COTE : Is Talent Everything? (Rewrite)-Chapter 121: Extra - 5 : Kiyotaka Ayanokoji’s Proposal 4

"Love Potion, You Say?"

"Yeah."

It was becoming something of a tradition—once again, I was summoned to Ayanokōji's room, where he placed a bottle on the desk with a skull-shaped label.

"At this point, you could at least consider how I feel about being dragged into this."

"Now, now. Aren't you even a little curious, Hikigaya? Whether this love potion would work on people like us?"

This was his usual tactic—smoothly stoking my curiosity.

With a resigned sigh, I reluctantly agreed once more and took the paper Ayanokōji handed me, detailing the potion's effects.

"'This love potion is fast-acting. Upon consumption, the user's affection for the first person of the opposite sex they perceive will swell uncontrollably, rendering them unable to maintain rationality. Effects last for 24 hours. Memories during this period will become hazy, and upon the potion's expiration, the user will lose consciousness. Note: All memories of the period under the potion's influence will be erased.' ...Huh."

So, the effects last a full day. It was just before 7 PM now, meaning the potion would last until tomorrow at the same time. And I'd pass out afterward? Not only that, but I'd lose all memories of it? This made no sense.

"Where the hell do you even get this stuff? You can't just buy it at a store or online."

"Trade secret."

"If I reported this to the school, they might expel you, you know."

"Sorry, Hikigaya. I don't leave trails."

"So you would be in trouble if they found out...?"

Just where was he getting this from?

"So, who's drinking it this time...?"

"I've been the one drinking it every time. It's your turn."

"No way. That's not fair."

"...I'm starting to feel like a lab rat because of you."

"Relax. It's legal."

After some pointless back-and-forth, we decided to settle it with rock-paper-scissors. I'd lost every time so far—surely, the goddess of victory would smile upon me this time. I clenched my fist with all my might.

"Alright, I won."

"You're way too good at this..."

I threw rock, Ayanokōji threw paper.

I no longer believed in gods.

"Decision's made. Oh, right—since it's fast-acting, put on a blindfold first."

"Obviously. The last thing I want is to fall for you."

I put on the blindfold, grabbed the love potion, and downed it in one go. It smelled like melted sugar. Bracing myself for a foul taste like the last aphrodisiac, I was surprised to find it... sweet?

"...Not bad."

"Wait, it tasted good?"

"Decent, yeah."

A little too sweet, but tolerable.

"So, any physical changes?"

"Not really. Also, now that I think about it, the instructions said it only works on the opposite sex. So I probably won't fall for you."

"Then it should be fine to take off the blindfold."

I removed it and looked at Ayanokōji. No changes. Opposite-sex only, as expected.

"Now, Hikigaya, who do you want to fall for? Who's the lucky girl?"

"Who do you think?"

Only a handful of girls came to mind—ones I was close to. But asking them to play along with a love potion would probably make me seem insane.

"I vote for Shiina Hiyori. No, scratch that—please pick Hiyori."

"Why her specifically?"

"I just realized—if you fall for someone in this state, I'm the one in danger. My life's on the line here."

"Look, Hiyori's an angel, but—hm?"

My phone rang. Without thinking, I answered.

"Wait. 'The first person of the opposite sex you perceive'...?"

"Hello?"

"Hikigaya, wait! If that's a girl—"

Maybe I should've listened to Ayanokōji's warning instead.

But the voice on the other end reached me first.

"Hello? Hachiman?"

"..."

"...Too late."

My heart pounded.

"Hellooo? Can you hear me?"

Just her voice made my pulse race. My face grew hot, and her smiling face flashed in my mind.

"...Nazuna-senpai."

"You could hear me! Ugh, don't ignore me, Hachiman!"

"Would you like to walk to school with me tomorrow morning?"

The invitation slipped out effortlessly. But Nazuna-senpai sounded shocked.

"Eh? H-Hachiman, you never say things like that..."

"Is it so strange for me to ask out a beautiful senpai?"

"...Are you hitting on me?"

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"Of course."

She let out a flustered noise. It was precisely because of these adorable reactions that I chose my words carefully with her.

"Stop right there, Hikigaya."

"! Give it back. I'm talking to Nazuna-senpai."

"You'll thank me later."

I glared as Ayanokōji snatched the phone, but he remained unfazed as he held it to his ear.

"Sorry, Asahina-senpai, it's Ayanokōji. There's actually a situation with Hikigaya right now—"

He ad-libbed an explanation, spoke for a few minutes, then apologized and hung up.

"I gave her a brief rundown of your condition."

"I still wanted to talk to Nazuna-senpai."

"...So this is the love potion's effect. Damn, it's strong. Maybe I'll try it later."

Muttering to himself, Ayanokōji suddenly looked at me again.

"Oh, by the way—I arranged for you to walk to school with Asahina tomorrow morning."

"I take it back. You're amazing, Ayanokōji."

"Your mood swings are terrifying."

Tomorrow was going to be fun.

.......

Hikigaya, under the love potion's influence, cheerfully left his room.

I had a good reason for tailing him—if I let him roam free in this state, chaos was inevitable. So, for the next 24 hours, I had to keep an eye on him. (I was the one who gave him the potion, after all.)

Having him walk to school with Asahina served a dual purpose—it let me monitor both of them simultaneously. Given how smitten he was with her, this was the best outcome for Hikigaya, too.

"!"

The moment Hikigaya spotted Asahina waiting in front of the dorm, he sprinted toward her and... hugged her tightly.

"H-Hachiman!?"

"Sorry. Did you dislike it?"

"It's not that, it's just... people are watching..."

"You're right. Then... how about during lunch? Just the two of us?"

That said, he didn't seem to realize he was still hugging her while talking. And Asahina didn't look that opposed—if anything, she seemed a little happy.

Though they were drawing attention, having them spend lunch together would make surveillance easier.

"T-This is the love potion's effect...? Making Hachiman fall for me like this feels unfair...!"

"Did you say something?"

"N-Nothing! Let's just go!"

"Um... is holding hands okay?"

"Eek!? Y-Yeah, totally!"

Asahina, her heart racing, intertwined her fingers with his and clung to his arm.

...At this point, who was the one who drank the potion?

The two walked to school in a sickeningly sweet atmosphere, leaving me to handle the fallout. First, I had to explain the situation to the girls (and a few guys) who had frozen in shock after seeing Hikigaya hug Asahina.

The closest were Matsushita and Horikita—an unusual pairing, but they'd probably been discussing the cultural festival.

"So, here's the thing—"

To preserve Hikigaya's reputation, I took full responsibility for his condition.

By the time I finished, both girls were glaring at me like I was trash.

"Ayanokōji-kun, what the hell are you doing? Wanna get punched?"

"This is the first time I've ever been this disappointed in you."

"That harsh?"

Horikita smiled while insulting me, and Matsushita sweetly stabbed me with her words. The verbal abuse continued, and with so many more people left to explain things to... my spirit was already broken.

Next up: Amasawa and Yagami. Both were dangerously fond of Hikigaya. This was going to be awful.

"So, here's the thing—"

The same explanation earned me two pairs of disgusted eyes—not the kind of look you'd expect from underclassmen.

"Ayanokō~ji senpai♪ ...Wanna die?"

"Because of you, Onii-sama...!! I'll kill you, you trash!!"

"That's too much. I am your senpai, you know..."

"Y'know, I think I could take you right now, Ayanokōji-senpai."

"What a coincidence, Ichika. Onii-sama's been holding me back, but I can't take it anymore."

"Hold on a second—"

"Hand over that love potion, or get beaten to a pulp. Your choice♪"

"I'm not giving you the potion, Ichika. I'll be responsible for it."

I eventually shooed them away by threatening to tattle to Hikigaya. They flipped me off as they left.

My heart was in tatters, but next was Sakayanagi—and her "slave" (ahem, friend) Hashimoto and Kitō.

"S-So, here's the thing—"

Mentally and physically exhausted, I finished my explanation. Hashimoto burst out laughing, while Kitō frowned.

Sakayanagi, however... was beyond disgust. She didn't even see me as human anymore—just some lower life form.

"Please die. And never crawl back up."

"That's so blunt it hurts."

"G-Guh... I-I'm gonna die...!!"

"Hashimoto, you're laughing too hard."

"C'mon, man, when I first saw it, I thought Hikigaya was into big boobs too—"

"Kitō-kun, crush him."

Nice one, Hashimoto. You diverted attention from me. Your sacrifice won't be in vain.

Next was... Shiina Hiyori.

I wanted to go home.

Kei... save me...

"S-So, here's the thing—"

Trembling, I forced out the explanation. When I looked up after finishing, Hiyori's face was pitch-black. Her eyes were devoid of light.

"Fufufu~"

My instincts screamed at me to run, so I bolted at full speed—only for her to grab me by the scruff of my neck.

...Wait. I was going full speed. A normal person shouldn't be able to stop me. And yet, with one hand—?

"Ayanokōji-kun."

"I-It's not what you think! I—"

Smiling, Hiyori leaned in close to my ear, gave my shoulder a light tap, and whispered:

"—You'll take responsibility, won't you?"

"......Yes."

I had no other choice.

.......

I know Hachiman drank a love potion. I know that's why he's being so forward today. But still...!

"This isn't fair...!"

He spoiled me so much today. At lunch, we ate together on a secluded bench—he brought me drinks, gave me his jacket when my legs got cold, and even ended up giving me a lap pillow. All so naturally, without a hint of hesitation.

Normally, I'm the one spoiling him...! My seniority is crumbling. No—Hachiman's spoiling skills are just too strong. Anyone would melt under this treatment.

Right now, I'm in his room because he didn't want me to leave... and before I knew it, I was sitting on his lap, getting my hair stroked and hugged. It feels so nice I can't stand it.

Does Hachiman always spoil someone this much when he falls for them!?

As I thought this, he pulled me close and hugged me again. Ugh, he's so warm... and his head pats are too good...

I hid my flushed face with both hands, but through the gaps, I could see Hachiman's sweet, relaxed expression.

"This is cheating! Cheating!!"

"That childish side of you is really cute, you know?"

"S-Stop saying things like that...!!"

I turned around to face him and hugged him this time. I thought I'd gotten some payback, but Hachiman just tilted his head slightly. I sighed.

"Is something wrong?"

"No... I've just never been spoiled like this before. It's dangerous."

"I don't mean to spoil you, though."

As if to prove it, he gently touched my hair.

"Your hair is beautiful, and hugging you feels amazing. I'm doing this purely out of selfishness."

"...Selfishness, huh. I thought you were treating me like a kid."

"I'd never think of an older, beautiful girl like that."

He said it so casually. I was at my limit, but he seemed completely unfazed. It was frustrating—no, not frustrating. Even though I know it's the potion, I can't stop myself. Even though I know it's fake, all that comes out of my mouth are selfish demands.

"...No honorifics."

"Huh?"

"...You can touch me more selfishly, but drop the honorifics."

He looked surprised for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly before returning to normal.

.......

"...You can touch me more selfishly, but drop the honorifics."

Nazuna-senpai... no, if she wanted me to drop formalities, I should call her Nazuna.

Under the potion's influence, my consciousness had been hazy, but now, a sliver of my true self had returned. I prided myself on my strong will.

But the potion's effects hadn't faded—I'd just gained enough clarity to see things objectively. I still couldn't take my eyes off Nazuna.

"Then I'll call you Nazuna."

"Yeah. I like it better without honorifics. This way's good."

As she leaned into me, I touched her—not because of the potion, but because I wanted to. At least, that's what I told myself.

I slid my hands under her arms and firmly grasped her most prominent feature.

"...You're groping my chest right away?"

"You said I could touch you selfishly. Tell me if you don't like it."

"...The way you say it is cheating..."

Her reproachful gaze melted the moment I kneaded her softness. And god, was she soft. My hands couldn't even fully contain her, yet my fingers sank in with the slightest pressure. And with each squeeze, she reacted.

"Nn...! Ah...! H-Hyaah...!"

Over the clothes would've been fine, but I wanted to fluster her more, so I slipped my hands underneath.

"Eek!!"

The moment my fingers touched bare skin, she jolted. Direct contact was way different from over clothes. Softer, warmer—indescribably pleasant.

I stroked upward from below, and when I found her peak and pinched it, she gave her best reaction yet.

"Nnngh!!!"

With a sweet moan, she collapsed against my chest. Her eyes were half-lidded and hazy, growing even sweeter as she looked at me. Our lips met naturally, and after a long kiss, just as we caught our breaths—

"What... is this? What's happening?"

Even with the potion's effects slightly receding, my self-control was still minimal. But the discomfort I felt now was undeniable.

"H-Hachiman?"

"Right now, I'm under the love potion's influence—no, but this is..."

"Wh-What's wrong?"

The potion artificially induced infatuation. So right now, my heart was flooded with superficial affection.

If this feeling was classified as infatuation, love, or attraction... something was wrong.

———I know this feeling.

No. Not know. I recognized it.

But that didn't make sense. If I'd been aware of it before, then—

Wait, no. The question was why this felt familiar. Had I noticed a contradiction in the potion's effects? Impossible. Then—

"Unless..."

A glance at the clock showed it was almost 7 PM.

The potion's effects lasted 24 hours, after which I'd pass out—and lose all memories of that time.

But if what I was thinking was true... then I...

No, this line of thought was pointless. Even if I figured it out now, it wouldn't matter. I was already prepared. By the time I woke up, these memories would be gone anyway.

"A waste of thought."

The next instant, my vision darkened, and I lost consciousness.

.......

"You really don't remember anything from the love potion?"

"Not a thing."

Days later, Ayanokōji called me to his room to ask about the potion, but I had no memories to share.

"Still, it was surprising. Nazuna was nursing me when I woke up. An interesting experience."

"Is having no memories really an interesting experience? ...Wait, since when did you start calling Asahina by her first name?"

"...Did I?"

"Yeah. You called her 'Nazuna' just now."

"Huh... Must've slipped out."

Maybe a side effect of the potion. My memories were still fuzzy.

"Just in case, I've got another bottle of the love potion. Want it?"

"No thanks. Once in a lifetime is enough."

I sighed at the bottle he brandished. For some reason, looking at it filled me with dread. Why?

"Then I'll dispose of it."

"Stop bringing weird stuff in."

"I'll bring more interesting things next time."

"You never learn."

"If I learn something new, it's worth it."

"Do it alone. Don't drag me into it."

"No."

His bold refusal meant I'd be roped in again. And the fact that I'd resigned myself to it said a lot about me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched the love potion get thrown away—and for some reason, I felt both revulsion and a faint flicker of hope.

But...

It was probably just my imagination.

.......

+ Bonus Scene

"Well, now we know how the love potion works. Thanks, Hikigaya."

He placed a cup of tea on the desk.

"Yeah, thanks—"

As I brought it to my lips, a sickly sweet smell hit my nose. I'd smelled this before—recently.

The tea reeked of bad omens. I set it down and narrowed my eyes at Ayanokōji, but he avoided my gaze entirely.

"Hey. Why won't you look at me? Look at me."

"...Why aren't you drinking the tea?"

"I recognized the smell. If you want me to drink it, you take the first sip."

"Uh... I'm borderline diabetic."

"Couldn't you come up with a better excuse?"

Also, if he was diabetic, why would he drink tea?

"You—why did you spike it with the love potion—"

Just like last time, my phone rang.

"A call? ...Wait, what are you doing?"

The moment the ringtone played, Ayanokōji curled into a ball, trembling violently.

"P-Please, drink it and answer the call...!"

"No way. I'm never drinking that crap again."

My phone kept vibrating, so I went to answer—only for Ayanokōji to desperately grab my collar. Why was he drenched in sweat?

"I'll give you anything you want!"

"Nothing I want right now."

"Points? I'll give you all my points!"

"Don't need 'em."

"Someone you want expelled? I'll take care of anyone!"

"I can do that myself."

"......Right......"

Resigned, he slumped to the floor, hands on the ground, head hanging. What was he so desperate about? It was just a call.

I checked the caller ID.

"Hiyori?"

Ayanokōji looked up at me with utter despair. Ignoring him, I answered.

"H-Hachiman!?"

"Yeah, what's up, Hiyori?"

Her clear, beautiful voice rang in my ear. I still didn't get why Ayanokōji was so frantic.

"Hachiman."

"What?"

"How about it? Did you fall for me?"

"What are you talking about?"

"...Guess it didn't work... Hachiman, is Ayanokōji-kun there?"

"Ayanokōji?"

Below me, Ayanokōji shook his head violently, using every neck muscle he'd honed in the White Room. I pretended not to see.

...What is this guy?

"Yeah, he's here."

The moment I said it, Ayanokōji looked like he was about to cry. "It's over...!" he muttered.

"Can you pass the phone to him?"

"Sure."

I held the phone out to Ayanokōji.

"Hey, Hiyori wants to talk to you."

"N-No way. Absolutely not."

"Quit messing around and take the call."

I moved closer to hand him the phone.

"D-Don't come near me...!"

He flailed his arms wildly to stop me. Was this guy insane?

"Fine. I'll hold it to your ear. Stay still."

For some reason, he was panicking, so I restrained his arms. It was surprisingly easy.

"Stop, please stop...!"

"You're making me look like the bad guy here. It's just a call, so behave."

As I forced the phone to his ear, he thrashed like a wild animal.

"No, help me...!"

"Still going on about this?"

"S-Stop—!!"

—Silence.

The moment the phone touched his ear, Ayanokōji froze. His flailing limbs went limp, and his eyes rolled back.

"—Did he just faint?"

Slapping his cheek got no response. He was completely out.

"No way... You... are magnificent."

Put yourself in my shoes for once. Also, this was the first time I'd ever seen him genuinely faint.

"...Hiyori."

"That's your voice, right?"

"Yeah. Ayanokōji just passed out. Can't take the call."

"...Ayanokōji-kun fainted? What happened?"

"No idea."

I gave up thinking about it.

"Oh, Hiyori—why'd you call me? Did you need something?"

"Ah, well... I got a new mystery novel, and I thought you might like to read it together."

"That sounds great. Mind if I come to your room?"

"No, no, I'll come to you!"

"There's a guy passed out here. I'll head over."

"Okay! I'll be waiting!"

Cheerfully, she hung up. I got ready to leave.

"As for Ayanokōji... he'll be fine here, right?"

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