COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya-Chapter 282: The Three Lonely People

"Airi, wasn’t that old guy just now so gross?"

After leaving Keyaki Mall Shopping Center, Hasebe shuddered as she recalled the older male store clerk they had met in the electronics section.

"Yeah... a little."

Sakura nodded. They had gone to buy some camera and lens cleaning tools, and that clerk had followed them the entire time. Not only that, his gaze had been unsettling—filled with something aggressive.

"There’s no mistake. That disgusting guy definitely had filthy, perverted thoughts in his head. I know that look all too well!"

Hasebe crossed her arms uncomfortably.

Ever since elementary school, she had been able to sense those kinds of stares. It was all because of her body.

Compared to other girls her age, her development had been... noticeable. Because of that, she had often been subjected to unwanted looks. But more than just glances, they were filled with something dirty and lecherous.

Over time, she had gotten used to keeping a cold expression. It was her way of protecting herself.

And as for Airi standing beside her—she was even more developed than Hasebe. That wasn’t just a guess. She had confirmed it herself.

Because of that, they had similar experiences... and a shared sensitivity to those kinds of stares.

Sakura felt the same way.

But compared to Hasebe, she had felt it even more strongly. The store clerk’s gaze had been locked onto her the entire time. It wasn’t just filled with perversion—it carried an unsettling intensity, something that made her heart race in fear.

It was as if he wanted to "devour" her.

Just thinking about it made Sakura tremble.

"And Hikki too... He said he’d come with us, but then he disappeared halfway through."

Hasebe muttered, then suddenly remembered her earlier argument with Sudou in the classroom.

"Hmph! If he were here, I’d make sure he taught that disgusting old man a lesson!"

"Hikigaya-kun probably has his own things to do."

Sakura mumbled in protest.

Hasebe smirked and suddenly hooked her arm around Sakura’s, leaning in close to tease her.

"Airi, don’t tell me... you have a crush on Hachiman?"

Sakura froze on the spot. Her face turned visibly red as she stammered,

"I-I... Hikigaya-kun is so talented, and he’s really kind too, so it’s only natural that he’s popular."

Hasebe gave her a knowing look.

"So... you’re not denying that you like him?"

"..."

Sakura’s face turned even redder. She lowered her head and quickly scurried away. Seeing this, Hasebe let out a playful laugh and chased after her.

"Airi, don’t run! Wait for me! Tell me, when did you start liking Hachiman?"

When, huh?

Sakura thought back carefully, but she couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment.

Was it when he helped her study for the midterms? Or that night when he gave her the camera?

Maybe it was even earlier—when he shielded her from Karuizawa’s demands for money?

She wasn’t sure. But feelings grow like seeds, slowly taking root. Her once empty and dull world had become fuller, and before she realized it, his presence had become a part of it.

"Wake up~"

Hasebe’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

As she came back to reality, she saw Hasebe grinning mischievously. Just as she was about to say something, Sakura suddenly lifted her head and asked,

"Hey, Haruka, what do you think about Hikigaya-kun?"

Hasebe’s smile stiffened.

She hadn’t expected Sakura, who was usually like a timid kitten, to suddenly turn the tables on her. Or maybe... she was just caught off guard by the question.

"Of course, I think he’s great! Hikki looks kinda scary at first, like he’s hard to get along with, but once you actually spend time with him, you realize he’s a really nice guy."

"Then... does that mean you like Hikigaya-kun too?"

"Hahaha."

Hasebe was briefly stunned, then burst into laughter.

"Airi, is that what you were worried about? Hikki is nice and all, but he’s not my type~"

Sakura didn’t say anything. She just stared straight into Hasebe’s eyes.

Hasebe’s smile slowly faded.

"Airi, you don’t believe me?"

Sakura shook her head and bit her lip slightly.

"It’s not that. I know Hikigaya-kun is kind, and I also understand that there must be a lot of girls who like him. I... I’m probably the most unnoticeable one out of all of them.

That’s why, if you liked him too, I wouldn’t be surprised. In fact, I’d be happy if more people understood him... because he’s too lonely."

When Sakura said that last part, Hasebe paused for a moment, a flicker of emotion flashing through her eyes.

But she quickly returned to her usual self.

"Airi, were you even listening to what I just said?"

Hasebe puffed up her cheeks and huffed.

"I already told you, I only see him as a friend! You know I didn’t have many friends before, so I really treasure the ones I have now—you and Hikki included. Do you get it?"

"Ha-Haruka, you misunderstood!"

Sakura panicked when she saw Hasebe getting upset.

"I-I wasn’t mad or anything! That’s not what I meant! It’s just... I don’t think I can even say those words right now. And I really do treasure our friendship too! Really, I swear! Please don’t be mad—I-I’m sorry..."

"Alright, alright, relax~ I was just messing with you."

Hasebe waved her hand dismissively before leaning in with a sly grin.

"But seriously, Airi, you know how popular Hikki is, right? That’s exactly why you need to take the initiative! Don’t start worrying about whether you deserve him or not—what is this, a drama? In real life, you have to act fast! Otherwise, some girl from another class is gonna snatch him away!"

Hasebe excitedly linked arms with Sakura, throwing out all sorts of strategies while Sakura looked completely flustered, her head hanging low.

"Tsk tsk, I’ve done my research! That Ichinose from Class A is a strong rival... and then there’s the girl from Class B..."

By the time they reached the dorms, Sakura walked over to open her mailbox.

As Hasebe kept talking, she suddenly noticed Sakura freeze in place.

"Airi? What’s wrong? You look really pale."

Sakura snapped out of it, hastily shutting the mailbox.

"N-no, it’s nothing. I... I just remembered I have something to do. I’ll see you later!"

With that, she rushed into the elevator as if she were running away.

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