The Hikigaya couple's youthful love story is definitely not a problem.

Hachiman, who was being praised by a girl for the first time, scratched his face shyly.

Hehe, I feel so much better with glasses on! My dead fish eyes really ruin my overall image.

Haha, so how long are you two going to chat? If you don't go in soon, you'll really be late.

Yukino gave a small yawn, a reminder to the two people in front of her.

"Well, let's hurry up then. If we're late, Hiratsuka-sensei will definitely kill us," Hachiman said as he walked toward the classroom.

Why do Hachiman and Yukino look so tired today? Didn't they get a good rest last night? Yui asked, noticing Hachiman and Yukino's slight dark circles under their eyes.

I was supposed to give some feedback on Zaimokuza's light novel, but I stayed up very late last night.

Judging from how energetic you are, you didn't actually watch it, did you?

Hachiman rubbed his eyes and looked at the energetic Yui, showing her the results of her all-night battle with Yukinoshita last night.

Haha, oh dear, how could I not have watched it? I watched it very carefully.

Yes, that's right.

Yui remembered the original manuscript she had brought home yesterday but hadn't even looked at it, and waved her hand dismissively.

That would be perfect. Just tell him your thoughts when the woodworker comes this afternoon. Don't worry about hurting his feelings.

Say what you think.

After saying goodbye to Yukinoshita at the stairwell, Hachiman took off his glasses and put them in their case at the classroom door. He then pushed open the classroom door and walked into the classroom with Yui.

As usual, not many people paid attention when Hachiman stepped into the classroom. He went to his seat, put his bag down, and started his day's classes as usual.

During his lunch break, Hachiman was about to buy a can of MAX coffee from the vending machine, as usual, when he discovered an unexpected person standing in front of the machine.

Yukinoshita stood in front of the machine, arms crossed, staring intently until Hachiman patted her on the shoulder.

He only breathed a sigh of relief when he turned around and saw that the person who came was Hachiman.

How do I use this thing? Yukino pointed at the vending machine with a matter-of-fact expression.

Hachiman didn't say anything, but stepped forward and ordered a bottle of coffee and a bottle of sweetened milk. He handed the milk to Yukino, asking, "Why did you come here to buy something to eat today?" as he opened the coffee tab.

It's all thanks to someone that I didn't have time to make a bento box this morning.

Okay, fine, this meal is on me today, consider it my apology.

As she spoke, she handed Yukino the fried bread she had just bought from the school cafeteria.

"And what about you?" Yukino asked in return after taking it.

I'll go buy another one. Wait for me on the rooftop later.

Hachiman turned around and walked towards the cafeteria, waving his arm at Yukino behind him.

When Hachiman reached the rooftop, Yukino was already eating bread in small bites.

Hachiman walked up to the chair where Yukino was sitting and sat down without any hesitation.

So, what do you want to do by calling me here? Yukinoshita turned to look at Hachiman, her dark blue eyes devoid of any coldness, replaced by a deep-seated affection and longing.

Hachiman stared into Yukino's eyes, as if he could see into the girl's heart.

Under the snow, you yourself seem unaware that you've changed a lot recently.

Hachiman carefully considered his words and spoke cautiously.

I understand what you mean. You're saying that I fell in love with you because of that dream? At this moment, Yukino smiled, her eyes even narrowed, like a blooming flower on a high mountain. Although she was being blown by the cold wind, she still showed her breathtaking beauty.

Perhaps, Hikigaya-kun, do you know how much those things affected me? Ever since I was little, I've been following in my sister's footsteps, wanting to become a perfect person.

But in all those experiences, my pursuit has been nothing but a laughable thing. My beliefs from birth to the present have all been negated as worthless because of that dream.

Yukino stretched out her fair hand and examined it in the sunlight.

Bathed in sunlight, the pale blue veins on her delicate, porcelain-like hands were clearly visible. Her fingers were flawless, as if meticulously sculpted, with well-proportioned bones and flesh and distinct knuckles.

The manicured nails also complemented the hands, creating a harmonious rhythm.

Yukino just watched, as if admiring a flawless work of art. Hikigaya-kun, I thought a lot, really a lot. I wondered if I hadn't had this dream, if I hadn't met you and Yui, would I still be the same as before, always pursuing so-called perfection, until finally becoming the second older sister, becoming Yukinoshita Haruno's shadow.

Not myself, not existing as Yukino Yukinoshita.

But I'm glad, because the appearance of the two of you has given Yukino Yukinoshita her own soul. She no longer lives to surpass anyone or to change the world.

I once wanted to help others change their weaknesses, but I found that I couldn't even solve my own weaknesses, so how could I help others?

Yukinoshita spoke quietly, her tone completely calm.

So, from now on, the Yukino Yukinoshita who was always right no longer exists, because I am also a person, and I also have my own weak side.

Therefore, whether it's her older sister or her mother, their strength has nothing to do with Yukino Yukinoshita. From today onwards, Yukino Yukinoshita will also make mistakes and be weak.

Hachiman looked at the girl in front of him and spoke, his expression becoming more and more natural as he spoke.

It wasn't the usual deliberate attempt to appear strong.

Hikigaya-kun, please remember this from now on: the beautiful girl in front of you is named Yukino Yukinoshita.

Yukino suddenly stood up, reached out and pulled Hachiman up from the chair, held Hachiman's hand tightly and then let go, then took a half step back.

Hikigaya Hachiman, my name is Yukino Yukinoshita. It's nice to meet you. Please take care of me in the future.

Hachiman watched as Yukino bowed deeply before him, her joyful voice emanating from her body, which was bent at a ninety-degree angle.

Then Yukino raised her head, her face flushed and a genuine, heartfelt smile on her face—"Ugh... I finally figured out why Yukino's personality changed! Now I can legitimately be affectionate with Hachiman!"

As is customary, please vote for this post.

Chapter Eight: The Approaching Weekend

Zai Muza wasn't feeling very good, because the two people sitting opposite him were commenting on his light novel in a back-and-forth manner, like a married couple.

From the beginning until now, there have been dozens of suggestions, none of which were praises for him.

Hachiman and Yukino share the view that Zaimokuza is not suitable for the role of a light novel writer. His writing is full of unknown settings, and his grammar and sentence structure are even worse than those of a middle school student in China.

In short, the timber stand was thoroughly criticized and deemed utterly worthless by the two people in front of it.

As for the other person, they are currently fast asleep, engrossed in a light novel by Zaimokuza.

Even ordinary high school students like us wouldn't even look at this kind of stuff, let alone professional editors. They probably wouldn't even have the patience to read it before throwing the whole stack into the shredder.

Yukinoshita spoke to the woodwork stand without any politeness.

Yukino's gentleness towards others is limited to Hachiman and Yui, who is sleeping soundly next to her.

Dear student, I think you should go back and work on your Chinese language skills. Try writing again when you are in a better position. You might do much better then.

Yukino said to Zaimokuza, who had already lost his confidence due to the shock.

"It seems even a swordsman general can't withstand the Yuki-onna's attacks," Hachiman thought, looking at the zaimokuza.

"My friend Hachiman, do you think so too?" Zaimokuza looked up at Hachiman with hopeful eyes.

I think so too. Although light novels don't have to be as serious as traditional literature, they can't be written casually and still succeed.

And also, could you please stop looking at me like that? It feels really disgusting. Hachiman subtly moved his chair back.

I put so much effort and time into writing this, and you dismissed it as worthless? Hachiman, don't you even care about our friendship anymore?

Alright, Zaimokuza-kun, you should use this time to practice more. Just talking here won't help you improve much. Yukino gave the white-haired guy in front of her a dismissal.

Zaimokuza, after being glared at by Yukino, didn't say a word, and quickly walked out of the Service Club without looking back, carrying the manuscript with Yukino's detailed annotations.

As for the manuscript that Yui, who was sleeping soundly to the side, hadn't even flipped through, he didn't even glance at it.

So why should I sacrifice my sleep time for something like this?

After the strangers left, Yukino's tone softened instantly, as if she were pleading, "Hikigaya-kun, I'm so sleepy right now."

You can learn from Yuihama-san; no one cares about you anyway.

Hachiman gestured with his lips toward Yui's position.

Sometimes I really envy her; it seems like she never has any pressure.

Yukino rested her head on her arm and fell asleep without realizing it.

Half asleep, Yukino felt her body being shaken, and she groggily opened her eyes.

Seeing Hachiman standing in front of him, he realized he should stop sleeping and go home.

Hmm~ Yukino yawned, rubbed her sleepy eyes, and then stretched beautifully.

"Has Yui already left?" Looking around but not seeing Yui, Yukino lazily asked Hachiman.

She left half an hour ago, but didn't disturb you because you were sleeping so soundly.

Hachiman suddenly reached out and wiped the stuff off Yukino's face.

Hmm, what's wrong? Why are you doing this all of a sudden?

With a blush, Yukino lightly punched Hachiman.

You slept so soundly that there were drool stains on your face.

Hachiman looked at Yukino, who was acting cute, and said with a smile.

Tch, mind your own business.

Can't I wipe it myself?

Hachiman shrugged; it was time to go back, it was getting late.

Upon hearing this, Yukino tidied up her things and straightened her skirt, which had become wrinkled from sitting for so long.

"Then let's hurry up and go. I've slept for too long, and my skirt is a little wet now," Yukino said with a frown, her smooth forehead showing a hint of helplessness.

Yukino walked side by side with Hachiman to the school gate. When Hachiman suddenly turned around, Yukino was stunned and asked, "Where are you going?"

Go home. I can't possibly sleep at your place again.

Oh... Yukino snapped out of her daze and coughed awkwardly.

Seeing Hachiman turn and walk towards his house, Hikigaya couldn't help but call out to him. When he saw Hachiman turn around and look at him in confusion, he nervously clenched his hands to his chest.

Tomorrow's the weekend, how about we go out for a stroll together?