The Hikigaya Couple’s Youth Romantic Comedy Is Just as Expected

Early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Hachiman remained blissfully wrapped in dreams.

"Come on, Onii-chan, get up already! We're going to be late. Yukino-neesan already called like, three times!"

Still in her pajamas, Komachi jumped onto Hachiman's bed, shaking him energetically.

Hachiman groggily propped himself up, eyes half-closed, staring blankly at his overly energetic little sister. "What's the rush? Can't we talk about this after you put on some clothes?"

"Does it matter if it's just you seeing me? I mean, we're family."

"Ugh, that's not the point." He rubbed his temple. "Wait, what are we doing today again?"

Komachi puffed out her cheeks. "Seriously? You forgot? We're going to the beach with Yukino-neesan and Yui-neesan!"

Hachiman blinked. "Wait… that's today?"

"Yes, that's today! Come on, get up already!" Komachi kept shaking him.

"Stop shaking me, I'm gonna be sick."

At his protest, Komachi halted abruptly. But the sudden stop caused Hachiman to lurch forward… right into Komachi, knocking heads clumsily.

"Ow…" Hachiman grumbled, instinctively using his hand to steady himself, only to realize he had awkwardly bumped right into her. He immediately backed away, waving his hands. "Okay, okay, I'm up, I'm up. Don't report me to child services."

Komachi sat back, rubbing her head with a slightly embarrassed pout. "Geez, Onii-chan, you're the clumsy one here. But you're lucky I'm such a forgiving little sister."

"Forgiving and loud," Hachiman muttered, already stumbling toward the bathroom to get ready.

By the time he returned, Komachi had already dressed and was packing up the rest of their things in the living room. Her cheeks were still a little pink, likely from all the morning chaos, but she said nothing as she handed Hachiman his bag.

Their fingers brushed during the handoff, and Hachiman instinctively gripped her hand for a second too long. Komachi looked down at their hands, then turned her head to avoid eye contact. Neither of them said a word as they left the house.

They walked in silence until the familiar figures of Yukino and Yui came into view.

"Hikigaya-kun," Yukino's cool voice called out the moment they were close enough. "Being late isn't a good habit, especially when you're meeting girls."

Hachiman raised both hands apologetically. "Sorry, I forgot to set my alarm."

"Fine. Just don't let it happen again." Yukino sighed and gestured toward the car. "Let's go. We've already lost enough time."

As Hachiman loaded the luggage into the trunk, he noticed that Komachi and Yui were already seated Yui in the front seat with headphones on, softly humming along to her music.

"Why are you still outside?" he asked Yukino, who was still standing beside the car.

"I haven't decided how to handle your sister yet."

Hachiman looked puzzled. "Handle her?"

"Forget it." Yukino pushed him into the car, then climbed in herself.

Once the car began moving, Hachiman asked, "So, where exactly are we going?"

"It's just the weekend," Yukino replied, rolling her eyes. "We're heading to a nearby public beach. I've already booked a hotel, so we're staying overnight."

"A hotel, huh? Alright."

"Wait, we're not going home tonight?" Yui asked, pulling out one of her earbuds and glancing back.

"Correct. We'll stay at the hotel tonight so we don't have to rush. It's more relaxing that way," Yukino explained.

"But… I didn't tell my parents I'd be out overnight..."

"You can call them later. I'll explain things to your mother if needed."

"Really? Thanks, Yukino-chan!" Yui beamed, putting her earbud back in and happily nodding along to her music.

Hachiman leaned toward Yukino and whispered, "With Yui's brainpower, we could sell her off and she'd still think it was a game."

"No need," Yukino replied coolly. "She wouldn't fetch much anyway."

"Come on. If it's as someone's bride, she might be worth a decent price."

"Oh? And you'd be okay with that?"

Hachiman immediately shut his mouth, earning a small smirk from Yukino.

The mood in the car grew subtly strange. Komachi, still recovering from the earlier commotion, had her face turned toward the window, clearly deep in thought. Meanwhile, Yui was happily bobbing her head, her bun bouncing to the beat of her music.

Yukino rested her head gently against Hachiman's shoulder. Her silky hair flowed down his arm, tickling his skin.

Curious, Hachiman picked up a few strands. Her hair was exceptionally smooth, clearly well taken care of. He brought it to his nose and inhaled softly. A faint, clean fragrance filled his senses.

The sensation must've been too much he sneezed.

Yukino chuckled quietly beside him.

Their driver said nothing, eyes fixed on the road, utterly ignoring the budding romantic tension behind him as if it were part of the job.

By the time they arrived, Yukino had half-collapsed against Hachiman, gently brushing his face with her hair.

The driver put on a pair of sunglasses, got out of the car, and knocked lightly on the window.

"Miss, we've arrived. You may get out now."

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