COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 96 - 93: Smoldering Embers

The opinions about the events for the cultural festival have been shared, but none of the ideas are particularly impressive. They're all clichéd, or to put it bluntly, lackluster proposals.

"Hey, Hikigaya... and Ryuuen. Got a minute?"

After school, just as I was about to leave, Ibuki called out to me.

"Kuku, what's up, Ibuki? If you're asking me out, I might just say yes."

"As if. I'm not that bored to invite someone like you."

"Harsh."

"So, what do you need me and Ryuuen for?"

Since Ibuki and Ryuuen weren't getting anywhere, I decided to ask instead. Ibuki lowered her voice slightly before continuing.

"About the cultural festival events... I was asked to bring you two. Not that I care, though."

In other words, Ibuki was just a messenger.

"Hey, do you really need me for this? Feels like Ryuuen alone would be enough."

"Honestly, Ryuuen's more of an afterthought. You're the main one they want, but they figured they might as well show Ryuuen too."

"Damn, that's cold. So, what? You must be pretty confident if you're going this far, huh?"

At Ryuuen's question, Ibuki turned her head away and started leading us forward. It didn't seem like she was involved in the event at all, so maybe she just didn't have an answer.

Following Ibuki, we stopped in front of one of the classrooms in the special wing of the neighboring building. It looked like preparations for the event were being made here.

"Using an entire classroom for prep? Seems like they're putting in a lot of effort."

"Well, at least it's more promising than that idiot Ishizaki's ideas."

As I reached for the door to enter with Ryuuen, Ibuki stopped us.

"Wait, I forgot. Only Hikigaya goes in first. Ryuuen, you go after him."

"Huh? Just me?"

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

"Kuku, if that's what they want, fine. Hurry up and get in, dumbass."

Pushed from behind by Ryuuen, I reluctantly opened the door alone.

The first thing that caught my eye was an unexpected burst of color. The room was decorated so brightly that it was hard to believe it was the same plain, nondescript classroom.

"Welcome~!"

Led by Kinoshita, three girls greeted me, each wearing distinctive outfits.

Kinoshita and Hiyori were dressed in Western-style maid outfits. The most surprising, though, was Nishino. She was wearing what could be described as a refined, frilly dress—seeing a classmate like this was refreshing.

But the most striking was Hiyori. Kinoshita and Nishino looked great too, but Hiyori's shy expression added an extra layer of charm.

It seemed they were going to continue operating like this, so I was guided to a seat along with Ryuuen, who had followed me in, and given a menu.

"...What would you like to order, Master?"

"You're really going all out, huh, Nishino?"

"Kinoshita wouldn't take no for an answer. I couldn't just leave Shiina to do this alone."

Looking at Nishino's face, it was clear she was doing this reluctantly. The mastermind was probably Kinoshita, and Hiyori was just going along with it.

But choosing Nishino and Hiyori was the best move. Not only were they both good-looking, but more importantly, they were among the few in the class who didn't shrink back around Ryuuen.

"Not bad at all."

Ryuuen, who had been glancing around the room, unexpectedly gave a positive impression. Nishino responded with a small fist pump.

Since I was invited here too, I figured I should say something appropriate.

"I think it's pretty good too. The first impression is perfect, and the menu prices are set just right."

"Well, out of all the ideas so far, this is the least terrible."

Kinoshita and the others were about to high-five in celebration, but Nishino held back, leaving only Hiyori and Kinoshita to do it.

"You did sort out the overall budget, right? Without concrete numbers, you're no better than Ishizaki."

"Couldn't you have said that a little nicer, Ryuuen?"

"Shut up. And how long are you planning to stare at Hiyori?"

Whoops. I must've been unconsciously staring at Hiyori. No wonder she looked so flustered.

"U-Um, we've tried to keep costs down as much as possible..."

"Budget-wise, it's not the cheapest, but overall, I think it's a solid plan."

Hiyori handed Ryuuen a proposal document, covering for Nishino, who had faltered under Ryuuen's sharp criticism.

After comparing the proposal with the actual setup, Ryuuen was the first to reach a conclusion.

"...Fine. There are a few adjustments needed, but it's miles ahead of the other idiots' ideas. For now, it's on hold, but if no better options come up, we'll consider it. Though I will tweak some things."

"We did it!!"

Despite Ryuuen's condescending tone, the three of them celebrated quietly.

It wasn't a final decision, but getting Ryuuen to even consider their idea was a first. No wonder they were happy.

Once the evaluation was over, Ryuuen left as if he had no further business here. I was about to follow, but I decided to talk to Hiyori first.

"Hiyori."

Lately, I'd noticed a shadow over Hiyori's expression. She'd been putting on a cheerful front for me, but I'd tell she was uneasy about something.

When I called her name, she met my eyes, fidgeting slightly as if waiting for something. I had a feeling I knew what it was.

"That outfit looks really good on you. It's a style I've never seen you in before—it's refreshing."

"Fufu. Thank you."

Seems like I guessed right. Hiyori gave me a soft smile.

"Did you buy that outfit?"

"No, it's rented. I think the return deadline is tomorrow."

Hiyori glanced around, checking if Nishino and Kinoshita were nearby.

"...If you like this outfit, I could... come to your room like this today?"

"What do you mean?"

"...It means you can do whatever you want with me while I'm wearing this."

Is this... really okay?

Testing the waters, I gently touched Hiyori's shoulder. She flinched slightly but didn't resist.

"Then—"

My words were cut off by a sudden sound—Hiyori's phone ringing. She hurriedly pulled it out, but—

"...!"

Her face twisted in fear as she quickly typed a reply and stuffed the phone back into her pocket.

"Are you okay? You're shaking."

Just slightly, but her shoulders were trembling. Her eyes were filled with unmistakable anxiety.

But Hiyori shook her head.

"I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you."

"..."

Her forced cheerfulness was painfully obvious.

"Alright. If you say so, I won't push. But if anything happens, let me know before it gets bad, okay?"

"...Yes. Thank you."

After seeing Hiyori's faint smile, I said a quick word to Nishino and Kinoshita before leaving the classroom.

That expression Hiyori made when she saw her phone... I didn't mean to peek, but I caught a glimpse of the sender's name.

"Just as I thought."

I took out my phone and dialed Tokitou's number. He picked up almost immediately.

"Tokitou, about that surveillance I asked you to handle. Tell me what you've found."

'...Leader, it might be worse than we thought.'

"What do you mean?"

'At first, I didn't get why you'd want me to watch Okabe, but now I see how serious this is. That guy's bad news for the class.'

This might be bigger than I expected. Tokitou's tone made it clear something had happened.

"Tell me. What's going on?"

After hearing what Tokitou had to say, I made up my mind about my next move would be.

......

......

"Thank you, Shiina, Nishino! Thanks to you, our idea was a huge success!"

After Ryuuen and Hachiman left, Kinoshita happily hugged me and Nishino. It was a little suffocating, but I was genuinely happy.

"Hey, are you okay? You've seemed off for a while now."

Nishino noticed my demeanor and asked. Did I really look that down?

"...Is it about Okabe?"

"!"

"That reaction says it all. That guy's been watching you a lot lately, so I figured. The text earlier was from him, right?"

I couldn't deny it, so I nodded.

Nishino's face twisted in anger—just a little, but it was there. Was she mad on my behalf?

"What's he doing to you?"

"Right now, it's just texts. But the one just now was... different."

"How so?"

"He told me to meet him behind the special wing after school tomorrow. Said he had something important to tell me."

"That's creepy..."

I felt bad, but I agreed with Nishino.

Even though I'd finally gotten to show Hachiman this outfit, ever since that text came, I'd felt sick to my stomach.

"You definitely shouldn't go."

"I know, but... he's been texting me nonstop, saying, 'You have to come.'"

"Seriously? What's his problem? That's disgusting."

Nishino's eyes narrowed in disgust.

"At least talk to Hikigaya about it. He's strong, and he'd do anything for you, right?"

"But... Hachiman's already so busy..."

"Do you have any idea how much he spoils you? The way he acts around you is totally different. He's definitely in love with you."

"R-Really?"

I couldn't help but blush. Hachiman... in love with me?

No, no, no. I can't let my smile get too wide.

"If you do end up going, make sure to tell Hikigaya or me first, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you, Nishino."

Talking to Nishino made the weight on my chest feel lighter. I'd even made up my mind to tell Hachiman. It really helped.

"You're really kind, Nishino."

"It's nothing special."

"Fufu."

Nishino looked away, embarrassed, and I couldn't help but laugh.

......

"Thanks, Tokitou. I might need to ask for more favors later, so be ready."

'Got it, Leader. Just call me if anything else comes up.'

"Yeah."

The call with Tokitou ended.

One pleasant surprise was how much more capable Tokitou was than I'd expected. He'd far exceeded my initial impressions.

"...So, it's Okabe, huh?"

From what Tokitou told me, Okabe had gone too far. I couldn't let this slide any longer—it was time to act.

"If he backs down now, fine. But if he keeps pushing his luck... then I have no choice."

I'd been thinking about shaking things up anyway.

"Might as well use him to the fullest. Okabe's the perfect stepping stone for building new connections."

I put my phone away and started walking silently.

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