Chapter 259: Yukino's Beginning of Resistance
"What's your decision, Yukinoshita?"
Yukino fell silent for a moment, and Hachiman didn't rush her; he just watched quietly.
After a brief pause, the girl spoke as if making a determined choice.
"I don't want to go to the place arranged by my family, so Hikigaya-kun, please help me."
The proud girl finally mustered the courage to ask for assistance.
Upon hearing her words, a smile appeared on Hachiman's face.
Yes, she has taken the first step in resisting.
"Don't worry, leave everything to me."
Seeing him so confident, Yukino's heart also stirred with ripples.
Perhaps, Hikigaya-kun can genuinely help me, just like in the previous tennis match.
Yui, on the side, cheered as well.
"That's fantastic! We can go to the same place now." Saying this, she happily hugged Yukino, pressing her cheek against hers.
Yui and Yukino in close proximity.
However, such an intimate gesture made Yukino somewhat uncomfortable.
"Yui, don't be so close. It's too much."
Unfortunately, Yui wasn't going to let go easily.
"Nope, nope. I like Yukinon the most."
With a slight twist of her body, Yui's arm, which held Yukino close, naturally came into contact with certain prominent objects.
Feeling the soft touch on her arm, the girl's body stiffened.
It's... so big.
Considering her own flat chest, Yukino's expression darkened.
Yui also noticed this and, with concern, asked, "Yukinon, what's wrong? Why do you look a bit pale? Are you feeling unwell?"
Yukino couldn't reveal the real reason, so she came up with a vague excuse.
Yui believed her explanation and quickly expressed her care and concern.
Observing this scene, Hachiman's expression was somewhat peculiar. However, he didn't intervene and, instead, watched the interaction between the two with keen interest.
Yukino's suppressed expression was quite intriguing.
With no club requests that day, the club activities ended amid the playful antics of the trio.
...
The next day during lunch break, Hachiman, having finished his meal, went to the clubroom.
As it was lunch break, the room was mostly empty, with only a few teachers present.
Among them, quietly eating her lunch at her desk, was Shizuka.
However, next to her, Hachiman saw an unexpected person.
It was his new history teacher and neighbor, Mafuyu.
Surprisingly, their desks were placed side by side.
At this moment, both of them were having takeout. Shizuka was still enjoying her ramen, while Mafuyu was savoring a bento.
Seeing the scene, Hachiman walked towards them.
Shizuka, engrossed in slurping her noodles, heard the footsteps, looked up, and saw Hachiman's familiar face, making her feel a bit nervous.
What is this guy up to again? Could it be another attempt at teasing me?
No, there are others here now. If they see us like this, it might be the end of me.
Before Hachiman could say anything, Shizuka took the initiative.
"What are you doing here, you?"
Seeing her anxious demeanor, Hachiman found it a bit amusing.
"Sensei, I came here today because I need your help with something."
Hearing Hachiman address her properly, Shizuka breathed a sigh of relief. That nickname was just too embarrassing. If others heard it, she would lose all dignity.
But Mafuyu, who was eating her bento, also heard Hachiman's voice and raised her head in surprise.
"Huh? Hikigaya-kun, why are you here?"
"Good afternoon, Miss Kirisu, uh, I mean, now I should call you Kirisu-sensei, right?" Hachiman smiled and greeted.
Hearing Hachiman's words, Mafuyu puffed up her cheeks slightly.
"Why do I feel like you're laughing at me, Hikigaya-kun?"
"How could that be..."
Watching the seemingly lively conversation between the two, Shizuka was a bit stunned.
Could it be that this new junior who just arrived knows this annoying guy?
"Kirisu-sensei, do you two know each other?"
Hachiman smiled and explained.
"Well, Kirisu-sensei is my neighbor. I helped her move in once."
"Yeah, when I just moved, thanks to Hikigaya-kun helping me with my luggage. I couldn't have done it alone." Mafuyu nodded beside them.
"Oh, I see."
Shizuka suddenly realized, and her gaze towards Hachiman softened.
"I didn't expect you to be quite helpful. By the way, you mentioned needing my help with something. What is it? Tell me."
Hachiman smiled slightly and then explained Yukino's situation.
After listening, Shizuka waved her hand, showing no concern.
"It's a small matter; leave it to me."
However, Mafuyu, on the side, furrowed her brow slightly.
"Senpai, isn't this a bit inappropriate? Considering the school rules..."
But before she could finish, Shizuka interrupted her.
"Oh, Kirisu-sensei, don't be so rigid. Although the rules are like that, they're not that strict. It's just a few friends wanting to visit a workplace together; it's not a bad thing."
"Well... okay."
Although Mafuyu still had some concerns, she didn't argue further.
Hierarchy in the Japan-lit workplace is strict, with seniors having absolute authority over juniors, and individuals in higher-ranking companies or positions being more respected, especially older or male individuals.
Moreover, it's crucial to use respectful language when dealing with those of higher status, always considering their feelings and positions, avoiding any behavior that might be offensive.
In addition, there are various rules, such as wholeheartedly focusing on work during office hours, the commonplace overtime every day, and after-work socializing.
Due to this, the work pressure in the Japan-lit workplace is tremendously high, leading to a significant number of suicides each year due to work-related stress.
"Since that's the case, thank you, Sensei. If you have time, feel free to come over for a meal at my place."
Having achieved his goal, Hachiman didn't linger. He expressed his gratitude to Shizuka, then turned his attention to Mafuyu.
"Kirisu-sensei, if you have time, you're welcome to join us for dinner."
"Huh?"
Hearing Hachiman's invitation, Mafuyu recalled the delicious taste she experienced before, feeling a bit tempted. However, considering her position as a teacher, she quickly dismissed the idea.
"No, no, that would be too much trouble."
"It's not troublesome at all. Usually, my parents are working outside, and there's only me and Komachi at home. Having one more person for dinner makes it livelier."
Checking the time and realizing that the lunch break was ending, Hachiman took his leave.
"Let's settle it like this. Thanks again for your help, Sensei. I'll head back now. Goodbye!"
With that, he turned and left the office.