The fight that everyone expected didn't happen. Instead, the second-year student from Class A just left in embarrassment after throwing out a "Just you wait!"
The noisy scene quickly returned to normal.
But compared to before, people were now looking at Hikigaya with a strange mix of curiosity.
Afterward, Hikigaya sent money to the guy behind him as compensation for the spilled drink.
"You've got guts, man!"
The guy gave Hikigaya a thumbs-up and whispered, "Now that's what a real man does! Your girlfriend was being bullied, of course you had to step in and teach that guy a lesson!"
Hikigaya's face stiffened. He quickly said, "We're not like that. You've got it all wrong."
"Ohh, I see how it is."
The upperclassman nodded knowingly, then patted Hikigaya on the shoulder. "After this, I'd say you have a real chance!"
...What exactly do you think you understand?!
Hikigaya felt a headache coming on.
Once things settled down, Ichinose lowered her head in silence. Hikigaya didn't say anything either. The two of them remained quiet for a long time until Ichinose finally couldn't hold it in anymore and spoke in a guilty voice.
"I'm sorry, Hikigaya-kun… It's all because of me…"
She knew Hikigaya had stepped in to help her. She also knew it was her hesitation—her attempt to handle the situation peacefully—that had led to this.
It was all her fault.
"Huh? Ichinose, what are you talking about?"
Hikigaya frowned impatiently. "I've been waiting here for almost an hour, and then I had to watch that guy act all high and mighty just because he's older. If you were in my place, you'd be pissed too."
"But… he's an upperclassman. And now your class will lose points because of this. I just…"
"And?"
Hikigaya looked at her blankly. "So what if he's older? If the only thing he has to show for himself is his age, that just means he has nothing else going for him. Respect isn't something you get just because you're older—it's something you earn. And in this school, the ones who keep talking about seniority are usually the weakest ones. Strength is what really matters here."
"And what do you mean by losing points for my class?"
Hikigaya sneered. "Ichinose, you should know that Class D lost all its points in the first month. Every month after that, there were more problems. And don't even get me started on what happened in July. So when they lose points, it's just part of the system. But when I lose points, it's suddenly a big deal? They get to be forgiven, but I don't? What kind of logic is that?"
"I…"
Ichinose was at a loss for words.
Just then, it was finally their turn for the fortune-telling. She had no choice but to put the conversation aside as the two of them entered the tent.
Inside, the tent was dimly lit, and the space was so small that Hikigaya and Ichinose couldn't help but be close to each other.
Even though Hikigaya tried his best to keep his distance, it was impossible to avoid all contact. A light, pleasant fragrance drifted into his nose.
Hikigaya: "…"
He glanced at Ichinose nervously, but she didn't seem to react. Seeing this, he quietly let out a breath of relief.
But because of the dim lighting, he didn't notice that the tips of Ichinose's ears had turned slightly red.
The only light inside the tent came from a small hanging lamp that gave off a warm, yellow glow.
Under the lamp was a table covered with a deep purple cloth, holding a crystal ball and a deck of tarot cards.
Sitting behind the table was a fortune teller wearing a cloak that covered half of her face. But from what was visible, it was clear she was a middle-aged woman.
The dim lighting, the fortune teller's outfit, and the sudden silence inside the tent all created a mysterious, unpredictable, and slightly thrilling atmosphere.
As they stood in front of the fortune teller, Hikigaya curiously looked around and casually said,
"I thought there would be candles and incense, like in the movies."
"There's a fire hazard."
Hikigaya: "…"
That response completely shut him up.
The fortune teller looked at the two of them. "Which one of you would like to go first? You can ask about academics, finances, love, health, and more. But please note that you can only ask up to three questions."
Hikigaya glanced at Ichinose, making his meaning obvious. Seeing this, Ichinose spoke up. "Hello, I'd like to ask about my studies."
The fortune teller nodded, shuffled the tarot deck again, and placed it on the table, letting Ichinose pick three cards freely.
After hesitating for a moment, Ichinose picked one from the top, one from the middle, and one from the bottom. The fortune teller flipped them over, studied them for a moment, and said, "You're doing well in your studies. Although you'll face some ups and downs along the way, things will turn out fine in the end."
Ichinose smiled at the response. Whether it was true or not, everyone liked hearing good news, and she was no exception.
"My second question is about my family's health."
Ichinose had clearly thought about her questions in advance. She drew three more cards.
"Their health is somewhat unstable, meaning they have some health concerns. But don't worry—this card represents life and vitality, which suggests that any illnesses will only be temporary. Overall, things look quite optimistic."
The tense expression on Ichinose's face slowly eased. When she first heard "health concerns," her body tensed up, and even Hikigaya, sitting beside her, could feel the change in her mood.
"Young lady, you have one last question. Think carefully."
As the fortune teller spoke, she glanced at Hikigaya. Ichinose was startled for a moment before her face turned slightly red. She hesitated, then spoke in a small voice. "I... I want to ask about love. Is that okay?"
The fortune teller chuckled. "Of course! Love is an important part of every girl's growth."
But when she turned over the three tarot cards Ichinose had drawn, she suddenly froze. She looked up at Ichinose, then subtly glanced at Hikigaya with a somewhat strange expression.
"You have very clear luck in love. You'll end up with the person you like."
Ichinose's eyes lit up with joy, but the next second, the fortune teller's words hit her like a bucket of cold water.
"But the journey will be full of obstacles. You'll go through multiple breakups and reconciliations, and there's even a risk of things falling apart completely."
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