The Chat Group instantly fell silent.
Su Yunqing and the others naturally knew Hachiman Hikigaya's choice. Though they were not certain, it definitely was not just Yukino Yukinoshita. Therefore, they had no idea how Hachiman Hikigaya would answer Yukino Yukinoshita's question.
Unexpectedly, however, Hachiman Hikigaya did not hesitate much on this point.
Genius Among the Lonely: "In the world line I'm in."
Genius Among the Lonely: "Yukino, Yui, and I ended up together."
He did not use any euphemisms and directly stated the outcome that might have been considered "taboo" in many world lines.
"Buzz!"
It was as if an invisible chill instantly spread outward from Yukino Yukinoshita.
Even through their screens, the group members seemed able to feel the temperature abruptly plunge to freezing.
Inside the Service Club, the knuckles of Yukino Yukinoshita's hand gripping her book turned faintly white. The emotions in her eyes were instantly replaced by a sharp, blade-like coldness.
Her reply popped up almost the very second after Hachiman Hikigaya's message, the chill between every word nearly freezing the air:
Yukino Yukinoshita: "Three people?"
Yukino Yukinoshita: "You mean you chose both Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama at the same time?"
Yukino Yukinoshita: "This is the 'genuine' you spoke of, Hachiman Hikigaya?"
Three questions in succession, each colder than the last. She even used his full name at the end, her sarcasm and disappointment practically overflowing.
Hachiman Hikigaya seemed able to imagine Yukino Yukinoshita's expression on the other side of the screen. He fell silent for several seconds before slowly replying, his tone low and serious, carrying an unquestionable stubbornness.
Genius Among the Lonely: "This isn't a matter of choosing one person."
Genius Among the Lonely: "Feelings aren't a math problem with only one answer."
Genius Among the Lonely: "I hate lies and pursue the 'genuine.'