Girls getting hit on—it's nothing unusual.
From a guy's perspective, it's often seen as annoying, making the other guy seem flirty, too direct, or just plain rude.
From a girl's perspective, it can feel the same way. But sometimes, it also brings a secret sense of satisfaction—proof that she's attractive to the opposite sex.
Of course, all of this just flashed through Hikigaya's mind in an instant.
But Sakayanagi getting hit on by some random upperclassman… Hmm, why does this feel so familiar?
Hikigaya turned away, pretending not to see anything. Well… she had Kito with her, and that guy was a walking threat. No need to worry.
…
"What do you guys want?"
An impatient voice suddenly cut through the air.
In the end, Hikigaya still ended up stepping in to 'rescue' her.
The upperclassman who was interrupted looked obviously irritated, but when he saw Hikigaya, he was momentarily stunned.
"Oh? Turns out it's someone I know!"
Hikigaya also recognized the senior. What a coincidence—it was the second-year A-class student he had humiliated at the Keyaki Mall Shopping Center during summer break.
"So it's Kinoshita-senpai. Long time no see."
Hikigaya greeted him with a half-smile, but the sarcasm in his tone was obvious to everyone. The people around Kinoshita all turned to size up the first-year student with dead-fish eyes.
Wait a minute!
A first-year? With dead-fish eyes?
These two details suddenly connected in their minds, and their expressions changed. Kinoshita, in particular, looked furious.
"Kinoshita-senpai isn't treating people to drinks again today, is he? I just finished running and I'm a little thirsty. How about I join you for a drink?"
Hikigaya spoke as if he hadn't noticed Kinoshita and his friends' dark expressions.
But Kinoshita didn't respond. He just glared at Hikigaya for a few seconds before turning and walking away. Before leaving, however, he couldn't hold back his anger and gritted his teeth as he spat out, "Just you wait!!!"
That sounded familiar.
"I remember you said the same thing last time. I bet senpai still remembers how that ended."
Hikigaya let out a mocking chuckle.
A few veins popped on Kinoshita's forehead, but in the end, he held himself back. With a cold snort, he led his group away.
"Looks like Hikigaya-kun really enjoys playing the hero, huh?"
Sakayanagi chuckled, watching the scene like it was entertainment. She didn't seem the least bit affected.
"That's how you thank someone?"
Hikigaya glanced at her.
"Hehe, of course not."
Sakayanagi slowly stood up. "It was just a few upperclassmen. A little troublesome, but nothing I couldn't handle. Still, avoiding the hassle was thanks to you."
She gave Hikigaya a small bow as a gesture of gratitude.
"Looks like I was being nosy. But I bet manipulating people like this gives you a lot of satisfaction."
Hikigaya shrugged. His words were self-deprecating, but he didn't seem to mind.
"Oh? Hikigaya-kun thinks this was all scripted? I really don't know those upperclassmen. Or… are you just upset about being used?"
Sakayanagi made no effort to deny anything.
Hikigaya saw through it all. The moment he stepped in to help, he had already fallen into Sakayanagi's trap.
"But if you knew it was a trap, why step in anyway?"
Sakayanagi narrowed her eyes slightly, looking curious.
Hikigaya stayed silent.
But Sakayanagi suddenly laughed—genuinely, and for some reason, she seemed really amused.
"I didn't expect Hikigaya-kun to have such a reputation among the second-years. What a surprise."
She suddenly changed the subject.
"Stop probing."
Hikigaya rolled his eyes at her. "You just want to know, right? Fine, I'll just tell you. That guy earlier was Kinoshita, a second-year A-class student. We had a run-in over summer break, and he took a huge loss. If I really am 'famous' among the second-years, it's probably for all the wrong reasons."
"Notorious... is still a name. And compared to a good reputation, a bad one makes people more cautious, doesn't it?"
Sakayanagi had a faint smile, one that wasn't quite friendly.
"People bully the weak and fear the strong. Not just humans—even stray dogs understand this."
Hikigaya let out a small sigh.
"Alright, anyway, I took care of the trouble for you. Seeing me struggle must've been entertaining enough for you, so let's just leave it at that."
He waved his hand dismissively and turned to leave.
"I'm alone today. Kito has things to do."
Sakayanagi's voice came from behind him. Hikigaya paused for a moment but didn't stop walking.
"It was nice seeing you run on the track, Hikigaya-kun."
Hikigaya stopped and turned around. He saw Sakayanagi speaking as if to herself.
"It's a shame I can't participate in this sports festival. If I could, being your opponent would have been interesting."
Hikigaya had learned about Sakayanagi's condition from Haruno. She had a congenital heart disease, which meant she couldn't do any strenuous physical activity. Her body was weak, and she always needed a cane to support herself.
The silver-haired girl in front of him was like a porcelain doll—delicate and beautiful, but easy to break with just a touch.
That was probably why she hadn't joined the special exam on the deserted island. As for the sports festival, there was no way someone like her could take part.
"Sakayanagi, have you ever gone for a run?"
Hikigaya suddenly asked.
Her expression darkened. "What are you trying to say?"
Hikigaya pointed at the track. "Why don't you give it a try?"
"You think you're being funny? Or are you feeling a little too full of yourself after the way I treated you earlier?"
Her voice was icy.
But Hikigaya wasn't offended by her attitude. Instead, he spoke calmly.
"I'm not telling you to run. Are you saying you don't even have the courage to step onto the track?"
Sakayanagi fell silent, frowning as she stared at him.
"Are you giving up?"
"What a childish way to provoke someone!"
Sakayanagi turned away, leaning on her cane as she walked off.
Hikigaya watched her leave.
Then, suddenly, she stopped.
The next second, she turned back around and walked toward him.
"Even if it's childish, the word 'give up' doesn't exist in my dictionary."
With that, she walked past Hikigaya to the edge of the track. She looked down at the rubber surface for a moment.
Then, she took a step forward onto it.
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