"Excuse me, classmate, what can I do for you?"
The silver-haired girl smiled faintly, her voice polite—but Hikigaya noticed the endless chill in her eyes.
Is that… Sakayanagi from Class A?
When did she appear behind me?
The purple-haired girl was startled, glancing at the boy next to Sakayanagi.
When did these dead-fish eyes appear? She didn't even notice…?
"It's nothing, actually."
Hikigaya scratched his head, his gaze wandering.
Nothing? Then what was all that shouting about?
Sakayanagi's expression remained composed. There was no overt anger, only a sharp, calculating glance.
Got to find a reason…
Hikigaya decided to act, partly to distract her from taking secret photos—and partly because he knew Komachi would find it amusing.
"I think you're cute…" he said awkwardly, cheeks reddening. "Could we… get to know each other?"
He lowered his head, extending his hand.
Damn it! I just wanted to act casual. Why is this so embarrassing?!
"Wow~"
A few passersby nearby smiled knowingly. The silver-haired girl looked cute, so being approached wasn't unusual.
"Hmph~ Lolita!"
The purple-haired girl snorted coldly, shooting Hachiman a disdainful glare before turning and leaving.
Are you leaving already? That thief lady…
Hikigaya watched her long white legs retreat across the reflective floor, exhaling in relief.
"Ahaha~ I'm sorry for being so presumptuous…" he said, raising his head, hoping to cover his embarrassment.
The silver-haired girl—Sakayanagi—kept her gaze fixed on him.
"Heh~ Quite presumptuous indeed…" she said softly, her tone teasing rather than angry. "Confessing to someone while staring at another girl's legs."
"Pff!!"
Hikigaya flinched. "When did I confess?! I just… just want to make friends!"
"Ah~ You didn't deny staring at Kamuro-san's legs," she said, a devilish smile on her face.
This little loli isn't cute at all! Hachiman thought, inwardly groaning.
"Ahem~ Anyway, sorry for the inconvenience."
He began a tactical retreat—but then Sakayanagi stepped forward and gently held his hand.
"First-year Class A, Sakayanagi Arisu. Nice to meet you~~"
Her hand was soft, icy cool, and surprisingly comfortable.
Calm down, Hachiman! It's not your first time holding hands… At least I've held Komachi's hand… and my dream wife's.
Hikigaya regained his composure.
"First-year Class D, Hikigaya Hachiman. Please give me your guidance."
He released her hand without hesitation.
"Surprisingly calm."
"Isn't this your first time holding hands with a girl?" Sakayanagi asked, still smiling slightly.
"Look down on people?"
"IMHO. Sakayanagi-san, you can only be ranked third," Hachiman said bluntly.
"…!"
Her smile froze, eyelids twitching as her chest rose slightly.
As if sensing Hachiman's gaze moving downward, her expression became intimidating—but still composed, never losing control.
Sakayanagi's tone softened again. "Hikigaya-san, it's nice to meet such an interesting friend~ Really~~ That's great~~~"
Her words were calm, though the effect was unnerving—like she was trying to imprint him in her memory.
I feel like I've offended a dangerous person…
Watching her petite figure walk away with her cane, Hachiman knew his next three years at Advanced Nurturing High School probably wouldn't be peaceful.
"You know Sakayanagi is difficult to deal with, yet you still provoke her. Are you an idiot?"
The purple-haired girl's voice came from behind.
Hikigaya turned, spotting a hint of pride on her cold, arrogant face.
Didn't expect this, huh? I'm back!
He realized she had been peeking at him through the mirror on the shelf.
"Ah? Why are you back again?" Hachiman asked, feigning surprise.
"Hmph~ Seems my tracking skills are still superior," she said, lips curling slightly.
"Goodbye."
"Wait!"
The purple-haired girl grabbed his wrist instinctively.
"Um, you just…"
"I didn't see anything," Hachiman said smoothly.
"How did you know I'd ask what you saw?"
She glared at him. "Do you take me for a fool?"
When she turned, she saw the camera light flash in Sakayanagi's hand. Combined with Hachiman's unusual behavior, it was obvious he had helped her.
Really… How could a smart person stoop to stealing beer? Do you like drinking that much?
Sensing his thoughts, the purple-haired girl responded with mild exasperation, "It's not like I like the wine I took…"
That's… kleptomania, isn't it worse?
"I know it isn't right… so I'll reflect on it."
The thought of being caught by Sakayanagi—and possibly controlled—made her shiver slightly.
"Then you'll be on your own… Don't rely on me."
Her glare softened slightly when she realized Hachiman hadn't asked her name.
"First-year Class A, Masumi Kamuro," she said.
"Oh… I'm Hikigaya Hachiman from Class D."
"Anyway, thank you for just now."
"No need. I'm not helping you—I'm just satisfying myself."
Kamuro pulled out her student terminal. "I don't like owing favors."
Hachiman nodded and handed over his terminal voluntarily—no coercion.
She took it, completed the transfer, and returned it.
20,000 points transferred? Not bad…
Almost immediately, he received another contact message:
Kamuro Masumi: Lolita! Big liar! (pointer pointing down in contempt.jpg)
"What? Didn't you just ask for my contact information?" Masumi Kamuro said impatiently.
"No, you misunderstood…" Hikigaya denied it.
He was not a lolita, nor did he intend to ask Kamuro for her contact information.
"Huh~ Obviously I'm your first one," Kamuro Masumi smiled, pleased at the thought of Sakayanagi's tension when she had been ranked third.
***
Sakayanagi was written as out right furious here and last chapter… completely out of her character…
I've rewrote the passage to make her reaction subtle annd slightly playful…hope you dont mind 😵💫