fact she was sitting in her enemy's lap and the rumours about her should be dealt with swiftly.

She didn't really care if the class believed Tatsuya or not but as long as Tatsuya himself confirmed that nothing was going on between her and him it would be easy to convince her brother.

Tatsuya didn't care about her silence and felt a rare sense of peace. He rested his chin on her shoulder and Horikita frowned.

But seeing that he didn't move she remained silent and closed her eyes.

But as if remembering something Horikita opened her eyes.

"Why was Ichinose-san so angry with you?"

Tatsuya who had his chin on her shoulder whispered into her ear softly, "I don't know."

Horikita shuddered hearing his soft voice and turned silent in anger. "Alright, keep on being quiet."

Tatsuya smiled wrly and lifted his head before leaning back on the wall, gazing at the sky.

"I really don't know. I actually didn't do anything to Shobata or whoever it is."

"Shibata-kun," Horikita corrected him and frowned, "So why was he crying your name with such a terrified expression?"

"I'm just as confused as you okay?"

"Then why were you silent when Ichinose-san was questioning you? Why not tell her you're innocent?"

"I was silent because I was confused but I kept silent because I might be able to use this against Ichinose in the class battles. While I don't know what happened to Shibata it's fine as long as Ichinose believes I did something. Also, because I didn't know what happened it was better to stay silent."

Tatsuya's lengthy speech left Horikita stunned.

"Why does your mind work so wickedly?"

"It's called cunning, idiot." Tatsuya rolled his eyes.

How was he wicked? He was just a normal high schooler!

"Hmph!" Horikita didn't answer and turned silent once again. A few minutes passed and her heart started racing, it was a bit awkward to sit on someone's lap like this.

But what made her feel more weird was that it felt somewhat peaceful and comforting.

Must be an illusion.

There were 25 more minutes till the Lunch Break ended and Horikita felt anxious.

"What if someone comes to the rooftop?"

"Nah, don't worry. I come here every day, no one comes here at all."

"Huh? Why?" Horikita was puzzled. Rooftops were a popular hangout spot after all.

Tatsuya moved one hand and pulled something out of his pocket before dropping it in front of her.

Clang!

Looking at the dropped key Horikta turned her and looked at him with cute confusion.

Tatsuya had a proud expression as he explained.

"This rooftop is always locked so it's obvious why no one will come here. It's our private hangout."

Horikita was speechless.

__________________

Read 10 Chapters Ahead!

Patreon.com/AlmightySkyDxddy