A/N:
I will provide an extra chapter once we reach 700 power stones.
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It was 3:30 in the afternoon.
As the school bell rang, signaling the end of the day's classes, Hachiman walked out of the classroom and gazed up at the sky.
The weather today wasn't particularly pleasant.
There was a hint of moisture in the air, and the sky appeared gloomy.
Thick clouds covered most of it, as if raindrops were about to fall any second.
Upon seeing this weather, Hachiman initially considered skipping the kendo club today.
However, he remembered his promise with Kotonoha from yesterday and hesitated.
In the end, he decided to make a trip to the kendo club.
What if Kotonoha had excitedly gone there today, only to find he wasn't there? That would be somewhat cruel.
After all, he couldn't bear to disappoint a girl. Maybe I am indeed a gentleman, he thought.
However, he decided that today he should obtain Kotonoha's contact information.
This way, in case of any emergencies in the future, he could notify her promptly, nothing more.
Yes, that's it. Just for urgent communication, no other intentions.
When he arrived at the kendo club's entrance, he saw that Kotonoha was already waiting for him.
Hachiman was somewhat surprised that the girl had arrived even earlier than him.
"Kotonoha."
Approaching her, Hachiman smiled and spoke.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're here."
The girl, who had been initially looking down, lifted her head abruptly upon hearing Hachiman's voice and revealed a bright smile on her face.
"Why did you come so early today?"
"Because I saw that the weather today isn't very good. I was thinking of canceling today's practice."
"But I don't have Hikigaya-kun's contact information, so I had to come here early and wait," she explained, her face flushing slightly as she finished.
Oh, how cute.
Girls as innocent as her were a rare sight.
Many girls nowadays were more self-centered, and in such a situation, they might not even bother to say hello and simply leave.
"Well, Kotonoha, if you don't mind, how about we exchange contact information? It would be convenient to reach each other in case of future needs," Hachiman said with a smile, taking out his phone.
"Sure... I'd be happy to." Upon hearing his words, Kotonoha nodded with delight and quickly retrieved her phone.
Soon, the two exchanged contact information.
"If you're not practicing today, Kotonoha, I'll head back," Hachiman said as he put his phone away, preparing to say goodbye.
"Hikigaya-kun... if you don't mind, we could walk together," Kotonoha mustered her courage and extended an invitation.
"Well, this..." Hachiman hesitated upon hearing her offer. While having a beautiful girl accompany him home was nice, he wasn't sure if it was on the way or not.
"If it's inconvenient for you, never mind," Kotonoha's expression dimmed upon seeing his hesitation.
Am I just being delusional? Friends and all that, how could I?
The self-conscious girl began to overthink things once more.
"It's not inconvenient at all. With such a lovely girl like you, Kotonoha, I'd be more than happy to walk together. I'm just not sure where your place is located," Hachiman replied with a warm smile.
"C-Cute and all that... makes me a bit embarrassed," Kotonoha blushed at his sudden compliment, and the self-doubt in her heart was instantly replaced by joy.
"As for my place, it's in..." Kotonoha began to explain her location.
Listening to her, Hachiman nodded in understanding.
It turned out that Kotonoha lived in an upscale residential area near the station, not far from his own home, and conveniently along the way.
"I see. That works out perfectly then. How about we walk back together, Kotonoha?"
"I'd love to, Hikigaya-kun," the girl responded with a hint of excitement, her voice rising slightly.
For a moment, it seemed as if she were reciting some sort of oath.
"Haha, no need to be so formal, Kotonoha. Just call me Hachiman," he chuckled, taking the opportunity to bring them closer together.
"All right, let's go quickly while it's not raining yet."
Glancing at the gloomy sky, Hachiman decided it would be best to head home early and began walking ahead.
"Yes, Hachiman..."
With slightly parted lips, she called out his name, and Kotonoha's heart felt a ripple of emotion.
Being able to call each other by name was a sign that she had her first friend.
With a bright smile on her face, she hastened her steps to follow Hachiman out of the school campus.
Not long after they left, another figure appeared at the entrance of the kendo club.
"Did Hachiman-kun not come today?"
Looking at the sparse few people inside the kendo club and not finding the figure she wanted to see, Saeko muttered to herself.
Then she turned and left the kendo club's gate.
.........
Leaving the school campus, Hachiman and Kotonoha walked together along the road.
Kotonoha, who was slightly behind Hachiman, couldn't help but smile.
From elementary school until now, she finally had a friend she could walk home with.
As they continued walking, a sudden gust of wind swept through, making the air even more humid.
It seemed like rain was imminent.
"Kotonoha, it looks like it's about to rain. I was going to ask if you brought..."
Hachiman turned his head, intending to inquire if she had brought an umbrella.
However, he noticed Kotonoha's skirt fluttering in the strong wind.
As the wind picked up, Kotonoha's long, pitch-black hair danced in the breeze.
Her knee-length school skirt swayed with the sudden gusts, revealing her fair, slender legs concealed beneath.
With his vision, he could faintly discern a glimpse of white fabric beneath the swirling skirt.
"Ah..."
Kotonoha was particularly sensitive to such gazes.
Realizing Hachiman's attention, her face reddened, and she let out a surprised exclamation.
With both hands, she pressed down on her skirt, covering her legs and panties.
Seeing the enticing sight disappear before his eyes, Hachiman, while somewhat regretful inside, couldn't display any disappointment on his face.
After all, he was a proper gentleman.
Arranging his facial expression, Hachiman displayed a slightly concerned look toward the girl, as if nothing unusual had happened.
He then asked, "Kotonoha, it seems like it's about to rain. Did you bring an umbrella?"
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Chapter 55: A Slight Hardening, Signifying Respect
Chapter 56: Kotonoha's Ambitious Heart