Non-Human Girls Are Fighting Over Me ~ Do I Get to Refuse? “Nope!” “No Way!” “Not a Chance!” “Absolutely Not!” - Chapter 4: The Hitcher

Chapter 4: The Hitcher

Haraikawa High School, Class 2-B.

The classroom before morning lessons was filled with chatter.

Leaning on my desk, I—Kazuto Ienari—was scrolling through my smartphone.

My goal was singular: the movie theater’s showtimes.

(…Ugh, as expected. This film’s run ends this week.)

The screen displayed a revival screening of an ‘80s cult movie.

It’d draw a niche crowd. Only true fans would show up—a real “connoisseur’s pick.”

(Today’s my only chance… and of course, it’s on my birthday.)

I let out a small sigh.

“—Ow.”

A sharp pain, like a needle piercing my skull, shot through me.

I instinctively pressed my hand to my temple. My vision wavered for a moment, but the pain receded like a retreating wave.

(…What was that? Lack of sleep?)

Normally, I’d chalk it up to poor health and move on, but today it felt oddly unsettling.

I glanced up and noticed someone striking in a nearby seat.

Towa Tsukina.

Long black hair and sharp, dark eyes.

Pure and refined, yet with a hint of childish charm that stirred protective instincts.

The most beautiful girl in our grade. No, probably in all of Haraikawa High—her name would always come up.

Top grades. Exceptional athletic ability.

Her smile softened the classroom’s atmosphere, and her steps drew every eye.

A perfect human.

(…She’s from a completely different world than me.)

Could I ever cross paths with her, even once?

—No, never.

The gap between us felt that insurmountable.

“Good morning, Towa!”

A cheerful voice rang out as a female classmate rushed over.

“Good morning, Maki.”

Towa smiled gently. That single smile warmed the air around her.

During breaks, she chatted happily with friends.

Sometimes, she quietly read thick books.

Everyone wanted to talk to her, yet she exuded an unapproachable aura.

—We live in different worlds.

Even as I thought this, I couldn’t stop my eyes from following her.

Maybe because of the headache, her outline seemed unusually vivid today.

A strange unease spread deep in my chest.

(What’s this… a bad feeling?)

It was as if today—my birthday—wasn’t just another day, but something special.

※

The movie theater after school.

Some say who you watch a movie with changes the experience, but for me, movies are a solitary affair.

No distractions from others, just me and the screen in our own world—that’s the ultimate viewing experience.

When the end credits roll, most people leave their seats.

But I stay until the end. Those final moments of lingering emotion feel like the movie’s soul.

Today’s pick was The Hitcher.

A legendary ‘80s cult thriller, still a topic of reverence among fans.

…Though most of the theater’s crowd was here for that wildly popular “demon-themed anime movie.” The lobby’s merch stand was a warzone.

That’s why I chose this quiet seat alone, savoring a moment of bliss.

—Screening over.

As expected, it was incredible.

“…Ah.”

“…Ah.”

As I turned to leave.

Our eyes met.

Standing there was—Towa Tsukina.

The most beautiful girl in Haraikawa High. Pure, perfect in studies and sports… completely from another world.

And she, of all people, had watched the same movie.

“Good evening. You came too, Ienari-kun.”

“Uh, um… Tsukina-san?”

“Yup. You watched this?”

“Y-Yeah. I really like this actor… I’ve always wanted to see this movie.”

“Nice. I like him too. He was great in Blade Runner, right?”

…What? Blade Runner!?

That name alone sent my excitement skyrocketing.

Talking about movies with someone like this—outside of my film club—was a first.

Before I knew it, we were in a nearby burger shop, lost in movie talk.

Towa-san was a shocking film nerd.

Movies she’d seen, ones she wanted to see—

She couldn’t stop talking. Her usual pure-heroine demeanor vanished, replaced by rapid-fire passion, like a different person.

“Wow… so you’re into those kinds of movies.”

I stick to mainstream stuff—big hits or critically acclaimed films.

But her tastes were totally different. Cult films, B-grade horror, even so-called “trash movies”—she covered it all.

She probably watched famous films too, but her perspective felt like someone “bored with the mainstream.”

“Just curious… have you seen Superman?”

“Of course. The Christopher Reeve version was the best.”

“What!? I started with Man of Steel…”

I tilted my head inwardly. She’s supposed to be my age, right?

No matter how I thought about it, her film count and sense of era were abnormal. How many movies has she seen?

I wanted to keep talking.

But—

“…!”

A sharp pain stabbed the right side of my forehead.

A dull, throbbing ache. I kept pressing my hand to it unconsciously.

“Ienari-kun, you okay?”

Towa-san leaned in, her face full of concern.

And then—her hand touched my forehead.

So close I could feel her breath.

Her palm was cool and gentle.

The pain seemed to fade, almost like an illusion.

My heartbeat spiked.

Her nearness, just shy of touching, set my body ablaze.

“…Hmm.”

Towa-san murmured softly, as if confirming something.

Then she smiled as if nothing had happened.

“If it hurts, you should see a doctor.”

“N-No… it’s not a big deal.”

“…Okay. Be careful on your way home. If something feels off, call for help, alright?”

It felt a bit like being treated like a kid… but her voice was oddly kind.

We parted ways there.

But as Towa-san walked away—her expression shifted the moment she turned.

“Hmm… this could be interesting. Heh. Found something good today.”

She laughed playfully, too far for anyone to hear.