COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya

Tachibana Akane had been confused about why the president invited Yukinoshita Haruno to join the student council, but now she finally understood—his main goal was to balance out the influence of the current vice president, Nagumo. 

Still, for some reason, she felt a little bitter about it. 

"President, I think this year's first-year students are all very capable. Katsuragi Kohei from Class A and Ichinose Honami from Class B are both outstanding. Their abilities shouldn't be any weaker than Yukinoshita's," Tachibana Akane suddenly said. 

"It's true that this year's first-years are exceptional. Katsuragi from Class A, Ichinose from Class B—both of them are excellent students in every aspect. In any other year, they would be more than qualified to join the student council." 

Horikita Manabu glanced at the documents on the table, which contained information about Katsuragi and Ichinose. 

"But being outstanding doesn't necessarily mean they're the right fit. At least for now, neither of them are suitable. Besides, my original plan didn't include recruiting first-year students at all." 

"Are you worried that they might be influenced by Vice President Nagumo?" 

Tachibana Akane was quick to pick up on the meaning behind his words—after all, she had spent a lot of time by the president's side. 

"But there's still Vice President Kiriyama. He should be able to keep Nagumo in check..." 

"I know Kiriyama's abilities better than anyone. But He's no match for Nagumo on his own." 

Tachibana Akane was momentarily stunned. Normally, the president acknowledged Kiriyama's abilities, but now he was making such a firm statement. That meant Kiriyama really wasn't as capable as Nagumo. 

And this was something that absolutely couldn't get out. If word spread, Kiriyama—who had been on their side—might start having doubts. Fortunately, there were only two people in the room right now. If the president was willing to say this in front of her, it meant he trusted her and saw her as someone close. 

Thinking that, Tachibana Akane couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. 

But Horikita Manabu didn't seem to notice her subtle change in expression. Instead, he picked up the documents on Yukinoshita Haruno and Hikigaya again, lost in thought. 

"President, that Hikigaya from Class D... what are you planning to do with him?" 

Putting some things aside, Tachibana Akane actually had a fairly good impression of Hikigaya—perhaps even better than of Katsuragi from Class A. His final answer in the interview had given her a strong sense of déjà vu. 

It was a strange feeling, one she couldn't quite put into words. There was something about those eyes of his, something deeper that was hard to grasp. 

Emotionally, she was looking forward to seeing more from him. But logically, she knew he was from Class D. If the president brought him in, it might damage his reputation, especially since he was about to step down soon. 

Because... this school only respected strength. 

"Interesting." 

Horikita Manabu didn't give a direct answer, only leaving behind those vague words. He seemed to be struggling with the decision himself. 

But having spent so much time by his side, Tachibana Akane could tell—he had already made up his mind. 

They continued sorting through documents, the only sound in the room being the rustling of paper. Normally, she was used to this quiet working atmosphere between them, but today, for some reason, she felt oddly irritated. 

She hesitated multiple times, wanting to say something but holding back. 

"It's getting late. Let's wrap it up here for today." 

After putting the documents away, Horikita Manabu checked the time on the wall and prepared to leave. 

Tachibana Akane bit her lip, then suddenly spoke up. 

"P-President, I have a personal question... What's your relationship with Yukinoshita? If... if you don't want to answer, that's fine. I'm just curious." 

She had been holding back this question for a long time. 

From the way Horikita Manabu treated Yukinoshita, it was obvious they had known each other for a while. Not only that, but he seemed to understand her very well. 

And despite their two-year age gap, their conversations lacked any sense of seniority or formality. That kind of familiarity could only come from a close relationship... 

What bothered her even more was that Horikita Manabu, who was always serious and strict, acted unexpectedly lenient when dealing with Yukinoshita. 

Just thinking about that made an uncomfortable feeling rise in Tachibana Akane's chest.

Horikita Manabu didn't want to say much about Yukinoshita. He wasn't interested in explaining either. But when he turned around, he happened to see Tachibana Akane's nervous expression. Without thinking, he spoke. 

"Our families know each other. I met Yukinoshita once a long time ago. Something happened, and she left a strong impression on me. That's all." 

"R-Really?!" 

Tachibana Akane's dull eyes suddenly lit up, and she blurted it out without thinking. Realizing she had lost her composure, she quickly covered her mouth. 

"I-I didn't mean it like that..." 

After saying that, she felt her face burning hot, and a strange restlessness grew inside her. She lowered her head, not daring to meet the president's eyes. 

She only let out a long breath of relief after hearing his footsteps fade away. But when she looked up to leave, she froze—he was still standing by the door, his back to her. 

"Pre-President?" 

"Sorry for taking up your weekend. You've worked hard these past few days." 

"My work is nothing compared to yours, President." 

"I'll cover today's lunch." 

With that, Horikita Manabu started walking away. 

"Eh?" 

Tachibana Akane was stunned for a moment. 

"Th-Then I won't hold back!" 

She pressed her lips together, hugged the notebook in her arms, and hurried after him, her steps much lighter. 

— 

Elsewhere, inside a café called Palette, another pair—a boy and a girl—sat across from each other. 

The boy had a cup of coffee in front of him. The dead-fish-eyed teenager kept adding sugar cubes, one after another. 

"Hey, is coffee supposed to be this sweet? Can people even drink that?" Haruno asked, watching with curiosity. 

"Being born human... I truly regret it." 

As Hikigaya spoke, he dropped in a few more sugar cubes. After a small sip, he finally looked satisfied. 

"So…, what exactly do you want?" 

Right after his student council interview, Hikigaya had gotten a message from Haruno. Otherwise, there was no way he'd willingly step into a place with such an obvious couples' date atmosphere. 

"There were plenty of good spots by the window, but you just had to choose this dark little corner." Haruno rested her chin on her hand and smiled mischievously. 

"Could it be… Hikigaya-kun, you're thinking about something weird?" 

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