Life As Hikigaya Hachiman

Chapter 570: All for the Sake of Learning

After the graduation ball ended, there were no more large-scale events, and Hachiman's life returned to its usual calm.

However, with the final exams approaching, the atmosphere in the class had become noticeably more serious.

As the bell signaling the end of class rang, the teacher left the classroom.

Yumiko stood up from her seat, stretched lazily, and walked over to Yui, teasing her with a playful tone.

"Oh? Lately, Yui, you've been taking notes very seriously in class. Are you planning to work hard for the finals?"

Not just Yumiko, even Ebina leaned in with a grin. "Yeah, I've noticed too. You've been really attentive in class recently. So? Are you able to keep up with the lessons?"

Hearing her friends tease her like this, Yui puffed out her cheeks unhappily.

"Hina, don't underestimate me. I'm not the same as before! I actually understood most of what the teacher just explained."

And it was true. With the secondary-level [Learning] module, Yui now possessed above-average academic abilities for her grade. Most of the material taught by the teacher in class was within her grasp.

As for the more challenging concepts, she might still struggle to figure them out on her own. She would need guidance from others or further improvements to her learning ability.

Further improve her learning ability...

At this thought, Yui couldn't help but recall the things she did at Hachiman's house last week, and her cheeks flushed faintly.

Should I… do it a few more times?

Hikki had mentioned before that drinking more of that stuff could also make you smarter.

Yukinon, I'm sorry…

This… this is all for the sake of learning.

A bold idea crept into Yui's mind, making her blush so hard that even her earlobes turned red.

Noticing her flushed appearance, Yumiko looked puzzled.

"Yui, what's wrong? Your face is so red."

Hearing her friend's words, Yui panicked and quickly shook her head.

"Nothing, nothing! It's just… a bit warm."

"Warm?"

Yumiko raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical of such an excuse. Thinking it over, Yui suddenly putting so much effort into studying seemed unusual.

Could it be because of that guy, Hachiman?

With that thought, Yumiko subtly glanced at the other side of the room, where Hachiman was lying bored on his desk.

And for Yui to blush this much, there had to be a reason—and it was very likely related to Hachiman.

Still, Yumiko wasn't foolish enough to confront her about it directly.

That would be way too awkward.

Instead, she resolved in her heart to question Hachiman after school.

Meanwhile, Ebina wasn't buying Yui's excuse either.

If it came to intelligence and perceptiveness, she was undoubtedly the sharpest among the three.

Although the classroom was indeed warm, it wasn't nearly warm enough to cause someone to blush like that.

And she had just noticed that even Yui's earlobes were red. It was obvious her silly best friend had thought of something deeply embarrassing to end up like this.

Could it be that Yui and Hachiman have already…?

A possibility crossed Ebina's mind, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.

However, just like Yumiko, she didn't ask about it directly. Instead, she quietly cast a glance in Hachiman's direction.

...

As the dismissal bell rang, Hachiman began packing his things.

With the final exams approaching, even Yukino had temporarily suspended Service Club activities, leaving him with nowhere to go but home.

However, just as he finished packing and was about to leave the classroom, Yumiko walked over and blocked his path.

"You. Come with me."

Caught off guard by her sudden action, Hachiman was baffled.

"What's wrong, Yumiko?"

Yumiko snorted lightly, her tone cool and commanding.

"Hmph, don't ask so many questions. Just come with me."

"Alright, fine."

Seeing her like this, Hachiman shrugged.

The two then left the classroom together. As for Yui, Yumiko had already instructed Ebina to distract her ahead of time.

Once they exited the school gates, Hachiman naturally took Yumiko's soft hand in his.

Noticing his small gesture, Yumiko only let out a soft snort but didn't resist, letting him hold her hand.

They walked for a while in silence, but Yumiko still hadn't explained why she'd called him out, leaving Hachiman feeling a bit puzzled.

"Yumiko, is there a specific reason you wanted to see me today?"

"What? I can't come find you without a reason?"

Annoyed by his question, Yumiko huffed.

"Did you forget what you told me before?"

"Of course not," Hachiman replied, pulling Yumiko into his arms.

"You can find me anytime you want, Yumiko."

"Hmph. At least you got that right."

Seemingly satisfied with Hachiman's response, Yumiko leaned into his embrace and finally revealed her reason for seeking him out.

"Let me ask you, did you say or do something to Yui? Why has she suddenly started working so hard recently?"

Hearing this, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.

"Can't Yui just decide to work hard? After all, the final exams are right around the corner."

"Tch, who are you trying to fool?" Yumiko rolled her eyes at him.

"I've been her best friend for years. Don't I know her by now? She's never worked this hard before an exam in her life."

"Besides, with her silly little brain, what's the point of working hard?"

"So, it's definitely because of you. Spill it—what did you do?"

Is this what best friends are like?

Listening to Yumiko talk about Yui like this, Hachiman couldn't help but twitch his lips.

"Alright, fine. I'll tell you."

Still, he decided to be honest with her. After all, she was on his side, and keeping secrets wasn't a great idea.

"But the street isn't the best place to talk. Let's go to your house first. I'll even cook for you today."

"Really?"

Yumiko looked at him skeptically, unsure if he was serious.

"Of course it's true. Let's go."

Seeing her doubt him, Hachiman sighed and added,

"By the way, do you have enough ingredients at home, or should we stop to buy some?"

"No need to buy anything. My mom just went shopping yesterday," Yumiko replied.

Hearing this, Hachiman nodded.

"Alright, then let's head over."

"Mm, let's go." Yumiko smiled brightly.

"Looks like Mom is in for a treat tonight."

And so, the two of them walked together toward Yumiko's house.

Before long, they arrived at her home. Opening the door, Yumiko led Hachiman inside.

She took out a pair of slippers and handed them to him. "Here, wear these. I just aired them out yesterday."

After changing into the slippers, they made their way to the living room, only to find that Mrs. Miura wasn't home.

"There's a community event today. Mom went to join it, and she probably won't be back until around five," Yumiko explained, as if sensing Hachiman's confusion.

"But this works out better—no one will interrupt us."

"Alright, spill it. What exactly did you do to Yui?" Yumiko pressed again, her gaze sharp and curious.

Seeing her persistence, Hachiman let out a soft sigh and slowly began to speak:

"Actually… I'm a hero."

Yumiko froze for a moment, her expression a mix of disbelief and confusion.

"…Huh? What nonsense are you spouting now?" she asked, crossing her arms and giving him a skeptical look.

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