School Rooftop
Karuizawa stood on the rooftop, her eyes widening with a mix of hope and desperation as a figure emerged from the stairwell. For a fleeting moment, she believed her savior had arrived. However, as the figure stepped into the light, her heart sank—it was Hikigaya.
Ibuki Mio and the others turned their attention to the newcomer, their curiosity piqued.
"What’s the meaning of this?" Ryuuen demanded, his gaze shifting to Albert. "Why did you bring him here?"
Albert responded in his usual booming voice, "He claimed to be X."
Ryuuen’s eyes narrowed. Albert wasn’t one to be easily deceived. For him to believe this guy was X, Hikigaya must have said something convincing. The entire school knew Ryuuen was hunting for the elusive Class D informant. Hikigaya’s appearance here was either a bold move or a grave mistake.
Ryuuen sneered, "So, you’re the one causing all this trouble?"
Hikigaya scratched the back of his head, offering a sheepish grin. "I must’ve taken a wrong turn. Is it too late to leave?"
"Then get lost!" Ryuuen snapped.
"Right away!" Hikigaya turned on his heel, ready to retreat. As he passed Karuizawa, he caught a glimpse of her tear-streaked face, her eyes pleading for help.
Don’t look at me like that, he thought. I’m just as powerless as you believe.
He approached Albert, who stood like a sentinel by the door. Hikigaya forced a smile, attempting to sidestep him and descend the stairs.
"Stop!" Ryuuen’s voice halted him.
Hikigaya turned back, a nervous smile plastered on his face. "Um... Is there something else? I don’t have many personal points, if that’s what you’re after."
Ishizaki scoffed, "With that attitude, you dare to oppose Ryuuen? You’re asking for trouble."
"Ryuuen," Ibuki interjected, her brow furrowed. "Don’t drag unrelated people into this."
Ryuuen dismissed her concern, "I’ll decide who’s involved."
He fixed his gaze on Hikigaya, eyes cold and calculating. "If you don’t want to get hurt, forget everything you saw here. Understand?"
Hikigaya hesitated. So, Ryuuen was concerned about witnesses. That could be useful.
He glanced at Karuizawa, then back at Ryuuen. "How about we make a deal? Let her go, and I’ll pretend I saw nothing."
"Ha?" Ishizaki bristled. "Who do you think you are? We’ve worked hard for this. Ryuuen, let’s teach him a lesson!"
Ibuki crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. "Class B students are always meddling. Still, bullying is wrong."
She looked at Hikigaya, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. Maybe he wasn’t as naive as he seemed.
Ryuuen chuckled, "You think you can negotiate with me?"
Hikigaya met his gaze, unflinching. "I think you don’t want this incident getting out. If it does, you, Ishizaki, Ibuki, and Albert could all face expulsion."
Ryuuen’s smirk faltered. The threat was real.
"Fine," Ryuuen said after a pause. "But if you breathe a word of this, you’re finished."
Hikigaya nodded, "Understood."
He turned to leave, but not before casting one last glance at Karuizawa. She looked back, a mix of gratitude and sorrow in her eyes.
As he descended the stairs, Hikigaya couldn’t help but think, That was too close. But at least she’s safe—for now.
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