Chapter 106: I’m Not, I Didn’t, Don’t Talk Nonsense

"Oh no! Sakayanagi from Class A is here in our class."

Hamaguchi Tetsuya, the class loudmouth, exclaimed with a panicked expression.

As soon as he finished speaking, Sakayanagi Arisu strolled into the Class B classroom, accompanied by a girl with striking purple, waist-length hair.

"Sakayanagi?"

Kanzaki and the others immediately looked tense, as if they were facing a fearsome opponent. Kanzaki quickly positioned himself behind Ichinose, ready to protect the beloved leader of Class B.

Hikigaya, who had just wrapped up discussing a study session with Ichinose, Okakura Asako, and a few others, was packing his schoolbag when he was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the Class A leader.

What's going on?

Have the battle classes already been decided? And now Arisu Sakayanagi from Class A has come to launch an attack?

Is this her way of showing aggression?

This is terrifying.

Hikigaya instinctively wanted to turn around and leave, but his danger senses—Hachiman Radar—told him that someone like Sakayanagi was definitely the type of person he shouldn't mess with.

Unfortunately, Shibata and the others had already encircled him and Ichinose, glaring at Sakayanagi and her companion with wariness.

There were only two girls on the other side.

Only two of them dared to enter the enemy's territory without hesitation.

That's even scarier.

Hikigaya trembled slightly, trying to distance himself from the inevitable confrontation. The battle between the bosses of Class A and Class B was something he had no intention of getting involved in. He would be perfectly content just cheering from the sidelines.

"Sakayanagi-san."

Ichinose stepped forward, her voice calm and polite. "I wonder why you've come to Class B?"

"Don't be so tense." Sakayanagi's delicate figure, even with her cane, carried an air of authority. "I'm only here to declare a challenge. From now on, my actions won't be as gentle as they've been these past few days."

"You're referring to the pressure Class A has been putting on Class B recently?" Ichinose's stance remained steady. Her slim shoulders, somehow, were reassuring.

"Then bring it on. No matter what tactics you use, I believe that as long as we stay united, we won't lose to Class A."

While her attitude was admirable, Hikigaya couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Was unity the only strategy they had?

"United as one?"

Sakayanagi's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I've heard many people calling you a 'good person' Ichinose, but it seems you're just a hypocrite who speaks lofty words."

"What do you mean by that, Sakayanagi?" Shibata's frustration was evident. Wasn't that basically calling Ichinose a liar?

From Hikigaya's perspective, it felt like Sakayanagi was here to pick a fight. Had something happened between her and Ichinose?

Maybe there was some misunderstanding.

If worst came to worst, an apology should be enough to resolve things, right? Even if Ichinose didn't want to apologize, Hikigaya would gladly take the blame if it meant avoiding conflict.

"Hmm?"

Sakayanagi's sharp gaze shifted to Hikigaya, making him feel like he was being stared down by a little leopard preparing to pounce.

"Class B has been sending someone to tail me, haven't you? Why are you pretending to be innocent?"

"Eh?"

Everyone around was stunned. Their eyes quickly darted to Ichinose, and even Hikigaya found himself looking at her with suspicion.

Was Ichinose really the type to order someone to tail others? Even if her intentions were good, she should've at least given him a heads-up.

"Eh?"

Ichinose was equally taken aback. "Sakayanagi-san, I have no idea what you're talking about. You must be mistaken."

"Oh, so you really don't know?" Sakayanagi smirked and slowly approached Hikigaya. "Then everything must have been your own initiative, right? Hikigaya-kun?"

For a moment, the entire classroom went silent.

Not only Ichinose, but also Shibata, Kanzaki, Himenoyuki, and the others stared at Hikigaya in shock.

Even people who didn't know him well understood that Hikigaya was the type who preferred to act alone.

Could it be...

Did Hikigaya secretly take the initiative to follow Sakayanagi for the sake of Class B? Was he working hard behind the scenes to help them?

Kanzaki and the others wore complicated expressions. They had long realized that Hikigaya was somewhat of a lone wolf, but this was completely unexpected.

"Eh? Me?" Hikigaya's voice shook.

Follow Sakayanagi?

When? How?

Was he sleepwalking and trying to get himself killed?

You can't just accuse an innocent person like that!

Even if he were given ten lives, he wouldn't dare to tail someone like Sakayanagi.

"No, no, Sakayanagi-san, you must be mistaken." Hikigaya flailed his hands defensively. "I've never followed you."

The thought of being targeted by Sakayanagi sent chills down his spine. And could she please stop calling him "Hikigaya-kun"? It sounded like they were on friendly terms.

"Hehe." Sakayanagi's smile remained calm. "You took the initiative to challenge me for the sake of your class's victory. Quite commendable."

Hikigaya read between the lines: "You dared to challenge me. How bold. Now I can't help but want to toy with you."

Absolutely horrifying.

"No, really! I never followed you. I have no recollection of doing anything like that. Please don't make baseless accusations."

The panic in his voice was genuine. Hikigaya was desperate to clear up the misunderstanding.

Hearing his pleas, Kanzaki and the others started to reconsider.

Yes, what if Sakayanagi was making this all up just to cause chaos within Class B?

They began to watch her warily.

"Oh?" Sakayanagi's gaze sharpened as if she was thrilled by his panic. "You're sharper than you look. Or is this a prepared response?"

Why did she sound so impressed? It was like he'd just stumbled into some twisted game.

"If you have no memory of it, then let me remind you. Last week, didn't you follow us to the ramen shop, Tianxiapin?"

"Ramen shop?" Hikigaya blinked. "I did go to a ramen shop last week."

He hesitated.

Should he just tell the truth? But what if Sakayanagi thought he was mocking her?

"Well… actually, I was just there to eat ramen."

"Just there to eat ramen?" Sakayanagi chuckled. "That ramen shop had only opened that day. Even now, most people haven't heard of it. Do you really expect me to believe that?"

Her smirk made everyone else nod in agreement.

"Because I like ramen! It's easier to find hidden shops if I follow middle-aged people!" Hikigaya blurted out, flustered.

Sakayanagi paused, her expression turning thoughtful.

"Hehe… Well, then. I'll leave it at that for now." She turned away, her interest seemingly lost. "Come, Kamuro-san. We're leaving."

Kamuro Masumi glanced at Hikigaya with pity. He'd just caught the attention of the most dangerous person in Class A.

Hikigaya, meanwhile, felt his legs go weak.

How terrifying.

He really just wanted to eat ramen.

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