[Editor's note: This chapter has been edited to remove content that breaks our content rules.]
“Even if you ask him, he won’t tell you. You couldn’t use the same approach he did anyway.”
Hachiman was just about to speak when a cool female voice interrupted him.
“Sorry I’m late. I noticed yesterday that we’d run out of tea in the clubroom, then forgot to bring any this morning. I had to ask someone to deliver it. They just called, so I went downstairs to pick it up.”
Looking slightly apologetic, Yukino put down her bag, took out the tea leaves, and went off to prepare them.
“Ugh…”
Yukino’s remark left Tobe distinctly uncomfortable. But since she was one of the people involved and plainly had no intention of answering his question, there was nothing he could do but watch her busy herself with the tea.
“Here.”
She placed a disposable paper cup of black tea in front of Tobe, then returned to her seat with her own cup.
“What were you talking about? Why did my name come up?”
Yukino blinked as she nibbled a biscuit.
“Nothing much. Tobe said he’s made up his mind to pursue Ebina, so he wanted to ask about my experience.”
Hachiman rolled his eyes. What experience did he have? If someone’s affection for you started out at maximum, you could manage it just as easily.
“You’ve decided, then? But have you thought about what you’ll do if she turns you down?” Yukino asked with interest.
“You understand that failure wouldn’t necessarily end with a simple rejection, don’t you? Even if you confess somewhere completely deserted, word will somehow get out. People might even make fun of you.”
She was trying to dissuade him.
“That might be true, but I still want to give it