The Hikigaya Couple's Youth Romantic Comedy Is Definitely Not Working

Ah, it's in my bag.

Haruno said, pulling a document out of her bag.

Hachiman took it, glanced at it for a few moments, nodded, and handed it back to Haruno.

Once Hayama and the others come down, you can go up and say exactly what I taught you.

Ew~ You're truly awful, I suddenly pity that... what was her name again? Haruno mused.

Never mind.

Haruno waved her hand dismissively. Seeing Hayama and the others returning from the stage, she got up and went forward.

Good job.

Patting Hayama's shoulder, Haruno took the fully charged microphone from Meguri Shiromeguri, tidied her appearance, and walked onto the stage with a perfect smile.

To all the students and teachers of Sobu High School, and to our audience who took time out of their busy schedules to visit.

Haruno said with a smile.

After finishing the closing remarks according to the cue cards in her hand, Haruno looked at the somewhat restless audience and said.

Having said all this, you might not know who I am.

Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am a student from a few years prior to yours, you could say I'm one of your seniors.

Perhaps some of you might be wondering why I'm hosting this closing ceremony.

Actually, we were also in a difficult situation. The task was originally assigned to the executive committee chair, Sagami Minami, but we just found out that she's nowhere to be found right now.

Therefore, I had no choice but to step in at the last minute to help my juniors overcome this difficulty.

I won't waste any more time. Next up are the winners of the Excellence Award and the Regional Award, which you've all been eagerly anticipating.

Hachiman didn't listen to the award recipients Haruno announced. Instead, he watched the school leaders' ashen faces from backstage.

Sagami Minami... the Cultural Festival is over.

Hachiman murmured softly, taking Yukino's hand. They quietly slipped away amidst the continuous applause and cheers.

Chapter 67: The Benefits of a Typhoon

Hachiman knocked on the door of the faculty office, but there was no response for a long time. He doubtfully gripped the handle and opened the door with a slight push.

Instinctively moving stealthily, his hard-soled indoor shoes made no sound on the floor. He turned back and quietly closed the door, then walked silently behind Shizuka Hiratsuka.

At that moment, Shizuka was slumped in her chair, wearing headphones, intently staring at the computer screen, and humming a tune leisurely.

Hachiman secretly glanced at the anime playing on the computer. Toradora?

He reached out a hand and gently rubbed Shizuka Hiratsuka's head, startling her into jumping up with a yelp.

Turning around and seeing Hachiman shaking the bag in his hand, she then closed the Niico webpage with a blush.

You're going to kill me! Shizuka Hiratsuka pretended to be angry to cover up.

Can you blame me? Didn't you call me to buy you food?

Hachiman said innocently, handing her the bag.

Mmm... Shizuka Hiratsuka was speechless, making a small, unintelligible sound as she took the bag from Hachiman.

Pork cutlet bowl and Tempura Soba, that'll be two thousand four hundred yen.

Hachiman held out his hand to Shizuka Hiratsuka.

You're so rich, do you even care about this little bit? Shizuka Hiratsuka ignored Hachiman and acted shamelessly.

Have some pity on your teacher, a low-income individual.

A low-income individual driving a supercar, that car costs tens of millions.

Hachiman thought to himself, recalling Shizuka Hiratsuka's luxury car.

Did Haruno tell you?

Hachiman sat down opposite Shizuka Hiratsuka without any pretense.

Ah, what about it? We were just chatting.

Shizuka Hiratsuka opened the bag and first took out the greasy ramen.

She broke open the disposable wooden chopsticks with her teeth and right hand, her movements revealing a hearty, gruff demeanor.

I'm eating! she said indistinctly, already digging in.

Mmm, do you want some? The ramen here is really good.

Shizuka Hiratsuka looked up at Hachiman, who was staring at her, without any embarrassment.

No, I've already eaten.

Hachiman replied calmly, his eyes fixed on Shizuka Hiratsuka, who was battling the extra-large portion of ramen.

I see.

Shizuka Hiratsuka nodded, then buried her head in eating again.

After Shizuka Hiratsuka finished the extra-large ramen that made Hachiman feel full just looking at it, she very naturally opened the pork cutlet bowl.

Hachiman's eye twitched as he watched Shizuka Hiratsuka continuously stuff food into her mouth.

"Mmm, I'm so full, I can't eat anymore."

Shizuka Hiratsuka looked distressed at the pork cutlet bowl, which was still one-third full.

"Here~ Eat it all."

She handed it to Hachiman, shoving the chopsticks into his hand as well.

"Huh?" Hachiman stared blankly at Shizuka-cute in front of him.

"If you can't finish it, at least eat the pork cutlet. It's a waste."

Is that the point? Hachiman thought, but found that Shizuka Hiratsuka had already leisurely started smoking.

Hachiman listlessly brought the pork cutlet to his mouth, but suddenly noticed a pair of unopened disposable chopsticks in the bag. He quickly finished eating, tidied up the trash as if he knew nothing, and put it away.

"Hachiman."

Shizuka Hiratsuka called out lazily.

"What is it?" Hachiman cautiously sat down, asking with a guilty conscience.

"How should I put this, you went too far this time."

Shizuka Hiratsuka stared at Hachiman with a complex expression, her tone carrying a hint of reproach.

"I don't think I did anything wrong. It was sudden, and it was the best choice."

Hachiman looked calmly at Shizuka-cute.

"So? Are you satisfied?" Shizuka Hiratsuka sighed.

"Do you know what the school's punishment for Sagami is?"

"I don't know."

Hachiman stated he had no interest in knowing.

"Originally, even if the executive committee chair didn't do a good job, they would still get the recommendation qualification. That's the confidence Sobu High School has as a top high school in Chiba City."

"But in Sagami's situation, let alone the recommendation qualification, she might even have trouble with normal enrollment now."

"In this kind of social environment in Japan, do you know what it means for her to have that label on her record?" Shizuka Hiratsuka sighed.

"I don't understand what you're talking about."

Hachiman still stared calmly into Shizuka Hiratsuka's eyes.

This incident was less about Hachiman's revenge and more about Sagami Minami facing the consequences of her own actions. Hachiman had merely blown a breath of air at Sagami Minami, who was standing on the edge of a cliff, and she had jumped with the breeze.

She had acted on impulse and regretted it afterward, but she never repented her actions, instead believing that her current predicament was due to others pushing her.

Suffering comes from desire, and detachment from desire leads to strength.

Humans are animals with strong self-awareness. The reason why others' words and actions affect our behavior is that we subconsciously agree with them. Otherwise, no matter how beautifully others speak, we won't be easily influenced.

Sagami Minami's current situation is largely due to her own inner jealousy. In her haste, she didn't think about the consequences and ultimately had to eat the bitter fruit she planted herself.

"If you believe that your actions were not wrong, then as a teacher, I can't say anything."

"But, Hachiman-kun, promise me, don't become someone who manipulates people and acts recklessly in the future."

Shizuka Hiratsuka sincerely held Hachiman's hand, saying with some nervousness.

Hachiman felt the slight sweat on Shizuka Hiratsuka's palm, as well as its unique soft warmth, and nodded seriously.

"If you ever feel confused about something in the future, don't act on impulse. Come talk to me first, okay?" Shizuka Hiratsuka said with a gentle smile.

Hey! That's cheating! Someone marry her already. If she were ten years younger, I'd have made a move myself. Hachiman thought, blushing.

"Then that's it."

Shizuka Hiratsuka sat back down at her computer, then suddenly remembered something. "Today only counts as one! You still owe me four meals."

I was really overthinking it... Hachiman thought, speechless.

"Alright, let's go. Remember to lock the door."

Shizuka Hiratsuka said, putting on her headphones.

When Hachiman returned to the Service Club, Yui was still asleep, her drool dampening a small part of the desk.

What's wrong with this girl? Alzheimer's? Hachiman joked with Yukino, smiling.

Swish! Shizuka Hiratsuka opened the door and walked in.

"I forgot to tell you, the school is worried about the typhoon, so they're giving us a week off starting tomorrow."

"What! A break!" Dango suddenly woke up, still with drool on her face, but her eyes were bright.

Shizuka Hiratsuka turned and left after speaking.

Leaving Yukino and Hachiman exchanging glances, and Yui cheering joyfully.

Chapter 68: Edinburgh Trip Part 1

Around seven in the morning, with the roar of the engine, the plane slowly came to a halt at Edinburgh Airport. Hachiman and his group filed out of the plane door, handing their completed immigration cards, which they had requested from the flight attendants and filled out on the plane, to the customs officers.

"How many days will you be staying here?" the officer asked as a matter of routine.

"Five days."

Yukino responded in fluent English.

"Where are you planning to go?"

"Just around Edinburgh city."

"When will you be departing?"

"The evening of the fifth day."

"OK."

With that, the officers stamped their passports one by one, signaling they were free to leave.

"Have a pleasant stay."

Hachiman and the others strolled along leisurely. After collecting their luggage, they spotted a Starbucks not far away.

Yukino stepped forward, looking up and pondering how to get to the city by public transport, while Hachiman led the remaining three into the adjacent corridor. After walking for a short while, they saw the tourist information center on their left.

After picking up some free maps, Hachiman suddenly felt an urgent need to use the restroom. He turned and handed what he was holding to Yui, instructing her.