Chapter 255: New Neighbor
Approaching noon, hitching a ride with Erina, Hachiman finally returned to Chiba.
As for Komachi and the others, they had messaged him earlier and had already arrived home ahead of him.
Exiting the car, waving goodbye to Erina, Hachiman stood at his doorstep, stretching lazily. After several days away from home, he surprisingly felt a sense of familiarity looking at the "Hikigaya" on the nameplate.
Just as he was about to enter his house, a startled exclamation caught his attention.
"Ah..."
Turning towards the sound, he saw a young woman with cherry-colored hair, probably in her twenties, who had stumbled in front of the apartment building opposite his.
Judging by the luggage she was holding, she seemed to be a new resident moving in.
Since she was a neighbor, following the principle of mutual assistance in the neighborhood, Hachiman walked over to inquire, "Hello, do you need help?"
"Uh... Who are you?"
Hearing someone speak to her, the young woman raised her head, her azure eyes showing a hint of surprise.
"I'm Hachiman Hikigaya, living in the apartment right across from here," Hachiman pointed towards his home, wearing a sunny smile.
"You must be the new resident who just moved in. I noticed your luggage is quite heavy, so I thought I'd ask if you need any help."
Hearing Hachiman mention he lives across, the young woman let down some of her guard. She glanced at her numerous bags, bit her lip, and somewhat hesitantly spoke.
"Well... then, I'll trouble you."
"No problem. Helping each other in the neighborhood is only natural," Hachiman said with a faint smile. He effortlessly lifted the large suitcase from the ground.
Seeing him handle it so effortlessly, the young woman was somewhat surprised.
"Hikigaya-san, you're really strong..."
Despite not appearing particularly robust, he effortlessly lifted the seemingly heavy suitcase.
"It's okay. I've been exercising regularly, and it's not that heavy," Hachiman explained.
Though the suitcase looked substantial, most of its contents were likely bedding, making it around 70-80 pounds. While this weight might be challenging for a girl, it was manageable for a guy, especially someone like Hachiman, who was in good shape.
Hachiman carried the luggage, and the young woman led the way. Soon, they arrived at Apartment 201 on the second floor.
Entering the apartment, Hachiman placed the suitcase in the living room.
"There you go. I'll leave it here for now. You can arrange everything later," he said.
He didn't intend to help with the luggage; after all, it was their first meeting, and being too enthusiastic might be inappropriate. Moreover, there could be private items inside, making it awkward.
"Well, I'm really grateful to you." The young woman, expressed her gratitude but suddenly remembered something and quickly bowed.
"I'm sorry for being impolite; I haven't introduced myself. I'm Kirisu Mafuyu. Please take care of me from now on."
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"Miss Kirisu, no need to be so formal. Helping each other out is what neighbors do." Hachiman smiled and nodded.
"I'll head back now. If you need any more help, feel free to come over anytime."
Seeing him about to leave, Mafuyu walked him to the door.
"I'm truly thankful for your help today, Hikigaya-san. Once I've settled in, I'll formally visit you."
In Japan, a country that values neighborly relations, when people move to a new place, they often visit neighbors, sometimes bringing small gifts like towels or snacks.
"Miss Kirisu, you're too polite. I'll take my leave now. Goodbye!"
"Alright, goodbye!"
Leaving the apartment, Hachiman returned to his own home.
"I'm back."
"You're so slow, Onii-chan."
As soon as he entered the house, Komachi rushed over, complaining.
Unexpectedly, this little sister was playing the victim again. Hachiman playfully tapped her forehead.
"Why am I back late? Well, it's because you guys filled up the available space with luggage, so I had to take another car back."
Hearing Hachiman's words, Komachi stuck out her tongue, trying to act cute.
"Hehe, it was an accident to bring so much. We couldn't just throw things away, right?"
"Whatever, since I'm already back, I'll let it slide this time. Wait a bit; I'll go cook for you."
Hachiman wouldn't get mad over such a small matter. He ruffled Komachi's hair and headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal.
"Yay, Onii-chan is the best! I love Onii-chan the most!"
Seeing that he wasn't upset, Komachi cheered, picked up Kamakura, and sat on the sofa, eagerly waiting for lunch.
Before long, a faint aroma wafted from the kitchen, making Komachi's mouth water.
After a while, Hachiman's voice came from the kitchen.
"You can start eating. Go wash your hands."
"Okay!"
"Meow~"
Upon hearing his words, both Komachi and Kamakura responded.
By the time they returned, Hachiman had already set the dishes on the table.
Looking at the brightly colored dishes, Komachi couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.
Handing her a bowl of rice, Hachiman also took a seat.
"I'm digging in~!"
After the customary pre-meal phrase, Komachi eagerly picked up a curry.
"Mmm, Onii-chan's cooking is still the most delicious. It's even better than those chefs at the Totsuki Resort."
In this aspect, Komachi got it right. Hachiman's culinary skills surpass those of the Totsuki graduates.
Though she couldn't precisely compare dishes like a food critic, lacking Hachiman's cheat code or Erina's "God Tongue," taste buds don't lie.
Komachi could discern what was tasty, even if she couldn't articulate why.
A mouthful of curry, a bite of rice—Komachi was thoroughly enjoying her meal.
Observing her devouring the food, Hachiman smiled gently. "Take your time; no one's competing with you."
"Onii-chan, you should eat too." Seeing Hachiman hesitating to start, Komachi urged him.
"Alright."
With that, he first picked up a curry and placed it in Kamakura's cat bowl. Then, he lifted his own bowl to commence lunch.