Chapter 480: Hachiman's Public Display of Affection
As the line moved forward, it was soon Hachiman and Yui's turn.
Using a long-handled ladle to catch the spring water flowing down from the mountain, the girl brushed her hair back and took a few sips.
"It's really good, and a bit sweet too."
Hearing this, Hachiman was intrigued. "Really? Let me try some too."
"Sure."
Yui nodded and used the ladle to collect some more spring water, then handed it to Hachiman.
Naturally, Hachiman didn't refuse as he had in the original story. After all, they had kissed directly so many times already; why would he fear an indirect kiss from sharing a ladle?
He bent down slightly and took a sip, indeed finding a slight sweetness in the spring water.
He couldn't tell if the sweetness was from the water itself or because the girl had just drunk from it.
Seeing Hachiman drink from the ladle she had just used, Yui's face flushed slightly, but she didn't say anything this time, just watched quietly.
However, Hachiman then felt a gaze full of resentment coming from behind.
Looking in that direction, he saw Yumiko, who was not far behind in line, glaring at him unhappily.
Hmph, first you hugged Saki Kawasaki for so long, and now you're showing off your affection with Yui right in front of me. Are you deliberately ignoring my feelings?
Sensing Yumiko's resentful gaze, Hachiman felt a bit helpless. What a ridiculous love triangle this was.
But he didn't play favorites. After Yumiko had her turn to drink, he approached her again.
"Yumiko, I'm still a bit thirsty. Can I have a sip from yours?"
"Hmph."
Hearing Hachiman's request, Yumiko snorted softly but still handed him the ladle.
Yumiko wasn't one to hide her feelings like Yui. For her, if she liked someone, she liked them, and if she disliked someone, she made it clear. She wanted to show those girls still pining for Hachiman that they should think twice before trying to steal her man. The man Yumiko had her eye on wasn't someone just anyone could take away.
As for Hachiman, he didn't think much about it; he just wanted to be fair to everyone.
Hachiman held the ladle and took a sip from the same spot where Yumiko had just drunk.
"Yumiko's water tastes great."
Hearing this, Yumiko's face flushed slightly, but she looked much better than before.
She took back the ladle and drank again from the same spot, giving a soft snort.
"Hmph, you pass."
"Let's go, we should head back."
Hachiman shrugged and walked back to the class line with Yumiko.
Seeing this, Tobe, who was at the end of the line, couldn't help but feel envious and planned to try it himself later.
Unfortunately, he overestimated his charm. Ebina completely ignored him and used another ladle to drink water.
After visiting the Kiyomizu Pond, the students, led by their teachers, explored other attractions in Kiyomizu Temple.
Soon, night fell, and everyone returned to the inn where they had previously checked in.
...
Coming out of the hot spring bath, Hachiman let out a satisfied breath.
He had to admit, soaking in a hot spring after a day's walk was incredibly refreshing.
Stretching his neck, Hachiman decided to buy a can of coffee from a vending machine.
It's common for people in Japan to drink something like milk or coffee after a bath or hot spring. Over time, Hachiman had picked up the same habit.
Although it was a bit disappointing not to find his usual MAX Coffee, he bought a random can of coffee and sat on a bench to drink it.
He had only drunk half of his coffee when he noticed a familiar figure.
Yukino was in the souvenir shop inside the inn, selecting something.
She seemed to have just finished her bath as well, wearing a rare set of casual clothes, with her black hair tied up, leaving two strands hanging down her chest.
Yukino stood in front of a display case, seriously choosing something.
Following her gaze, Hachiman saw the case was filled with Mr. Pan plush toys, labeled "Kyoto Limited Edition."
Finding this amusing, Hachiman got up and walked over.
Just as Yukino made up her mind, a familiar voice sounded in her ear.
"Have you decided which one to buy?"
"Ah~~"
The sudden voice from behind startled Yukino, causing her to let out a small yelp.
But she recognized the voice and turned around with a somewhat reproachful expression.
"You idiot, don't scare me like that from behind."
Seeing Yukino's adorable reaction, Hachiman chuckled.
"Sorry, sorry, my bad. But which one did you pick, Yukino? I'll buy it for you."
"Hmph, I don't need you to buy it for me." Yukino snorted, showing a rare hint of tsundere.
"Consider it an apology for accidentally scaring you just now. If you don't pick one, I'll buy the entire display case."
Hachiman's face showed a nonchalant, wealthy attitude, like a typical rich guy.
Hearing this, Yukino sighed in resignation. She knew Hachiman might actually do such a thing if she didn't choose.
To avoid wasting money, she picked up the one she had chosen earlier.
"This one."
"No problem."
Taking the plush toy from Yukino's hand, Hachiman went to the counter and paid for it.
After buying the plush toy, the two sat down on a nearby bench.
"Why did you come out? Just to buy a Mr. Pan plush toy?" Hachiman asked.
"Of course not." Yukino instinctively retorted, then turned her head slightly, her face a bit flushed.
"It's because my classmates started talking about me. I felt a bit uncomfortable, so I came out for a walk."
She mumbled softly, "Why are they so interested in topics like romance?"
Hearing this, Hachiman smiled.
"What's wrong with that? It means they're starting to notice you. Use this opportunity to get along with them. You might even make some friends."
"What's good about that? They always ask embarrassing questions." Yukino glared at Hachiman.
"And it's all your fault."
Hachiman pointed at himself, puzzled. "My fault?"
"Yes, it's because you said those things during the cultural festival. Somehow, word got around to our class, and now those girls are so interested in me."
Hachiman realized what she was talking about.
"Oh, you mean the public display of affection over the earpiece during the cultural festival."
"Do you want me to explain it to them?"
For some reason, Yukino felt a sudden panic and quickly shook her head.
"No, that's not necessary. I..."
But she stopped herself halfway through, realizing what she was about to say.
Not sure what she thought of, Yukino's face flushed slightly.
"Ahem."
She coughed lightly and sat down next to Hachiman, shifting the topic.
"How's the request progressing on your side?"
Hachiman didn't mind Yukino's awkward change of topic and responded casually.
"Just as we learned earlier, Ebina has no interest in Tobe. Now it's up to Tobe to make his choice."
Hearing his words, Yukino fell silent for a moment, then spoke with a hint of apology.
"Sorry, since I'm not in your class, I can't be of much help."
Hachiman shrugged. "It's fine. Ebina never intended to accept Tobe's confession anyway. Now it's just a matter of whether Tobe can understand that."
"Is there no good solution on your side?" Yukino asked.
Unconsciously, Yukino had begun to rely on Hachiman.
There was indeed a solution, similar to the original story—having someone confess to Ebina before Tobe. If Tobe realized Ebina wasn't interested in dating now, he'd naturally give up.
But the current Hachiman wasn't about to self-sacrifice like in the original, so that plan was off the table.
Before he could speak, Yukino seemed to remember something and said,
"If possible, I don't want you to use the same method as during the forest summer camp. If you do that again, you'll..."
Yukino's words were cut off by Hachiman.
He gently caressed Yukino's cheek and spoke softly, "Don't worry, I promised you before—that was the first and last time I'd use that method."
Feeling the warmth of his hand on her cheek, Yukino was momentarily stunned.
After a while, Yukino's face turned red, and she stammered,
"I... I'll go back now. Good night."
With that, she hurriedly ran off, almost as if fleeing.
Watching Yukino's retreating figure, Hachiman smiled, then his expression turned serious.
It's time to end this farce.
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