Horikita SS: Contradiction?

I continued the discussion with Karuizawa-san about the alliance between Class C and Class D.

“Class D is… unique," I went on. “Seeing Class C in a damaged state, they might have felt sympathy. But even so, accepting a half-destroyed enemy so suddenly shouldn’t have been easy. Forming an alliance without prior coordination— there should have been serious resistance.”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Karuizawa-san said thoughtfully. “Hirata-kun and the others were saying the same thing. Stuff like maybe Class C gave up their victory and handed over private points, or some other kind of deal. Everyone’s been guessing.”

When I mentioned how early Ayanokōji-kun had made contact with Ichinose-san, she nodded emphatically.

“I see…” Karuizawa-san's agreement came swift and certain. “Yeah, I think you're right. Actually, I'm sure of it.”

For someone like me, who needed certainty rather than speculation, her words felt decisive.

With this, I was able to organize my thoughts a little and move forward.

Of course, it also meant that I’d gained one more thing to worry about.

“Hey… about before,” Karuizawa-san said hesitantly, her voice softening. “You kind of dodged the question last time, but… can I ask you something more directly now?”

She looked almost embarrassed as she met my gaze.

“Dodged it? I’m not sure what you mean,” I asked, puzzled.

The words she replied with to my question were—

“Even now— when you and Ayanokōji-kun are clearly on opposing sides— do you still like him, Horikita-san?”

For a moment, my thoughts nearly froze.

At the same time, a memory surfaced— right after Ayanokōji-kun transferred classes. The trigger that had brought Karuizawa-san and me closer. Our exchange on the bench.

“What? T-That's what you meant by ‘direct’?” I blurted out.

“It’s important to me,” Karuizawa-san said simply.

“I already told you— I’ve never liked anyone like that.”

Just like before, I denied it.

“But you’re flustered,” Karuizawa-san immediately pointed out.

“That’s a ridiculous argument. Anyone would be shaken if you suddenly asked them whether they like someone or not.”

“Then how about Sudō-kun?” Karuizawa-san asked lightly. “Do you like him?”

“Of course not. He's a reliable classmate, that's all.” I answered immediately.

“See? Instant answer,” Karuizawa-san didn’t miss it and replied with a sly grin, pointing at me. “Same kind of question, totally different reaction.”

“Th–That’s—”

She wasn’t wrong.

Ayanokōji-kun and Sudō-kun were both, objectively, just male classmates.

And yet, inside me, something didn’t line up.

A faint, undeniable contradiction.

“If you’re holding back because of me, then don’t,” Karuizawa-san said gently.

Holding back…?

Are you saying... that it's alright for us to fall for the same person?

No, in the first place, I... about him...

Before I could organize my thoughts, Karuizawa-san continued.

“I don’t think liking the same person is something wrong at all. And besides…”

Her expression clouded for just a moment.

“And besides… what?” I couldn’t help but press her.

That fleeting look stayed with me.

However, asking her to continue— might not have been the right choice.