Chapter 54: I'm Trapped
Hikigaya had a good night's sleep for the first time in a while, enjoying the fresh morning air. The only downside was that the alarm clock went off right on time.
Without Komachi's morning wake-up service, getting out of bed in this school was no easy task. Even with such pleasant weather, he struggled. He couldn't imagine how miserable winter would be.
After tidying up his room, Hikigaya slung his backpack over his shoulder and finally stepped out of his quiet dorm.
He pressed the elevator button and yawned again.
"Ahhhh…"
Please don't make weird noises first thing in the morning.
Standing inside the elevator was Horikita, staring at Hikigaya with her usual expressionless face.
Behind her was Kushida, who greeted him with her trademark angelic smile.
Seeing Hikigaya not respond, Horikita frowned slightly and asked in a serious tone,
"Are you getting in or not?"
"Please let me in…"
Although he wasn't sure what was going on, Hikigaya was genuinely startled to see the two of them together. This was an impossible combination… like himself and Hayama sharing a meal.
"Good morning, Hachiman," Kushida said sweetly.
"Oh, good morning, Kushida."
"Your hair's sticking up."
"Don't talk nonsense. It's a family heirloom."
"Hahaha, Hachiman, you're really funny."
Kushida giggled, twirling a strand of her hair with her fingers.
Her bright, friendly demeanor would make anyone feel comfortable, but Hikigaya couldn't forget that this wasn't her true self.
He stepped forward slightly and muttered in a low voice only Horikita could hear,
"It's rare to see you and Kushida together."
Horikita frowned deeper, showing clear impatience.
"She was the one guarding my door."
"I see."
Ding—
The elevator doors opened. The students inside began stepping out, and Horikita followed without looking back. She clearly had no intention of staying a second longer.
'Figures… after all, I'm not even her friend.'
As Hikigaya thought that, he noticed Kushida still beside him, waiting patiently.
She tilted her head, put a finger to her lips, and struck a cute pose.
"I thought I'd get to go to school with her…"
'Don't force people to do things they don't want to do…'
Hikigaya sighed inwardly, glancing at Horikita in the distance before bracing himself for the dreadful journey to class.
"Good morning, Kushida!"
A cheerful voice called out from behind.
A girl with long pink hair waved energetically as she approached.
It was Ichinose from Class B—the angelic class leader Hikigaya had briefly spoken to before.
"Ah, Ichinose…"
If someone saw them together, they'd definitely misunderstand…
With that gloomy thought, Hikigaya quickened his pace and quietly slipped away.