Chapter 294: Yui Finds Out
"I just want to see if the material of this clothing is sturdy enough."
Hearing her words, Hachiman felt somewhat helpless.
"Choosing based on durability might not be the right approach, and I don't think Yui needs to increase her defense."
"What can I do? You know, my aesthetics and focus are a bit different from typical girls." Yukino replied, putting down the clothing in her hands and sighing.
"It's okay, we'll take our time to choose," Hachiman reassured with a smile.
"Yeah, that's all we can do," Yukino nodded in agreement.
"How about this one?"
"I don't think so."
"What about this?"
"Not good either."
"..."
Unfortunately, after searching for a long time, they couldn't find satisfactory clothes.
With no other choice, the two of them had to leave the clothing store.
Sitting on a bench, Hachiman handed a can of coffee to Yukino.
"Thank you."
Taking the coffee, Yukino thanked him, her expression somewhat downcast.
Seeing this, Hachiman comforted her, "You don't have to worry. We have plenty of time. If the clothes aren't suitable, we can explore other stores."
"But I don't know what Yui likes or is interested in. I'm completely clueless," Yukino said, looking disappointed.
"It's okay. Pretending to know things you don't is even more annoying. Your good intentions are what matters, right?" Hachiman smiled.
"Gifts aren't about their weight or value; as long as they make Yui happy, it's enough."
"I understand," Yukino nodded and then looked towards a nearby store.
"Let's check out this store."
"Sure." Hachiman naturally agreed and nodded.
The two entered a kitchenware store, primarily selling various cooking utensils such as frying pans, griddles, cartoon-themed oven mitts, and delicate tableware.
After glancing around, Yukino found what she was looking for.
"What do you think?"
Hachiman looked over as she spoke, seeing the girl wearing an apron. The deep purple fabric featured cat patterns, and there was even a cat paw print on the chest area.
It seemed like something Yukino would choose, especially given her love for cats.
She even turned around, showcasing the apron. Tied into a large bow at her slim waist, the apron complemented her tight figure. Her long black hair, tied into twin tails, swayed with her movements.
"How does this apron look?" Yukino asked again.
"It suits you well," Hachiman praised.
"Thank you for the compliment, but I'm not asking for myself. I want to know how it looks on Yui," Yukino clarified while adjusting the apron.
"I still think it suits you perfectly. For Yui, she might prefer something light and whimsical, with a touch of playful lace," Hachiman smiled.
"Although what you said is quite outrageous, I can't argue with that."
After folding the apron she wore, Yukino nodded. She then selected another apron, this one a light pink color with some lace at the chest.
"This one is nice."
"Yeah, I think this one is good too."
After carefully checking the material and pocket count of this apron, Yukino finally made her decision.
"Let's go with this one, and we can check out."
With the two aprons in hand, she headed towards the cashier, indicating her intention to purchase both.
However, as they passed the checkout counter, a voice called out.
"Is it really Yukino-chan?"
Turning towards the voice, Yukino saw a short-haired beauty with a striking resemblance to herself walking towards them.
It was her sister, Yukinoshita Haruno.
"Nee-san."
Seeing her sister, Yukino muttered softly.
Hachiman also noticed Haruno. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Honestly, he wasn't eager for much interaction with Haruno. While her appearance, somewhat resembling Yukino's with an added allure due to her ample assets, was appealing, her unpredictable personality made things complicated.
Having encountered Haruno, Hachiman greeted her, saying, "Good afternoon, Miss Haruno."
Haruno smiled and responded, "Oh my, it's Hikigaya-kun. Long time no see," as she observed the interaction between the two.
"Are Hikigaya-kun and Yukino-chan having a date?" Haruno teased, raising an eyebrow.
"A date?! Onee-san, what are you talking about?" Yukino retorted, slightly flustered.
"Is Yukino-chan upset about something? You know, she has never gone out alone with a guy before," Haruno laughed, turning her attention to Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun, you should cheer up Yukino-chan. If you make her cry, I won't forgive you, you know?" she playfully warned.
"Onee-san, stop teasing," Yukino said, unable to contain her reaction.
Hachiman intervened, clarifying, "We're just together to buy a birthday gift for a friend."
Haruno, accepting the explanation, smiled apologetically and whispered a few words to Hachiman.
"Yukino-chan has a delicate personality. If you truly like her, please treat her well."
Hachiman nodded sincerely, assuring, "Don't worry; I will."
"In that case, I'm relieved. Yukino-chan, I'll leave you and Hikigaya-kun to continue choosing the gift," Haruno said with a smile as she waved and walked away.
As Yukino observed her sister's departure, a sense of curiosity lingered. Her sister wasn't known for easily giving up, leaving her wondering about the unusual encounter.
Turning to Hachiman, she inquired, "What did my Onee-san tell you just now?"
Hachiman smiled and honestly replied, "Nothing much. She just told me to treat you well if I want to pursue you."
Upon hearing this, Yukino's heart felt a bit chaotic. She snorted lightly and hurried to the cashier to pay, the encounter with her sister adding an unexpected twist to the day.
Seeing this scene, Hachiman shrugged and followed behind the girl.
After settling the bill, the two returned to the bench to rest, and Yukino spoke up.
"I've chosen my gift. Now it's your turn. Have you thought about what to give?"
"Not yet," Hachiman shook his head.
At that moment, their ears caught the sound of a dog barking.
"Woof, woof, woof!"
Looking up, they saw a dachshund running towards them.
"A dog... it's a dog!"
Seeing the dog, Yukino felt a bit scared and instinctively moved closer to Hachiman.
However, Hachiman seemed familiar with the dog.
"Come here."
With a call, the dog obediently ran over.
Observing this, Yukino found it strange.
"Do you know this dog?"
"It seems like..."
Before Hachiman could finish his sentence, a familiar voice sounded in their ears once again.
"I'm sorry; my Sable caused you trouble."
"Yui..."
Surprised to see the newcomer, Yukino spoke in amazement.
Yukino wasn't the only one surprised; Yui also wore a shocked expression upon seeing Hachiman and Yukino.
"Yukinon, Hikki, what are you two doing?"