A Piercing Truth

In the end, their conversation remained like two parallel lines, never intersecting.

Hikigaya had wanted to encourage Sakayanagi to value herself more, but from the start, it was never going to work, was it?

After all, he was hardly someone who valued himself. Offering advice on such matters lacked any real conviction, especially when Sakayanagi could easily turn the tables on him by bringing up his past mistakes...

How could she have known about that?

Having a father on the board certainly comes in handy.

Also, wasn't the pepper spray Sakayanagi pulled out the kind that police use? It's possible that Sakayanagi used a civilian version.

However, Hikigaya was confident that the school prohibited such items, and it was likely that online purchases also prohibited them.

But then again, he wasn't really in a position to judge others.

Hikigaya himself had taken advantage of Haruno's influence to contact Komachi on her birthday, breaking the rules in the process.

Sigh... I really shouldn't be lecturing anyone.

As he reflected on his arrogance, Hikigaya's thoughts began to shift to something else—worry.

If things continued like this, Sakayanagi was bound to land herself in serious trouble, wasn't she?

This time, confronting that store clerk didn't turn out too badly. After chatting for a bit, it became clear that the guy was pretty timid—hardly a threat. Otherwise, he wouldn't have spent an entire semester just sending letters to Sakura without daring to do anything else.

Sakura would have suffered harm long ago if he had been more brazen.

But what if next time Sakayanagi provokes someone she shouldn't? Someone like Ryuuen, for instance.

Undoubtedly, Ryuuen lacked Sakayanagi's level of intelligence.

But Ryuuen wasn't some timid store clerk who only made empty threats. Ryuuen was not afraid to resort to violence, regardless of the consequences.

If Sakayanagi ever pushed him too far, and Ryuuen decided to resolve things physically...

The situation would undoubtedly result in one individual being admitted to the hospital and the other being placed in juvenile detention.

... No, thinking like that is pointless.

Perhaps because he had been lying in bed for too long, Hikigaya's mind had begun to wander.

Ever since returning from the hospital this morning, he had been following the doctor's orders and resting in bed. However, he found the whole situation a little excessive.

Sure, it was a little inconvenient not being able to use his right hand, but it wasn't as severe as when he injured his leg. At least now he could still go downstairs to eat, and if he switched to using a spoon, there wasn't much difference between his right and left hands. He'd probably get used to it quickly enough.

Thinking about it now, he realized he was starting to feel a little bit hungry.

Hospital food—no matter where you go—never really fills you up, does it? Hikigaya had barely eaten anything.

He hadn't done much, but he had already digested the meager breakfast.

Maybe I should grab something to eat.

Just as he stood up and was about to leave his dorm room, a series of rapid knocks came from the door.

... Hm?

Hikigaya glanced at the clock on the desk. It was still just around lunchtime.

Uh... it couldn't be, right?

With that thought in mind, he rushed to open the door.

Standing there, as expected, was Kushida, holding a large bag in her hands.

Huh? Don't you still have classes this afternoon?

Even if you're here to visit me, isn't this a bit too early...?

"Hachiman, let me in first."

"Ah... Oh, uh, sure."

Surprised to hear her call him by his first name, Hikigaya was momentarily stunned but quickly stepped aside to let Kushida in.

She wasted no time. After setting the bag down, she casually opened the fridge and poured herself a glass of barley tea... Isn't she a bit too at ease?

"You want some?" Kushida asked, holding up the teapot.

"... Thanks."

Who's the owner of this place again?

However, Hikigaya's current state left him unfit to serve guests, so he chose not to worry about it.

Once they sat down, Kushida immediately got to the point. "Hachiman, what happened? How did you get hurt?"

"I already told you."

Chabashira-sensei had informed the class earlier during homeroom, though she didn't give specific details. She just said it was an accident.

During the break, Hikigaya had received a flood of messages from people asking about it.

The majority of the concerns came from Kushida and Matsushita, although Hiyori, Sudo, and even Horikita also sent their concerns.

Oh, and Kamuro had also messaged, likely after hearing it from Sakayanagi.

That girl truly enjoys meddling.

"But your message was super vague," Kushida said, tapping the table in frustration. "When, where, and for whom? Most importantly, who's responsible? You didn't say anything!"

"I already told you it was an accident. There's no culprit."

Hikigaya sighed in exasperation.

"Look, it wasn't a serious injury. There's no need to create such a stir."

"Uh-huh..." Unfortunately, his attempt to brush things off didn't seem to work.

Kushida kept staring at him intently.

"Be honest. Was it the stalker's doing?"

Sigh...

"I can promise you it wasn't. It was just an accident. No one attacked me."

Strictly speaking, that wasn't a lie. The store clerk had pushed Sakayanagi, causing a nearby box to fall by accident. He hadn't intended to hurt anyone.

But the law wouldn't see it that way.

Even if the clerk hadn't intentionally knocked over the box, his actions would still hold him accountable.

"... Fine."

Kushida gazed at him for an extended period before ultimately giving up.

"Hey, does it still hurt?"

"It's not so bad. The doctor said it was just a minor fracture."

"Fracture?!"

The word startled Kushida.

Hikigaya quickly explained, "It's not that serious. A fracture is just a type of break... Anyway, nothing to worry about. That's what the doctor said."

"Oh... well, still, be more careful." Kushida pouted. "Why did you have to suffer such an injury now? Now we can't even do the three-legged race together."

"Just find another partner."

"Huh?"

"Er... sorry."

After receiving a glare from Kushida, Hikigaya immediately backed down.

There was no disagreement with her on this matter.

Not to mention, he'd been under a lot of scrutiny every time they practiced together. Finally, he'd be free from that!

"Hmph!"

"Hey, what was that for?!"

Before he could fully enjoy his relief, Kushida suddenly stomped on his foot.

She just attacked an injured person!

"I just felt annoyed all of a sudden," she replied nonchalantly. Besides, your foot doesn't hurt, so why are you making such a big deal out of it?

"But my heart is wounded."

"Alright, okay, I'll make it up to you."

With that, Kushida got up and grabbed the bag she had brought.

"You haven't eaten yet, right? Here, you can have my bento."

"No, that's okay. I'll go downstairs to eat later," Hikigaya quickly declined.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're injured; you can't just go wandering downstairs."

She opened the bento box and placed it in front of him.

"Go ahead and eat. After you finish, leave the box here. I'll come back after school to clean up and cook for you."

"Huh? Wait... after school?"

"Yeah," Kushida responded with a puzzled expression. "Don't you eat dinner? You're not dieting or anything, are you?"

"No, no, that's not it at all," Hikigaya quickly waved his hands, flustered.

Kushida's casual remarks completely stunned him.

If she visited once, he could brush it off as a friendly gesture, a get-well gift. However, her offer to visit again in the evening raises questions. Could it be that Kushida has a soft spot for him?

No way, that's impossible!

Kushida was the most popular girl in their grade. Someone like her—how could she possibly...?

Hikigaya shook off the thought. There was a chance he was being self-absorbed, but on the off chance, it was true.

Actually, ever since Kushida asked him to call her by her first name, Hikigaya had been wondering about this.

Ultimately, Sudo acted in the same manner. He wanted to call Suzune by her first name because he liked Horikita.

Hikigaya refrained from making hasty assumptions. Kushida was different from Sudo. She was super popular, and maybe for her, calling someone by their first name was just a normal thing among friends. Hayama's group called each other by name, but it didn't necessarily convey a romantic message.

However, what if Kushida truly harbored feelings for him?

It was likely due to her gratitude for his assistance, correct?

In that case, he had to set things straight and turn her down politely.

"Kushida, you don't have to go this far," Hikigaya said seriously. "After school, you probably have lots of friends to hang out with. You shouldn't waste your time on me. If you're doing this because we're friends, there's no need. I never expected anything in return for helping you. I just..."

"Because you're only doing this because you want to, right?"

She completed his sentence for him.

"Yeah, as long as you understand."

Hikigaya was momentarily stunned, then nodded.

"Ha. You're the one who doesn't understand, Hachiman."

Kushida sighed softly, then chuckled.

"Do you remember my dream?" she asked.

"Your dream?" Hikigaya frowned. "To be more popular than everyone else?"

"That's right! And I haven't given up on that dream yet."

"What does that have to do with this?"

"It has everything to do with this!" Kushida clenched her fists with determination. "I want everyone in school to like me, including you, Hachiman!"

"What?"

"Even if it is Ike, I would still take care of him. A popular girl has to be kind-hearted, you know? So don't go thinking you're anything special."

"...Oh."

Her words stung. Hikigaya could feel his face flush, though it wasn't out of embarrassment—just pure shame.

How insulting could she be? How insulting could she get?

"You don't need to come anymore, really," Hikigaya said, scratching his head to cover up his awkwardness.

"Now I have to come!" she shot back.

"Huh?"

"Think about it," Kushida said with a cheerful smile. "If you liked me, you wouldn't turn me away. Additionally, if you are not fond of me, I am obligated to continue my visit until you are."

"Wait, that's—"

"So, Hachiman, do you like me or not?" Kushida asked, her big, sparkling eyes full of playful mischief as she threw this impossible question at him.

"I... I..."

Hikigaya stammered, completely at a loss for words.

Shouldn't she have gotten the hint and backed off by now? Did he not make himself clear?

No matter what, he couldn't bring himself to ask, "Do you like me?"

Especially after her earlier comments, which felt like a direct hit to his pride... Was it all just his overactive imagination?

Fortunately, his right hand injury prevented him from attending school. Otherwise, he'd be so embarrassed he'd never want to show his face again. He might just become a full-on shut-in.

Damn it... Kushida really wasn't as gentle as she seemed!

Her words were so cruel!

"Hehe, I was just joking. Don't take it too seriously," Kushida said with a cheerful smile, but to Hikigaya, it sounded more like she was pitying him.

Wait, that made it even worse!

"Anyway, enjoy your lunch. I'll be back after class," she said.

"If you don't mind, just don't come."

"No way! I'm going to be a girl that everyone likes!" Kushida raised her fist in the air and joyfully hummed her way out of the room.

Upon her departure, Hikigaya collapsed onto his bed, seemingly depleted of all energy.

He wanted to die.

For some reason, all his cringeworthy memories came rushing back to haunt him.

Damn it... What was this even?

Why did he have to make the same mistake all over again?

Humans never learn from their mistakes—that was the biggest lesson of all, wasn't it?

Hikigaya swore to himself that he'd never let this happen again.

But—no, it was pointless.

He had made that promise before, and it didn't work then either.

Just like now.

At least it was Kushida. She had likely encountered numerous men who had unintentionally fallen in love with her. She had become accustomed to this situation, enabling her to manage it effortlessly.

If it had been someone else, Hikigaya didn't even want to think about it.

Even though he tried to reassure himself, the sting in his heart wouldn't go away.

Without the injury to his right hand, he would have rolled around on the bed and smashed his head against the wall until he lost his memory.

"Seriously... what am I doing?"

Once he calmed down, Hikigaya began to reflect on himself.

Since joining this school, he has interacted with a diverse range of people, which may have led him to develop unrealistic expectations.

He should've learned this lesson back in elementary school.

Thinking about it now, it was obvious. There was no way a girl like Kushida would ever pay attention to him.

She was simply preserving her reputation by not dating anyone. And given the competitive environment of this school, having a boyfriend from another class could cause complications.

She probably didn't think much of Class D.

Hikigaya lay on his bed, lost in thought, even though he wasn't sure what he was thinking about anymore. If anything, it was probably just regret.

He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he heard another knock on the door.

Slowly, Hikigaya glanced at the clock. It was 2 PM.

... It probably wasn't Kushida, right?

Bang bang bang—!

"Hikigaya, are you in there? Open the door!"

The knocker sounded impatient, and based on the voice, it appeared to be Kamuro.

Just then, Hikigaya's phone rang.

It was Kamuro, as expected. She was probably here to check on him... but didn't she have class?

...Whatever. He should just open the door.

But this time, he absolutely wouldn't let himself get the wrong idea again!