The Source of Trouble

"Hi, Hikigaya-kun!"

At precisely 1 p.m., as previously arranged, Haruno arrived at Hikigaya's room.

Dressed in an elegant, pure white summer dress, she stood poised at the door. It was the hottest part of the day, yet somehow her presence brought an air of cool, refreshing comfort... though maybe that was just the effect of the air conditioning.

"…Hello, Miss Yukinoshita," Hikigaya greeted her with a sigh.

Honestly, he'd hoped she might cancel at the last minute.

If someone happened to see them together… Technically, a teacher visiting an injured student wasn't a big deal, but it would raise a few eyebrows. Thankfully, most people were occupied with classes at this hour… or, uh—

He suddenly thought of a certain upperclassman who treated skipping class as a daily habit, and his confidence faltered.

"Oh, come on—why are you calling me 'Miss Yukinoshita' again? We're not at school," Haruno teased, nudging Hikigaya's left side with her elbow. "It took over two years to get you to stop calling me 'Miss Yukinoshita' and finally say 'Haruno.' But I'd prefer you just call me 'big sis'!"

Same as ever—persistent, playful, maddening, and exuding that faint, lingering fragrance.

"…Come on in," he said, finally.

Trying to stop her would only encourage her more—Hikigaya knew that well enough by now. Ignoring her antics was probably his best option.

"Ah-ha! Hikigaya-kun's signature frosty response makes an appearance!" Haruno announced in an exaggerated tone.

Appearances? Don't make it sound like I'm some kind of bug!

"If you don't call me big sis, I'm not stepping inside—"

"…Miss Yukinoshita, if you don't come in soon, all the cool air will escape."

"Haha, you're as stubborn as ever."

For some reason, her smile softened, as if it brought back memories.

Had they had this conversation before? Maybe… possibly.

Just then, a new voice chimed in.

"Hey, looks like I'm not late."

It was Fukka Kiriyuin. Her eyes lit up with curiosity as she gazed directly at Haruno.

"So, you're Yukinoshita Haruno?"

Even though Haruno was technically a teacher, Kiriyuin remained her usual, unfiltered self.

Not that it bothered Haruno. She had never cared much for formalities, her inner rebellious streak was merely kept in check by family obligations.

"That's right!" Haruno replied with a friendly smile, giving Kiriyuin a look-over with equal interest.

"Hm—so you're Fukka Kiriyuin? Just as I imagined—a stunning beauty."

"I know I'm beautiful, but you're not bad yourself."

"Hahaha, she's fantastic!" Haruno laughed heartily, giving Hikigaya a firm clap on the shoulder.

Ouch—could she not?!

At least she was careful enough to stick to his left side, but still, he wished she'd stop.

"By the way, feel free to call me Haruno! Isn't it a hassle otherwise? Or you could go with 'Haruno-chan' if you like."

"Sure, Haruno it is."

Most people would hesitate to agree so casually. It's not every day you meet your teacher and immediately start addressing her by her first name. But Kiriyuin did it effortlessly, without a hint of awkwardness.

That was a talent in itself.

"Pleased to meet you, Fukka-chan," Haruno beamed, her smile bright and cheerful.

But to Hikigaya, it was anything but simple. It was the smile of someone encountering a worthy rival.

Haruno had a way of making friends effortlessly. Even the shyest individuals felt comfortable around her. She was like an enhanced version of Kushida—a master of conversation who could steer every interaction.

Her enthusiastic yet somehow restrained style of socializing made it impossible to resent her, a feat even Yui and Hayama found difficult to match. In every conversation, she managed to hold the upper hand.

Except with Kiriyuin.

Kiriyuin was unshakable, always ready with a blunt and honest response.

Hikigaya suspected Haruno found her fascinating because of that.

"Hikigaya-kun, you've made quite a good friend—much better than Horikita-kun, that's for sure."

"...Sigh." Hikigaya let out a small sigh. "Well, come on in. Don't just stand in the doorway."

To Haruno, it seemed, Horikita was probably a bore.

But Hikigaya wished the school had more students like the president. If everyone were like Kiriyuin-senpai… he shuddered to imagine it.

Just as he was thinking that Kiriyuin herself settled in, immediately opening with, "By the way, what's going on with you, kid? Hurt already? Don't tell me Horikita isn't training you right."

"I didn't get hurt in a fight," Hikigaya replied, feeling exasperated.

"No problem. Someday, I'll personally drill you myself."

"Uh…" Could she just listen for once?

If anyone who didn't know Kiriyuin overheard, they'd probably assume she was mocking him. Honestly, no wonder she wasn't popular… Was she mocking him?

Just as Hikigaya began to doubt, Haruno cut in with a grin.

"He's just like that, always charging in like a hero. You should've seen him before, back when—"

"Hold up!" Hikigaya interjected quickly.

"Can we not bring that up? I'd rather not relive it."

"Oh?" Haruno looked surprised. "I thought it was a treasured memory, something you'd take to your grave."

"Treasured? Don't go around declaring me dead already."

After all, he'd broken a leg from that car accident.

No amount of being a glutton for punishment could make that a cherished memory.

Haruno-senpai seemed to be teaching so much math she'd forgotten how to use normal adjectives.

"All right, all right. Just kidding." Haruno waved her hand with a laugh, though Hikigaya couldn't shake the feeling she wasn't entirely joking.

"Fukka, I heard from Horikita that you wanted my help with training, right?"

Kiriyuin nodded, and Haruno clapped her hands in delight.

"Yes, sure! I'm always free after school, so why don't you come keep me company every day?"

"What?"

Kiriyuin looked genuinely taken aback.

"Haruno, you agreed so easily?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I thought there'd be some kind of test or something first."

"No need." Haruno smiled pleasantly. "I just wanted to get a sense of who you were. And you turned out to be such a charming junior, so why not?"

"Naturally. No one could dislike me."

Kiriyuin crossed her arms, looking extremely satisfied.

Wait a second…

Hikigaya's jaw practically dropped.

Where did she get that confidence? Should he call over Kiriyuin-senpai just to see her proven wrong?

"Quit looking like that, kid. Just say what's on your mind."

"Exactly," Haruno added with a smile. "Sometimes you're just too reserved, Hikigaya."

These two had somehow teamed up to criticize him… Weren't they supposed to be here to check on him?

"...I was just thinking," Hikigaya finally replied with no intention of holding back, "if Kiriyama-senpai heard that, he'd probably counter it on the spot."

More than that, he'd probably toss in a few insults.

But Kiriyuin wasn't the type to be easily shaken. She shrugged it off with a confident smile. "Kiriyama's just jealous. Deep down, he likes me."

"If that makes you happy, senpai."

Though he didn't want to admit it, Hikigaya felt there might be some truth in it.

Kiriyama probably resented her because she had the talent but never put in any effort. But in every class, there were always students with neither the talent nor the drive to try.

For those types, Kiriyama didn't even bother to pay attention.

Wait… was this what people called 'love-hate'?

"But, Fukka-chan, do you trust my skills that much?" Haruno suddenly asked. "If there's going to be any testing, it's probably fair for me, too, don't you think? What if I'm not as skilled as you?"

"No problem. I'm confident in my judgment."

"Oh? So you trust Horikita, huh?"

"That has nothing to do with it," Kiriyuin shook her head, straightforwardly. "I trust only my own eyes. Horikita's boring, but his insight isn't half bad. Most importantly…" She glanced pointedly at Hikigaya. "If you weren't qualified, he would've bothered to be in contact with you."

"Oh?" Haruno picked up on that with a smirk. "So, you don't believe in Horikita's judgment but believe in Hikigaya's instead."

"That's right. In this area, I have to admit he surpasses me."

Hikigaya was taken aback by Kiriyuin's admission.

He'd never thought she'd openly concede anything… Not that she was arrogant exactly; she just wasn't one to downplay herself.

She simply refused to put on a front.

If she was skilled, she said so. If she had weaknesses, she did not attempt to hide them.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have come to him for help this time.

"Wow, so you have that much faith in Hikigaya."

For a moment, a glint of sharpness flickered in Haruno's eyes.

Narrowing her gaze, she smiled at him. "In that case, I agree with you. Hikigaya's perception truly is remarkable."

"...It's not that big of a deal."

Ignoring Hikigaya's dismissal, Haruno continued, "I have a question for your perceptive self."

"What's that?"

"Horikita told me Fukka-chan here has always been a bit of a free spirit. I admire that. Back in school, I was a bit of a wild one myself."

Nobody had asked her opinion, but Hikigaya decided not to argue.

It was as he thought; these two were indeed on the same wavelength.

Both were terrible listeners.

"So, I was just wondering…" Haruno's smile turned sly. "Why would someone like Fukka suddenly turn over a new leaf and ask Horikita for training? That doesn't seem like her at all."

Indeed, Hikigaya found it a bit suspicious too.

However… it was none of his business.

"Is it necessary to dig deeper?"

"Not really, but I'm curious."

Haruno adopted a deliberately petulant tone.

"Come on, Hikigaya. Use that 'monster-level' observation and give me a theory."

"Enough nonsense. I don't have double-A stats."

Hikigaya could barely keep up with her as he snuck a glance at Kiriyuin.

Her expression was unbothered as if it didn't matter whether her reason was revealed.

"Or could it be that even you can't figure it out?" Haruno goaded him.

"...Possibly." Hikigaya let out a sigh. "Besides, if Senpai's keeping it to herself, there's no need to pry."

"Oh? Since when were you so considerate?"

"I'm just too lazy to think about it."

Kiriyuin-senpai was different from the others—a mature student with her motivations.

Even Horikita, who had his hands full with his sister, showed signs of inner conflict at times.

But Hikigaya had never sensed that from Kiriyuin. He didn't see any need to interfere.

Just quietly standing by was enough.

"It's nothing."

Just then, Kiriyuin spoke up on her own.

"I just lost a fight and want revenge, that's all."

"Oh, I get that." Haruno nodded approvingly. "You can't sleep well without getting even!"

Hey… could she not add fuel to the fire?

"Though, it's your life, not mine," Hikigaya thought to himself with an exasperated sigh.

So she did lose a fight, huh?

"Right, since we're done here, I'll get going." Kiriyuin stood, dusting off her clothes. "I'll be busy every day from now on, and I want to catch up on some manga… Whoa, Hikigaya, you've got quite the collection!"

She looked at his bookshelf with wide-eyed excitement.

"Take whatever you like," Hikigaya said offhandedly.

With his massive personal point reserve, he could buy as many novels and comics as he wanted without making a dent in it. He barely had enough shelf space for them all.

Come to think of it, was Kiriyuin a fellow manga enthusiast?

While unexpected, it didn't really surprise him. With few friends, her entertainment options were probably limited.

But after a quick look, she firmly shook her head.

"No, I'll come back for it once I've had my revenge!"

With that, she darted off, seemingly afraid of succumbing to temptation.

…Did she have to be so intense?

Hikigaya shook his head, though he found her slightly less irritating now that they'd found some common ground.

"What an interesting girl," Haruno mused, watching Kiriyuin dash away before standing to close the door.

The door clicked shut.

Haruno turned back to Hikigaya, her voice suddenly soft. "Now then, it's just us."

"...What do you want to ask?"

"Oh, Hikigaya, you're no fun!" Haruno teased. "You're supposed to look shocked, clutch your chest, and say, 'What do you want to do?!' all scared-like."

"I'm not that naive. And honestly, you'd probably answer with 'Nothing' anyway."

Haruno laughed, but her tone quickly became serious. "Don't worry about me; I'm just here to confirm something."

Her gaze turned surprisingly intense.

Hikigaya blinked.

"Just now, Fukka-chan mentioned losing a fight," Haruno remarked, watching Hikigaya closely. "I get the feeling you're thinking of something else entirely, aren't you?"

Hikigaya paused, his eyes narrowing. "Sometimes… I wonder if that so-called 'monster-level perception' you talk about actually applies to you."

To his surprise, Haruno didn't respond with her usual playful retort. Instead, she regarded him silently, her expression unreadable.

"If it was just a simple fight, you wouldn't be this tense. So, tell me—what exactly did you think of?"

After a long pause, Hikigaya finally spoke, his voice low. "The greatest masterpiece."

The words hung in the air, casting an uneasy silence over the room.

"...Hikigaya-kun."

After what felt like ages, Haruno finally broke the silence.

"Who is that supposed to be?"

"True, I don't have proof, but—huh?"

Hikigaya stopped short, then leaped up in disbelief.

"Hey, are you kidding me?"

He'd been racking his brain over this for ages, only for the source of his worries to casually admit she'd forgotten?!