COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 142 - 136: Nickname

"...Wait a minute."

One thing comes to mind when I think about self-control and rationality. But... that shouldn't be it. I made sure to label the tea properly so it wouldn't be confused with regular tea.

No, that's not what I should be focusing on right now. My memories from last night are a bit hazy. What worries me is whether I might have forced myself on Horikita.

"Horikita, there's something I want to ask."

"Huh? Why are you suddenly... Why are you sitting formally?"

"I remember what we did last night, but I don't really remember how we got there."

My back straightens involuntarily. If I forced myself on Horikita...

"Were you unwilling, and I pushed you into it...? Did that happen?"

"...Wha—?"

"Don't hold back. If that's really what happened, I'll submit my withdrawal form and turn myself in to the police. I'll accept whatever punishment I deserve."

Forcing yourself on someone without consent is the lowest thing a man can do. Even if it means leaving this school, I have to take responsibility.

As I steeled myself, Horikita in front of me trembled and stared at me, her mouth opening and closing rapidly.

"Y-you... don't remember?"

"Yeah, only vaguely."

Hearing that, Horikita showed a fleeting expression of relief mixed with anxiety. But then she averted her face, her cheeks reddening.

"You don't need to worry about anything, so relax. It's not like you did anything to me... and it's not like I... disliked it..."

"That's a relief... huh?"

Just as I was genuinely relieved, another question popped up. I thought maybe I hadn't outright assaulted her, but I must have initiated something.

"So... I didn't do anything to you?"

"Guh!?"

"Now that I think about it..."

When I was taking off Horikita's clothes last night, I remember her underwear being... quite elaborate, both top and bottom.

Finding it strange, I decided to ask Horikita directly.

"Hey, by any chance... did you come to my room planning to sleep with me from the start––––––?"

"~~~~~~~hhhhh!!!"

The moment I voiced this perfectly reasonable question, a beautifully executed slap landed on my cheek, the sharp sound ringing in my ears.

...I always wonder, why does she get so angry?

......

There were a lot of things weighing on my mind since morning, but for now, I decided to make breakfast.

Horikita tried to help with breakfast, but after last night, I didn't want to push her, so I insisted she rest.

"Here you go. It's simple, but..."

"Thank you. You say it's simple, but it looks delicious."

Horikita, who had been borrowing one of my novels in bed, moved to the table and gave her thoughts. On the table were typical breakfast items: grilled fish, miso soup, white rice, and leftover potato salad from yesterday.

By the way, I threw out all the tea in the fridge. Keeping something like that around would only lead to more trouble. I feel bad for Ichinose, but I'll pay her back for the aphrodisiac tea later.

"Let's eat."

We both clasped our hands together and picked up our chopsticks. After last night, this kind of breakfast is exactly what we needed.

"So, you became student council president and recruited other members?"

"I managed to convince Kushida-san to be vice president."

"My brother is also in the student council, so take care of him."

"Of course. As student council president, I'll guide him properly."

If Takuya were here, he'd probably say something like, "I don't need your guidance!"

"School is today, but maybe you should skip?"

"Well... my legs and chest can be covered by clothes, but my neck is a problem..."

"...Sorry, I left too many marks."

"I already told you I don't mind. But in exchange, I'll be borrowing your room today."

We chatted without any awkwardness. It's nice to be able to eat breakfast together like this without any tension.

"I saw on the news recently that couples these days call each other by nicknames."

Nicknames, huh? Nazuna-san calls me "Hachi-kun."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes."

"..."

"..."

"...Should we try it too?"

"! If you insist, I don't mind. It's a bit odd to still be using last names, and nicknames can have various useful effects––"

"Wow, you're talking a lot all of a sudden."

If she wanted to change how we address each other, she could've just said so. Well, Horikita's lack of honesty is part of her charm.

"Any ideas for nicknames?"

"Well, from your name, 'Hachiman'... Hachiman, Hachiman... How about 'Hachi-kun'?"

"Ah, sorry, that one's already taken."

"––––––By who?"

She glared at me with terrifying intensity. How does she manage to produce that level of intimidation so quickly? I flinched.

"...Let's set that aside for now. Any other ideas?"

"I'll interrogate you later. Other options..."

It seems my interrogation is inevitable, but for Horikita, nicknames take priority. She sipped her miso soup while deep in thought.

"Ah."

"Think of something good?"

"I did, but..."

"What's wrong?"

"It's... a bit embarrassing."

She hid her face behind the soup bowl, peeking at me nervously.

"I won't laugh. Go ahead."

After my reassurance, she set the bowl down, avoiding my gaze, and muttered softly.

"...Haa-kun."

Haa-kun, huh? Coming from the usually cool and dignified Horikita, it feels oddly ticklish.

"I like it. Can I call you 'Suzune' from now on?"

"You're not giving me a nickname?"

"Your name suits you better than a nickname."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She giggled, amused. I finished the rest of my breakfast while savoring the sight.

"Haa-kun, hehe... Haa-kun, Haa-kun."

She seems really pleased with the nickname.

......

After surviving that intense morning and getting through classes as usual, after school, I headed to Keyaki Mall with Ayanokouji.

"Where are Amasawa and Yagami?"

"They went ahead to the training room. They even made the reservation."

"Those two really get motivated when you're involved."

"They agreed without hesitation."

Right now, Ayanokouji and I are heading to a private training room on the second floor of Keyaki Mall. As we discussed at the gym the other day, I'm enlisting Amasawa and Takuya's help to regain some of my instincts.

As we talked, we reached our destination and checked in at the front desk.

"Excuse me, we have a reservation."

"May I have your name, please?"

"Hikigaya Hachiman."

"Hikigaya Hachiman, correct? Room 4 is reserved under Hikigaya Ichika and Hikigaya Takuya."

"Eh... Hikigaya?"

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing."

When did those two change their last names?

"Congrats, Hikigaya. Your family just got bigger."

"Shut up."

Ignoring Ayanokouji's teasing, we headed to Room 4. It wasn't far from the front desk, so we found it quickly and stepped inside.

Amasawa and Takuya were already there, so with Ayanokouji and me, all four White Room escapees were gathered.

Now, time to work on regaining some of my lost abilities.

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........

+ Bonus Scene

Yagami and Amasawa, who had arrived at the training room before Hachiman, were stretching lightly while arguing.

"I'm telling you, Ichika. I'll take care of Hachiman, so you go play with Ayanokouji."

"Hah? Obviously, I'm gonna train with Senpai. You're the one who holds a grudge against Ayanokouji-senpai, right? This is your chance to go wild~"

"Why would I willingly train with Ayanokouji? I'm here for Hachiman. Weren't you the one who worshipped Ayanokouji-senpai?"

"What era are you talking about? If I had to choose between Senpai and Ayanokouji-senpai, is there even a question?"

"It's 100:0 in Hachiman's favor."

"Exactly~"

While they were bickering, Hachiman and the others arrived.

=================================

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