Chapter Twenty-Five: The Service Club Was Filled with the Laughter of Three People

The girl spoke aggrievedly.

Come on, it's only been this long. If studying were that easy, high school wouldn't need to last three years.

As he spoke, Hachiman took the baked cookies from Yukino's bag, arranged them on a plate, and placed them in front of the three of them.

I can't brew black tea, so sorry for the trouble.

Hachiman ordered Yukino without the slightest hint of courtesy.

The tone made Yukino extremely unhappy. She glared at him like a disgruntled wife, then obediently went to retrieve the tea set from the cabinet.

She placed a cup of black tea with condensed milk in front of Hachiman, casually added one and a half spoonfuls of sugar to Yui's cup, and, without noticing the astonished expression of the girl before her, closed her eyes and savored the slightly bitter tea in her hand.

Little Snow added just the right amount of sugar.

Yui narrowed her eyes as she took a sip of tea.

At those words, Yukino's eyelashes trembled. She slowly opened her eyes and said with a calm smile, "Is that so? I'm glad you like it."

Seeing how composed Yukino was, Yui dispelled the doubts in her heart.

I just feel like you two are hiding something from me.

The girl, whose sixth sense was unusually sharp, continued probing.

What could there be? You should worry about yourself.

Confronted with these two actors and actresses worthy of top awards, the innocent girl couldn't see the slightest flaw.

Ah, don't say that. I've already given up all hope for this exam.

Despairing Yui had given up struggling and sprawled there listlessly like a salted fish.

Come on, don't be like that. There's still plenty of time. At worst, Yukino and I can review with you over the next few days.

Hachiman offered comfort to the salted fish.

That night, Hachiman had just finished bathing and was drying his hair with a towel.

He took out his phone, thought for a moment, and sent Yukino a text.

What are you doing?

I just finished bathing. I was wondering when you would text me.

Yukino replied instantly.

Huh? Hachiman felt like he had been flirted with in return.

Hmm~ Why are you looking for me? Missing me already? Hachiman sounded like a child.

Even through the screen, Hachiman could tell that she was teasing him.

Nothing much. I just wanted to remind you to be careful, or you might soak another bed.

Get lost! Seeing Hachiman's message on the screen, Yukino curled up her little feet, covered her face, and rolled around on the bed.

By the way, are you in pain?

A little...

Judging from how unguarded you were yesterday, your period should be fairly regular too, right?

How about this? I'll make some time to help you take care of yourself. Your health is the most important thing.

Mm... After Yukino replied with that, she fell silent.

Hachiman had originally wanted to discuss how to deal with Yui with Yukino. Seeing that she still hadn't replied, he finally sent, "I'll come see you tomorrow."

Then he turned off his phone, switched off the light in the room, and closed his eyes. Before long, the sound of his steady, slow breathing filled the room.

At that moment, his phone chimed with a text notification. On the lit screen were only three words: "Okay, good night."

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Service Club Was Filled with the Laughter of Three People

During lunch break, Hachiman stood before the door of the International Liberal Arts class, exhaled a breath of stale air, and, as if he had made up his mind, pulled the door open.

Wearing his glasses, Hachiman stared expressionlessly at the noisy, chattering girls in the classroom. Amid the lively crowd, he spotted Yukino at a glance, as elegant as a solitary orchid in a secluded valley.

Just then, a girl who had been talking with her companion noticed Hachiman standing indifferently at the door and nudged her companion with her elbow.

Hey, look at that guy at the door. Isn't he handsome?

The girl said this to another girl sitting on the desk beside her.

He really is. He's pretty handsome, and he seems like the aloof, abstinent type too.

The girl turned around, saw Hachiman at the door, and immediately became lovestruck.

I wonder who he came to see. He couldn't have come for you, could he~? the first girl teased her companion.

How could that be? I've never even seen him.

What do you think? Should I go ask him~? Maybe I can even get his contact information.

Then go and try.

Hachiman watched as a fairly attractive girl walked toward him.

Excuse me, who are you looking for?

Ah, um, I'm looking for Yukinoshita.

As soon as Hachiman finished speaking, he noticed the girl's expression suddenly change. The smile that had been on her face vanished the moment she heard Yukino's surname.

Hachiman scratched his cheek in confusion as he watched the girl turn and leave.

Huh? What's wrong? Why that expression?

You didn't get her number?

Hah, she came to see Yukinoshita. What does that have to do with ordinary people like us?

The girl headed toward Yukino's desk as she spoke. She knocked on it coldly, only to find that Yukino, who had removed her earphones, looked even colder than she did.

What is it? Yukino's voice was like a snow lotus blooming atop an iceberg.

N-Nothing... There's a boy at the door looking for you.

The girl shrank back at once, then stammered out the words.

Hearing this, Yukino glanced toward the door and saw that it was Hachiman.

The lovestruck girl immediately stood and walked toward Hachiman.

Hmph, another person who doesn't know his own limits.

Hey, how many has that been now?

I've lost count. Anyway, they see that she's pretty and comes from a good family, so they want to cling to her. They should at least consider whether she'd even be interested in them.

Several people who couldn't have the grapes spoke sourly.

Why did you come straight to my classroom? People will see us and start gossiping again.

Yukino was slightly embarrassed.

Let them talk. I was more worried about all those boys constantly coming to see you.

Oh my, is Hachiman-kun jealous? Yukino couldn't help laughing.

Yes, I'm jealous.

Hachiman pinched Yukino's nose and said with a smile.

You're impossible. Everyone's watching. Yukino slapped away Hachiman's mischievous hand.

Then let's go somewhere else to talk.

Wait.

Yukino grabbed Hachiman, who was about to leave, then turned back to her seat and took two lunch boxes from her bag.

Ignoring her classmates' incredulous expressions, she handed one to Hachiman, then took his hand with a smile and led him toward the rooftop.

Sitting on a rooftop bench, Hachiman stared in amazement at the exquisite and sumptuous lunch box in his hands.

Your cooking is still as good as ever.

Try it quickly and see if it suits your taste.

Yukino's face was full of anticipation.

Hachiman picked up a piece of golden tempura and put it in his mouth, chewing it slowly and carefully.

How is it?

Hachiman set down his chopsticks with a strange expression and silently looked at Yukino.

What's wrong? Is it not good?

Seeing Hachiman's expression, Yukino immediately asked anxiously.

No, it's delicious...

You scared me. I thought you didn't like it. Why did you make that expression?

I just feel... like I'll never be able to eat anything else again.

Pfft... You're really good with words.

Yukino giggled and lightly punched Hachiman's shoulder.

You smooth talker. How about I cook for you for the rest of your life?

You promised!

What a character~ Yukino rolled her beautiful eyes at the mischievous Hachiman.

After they finished eating, Yukino naturally lay down on Hachiman's lap and asked,

So, tell me. Why did you come to see me?

Mm, how should I put it? It's about Yui.

Hachiman played with Yukino's carefully maintained hair.

What happened to Yui?

I was wondering whether we should come clean with her.

I thought about it. We've let too many clues slip unintentionally. Luckily, that girl is rather dense, so we've managed to hide it from her every time.

Yeah, that's true. This can't go on forever.

Yukino sighed as she spoke.

So what do you plan to do? Just tell her directly?

What else can we do? Just tell her. She's pretty dense, anyway.

Hachiman shrugged indifferently.

Besides, there's no need to make up some excuse for something like this.

I suppose that works, but I'm worried Yui won't believe us.

Don't even mention her. I initially thought it was just a dream too.

Who knows? Maybe it's fate.

Hachiman gazed at the azure sky as he spoke.

But if this is the kind of fate it is, I won't resist it.

Hachiman lowered his head and kissed Yukino's cheek.

Hikki, Little Snow, do I really look that stupid? Did you really have to fool me with something that flimsy? Silly Yui looked at the two of them and spoke.

See? Even if we tell her directly, she still won't believe it.

Yukino spoke helplessly.