Chapter 281: The Ghost Hidden Behind.

In the dormitory.

Hikigaya leaned against the wall and held Himeno Yuki in his arms, his chin resting on her fragrant shoulder, eagerly watching her play.

Ever since Himeno Yuki came, this handheld game console has been out of his reach.

He felt the need to reapply to the student council for a few more freebies.

But thinking that Nagumo Miyabi is now in charge of the student council, Hikigaya thought about it and felt it was better not to.

After all.

He didn't even reapply for a heater from the student council.

He just didn't want to get involved with Nagumo Miyabi.

Although Nagumo Miyabi issued a challenge, he hasn't made a move on him yet, mostly because he was tripped up by Ayanokouji.

Hikigaya has no evidence.

But it feels like everything can be pushed onto Ayanokouji.

It's sure to be right eight or nine times out of ten.

After all.

Probably the most bizarre guy in the whole school is Ayanokouji.

Everything can be linked to him.

Just let Nagumo Miyabi and Ayanokouji fight each other.

As long as time goes on.

Nagumo Miyabi is believed to forget about the challenge.

However.

Hikigaya still supports Ayanokouji more.

After all, although Ayanokouji can't be said to be harmless to humans and animals, he doesn't seem to be aggressive,

Although he doesn't know what Ayanokouji wants to do, it's much better than Nagumo Miyabi, the fun person.

"Speaking of which."

Hikigaya touched Himeno Yuki's flat belly, somewhat curious:

"How is that first-year student doing?"

Himeno Yuki let go of the handheld game console, looked back at him, and then frowned:

"I say, you better not be too gentle with people you're not familiar with."

These days.

Himeno Yuki also followed Ichinose and accompanied Tsubaki Sakurako for a few days.

It's very clear.

That guy is just looking for Hikigaya to form a team, there really isn't any extra thought.

Himeno Yuki then let down her guard, and Tsubaki Sakurako also looked a lot more pleasing to the eye.

That first-year student is indeed very worrying.

But Hikigaya is really too kind.

Even if he sees irrelevant things, as long as he sees people who need help, he will reach out to help.

This kind of central air conditioning is not good.

As long as he is gentle to the two of them, that's enough!

"Oh oh."

Hikigaya nodded.

And couldn't help but think of what Karuizawa said that day, feeling like it would become a lifelong psychological shadow.

This seems to be not so good indeed.

But Hikigaya believes that he has fully learned his lesson.

"No, didn't I hand her over to Ichinose??."

"Well, that's true."

Himeno Yuki nodded, and when she mentioned Tsubaki Sakurako, her expression was somewhat helpless:

"Who knows what that girl has experienced in the past; it's genuinely concerning. Despite being a girl, she's not interested in makeup or shopping."

"Are you talking about Sakurako-chan?"

At that moment, Ichinose, carrying a tray of food, walked out of the kitchen and asked with curiosity.

"Oh, it's time for lunch! Everyone can enjoy Honami's cooking—it's so delicious."

"Sorry for all the trouble."

The two hungry students quickly sat down at the low table, eagerly waiting to be fed like hungry chicks.

Initially, Himeno Yuki occasionally helped out, but it seemed she genuinely disliked cooking, so she gave up after a few attempts.

Hikigaya felt a bit guilty but enjoyed Ichinose's service.

Well, Ichinose's cooking was just too good.

"Exactly."

"No need to rush."

Ichinose's face lit up with joy as she placed the lunch on the table. She preferred sharing meals rather than eating separately.

Of course, she only shared meals with people she wasn't familiar with.

"Let's begin."

"I'm digging in!"

The three of them joined their hands together and picked up their chopsticks.

"Sakurako-chan does give us cause for concern."

Ichinose took a small bite of rice and returned to the previous topic, expressing her worry.

"I feel like she's somewhat similar to how Hikki was when school started."

"Ah... that's true..."

Himeno Yuki hesitated for a moment and nodded in agreement.

Tsubaki Sakurako indeed gave off an impression of being bad at conversation, not caring about others' opinions, and speaking very directly.

"Hey..."

Hikigaya couldn't help but protest, "Even if you say that, I wasn't as dispirited as she is when school started."

Feeling a bit awkward about the "dispirited" comment, Hikigaya quickly corrected himself.

But then again...

He reflected on his thoughts while eating rice.

He could now have normal conversations with classmates, and he even had two girlfriends—plus friends like Kobashi Yume. Maybe he'd join Ichinose and others for group study sessions, go shopping together, or visit cafés.

His life was completely different from before.

Unconsciously...

He had changed quite a bit.

However, he still wasn't as dispirited as Tsubaki Sakurako.

Himeno Yuki ate her food with a hint of disdain, "Back when school started, you were always holed up in clubs, only interested in drinking MAX coffee and not going anywhere. You weren't much better than Tsubaki."

"Ugh..."

Hikigaya's expression stiffened; it seemed he couldn't argue.

Apart from ramen and MAX coffee, he indeed had little interest in everything around him when school started.

Now, he wanted to head straight to the dorm after school, all because Ichinose and Himeno Yuki were there—even if they weren't, they'd come back eventually.

That being said...

Hikigaya furrowed his brow, thinking for a moment.

If he had received the offer to earn 20 million private points by expelling a student when school started, what would he have done?

He'd probably choose to participate, just like Tsubaki Sakurako did.

After all...

Back then, he seemed eager to leave school and return to Chiba.

Even if he was expelled, it wouldn't matter.

Tsubaki Sakurako might have been in a similar state.

But after learning about Ayanokouji's background, he'd likely choose to give up.

"Yeah."

Ichinose smiled, "But now, Hikki is completely different from when school started, and that's great."

"Oh, that's good."

Hikigaya smiled.

Although his reputation seemed worse, at least in Ichinose and Himeno Yuki's eyes, he was moving in a positive direction.

Even though they were discussing Tsubaki Sakurako.

The conversation had somehow shifted back to Hikigaya.

But...

Since Ichinose was paying attention, there was probably no need to worry.

Ichinose was like an anti-loner weapon.

Specialized in countering loners! 

She believe that Tsubaki Sakurako would also make changes like Hikigaya.

At least with Ichinose around.

That gloomy Tsubaki Sakurako shouldn't do anything foolish.

...

Another week begins.

After school.

Ichinose, Himeno Yuki, Tsubaki Sakurako, and others are conducting a study group. Hikigaya feels uncomfortable and decides to return to his dorm room for self-study.

After all...

While he can converse with Ando Sayo and others, their relationship isn't particularly good, and their chattering really affects his study efficiency.

Speaking of which...

Although it's only been about a month...

Hikigaya feels like it's been a long time since he last visited the Sheep Shearing Club or had ramen.

Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even late-night snacks.

Ichinose has taken care of every aspect of his life, even replenishing daily necessities on time.

She truly is an outstanding wife.

Today...

Let's go have ramen after such a long time.

Thinking this, Hikigaya heads toward the bowling alley.

Since he discovered that Toranoana ramen restaurant, he's only been there once—it's practically disrespectful to the ramen gods.

Disrespecting the gods comes with consequences!

Leaving school, not far behind...

She sees Hikigaya walking alone toward Keyaki Mall Shopping Center.

Kamuro Masumi reveals herself.

That damn guy.

Finally, I've waited for this opportunity.