COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 127 - 122: Intertwined Love

After taking the bus to the ski resort, we arrived. During the trip, I hadn't paid much attention, but it seemed many groups had chosen skiing for the second day, just like us. It made sense—most students wouldn't want to miss out on Hokkaido's signature activity after just one day.

Thud.

"Ugh..."

"U-Um, Shiina-san, are you okay...?"

While walking through the snow toward the ski lift, I heard a familiar sound from behind. Turning around, sure enough, Hiyori had taken a spectacular tumble. Matsushita reached out to help her up, looking concerned.

"Surprising. I didn't expect you to ignore her."

Watching Hiyori get up with Matsushita's help out of the corner of my eye, Kamuro, who had somehow ended up beside me, spoke up.

"Ignore? What do you mean?"

"Shiina. You saw her fall, right? Normally, you'd rush over to help."

It seemed Kamuro was bothered that I'd noticed but hadn't done anything.

"Matsushita was right there. I figured she didn't need me."

"So you won't help if someone else can?"

"Bad way to put it... It's more like girls have their own way of handling things."

If Hiyori had asked for help, I would've moved. But for a small incident like that, she had people around her who cared.

"If Hiyori had fallen right in front of me, I would've helped. But Matsushita got there first. That's all."

"Hmm."

Kamuro was the one who brought this up, but now she seemed disinterested.

"You're the one who asked, and now you're bored? Why even bring it up?"

"Just curious. The way I see it, you'd drag yourself over bleeding if something happened to Shiina or Sakayanagi."

"Your image of me is way too extreme..."

"Sorry for the weird question."

Her half-hearted apology hung in the air as we finally reached the ski lift. Like yesterday, I ended up sharing it with Kamuro.

"Wait, you're going for the advanced course again?"

"Nah, intermediate today. I'll take it easy and enjoy myself."

"...You say that like you didn't just try skiing for the first time yesterday."

I pretended not to hear that last mutter.

After the lift, Kamuro and I split up—she headed for the advanced course, while I was the only one in our group choosing intermediate. Hiyori, Matsushita, and Himeno stuck to beginner. Hirata, meanwhile, was busy teaching classmates who couldn't ski, so he was practically a permanent resident of the beginner slopes.

Since I'd already mastered the basics, I glided smoothly down the intermediate course. The gentler slope compared to advanced made it far more enjoyable.

"...Huh?"

Slowing to a stop, I scanned the area and spotted a lone student struggling to even walk forward—Yamamura, moving at a snail's pace. A few other Class A students passed by without noticing her.

...Being invisible must be tough.

"Yamamura."

"! ...H-Hikigaya-kun?"

Just calling her name made her jump. Did she really get startled that easily?

"Y-You noticed me...?"

"I've got good peripheral vision. Something wrong? This is the intermediate course."

From what I'd seen yesterday, Yamamura hadn't fully grasped the basics yet. Intermediate was pushing it. Even from a distance, she looked like she was struggling just to walk on the slope.

"Um, I'm fine..."

Bowing slightly, Yamamura resumed her painfully slow advance.

"At this rate, it'll be noon by the time you get back."

"Ugh...!"

My jab hit a nerve—her shoulders stiffened.

"Doesn't seem like you came here on purpose."

"...No."

Yamamura stopped and finally faced me, resigned.

"Why'd you leave the beginner course? It's not like the paths are confusing."

The courses were clearly separated. Once you got off the lift, it was hard to get lost.

Yamamura stayed silent, either unable or unwilling to answer.

"You don't have to say if you don't want to."

"Th-Thank you..."

Relief washed over her—clearly, it was something she didn't want to share.

"Were you skiing alone?"

If she'd been with someone, I could've just sent her back with them. But Yamamura hesitated, her eyes darting away uncomfortably.

"Y-Yes. I don't have many friends, so..."

"Really? Class A doesn't seem like the type to leave someone behind."

"I'm... easy to overlook. They probably didn't even notice I was alone. It happens a lot, so I'm used to it."

She stated it matter-of-factly, fully aware of her own invisibility.

"I see."

Yamamura was... an interesting type. The curiosity I'd felt since yesterday grew slightly.

"Um, really, I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me."

Even if she said that, I couldn't just leave her. I wanted to talk more, and... her pace made me doubt she'd make it back anytime soon.

"Yamamura, can I ask you something?"

"Wh-What is it...?"

"You've been practicing alone, right?"

"Y-Yes...? Well, I guess so."

"Making progress?"

"...Not really."

Self-study could only take you so far.

Yamamura looked confused, unsure where this line of questioning was going.

"If you'd like, I can teach you. Not anything advanced—just the basics, like how to move."

"Eh...!?"

Her voice jumped an octave, eyes widening in shock.

"N-No, I couldn't! I can't take up your time like that—"

"But at this rate, it'll be dark by the time you get back."

"I-I'll manage!"

She refused almost defensively. Was she that wary of people?

Still, I genuinely wanted to talk to her, and... I wasn't confident she'd make it back alone. I'd have to persuade her, one way or another.

........

In the end, Yamamura caved.

She kept apologizing for relying on me, but we eventually compromised—she'd treat me to a drink back at the inn. Otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed.

"W-Wah!?"

"Whoa, you okay?"

During practice, Yamamura nearly fell, but I caught her arm just in time.

"S-Sorry! Th-Thank you!"

"Don't worry about it. You're getting the hang of it, aren't you?"

After some instruction, she'd improved noticeably. Her speed was almost average now.

"It's amazing. I couldn't move at all earlier, but now... I can feel myself improving."

For the first time, Yamamura smiled softly, pleased with her progress.

"Glad to hear it. I just taught you the basics—you're a fast learner."

"N-No. It's because you're a good teacher... It's easier to understand than yesterday's lesson..."

I'd just rephrased what I'd learned yesterday. The difference was all Yamamura.

"You look happy."

Still practicing, Yamamura's expression was childishly bright, like a kid mastering something new. She seemed to realize it too, stiffening before ducking her head slightly.

"Yesterday... I thought I'd never get better at skiing. So being able to do it now makes me really happy... Thanks to you."

"Don't mention it. I enjoyed it too. You're a good student."

"A good student...? For someone like me... Thank you."

She bowed again, but her self-deprecating tone didn't go unnoticed.

"Someone like me"—it was a habit, a reflex. Her lack of confidence was ingrained, thanks to her invisibility.

"It's almost noon. I'm heading back—what about you?"

"Ah! I have to meet up by noon too, but..."

She cut herself off, hesitating. Given her personality, she was probably...

"Then let's go back together."

"R-Really...?"

"If that's okay with you."

"O-Okay."

As I thought, she'd been worried about imposing. My offer was the right move.

We skied back side by side—well, more like I adjusted to her pace.

"Try not to fall this time."

"...Don't tease me."

Mentioning her earlier stumble made her cheeks flush.

........

At noon, Group 9 gathered at the ski resort's attached restaurant. It was a food court setup, so everyone ordered what they wanted. I went for soup curry—it caught my eye first.

My first time trying soup curry was a success. After finishing, I headed to the restroom, only to find an unwelcome guest already there.

"Tch. Of all people to run into..."

"Don't say it like meeting me is bad luck. That hurts, you know?"

Ryuuen, having just washed his hands, smirked as I walked past him. Ignoring his jab, I decided to make conversation.

"Your group's been making waves, huh?"

"I've been keeping my head down. Well, except when Kitou picks fights."

Unsurprisingly, Kitou and Ryuuen were like oil and water. I'd seen them clash multiple times. Kushida occasionally mediated, but it never lasted.

"It's a school trip. Can't you get along for once?"

"School trip? More like a scouting mission. Gotta drag Sakayanagi down a peg."

Preparing for the final exam, no doubt. Gathering intel to gain an edge.

"What about you? Getting cozy with Shiina and Matsushita, huh?"

"Your way of phrasing things is really bad."

I didn't need to look to know Ryuuen was grinning like a shark.

"If things get messy, let me know. I'll bring popcorn."

"Sorry to disappoint. Hiyori, Matsushita—our whole group's getting along."

"Heh. Watching your group implode over one misstep would be hilarious."

"Don't jinx it."

Finishing up, I caught Ryuuen's smirk in the mirror. How did he get so good at pushing buttons?

"Tch. Of all people to walk out with..."

We'd been talking long enough that we ended up leaving the restroom at the same time. The thought of other students seeing us together made even me cringe.

"If people think we're buddies, I'll puke. You go first."

"Yeah, yeah..."

Shoved ahead by Ryuuen, I scanned the crowded food court—and spotted two familiar faces surrounded by five guys who looked like college students. The tension was palpable.

"Oi. What's going on?"

"Ryuuen, look."

"Huh...?"

Nishino and Yamamura were being cornered, clearly in a hostile exchange.

"You bumped into me and didn't even apologize? My jacket's ruined!"

"You're the ones who didn't notice Yamamura walking right in front of you!"

"What, your friend's a ghost or something? Right, guys?"

"...I-I'm sorry..."

Unlike Nishino, Yamamura's voice was barely audible. She'd probably apologized multiple times already.

"Heh. This'll be fun."

"Not for them. ...Wait, Hiyori?"

Hiyori, who must've been passing by, noticed Nishino and Yamamura—but not the hostile atmosphere.

"Nishino-san, are these your friends?"

"Hiyori!? Of course not!"

"Woah, this girl's cute. Wanna hang out with us?"

"Huh? Wha—?"

...Of course it'd play out like this.

"...The hell's she doing?"

Even Ryuuen was stunned.

"Hiyori's... never been in a situation like this. She's close with Nishino, so she probably just spoke without thinking."

"Can't someone fix that airhead?"

I had no rebuttal.

Things were escalating, so Ryuuen and I moved in—though Ryuuen struck first.

"The hell!?"

"You're in our way. Got a problem with my people?"

Ryuuen kicked one guy in the back before grabbing another by the collar.

"Quit crying like a chick in front of girls."

"You bastard—!!"

"Try it. Want a free shot? Souvenir from your school trip."

He tapped his cheek tauntingly.

"Fine! Don't blame me!"

The guy swung—

"Hey, wait—"

—and Ryuuen kneed him in the gut before the punch landed. The guy crumpled, writhing.

"Heh. School trip just got interesting."

"Not for them."

The other guys glared, sizing us up. They weren't looking for one-on-one fights—just to overwhelm us with numbers.

Then, like a reinforcement, Kitou appeared.

"I'll help. Hikigaya."

"What, nothing for me?"

"I'd never help you. I'll back Hikigaya to the fullest."

"Annoying. Turn around and leave."

"You first, Ryuuen."

"Stop fighting each other."

I stepped between them.

"Tch. Fine. Let's take this outside."

Luckily, even Ryuuen and Kitou knew better than to brawl indoors. They herded the guys outside. With those two around, I wasn't needed, but if they started fighting afterward, it'd be trouble. Reluctantly, I followed.

........

10 minutes later.

"S-Sorry...!"

After thoroughly beating the fight out of them, we made the guys kneel and apologize to Nishino, Yamamura, and—somehow dragged into this—Hiyori.

"You call this an apology? Grovel properly."

"Wasting my time with trash like you."

Ryuuen grinned, forcing one guy's face into the snow, while Kitou glared coldly. Nishino and Hiyori looked awkward, but Yamamura was outright terrified.

"If I see your faces again..."

"Next time, you won't walk away."

A final warning, and the guys scrambled off. My first inter-school "incident" had somehow turned into a brawl.

"...Yamamura?"

A tug on my sleeve made me turn—Yamamura, trembling, had grabbed it unconsciously. She quickly let go.

"S-Sorry...!"

"Don't worry. What's wrong?"

"I-I've never seen a fight like that... My heart's still pounding..."

In other words, she was scared. And since I was the one she was most familiar with, she'd latched onto me.

"You can hold onto my sleeve until you calm down."

"...Thank you."

After a brief hesitation, she timidly gripped my sleeve again. Normally, she'd refuse, but between the shock and our earlier ski lesson, her guard was down.

........

We skied until evening, returning to the inn just before 7 p.m. I could've kept going, but leaving while still wanting more was probably for the best.

With the second day winding down, I stopped by the souvenir shop.

"Lots of people to buy for..."

Amasawa and Takuya, of course, but also underclassmen like Nanase and Takahashi, and upperclassmen like Nazuna, Nagumo, and Kiryuuin. My social circle had grown.

Then, my phone buzzed.

"A call... from Hiyori?"

I answered immediately.

"What's up?"

"Oh, um, where are you right now?"

"Checking out the souvenirs. Didn't see anything good, so I was about to head back."

"Then, um... can we meet up?"

Her voice was hesitant, almost shy.

"Feeling clingy?"

"! ...Yes..."

Bingo. Even over the phone, I could tell she was blushing.

"Meet me at the private baths. Less crowded."

"Okay!"

Her cheerful reply made me hang up and head out. Good thing I'd scouted the area earlier, anticipating Hiyori's patience running out.

I arrived first. The dim lighting made it perfect for a secret meetup.

Hiyori soon appeared in her yukata, immediately burying her face in my chest and wrapping her arms tightly around me.

"Still as clingy as ever."

Sitting on the ground, I stroked her hair just the way she liked. Every touch, every gesture—I knew what made her happy.

"Is being clingy... bad?"

"If you're happy, I don't mind. I like spending time with you too."

"I love it too. Being petted by you, hugged by you—I love all of it."

She nuzzled closer, melting under my touch. Then, a faint scent hit me.

"Did you already go to the baths?"

"I stopped by before coming here. Why?"

"I knew it. You smell nice. And you're warm."

The sourc𝗲 of this content is freēwēbηovel.c૦m.

Hiyori's body temperature was naturally high, but she felt even warmer now. And that sweet fragrance when her hair swayed—it reminded me of last night's mystery.

"Why do girls always smell so good? We use the same shampoo."

"I don't know... Body chemistry?"

"Body chemistry, huh?"

A weak answer, but if even Hiyori didn't know, I certainly wouldn't.

"As long as it's a smell you like, I don't care what it is."

Her sweet words made me hug her tighter. Warm from the bath, her body heat seeped into mine.

"Hehe. Squeeze me harder."

"You really love being hugged."

"How could I not? It feels so good... I never want to let go."

"That's not happening. Time's up."

She puffed her cheeks in protest, but another stroke softened her expression. Every little reaction was unbearably cute.

"Hey, Hiyori."

"Hmm?"

"Hypothetically... what if I disappeared?"

"...Huh?"

Her face froze, confusion flashing across her features.

"Why would you say that...?"

"Just a what-if. If I had to leave the school—say, got expelled—what would you do?"

Relieved it was hypothetical, she frowned, imagining the scenario. Then, she smiled sadly.

"I'd drop out too."

"...Isn't that too rash?"

"Not at all. I can't imagine life without you anymore."

Extreme, but to her, it might've been the only option.

"So... let me stay by your side forever."

I answered by holding her tighter.

"...Thinking about this made me lonely. Let me feel you more."

Her heated, dazed eyes locked onto mine as she cupped my face, leaning in.

The kiss deepened, tongues tangling greedily. Even when breathless, she refused to pull away. A string of saliva connected us when we finally parted, but her flushed skin and hazy expression stole my focus.

"Hah... hah... I love you. More."

"...You really love kissing too."

"Love it... love kissing you... love you."

She looped her arms around my neck, diving back in.

"Stop."

"Nn!?"

Blocking her with a hand, I earned a bewildered look.

"W-Why...?"

"Look at yourself. Your yukata's coming undone."

"Ah..."

Too lost in the moment, she hadn't noticed her loosened obi. Her shoulders, pale and slightly pink from the bath, were fully exposed, and the curves of her thighs pressed against my lap. Combined with her current expression, this wasn't something anyone else should see.

"You'll catch a cold. Fix your clothes."

Not that I hadn't seen everything already, but I averted my eyes reflexively.

Then, a whisper slipped out.

"......Wanna do it?"

Still disheveled, she hugged her arms around her chest, emphasizing its fullness.

"Tempting, but no."

"..."

"Don't look at me like that. If another student walks by and sees you like this..."

"Then... later? Back in the room...?"

"If that's what you want, I'll oblige."

Her face lit up with joy and embarrassment as she clung to me again.

........

+ Side Story

I regret coming... but I'm glad I did.

Not that I'm happy about what I saw.

At first, it wasn't curiosity—just concern—that made Shiina-san stand out to me.

"Shiina-san, where are you going?"

"...Just to the souvenir shop. You can go back to the room first, Matsushita-san."

Leaving the baths, Shiina-san spoke quickly, almost impatiently, and hurried off. I didn't think much of it until I realized she was heading the opposite direction of the souvenir shop.

Having explored the inn with Hikigaya-kun yesterday, I knew the layout. The souvenir shop was nowhere near where she was going. Worry and curiosity led me to follow.

She stopped near the private baths, a secluded area. Silencing my footsteps, I peeked around the corner—

"Still as clingy as ever."

"Eh—"

—and there was Shiina-san, smiling blissfully, being hugged, petted, and doted on.

I knew that face. The one she only showed to him.

I clamped a hand over my mouth, holding my breath. But even without straining, their voices carried.

"Is being clingy... bad?"

"If you're happy, I don't mind. I like spending time with you too."

"I love it too. Being petted by you, hugged by you—I love all of it."

My hands trembled. Their words echoed in my ears, and soon, my whole body shook.

"Ah... ngh..."

Pathetic, weak whimpers escaped. I'd always thought of myself as mature. I'd hidden my abilities, navigated life smoothly—so why was I acting like a child now?

"N-No...! Why...!?"

Finally, I understood.

I'd been suppressing my feelings. I loved him—so much it hurt—but I'd held back, hesitated, stayed half-hearted. If I'd been more proactive, more honest like Shiina-san... I would've been the one in his arms.

I knew it was my fault for being slow. But still...

"Uwaah...! Why not me...!? My chest is bigger...! I could do so much more...! Hikigaya-kun, you idiot...!!"

Jealousy twisted into childish complaints. But it was fine. I'd only cry this once.

I knew myself best. I was cunning, underhanded, and shrewd. Soon, I'd stop crying and start acting.

Hey, Hikigaya-kun. I'm a logical person, you know?

If I confessed... how would you react?

=================================

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