Hah… I didn't expect Shiina to be such a strategist.
Even though Hikigaya found her ideas a bit questionable, he couldn't bring himself to mock her since she was making an effort to help.
So, after a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Hmm… then I'll leave it to you."
"Alright, just leave it to me."
Shiina looked incredibly motivated, as if she had fully embraced the role of a military strategist.
She cleared her throat theatrically before speaking. "First, the worst option—just find an excuse and skip the meeting altogether."
…Yeah, I knew I shouldn't have expected too much.
How is that even a strategy?
However, what Shiina said next made Hikigaya reconsider.
"But you have to be careful with the excuse. It can't be too casual," Shiina said with a serious expression. "You need to make sure the other person feels that missing the meeting was due to circumstances beyond your control, not because you dislike them. For example, you could say a teacher called you in for help… After all, Hikigaya-kun, you still want to maintain a good relationship with that girl, don't you?"
"…Yeah… Wait, no! I told you, that's not what this is!"
Hikigaya instinctively nodded before abruptly realizing what he had just agreed to.
"There's another thing… Saying they're just friends feels a bit off."
He didn't dislike Ichinose. In fact, being friends with someone like her was incredibly lucky—especially in this school.
However, considering her position and responsibilities, perhaps keeping a little distance would be for the best.
"In that case, what you really mean is that you don't want to hurt her feelings, right?"
"…Yeah."
"In that case, standing her up might actually be a good choice." Shiina smiled slightly. "Most people confess on Valentine's Day just because they get caught up in the atmosphere. If they miss the opportunity, they tend to cool down and start regretting their impulsive decision."
"…That actually makes sense."
Hikigaya stroked his chin thoughtfully.
He had considered skipping out before, but it had only been to avoid the situation, not with any deeper reasoning behind it.
Mostly, he had been caught off guard by Ichinose.
Even now, he found it hard to believe, but if she specifically called him to the back of the gymnasium… There was no way she was just giving him obligatory chocolate, right?
Come to think of it, I never expected Ichinose to get swept up by the holiday mood either.
…If that's really all it is, then great.
The real problem would be if she showed up at his dorm even if he ditched the meeting.
"What about the other two plans?"
After some thought, Hikigaya decided to hear the rest.
"The second plan is the middle option." Shiina held up two pale fingers. "You go to the meeting as usual, but you don't go alone—you bring another girl with you."
"…Huh?"
Hikigaya froze, then asked cautiously, "Are you saying… I should get someone to pretend to be my girlfriend so she gives up?"
"Nope, just making her think you have a girlfriend."
"That's the same thing!"
No matter how you worded it, it was still deception.
Shiina really is a bad kid…
Besides, Ichinose wasn't that easy to fool. A fake girlfriend would eventually be exposed.
If they weren't perfectly in sync, the act could fall apart on the spot.
And where was he supposed to find someone on such short notice anyway?
"Hikigaya-kun." Shiina suddenly blinked at him, a faint blush on her face. "If you don't mind… I could help? It's no big deal."
"…No thanks. You don't even know my friends." Hikigaya refused flatly.
"That's fine. As long as I know you, isn't that enough?"
"…Just tell me the last option."
No matter how he looked at it, this plan was completely unreliable.
And she called these strategies? Well… he couldn't deny their effectiveness, at least.
For now, he decided to put it aside.
"The best option, in my opinion, is the one most suited for you, Hikigaya-kun."
Shiina paused for a moment before continuing confidently, "It's what's called 'raising a flag and cutting it down.' You use your words to make her realize that she's only giving you obligatory chocolate—nothing more. That way, everyone avoids embarrassment."
Ugh, I've told you multiple times—she's just a friend.
…Forget it. No point arguing about that now.
So, raising and cutting down a flag, huh? No wonder it's the best choice.
To be honest, unless Ichinose outright confessed, Hikigaya wanted to avoid hurting her if possible.
After all, getting rejected wasn't exactly a pleasant memory.
At that moment, his thoughts drifted back to that summer.
Even though he had lived his life as an unpopular loner, for a brief moment, maybe it was what people called a stroke of luck…
For a while, there was a chance—however small—that he might have gotten a girlfriend.
If things had gone differently back then… maybe he wouldn't have even ended up at Advanced Nurturing High School.
…Whatever.
There was no point thinking about what-ifs. It was better to focus on the present.
To repeat the same mistakes, or…
With that thought, Hikigaya suddenly found his answer.
"Thanks, Shiina… I've made up my mind."
"Hehe, so Hikigaya-kun has made up his mind, huh?" Shiina teased with a smile. "If you don't mind, can you tell me your choice? Which one will you pick?"
"The answer is… none of them."
"Ahh, I knew it."
Shiina didn't seem surprised at all. In fact, she looked rather pleased. "I kind of guessed that Hikigaya-kun would choose to face her directly and tell her his true thoughts… This isn't really my place to say, but I think you're doing the right thing. When it comes to these kinds of matters, honesty is best—even if it might hurt the other person."
"…Yeah. Thanks." Hikigaya lowered his head slightly.
He could tell that Shiina hadn't been giving him advice.
She had just been guiding him toward the answer he already knew deep down.
She really went out of her way for this…
"You're welcome." Shiina raised her tiny fist. "Do your best, Hikigaya-kun! No matter what happens, I'll always be on your side."
"Hearing that is better than anything else."
Just as he finished speaking, his phone suddenly rang.
Ichinose's class meeting had finally ended—she was asking if he could come over now.
"Sorry, I've got something to take care of… I'll be heading out first."
"Alright. See you tomorrow, then."
Shiina smiled and waved, watching as Hikigaya jogged away.
Once his figure disappeared, the smile on her face faded as well.
"Sigh, seriously... Hikigaya-kun, you big idiot."
We had clearly agreed—studying together, graduating together, going to university together, staying together forever (not really).
Yet in the end, not only did he secretly plan to drop out, but he also got entangled with other women.
Shiina had originally planned to ask about the special exam voting, but firstly, that matter was already settled—Hikigaya not dropping out was the best outcome.
Secondly, there was something even more important to deal with now.
Because of that... do your best, Hikigaya-kun.
Though I don't know if that person is really Ichinose-san, you can't let her get the wrong idea about you, can you?
You must make sure to clear up any misunderstandings.
Encouraged by Matsushita and Shiina, Hikigaya was no longer hesitant.
He decided to properly face Ichinose.
However... perhaps it was what they call "nervousness when approaching home."
The closer he got to the gym, the faster his heart pounded, and his steps grew increasingly slow.
In the end, he was practically inching forward.
Huh? Am I... chickening out?
This outcome didn't surprise Hikigaya at all. If anything, it felt reassuring—of course, it turned out this way.
After all, this wasn't the first or second time he had gotten cold feet.
Otherwise, Komachi wouldn't keep calling him "trash-nii."
Hikigaya's greatest strength wasn't decisiveness—it was knowing his own limitations!
...Whatever. Even if I sugarcoat things now, it won't help with what's ahead.
I have to face this, right?
Maybe I should try Hiyori's three brilliant strategies?
She did go through the trouble of thinking up so many ideas—it'd be a waste not to use them.
But somehow... doesn't that feel a bit wrong?
Just as Hikigaya was caught in an internal struggle, someone suddenly patted him on the back.
Huh? What?
This sensation felt oddly familiar...
The position was different, but Hikigaya had experienced this level of force before.
Not too hard, not too light—somewhere between playful teasing and outright provocation...
In short, it was highly annoying.
"Good day, Hikigaya-kun."
Honestly, he didn't even need to hear the voice—just the phrasing alone gave it away.
What's with this good day nonsense? Who even talks like that? Unless...
Ugh, right. She is a proper young lady.
Hikigaya turned around with an indifferent expression. "What is it, Sakayanagi? Need something?"
"My, how cold," Sakayanagi said, glancing around. "I just saw you sneaking over here and thought I'd check things out. After all, someone has been up to quite a bit of mischief lately."
"Are you talking about yourself?"
And also—who's sneaking around?!
He had walked to the gym openly!
…Fine, maybe his steps had slowed a little, his head was a bit lowered, and he was keeping a low profile.
But that hardly counted as sneaking!
"If you were looking for intel, you should've sent Kamuro or Hashimoto. You wouldn't even be able to get close yourself."
If it were just ground-level flooring, it wouldn't be an issue, but if Sakayanagi's cane tapped against the wooden gym floor, it would be impossible to stay hidden.
You'd hear it from miles away.
"Hehe, but I did get close enough to stand behind you, didn't I?" Sakayanagi said with a sly smile.
"...I just didn't feel the need to be on guard."
"Oh, my? Are you saying you don't need to be wary of me?"
Sakayanagi feigned surprise, covering her mouth with a small hand.
"Hikigaya-kun, does this mean you like me so much that you don't even have your guard up?"
"Haa..."
Hikigaya sighed. He had no idea how she reached that conclusion, but he wasn't in the mood to argue.
He waved her off. "Yeah, yeah, I like you, sure. I like you to death."
"Hehe, really now... Could you say that one more time?" Sakayanagi suddenly pulled out her phone.
Hikigaya blinked in confusion.
"...You're not planning to record that, are you?" he asked cautiously.
"Of course. It's a rare opportunity, after all."
Rare opportunity, my ass...
Could she seriously not hear the sarcasm dripping from his voice?
Even a deaf person could tell just by looking at his expression!
Unless they were both deaf and blind—ugh, never mind.
"Can you stop following me? If you've got nothing better to do, just go home."
"But I'm not following you, am I? Besides, this isn't your territory, is it?"
Sakayanagi tilted her head slightly. "Oh, and one more thing."
She casually lifted her cane and pointed toward a nearby corner.
"Would you mind greeting Ichinose-san, who's been eavesdropping over there for a while now?"
"...Ichinose?"
Hikigaya turned to look, utterly baffled—but he couldn't sense anyone.
"Oh, come on," he said irritably. "Ichinose isn't like you. She wouldn't eavesdrop."
"My, my. Hikigaya-kun, your mind must be in complete disarray."
For some reason, Sakayanagi rubbed her forehead, looking exasperated.
Who exactly is exasperated with who is here?!
"But I suppose it makes sense. If you didn't even notice me, you certainly wouldn't notice the nimble Ichinose-san. I hear she was in the track club back in the day."
"Why do you even know that? And do you have any proof?"
Hikigaya glanced toward the corner again, but still, there was nothing.
Sure, he could walk over to check.
But if nobody was there, he'd have walked right into Sakayanagi's little trap.
No way was he falling for this smug loli's tricks.
"Sigh, guess I have no choice. I'll have to handle this myself."
Sakayanagi shook her head in feigned helplessness before taking something out of her bag.
What now? Another box of chocolates—
"Hikigaya-kun, I like you. Please accept this chocolate, filled with my deepest affection."
"…?"
Strangely, upon hearing those words, Hikigaya didn't feel even a shred of embarrassment or excitement.
The only thought in his mind was—
What the hell is wrong with this girl?
But before he could figure things out, a sudden thud came from the side.
Turning his head, he saw that Ichinose had accidentally fallen to the ground… Huh? Ichinose?
"Hehehe." Sakayanagi immediately let out a chuckle. "See, Hikigaya-kun, I told you, didn't I? And here she is."
"You…"
Hikigaya let out a deep sigh, almost speechless from dealing with this girl.
Come to think of it, he hadn't expected Ichinose to actually be eavesdropping.
So, Honami-chan had turned to the dark side!
"N-No! I wasn't eavesdropping!"
Flustered, Ichinose scrambled up from the ground, looking quite embarrassed. "I just happened to pass by and saw you and Sakayanagi-san talking. The atmosphere… it felt hard to interrupt, so I just… hid for a bit."
As she spoke, her expression gradually dimmed.
Weird… Could it be that she really misunderstood something?
Hikigaya figured he should probably explain.
"Hey, Ichinose, don't listen—"
But halfway through his sentence, another thought crossed his mind.
Maybe… it was better not to explain?
Just like Shiina's middle-ground strategy—if he let Ichinose misunderstand, she might naturally give up on her own.
However, that little devil Sakayanagi wasn't about to let things slide.
"Ichinose-san, you don't have to worry. I only said that to lure you out, there's no other meaning… But, well, I did intend to give Hikigaya-kun some chocolates, since he's taken care of me quite a bit."
She swayed the small box in Hikigaya's direction, as if urging him to take it.
"Come on, Hikigaya-kun, my arm's getting sore from holding it up."
"…Oh."
As much as he wished Sakayanagi could just hold it up forever, now wasn't the time to waste on her.
Finally… he had to face Ichinose.
Hikigaya felt like he was up against a final boss, his nerves stretched to the limit.
Yet Sakayanagi showed no sympathy for his plight, continuing to provoke, "By the way, Ichinose-san, are you that worried about me and Hikigaya-kun becoming a couple? Hehe, this is the first time I've seen someone drop to the ground like that, almost like a startled little animal reacting to stress."
"Ugh… T-That's not true!"
For once, Ichinose didn't just swallow the provocation.
"Honestly, I've never been worried about that, because no matter how I look at it, you and Hikigaya-kun just don't seem like a possible match."
"Oh? And why is that?" Sakayanagi smiled as she countered.
"Well, it's just my personal impression, but I don't feel any romantic vibe between you two."
Gradually regaining her composure, Ichinose took control of the conversation.
"Hikigaya-kun seems more like he's taking care of a spoiled, mischievous little sister… Ahaha, since he's an older brother at home, after all."
"…Are you saying I'm a replacement?"
On the surface, Sakayanagi seemed unaffected, but the hand holding her cane trembled slightly.
Uh… Was she actually mad?
Not that she had any reason to be—my Komachi is way cuter than you!
I should be the one getting mad as an older brother!
Unfortunately, having just accepted her chocolates, Hikigaya couldn't exactly turn hostile.
Best to pretend he didn't notice anything.
Meanwhile, Ichinose hurriedly explained, "No, no, that's not what I meant! I just… I just can't picture Hikigaya-kun dating Sakayanagi-san, that's all."
"…Heh, what an amusing thing to say."
Normally unwilling to back down, Sakayanagi seemed to have a sudden realization and switched tactics.
"But let's leave it at that for today. After all, I only came here to give Hikigaya-kun chocolates, and now that my goal is achieved, there's no reason to stay."
She turned to Ichinose with a knowing smile.
"Well then, Ichinose-san, do your best."