COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 97 - 94: Someday’s Promise

"Is that true?"

"Of course it's true. Why would I lie? You can check my phone if you don't believe me. See?"

"Okay..."

"I see. So it's Okabe."

Early in the morning, as I was about to enter the classroom, Nishino and Hiyori stopped me and explained the harassment Hiyori was currently facing. Just as I had feared, Okabe's behavior had crossed the line.

"So, you're being called out after school today?"

"Exactly. There's no way we can let Shiina go alone. I was hoping we could count on your help."

As Nishino said, letting Hiyori face Okabe alone would be far too dangerous.

"Of course. I'll do everything I can to help."

"See? I told you Hachiman would agree right away."

"...I'm sorry, Hachiman-kun. I'm causing you so much trouble."

Hiyori lowered her eyes apologetically, clearly feeling guilty about relying on me. Since we were at the edge of the classroom, there were few people around. Confirming that Nishino was the only witness, I pulled Hiyori into a hug.

"Next time, come to me sooner, okay? And don't ever think you're a bother to me. I could never hate you for something like this."

"...Really?"

"There's no way I'd ever hate you, Hiyori."

"I... I've always loved you too."

To ease her worries, I reassured her, and Hiyori responded by wrapping her arms around me. After a few seconds, I noticed Nishino making a slightly awkward face beside us.

"Uh, you two, it's kinda hard to react when you're being all lovey-dovey right in front of me. Seriously, why aren't you two officially dating yet?"

"Fufu. Hachiman-kun and I aren't dating, but I'm confident we have something even deeper than that."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"I don't get you at all."

Nishino sighed in exasperation, and Hiyori giggled. The anxiety that had been on her face earlier seemed to have faded, which was a relief.

"..."

"What? Why are you staring?"

"Is something wrong?"

Both of them at me simultaneously, so I quickly shut down my train of thought.

"Nothing, it's fine."

Nishino, I was just thinking that you might be the key to all this.

...

Lunch break arrived, and Hiyori and I decided to head to the cafeteria. With the Okabe situation looming, it was safer to stick together as much as possible.

As we left the classroom, I felt Okabe glaring at us relentlessly, but I ignored it.

"Are you okay, Hiyori?"

She must have noticed his glare too. Even if she wasn't showing it, she might have been scared.

My guess seemed to be right, as Hiyori closed the distance between us slightly more than before.

"I don't like saying things like this, but... it's really creeping me out..."

"Anyone would feel that way after being stared at like that. If he says anything to you, come to me right away."

"Fufu. You're so kind, as always."

"Am I? It's just common sense."

"Not at all. You're an incredibly kind person, Hachiman-kun."

She turned to me with a soft smile, and I muttered under my breath.

"I wonder why... I just can't help but be overprotective when it comes to you."

"Does that mean...?!"

"I'll go buy the meal tickets. Find us a seat."

I abruptly cut off the conversation, and Hiyori puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, glaring at my back. But I didn't turn around, heading straight for the ticket machine.

"What should I get?"

Hiyori usually brings a bento, so the exchangeable fried chicken set might be the safe choice. But the curry and ramen are tempting too. The cafeteria is always a place of indecision for me.

"Guess who~!"

Suddenly, my vision was blocked. Someone covered my eyes from behind, but I could tell who it was from the voice.

"Asahina-senpai, what are you doing?"

"Nope, wrong~!"

"...Nazuna-san?"

As soon as I muttered her name, the hands covering my eyes moved away. Turning around, I saw Nazuna-san's sunflower-like smile, just as I expected.

"Bingo! Hachiman, you're eating at the cafeteria today too?"

"Yeah, well. Are you here with Nagumo-senpai?"

"Wow, that makes it sound like Yuu and I are a package deal. That's kinda harsh, don't you think?"

"Well, I just see you together a lot."

Not that Nazuna-san's phrasing was any better.

"Eh, well, you're not wrong."

Nazuna-san glanced to the side, where Nagumo was surrounded by a group of fawning girls. He looked utterly bored.

"Anyway, Hachiman, you're eating here today, right? Wanna join us?"

Just as I was about to respond, my eyes accidentally met Nagumo's.

"...?"

His expression brightened instantly. He stood up, ignoring the girls trying to stop him, and walked over to us. Nazuna-san noticed too.

"Hey, Nazuna. If Hachiman's here, you should've said something sooner."

"Ugh... I was planning to sneak Hachiman away and eat somewhere else without you."

"You can't fool me, you know?"

Nagumo roughly ran a hand through his hair and winked at me—for some reason. My eyes hurt a little, so I looked at Nazuna-san to recover.

"Hachiman, you're about to eat, right? There's an open seat over here. Come on."

"No, I'm"

"Hachiman, eat with me! Who knows what Yuu might do if you're with him? Oh, I can even feed you!"

"Listen, I—"

"Being with girls is just a hassle. Guys are way more relaxed and fun, right?"

"Um—"

"Eating with you would be suffocating. Today, you're mine!"

"Wait—"

"I'm not backing down, Nazuna. Hachiman's mine."

As the two of them bickered, I noticed the entire cafeteria staring at us. Well, of course they would. The student council president and the popular third-year Nazuna-san were having a public argument.

I sighed quietly, but not wanting to draw more attention, I decided to cut in forcefully.

"Could you two listen to me for a second?"

"Hachiman, you're picking me, right?!"

"Is there any other choice?"

Both of them closer, pressuring me, but I took a step back and spoke up.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm here with a friend today, so I can't join you."

"O-Oh, right. I got too carried away..."

"Hah? A friend?"

Nazuna-san seemed to accept it, but Nagumo still looked displeased.

"Then bring your friend along."

"That's not happening. Eating with the student council president would make them too nervous to even move their chopsticks."

"See, Yuu, Hachiman already has plans. Let's give up for today."

"...Tch."

Thanks to Nazuna-san's persuasion, Nagumo finally relented. But it seemed he still had something to say, as he closed the distance between us again—aggressively.

He got so close our noses almost touched, and I heard something between a shriek and a cheer from the girls in the cafeteria.

"I'll back off for now, but you haven't forgotten our meal promise, right?"

"I haven't. I remember it clearly."

"Then let's set a date right now. How about next Friday?"

"Sure. I'm free that day."

"Then it's settled. Don't you dare bail."

"I won't."

Satisfied, Nagumo smirked and finally backed away. With that, he turned around and returned to his seat, Nazuna-san waving beside him.

"*Sigh*... What was that all about?"

Irregular—that was the only way to describe it.

Nazuna-san was one thing, but Nagumo's eccentric behavior was still a mystery.

As the stares around us gradually dispersed, I hurried to order my food and return to Hiyori.

...

The afternoon classes passed in a flash, and before I knew it, it was already after school. Hiyori must have been overwhelmed with anxiety this whole time.

To reassure her, Nishino had stayed by her side all day. As a guy, there were limits to how much I could comfort her, so Nishino's presence was invaluable.

Since there was still some time before Okabe's designated meeting, we decided to regroup at our rooms first.

"Hm?"

I felt something off as I reached my room.

For some reason, the lights inside were on. I distinctly remember turning them off when I left in the morning.

"Hiyori...? No, that can't be."

I had just parted ways with Hiyori, so there was no way she could have arrived before me. That meant someone else with a spare key was in my room.

I opened the door and checked the entrance. There, neatly placed, were a pair of unfamiliar girls' shoes.

Keeping my guard up, I opened the living room door and saw the intruder—or rather, "saw" wasn't quite the right word.

Curled up on my bed, breathing softly in sleep, was the intruder: Amasawa Ichika.

"Cut the fake sleeping act."

"Oh? You saw through me?"

Her closed eyes opened, and Amasawa flashed a mischievous grin as she looked up at me.

"As expected of my senpai~! Of course you'd see right through my little act."

"More importantly, what are you doing in my room? And why are you sleeping in my bed?"

"So many questions~. First, I need to get up."

"Then hurry up."

When I urged her, Amasawa stretched out her arms and made a show of whining.

"What now?"

"I'm suuuper weak when I just wake up. I can't get up unless you carry me~. A princess carry might make me more willing to talk, though."

"You weren't even asleep."

"Boo. Senpai, you're so mean."

She's as incomprehensible as ever.

Resigned, she sat up on her own.

"Now, about those questions..."

"Ah, sorry for sneaking into your bed~! But I smell nice, don't I...?"

"Not that one. How did you get into my room?"

"Oh, that?"

As if there was any other question. Frankly, I could just turn her in, but I was curious how she managed it.

"You're wondering how I got in, right?"

"That's the only question."

"It's simple, really. Remember during the deserted island exam? I made a deal with Ryuuen-senpai."

That connected the dots. Now that she mentioned it, Amasawa and Ryuuen had made some kind of deal on the first day of the exam...

"Don't tell me Ryuuen gave you a spare key?"

"Ding ding ding~! At this school, it's surprisingly easy to get spare keys for rooms of guys in the same year. As long as the owner gives permission to the dorm staff, it's all good."

"Even so, why would Ryuuen have a spare key to my room?"

"He was planning to sell it, apparently~. Well, I ended up taking it instead."

Amasawa pulled a spare key from her pocket and dangled it playfully in front of me.

"What is Ryuuen thinking? There's no way my key would sell for much."

"Are you sure about that~? According to Ryuuen-senpai, it could've gone for a pretty high price. Sakayanagi-senpai's key apparently sold for 100,000 points."

Seriously, what's the A-class leader doing? If you're going to waste points, at least use them on exams.

"*Sigh*... Whatever. Are you going to give the key back?"

"Hmm~. I'll return it if you agree to be my boyfriend~. Then it'd be normal for me to have a key anyway."

"So that's a no."

"Don't worry~. I won't plant bugs or anything while you're gone. I just want to be with you, that's all~."

At a glance, there didn't seem to be any devices hidden in the room. Nothing was disturbed either. Whether Amasawa was telling the truth or not, it didn't seem like she'd caused any harm.

"...Fine. You can keep the key. But if you're coming over, you have to let me know in advance."

"Yay! Living together with senpai!!"

"I never said you could stay."

Even I need my personal space.

For now, this settled things. It was time for Amasawa to leave.

"You should head back for today. I've got somewhere to be."

"...Huh~. Shiina-senpai must really be important to you, huh?"

Casually playing with her hair, Amasawa muttered under her breath. I turned to face her calmly.

"Right, Okabe-senpai, was it? That guy seems dangerous. I'd be worried too~."

"How do you know about Hiyori?"

"Sorry, senpai. I can't tell you that."

"You said you were on my side. Isn't this a contradiction?"

"I wish I could tell you everything~. But there are reasons I can't. It'd be dangerous for you too, senpai."

She claimed it was for my safety.

Call it intuition, but Amasawa's words didn't feel like a lie. There was undoubtedly another White Room student pulling strings behind this. For now, I decided not to press further.

"If you know the details, this makes things easier."

"...Senpai, do you really care about Shiina-senpai that much?"

Her expression turned serious as she stared into my eyes and whispered.

I didn't know what her question meant, but I had an answer ready.

"Yeah. She's important to me. Probably the most important person I've met at this school."

"...Ahaha."

Amasawa stood up from the bed, lowered her eyes, and laughed softly as she closed the distance between us.

"Senpai, you're really...—bad at lying, aren't you?"

"I wasn't lying."

"It's okay, senpai. I understand everything. I'll accept all of you."

Her jewel-like eyes gleamed, as if seeing right through me.

"I'm the only one who can truly understand you, senpai. If you want me, I'll give you everything."

Her gaze was intense, almost feverish.

In the end, without doing anything else, Amasawa pulled away, her red hair swaying as she smiled happily.

"Well, I'll let you go for today. Let's pretend this is me seeing off my future hubby~."

"...You're as incomprehensible as ever."

"You'll understand soon enough, senpai."

With a small wave over her chest, Amasawa leaned forward and whispered.

"Take care. Come back soon, okay~?"

Her words felt heavier than they seemed, but I gave a light reply and left the room.

...

Behind the special training building—a secluded spot where people rarely went.

Nishino and I hid in the shadows, watching over Hiyori as she waited at the place Okabe had designated.

"Hey. Are you sure this is okay? If Okabe realizes Shiina's alone, who knows what he'll do?"

"I agree, but this was Hiyori's idea. We should respect her decision."

Originally, Nishino and I were supposed to wait with Hiyori, but she suggested we hide and watch from a distance instead.

Without concrete evidence, accusing Okabe would be unjust.

"If anything happens, I'll step in immediately. Don't worry."

"That's... true, but..."

"Look carefully. It's hard to see, but there's a surveillance camera over there."

I pointed toward a camera hidden among the trees.

"Ah, you're right."

"There are plenty of safety measures. For now, the best thing we can do is watch calmly."

Nishino still seemed uneasy, but my words seemed to calm her down a little.

"Ah! He's here—Okabe."

In my line of sight, Okabe approached with a creepy smile. Hiyori took a few steps back nervously but managed to hold her ground.

I hoped nothing would happen, but given the circumstances, that seemed unlikely.

...

"Just ditch that guy and be my girlfriend already!"

From the moment he arrived, Okabe-kun launched into a heated argument, eventually confessing to me.

It was a terrible—no, an utterly disgusting confession. To make himself look better, he badmouthed Hachiman-kun, whom he'd made an enemy of, and spoke as if my acceptance was a given. Did he lack the ability to read the room?

It's wrong to speak ill of someone's confession.

But...

"...You're disgusting."

"Huh? What did you say?"

I muttered under my breath, but he didn't seem to hear. Good. If he had, this wouldn't have ended with just a conversation.

Still, it was time to end this.

"I'm sorry."

"...Huh?"

"There's someone I already like. So I can't accept your feelings."

The moment I whispered those words, only one person came to mind.

This feeling... will never change.

When I'm with him, my heart races, and I can't keep myself together. Just being near him warms my chest, and even though he can be a little mean, every word he says makes my face burn.

These feelings belong to him alone.

I turned my back to Okabe-kun, ready to leave. But then, a loud voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Why... why not!?"

I glanced back to see Okabe-kun glaring at me, his face twisted in anger.

"Why him!? What's so great about that guy!?"

"Hachiman-kun is wonderful. He's kind, and cool... the complete opposite of you."

Had I gotten angry because he insulted him? My words came out harsher than I intended.

"Wha—!?"

"I could never like you. It pains me to say this, but... I dislike you."

"Why!? Why!?"

"I suppose it's a... physical revulsion? Please don't approach me unnecessarily from now on. It's unpleasant."

I'd said everything I wanted to say. I turned around again, ready to leave.

But then...

"—The hell is wrong with you!?"

"Eh—"

I turned at the sound of his voice, only to be shoved violently backward. I fell onto my back, and Okabe-kun loomed over me.

"Shut the hell up!!!"

"S-Stop it!"

Realizing what might happen next, I tried to resist, but my strength was no match for his.

"Shut up!!!"

He knocked my arms aside, his rage driving him forward.

No, no. I don't want this. I can't stand being touched by anyone but him—

Terrified, I squeezed my eyes shut.

But then—

"—Guhhhh!!?"

A loud impact rang out. When I opened my eyes, Okabe-kun was gone. He'd been sent flying, clutching his face in pain.

And standing above me was—

"Sorry for scaring you. I should've stepped in sooner."

The person who gently wrapped his arms around me and spoke softly.

The person I love more than anything.

"Hachiman... kun..."

...

I carried Hiyori back to where Nishino was waiting.

"Nishino, can I leave Hiyori with you? Take her to my room."

"Your room? ...Fine. What about Okabe?"

"Leave him to me. Don't worry about the rest."

"Got it... but try to finish this quickly."

"Yeah."

Nishino left without looking back, supporting Hiyori as they headed away from the special training building. For a brief moment, Hiyori and I locked eyes, but I gave her a small nod before turning my attention back.

"Okabe, do you understand what you just tried to do?"

I spoke to Okabe, who was kneeling and clutching his face where I'd kicked him. His furious eyes met mine.

"Even if we're in the same class, what you did is a crime. Attempted assault—no, even if it, the surveillance cameras caught everything. The class points will take a hit."

In this school, individual actions affect the whole.

"Shut the hell up!!!"

He didn't seem interested in listening. He swung a fist at me, and I let it connect with my shoulder.

"You're always... always getting in my way!!! What the hell is your problem!?"

"That's my line. Think about how annoying it is for me to deal with you."

"Shut up!!!"

I dodged his straightforward punch and countered with a kick to his stomach, sending him staggering back.

"Guh—!!?"

"I't's not holding back anymore. Regret trying to lay a hand on Hiyori."

Since he'd attacked me first, anything I did now would count as self-defense.

I just had to be careful not to go too far.

"Dammit...!! Damn it...!! I did everything 'he' said!! Why... why!?"

"He"? ...I see.

"I hate this!!! I hate you!!! You're the one who's in the way!!"

His words were incoherent, his movements as simple as a child's. It was hard to believe we were the same species.

"What a coincidence, Okabe."

I swung my fist, driving it into his solar plexus with enough force to knock the wind out of him. As he crumpled, I grabbed his hair and spoke clearly.

For the first time today, I said exactly what I felt.

"I hate you too."

Well, I guess I'll just have to accept any penalties for excessive self-defense.

...

At the same time, in the student council room.

"Here's some food. Help yourselves."

Nagumo placed a heavily laden bag on the student council table and addressed all the members present. Naturally, everyone was stunned.

Nagumo sat in the student council president's chair, humming cheerfully as he reviewed his work.

"Um, Nagumo-senpai."

"Hm? What is it, Suzune?"

Perhaps sensing that no one else would speak up, Horikita Suzune took it upon herself to address him.

"Is there something you don't understand? I'll explain it from the beginning if you bring it here."

"N-No, that's not it."

His unusually good mood made Horikita's expression one of bewilderment.

"Then what?"

"Well... why did you bring food today?"

"Why? Just felt like it. You've been working hard, so I thought I'd treat you."

"I... see."

"Everyone, dig in."

He resumed his cheerful humming and returned to his work. While the other council members seemed relieved by his good mood, Horikita alone couldn't hide her unease.

"Oh, right. There's one more thing."

Everyone froze. Nagumo's overwhelming presence filled the room.

Updated from freewёbnoνel.com.

"Next Friday, I've decided to cancel student council activities. This is non-negotiable."

No one dared to object. Nagumo glared at everyone, emphasizing his words.

"If anyone causes trouble next Friday... I'll use everything I have as student council president to crush them."

The council members could only nod in response.

...

The incident with Okabe was over.

I opened the door to my room. The first person I saw in the living area was Nishino.

"How's Hiyori?"

"...She's waiting in the living room. I should get going—I'd just be in the way. Take care of Shiina, okay?"

"Understood. Thanks for everything today."

After expressing my gratitude, Nishino left without another word.

I walked into the living room to find Hiyori sitting on the bed, her head bowed. She looked up as I entered.

It was only natural for her to be distressed. Even though things had turned out okay, the fact that she'd almost been assaulted wouldn't just disappear.

"Hachiman... kun... I'm... sorry..."

I wasn't sure what she was apologizing for. Maybe she felt guilty about making me handle the situation.

Right now, what Hiyori needed was reassurance. I hugged her tighter than usual.

"I... I..."

"You don't have to say anything."

Words would only bring the fear rushing back. Hiyori leaned into my chest, quietly sobbing.

How much time passed? A few minutes? Maybe hours? I waited patiently until Hiyori calmed down.

Then, softly, a voice came from my chest.

"I love you."

"Yeah."

"I really... really do."

"I know."

"I'm aware of it now. I... I can't live without you."

"..."

Her teary eyes met mine, and I could still see the trauma lurking in their depths.

Today's events would stay with Hiyori forever. As a bad memory, as trauma.

To prevent that—

"Mmph!?"

I pushed Hiyori down from our embrace, caging her between my arms as I covered her lips with mine. Though surprised, Hiyori didn't resist, accepting me immediately.

When I pulled away, Hiyori was breathing heavily, her cheeks flushed.

"H-Hachiman-kun?"

"Hiyori."

Calling her name made her flinch slightly.

"I'm the worst kind of guy."

"...Huh?"

"Even though you feel this way about me, I've been dragging things out without giving you a proper answer."

"..."

"I might keep prolonging this relationship indefinitely. Even so... do you still want to take things further with me?"

Trauma could fade with time—or it could grow stronger.

To prevent that, she needed an even more impactful experience.

Hiyori placed her hands on my cheeks. Then, she smiled softly.

"We made a promise, remember? Keep it."

"Are you sure you won't regret this?"

She nodded, and I kissed her again, this time losing all restraint.

"Y-You're... so rough..."

As the kiss grew, I began undoing the buttons of her uniform one by one. First her blazer, then her shirt. Beneath them, her flawless, pale skin came into view.

"You're beautiful."

"...Don't... say things like that..."

She had no idea how much that expression stirred a man's desire.

Hiyori gazed at me once more before stealing another kiss—not rough, but brief and tender.

"Please... make me yours."

"—Yeah."

For the first time today, I touched her of my own will.

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

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