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

During lunch break, Hachiman stood before the door of the International Liberal Arts class, exhaled a long, cloudy breath, and opened it with a resolute push.

Expressionless behind his glasses, he glanced into the noisy classroom packed with bright, energetic girls. Amid the vibrant chaos, he spotted Yukino at once like an orchid blooming silently in a secluded valley.

A girl chatting with a classmate nudged her friend with her elbow, having noticed Hachiman standing at the door.

"Hey, check out the guy at the door. Isn't he kinda hot?"

The other girl, perched on her desk, turned to look.

"Whoa, you're right. And he's totally got that aloof, mysterious vibe going on."

"I wonder who he's here for. Could he be looking for you?" the first girl teased.

"No way. I've never even seen him before."

"Should I go ask him? Maybe I can get his number."

"Go ahead and try, girl."

As Hachiman watched, one of the girls pretty enough, he noted started walking toward him.

"Excuse me, are you looking for someone?"

"Yeah, I'm here to see Yukinoshita."

The moment he said her name, the girl's expression instantly changed. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by something cold and unreadable. Without another word, she turned and walked away.

"...What was that about?" Hachiman scratched his cheek, baffled.

"What happened? Didn't get his number?"

"Pfft. He's here for Yukinoshita. What's someone like her got to do with normal people like us?"

The girl who had approached him strutted back to Yukino's desk, her face a mix of irritation and pride. She tapped lightly on the desk, only to meet an even colder expression from Yukino, who had just removed her earphones.

"Can I help you?" Yukino's voice was like snow blooming on an alpine peak beautiful, crisp, and utterly unreachable.

"N...nothing. There's a guy at the door looking for you," the girl stammered.

Yukino glanced toward the entrance and saw that it was Hachiman. Her frosty demeanor melted instantly as she stood up, her movements light and eager.

"Tch, another one trying their luck."

"Right? How many is that now?"

"Who knows. They all think she's pretty and comes from a good family, so they try to get close. As if she'd ever look at them."

A few bitter classmates muttered sourly behind her back.

"You really came all the way to my classroom? What if someone sees us and starts gossiping?" Yukino said, a little flustered.

"Let them talk. Honestly, I was more worried about how many guys keep coming to see you."

"Oh? Is that jealousy I hear from Mr. Hikigaya?" Yukino giggled.

"Yes. Yes, I'm jealous," Hachiman replied as he gently pinched her nose.

"Stop it! People are watching!" Yukino swatted his hand away.

"Then let's go somewhere else."

"Wait."

Yukino stopped him and walked back to her seat. From her bag, she pulled out two lunchboxes. Ignoring the shocked stares of her classmates, she handed one to Hachiman with a warm smile and took his hand as they headed to the rooftop.

Sitting on a rooftop bench, Hachiman looked at the intricate and delicious-looking bento in his hands, clearly impressed.

"Your cooking is as amazing as ever."

"Try it. See if it suits your taste," Yukino said, eyes full of anticipation.

He picked up a piece of golden tempura and took a bite, chewing carefully.

"Well?" she asked, watching him closely.

Hachiman put down his chopsticks with a strangely conflicted expression and stared at her silently.

"...What is it? You don't like it?"

"No. It's really good. Too good."

"Then why that face? You scared me."

"I just... feel like I'll never be able to eat anyone else's cooking again."

"Pfft! You're such a smooth talker," Yukino laughed, giving his shoulder a playful nudge.

"With a mouth like that, I might as well cook for you forever."

"Deal. You said it!"

"You're hopeless," Yukino rolled her eyes at him with a smirk.

After lunch, she casually laid her head on his lap, gazing up at him.

"So? What did you come to talk to me about?"

"Well... it's about Yui."

Hachiman absentmindedly played with her silky hair.

"What about her?"

"I was thinking... maybe we should come clean."

He paused. "We've left too many clues already. Honestly, it's a miracle she hasn't figured it out, but... that's probably because she's kind of slow."

"Yeah... this can't go on forever," Yukino sighed.

"So, what's your plan? Just tell her outright?"

"Why not? I mean, she's not exactly Sherlock Holmes."

"No elaborate excuses, then?"

"Nah. No need to lie."

"I'm just afraid she won't believe us."

"Let's be honest, even I thought it was a dream at first."

"Maybe it's fate," Hachiman murmured, staring up at the blue sky.

"But if this is what fate looks like... I won't fight it."

He bent down and kissed Yukino gently on the cheek.

...

"You really think I'm that dumb, huh?"

A familiar voice interrupted them. Yui stood a few steps away, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

"You two seriously thought you could fool me with that awful performance?"

"See? I told you even she wouldn't believe it," Yukino said, exasperated.

"What do you mean 'even me'? You think I'm that stupid?" Yui shouted.

"Yui, hold on. Let me explain," Hachiman cut in, trying to calm her down.

"I swear, everything we said just now is true. Think about it. Aren't there things lately that only you seemed to notice?"

"Hmm..." Yui tapped her chin, thinking.

"So, what you're saying is... both Yukinon and I fell for you, and then you ditched us both?"

"...Why is that your takeaway from all this?"

Both Hachiman and Yukino covered their faces in unison.

"Hehehe, sorry. But seriously, the old you, Hikki... Ugh, what were we even thinking?"

"...Thanks a lot," Hachiman said flatly.

"No, no! That's not what I meant!"

"Then what do you mean?"

"Well... Yukinon usually doesn't lie, so I'll believe you. This time," Yui said with a soft smile. "If what you said is true, and you're being honest with me... it must mean you both care about me a lot."

Yukino looked at her, eyes sincere. "You're my most important friend."

"Aww... Yukinon, don't say stuff like that, it's embarrassing," Yui blushed.

"But... you're my most important friend too."

She paused for a moment, then glanced at Hachiman.

"And so is Hikki."

"That's why... whether or not what you said is true, we'll always be friends."

She hesitated again, then made up her mind.

"And... I won't try to take Hikki away from Yukinon."

Hearing those words, Hachiman and Yukino looked at each other, then both broke into warm, genuine smiles.

They each reached out a hand and held Yui's on either side.

Then Hachiman spoke with a rare seriousness.

"When Yukino and I get married, I want you to be the only bridesmaid."

"No... more like I'll probably be the only one you can get."

From the Service Club's clubroom came the sound of hearty laughter, playful teasing, and the unbreakable bond of three hearts entwined.