Sakayanagi Arisu

A silver-haired girl suddenly appeared. She wore a black beret and had a face far more beautiful than most people, but her petite stature and somewhat plain figure made her seem like a delicate flower yet to bloom.

The most striking thing about her, however, was the cane in her hand. It looked as though she had trouble walking due to some physical condition, causing her to move with slight difficulty.

To the average person, a girl like this would seem fragile, like someone who needed help. Her appearance would easily fool them into thinking she was weak and helpless.

But Hikigaya's instincts were screaming at him, louder than ever. It was a feeling of danger, far surpassing that of most people in the school—an alarming sense of threat that only people like Horikita Manabu could rival.

This is definitely a dangerous woman!

The alarm bells in Hachiman's mind were blaring uncontrollably.

"Hello…"

The silver-haired girl hobbled toward him with her cane, each step slow and unsteady as if she might collapse at any moment. Her movements were so frail that it was hard to watch.

Even though his internal alarms were ringing, Hikigaya couldn't stand idly by. Despite the danger, he instinctively moved closer to make sure she didn't fall.

As he approached, he got a clearer look at her. Although she was wearing the school uniform, she seemed much younger, like a middle schooler. Despite her petite frame, there was something oddly captivating about her.

Hikigaya couldn't help but compare her to Shiina Hiyori, whom he had met in the library the day before. Both had a certain dreamy quality, but the feeling they evoked couldn't be more different.

Yeah, it's definitely not just their figures…

"Are you okay?" Hikigaya asked, his thoughts in a whirlwind, while carefully helping the silver-haired girl regain her balance.

Even though he could feel the trouble looming, he just couldn't bring himself to leave a physically struggling girl behind.

Dammit, am I being too nice again?

Hikigaya began to seriously question his life choices.

On the other hand, the silver-haired girl seemed surprised by his actions. She leaned slightly against him, falling into a quiet contemplation.

"Thank you, I'm fine now."

After a moment, she smiled softly, her expression gentle—like a harmless little rabbit, invoking a strong desire to protect her.

Hikigaya, unexpectedly, felt a wave of guilt wash over him. It was unsettling… deeply unsettling.

"Well, I should be going now," Hikigaya said, turning quickly.

But before he could leave, the girl grabbed onto his sleeve. Her grip was firm, as though she had been waiting for this moment. She smiled brightly at him.

In that instant, Hikigaya felt a chill run down his spine. It was as if invisible tentacles had wrapped around him, binding him in place.

No way… is this some kind of superpower?

Hikigaya was already regretting his decision to play the good Samaritan.

"Hello, I'm Sakayanagi Arisu, from Class A. You can just call me Arisu."

"I-I'm Hikigaya, from Class D."

There's no way this girl's as innocent as she looks, Hikigaya thought. Despite her gentle demeanor, the "bad news" alarm in his head was ringing so loud it could reach the stratosphere and high-five the sun!

"Hikigaya Hachiman, right? Nice to meet you," she said, a glint in her eye.

Wait a minute… I never gave her my full name! How does she know it?!

Hikigaya's mind raced with dread. This girl was no ordinary person—definitely dragon-level, at least!

As Hikigaya spiraled into a pit of negative emotions, Sakayanagi smiled at him again. "Thanks for helping me. Let me treat you to some coffee."

"This…"

Ordinarily, this would seem like a simple invitation.

But looking at Sakayanagi Arisu, Hikigaya couldn't shake the feeling that this was anything but ordinary. It had all the makings of a trap!

Dammit, I should just refuse!

Gathering his resolve, Hikigaya prepared to decline. It wasn't like Sakayanagi could force him to go along with her.

After all, he was just a nobody from Class D, right?

But before he could get the words out, Sakayanagi's face suddenly turned pale, and she clutched her chest, as if in pain.

"Huh?! Are you okay?"

Hikigaya was startled. He hadn't expected her to suddenly act like this.

"It's nothing, just a minor health issue," she said calmly, not seeming to care much. "Sorry, don't worry about me. I'll just rest nearby for a bit."

Sakayanagi then lifted her cane and began to walk again, albeit with great difficulty.

Watching this, Hikigaya couldn't help but sigh.

He stood there for a moment before rushing to catch up. "Fine, I'll help you over there."

"Thank you. Please, take me to that café."

Sakayanagi spoke without hesitation, catching Hikigaya off guard.

His eyes widened as he realized what was happening. He had been outmaneuvered!

He glanced at Sakayanagi, who had by now wrapped her arms tightly around his. There was no escape now!

Damn it, I've been played from the start!

As Hikigaya's mind swirled with frustration, Sakayanagi continued to observe him with amusement, her smile growing ever wider.

The two of them slowly made their way toward the café, passing by several students from other classes. Their eyes widened as they saw the scene unfold.

Hikigaya was utterly exasperated.

This is going to ruin my reputation… I swear, I'm not into silver-haired, petite girls!

"Let's sit here," Sakayanagi said with a sweet smile, though her grip on Hikigaya's arm didn't loosen one bit.

Left with no choice, Hikigaya dragged a chair over and sat beside her, his expression stiff.

"Hikigaya, you can order whatever you'd like. Anything's fine," Sakayanagi said, her smile hinting at something more.

"This…"

Hikigaya couldn't make sense of the situation. Desperate to regain control, he blurted out, "I'll take Chiba's famous MAX Coffee!"

He didn't believe a café would carry canned MAX Coffee. He was just looking for an excuse to get out of there.

But to his shock, Sakayanagi turned to the server and smiled. "A mocha for me, and a MAX Coffee for him, please."

"Right away."

The server nodded and left.

Hikigaya stared, dumbfounded.

When the familiar can of MAX Coffee was placed in front of him, his brain short-circuited.

What… is wrong with this world?!