At the Fireworks Festival

At Yukino's soft moan, Hachiman left a pink strawberry mark on her chest.

There, now you're marked.

Hachiman grinned wickedly and was just about to run his hands all over the girl when Yukino's phone rang.

Stop fooling around. I'll get it.

Yukino quickly slipped free of Hachiman's grasp.

Hachiman was extremely annoyed at whoever had interrupted his fun, and became even more annoyed when he heard how Yukino addressed the caller.

Hello, Sister? Why are you calling me?

You're not at home? Haruno asked in confusion as she looked around Yukino's somewhat empty apartment.

Huh? I've been staying at Hachiman's place throughout summer vacation. Is something wrong? Yukino sounded a little embarrassed.

What? Haruno looked utterly dumbfounded as she withdrew her subordinate from Hachiman's side.

What the hell did that Hikigaya feed my little sister? They're already living together.

Haruno was extremely displeased.

It's nothing serious. Dad's back, so he wants you to come home and spend some time with the family.

Although Haruno was quite jealous, she still explained.

I see. When? Today?

No, tomorrow. There's also a banquet in the evening.

Dad wants you to come home tonight.

Oh, okay. I understand. I'll go back tonight.

Yukino agreed.

And... Haruno had not finished speaking when the call was abruptly cut off, leaving a particularly colorful expression on her face.

Hey, keep watching that Hachiman Hikigaya for me. Watch him closely.

Haruno spoke resentfully to her subordinates.

After hanging up, Yukino looked at Hachiman apologetically.

Um... I need to go home tonight. I'll probably be back the morning after tomorrow.

It's fine. Go ahead. Don't worry about me.

Hachiman smiled.

Then I'll go pack first. Shall I leave in a bit? Yukino smoothed her disheveled hair and sought Hachiman's opinion.

Hachiman nodded to show his agreement. He watched Yukino remove her apron and hang it up before heading toward the bedroom.

Hachiman got up and went to the kitchen. He busied himself there for half an hour before turning off the heat, pouring the contents of the pot into a thermos, and quietly waiting for Yukino to come out.

More than ten minutes later, Yukino finally emerged, drying her hair with a towel. She sat beside Hachiman and enjoyed his meticulous care of her hair.

It seems to have grown a little longer? Hachiman held her damp hair in his hand as he spoke to Yukino.

Then I'll find time to trim it.

Yukino answered comfortably.

Don't. It looks good like this.

Hachiman spoke indifferently. Although drying Yukino's hair took quite a bit of time every time, both of them enjoyed it.

Then I'll listen to you.

Once Hachiman had dried Yukino's hair, he skillfully took a pair of unopened stockings from the cabinet and handed them over.

Yukino accepted the stockings and sat down openly in front of Hachiman, slowly pulling them on.

After putting on her short heels, she took her bag from Hachiman and said with a beaming smile, "Darling~ I'm off~"

Hachiman stepped forward and gently kissed Yukino on the forehead before waving goodbye to her.

——

Hmm, where's Mom? After sleeping to her fill, Little Rumi pattered over to Hachiman and asked to be carried. Once he picked her up, she looked around before speaking.

She had something to do at home. She'll be back the morning after tomorrow.

Hachiman pinched Rumi's nose as he explained.

Aww~ Rumi suddenly bit Hachiman's hand and nibbled it lightly.

What are you doing? That tickles.

Feeling Little Rumi's tongue rubbing against his hand, Hachiman said with a laugh.

Onii-chan, your phone. It's Sister Yui.

Komachi unhappily tossed Hachiman's phone over, then swayed back to her room.

Hachiman patted Rumi's bottom, signaling for her to get down.

The little one obediently released her arms from around Hachiman's neck and sat on the sofa, swinging her slender legs.

Hello, you're back?

Ah~ I've been back for a few days now.

Yui's lively voice came through the phone.

Did you have fun?

Heeheehee, it was pretty good~

Why did you call me? Hachiman asked directly.

Ah~ I wanted to ask Hikki for a favor~ Yui sounded hesitant as she spoke.

There's a fireworks festival tomorrow... I want Hikki to go with me. Is that okay? Yui nervously clenched her hands, her chubby palms damp with sweat.

Hachiman thought for a while before finally speaking calmly.

Chapter 48: At the Fireworks Festival

Sure.

Hachiman answered.

Heeheehee~ I knew Hikki wouldn't refuse.

Yui sighed in relief and spoke happily.

Then~ shall I come find you tomorrow afternoon?

Hachiman agreed indifferently.

Um... ask Little Snow if she wants to come too~

She had to go home, so she can't come.

Hachiman explained to Yui.

Mm, I see~ Then it's settled~ I'll come find you tomorrow afternoon.

Yui hung up as soon as she finished speaking.

Hachiman expressionlessly tossed the phone aside and picked Rumi up again, settling her on the sofa.

What do you want to eat tonight? Hachiman pinched Rumi's little nose and asked softly.

The little one furrowed her delicate brows and thought hard.

I don't know.

Rumi simply leaned backward onto Hachiman.

Hachiman smiled wryly and got up to check the remaining ingredients in the refrigerator.

You two can order takeout tomorrow. I have something to do and need to go out.

Hachiman spoke while eating, addressing the two people seated opposite him.

Huh? Onii-chan, what are you going to do? Komachi looked up, somewhat puzzled.

Sister Yui asked me to go out with her. I probably won't be back until quite late.

Oh~ Sister Yui? A knowing look suddenly appeared on Komachi's face.

I see~ Don't worry, Onii-chan~ I won't tell Sister Yukino.

Komachi teased him.

Hachiman knocked Komachi on the head irritably. "What are you imagining?"

Komachi covered her head and dared not say anything more.

Hachiman took a Yukichi from his wallet and held it out for Komachi to take.

This is your and Rumi's meal money for tomorrow. You can keep the rest for yourself.

Wow~ Onii-chan, you're so generous?

Hachiman ignored Komachi's excited exclamations and calmly continued eating.

Hikki~ Hurry up~ Yui, dressed in an orange Yukata, knocked on the door of the Hikigaya Residence.

Yahallo~ Hello, Sister Yui.

Komachi ran out, opened the door, and greeted Yui.

Yahallo~ Yui waved the little fan in her hand in response to Komachi.

Where's Hachiman?

Ah~ Onii-chan will be out in a moment.

Let's go.

As he spoke, Hachiman walked out of the house and instructed Yui.

Heeheehee, have fun, Onii-chan~ Komachi giggled as she closed the door.

Why are you still standing there? If we don't leave now, we'll miss the next train.

Hachiman spoke to Yui, who was standing there blankly.

Huh? Oh.

Yui came to her senses and stepped forward to lightly link her arm with Hachiman's. The two walked along in silence.

For some reason, aside from the clacking of Yui's Geta sandals against the ground, there was not another sound on the street.

What's wrong? Why are you so quiet today? Hachiman asked curiously.

Huh? Nothing. I was just thinking about something else.

Yui felt both guilty and thrilled about secretly going out with Hachiman behind Yukino's back, leaving her distracted and uneasy.

Thinking about Yukino? Hachiman knew what she was thinking just by looking at her expression.

Huh? How did you know?

Yui cried out, a faint blush coloring her pretty face.

Heh. Hachiman let out a cold laugh and continued, "I understand you better than you understand yourself."

Although I can't remember the details of some things, I still know the general outline.