Teaching Building - Student Council Room
Even on weekends, the Student Council had work to do—an unfortunate reality for those trapped in the cycle of responsibilities.
"Please."
A polite request was followed by a brief pause.
After waiting for a response, Hikigaya opened the door and stepped inside. Sakura Airi followed closely behind.
Unlike usual, only a few core members were present in the Student Council room on weekends. Among them were the Commander, Huko, and Senior Juke.
"You again?"
Juke, or rather Senior Akane Tachibana, stood behind the Commander, frowning in clear displeasure.
Hikigaya still remembered this roundabout, sharp-tongued upperclassman with a twisted personality.
"Yes," he replied calmly.
Glancing around the room, Hikigaya walked forward and placed an application form on the Commander's desk.
"I'm here to submit an equipment application form. Please have the Student Council confirm it."
"I see," the Commander responded, assuming his usual composed posture. "I believe I told you before that we would send someone to confirm it. Knowing your personality, you probably dislike coming here. Is something wrong?"
What is this? Why is he so perceptive?
"Um... actually," Hikigaya's tone grew serious. "My student ID card was stolen."
"Eh?"
Sakura Airi, who had been quietly standing beside him, was momentarily stunned.
Wait—wasn't the student ID card sent for repair?
"I see…"
Commander Horikita Manabu pondered for a moment before speaking again. "You're certain it was stolen and not just lost?"
What the hell? This guy is too sharp. Truly an annoying kind of boss.
"Deceiving the Student Council is a serious violation of school rules."
Senior Akane Tachibana's expression hardened as she added pressure.
"Well, that's right," Hikigaya admitted reluctantly.
"It seems you have a suspect in mind," the Commander observed, his gaze turning sharp. The intensity of his presence would make any ordinary person falter.
"Yes."
Hikigaya nodded quickly, as if caught off guard. "I have a feeling that a stalker has been following me lately. It's the clerk at the camera store."
"A stalker?"
Senior Juke looked slightly startled.
"Someone's following you?" Huko, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward in shock.
What's with that reaction?
Do you think I'm unworthy of being followed?
Even boys should be cautious about their safety.
"That's right," Hikigaya confirmed, feigning fear.
"Sigh..."
Even the Commander seemed exasperated. He glanced at Sakura Airi, then gave a nod before responding.
"Understood. I will submit an application to the school for a full investigation into the staff member in question."
Hikigaya frowned.
They took one whole month just to get him a MAX coffee. With their efficiency, how long would this investigation even take?
"No," he quickly objected. "I have some private photos on my phone. What if that guy does something weird with them?"
He shuddered dramatically, crossing his arms and pretending to tremble in fear.
"People can be so terrifying."
"Pfft."
So this is his approach?
Sakura Airi barely held back a laugh, covering her mouth as she quickly lowered her gaze. The Commander's sharp look immediately made her straighten up.
"Stop that, it's disgusting," Senior Juke said coldly.
Huko stood beside her, looking just as speechless.
"Ah, yes."
Hikigaya lowered his gaze in embarrassment.
Why is this happening?
Senior Akane Tachibana isn't normally this serious—why is she suddenly so intimidating?
"Well."
Horikita Manabu glanced at Sakura Airi again, pulled out a stack of files from a drawer, and flipped through them. After a short pause, he spoke:
"The Student Council is only responsible for matters within the school. If you want a thorough investigation of a staff member, you need the school's approval."
"I'm going to ask a well-known homeroom teacher to look into this—Chabashira-sensei from Class D, First Year. Any objections?"
Chabashira-sensei?
Who?
Hikigaya raised an eyebrow. Sakurajima actually has such a surname?
He turned slightly to glance at Sakura Airi. She nodded frantically, her head bobbing up and down like a pecking chicken.
Well, as long as her secret stayed safe, it was fine.
Keyaki Mall
Hikigaya and Sakura Airi sat at a distance, observing the camera store.
A tall female office worker with a high ponytail and black stockings stepped inside. She was undoubtedly Chabashira-sensei, the homeroom teacher from Class D.
She rummaged through the store without hesitation, going through the clerk's personal belongings as well.
Watching this unfold, Hikigaya couldn't help but think—the Student Council held way too much authority in this school. They could even order teachers around.
The overweight clerk put up a fuss but was quickly restrained by nearby staff members. He slumped onto the ground, looking utterly defeated.
It was over for him.
As for why Hikigaya sat so far away?
Of course, it wasn't fear. Definitely not fear.
What if the guy got desperate and tried to retaliate?
A gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall.
He was simply being considerate of the adorable Airi-chan's feelings!
Before long, Chabashira-sensei finished speaking with the Student Council members and made her way toward them.
"This is Chabashira-sensei from Class D, First Year. And this is Hikigaya Hachiman from Class B, First Year," Horikita Manabu introduced.
"Hello, sensei."
Hikigaya and Sakura Airi stood up and nodded in greeting.
Something was off.
Logically speaking, Chabashira-sensei was just here as an inspector. There was no reason for her to interact with them beyond that.
"Hikigaya..."
Chabashira-sensei's gaze landed on him, sending a chill down his spine.
Her expression was indifferent, but Hikigaya could feel the evaluation behind her eyes—like she was assessing him.
Then, she turned to Sakura Airi and smiled.
"Sakura-kun, I didn't expect you to be this close with students from other classes."
"U-Um…"
Sakura Airi looked down, avoiding eye contact.
Hikigaya picked up on the underlying tone of her words.
What kind of class was Class D, anyway?
"Never mind."
Chabashira-sensei dismissed the thought casually. "The clerk engaged in inappropriate behavior and will be expelled. He'll also be handed over to the police. You can rest easy."
Without another word, she turned and walked away as if it was just business.
But something didn't sit right with Hikigaya.
If this were purely procedural, she wouldn't have thrown in those extra remarks.
…Oh well. It wasn't his problem.
"This is your student ID card."
Horikita handed it to him, speaking in his usual calm tone. "According to the clerk, you left it with him for safekeeping, under the pretense of repair."
"Really?"
Hikigaya lightly smacked his forehead, smiling. "Ah, sorry. I was busy and forgot. Hehe~"
As long as he muddled through, it wasn't a big deal.
"President," Senior Juke interjected, holding a folder tightly. "Can I hit this guy?"
"...…"
Horikita Manabu turned and left without a word.
As expected of the Commander—he had a broad mind.
Just as Hikigaya sighed in relief—
Smack.
"Ouch! What are you doing? He didn't allow you to hit me!"
"Turning a blind eye equals acquiescence."
Senior Juke scoffed before walking off.
Hikigaya sighed.
"Am I really that annoying?" he asked, turning to Sakura Airi.
"No!"
Sakura Airi shook her head quickly, her cheeks flushed. "I thought what you did earlier was really interesting!"
"Right~?"
Hikigaya regained his confidence.
Still, to avoid further beatings, maybe he'd hold back next time.
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