Chapter 143: Saeko In Action
The girls gazed at the beers Shizuka had provided, initially hesitating.
However, compared to them, Erina, Alice, and Hisako displayed fewer reservations. As chefs, they had some experience with alcohol, particularly during tasting sessions.
Erina popped open the tab and took a sip of beer. Although it carried a faint bitterness, it paired wonderfully with the grilled skewers.
Seeing someone take the lead, the remaining girls shed their hesitations and began cracking open their cans as well.
In reality, they held a significant interest in alcohol. Japan had stringent regulations surrounding underage drinking, with laws prohibiting individuals under 20 from consuming alcohol. Parents or guardians were responsible for preventing underage children from partaking in alcohol, and businesses were forbidden from selling alcohol to minors. The consequences for contravening these laws could entail hefty fines.
Nevertheless, as human nature dictates, the more something is restricted, the more people are inclined to explore it. Despite the legal limitations on alcohol consumption for those under 20, many individuals had already tasted alcohol before reaching that age. Once they entered university, it was common for young adults to consume alcohol in public settings, and universities generally displayed more leniency in enforcing this rule.
"Mmm... it's a bit bitter."
"Although it's slightly bitter, if you savor it, you can sense a hint of maltiness."
"Wow, Hiratsuka-sensei was right. Beer and grilled skewers are indeed a perfect match."
"Haha, I told you so, didn't I? Sip, sip, sip..."
Hearing the girls' comments, even Komachi appeared eager. However, before she could voice her thoughts, Hachiman cast her a stern look.
"You're not allowed to drink."
"Huh... Why not, Onii-chan?"
"It's not allowed because you're only 13, and you're still in junior high."
"But Erina-neechan and the others are only two years older than me, and they're also in junior high. Why can they drink?"
"They're different from you. They're chefs and have regular exposure to alcohol."
"Uh..."
"In any case, it's a no. You'll drink juice, and that's final."
In the end, Hachiman asserted his older brother authority and adopted a resolute tone.
Confronted with his stern expression, Komachi pouted but obediently sipped her juice.
The barbecue continued joyfully. Skewers kept emerging from the grill, and the girls continued to indulge in more and more beer. As the evening advanced, they let go of their reservations and utterly disregarded the one-can rule.
Not only that, but Erina's group, spearheaded by Erina herself, launched an offensive on Hachiman.
"Come on, Hikigaya-kun, let's have a drink!"
First, it was Erina, followed by Hisako, Alice, Shizuka, and even Leonora...
All the girls, more than a dozen of them, flocked to join him for a drink.
Following a round of drinking, Hachiman had consumed a fair amount, but given his current condition, a little alcohol posed no issue whatsoever.
Observing him handle so much liquor without any apparent effect, Erina and the others weren't satisfied. They persisted in pouring drinks for him, secretly hoping to witness Hachiman inebriated.
After several more rounds, Hachiman remained perfectly composed, while the girls' faces had turned rosy, and some were starting to feel a bit tipsy, their speech becoming incoherent.
"H-Hachiman-kun, let's keep going."
"You... you can really hold your liquor, huh."
"Sob... st-stupid Hikki... how are you... not drunk yet."
Nonetheless, a few sober individuals were among them, and Kotonoha belonged to that group. She had only consumed one can of beer and opted not to continue drinking. Her face exhibited only a slight flush.
"Katsura-san."
As she relished the delectable food, Kotonoha heard a voice nearby.
Turning her head, Kotonoha noticed Saeko had appeared beside her, seemingly materializing out of thin air.
"Busujima-senpai." Kotonoha nodded.
"No need to be so formal; just call me Saeko." Seating herself next to Kotonoha, Saeko offered a warm smile.
"Alright, then Saeko-senpai, you can just call me Kotonoha." The girl's face lit up with a gentle smile.
"Sure, Kotonoha, have you been having fun these past few days?" Saeko inquired, engaging in casual conversation.
Hearing her question, Kotonoha hesitated for a moment, then gazed at Hachiman, who was still drinking with the other girls. A soft, contented smile graced her lips.
"Yes, I've been having a great time."
For Kotonoha, she didn't require any special treatment from Hachiman. Simply being able to stay by his side during moments like these sufficed.
Observing her reaction, Saeko slightly narrowed her eyes.
"I'm glad to hear that. By the way, have you thought about what I mentioned yesterday?"
Upon hearing Saeko's words, Kotonoha recalled their conversation while washing dishes together, and her face flushed with a hint of embarrassment.
"Saeko-senpai, this kind of thing is a bit too absurd."
"Absurd or not, I know you also have strong feelings for Hachiman. So if you're willing, today is a perfect opportunity."
The banquet carried on until after 9 PM, and some of the girls who couldn't handle their liquor had already drifted into slumber, including Yui, Utaha, and others.
Erina's group was a little tipsy, but given their culinary backgrounds, they fared better than Yui's group. At least they could stand on their own.
Yumiko and Hina supported each other as they made their way back to their room. However, before departing, they entrusted Yui to Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-kun, Yui is in your care now."
Watching their retreating forms and then glancing at the thoroughly inebriated Saeko, Hachiman couldn't help but feel a tad exasperated.
Hey, are you genuinely comfortable leaving your best friend in a guy's care?
Nevertheless, Yui's alcohol tolerance was indeed quite low. Compared to Erina's group, she had consumed very little, so he hadn't expected her to get so drunk.
With a brief word to the remaining sober girls, Hachiman picked up Yui's legs and carried her in a princess-style fashion as he headed toward the second floor.
Despite Yui's distinctive features, her weight was not substantial. With Hachiman's current strength, carrying her felt practically weightless, akin to cradling a small pet that automatically found a comfortable position in his arms and continued to slumber.
Feeling the softness against his chest, Hachiman's heart couldn't help but stir with emotions...
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[Alright, I plan to make adjustments to their ages, particularly for Komachi, who was originally stated as 14, but I'll revise it to 13, and for Hachiman, who was initially mentioned as 17, but I'll change it to 16.]