COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 149 - 145: Each person’s actions

December 26th

After Ayanokouji's irrational grudge settled down, we ended up having lunch together before heading back to the mall entrance to go home.

I'd managed to buy Christmas presents for Hiyori, so all my goals for the day were accomplished.

The giant Christmas tree set up at the entrance had created romantic moments for countless couples, but by tomorrow, it would be gone.

If I hadn't caught that cold yesterday, maybe Hiyori and I could've enjoyed this tree together too.

"Did you come see it with Karuizawa yesterday?"

I asked the guy next to me, who was clearly taken. Ayanokouji must've had his own romantic moment under this tree.

"We had plans, but Kei caught the flu. Forget Christmas—I won't be seeing her for a while."

"That's rough. Karuizawa must be frustrated."

"Probably."

He answered absentmindedly while staring up at the massive tree.

"Might be the last Christmas tree I ever see."

"Don't jinx it."

The idea of the last tree I see being with another guy is way too depressing.

Sure, there's no guarantee I'll still be at this school next year, but still.

As we stood there pointlessly admiring the tree, Ayanokouji's gaze shifted to the crowd gathered nearby—specifically, Ichinose at its center.

"You meeting up with Ichinose or something?"

"You could say that."

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freeweɓnøvel.com.

"Which is it?"

Before I could get a straight answer, Ichinose noticed us.

"What a coincidence, running into both of you!"

"Yeah, total coincidence."

"Uh-huh, coincidence..."

Ichinose seemed a little flustered around Ayanokouji, her gaze darting around nervously.

I didn't know the details, but it didn't seem like their meeting here was entirely accidental.

"I'm heading back, Ayanokouji. I wanna get home and spend time on my hobbies. I'll let you know when the yogurt maker arrives."

I felt like I'd ruin the mood if I stayed, so I made up an excuse to leave.

"Yeah. I'll drop by then. Looking forward to your homemade sweets."

"Don't expect too much."

"Wait, 'drop by'? You mean... his room!?"

"? What's wrong, Ichinose?"

Ichinose suddenly covered her mouth, her cheeks turning red.

Her eyes were wide with surprise, but her lips curled into a silly grin.

Well, whatever.

Since I was here, I figured I'd take a lap around the Christmas tree before leaving.

But as I headed toward the entrance—

"Hikigaya-senpai! Hello!"

"Nanase?"

Spotting me from a distance, Nanase jogged over.

"Here to see the tree too?"

"No, I heard Ichinose-senpai was taking pictures here, so I came."

So that's why Ichinose was surrounded earlier—she was taking photos.

Though, given the situation, it felt more like a setup for a photo with Ayanokouji.

"Might wanna wait a bit, then."

"Why?"

"Look."

Ayanokouji and Ichinose were chatting happily, standing shoulder-to-shoulder for a picture.

"Oh... Yeah, I should ask later."

Nanase seemed to understand.

"I was with them earlier, but I left so I wouldn't intrude. Just being nosy, really."

"Um, Hikigaya-senpai, where are you headed now?"

"Just going home. My errands are done."

"Then... could you spare a little time?"

"Sure, but... you wanna take a picture?"

"Yes! I'd love to take one with you!"

She beamed at me.

No reason to refuse, so I agreed.

"How should we pose?"

"Up to you."

"Okay, then..."

With that, Nanase smoothly linked her arm with mine.

I was a little surprised, but she showed no embarrassment. Probably didn't mean anything by it.

"Nanase."

"Yes?"

"I've said this before, but don't get too careless with stuff like this."

It came out more like a warning, but Nanase just tilted her head in confusion.

"I keep appropriate distance with everyone else."

"This isn't 'appropriate.' Other guys might get the wrong idea."

For most guys, the sensation of her arm against mine would be intoxicating.

But Nanase only looked more puzzled.

"I don't do this with anyone but you, senpai."

"...I see."

This conversation wasn't quite connecting.

If she only did it with me, was it fine?

...Well, if Nanase was okay with it, I guess it was fine.

With the tree in the background, the shutter clicked, capturing the moment.

Nanase checked her phone, her eyes sparkling as she bowed.

"Thank you, Hikigaya-senpai!"

"Good memory for me too. Mind sending me that photo?"

"Of course!"

She tapped her phone, and mine buzzed with the incoming picture.

"You're gonna ask Ichinose for a photo next, right?"

"Yes. Ayanokouji-senpai should be done soon."

With nothing else to do here, I decided to head back to the dorm.

"Then I'll get going. See you, Nanase."

I gave a casual wave and turned to leave.

But—

"W-Wait!"

A loud voice stopped me, followed by a tug on my arm.

When I turned, Nanase was blinking rapidly, staring at the arm she'd grabbed as if she couldn't believe what she'd done.

"Something wrong?"

"...Eh? Ah."

She snapped out of it, quickly letting go.

"S-Sorry for stopping you like that."

"If you've got something else to say, I'll listen."

"N-No, it's just... I don't know why, but I just... didn't want you to leave."

No excuses, just a simple explanation.

She still seemed confused herself.

"Maybe... I just didn't want to let you go."

"Why?"

"...Why, I wonder?"

We both ended up with unanswered questions, and I left it at that.

Only Nanase knew the meaning behind her actions.

──────

On the way back, I realized I'd left my phone off.

When I turned it back on to check for messages—

"Huh...?"

+999 notifications.

All from... Hiyori.

──────

Flashback: December 24th, Christmas Eve

"Cheers, everyone!!!"

"How many times is that now?"

The Christmas party Hikigaya had missed due to his cold was in full swing at a rented venue.

Ishizaki, the organizer, was at peak excitement.

The attendees were Ishizaki, Komiya, Albert, Katsuragi, Nishino, Hiyori, and Ryuuen—seven in total.

Ryuuen hadn't wanted to come but gave in after Ishizaki's relentless pestering.

"Still sucks Hikigaya couldn't make it."

"For real! He caught a cold, right? He doing okay?"

Ishizaki, holding a mug of cola, asked Hiyori, who'd been taking care of Hikigaya.

"He was much better when I left. He said he'd probably be fully recovered by tomorrow."

"That's good. But you must be disappointed. You two had a date planned for the morning, right?"

Nishino, Hiyori's best friend, knew how much she'd been looking forward to today.

"Hikigaya-kun's health comes first. And he promised to spoil me once he's better."

"You two are seriously so lovey-dovey."

Nishino sighed but was relieved Hiyori wasn't too down.

"Oh, Hikigaya-kun asked me to bring a homemade Christmas cake for everyone."

"Homemade? No way! Hell yeah!!"

"Everything that guy makes is delicious!"

Hikigaya had been in charge of the party's cake, so he'd entrusted it to Hiyori.

"Seriously, is there anything Hikigaya can't do?"

Komiyamumbled through a mouthful of cake, halfway between impressed and amused.

"For real, mmph—Hikigaya's cake is so good...!"

"Finish eating before you talk, Ishizaki. You're disgusting."

Katsuragi scolded Ishizaki, who was talking with his mouth full.

"Hikigaya's good at sports, smart, cooks amazing food—like, what can't he do?"

"Indeed. His communication skills are also exceptional. He has a wide network, spanning all three grades."

Katsuragi added to Komiya's praise.

It might've been a slight exaggeration, but it reflected the general opinion of Hikigaya in the room.

"He's a huge asset in exams too. Honestly, it's harder to think of something he can't do... Shiina, do you know anything Hikigaya struggles with?"

"Me?"

Hiyori, who'd been happily sipping orange juice through a straw, looked up in mild surprise.

"You're the one who spends the most time with him, right?"

"Well..."

After a moment's thought, Hiyori smiled faintly and gave an answer that stunned everyone.

"────Nail clippers, maybe?"

"...Huh? Nail clippers?"

"Yes. He doesn't like the snip sound when cutting nails. Especially toenails."

"That's way too specific."

Nishino couldn't help but interject at Hiyori's absurdly niche answer.

"But in a way, it means that's the only thing he struggles with. His presence is indispensable for future exams."

"Yeah! With Ryuuen and Hikigaya, our class is unstoppable!!"

"Heh."

Ryuuen, who'd been silently drinking on the sofa until now, suddenly let out a mocking laugh.

"You idiots are way too trusting of that guy."

"Huh? But Hikigaya's our ally. What's wrong with trusting him...?"

Ishizaki spoke hesitantly, but Ryuuen just smirked, narrowing his eyes.

"...An ally, huh?"

He muttered disdainfully before continuing.

"You've been singing his praises nonstop, but have you ever stopped to question how abnormal he is?"

"Question him? Why would we? He's a great guy!"

"Yeah! His cake is amazing too!!"

"That's irrelevant."

Nishino sighed at Ishizaki's pointless interjection.

"Katsuragi, what about you? What do you think of him?"

"...As I said earlier, Hikigaya is essential to the class. And as a friend, he's trustworthy."

"Nishino, you?"

"What's there to say? I haven't known him that long, but he's not a bad guy."

Everyone in the room trusted Hikigaya completely.

Ryuuen glanced at Hiyori, who looked puzzled, but quickly dismissed her.

He knew asking her was pointless.

"Heh... How much does he have under his control?"

Ryuuen chuckled to himself, leaving the others baffled.

"What exactly are you getting at, Ryuuen?"

"Simple."

He drained his glass and grinned.

"The only thing that guy's bad at is women. If he wasn't, he wouldn't be juggling so many. My guess? He's got at least four on the hook."

"Ugh, that's what this is about..."

Katsuragi sighed at Ryuuen's smug, provocative tone.

"Hey, Hiyori, I saw Suzune going into his room the other day."

"...I hadn't heard about that."

"I'll send you the video proof. Grill him about it."

Ryuuen, ever the master of information warfare, had been stockpiling ammunition.

"Heh. Can already picture his panicked face."

──────

December 26th

The cooking tools I'd been waiting for had finally arrived—the whisk, heatproof containers, and even the yogurt maker Ayanokouji had been desperate for.

I started baking first thing in the morning.

The excitement of trying out these new tools had me moving faster than usual.

Probably the same feeling a kid gets with a new toy.

"Whoa, this is amazing."

My favorite was the automatic whipped cream maker.

Doing it manually had been time-consuming and tiring, so this was a godsend.

Human progress is wonderful.

By the time I finished the chocolate cake, the sun had already begun to set.

"Ah... I'm out."

I'd used the last of the fruit for the cream-topped roll cake earlier.

"Guess I'll go buy more."

This cake was special—no compromises allowed.

With that in mind, I headed to Keyaki Mall under the setting sun.

──────

The mall had a different atmosphere in the evening.

With Christmas over, the trees and decorations had already been taken down, replaced by preparations for New Year's.

I headed to the supermarket section for fruit.

"Strawberries, bananas... maybe some melon too."

Times like these made me glad I had so many spare points.

Though, given they were a byproduct of helping Ryuuen, I couldn't feel too good about it.

"Welcome back."

As I finished checking out and turned to leave, a voice called out to me.

Sakayanagi Arisu, sitting on a bench, waved at me.

"You were quite engrossed in the fruit section."

"You were watching?"

"I happened to see you leaving the dorm."

"Could've said something sooner."

"You looked so adorable picking things out, I couldn't help myself."

I didn't know what she meant by that, but it definitely felt like I was being made fun of.

I explained my newfound hobby of baking and my fruit shortage.

"I never expected you to take up baking. How surprising."

"Started as a way to kill time, but it stuck."

"You should've told me. I'd have baked for you."

"Didn't wanna impose."

"For you, no effort is too much."

"You're terrifyingly sincere."

"Of course."

Arisu smiled elegantly from the bench.

"May I visit tonight? I'd love to try your sweets."

"I was hoping you'd say that. I made a cake just for you."

"...My, you're one step ahead."

She looked momentarily surprised before softening her expression.

I'd figured she'd reach out eventually.

The cake I'd made today was specially designed for her—I wanted feedback from someone with more refined tastes than mine.

"Hikigaya-kun, do you have plans later? I'd like your company."

"Nothing specific. You have somewhere in mind?"

"Yes. I'd like your help with something."

As soon as she said this, Arisu raised her hand slightly, signaling to a male student approaching briskly.

"Sorry, Sakayanagi-san. Did I keep you waiting?"

"A little late, but meeting him more than makes up for it."

Arisu had been waiting here for this student—Sanada Kousei, also from Class A.

"Sanada-kun, have you spoken to Hikigaya-kun before?"

"No, this is actually our first time."

Sanada bowed politely. His tone was respectful, his demeanor gentle.

It was flattering to have another guy take an interest in me.

"Oh? What about him caught your attention?"

Arisu voiced the question I'd been thinking.

"As the closest male to our Class A leader, Sakayanagi-san... I think the whole class is curious."

So I stood out in Class A in a weird way.

Arisu looked unusually pleased on the bench... She didn't set this up, did she?

"Forgive me, but what's your relationship with Sakayanagi-san?"

I couldn't exactly say "We're not dating, but we've crossed a line."

Better to keep it vague.

"We knew each other before this school. Our parents are connected. That's all."

"Even so... No, prying further would be rude."

He seemed to want to ask more but held back out of courtesy.

"Hikigaya-kun, would you mind accompanying us later? Assuming Sakayanagi-san permits it."

"Hm?"

"My, what a coincidence, Sanada-kun. I was just inviting him myself."

There was clearly some shared understanding between Arisu and Sanada as they exchanged knowing smiles.

And so, guided by the two, I found myself walking deeper into the mall instead of leaving.

──────

+ Short Story

"Looks nice, doesn't it?"

Asahina surveyed the living room after finishing her cleaning and let out a sigh.

"Since it's the first time someone I like is visiting, I wanted it to be spotless."

She'd scrubbed every corner from the living room to the entrance—all for Hikigaya, who'd be coming over soon under the pretext of delivering cake.

"Maybe I should wash the sheets too..."

The bed was a dilemma.

She'd washed the sheets just last week, so they were fine, but with Hikigaya visiting, it felt different.

"J-Just in case! You never know..."

Her cheeks flushed as she muttered to herself.

When someone you like visits your room, it's only natural for certain thoughts to cross your mind.

"...Maybe I should stop by the pharmacy before Hachikun comes."

──────

"..."

Nagumo had been silently cleaning his room since morning.

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

Want to support me? 

You can join as member in my P4TR30N

p4treon.com/ShirooYuki ( Change 4 to a)

See ya!!