Honkai Impact 3rd: The Girl Who Chases the Flame

Page 224

"Haha, that was before the exam, right? It's only the first semester. Besides, don't let something like that dampen your spirits."

Da Ye laughed heartily, looked at the painting again, and then asked Hikigaya Ume,

"Yes, I knew it. I was wondering before, is Hachiman Hachiman mixed race?"

"Yes, my mother is German."

In fact, Mebius was not Megi's biological mother, but the two were sisters.

Hachiman Hikigaya probably doesn't remember, but Umehime Hikigaya has some vague memories of her biological parents.

Regardless, both she and Hachiman Hikigaya are of mixed race, so her skin is fairer than that of the average Asian, while Hachiman...

Uh, a fierce look?

"I see. You lived abroad for a while, didn't you? I can tell that your painting style has a very European feel."

Da Ye didn't seem surprised.

"Yes, I was unable to live independently during elementary school, so I lived in Europe with my mother. Later, I came to Japan with my younger brother."

Hikigaya Umehime nodded.

“Oil painting is originally a European art form, so your style is very suitable for oil painting.”

That means...

However, Hikigaya Umeki was not happy; instead, she asked seriously,

"Am I not good enough? I need overseas experience to get first place."

"You really are competitive. No problem, your foundation is undoubtedly top-notch, no one in this tutoring class can compare to you. However, art is not such a simple thing."

Da Ye laughed heartily.

"When you want to create real works of art in the future, you must overcome your own barriers. For now, focus on the art college entrance exams."

"I'm so sorry for what I said. Well then, I'll head back today. I have school matters to attend to tomorrow, but I'll be back on time the day after tomorrow."

Hikigaya Umehime bowed slightly.

"The etiquette was impeccable, but there was a subtle sense of distance between them."

After watching her leave, Da Ye stretched in the studio.

"Those kinds of kids are the most troublesome... Oh no, I really have to do my job properly as a mentor."

She patted her face, cheered herself up, and called out towards the door:

"next."

.........

"Oh, I'm sorry."

As Hikigaya Umeki was leaving, she ran into a boy. She instinctively stepped aside, and the boy, realizing her presence, quickly moved aside.

"No, I didn't notice either, I'm sorry."

Hikigaya Umeki shook her head, then frowned slightly.

"Are you... Yaguchi Hachiro...?"

"Ugh?"

The somewhat muscular high school boy, wearing an earring, paused for a moment.

"Hachiman... you remember me."

"Hmm, your name is quite memorable. However, it's unusual to be enrolling in classes at this time. Did you only recently decide to apply to an arts university?"

Hikigaya Umeki tilted her head and asked.

"Yes... but I'm not joking, I'm serious."

Yaguchi Hachiko said earnestly.

"Yes, I know. You've always been very serious about your paintings."

Hikigaya Umeki did not deny his intention.

"besides……"

She reached out and took his right hand, saying...

"You see, the painter's hands don't lie—the calluses, the paint, even the fingernails..."

Completely unaware of how utterly illogical her behavior was for a teenager, Hikigaya Umeki muttered to herself.

"So I won't laugh at your efforts."

"...Hachiman, can I ask you something?"

Yaguchi Hachiro blushed slightly, but it seemed that these words affected him more than the beautiful girl.

Do you think effort is worthwhile?

He said this very seriously, it seems he had suffered some setbacks after arriving here.

"of course."

Hikigaya Umeki answered without hesitation.

"The ability to work hard is a remarkable talent."

"Yeah……"

Yaguchi Hachiko lowered his head, then after a moment revealed a hearty smile.

"Sorry for asking a strange question. But I'm glad that Hachiman-kun remembered me."

"Really? Oh no, it's already so late, I have to go back and cook for my younger brother."

Hikigaya Umeki glanced at the clock beside her, then looked past Yaguchi Hachiko and said...

"Well then, I'll head back now. Good luck, Yaguchi-kun."

"Yes, Hachiman Hikigaya too."

Yaguchi Yatora nodded, holding the painting, but did not turn around to look at Hikigaya Umehime. Instead, he walked straight to the teacher in the art studio.

"...He's such a hard worker. I wish Hachiman had half his willpower."

Hikigaya Umeki sighed, one hand on her hip. Yaguchi Hachiko was clearly more interested in his paintings than in improving his relationship with her.

To be honest, this made her think more highly of him, but then she thought of her younger brother, Hachiman Hikigaya, who spent all his time at home reading light novels and daydreaming, and couldn't help but sigh.

Why is there such a huge difference between people?

…………

The main storyline of the PS parallel world revolves around Oregairu, but also includes content from the Blue Period.

For your information: Blue Period is an inspirational manga that the author really likes. It's about art students and there's also an anime adaptation.

However, it doesn't contain much content, so it mainly focuses on erotic content.

Chapter Two: Möbius is stubborn but soft-hearted

"Sis, you don't need to rush back anymore. I've joined a club."

While we were eating, Hachiman Hikigaya suddenly spoke.

"Huh? What? Anime fan club or something?"

Hikigaya Umeki paused for a moment.

"No, it's the Service Department."

"That sounds so inappropriate."

"No, it's a proper... club that helps others."

Hachiman Hikigaya showed a look of disgust.

"I see."

Hikigaya Umehime nodded; she roughly understood what Hiratsuka-sensei had meant that morning.