Chapter 431: Why Bring Up Children Again
"You're parents too, so you must understand how it feels when a child goes missing."
"Eh, eh, eh!"
Saki's face flushed slightly upon hearing the mother's words, and she waved her hands in a fluster.
"You... you've got it wrong, we're not a couple."
"Eh?" Nagisa's gentle expression showed a hint of surprise, then she looked at the little girl beside them, Keika. "Isn't this child your daughter?"
"T-that's not the case, you've misunderstood."
Saki felt her face burning. Clearly, she and Hachiman weren't even dating, so how did they suddenly become a couple, and even have a child?
At this point, Hachiman also spoke up to explain, "Indeed, there seems to be a misunderstanding. We're just friends, and this child is her sister."
"Oh, I see," Nagisa looked a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I thought you were a family of three..."
After all, whether it was Hachiman or Saki, they didn't look like ordinary high school students.
Hachiman naturally didn't need much explanation, with his various experiences and the burdens he carried, he already seemed quite mature.
As for Saki, as the eldest in her family, she had to take care of her younger siblings while balancing her studies, plus her recent part-time job experience, she had shed the naive feeling typical of high school students.
And most importantly, both of them were holding Keika's hand, giving off the impression of a family of three.
At this point, Tomoya bowed again in apology.
"I'm sorry, my wife tends to be a bit air-headed, and she jumped to conclusions without understanding the situation, causing trouble for you."
"Eh? Tomoya, that's too much." Hearing her husband's words, Nagisa pouted slightly.
Meanwhile, the little girl named Ushio was now clinging to her mother, glaring at her father.
"Daddy, you can't bully mommy."
Seeing the mother and daughter's interaction, Tomoya smiled awkwardly.
With the blush still on her face, Saki shook her head slightly.
"It's okay, it's just a misunderstanding, as long as it's resolved."
Hachiman certainly didn't mind either. "Haha, I don't mind at all. In fact, if I can marry such a beautiful girl as Kawasaki-san, it's a win for me."
Hearing his words, the little Keika looked up innocently and asked, "Hachi-niichan, do you want to marry my sister?"
Seeing Keika's adorable expression, Hachiman couldn't help but jest, "Well, it depends on whether your sister gives me the chance or not."
Hearing this, Saki felt a panic in her heart, and at the same time, the blush on her face deepened as she turned her head slightly to give Hachiman a subtle glare.
"Hikigaya-kun, what nonsense are you talking about? Keika might take it seriously."
In her mind, it was already abnormal for Hachiman to attend the summer festival with so many girls, and she suspected that among this large group of girls, there must be someone who liked Hachiman, perhaps more than one.
"I better not get involved and focus on getting into university."
With that thought in mind, Saki calmed herself down and spoke to Tomoya and Nagisa.
"Now that you're here, we won't stay long."
Upon hearing her words, Tomoya quickly responded, "Please don't leave just yet. Let's go to a nearby café and have a drink to thank you both."
"Eh? There's no need, really. It was just a small gesture," Saki quickly declined.
They hadn't helped the little girl Ushio expecting any reward.
"No, we must thank you!" Nagisa chimed in. "Though you're young now, you'll understand the fear when you have children and realize they're missing."
"In any case, we must express our gratitude."
"What... what's this?" Saki's face started to flush again upon hearing this. "Why are we talking about children again all of a sudden..."
Recalling Nagisa's earlier comment about her and Hachiman being a couple, Saki stole a glance at Hachiman beside her.
Hmm, Hikigaya-kun's profile looks quite handsome. Although not stunning at first sight, he's the type that grows on you. If we really had a child...
No, no, what am I thinking? Hikigaya-kun already has so many girls who like him, I shouldn't get involved.
My priority right now is getting into university.
Yes, university!
...
Unable to resist the resolute invitation from Tomoya and Nagisa, Hachiman and the Kawasaki sisters followed them to a nearby café.
As they settled in, Tomoya smiled and asked, "What would you like? Food or drinks, feel free to order."
"No need for food, we've eaten a lot at the festival. Just a coffee for me," Hachiman smiled and passed the menu to Saki beside him.
"You guys can order something."
Looking at the menu handed over by Hachiman, Saki shook her head as well.
"Eh, I don't need anything either, just a cup of coffee like him."
At this point, Hachiman smiled at the Okazaki couple and suggested, "How about this? We'll each have a cup of coffee, and as for Keika, a piece of strawberry cake would be nice."
"Wow, strawberry cake! Thanks, Hachi-niichan."
Hearing his suggestion, Keika cheered happily, but Saki, as her sister, frowned slightly.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're spoiling Keika too much. She's already had quite a bit to eat tonight."
"Haha, well, I have a little sister, so I guess I'm used to it. Besides, it's just a small piece of strawberry cake, nothing much. As long as Keika likes it," Hachiman shrugged.
"Do you like strawberry cake, Keika?" He directed his gaze to the little one sitting between him and Saki.
"Yeah, I love strawberry cake, and I love Hachi-niichan too," Keika nodded happily, her face breaking into a smile. Her little head involuntarily bobbed up and down, even her two braids behind her swayed along.
"Alright, but let's not make this a habit," Saki sighed as she looked at the two, then turned to the Okazaki couple with an apologetic smile. "Sorry for the trouble."
"It's nothing. Compared to helping us find our daughter, this money is insignificant," Tomoya waved his hand quickly.
He then ordered four cups of coffee and a strawberry cake for his daughter as well.
"Alright, please wait a moment!" After taking the order, the waiter left.
Soon, their orders arrived, and they enjoyed their meal while chatting.
Through the conversation, Hachiman learned about what happened. The Okazaki couple had come to see the fireworks display with their daughter but got distracted by some high school classmates they ran into on the way, losing sight of their daughter in the process. They were terrified until Hachiman's call came in just as they were about to report her missing.
After another round of gratitude, they started chatting more casually.
The Okazaki couple learned that Hachiman and Saki were just high school students and classmates who had come out to see the fireworks with friends.
"Haha, what a coincidence. My wife and I also met in high school," Tomoya smiled.
"I was a delinquent back then, but meeting Nagisa brought light back into my life. Meeting Nagisa was the best thing that ever happened to me."
With that, Tomoya held his wife's hand.
Hearing her husband's words, Nagisa blushed slightly.
"Oh, Tomoya, always saying such embarrassing things."
Although she said that, Nagisa didn't let go of her husband's hand but instead held it tighter.
Tomoya spoke again, "It's true. If I hadn't met Nagisa, I'd probably still be wandering aimlessly. Meeting Nagisa is the luckiest thing in my life."
"It's my luck to meet Tomoya. Thanks to him, I found confidence and courage," Nagisa said gently.
"Tomoya..."
"Nagisa..."
The couple gazed at each other affectionately.
Seeing this, Hachiman couldn't help but smile, feeling like he had just swallowed a bowl of dog food for no reason at all.
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