Horikita Suzune (One-shots)

Ayanokouji's Comfort

"I... Finally found you." Horikita stood in front of me breathing heavily, did she run around the cruise?

"You again? What is it now?" I'll put aside my troubles with Chabashira sensei and focus on her for now.

"Hirata told me. When you told him A and C's leaders, you said I was the one who figured it all out." Her breathing calmed and proceeded to talk. "And after the test was over, you asked him to work to bring the class together. Are you trying to use me as a cover?"

"Horikita, do you remember what I said back then?"

Her focus on me didn't waver, she was intently listening to how I would respond.

"You need allies."

"You did it for that?" Her eyes widened and her focus wavered. Horikita's composure has been put aside.

"You've finally started to change."

"It's your fault..." Horikita tilted her head down to face the floor. "For now, I will acknowledge you as an ally too." She began to simultaneously look at me and the floor. "Still, I don't want you acting friendly with me once we're back at school. We're only working together to reach Class A. But... I will say my gratitude."

"Thank you." Horikita glanced at me with a rare look on her face. A slight tint of blush overlayed Horikita's cheek. Her face displayed comfort and slight embarrassment. Is this the side that Horikita locked away to be acknowledged by her brother?

"Not that I'm saying that I need you or anything..." She began trying to cover up her embarrassment by regaining her composure and strict tone.

Horikita needs allies, she used to believe that she can do things alone because she's merely following her brother's footsteps. She can be a lot more powerful if she didn't have her attitude. To achieve my freedom, I'll have to guide her into becoming a better person.

A Horikita who believes in her classmates, someone who believes that allies are an important factor in achieving victory. But, Horikita...

I've never once thought of you as an ally.

Not you.
Not Kushida. 
Not Hirata.

All people are nothing but tools.

Regardless of the methods.

Regardless of what needs to be sacrificed.

In this world, winning is everything. As long as I win in the end...

That's all there is to it.

"-you..." A faint voice reawakened me in front of Horikita.

I stared at her blankly and noticed something off. She was looking towards the side as her face had become covered with her mild blushing. "What?" I asked after being unable to comprehend her previous statements. She looked shocked, I couldn't see any sign of the old Horikita on her face.

"D-don't pretend that you didn't hear it just because you're embarrassed! I'm far more embarrassed here!" Horikita yelled in an embarrassed manner.

"I was deep in my thoughts."

"Huh?! Sh-shut up, tell me you heard it!" I stared at her blankly, did she say something so embarrassing that she doesn't want to repeat it?

"I didn't, tell me."

"N-No!" Her tone became girlish.

"I'll keep asking if you don't answer." She stared at me as she squeezed her skirt with both of her hands. "I didn't know you can look like that." I took a photo of her and showed it to her. "Tell me or I'll spread this photo."