Hikigaya Hachiman is still in the dark

Unlike the tomato juice that looked very warm, Yukino looked expressionless as she held a tomato, just like a snow woman. But judging from the situation, she probably wanted me to sober up.

Frowning slightly, Yukinoshita looked at me with disdain.

"Rotting to the point of falling down drunk on someone else's doorstep, Hikigaya, it looks like you've also achieved evolution."

"None of your business! By the way, Yukinoshita, your curse word dictionary hasn't been updated in such a long time, can you use some more original words?"

"Indeed, ordinary bacteria will produce antibodies, and Hikigaya must have a stronger immune system. This was indeed my mistake."

Hey, you look really annoyed. Don't worry about such things. Also, don't really think about how to change the swear dictionary.

"Okay, Hikigaya, if you can, could you please drink this glass of tomato juice first? The smell of alcohol on you makes me feel uncomfortable all over. Being in the same room with you already makes me feel uncomfortable all over, and coupled with the strong smell of alcohol, I really want to consider notifying the police to drag away a troublesome creature like you."

"I am of the same biological species as you. Please pay attention to this point if possible." Although I argued like this, I still picked up the cup and drank it. Sure enough, the headache was relieved a lot.

After putting the cup away, an awkward silence fell between Yukinoshita and I. Just as I had thought before, strictly speaking, Yukinoshita and I were still in a quarrel, so I had no idea how to start the conversation when we were alone. So, in the end, the situation became an awkward one where I lowered my head slightly and Yukinoshita looked at me with her head tilted to the side.

However, it seems that going on like this is not a solution in the long run. The same thing happened last time when I had a quarrel with Komachi. Although we made peace in the end, Komachi still complained that I apologized too late. At this time, it is better to apologize earlier. Although I did nothing wrong, sometimes, making a mistake and admitting it are two different things.

After strengthening my belief, I raised my head and looked at Yukinoshita. It seemed that she noticed me, and Yukinoshita also turned her gaze to me.

"Um, Yukinoshita, thank you."

I spoke very sincerely. Perhaps she didn't expect me to thank her. Yukinoshita was obviously stunned for a moment, and then she quickly turned her face away. Then, a vague voice came from her.

"Well, it's nothing. I just took care of you."

It's the same again. I always downplay the fact that I helped others. Even though so much time has passed, Yukinoshita is still Yukinoshita. I don't know why, but when I think of this, my heart becomes calm. The tension just now disappears in an instant, and I laugh unconsciously.

"Hikigaya, could you please stop showing that rotten smile of yours?"

As expected, it was Yukinoshita. I adjusted my expression distressedly and looked at her seriously. "Also, there is one more thing. I am sorry for making you angry because of my lateness."

"I'm not angry." Before I could finish my words, Yukinoshita interrupted me harshly.

"Oh, wait, but your performance."

"Do you remember the result of our competition at graduation?"

When Yukinoshita said this, my thoughts immediately went back to the time when we graduated. It was true that at that time, Mr. Hiratsuka judged that Yukinoshita was the winner. Although there was suspicion of cheating, I finally agreed to Yukinoshita's request.

"Don't work hard on your own anymore. Learn to rely on others. Don't help others in a way that hurts yourself. Learn to use other ways to reassure others. Most importantly, don't use such twisted tenderness anymore. Use a warmer, more perceptible tenderness." Speaking in a low voice, Yukinoshita nodded to me, "It seems that you haven't completely rotted yet."

"Wait, what does this have to do with my being late?" Turning her eyes away, Yukinoshita said in an unquestionable voice: "Of course I'm here to test whether you have fulfilled the bet. Do you think I'm such a stingy person? I'm just testing the way you handle this matter to see if you have met my requirements!"

As always, he keeps making excuses. This guy still hasn't changed his habit.

"So, Judge Yukinoshita, what is the verdict?" I said with resentment.

"Of course it's zero points. Asking Hiratsuka-sensei to explain the situation doesn't show your sincerity in apologizing at all. The time you formally apologized was also very late. It seems that you don't take this matter to heart at all."

"Wait, that's because..." I wanted to protest, but Yukinoshita interrupted me firmly, "There is no other reason. It's completely disqualified."

Wait, is this some kind of weird group trial? They are directly found guilty without any explanation?

"But." Yukinoshita turned around with a slight smile on her face: "You were able to take care of the sick student responsibly. Although it was a little late, you still took the initiative to apologize. It seems that you have grown a lot in the past few years."

"So the care I gave you last night..." Her face turned red inexplicably, and Yukinoshita looked away unnaturally, her body a little awkward. What happened to this guy all of a sudden?

"Just think of it as a reward for your growth."

"Hmm?" What kind of nonsense is this? I have no idea what the point is, okay?

Chapter 78 Get up

The rising sun was rising slowly at this moment, and the warm sunlight shone into the room through the thick clouds. The room also became warm due to the sunlight. Under the soft background of the sunlight, Yukinoshita seemed to be emitting a warm glow. She was holding Mr. Pan, with her back to the sunlight, showing a peaceful smile that made all the flowers pale in comparison. It was like a painting drawn by the greatest artist in the world. At this moment, Yukinoshita was like a work of art.

"Thank you, Hikigaya."

The figure of gratitude in my ear was as ethereal as the whispers of a fairy, but my ears indeed captured this voice, straight, like the sound knocking on the soul.

At that time, all the doubts I had been having were answered.

Why I chose to move into this apartment with Yukinoshita instead of letting Yukinoshita move in alone and continue my previous life on my own.

Because I still want to continue, to continue our daily life as the three of us in that small office room.

After I confirmed this thought, I don’t know why, a huge pain spread throughout my body.

So, am I a traitor to myself in college and to that figure? Perhaps, in her heart, I have long been a complete traitor...

"Get up, get up, get up. If you don't get up, your small business will rot."

"Eh?" I stood up in panic and reached out to grab my alarm clock, and quickly pressed the stop button. I have been sleeping very deeply recently because I am busy with work, so I specially set this alarm clock ringtone, but now thinking about it, it is really embarrassing. Although the sound is really nice and it does work, I always feel that this feeling is weird.

I always have the illusion that I am moving towards perversion, but this is not okay. I tried hard to shake my head to deny this idea and patted my cheeks with both hands to keep myself awake.

I should change the alarm tone for waking up. Thinking of this, I picked up the alarm clock and turned on the settings button, but for some reason, I always couldn't press the change button.

"Get up, get up, get up. If you don't get up, your small business will rot."

I pressed the replay button and carefully checked the ringtone again. It sounded really good. I don't know why this sound always sounded happy. Never mind. The effect is not bad. It doesn't matter if I keep it like this for now. Well, it's just because the effect is good. There is no other meaning at all. Hmmmmmm.

Xiaoqi's smile suddenly appeared in my mind. Wait, why did it appear? I shook my head to get rid of the figure in my mind, and then carefully checked the time. It seemed to be around five o'clock. This time point is still too early. Although I set an earlier time than usual because I want to see Xiao Xueno, Xiao Xueno should still be jet-lagged. Will this disturb her? But we haven't seen each other for a long time, and the place where we live is quite far away, so it's better to go earlier. Although Xiao Xueno didn't say anything, she probably wanted to see me earlier. Let's treat it as a surprise! Yeah, it's really a genius idea.

I got up and started to prepare to go out. After a simple wash and makeup, I went to the closet. When I opened the closet, I soon had a new problem. What should I wear today? I had seen Xiao Xueno once before, but after all, I hadn't seen her for a long time, so my clothes shouldn't be too relaxed.

I kept trying on clothes, and finally chose the one I was most satisfied with. I looked carefully in the mirror. I wore a blue windbreaker over my red autumn sweater. The temperature in autumn had started to get cooler, so I didn't wear a skirt, but a pair of white tights. Well, perfect, it looks very energetic! Even in the slightly lonely autumn, Yuigahama will greet the new day with the most energetic state!

After adjusting the wrinkles on the clothes with satisfaction, it was time to go out. When leaving the apartment, my eyes unconsciously stopped on a very cute blue dolphin doll in the most conspicuous position in the living room.

How many years have passed since then?

With a smile, I closed the door. At this time, the first ray of sunshine in the morning had already illuminated the earth. The cold morning wind was blowing, and I unconsciously tightened the scarf around my neck. It was so warm, this scarf given by Xiaoqi.

I looked towards the horizon. I don't know why the empty scenery seemed so refreshing at this moment. Yukino is back, and Kimiya is still in Chiba. Our story is not over yet.

When I arrived at the subway station, the first tram had not started running yet because I got up early. After buying the ticket from the ticket machine, I went to the waiting room to wait for the first subway.

There are not many people on the subway at this time. After all, not everyone is as hardworking as me.

I looked around because I was bored. There were only a few staff members and cleaners in the subway station. Occasionally, I could see a few people in a hurry. They must have gotten up early because of urgent matters.

Just as I was looking around, a greeting came from behind me.

"Um, is that Yuigahama?" The voice sounded a little scared due to uncertainty, and it seemed that she was a very cute girl.

After hearing the voice, I looked back to confirm who was calling me. He was wearing a white sports suit and it seemed that he had been doing some morning exercise so there was a lot of sweat on his forehead. There was a white towel around his neck for wiping the sweat, and his face always made people feel very healing for some reason.

"Xiao Cai, why are you here?" I asked with surprise, because I didn't expect to see an acquaintance at this time, so I was very happy to meet Caijia at this time.

"Oh, great, it's really Yuigahama." Xiao Cai smiled at me. Why do I always feel like there are stars twinkling next to Xiao Cai? It must be my illusion, right?

"It's great to meet you here. Today is indeed a lucky day." Xiao Cai sat next to me and opened the water cup she was carrying and took a sip.

Looking at Xiao Cai carefully, even after so many years, his height has not changed much. What's strange is that Xiao Cai has been training in the tennis team. Logically, he should have become a boy with a lot of muscles. I don't know why he still looks as weak as before.

"Well, what a coincidence. Are you guys doing morning practice for the tennis team?"

"Eh? That's not the case. There haven't been any competitions recently, so the team is on holiday. I'm just a little uncomfortable with the days without exercise. I got up a little early to go running. Isn't it a little weird?" Xiao Cai slid her fingers up and down her chin in distress. She seemed to think that this behavior was a bit strange, so she looked a little embarrassed.

"That's not the case. Xiao Cai has been working very hard!"

"Oh, there's nothing like that. It's just ordinary training." Xiao Cai waved her hand and declined: "There are many seniors who are better than me, so I have to work hard."

"Well, that's true, but I think it's amazing that you have persisted in playing tennis from high school to now!" I said this to Xiao Cai without sparing my praise.

"I just like tennis, that's all."

"Yeah, it's true. After all, he likes me." I laughed out loud. "Xiao Qi also said the same thing, but what he said was that he liked being alone, and then he ran away alone regardless of my request."

After hearing what I said, Xiao Cai and I laughed at the same time, "It's indeed Hachiman's style." Xiao Cai echoed me.

"Oh, by the way, Xiao Cai, Xiao Qi recently returned to Chiba, did you know that?"

"Eh?" Xiao Cai looked at me in surprise. "I didn't receive any news at all, so I don't know much about it. If I knew that Hachiman was back, I would definitely go find him."

"Devil, that's true."

"Hey, Hachiman is really back? Why didn't he contact me? Does he hate me..." There was obvious disappointment at the end of her voice. Xiao Cai seemed to care a lot about such things.

Well, I don't think it's a matter of dislike at all. Xiaoqi has been erratic since he went to college. To put it in a metaphor, well, he is just like Sabre running around. But Sabre is old now. According to the age ratio of dogs and humans, I have to call Sabre grandpa when I see him.

Although I can’t keep a dog now due to work restrictions, I will definitely take Sabre back once everything settles down!

"Xiao Cai, that's not the case. Xiao Qi probably hasn't had time to inform you yet. And Xiao Qi hasn't taken the initiative to tell anyone that he's back. He must be busy with work. The reason I know this is because of Mr. Hiratsuka."

"Oh, that's how it is." Xiao Cai finally laughed out loud with relief: "Come to think of it, I haven't seen Ms. Hiratsuka for a long time. I really hope to see her again."

"Oh, that's it. I don't think there is a solution."

"Hey, really?"

"Yeah." I puffed up my chest a little proudly: "Isn't it time for university graduation now? Most of my old classmates should have returned to Chiba. We can take this opportunity to hold a class reunion. What do you think?"

"That's a good idea." Xiao Cai agreed happily: "Indeed, many of my old classmates haven't met for a long time. This gathering is really great."

"That's decided then. I'll contact the others when I get back."

"Well, please, Yuigahama-san, if you need any help, you can email me and I will do my best to help you."

"No problem." At this time, the sound of the tram entering the station rang out, and I quickly got up to say goodbye to Xiao Cai.

"Well, I have something urgent to do so I'll leave first."

"Well, be careful on your way." Xiao Cai waved to me and said loudly.

"Okay, goodbye." I also waved back to Xiao Cai.

When I arrived at the apartment where Yukino lived, I was a little surprised. I had been to Yukino's apartment when she was in high school before, so I was prepared, but I was still a little surprised when I faced it alone. As expected of Yukino, she lives in an apartment that looks impressive from the outside. The towering building made me feel so small.

Since the door of the apartment requires access control, I was downstairs preparing to call Xiao Xueno to ask her to open the door. At this time, the door happened to open, and I carefully moved to the side.

Chapter 79 Do we have to start working so early?

"Hey, isn't this Yuigahama? Why are you here?" The unexpected greeting made me look up in surprise. The long blue hair, the full black professional suit, and the strong aura made me wonder that the person in front of me must be an extraordinary person.

"Hey, Shashi? Why are you here?"

"This is where I live, but why are you here, Yuigahama?" Saki asked.

"Really? Saki, you are awesome. I came here to see Yukino." When I mentioned Yukino, Saki's brows frowned unconsciously. Eh, why? Is there some misunderstanding between them?

"Oh, so that's how it is, that makes sense." Saki's voice became colder than before. This puzzled me because there shouldn't be any misunderstandings between Saki and Yukino. Yukino often helped Saki, whether it was the time with Daishi or the time when she made chocolates on Valentine's Day, it can be said that Yukino helped a lot. Why did the relationship between the two suddenly seem to be so bad?

Although I had many questions in my mind, I was too embarrassed to ask directly, so I had to change the topic and say, "By the way, Shaxi, are you going out? Are you going to work so early?"

"Well, the company is busy with an acquisition case recently, so we have to work hard."

"That sounds amazing, as expected of Saki."

I don't know if she felt a little embarrassed because of my straightforward praise, Shaxi twisted her body awkwardly: "It's not a big deal, it's just that I have a lot of things to do recently."

"No, no, I think it's already great. Shashi, you are the manager, right?"

"Yeah, almost."

"Isn't that amazing? You can become a manager right after graduation. Sashi, you are amazing!"

Shaki turned her head away in embarrassment, her face now turning a little red, "It's not that serious, it's about like this."

"That's really amazing. I'm totally not like that..." I said dejectedly. Although I didn't end up without a job like most graduates, I still couldn't say I was particularly satisfied.

"Eh? What's your job now?"

"Me? Now I plan to open a small shop with the money my parents gave me and the money I earned from my part-time job at university."

"Starting your own business? Isn't that amazing?" Shahi looked at me in surprise. Maybe she didn't expect that I would start my own business. That's right, the domestic economy is not very good now, and it is very difficult to start your own business. Although I understand this, I understand even more that I am not suitable for the workplace, and I will definitely fail miserably if I enter the workplace.

"How can I be as good as you, Shashi? I just run a small flower shop."

"Yeah, that's it. I think it's pretty good."

"This is the only way for now, but if I fail, I'll probably have to find a new job." I said a little worriedly. After all, I had never had such experience before. When I did part-time work, I was only a waiter. This was the first time I was my own boss.

"It's okay. I think your flower shop will be very successful."

"Hey, why?" I asked doubtfully. After all, I myself didn't have such confidence, and I didn't know why Shahi was so sure.

"Why?" Shahi looked at me with a smile. I don't know why I felt that smile wasn't that warm. To be exact, it even had a slightly frightening meaning. "If you want to ask why, it's because you've always played the role of a flower, right?"

"Hey, what's the point?" I asked in confusion.

"You will understand one day." After saying this, Shashi looked at his watch and said, "Time is running out. I'm leaving now."