COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 116 - 112: Senior Junior ( Fixed)

Just walking through the corridor, yet I'm being stared at by every student around me. Well, I suppose that's only natural.

"I had no idea Horikita-senpai was coming to the cultural festival. You could've at least given me a heads-up, you know?"

"In your case, I judged that a simple heads-up wouldn't be enough."

"That's harsh. And what's with that suspicious getup? You'll get arrested looking like that."

"It's not suspicious. It's a disguise to avoid running into Suzune."

"Could you two maybe not drag me into this?"

To my right was the former student council president, Horikita Manabu.

To my left was the current student council president, Nagumo Miyabi.

And there I was, stuck in the middle of their bickering, making us an incredibly conspicuous trio as we wandered through the cultural festival.

"Nagumo, you didn't need to tag along in the first place. As the student council president, shouldn't you be doing rounds or something?"

"What's wrong with the three of us going together? I came to invite Hikigaya out too, you know. And I've been wanting to talk to Horikita-senpai as well."

Horikita Manabu didn't seem to approve of Nagumo joining us, but as far as I was concerned, it didn't matter either way. Or rather, it didn't change the fact that I was stuck with two student council presidents.

"...Do as you please."

Horikita let out a sigh at Nagumo's persistence but eventually relented, allowing him to accompany us.

"By the way, Hikigaya, you're seriously going around the festival dressed like that?"

I was still wearing the kimono—no, even the glasses—from earlier. Before my break, Ryūen had ordered me to walk around the festival in this outfit as part of our class's promotion.

"Yeah, well. Our class is running a traditional Japanese café, and I was told to go around dressed like this for publicity."

"Traditional Japanese, huh... Not bad. It suits you."

"Thanks."

The scrutinizing gaze vanished, replaced by praise as he patted my head. For some reason, Horikita Manabu on the other side was glaring intensely, but it was probably fine to ignore that.

As we wandered aimlessly, taking in the various attractions, we came across Horikita's class's maid café. Since it was already past noon, the crowd had thinned, and there was no longer the long line from when it first opened.

"..."

As we passed by Horikita's class, Horikita Manabu's steps slowed ever so slightly. Was he worried about his sister?

"Aren't you curious about Horikita's class's event?"

"Suzune's class? I dropped by earlier. The execution was quite impressive."

"What about you?"

"...I told you. I have no intention of meeting Suzune."

His resolve on that front hadn't wavered, but his behavior made it clear that he was concerned about his sister.

"I'd like to take a look inside. With that disguise, you won't be recognized anyway."

"...Fine. If you insist that much, I'll allow it."

What a pain these siblings were. If he was worried about his sister, he could've just said so. Not like that shady disguise would fool Horikita into thinking he wasn't her brother anyway.

"Then I'll wait here for you."

"That's unexpected. I thought for sure you'd follow us in."

"I already went earlier. Besides, wouldn't Horikita-senpai feel uneasy if I were there?"

Horikita Manabu didn't deny it, simply staring at Nagumo in silence.

Well, he wasn't wrong—Nagumo, who had a competitive streak, might've been tempted to reveal Horikita Manabu's presence. Nagumo's offer to wait outside was likely made with that in mind.

"Well then, take your time admiring your sister's growth or whatever. I'll kill time around here."

"You're free to return to your own class if you'd like."

"Don't joke around. There's no way I'd leave while Hikigaya's still here."

Why did they end up arguing like this over such a small separation? Were they actually... weirdly close?

......

"Welcome—Eh? Hikigaya-kun?! Wow, that kimono really suits you... Huh? U-Um...?"

As soon as we entered, Satō, dressed in a maid outfit, recognized me and greeted me with a smile. But when she noticed the suspicious figure (Horikita Manabu) next to me, she visibly stiffened, so I figured I should explain.

"Don't mind the getup. He's just an acquaintance. Not a creep."

"O-Oh, I see... That's good, then..."

Perhaps sensing it was better not to pry, Satō only glanced at Horikita Manabu briefly before dropping the subject.

Of course, a guy in a kimono entering with a shady-looking character was bound to draw attention. The good news was that the attention on me was at least positive. The bad news was that Horikita Manabu was getting some very weird looks.

"A-Anyway, I'll show you to your seats!"

Satō guided us to a table for two. Unlike Ryūen's class, which had a traditional Japanese theme, this one was decorated with colorful patterns.

"Here's your water and menu."

"...So you're doing customer service too, huh?"

The one who appeared with the tray was none other than Horikita, also dressed in a maid outfit. She glanced briefly at her brother (still in his shady disguise) but didn't say anything, likely deciding it was better not to bring it up.

"We had more customers than expected, so I was assigned to service as well."

"Is that so? I didn't picture you doing customer service, so I'm surprised."

"...Does it look strange?"

Horikita stared down at her outfit with a straight face. Normally, maids were supposed to serve with a smile, but Horikita wasn't good at forcing expressions, so her hesitation was understandable.

"Not strange. The maid outfit itself suits you. Though serving customers with that deadpan expression is a bit surreal."

"That last part was unnecessary. ...You're one to talk."

"Yeah, well. I'm not exactly cut out for customer service either."

Perhaps sensing a kindred spirit in someone else who couldn't fake expressions, Horikita's face softened slightly.

"If you served customers with a smile like that, you'd probably be popular."

"A smile?"

"You didn't notice? Your expression just softened."

"That's...!"

She paused, as if realizing something, then suddenly spun around, turning her back to me.

"...Please call me when you've decided on your order."

Without so much as another glance, she retreated to the back.

"...Hmm."

"What's with you just now?"

Horikita Manabu had been staring at me intently through those thick glasses.

"Nothing. I just thought... I wouldn't mind entrusting Suzune to you."

"You've got some serious misunderstandings going on."

"Call me 'brother-in-law.'"

"No thanks."

He'd changed way too much since stepping down as student council president. He used to be so much more dignified. Well, he was still strict, but still.

As I browsed the menu to decide on our orders, our table's proximity to the back of the classroom meant I could faintly hear the voices of the students serving customers.

Was that... Matsushita?

"Horikita-san, that's cheating..."

"...What are you talking about?"

"I wanted to serve them. You cut in line."

"If you puff your cheeks out like that, it'll interfere with your service."

"...Hey, Horikita-san. Why's your face red?"

"...I have no idea what you mean."

"Next time, it's my turn, okay?!"

"Customer service is first-come, first-served."

...I'll pretend I didn't hear any of that.

Trying to be considerate, the two of them took turns coming by our table to take orders. After spending about 15 minutes there, I was about to ask for the bill when Horikita Manabu noticed something on the menu.

"You can take photos too?"

"Want one with your sister?"

When I asked, Horikita Manabu seemed to think for a few seconds before shaking his head. He probably didn't want to risk being recognized.

"What about you, Hikigaya?"

"I'm good."

"Do it."

"Huh? No, I—"

"Do it. I'll pay the points if I have to."

He grabbed my shoulder with an iron grip, practically threatening me.

Why was he so insistent? I didn't mind taking a photo, but I didn't get why he was so desperate about it.

"Fine, fine. I'll do it, so let go. Hey, Satō, you got a sec?"

"Ah, yes! What would you like to order?"

I called over Satō, who happened to be nearby, and pointed at the menu.

"I'd like to request this photo service."

"Yes, of course! The photo service includes a picture with one of the maids!"

"Then... I'll go with Matsushita."

"Ooh, nice choice, Matsushita-san! Please wait over at the photo area!"

Satō, now fully in customer service mode, directed us to a spot where part of the wall was decorated colorfully. As soon as we moved there, Matsushita approached without delay. Standing in front of us with a camera was Ayanokōji, apparently assigned as the photographer.

"Thank you for choosing me~!"

Beaming with joy, Matsushita stood close to me—had she forgotten Ayanokōji was right in front of us? The distance felt almost intimate, as if we were the only two there.

"I kinda thought you might pick Horikita-san..."

"Would you have preferred if I didn't choose you?"

"Do you really think I'd say that?"

"...No."

"Exactly~!"

She was in an unusually good mood—almost scarily so. For the record, there wasn't any deep reason I picked Matsushita. It was just a choice between her and Horikita.

"How should we pose?"

"You decide."

"...Really?"

"Yeah."

Komiya once said high school girls put their lives on the line for selfies. Matsushita would know better than me.

"Then just stand still, Hikigaya-kun."

"Just standing is enough?"

"Mhm. Oh, Ayanokōji-kun, don't miss the perfect shot, okay?"

"Got it."

Once Ayanokōji had the camera ready, I turned toward it as instructed.

He had been waiting for the right moment, but just before he pressed the shutter, he looked slightly surprised. Probably because, the instant the flash went off, Matsushita's lips touched my cheek.

At the same time, the sound of shattering dishes came from behind us.

"Did you get it, Ayanokōji-kun?"

"Perfect shot. I'll send it to Hikigaya's phone. Matsushita, you want it too?"

"Yeah. Do you want it, Hikigaya-kun?"

A notification chimed on my phone—the photo of Matsushita kissing my cheek had been sent.

"How's a cheek kiss from your maid?"

"Surprised me. In a good way."

"Glad to hear it. But... it's kinda embarrassing, huh?"

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled awkwardly, looking unbearably cute. If I asked her to do it again, how would she react?

But that was probably pushing it. Matsushita still had customers to attend to, so I left the conversation at that and returned to Horikita Manabu.

"Suzune kept glancing your way and couldn't focus on serving. By the end, she even dropped dishes."

"That was Horikita?"

"Aside from your womanizing tendencies, I suppose I could entrust Suzune to you. Call me 'brother-in-law.'"

"No."

......

After leaving Horikita's class and reuniting with Nagumo, our next stop was Ichinose's class—Nagumo's suggestion.

By the way, Horikita Manabu had ditched the shady disguise. Since Horikita would be busy with customer service from now on, there was no longer a risk of running into her.

"Horikita-senpai, do you like sweets?"

"I don't eat them often, but I don't dislike them."

"That's good. Honami's class is running a dessert-themed event. It's around lunchtime, so you must be getting a little hungry, right?"

Perhaps sensing our hunger, Nagumo had chosen Ichinose's class's event.

"You like sweets, right, Hikigaya?"

"Yeah."

"Wait, how do you know Hikigaya's preferences?"

Why was that the thing he focused on?

Horikita Manabu narrowed his eyes at Nagumo, but the latter remained unfazed.

"Well, Hikigaya and I go out to eat a lot. It's only natural I'd know his tastes."

"By force," I mentally added. Not that I minded—he always treated me, and the places he introduced were all great.

"What's wrong, Horikita-senpai? Feeling jealous?"

Nagumo didn't miss the slight stiffening of Horikita Manabu's usually dignified expression.

"I never said that. And it's easy to guess—you're just dragging Hikigaya along by force."

"I'm a smooth talker. It's all mutual."

"Words mean nothing."

"Then let's ask Hikigaya. That's the quickest way to settle this."

"Fine."

Both pairs of eyes turned to me.

Why drag me into this nonsense?

"We've arrived at Ichinose's class. Let's save this conversation for later."

Perfect timing—we'd reached Ichinose's classroom. The two student council presidents clicked their tongues but dropped the argument. Were they close or not...?

Inside, the sweet aroma of desserts filled the air, befitting their theme. Most of the customers were female students or children.

"Welcome—Eh?! Ehhh!?"

Ichinose, stationed near the entrance, let out a shocked cry upon seeing us. Her eyes darted between me, Nagumo, and Horikita Manabu before she covered her mouth with one hand.

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

"Hey, Honami."

"N-Nagumo-senpai! H-Hello! Um, why are you with Hikigaya-kun and Horikita-senpai...?"

Still flustered, she alternated glances at me while asking.

"We just happened to run into each other. Figured we'd check out the festival as a trio."

"What do you mean 'happened'? You're the one who forced your way in."

"Don't be so cold, Horikita-senpai. It's fine if we stick together, right? Besides, I've been wanting to talk to you too."

Horikita Manabu didn't seem to approve of Nagumo joining us, but as far as I was concerned, it didn't matter. Either way, I was stuck with student council presidents.

"...Do as you please."

Horikita sighed at Nagumo's persistence but ultimately allowed him to tag along.

"By the way, Hikigaya, you're seriously going around the festival dressed like that?"

I was still in the kimono—glasses and all. Before my break, Ryūen had ordered me to walk around like this for promotion.

"Yeah. Our class is running a traditional Japanese café, and I was told to advertise in this outfit."

"Traditional Japanese, huh... Not bad. It suits you."

"Thanks."

The scrutinizing gaze vanished, replaced by praise as he patted my head. Horikita Manabu was glaring intensely from the other side, but I ignored it.

As we wandered, we passed Horikita's class's maid café. The lunch rush had died down, and the initial crowd was gone.

"..."

Horikita Manabu's steps slowed slightly as we passed. Was he worried about his sister?

"Curious about Horikita's class's event?"

"Suzune's class? I dropped by earlier. It was quite well done."

"What about you?"

"...I told you. I have no intention of meeting Suzune."

His stance hadn't changed, but his behavior betrayed his concern.

"I'd like to check it out. With that disguise, you won't be recognized."

"...Fine. If you insist."

These siblings were such a pain. If he was worried, he could just say so. That shady disguise wouldn't fool Horikita anyway.

"I'll wait here, then."

"That's unexpected. I thought you'd follow us in."

"I already went. Besides, wouldn't Horikita-senpai feel uneasy if I were there?"

Horikita Manabu didn't deny it. Nagumo, being competitive, might've revealed his presence, so his offer to wait was considerate.

"Well then, take your time admiring your sister. I'll kill time here."

"You're free to return to your class."

"No way. Not while Hikigaya's still here."

Why did they argue over such trivial things? Were they actually... weirdly close?

......

After leaving Horikita's class and reuniting with Nagumo, we headed to Ichinose's class—Nagumo's suggestion.

Horikita Manabu had ditched the disguise since Horikita would be busy with customer service.

"Horikita-senpai, do you like sweets?"

"I don't eat them often, but I don't dislike them."

"Good. Honami's class is running a dessert event. It's lunchtime—you must be getting hungry."

Nagumo, sensing our hunger, had chosen Ichinose's class.

"You like sweets, right, Hikigaya?"

"Yeah."

"Wait, how do you know Hikigaya's preferences?"

Horikita Manabu narrowed his eyes.

"We eat out a lot. It's natural I'd know."

"By force," I mentally added. Not that I minded—he always treated me.

"What's wrong, Horikita-senpai? Jealous?"

Nagumo didn't miss Horikita Manabu's slight stiffening.

"I never said that. It's obvious you're dragging him along."

"It's mutual."

"Words mean nothing."

"Then let's ask Hikigaya."

Both pairs of eyes turned to me.

"We're at Ichinose's class. Save this for later."

Perfect timing. The two clicked their tongues but dropped it.

Inside, the sweet aroma of desserts filled the air. Most customers were girls or children.

"Welcome—Eh?! Ehhh!?"

Ichinose, near the entrance, gasped upon seeing us.

"Hey, Honami."

"N-Nagumo-senpai! Why are you with Hikigaya-kun and Horikita-senpai...?"

"We ran into each other. Decided to go together."

"You forced your way in."

"Don't be cold, Horikita-senpai. I wanted to talk to you too."

Horikita Manabu sighed but allowed it.

"Hikigaya, want anything?"

I glanced at the prize shelf.

"That snack set, I guess."

"That one? Can it even be knocked down?"

"It's the highest-tier prize. It's extremely difficult."

Nagumo and Horikita Manabu took aim but struggled to topple it.

"Hikigaya-senpai, want to try?"

Yagami offered me a different cork gun.

"Sure."

I took a shot—and miraculously, the prize fell.

"Congratulations. Here's your prize."

"Thanks."

Something felt off, but I accepted it.

......

"My brother was there."

"When did I first realize his existence in that white space?"

"But I remember clearly what I felt when I first saw him."

"Those empty eyes. The darkness that swallowed everything. The aura that seemed to caress my skin."

"That person was my flesh and blood."

"That person was my family."

"That person was my—brother."

"One of the two masterpieces in that facility."

"And that was... my brother."

"Seeing him, I—"

"We'll meet soon, brother."