COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya-Chapter 154: Crossing the Line

"It's about the basketball club?"

Hikigaya was a little surprised to hear this from Vice President Nagumo, but after a moment, he understood why he was here.

Was he here to demand an explanation?

"You've got some guts. Do you even realize that because of the four slots for the basketball club's trip, people have already come to me to complain?"

Nagumo's tone was unfriendly, with a hint of warning. frёewebηovel.cѳm

"Oh, so it's about that."

Hikigaya's expression remained unchanged. "If I remember correctly, the two original students chosen were both from Class B in the second year. So, they came to you to ask for a favor, didn't they?"

"A favor? You've got it all wrong."

Nagumo suddenly laughed, as if Hikigaya had said something ridiculous. "I'm here to inform you. The club trip slots have always been reserved for second- and third-year students. That's an unspoken rule. You let two first-years take their spots—do you understand what that means?"

Nagumo's face darkened. "I'm telling you, you crossed the line. Rules aren't always fair, but people follow them anyway. This time, you broke the rule. What about next time? One day, you'll be a second-year too, and then you'll understand why this is 'the way things work'."

It was obvious that Nagumo was here because Hikigaya had interfered with the basketball club's selection. Originally, the four slots were supposed to go to two second-years and two third-years. But because of Hikigaya's actions, Komiya and Kondo took the spots meant for the second-years.

This move upset the second-years, who then complained to Nagumo, hoping he would pressure Hikigaya.

Nagumo's words made his stance clear: the rule might seem unfair to first-years now, but once they moved up, they would benefit from it too.

In a way, what he said wasn't entirely wrong. Rules don't exist because they're fair; they exist because most people agree to follow them.

That was the case with the club slot system.

Nagumo probably expected Hikigaya, a mere first-year from Class D, to hesitate for a moment and then nod in agreement.

But instead, Hikigaya just looked at him quietly—then smiled.

"Vice President Nagumo, what an interesting way to put it."

Hikigaya's voice was calm. "People who lack ability will always blame the system. If those two upperclassmen were truly skilled enough, why didn't they even make it onto the official roster? The ones who got in are the best players. If those two were only slightly lacking, why would the coach agree to let first-years take their place?"

Seeing Nagumo's dark expression, Hikigaya continued in a steady tone. "The student council can only suggest things regarding club matters, but the final decision rests with the head coach. You're giving me too much credit, Vice President. I'm just a lowly first-year student council member—how could I possibly influence the head coach of the basketball team? Wouldn't you agree?"

Nagumo suddenly started clapping. "Well said. Honestly, I don't care much about those two who came to me complaining. The ones without real ability are always the first to whine and beg for pity, like dogs wagging their tails. Frankly, I despise people like that. On the other hand, talented students like you shouldn't be stuck in Class D."

Hikigaya hadn't expected Nagumo to be so arrogant—or rather, so completely unapologetic about it. It wasn't just about what he said, but his whole attitude.

Nagumo clearly looked down on those two Class B students. His first impression of him was right—Nagumo was full of pride, almost to the point of arrogance. From the way he spoke, it was clear he believed in a world where strength was everything.

"But still..."

Nagumo's eyes turned sharp as he stared at Hikigaya. "Trash is trash, and rules are rules. Those are two separate things. I don't care about those weaklings, but rules still have to be followed. You understand what I'm saying, don't you?"

Nagumo's message was clear—whether or not those two students had come to complain, he wouldn't allow anyone to break the rules.

"Don't do things that go against unity."

Nagumo crossed his legs and looked at Hikigaya, a smug expression on his face, as if he had already won.

Hikigaya didn't respond to Nagumo's statement. Instead, he suddenly asked, "Vice President Nagumo, have you heard about a first-year student from the basketball team who has a high chance of making the official roster this year?"

Nagumo nodded. He seemed to be well-informed about club activities too.

"That guy is from your Class D, right? I heard from a few people that this new student is really skilled, but he's got a terrible temper. No respect for his seniors—just like you."

After all, Hikigaya kept calling him "Vice President" over and over. No one would be happy hearing that. Normally, Hikigaya should have called him "Nagumo-senpai." It was like the workplace—if someone had a deputy position, subordinates wouldn't deliberately emphasize it. The person might act like they didn't care, but behind the scenes, they could make things difficult for you.

So in Nagumo's eyes, Hikigaya calling him "Vice President" so casually was really grating.

"Sudou is indeed from my class, but he recently got into a fight and was suspended for three weeks."

Hikigaya smiled, as if he hadn't noticed the mockery in Nagumo's words.

"Oh?"

Nagumo narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to figure out what Hikigaya was getting at.

"Sudou making the official roster as a first-year proves his basketball skills and ability."

Hikigaya stared at Nagumo.

"But when evaluating a student, skill isn't the only factor. Character matters too. The basketball team represents our school in competitions—it represents all of us."

He paused for a moment before continuing in a serious tone.

"So if someone with terrible behavior represents our school, I think that would be inappropriate. It's something that shouldn't happen. What do you think, Vice President Nagumo?"

---

一 一 一 一 一

You can read 30 advanced Chapters on

pat reon.com/GMadman

一 一 一 一 一