Chapter 44: Using Their Own Words

"It's nothing..." Kawasaki Saki quickly regained control over her emotions. Her earlier outburst had merely been the result of everything lately pressing down on her nerves, causing her to momentarily lose her composure. Once she came back to her senses, she realized that Hikigaya Hachiman was just trying to help her. She simply didn't like the way he went about it. "I'll only take my share of the money. I'll transfer the rest back to you right now..." "Wait..." Hikigaya Hachiman reached out and held Kawasaki Saki's phone, stopping her from transferring the money back. "You really deserve it..." He gave a bitter smile as he briefly explained what had happened after Kawasaki left the previous night. Of course, he didn't mention the power of those malevolent spirits or his later suspicions. He only said that the client, in a last moment of conscience, gave him all the money he had before committing suicide. "But this is way too much!" Upon hearing Hikigaya's explanation, Kawasaki Saki's expression softened considerably, and a hint of guilt appeared in her eyes as she looked at him. She never expected to get paid this much from just one job. "This is your rightful share." Hikigaya's tone allowed no room for argument. He had already promised Kawasaki one-twelfth of the commission fee. There was no way he would go back on his word just because the total amount ended up being more than expected. "But it really is too much. The tutoring fees don't cost this much..." Feeling that she was in the wrong, Kawasaki's tone grew unconsciously meek. She mumbled awkwardly, trying to return the money that went beyond what was needed for tutoring. "So, are you trying to make me someone who goes back on his word?" As the saying goes: return one's own words to them. Earlier, Kawasaki had used moral high ground to pressure Hikigaya into taking the extra money back. Now that the situation was reversed, he used the same tactic to stop her from returning the money. "That's not what I meant..." Hearing something so familiar, Kawasaki froze for a moment, then tried to defend herself. "Then just keep the money." Hikigaya decisively closed the topic. Since Kawasaki didn't want him to be someone who breaks promises, then she had no choice but to accept the money. "I..." Kawasaki opened her mouth, but suddenly didn't know what to say. She had called Hikigaya out to question why he gave her so much money—how had it turned into her disrespecting him by not accepting it? "Alright, let's wrap this up..." At some point, Hiratsuka Shizuka had appeared at the corner of the hallway. She clapped her hands, drawing the attention of both Hikigaya and Kawasaki. "Shizuka-sensei?!" Seeing her, Kawasaki immediately tensed up. After all, they had just been discussing money, and with her usual reputation, it was easy for others to jump to certain conclusions. In contrast, Hikigaya remained much more composed. He had dealt with Hiratsuka for over a year now—they understood each other well. He knew she wouldn't misunderstand like Kawasaki feared. "Alright, Kawasaki-san, first period is about to start. Head back to class and get ready. As for you, Hikigaya, come with me to the office and give me a proper explanation..." "Wait, Sensei, this has nothing to do with him!" Because she was more familiar with Hikigaya, Hiratsuka chose to question him. But Kawasaki misunderstood her intention. From her point of view, there were only two reasons a student would be called to the office—and none of the good ones applied to Hikigaya. Words like "call the parents," "public reprimand," and "expulsion" instantly flashed through her mind. This was clearly something she couldn't accept. So instead of obediently going back to class, she stepped in front of Hikigaya, intending to explain everything. "Did you not hear what I said, Kawasaki-san?" Looking at the girl blocking her way, Hiratsuka's eyes flashed with approval, though her face remained stern. If it were any other girl, she'd probably have run away by now, not caring what happened to Hikigaya. But Hiratsuka was still a teacher, and as such, had to maintain a strict image to discipline other students. "I..." Kawasaki trembled under Hiratsuka's sudden authoritative aura. That natural fear of teachers welled up inside her. "It's fine. You should go back." Just as Kawasaki was gathering the courage to speak up again, Hikigaya's calm voice came from behind her. "Are you sure?" Hearing the steadiness in his voice, she asked quietly. "Of course." Hikigaya replied firmly. Knowing Hiratsuka's personality, even if something really had happened between them, at worst, she'd just beat him up and force him to change his ways. But nothing like that had even happened. "Then... take care of yourself." Hearing his reassurance, Kawasaki let out a breath of relief. After apologizing to Hiratsuka for her earlier rudeness, she quickly left the stairwell. "...Looks like your words work better than mine with that kid now." Watching Kawasaki walk away, Hiratsuka, who had been leaning against the wall, now stepped forward with a smile. "I think I can explain this..." Hikigaya instantly sensed the killing intent beneath her seemingly calm tone. He quickly raised both hands in surrender, showing he had no intention of resisting. "You'd better explain it clearly!" Hiratsuka glared at him fiercely, grabbed his arm, and dragged him toward the office. Since class had already started, they didn't run into any students along the way. But what surprised Hikigaya was that even the office was eerily quiet—there were no other teachers. "Don't bother looking. The principal called them all in for a meeting this morning..." Seemingly aware of what Hikigaya was thinking, Hiratsuka explained before he could even ask. She pulled out a cigarette from her pocket, took a deep drag, then looked at the student before her with a complicated expression. "Now then, don't you think it's time you explained things to me?"