"Why would I ever consider having a bald boyfriend!" Shizuka exclaimed, clearly feeling aggrieved.
Hearing Shizuka's distressed outburst, Hachiman and Yui exchanged a glance, both feeling a little helpless.
"Don't worry, Miss Hiratsuka, you'll undoubtedly find a great boyfriend in the future," the kind-hearted Yui offered some reassuring words.
"That's right, Hiratsuka-sensei, rest assured, you'll definitely encounter a wonderful man someday," Hachiman joined Yui in comforting her, silently adding in his heart,"If you're still single then, well, I might as well take that risk and make a move."
"I don't need your comforting. I'll leave first to avoid disrupting your two dates and witnessing any more PDA," Shizuka said, expressing her intent not to be a third wheel once again.
As the "Dating Saint," Shizuka quickly perked up and stood up to leave.
But before her departure, she earnestly patted Yui on the shoulder.
"Yuigahama-san!"
"Ah, yes!" Yui straightened her back, as if transported back to the classroom.
"If this guy, Hikigaya, suggests taking you to a hotel for some rest, you absolutely must not believe him."
"Despite his seemingly honest demeanor, he actually harbors many ill intentions. Don't accompany him to any hotels!" Shizuka warned, punctuating her statement with a fist gesture directed at Hachiman.
"And as for you, if I find out that you've mistreated Yuigahama-san, you should be well aware of the consequences."
"Do you understand?"
As he observed her clenched fists and weighed the strength of both sides, Hachiman nervously swallowed.
"Understood!"
Shizuka nodded, pleased with his response, waved her hand, and turned to depart.
"Very well, I won't disturb you two any longer. Goodbye."
Observing her proud expression, Hachiman quietly accessed his virtual panel, reviewing the fighting skills that had recently reached level three.
Yet, he couldn't help but acknowledge that his level 3 fighting module might be insufficient against Shizuka.
He had firsthand experience of her strength when she landed that punch on him, making him believe she was at a level 4.
He knew he had to endure the humiliation and carry the burden.
He didn't know how Shizuka's fighting module reached level 4, and he even wondered if she practiced boxing.
However, he held the belief that once his fighting module reached level 4, combined with his exceptional physical abilities, victory would undoubtedly be his.
"Just wait and see, Shizuka, your end is approaching swiftly."
After she departed, only Hachiman and Yui remained.
Reflecting on Hachiman's recent behavior, Yui couldn't contain her laughter.
"Hahaha, Hikki, your expression just now was hilarious!"
"Who do you think you're talking to, you silly Yui?"
Just a silly Yui, yet so audacious.
"Hmph,Hikki, trying to bully me again? Watch out, I'll go tell Miss Hiratsuka and have her teach you a lesson." Dodging his attempt to pinch the top of her head, Yui made a mischievous face.
"Tch, I'm not afraid of her. I'm just giving her some respect because she's a teacher."
"Hikki, always boasting."
"..."
Amidst their joy, the dinner for the two continued.
Following dinner, it was already past seven o'clock, and the darkness had fully settled outside.
As they exited the restaurant, the bustling crowds on the streets didn't diminish despite the nightfall.
It was a constant flow of people, with small stalls adding to the liveliness, making it even more vibrant than during the day.
As night descended, the city retained its dazzling allure.
Tall buildings on either side were aglow with lights, giving the impression that the entire city was immersed in a sea of flashing neons.
Navigating through the commercial district, the world appeared to have hushed down.
Contrasted with its earlier bustle, the residential area exuded a serene beauty.
The stars and the moon, once obscured by the city's brilliance, began to emerge.
Silver-white moonlight bathed the trees along the streets, draping them in what seemed like a delicate veil, enhancing their beauty.
After walking down a familiar street, the two came to a halt at the entrance of Yui's house.
"Hikki, thanks for walking me back," Yui expressed her gratitude while standing by her front door.
"You're welcome, Yui. Our houses aren't far apart, and I won't ever let you return alone at night. What if something happens on the way?" Hachiman smiled as he spoke to Yui.
"Hmm... Silly Hikki, I'm not that young anymore; I won't get kidnapped so easily," Yui responded with a touch of annoyance, placing her hands on her hips and puffing up her chest.
"It's actually not that small..."
As he noticed the gently swaying ample bosom in front of him, Hachiman couldn't help feeling a touch of envy.
"Ah, big-time pervert Hikki! I'm heading inside, and I'm ignoring you!" Sensing his gaze, Yui swiftly clasped her chest with both hands, turned, and made her way to her front door.
However, as she opened the door, she glanced back slightly and whispered, "Thank you for keeping me company today, Hikki. I had a great time."
"Yui, what did you say?" Hachiman pretended not to hear, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.
"It's alright, see you at school!" Yui, being her shy self, wouldn't repeat it and closed the door with a loud thud.
Observing this, Hachiman shrugged, then turned and made his way toward his own home.
Inside her house, Yui covered her flushed face with her hands, lowered her head, and muttered softly.
"Stinky Hikki, naughty Hikki, always bullying me..."
"Ah, that boy just now is the Hikigu-kun that Yui was talking about."
Just as she was feeling shy, a gentle voice reached her ears.
"Mom?!"
Yui raised her head suddenly, only to find her mother standing in the nearby corridor, wearing a smile on her lips.
"Of course, it's me, your mom," Mrs. Yuigahama said as she approached and affectionately patted Yui's head.
Carefully, she noticed the hairband adorning her silly daughter's head.
"It looks like Yui had a joyful date today," her mother commented.
Upon hearing her mother's words, Yui's mind flashed back to the events of the day.
Hachiman had held her hand, tousled her hair, helped her tie it back, they had shared half of the octopus balls, won a stuffed toy together, and that almost-kiss...
"Umm..."
As she reminisced, Yui's face became flushed, and she hurriedly rushed back to her own room.
"It wasn't even a date, Mom! You're such a big meanie! I'm going to my room!"
Watching her daughter fleeing like she's escaping a crisis, Mrs. Yuigahama, an experienced individual herself, held her face in her hand and wore an expression of understanding on her face.
"It seems like Yui's really fallen for him. I should definitely help her get ready for this."
-------------------
Meanwhile, back on Hachiman's side, he had walked from Yui's house and soon arrived at the familiar traffic light intersection.
Standing at the intersection, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia.
It was this very place where he had first met and gotten to know Yui.
It was also here where he had been hit by Yukino's family car, and the two had similarly formed an inexplicable bond.
Everything seemed destined, perhaps I can't escape this canon. Still, it's truly wonderful to live in this beautiful world.
As the green light illuminated, Hachiman took a step forward, following this path into the night, gradually disappearing into the deep darkness.
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Chapter 49: Mrs. Yuigahama's Assistance
Chapter 50: Yes, Why Persecute Innocent Single dogs?