Chapter 32 Am I Annoying?

Student Council Room - Weekend Meeting

Despite it being the weekend, the Student Council was still operating—a harsh reality for social creatures bound by responsibilities. Hikigaya pushed open the door to the room, Sakura Airi trailing closely behind him. The atmosphere felt different. Only a handful of core members were present: the Commander, Nagumo Miyabi, and Senior Tachibana Akane, also known as "Loli senpai."

"You again?" Akane, standing behind the Commander, frowned in visible annoyance Shes not hiding she hates Hikigaya. She clearly remembered Hikigaya, her impression of him as a convoluted, eccentric individual still intact.

"Yes," Hikigaya replied flatly, placing an application form on the desk. "I'm here to submit an equipment request. Please confirm it with the Student Council."

"I see." The Commander assumed his signature composed posture. "I told you before—we send people to handle confirmations. Knowing your personality, you're not one to come here unless something's wrong. What is it?"

"This guy is truly terrifying," Hikigaya thought

"Actually," Hikigaya began hesitantly, his tone turning serious. "My student ID card was stolen."

"Eh?" Sakura Airi, standing beside him, looked shocked. "Wasn't you left your ID card to the clerk for repair?" She thought

"I see..." The Commander considered for a moment. "You're sure it was stolen and not lost?"

"Ugh. Too perceptive its starting to annoy me," Hikigaya thought, feeling pressured.

"Deceiving the Student Council is a severe violation of school rules," Akane said coldly, her gaze piercing.

"Yes, I'm certain," Hikigaya stammered.

"It seems someone targeting you." Commanders sharp gaze stared at him. Ordinary people would have been frightened by his aura instantly.

Hikigaya nodded in panic "I've noticed someone suspicious—a stalker and hes been following me recently. I think it's the clerk at the camera store."

"A stalker?" Akane and Nagumo exchanged surprised glances.

"Someones stalking you? Are you sure?" Nagumo said with disbelief.

"What's wrong with this guy?" Hikigaya thought. "Does he think Im not worth following or something? Boys should protect themselves too."

"That's right," Hikigaya affirmed nervously.

The Commander sighed his eye twitching with annoyance, glancing at Sakura Airi before nodding. "Alright. I'll petition the school to investigate the clerk. But don't expect quick results."

"No!" Hikigaya exclaimed, panicking. "There are personal photos on my phone! What if he does something weird with them?" Hikigaya crossed his arms and shivered dramatically.

"Pfft..." Sakura Airi suppressed a laugh but quickly looked away from the Commander's disapproving gaze.

"Stop it. That's disgusting," Akane said icily, while Hikigaya just rolled his eyes.

"Ah, sure sorry." Hikigaya lowered his gaze. Why is this happening? Tachibana-senpai is not the serious type, is she? Why is she so scary?

"Well." Manabu glanced at Sakura Airi, He opened the drawer below him and found a pile of documents, after skimming it for a moment he spoke "The Student Council's responsibilities are limited to matters within the school. If you wish to investigate the staff, you must obtain the school's consent. I'll call a teacher to review the situation—Sakura Airis homeroom teacher, Chabashira Sae. She's the first-year adviser for Class D. Is there any other issue?" he said firmly, his tone devoid of emotion.

Hikigaya nodded at Commander silently thanking him for seeing through his act. He glanced at Sakura and signaled to her they could now leave. She nodded and she followed him through the exit.

In this way, her secret was safe and no one would likely find it out.

Keyaki Mall Surveillance

Later, at Keyaki Mall, Hikigaya and Sakura Airi observed the camera store from a distance. A tall, stern woman with a high ponytail Chabashira-Sensei, Class D homeroom teacher—was thoroughly inspecting the store.

From his perspective, the authority of the student council in this school is alarmingly high—so much so that it can even dictate the teachers. The obese clerk caused a commotion but was swiftly subdued by the surrounding staff. Now, he could only sit on the ground, a look of utter despair etched on his face. The clerk, visibly flustered, was quickly subdued by the surrounding staff. His fate was sealed.

As for why they`re far away from the scene, it was certainly not because hes scared, Clearly not because of fear. What if the Clerk jumped over the wall and rushed to them?

"I'm not afraid," Hikigaya muttered to himself, sitting at a safe distance. "Definitely not afraid. Just... considerate of Airi's feelings."

When Chabashira finished her inspection, she approached the Commander. They walk towards Hikigaya and Sakura "Chabashira-sensei this is Hikigaya Hachiman from Class 1-B, Hikigaya shes the adviser of first-year class D Chabashira Sae " Horikita Manabu introduced them to one another.

"Hello sensei," He said and Sakura nodded to her adviser.

Some things feel off. Its only natural for Chabshira-sensei to inspect since Sakura was involved however theres no need for her to interact with him.

Chabashira regarded Hikigaya with a faint, appraising gaze. "You're certain the clerk was behaving improperly?" but her stare makes her uncomfortable like shes been sizing him up.

"Yes," Hikigaya replied firmly.

"Very well," Chabashira concluded. "The matter is resolved. He'll be dismissed and handed over to the police. You can rest easy." Then she turned to his female companion. "Sakura-kun, I didn't expect you to have friends in other classes"

"Well Uhmm," Sakura lower her gaze. Unsure of what to say to her.

Hikigaya noticed that there was some underlying tone in the Class D Adviser's words. Was it hate?

"Never mind." The teacher said nonchalantly "I`m leaving now" She turned and walked away. Just like a businesswoman who finishes her proposal. But still, this discomfort does`nt sit on him very well. Forget it, it has nothing to with him. Class D problems are Class D problems.

As the teacher left, Horikita handed Hikigaya his ID card. "The clerk claimed you left it for safekeeping during a repair."

"Really?" Hikigaya laughed awkwardly, tapping his forehead. "Must've slipped my mind." Anyway, as long it works out. It is not a big deal, He thought

"President," Akane asked coldly, gripping a folder, "May I hit him?"

Horikita said nothing as expected from the commander he wouldnt let his kouhai get hurt, turning to leave. Sensing an opportunity, Akane delivered a swift knock to Hikigaya's head.

"What was that for?! He didnt agree to hit me " Hikigaya exclaimed.

"Silent means yes." She said seemingly satisfied hitting his head, "Your action was just too annoying. Everyone could tell at a glance that you're helping Sakura Airi. Although I didn`t know why you hide it. It was your fault for causing unnecessary trouble for everyone." After saying that Tachibana turned around and ran toward the Commander walking together with him.

Hikigaya rubbed his head. He looks at her and asks "Am I really that annoying?"

"No!" Sakura exclaimed, her cheeks flushed. "I thought you were quite... amusing."

"Really?" Hikigaya's confidence returned momentarily. "Still, you should ask for help when you need it." Although he doesn't believe in seeking help when faced with problems, it's evident that Sakura Airi is not an independent individual. It causes him to worry for her.

"Mm-hmm!" Airi nodded eagerly. "By the way, I'll make sure to repay those 20,000 points!"

"Don't rush it, Just pay me if you have enough points" Hikigaya said, waving her off as he left.

Watching him go, Airi's face fell realizing something but its too late. "I don't even have his contact information... How will I repay him?"