Chapter 150: The Ordinary Days Continue.
"If fate should grant me the privilege of sharing a class with Tenma-san, it would bring me immense delight," Vignette's countenance mirrored her words.
As though ordained by the stars, an indescribable connection bonded their hearts.
Amidst their joyful conversation, two figures once more graced the street corner, one towering and the other diminutive.
None other than Hachiman and Komachi, inseparable siblings of their own world.
Following their return from a sun-drenched day at the beach, Shizuka chauffeured each of the girls to their respective abodes in turn. Once the car was returned, Shizuka bade her farewell, leaving the siblings to embark on a leisurely stroll homeward.
"Look, Onii-chan," Komachi exclaimed as they reached their doorstep, her keen eyes spotting the captivating pair at the entrance of the neighboring apartment.
Hachiman turned his gaze to witness a fair-haired damsel and a lavender-tressed maiden poised across from his residence.
Before he could utter a word, the spirited and cheerful Komachi dashed forth to extend her greetings. "Greetings to you both! Are you new residents in this place?"
Within Komachi's recollections, she had encountered nearly every tenant of the apartment complex across the street, yet Gabriel and Vignette remained an enigma.
In the presence of the endearing Komachi, both girls couldn't help but sense an immediate bond forming.
Hachiman approached with a warm smile and inquired, "Are you two new to the neighborhood? I'm Hachiman Hikigaya, residing in the house across the street. This young lady here is my sister, Komachi Hikigaya."
Upon seeing Hachiman and Komachi, Gabriel promptly bowed and introduced herself, "Hello, Hikigaya-kun. I'm the recent arrival, Gabriel White Tenma. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Japanese culture placed great importance on neighborly relations, often involving visits and the exchange of small gifts when newcomers settled in.
"We've just moved in a few days ago. I'm Vignette April Tsukinose, and I reside nearby at the XX Apartments. Nice to meet you."
Observing Hachiman's age, she deduced, "You must be a high school student. Tenma-san and I will be transferring to Sobu High School next semester."
Hachiman couldn't help but feel a sense of delight at the arrival of the two beautiful new neighbors. Yet, a peculiar realization dawned on him - their names, Gabriel and Vignette, evoked images of angels and demons.
A chill ran down his spine as he muttered, "Wait a moment, are they an angel and a demon? What's happening? This is meant to be an ordinary world; how can angels and demons exist here?"
Hachiman grappled with the inexplicable presence of supernatural beings in what should have been a mundane reality. Strangely, though they embodied these mythical figures, they appeared more like characters from a comedic show than formidable entities.
They possessed an item known as the "Horn of the Apocalypse," a relic mentioned in the original series, though it had never been successfully used. Hachiman also harbored doubts about the authenticity of the Horn of the Apocalypse in Gabriel's possession. After all, entrusting such a game-changing item to a petite angel like her seemed unlikely.
"Is something the matter, Hikigaya-kun?" Vignette inquired, observing Hachiman's brief moment of confusion.
Hachiman swiftly regained his composure and responded, "It's nothing. I was just a bit taken aback. I'm a first-year student at Sobu High School, and I didn't expect both Tenma-san and Tsukinose-san to transfer to our school."
"Really? Hikigaya-kun, a student at Sobu High School as well? That's wonderful; it must be the will of the Lord," Gabriel exclaimed with joy. She clasped her hands together, radiating an otherworldly aura.
The will of the Lord... Could it be that there truly is a divine presence in this world? And this must be Gabriel before her fall, a character who made fewer appearances in the original series. It was indeed a unique sight.
Hachiman couldn't help but ponder the mysteries of this world.
"That's quite a coincidence. Hikigaya-kun, we'll be classmates in the future," Vignette noted, also showing a hint of surprise.
"That's correct. We'll be classmates, so please look after us," Hachiman replied with a warm smile.
"Please look after us!" Gabriel and Vignette echoed in unison.
"By the way, as you're our new neighbors and we'll be sharing classes, would you care to join us for dinner at my place this evening?" Hachiman extended a friendly invitation.
In his contemplation, the existence of angels and demons hinted at the potential presence of heaven and hell in this world.
Hachiman extended the invitation to bond with his new neighbors and potential future classmates. He considered that, even in a world with a "system," his lifespan remained uncertain, and he couldn't be sure of what the future held. Establishing good relationships and perhaps garnering some favors down the line could prove beneficial.
Nevertheless, just as Vignette hesitated and appeared ready to decline, Komachi leaped in with unbridled enthusiasm. "Come on, Tenma-nee, Tsukinose-nee, please join us for dinner at our place! Let me tell you, Onii-chan is an exceptional cook, and the food is extraordinarily delicious."
Vignette and Gabriel exchanged glances, their resolve softening in the face of the alluring promise of a delightful meal. After all, the siren call of good food was not easily resisted.
"But, wouldn't it be too much trouble?" Vignette inquired.
Hachiman offered reassuring words, "You needn't be concerned. Our parents are frequently away on business trips, so it's just Komachi and me at home nowadays. Having a few extra guests will make it all the more lively."
In an attempt to dispel any remaining doubts, he added, "I assure you, it's no trouble at all."
Eventually, both young women consented to the invitation.
"Very well, it's decided then. We'll be expecting you later this afternoon, Tenma-san, Tsukinose-san!"
With a friendly wave, Hachiman strolled back home in the company of Komachi.
"Farewell, Hikigaya-kun!" Gabriel and Vignette bid their adieus as well.
.....
In the evening, both young women paid a visit to Hachiman's home, bearing thoughtful gifts. Gabriel presented a bag of laundry detergent, while Vignette offered a box of snacks as tokens of their gratitude.
Hachiman's culinary talents earned warm praise from his guests. Following a delightful dinner accompanied by green tea, they bid their farewells, around 8 PM. Despite being neighbors, the lateness of the hour made the idea of lingering at a young man's house seem somewhat inappropriate.
After seeing them off at the doorstep, Hachiman breathed a sigh of relief. The day had drawn to a close. Even with the unexpected appearance of an angel and a demon, his ordinary days persisted.
He couldn't help but wonder about the potential changes these two young women might introduce into his life. It was a prospect filled with anticipation.