Haichiman's Super Strength

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The Next Day—Friday

The class remained unaware of the club's existence. Kanzaki and Himenoyuki were true to their word, keeping everything under wraps. If they hadn't, Hikigaya would have been far less at ease.

His daily life remained unchanged.

While sitting in the classroom, he couldn't help but notice that Himenoyuki continued to ignore him. She didn't speak to him nor acknowledge his presence, yet she acted as though it was entirely natural. Hikigaya was now convinced—this girl was just pretending to be kind.

All Day Long

Ichinose remained at the center of attention, constantly surrounded by classmates. As expected from a top student, his popularity was unmatched.

Hikigaya, on the other hand, was content to observe from the sidelines.

Until After School

Finding a rare opportunity, he cautiously approached Ichinose from behind, lowering his voice as he spoke:

"Ichinose, can I have a moment?"

After everything that had happened, it wouldn't be surprising if he was rejected. In fact, Hikigaya had already prepared for a long, drawn-out effort.

"Huh?"

Ichinose nearly jumped, clearly startled. He turned around with wide eyes.

"Jeez, Hikigaya-san, do you walk without making any sound? You scared me!"

Ichinose sighed in relief before lowering his voice.

"Actually, this is perfect. I wanted to talk to you too."

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow at the unexpected response but nodded.

"Alright, thanks."

With his hands stuffed into his pockets, he walked toward the school gates. After a brief hesitation, Ichinose followed.

Neither of them spoke.

The atmosphere felt awkward, though Hikigaya didn't particularly mind. Ichinose's expression remained complex, as if she was unsure how to begin.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the back of the teaching building.

If they had gone to Keyaki Shopping Center, it might have caused unnecessary trouble for Ichinose. This secluded area was the best option.

An Apology

Stopping in his tracks, Hikigaya pulled out a small, elegant gift box from his school bag and handed it to Ichinose.

"Here."

Ichinose blinked in surprise.

"What's this?"

Hikigaya took a moment to consider his words.

"An apology. I said some harsh things to you the other day, and I felt I should make up for it."

His tone was casual, but his words were sincere.

"But let me make this clear—you don't need to concern yourself with me out of sympathy. Let's just settle this here and move on. What do you say?"

It wasn't a grand gesture—just a pen he had picked up at a convenience store the night before. It only cost about 2,000 yen, nothing extravagant. But considering their relationship, a small token was more than enough.

Ichinose remained silent, staring at the box without moving.

Hikigaya sighed.

A broken vase couldn't be restored—he had done his part. If she refused, that was her decision.

"Sorry," Ichinose said finally, shaking her head slightly. "I can't accept this gift."

Hikigaya lowered his arms, unfazed.

"Alright."

At least he had tried. Just as he turned to leave, Ichinose spoke again.

"I've been thinking about what you said these past few days, and I realized you were right. Maybe… part of me did want to include Hikigaya-san in the class out of sympathy."

Hikigaya froze.

"I used a careless approach, and in doing so, I may have hurt your pride. So, I'm the one who should be apologizing."

No, no, my pride isn't that fragile.

Hikigaya felt an oncoming headache.

"That's not the case," he argued. "Even if your approach was flawed, your intentions weren't malicious. I also said things that might've hurt you. I should be the one apologizing."

"But the fact remains that I hurt you," Ichinose insisted.

She reached into her bag, searching for something.

Hikigaya groaned inwardly.

"I'm telling you, my heart isn't that weak. This was nothing compared to what I dealt with in middle school. You don't need to apologize."

"That may be true," Ichinose admitted, finally pulling out a small, beautifully wrapped gift box. She held it out to him with both hands.

"But to me, it matters. I don't know what you've been through, Hikigaya-san. Maybe this was just a minor incident to you, but I still feel responsible. Isn't that why you wanted to apologize in the first place?"

She smiled gently.

"So, can you accept this? Otherwise, I won't be able to forgive myself."

Her words left Hikigaya stunned.

It was true.

Both of them felt they had hurt the other, so they both wanted to apologize.

If he refused, Ichinose wouldn't be able to let it go, but it wasn't something that weighed on him as heavily.

Their relationship was simple. He hadn't expected it to deepen, nor did he particularly care if it did.

But—

Ichinose's kindness was different.

She wasn't just a good person—she was someone who genuinely tried to understand others. She was strong enough to face herself honestly.

Even if he hadn't approached her today, she likely would have found a way to apologize.

After a moment's hesitation, Hikigaya reached out with his left hand and took the gift.

"Alright."

Ichinose beamed, her bright smile blooming like spring.

She took the gift box from his right hand, her expression filled with relief.

"Now we're even!"

"Yeah… I guess so."

Hikigaya was still processing everything.

She had accepted his apology, and he had accepted hers.

It was a fresh start.

He had met kind people before, even back in middle school. Occasionally, someone would greet him out of politeness.

But—Ichinose's kindness was different.

"So," Ichinose said with a cheerful grin, "Hikigaya-kun, can we be friends from now on?"

Hikigaya hesitated.

"If… if you don't mind."

"That's great!" Ichinose nodded. "Thanks for the gift. But I have plans with Chihiro and the others today, so I'll be heading back first~"

She turned and jogged away, leaving Hikigaya standing there alone.

There was no forced concern—just natural, comfortable interaction.

Back at the Dorm

Hikigaya sat on his bed and opened the gift box Ichinose had given him.

Inside was a pendant shaped like a smiley face. It was the kind meant to be attached to a school bag.

Next to it was a small card:

"Smiling more will make you happier."

Hikigaya's face immediately turned red.

"Who would carry something this embarrassing?!"

It was far too childish. There was no way he was tying this to his school bag.

But…

It was the first time in his life that someone had given him a gift.

That alone made it worth keeping.

Hikigaya sighed, closing the box carefully.

Somewhere deep down, he felt strangely warm.

And maybe—just maybe—Ichinose's words weren't entirely wrong.

Perhaps, one day, he might actually smile a little more.

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