COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya-Chapter 143: Taking the Fall

Even the slowest person in the room could understand what Haruno was implying.

If Ichinose simply nodded and admitted it, she would go from being an "accomplice" in a violation to a "victim" who had been deceived.

Punishment?

There might not even be one. Instead, people would sympathize with her—for being tricked while just trying to help others. Not only would her reputation remain intact, but her class wouldn't suffer either. In fact, everyone's impression of Ichinose might even improve.

If she followed Haruno's lead, she could completely distance herself from this mess.

It was the only way out.

But... the pink-haired girl remained silent.

If she nodded, wouldn't that be the same as admitting that Class D was responsible for this violation?

Ichinose could never betray her friends just to get herself out of trouble.

But if she rejected Haruno's suggestion, she'd be hurting her classmates in Class B.

On one side were her friends in Class D, and on the other were her classmates in Class B. No matter which side she chose, the other would be hurt. For the first time, Ichinose found herself unable to make a decision, feeling a deep sense of pain and responsibility.

Ichinose clenched her teeth and shut her eyes tightly in frustration.

"That's right! Ichinose didn't know anything from the start—she's a victim too!"

Suddenly, Horikita's voice rang out like thunder in Ichinose's ears. Ichinose looked at her in shock and quickly spoke up.

"Horikita, you—"

Horikita looked at Ichinose with an indifferent expression.

"This has nothing to do with Class B. Ichinose was just dragged into this for no reason."

"Hey, how could she be a victim? Ichinose clearly—"

Ishizaki seemed unwilling to let go of such a "big catch," but before he could finish, Haruno interrupted him.

"So, Ishizaki, do you have any proof that Ichinose knew about the fake surveillance camera? Besides, just now, even Class D's Horikita admitted that Ichinose was tricked."

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"But they were both using the fake camera to set me up just now!"

"Like I said, Ichinose was deceived into doing that. Strictly speaking, both of your classes are victims."

Haruno spoke calmly and unhurriedly.

"Huh?"

Ishizaki seemed to be getting confused by Haruno's words. He turned to Ichinose, looking uncertain.

"So, Ichinose, you were tricked by Class D too?"

Ichinose: "..."

She still couldn't bear the weight of her guilt. Just as she was about to speak—

"Yukinoshita-san, actually—"

"Ichinose!"

Horikita shook her head slightly at Ichinose. The pink-haired girl looked into Horikita's determined eyes, as if everything had already been decided. A complicated mix of emotions welled up inside her.

Aside from Ishizaki, everyone present understood what Horikita was doing—she was taking all the blame onto herself.

It was the only way to resolve the situation. Instead of both Class D and Class B being punished, Horikita had chosen the option that would hurt the least amount of people: having Class D take full responsibility.

It was probably the only way she could make up for the situation now. Of course, she couldn't have done it without Haruno's help.

From start to finish, Ayanokouji watched everything unfold in silence, his brows slightly furrowed, as if trying to figure out where the plan had gone wrong.

At the same time, Kushida observed the situation coldly. Seeing Horikita in such a miserable state should have made her happy, yet for some reason, she felt irritated instead. Even she couldn't understand her own emotions.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps came from the nearby stairs.

Hirata, looking like he had just received a message, rushed over. But surprisingly, neither Horikita nor Ishizaki paid much attention to him. Instead, their gazes fell on the dead-eyed boy following behind him.

"I just got a call from Hikigaya and came right away. I've already grasped the situation."

Hirata walked up to Horikita with a complicated expression. His face was grim, but he didn't blame her. He understood that Horikita had done this for the sake of her classmates. Right now, finding a solution was more important than pointing fingers—at the very least, they had to make sure Horikita didn't get expelled because of this.

Horikita glanced at Hikigaya, but in the next second, she quickly looked away. His warning from that morning was still fresh in her mind, and now, by the afternoon, she had already made a huge, irreversible mistake.

Hikigaya approached at his own pace. But instead of looking at Horikita, Ichinose, or the others, his eyes landed on Ayanokouji—the one who seemed detached from everything, as if he had no presence at all.

Ayanokouji sensed Hikigaya's gaze and looked back at him. For a brief moment, the two locked eyes in silence before both subtly looked away, as if it was just a casual glance. But for some reason, Ayanokouji felt a chill run down his spine.

What was this feeling?

It was the first time Ayanokouji had ever felt such an unsettling emotion. Was it because of... Hikigaya?

After withdrawing his gaze from Ayanokouji, Hikigaya explained that he had come to investigate after receiving a student complaint.

Upon hearing this, Horikita's face darkened. That meant Hikigaya wasn't here as a student of Class D—he was here as a student council member.

In other words, there was no turning back now.

Maybe having Hikigaya end this was the best possible outcome.

Horikita let out a quiet sigh in her heart.

After getting a quick understanding of the situation, Hikigaya unexpectedly glanced at Haruno. At the same time, Haruno happened to meet his gaze and gave a slight smile.

"Hey, Hikigaya, you're a student from Class D too. You're not trying to cover for your own classmates, are you?"

Ishizaki looked suspicious.

"With so many witnesses around, don't you think what you just said sounds ridiculous?"

Hikigaya replied calmly, "Besides, 'installing surveillance cameras without permission' is a much more serious issue than your little fight. The evidence, testimonies, and statements here are all crucial. I suggest you think before you speak. If something goes wrong, don't blame me for not warning you—words can get you into trouble."

Ishizaki's face instantly turned red from embarrassment, but he didn't dare lash out. He was afraid Hikigaya was setting another trap for him. If he fell for it, he'd be done for!

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