COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 115 - 111: Unexpected Encounter

Time Flies – November 12th, Friday, the Day Before the Cultural Festival

The days passed quickly, and before we knew it, it was November 12th—Friday, the day before the cultural festival.

Every class was steadily preparing, and today was the dress rehearsal led by the student council. This was a crucial test run for tomorrow's main event.

"Hey, hold on a second."

During preparations for our main attraction—a traditional Japanese-style maid café—I shoved a menu I'd never seen before in Ryūen's face.

Without so much as a flicker in his expression, Ryūen turned to me with a nihilistic smirk.

"What's this 'extra option' nonsense?"

"Heh. Exactly what it looks like. Exclusive to you."

The menu listed things like "holding hands like lovers," "hugs," "kabedon," and other such acts, all priced at a premium. And these extra options were only for me—none of the other girls working customer service had them.

"There's no way this'll sell. Get rid of it now."

"If it doesn't sell, there's no harm in leaving it there. Too late to rewrite it now."

So that's why Ryūen hadn't discussed the menu draft with me. With the deadline looming, revisions were next to impossible.

"No... This is just too much..."

I could maybe understand something like "holding hands like lovers," but the most expensive option was something as ridiculous as "sweet whispers." What the hell was I even supposed to do with that?

As I sighed in exasperation, my gaze landed on Hiyori, who was practicing at the register—even though she was supposed to be on customer service duty.

"I thought you were doing customer service, Hiyori?"

When I asked, she deliberately averted her eyes.

"Well, um... There was a bit of an issue, so I'm handling payments exclusively."

"An issue?"

"I just... couldn't stop looking..."

"At what?"

"...At you."

Almost as if annoyed I hadn't noticed, Hiyori puffed out her cheeks.

Now that she mentioned it, I had caught her staring at me a lot during customer service practice.

"I just kept getting distracted by you... I tried practicing carrying trays, but I couldn't focus..."

Well, I guess it was a matter of playing to her strengths. As long as she could handle the register smoothly, it was fine.

Since Hiyori was working hard too, I needed to steel myself—the café would be opening soon.

...

After styling my hair, putting on the fake glasses, and donning the kimono as per the concept, I was ready.

Right from opening, an unexpected number of male students from other classes flooded in.

Most seemed less interested in the food and more in catching a glimpse of the girls in cosplay—but that was fine. It'd be good experience for tomorrow's main event.

At first, the customers were all male, which was a relief—no need to worry about those extra options. But then, the first female customer arrived.

"Am I the first one here?"

"Yeah. Didn't expect anyone to show up right after opening, though."

"But that was our promise, wasn't it? ♡"

With a sweet voice, Amanaze stepped into the classroom—right on schedule, as promised.

The male customers at their tables turned to stare. Amanaze was a ridiculously beautiful girl. With her blushing while looking at me, of course she'd draw attention.

"Wow~!"

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe before her cheeks relaxed into a dazed expression. Overwhelmed, Amanaze shook her head vigorously before bouncing up and down.

"So handsome~! Too handsome~! I love it~! ♡"

"You're overdoing it. It's kinda embarrassing."

"That kimono is so... lewd... ♡"

She'd already praised me more than enough, so I decided to guide her to her seat. I'd mostly learned customer service from videos anyway.

"To think you'd be the one serving me... Can I... even hold back...?"

I caught some ominous muttering, but it was best not to dwell on it.

"Here's the menu. Please call me when you've decided on your order."

As I tried to leave after seating her (using polite speech, as required), Amanaze grabbed my arm.

"Ehh? Don't go~! It's fine if one server's missing, right? Have tea with me? I'll pay all the points~!"

"Even if you say that..."

"Muuu. Fine, I'll negotiate directly! Heyyy, Ryūen-senpaaai, sitting all smug over there~!"

...Good thing I'd seated her in a corner. If I'd gotten stuck like this in the middle of the café, customer service would've been impossible.

Ryūen glanced at me—still firmly held in place—before smirking.

"Heyyy, Ryūen-senpaaai~! There aren't any other female customers yet, so let me have him all to myself~!"

"Heh. Not a chance. That guy's a golden goose."

"Come onnn~! We're friends, aren't we?"

"Don't remember ever being friends with you."

Seeing Ryūen wouldn't budge, Amanaze pulled out her phone and the menu—her last resort.

"Then how about this? I'll order all the extra options, so give him to me~!"

The extra options were all priced steeply. Ordering all of them would cost a fortune.

"Not a bad offer. But you got enough points for that?"

"Of course~! Here, take a good look~!"

Ryūen narrowed his eyes at the number displayed on her phone: 2,210,000 points. He clearly hadn't expected Amanaze—of all people—to have that much.

"...Fine. Order all the extras, and he's yours."

"Ryūen-senpai, you're the best~! So reasonable~!"

"But only for 30 minutes. Not a second more."

"Meh, good enough~!"

The two settled it without my input. Not that I was surprised—this was normal by now.

Either way, I was now stuck serving Amanaze—exclusively—for the next 30 minutes, plus fulfilling all those extra options.

"Hey, Katsuragi. Tell the girls lining up for Hikigaya that it's a 30-minute delay."

"Why? There's a considerable number of female students waiting."

"A monster cash cow just flew in. This'll more than make up for the wait."

Ryūen pointed at me, and Katsuragi seemed to understand... but were there really that many girls here for me?

Well, no point worrying about it now. I had to focus on Amanaze.

"How'd you even save up that many points?"

"Oh, that? Well, there are special exams in first year, and points are important to me too. You'd get it, right?"

"Sure."

"Besides, some people make way more than me~."

Someone making more than a White Room student, huh?

That piqued my interest, but Amanaze didn't seem to care. Her cat-like eyes locked onto me.

"Now, about those extra options~!"

"Fine, but there's a lot to get through."

"Perfect~!"

"What order?"

"Hmm~ Lowest to highest?"

Lowest first, huh? That meant starting with the 500-point handshake. ...A handshake for 500 points was practically robbery. Not that I could complain—this was work.

From there, we moved up—holding hands like lovers, head pats, back hugs, full hugs—each step making Amanaze's eyes grow hotter, her breaths more sensual.

"Senpai~! For the last one, I want kabedon, a chin lift, and sweet whispers—all together~!"

"All three at once?"

"Yep~! And the sweet whispers have to be original~!"

It was an absurd request, but the customer is king. If she was paying, I'd oblige.

"Then let's move. There's space for kabedon over—"

"I've got the perfect spot."

Ryūen cut in, jerking his chin toward a wall near the center of the classroom—visible to everyone inside, the girls waiting outside, and anyone passing by in the hallway.

"Amanaze, might as well go all out."

"Best idea ever~! I love showing off~!"

The two exchanged devilish grins before Amanaze dragged me to the designated spot.

Until now, we'd been in a corner—drawing some attention, but nothing major. Doing this here? It wasn't just noticeable—it was a spectacle.

"Do your best~!"

Amanaze leaned against the wall, staring up at me. No matter where I looked—eyes, eyes, eyes...

Especially the female customers outside—their gazes were piercing. Ryūen's plan was obvious: use me to boost profits.

"...Amanaze."

"Hmm~? What's up, Senpai?"

"I'm gonna wipe that smug look off your face."

"Eh—?!"

THUD. My arm slammed into the wall, trapping her. My other hand lifted her chin, forcing her dazed eyes to meet mine. Always acting so composed? Not anymore.

"...Ah... nn..."

Leaning in, my lips brushed her ear as I pulled her trembling body closer. Then, in the lowest whisper—

"——Don't you dare leave my side. Ichika."

"...H-Hya... hyee...!"

Not a trace of composure left—her cheeks burned, her lips quivered, her eyes swam with tears. Perfect.

Amanaze's legs gave out, and she slid to the floor.

The next instant, the room erupted with squeals. Girls jumped, screamed, and buzzed with excitement. Watching from afar, Ryūen smirked—as if everything had gone exactly as planned.

That guy was obsessed with private points. No doubt he wanted to milk the festival for all it was worth.

...

Once Amanaze's 30-minute exclusive session ended, female customers flooded in. I'd been running nonstop ever since.

"Hikigaya-kun! Kabe-don over here!"

"We'll take the lover's hand-holding!"

At first, most customers had been male—but now, 30% were female, all here for my service. I was being pulled in every direction, dizzy from the back-and-forth.

Next up was back hug + handshake at that table.

As I headed over, I realized the customers were two familiar faces.

"You're popular~, Hachi-kun. Not that I blame them~!"

"Senpai, you look so cool. So cool."

Nazuna and Nagumo sat together—an unexpected pair, but customers nonetheless. I had to act the part.

"...Thank you for your order."

"No need to be so formal~!"

"W-Wah! You don't have to be so polite, Senpai!"

Nazuna grinned mischievously, while Nagumo gave an awkward smile. Nagumo really is too pure.

"You're a good kid, Nagumo."

"So I'm not a good kid?"

"I'd never think that. ...Asahina-senpai."

"My last name?! I'm sorry, okay?! Just call me like usual!"

Nazuna pouted childishly, then frowned. Still, seeing these two together was rare. Might as well ask.

"You two being together is unusual."

"I ran into Asahina-senpai before coming here. She invited me in."

"Yep! Nagumo-chan and I have been pretty close since that time~!"

"That time?"

Which time was she referring to?

"U-Um... The hand cream incident..."

Nagumo glanced at me before looking down, her words stumbling.

Even if it had been unavoidable, it must've been embarrassing for her. No wonder she was blushing.

"About the extra options..."

"Ah, I'll take the back hug, and Nagumo-chan wants the handshake. Nagumo-chan, you can go first?"

"I-I'm fine going after!"

Nagumo deferred to Nazuna.

Until now, the extra options had been with girls I barely knew—but with acquaintances, it felt different.

"...Excuse me."

Moving behind Nazuna's seat, I wrapped my arms around her neck, careful not to touch her chest—keeping my arms slightly raised. But then—

"Hug me properly~?"

With those childish words, she ruined my efforts. Now I had no choice but to press closer, sinking into her softness as I embraced her fully.

"Hachi-kun, you're so warm~."

"Thanks."

"No thoughts? Am I the best~?"

"If I had to say... you always smell sweet."

"...I see~."

Nazuna's reaction was oddly flustered as I pulled away. Normally, these hugs lasted only a few seconds—but I'd definitely held on too long this time.

"Um, Senpai..."

Next was Nagumo, who'd ordered the handshake—but when I turned to her, she spoke up first.

"What is it?"

"I-I ordered the handshake, but... c-can I change it to lover's hand-holding...?"

That kind of change was fine, so I agreed. Nagumo's face lit up with relief and joy as she thrust out her right hand.

"P-Please!!"

She shut her eyes tightly as I interlaced our fingers, carefully entwining each one. By the time I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, her cheeks were faintly pink.

"Senpai's hands are so big."

"Yours are small and pretty."

"T-That's not..."

"And warm. Much nicer than mine."

As we exchanged words, I tried to pull away—but Nagumo clung to my hand, dragging it somewhere unexpected.

"Senpai's are warmer."

Squish.

My hand was pressed firmly against her chest, sinking into overwhelming softness. My fingers twitched involuntarily.

"Nagumo."

"Ah, is time up?"

"No... I mean, yes."

Better not say anything unnecessary. Nagumo had always been a bit airheaded.

(...And definitely not thinking about who was bigger between her and Nazuna.)

Since I couldn't stay at one table forever, I returned to serving.

Later, when Nazuna and Nagumo were settling their bill, Nazuna brought up something interesting.

"Oh yeah, Hachi-kun. Rumor has it there's a suspicious person lurking around the school."

"Ah, I heard that too!"

"A suspicious person? Here?"

This school was practically a fortress. How would a trespasser even get in?

"Yep. Apparently, they wear black sunglasses, a mask, and a super low cap."

"Sounds like a walking stereotype."

And on the day before the main event? Too blatant.

"Probably just a rumor~!"

"I think so too. A trespasser the day before the festival seems unlikely."

Their reasoning was sound.

"Yeah, no way someone dressed like a total creep would—"

"H-Hachi-kun, behind you...!"

Nazuna's voice was hushed but urgent.

I turned slightly—and there, right behind me, was a single student. I hadn't paid much attention, assuming they were a customer... but their outfit was exactly what Nazuna had described.

"Senpai, you should step away...!"

"Y-Yeah, Hachi-kun...!"

"You two, head out. I'll handle this customer."

Reassuring them quietly, I faced the suspicious person (tentative). Something about them felt familiar—but that was probably just my imagination.

"How many in your party?"

"..."

"One, then."

They held up a single finger. Definitely a customer.

I guided them to a seat, but that outfit was way too conspicuous. After they scanned the menu, I decided to address it—no need to unsettle the other customers further.

"Excuse me, could you remove your sunglasses and mask?"

Their shoulders jerked slightly at my words.

"Your attire is making other customers uncomfortable."

"...My apologies."

The voice from beneath the disguise was all too familiar.

"...That voice. Don't tell me—"

I reached up and pulled off their cap. If I was wrong, it'd be rude—but beneath it was a head of unmistakable black hair.

The sunglasses and mask hid their expression, but their stiff posture screamed panic.

"...The hell are you doing?"

Former Student Council President—Horikita Manabu.

I had plenty of questions, but the first thing that stood out? When taking his order, he'd pointed at "sweet whispers."

......

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Since my break had just started, I dragged Horikita Manabu (still in disguise) to a nearby restroom instead of changing.

"Let me get this straight—you were invited to the festival as an alumnus, so you disguised yourself to avoid Nagumo and Horikita Suzune?"

"Correct. I hadn't anticipated being recognized."

He said it with a straight face, but how had he not realized how suspicious he looked? He needed to take a long, hard look in the mirror.

"'Long time no see'... would that suffice?"

"Too soon for that."

It'd been about half a year since we last met—an awkward timeframe.

"Bit early for a reunion, isn't it? Want some coffee?"

Teasing him lightly, I watched as Manabu visibly flinched. After that promise, this was how we reunited?

"I can't imagine you'd attend an event like this without a reason. Did you have some purpose?"

"I did. But it's already accomplished."

So he'd taken care of it before running into me. Maybe he'd gone to warn Nagumo or something.

"What's your plan now?"

"No particular plan. I'll observe the festival a while longer before leaving. ...And you, Hikigaya?"

"I'm on break, so I was gonna walk around. Wanna come?"

"!"

For a split second, I swore his lips twitched upward.

"You can say no."

"I never said I disliked the idea. That you saw through my disguise must be fate. If you are inviting me, I've no reason to refuse."

"...So?"

"I accept."

Could've just said that from the start.

Unintentionally, I'd gained a festival partner. Manabu adjusted his glasses and—unless I was imagining it—gave a faint, pleased shrug.

"...Lose the disguise. You've been lucky so far, but someone will report you."

I stopped him as he tried to put his mask back on.

Frankly, it was a miracle he hadn't been reported already.

"Why? There's nothing report-worthy about my attire."

"...Just take it off before you run into Nagumo or Horikita. Trust me."

Sighing, we left the restroom.

As we walked, I skimmed the festival pamphlet Manabu was holding, figuring out where to go next—until we rounded a corner and bumped into the last person we wanted to see.

"Tch. Hikigaya's not here? What a waste of—huh?!"

The current student council president—Nagumo—froze mid-complaint upon seeing us.

"Hikigaya and... Horikita-senpai?"

"...I told you. The disguise was necessary."

"...My bad."

Running into Nagumo here, of all places... Maybe Manabu had been right about the disguise after all.

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

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