COTE : There is Something Wrong With Hikigaya

"What a display of authority~"

Anyone could hear the sarcasm and disdain in Hikigaya's tone, making the already tense atmosphere even more volatile. Ichinose quickly grabbed the edge of Hikigaya's shirt, signaling him not to provoke things further.

In Japanese and Korean societies, it's considered a serious offense for juniors or subordinates to show "disrespect" to their seniors or superiors. In some ways, it can be even worse than social embarrassment because it challenges long-standing, unspoken rules of hierarchy and authority. Such defiance would invite collective rejection and suppression, and there's no normal way to resolve it. In fact, it's an issue even trickier and more sensitive than school bullying.

To put it in the words of a certain drama: "A subordinate is not allowed to kiss their superior!"

So when Hikigaya's mocking words rang out, not only was Ichinose startled, but even Kiriyama seemed momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected a mere first-year to openly defy him. His face twisted in anger as he raised his hand, ready to slap Hikigaya.

But before his palm could land, his wrist was firmly caught by the dead-eyed boy in front of him.

"You...!"

Kiriyama was about to shout when a sharp pain shot through his wrist. A sudden force sent him stumbling backward, nearly losing his balance and falling to the ground.

Hikigaya had not only challenged Kiriyama's authority—he had physically overpowered him. The scene left Kiriyama completely dumbfounded, while Ichinose stood frozen in shock.

"Vice President Kiriyama, you need to be more careful. Are you alright? Watch your step, the floor is slippery."

Surprisingly, Hikigaya spoke with apparent concern. But despite his words, he remained completely still, looking down at Kiriyama with an air of superiority.

How arrogant. How disrespectful.

Kiriyama's mind burned with fury at the humiliation.

Just as he was about to lash out, Hikigaya spoke first. "Students with ability will rise, while those without will fall."

Those were Nagumo's words from the student council election half a month ago. But hearing them come from Hikigaya now felt like a slap in the face, as if he was mocking Kiriyama for being one of the weak ones.

"Of course... I don't mean to suggest that you, Vice President Kiriyama, are one of those incapable students. Please don't misunderstand."

Kiriyama: "..."

"What I mean is that Secretary Kyoukushin may not have much experience handling club affairs, so it's natural that there would be some dissatisfaction from the clubs."

"It's not just about that!" Kiriyama snapped.

But Hikigaya seemed to intentionally steer the conversation away, calmly looking at Kiriyama. "However, if someone blames their personal shortcomings on others, I don't think that kind of student belongs in the student council that President Nagumo envisions. Don't you agree, Vice President Kiriyama?"

Kiriyama's eyes widened at those words. He nearly exploded in rage. What did he mean by "personal shortcomings"?! The real issue was that Hikigaya had been using his connections with third-years like Handa to make things difficult for Kyoukushin. As a result, even though the new student council had taken over, the second-years leading it couldn't gain control over club affairs.

Previously, club management was handled by third-years Handa and Tachibana Akane—mostly by Handa. Normally, after the election, those duties should have been passed on to Kiriyama. But instead, the clubs refused to acknowledge them and only listened to Hikigaya, a mere first-year.

What kind of nonsense was this?!

And Hikigaya wasn't just mocking Kyoukushin's incompetence—everyone in the student council knew that Kyoukushin was one of Nagumo's people, even his own classmate!

Hikigaya was basically throwing Kiriyama into the fire!

Bastard!

Kiriyama glared at Hikigaya, seething with rage, but the dead-eyed boy remained expressionless, even a little cold.

After taking a deep breath, Kiriyama stepped closer to Hikigaya and gritted his teeth. "Hikigaya, don't forget we're on the same side. That person specifically told you to cooperate with me. What the hell are you trying to do? Don't cause unnecessary trouble!"

But to Kiriyama's surprise, Hikigaya suddenly chuckled, as if he had just heard a funny joke.

"You know, Vice President Kiriyama, not long ago, you used to call him 'President' so affectionately. But now it's just 'that person'?"

Kiriyama's face turned red with embarrassment. He opened his mouth to retort, but Hikigaya cut him off.

"But well~ I can understand your situation. Since President Horikita has stepped down, you've learned to adapt. So why can't I do the same?"

"You...!"

"Oh, and by the way—President Horikita never told me to cooperate with you. Please don't make up things that never happened. Otherwise, people might start thinking you have mental issues."

Hikigaya sneered.

"Is this how you repay... President Horikita's trust?"

Kiriyama's large eyes were practically burning with anger. He never expected Hikigaya to be this defiant. The student council transition had happened less than two weeks ago, and Horikita Manabu was still at the school, yet Hikigaya was already acting so brazenly? 

"Huh?" 

Hikigaya chuckled at Kiriyama's words. 

"Vice President Kiriyama, let me give you a little advice. He's not the student council president anymore—you should be calling him 'Horikita-senpai' now. Got it? If President Nagumo hears you, well… that wouldn't be good for you." 

By the end of his sentence, Hikigaya's smile had turned ice-cold. 

Kiriyama felt a chill run down his spine, finally realizing something—this dead-eyed first-year wasn't as simple as he seemed. 

Back when Horikita Manabu introduced Hikigaya to him, Kiriyama had assumed it was because Manabu was worried about Hikigaya's future after he stepped down. He thought Manabu wanted someone to watch over him. 

But now, it was clear that wasn't the case at all. In that moment, Kiriyama felt a tinge of regret. He had underestimated Hikigaya—and more importantly, he had no control over him. 

He had heard rumors that this year's first-years were full of troublemakers, and it seemed those rumors were true. 

In the end, Kiriyama could only leave the student council office with a stiff "Suit yourself." 

"Something on your mind?" 

As Hikigaya was about to sit down, he noticed Ichinose looking at him with curiosity. 

—— 

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