Hostility from Horikita Suzune

Though the news of Hikigaya's entry into the student council had circulated through the grade some time ago, the turbulent atmosphere in Class D kept it relatively under wraps. Few people were aware of this development until now.

This was a blessing for Hikigaya, allowing him to maintain his usual low profile and avoid unwanted attention.

Yet, as with all secrets, this one could not be kept forever.

Now, Horikita and Ayanokouji were the first to confront him about it.

"Hikigaya, did you join the student council?" Horikita Suzune's gaze was intense and conflicted, filled with both panic and hope, as if she were desperate for a negative answer.

Her expression was one of betrayal as if someone she deeply trusted had taken something vitally important from her.

Hikigaya felt a pang of helplessness.

Why do I feel like I've just betrayed someone?

At this point, he couldn't avoid the truth any longer. After a brief hesitation, he confirmed,

"Yes, I did join the student council."

The moment Horikita Suzune heard this, her face darkened, her last shred of hope evaporating instantly.

In contrast, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka seemed less affected and remarked to Hikigaya, "It's quite rare for someone like you to join the student council."

"What, you disagree? If you're so bold, why don't you join the student council yourself?"

Hikigaya didn't hold back with Ayanokouji and confronted him directly.

Ayanokouji was momentarily taken aback and realized he might have misspoken.

Despite this, he remained curious about Hikigaya and said, "I thought you'd be more like me, but this is quite unexpected. I want to know why you did it."

Hikigaya stared at Ayanokouji, exasperated. "Are you drunk? I'm not like you!"

I'm an ordinary person, not someone who deliberately scores 50 points on every test!

"Yeah, I guess we are different."

Ayanokouji, oblivious to Hikigaya's irritation, continued, "But I'm still curious. Why did you join the student council? What's your reason?"

"It's none of your business!" Hikigaya snapped, unable to tolerate Ayanokouji's probing any longer.

"I'm just sharing my thoughts. Since we're at the dorm now, I'll take my leave."

Realizing his questions were aggravating Hikigaya, Ayanokouji quickly excused himself and vanished from sight.

After finally shaking off the annoying Ayanokouji, Hikigaya faced Horikita Suzune, who remained dejected, unsure of how to handle the situation.

Even though he hadn't informed her about joining the student council, their relationship was strained—far from friendly. There was no obligation for him to update her, right?

With this in mind, Hikigaya felt more assured and decided to leave. "Well, I'll be going now..."

"Hikigaya."

Just as Hikigaya was about to escape, Horikita Suzune called out to him.

"What is it?"

The cold tone in her voice made Hikigaya flinch, his fear making him almost beg for mercy.

There was no denying it—the intensity of her hostility rivaled Hiratsuka Shizuka's, and Hikigaya had no desire to face a confrontation.

"Since you've joined the student council, you must uphold your role. From now on, I'm leaving that person's affairs to you."

Horikita Suzune's tone had softened unexpectedly, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor. Hikigaya had never seen Horikita Suzune like this before, and it seemed her behavior was influenced by his involvement with the student council.

Could it be that she's a bigger brother-con than Komachi?

Various thoughts raced through Hikigaya's mind.

"I'll handle it. It's not like I have a choice. The president is quite a troublemaker."

"Is that so..."

When Horikita Suzune heard Hikigaya mention the student council president, her expression shifted, but she quickly masked her emotions, fixing him with a frosty gaze.

"And since you've joined the student council, I won't ask for your help with class matters. I can manage on my own."

"Oh... what?"

Hikigaya was stunned by Horikita Suzune's sudden declaration. He hadn't anticipated her dismissing his help so outright.

Isn't this a bit much? She's the one who pushed me for help before!

Could it be that she's holding a grudge because I didn't tell her about joining the student council and is now seeking revenge?

Hikigaya scrutinized Horikita Suzune's eyes, quickly dismissing the idea. He saw no anger, dissatisfaction, jealousy, or hatred.

Her current demeanor resembled someone who had lost something crucial. It was as if a fierce desire to overcome her obstacles had ignited within her.

So, does Horikita Suzune see me as an opponent?

Hikigaya sighed.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, this outcome wasn't worse than he had feared.

After all, his goal was to develop Horikita Suzune into a leader for Class D. The specific circumstances of how this came about were less important.

Whether Horikita Suzune saw him as a helper or a rival, Hikigaya's objectives remained the same.

However, the way she spoke with such cold finality and walked away left him feeling oddly unsettled.

It was like making an irreversible choice in a visual novel, one you can't go back and change.

Returning to the dormitory with mixed emotions, Hikigaya glanced at the doll Komachi had given him. He thought that if it were any other time, he'd find comfort from his sister when feeling down.

But now...

Oh, I really do despise this damn school!