Chapter 43: Hikigaya — A Lonely yet proudful Soul
The boy crouched in front of the vending machine. Strictly speaking, it wasn't really eavesdropping… but well, it was eavesdropping.
Horikita Suzune's voice drifted from the alley.
"I came here to catch up with you!"
"…Horikita? And the one she's talking to—that's the student council president? Her brother?"
"Come to think of it, the president is also named Horikita. I'd already guessed, but this is the first time I've seen them together."
Hikigaya muttered internally, If Komachi were in this school, I'd definitely walk with her every day.
From the alley, Horikita Manabu's voice rang out.
"Catch up with me?"
He adjusted his glasses slightly, scrutinizing the sister in front of him.
"It seems you've changed a little. How did that happen? For over a decade you've been stagnant, yet here… you've actually changed. It's only a drop in the bucket, hardly worth mentioning, but still."
Suzune blinked in confusion. "…Me? Changed?"
"Oh? So someone has changed you without you realizing. Choosing this school was the right decision, but if you wish to catch up to me, you're still far too weak."
She clenched her fists nervously. "I'll be promoted to Class A soon, and then—"
"Not with your current ability."
"I will definitely do it!"
Her voice trembled unconsciously. Hikigaya, observing from a distance, was stunned.
Is this really Horikita?
"…What a disobedient sister."
Manabu suddenly grabbed Suzune's hand and slammed it against the wall. The impact made her gasp softly, but she endured it.
Though surprised by her change, Manabu dismissed it. "Too little. It changes nothing."
"A sister disgraced in Class D only humiliates me. Until you have the ability to climb higher, don't let anyone know you're my sibling."
"Brother… I—"
"In this school, you're just Class D trash. Accept it."
He raised his hand, ready to strike.
From his hiding spot, Hikigaya stiffened. Wait, what? Why's he about to hit his little sister? Is this school endorsing sibling abuse now?
No way I'd ever do that to Komachi. She's too cute. Still, this isn't really something I should interfere with. It's their family problem… and honestly, what could I even do?
Lost in thought, Hikigaya didn't notice the canned tea slipping from his hand until it hit the ground.
Clang—clang, clang!
The sound echoed harshly in the empty school.
Manabu's gaze snapped toward him. "Who's there?!"
Well, hiding won't help now. Guess I'll pretend I was just passing by… Please don't beat me up too.
Hikigaya sighed. Where's Kamuro when I actually need someone to save me…
He stepped forward, keeping a safe distance, and bent to pick up the can.
"Just a useless Class D student passing through."
Suzune blinked. "…Hikigaya?"
"Hey, don't ruin my cool moment, at least let me sound impressive."
Manabu studied him coldly. "You are Hikigaya?"
"So I'm that famous, huh? Honestly, I don't think I deserve the student council president's attention. But yeah—there shouldn't be another guy with my name here."
Manabu finally released Suzune and turned his gaze fully on Hikigaya.
Damn, he's terrifying. He even hits his own sister… Am I next?
Fortunately, Manabu didn't advance, only continued to stare.
"So you're the one who single-handedly overturned Class D's situation… the greatest anomaly here, Hikigaya Hachiman."
"I can't agree with that first part. I only did what I did for my own peace and quiet. As for being an anomaly… I haven't harmed anyone, so I don't see it."
"Your methods interest me. In three years, I've never seen anyone resolve problems as you have."
"It's my only weapon. If I don't use it, how could I survive peacefully among you monsters?"
Manabu's eyes narrowed faintly. "…You're unique. To be honest, I admire you. Perhaps you don't even realize what's changed in you."
Hikigaya shook his head. "I don't have that kind of ability. At most, I slow the class down a little."
Manabu gave a faint smile, realizing the truth. His sister had changed because she'd encountered a bizarre, monstrous individual.
"…Suzune, I'm surprised. You actually have friends."
Suzune stammered. "He's not my friend. Just… my deskmate."
Her brother's piercing gaze bore into her, but she averted her eyes.
"You're still the same as ever—confusing aloofness with loneliness."
"No…" Hikigaya interrupted. "I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
"…Oh?"
"I've never been good at making friends. Honestly, I've never had any. Even so, I don't think it's wrong.
A lofty soul doesn't need to be bound. If the heart is strong enough, it doesn't need the support of others.
There's nothing wrong with being alone."
Isn't it a great feeling? Not being affected by anyone, and not affecting anyone else.