Observing Haruno's expression, Hachiman felt a sense of helplessness. He pondered whether this situation was a result of fate or some larger force. If he wished to marry Yukino, it seemed he'd have to endure being struck by a car.
Hoping for fewer such fateful incidents in the future, Hachiman mused that his body might not endure another ordeal like this.
"Um, sir, are you alright?" Haruno inquired, noticing Hachiman's shaky state. "Is your leg badly injured?"
"Don't worry, miss. It's not too serious," Hachiman responded, managing a small smile. "At least I can still feel my legs."
"It's alright, sir. Please don't worry. We'll take full responsibility for this situation," Haruno reassured Hachiman, relieved to see his sense of humor intact.
"In reality, this situation isn't entirely your fault. I hold most of the responsibility. My impulsive actions led to this," Hachiman stated. He was determined not to unfairly lay blame on others.
"You shouldn't say that. Since the incident has occurred, we share a responsibility in it as well," Haruno responded, though she genuinely cared despite her words.
"Ah... I apologize. There were still students in the car who needed to get to school, so I allowed them to proceed first. I hope you understand," Haruno explained after considering the situation.
"It's fine," Hachiman replied, shaking his head to show he wasn't bothered. He glanced at the time and turned to Yuigahama, saying, "Speaking of which, Yui, it's getting quite late. You should head to school."
"No, Hikki, I can't go to school when you're in this condition!" Yuigahama protested immediately. After all, Hachiman had gotten injured while saving her dog Sable. How could she just leave like this?
"This... little sister, you should head back first. I'll take care of this gentleman. Regardless of the situation, it's my responsibility, and I won't leave him alone," Haruno spoke up in a firm tone.
"Okay, Yui, I'm not seriously hurt. You should go to school, especially since it's the first day. Being late wouldn't look good!" Hachiman chimed in, understanding Yui's nature and helping her make a choice.
"This... alright!" Yui hesitated briefly but eventually agreed. Given her easygoing personality, she readily accepted Hachiman's assertive decision.
"Alright, Hikki, I'll head to school for now. I'll come back to check on you after classes," Yui complied, ultimately following Hachiman's advice. She then turned her attention to Haruno. "Take care of Hikki, okay?"
"Of course, I'll make sure he's taken care of," Haruno affirmed.
As Yui and Sable left, Hachiman shifted his gaze towards Haruno.
Haruno's delicate features bore a striking seventy percent resemblance to Yukino's, yet Haruno's expression exuded more warmth compared to Yukino's detached demeanor. The subtle smile that graced Haruno's lips carried the feeling of a gentle spring breeze.
However, Hachiman wasn't fooled; he recognized this as a facade. He knew that Haruno's true personality was cunning and mischievous. In contrast, he found himself drawn to Yukino's straightforward nature.
As Hachiman observed Haruno, he was unaware that she was also sizing him up in return.
With a height of approximately 175 cm, disheveled black hair, and sharp facial features that easily scored an 8 out of 10, Hachiman was particularly distinguished by his distinctive deadpan eyes, as if they held the power to penetrate any facade.
"This won't be easy," the simultaneous thought crossed both of their minds.
Gathering his thoughts, Hachiman decided to break the ice. "I'm Hikigaya Hachiman. It looks like I'll be in your care."
"I'm Yukinoshita Haruno" Haruno introduced herself after hearing Hachiman's words.
"Hikigaya-kun, is your leg hurting badly?" Haruno inquired, her expression showing genuine concern as she glanced at Hachiman's injured leg.
"Thankfully, I don't think there are any bone injuries. It seems to be mostly abrasions," Hachiman responded, giving his right leg a careful examination before nodding.
A moment of silence lingered between them. They both sensed that they were dealing with someone who wasn't easy to get along with, and given their first meeting, there wasn't much to discuss.
Seemingly aware of the awkwardness, an ambulance arrived promptly. Haruno and Hachiman were assisted into the ambulance, which then sped off towards the hospital.
Upon reaching the hospital, Hachiman underwent an X-ray examination for his injured leg. Despite the severe appearance of the injury, fortunately, there were no broken bones.
Hachiman's level 3 physical fitness bonus also played a role in this fortunate outcome. In his previous state of health, he might have ended up hospitalized with a fracture, as depicted in the original anime/ln.
Seeing Hachiman was alright, Haruno visibly relaxed. Once the necessary bandaging and disinfection were done, the two exited the hospital together.
"Hikigaya-kun, where are you headed now? I can see you off," Haruno offered as they stepped outside.
"Hmm... Miss Yukinoshita, could you take me to school, please? I need to request a few days off," Hachiman responded after a moment of thought. Although his leg injury wasn't severe, the doctor had advised him to take a few days off. As a patient, he decided it was best to heed the doctor's recommendation.
"Sure, no problem. Which school do you attend, Hikigaya-kun?" Haruno inquired casually, not overly concerned about the matter.
"Sobu High School!"
Hachiman shrugged as he provided the name of his high school.
"Sobu High School?!" Haruno's surprise was evident upon learning that Hachiman attended the same school. She hadn't anticipated that he would be in the same high school as Yukino.
"What a coincidence. I'm also an alumna of Sobu High School, so I guess that makes me your senior!" Haruno stated with a smile.
"Really? That's a coincidence!" Hachiman played along, expressing a surprised look.
Haruno hailed a taxi, a decision that Hachiman didn't protest despite the costliness of Japanese taxis—a non-issue for Haruno.
They both entered the taxi, directing their route towards Sobu High School.
Meanwhile, in Hachiman's classroom, the freshmen had found their respective seats and were settling in with their new classmates.
At this moment, Hachiman least wanted to see push the door and walk in.
A long-haired woman in a white coat hurriedly entered the classroom and positioned herself behind the podium.
"Alright, students, let's have some quiet!"
The person who walked in was none other than Shizuka Hiratsuka, whom Hachiman had encountered during his return journey from Tokyo.
During that period, she continued to hold resentment towards Hachiman due to an incident where she accidentally heard that she cant get married and she is 30 years old.
"I'm your homeroom teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka. Let's begin with roll call."
"Nanami Asama!"
"Here!"
"Iji Yamashita!"
"Present!"
"Harada Shino!"
"Here!"
"Saika Totsuka!"
"Present!"
"Hikigaya Hachiman!"
"Huh?" Shizuka exclaimed as she noticed the lack of response. Despite calling out again, no answer came, causing her to furrow her brows. She hadn't anticipated someone would be absent on the very first day of school.
"Alright, let's all convene in the auditorium and get ready for the opening ceremony!" Shizuka declared.
With that said, Shizuka became the first to exit the classroom.