Chapter 506: Please Be Fair to Me
"Which university do you all want to apply to?"
"University, huh?"
Hearing this question, Hachiman pondered for a moment.
For him, getting into any university would be a piece of cake, so his choice depended entirely on which university the girls wanted to attend.
With that in mind, Hachiman turned his gaze to Yukino.
Sensing his look, Yukino understood what he meant and started thinking as well.
Unfortunately, such decisions couldn't be made in the blink of an eye. Eventually, Yukino shook her head.
"I can't decide just yet. I'll need to think about it carefully."
"That's true; it's a major life decision and deserves careful consideration," Hachiman nodded in agreement.
Given his and Yukino's grades, applying to Tokyo University would be a sure thing. However, this ease didn't extend to the other girls.
Take a certain carefree girl, for example.
Her grades were average in her class and below average in the year, making her chances of getting into Todai/University Of Tokyo nearly impossible.
After thinking about it, Hachiman decided to give a gentle reminder, "Speaking of universities, Yui, you'll need to work hard in your third year. Otherwise, if your grades aren't good enough, you might end up separated from me and Yukino."
"Eh, don't say that," Yui said, clutching her head in distress. "I'm not very good at studying."
Seeing her like this, Yukino gently patted her head in comfort. "Don't worry, Yui, I'll help you with your studies."
"Really? You're the best, Yukinon! I love you the most!" Yui exclaimed happily as she hugged Yukino, who returned the hug.
What about me?
Why do I feel like a third wheel?
I should be in the car, not here...
Ahem, wrong line.
Watching the two hug, Hachiman felt a bit out of place.
Just then, Iroha's voice reached his ears.
"Senpai, are your grades really that good? You don't seem worried about university at all."
"That's not something you need to worry about. If I wanted to, I could choose any university," Hachiman replied confidently with a smile.
"Wow, that's impressive!"
The little devil was taken aback. She only knew Hachiman was good at cooking, piano, and sports. She hadn't realized he excelled in academics as well.
"There's a lot you don't know," Hachiman said, rolling his eyes at her astonishment.
The next moment, he remembered something and asked, "By the way, did you come here for a specific reason today?"
"Well, not really. I was just wandering around and didn't expect to stumble upon such delicious cake—it really was my lucky day," Iroha replied with a cheerful smile as she enjoyed her cake.
"As expected of Hachiman-senpai, your cooking skills are amazing. I wish I could eat like this every day."
Hachiman raised an eyebrow at her suggestive comment.
Hey, be careful what you say. There are two jealous bystanders nearby—though, fortunately, they're too engrossed in their own world right now to notice.
But on another note, why do you, the student council president, have so much free time that you can just wander over here? And if I recall correctly, aren't you also supposed to be managing the soccer club?
Did she manage to use her roles to dodge responsibilities between them?
Watching her enjoy the cake so much, Hachiman smirked slightly.
Since she was already here and enjoying herself, he didn't bother to ask her to leave.
And so, with the scene of blossoming friendship on one side and happy cake-eating on the other, Hachiman spent yet another uneventful day at the club.
...
Second-year Class F.
With the "Graduation Decision" looming, discussions in the class had recently been centered around it.
"Yui, Hina, are you going to choose humanities or sciences?"
Leaning back on her chair, Yumiko fiddled with her curls and asked nonchalantly.
Yui, who was busy on her phone, paused for a moment before responding with her decision.
"Huh, me? I'm choosing humanities."
Yumiko nodded at this and then turned her gaze to her other friend. "I see. What about you, Hina?"
"Me? I'm choosing humanities too," Ebina replied with a smile.
"Wow, you two are both choosing humanities? Then I'll go with humanities too," Yumiko decided.
After that, the girl looked over at Hachiman.
Her look clearly said, "You better choose humanities too, or else."
Seeing her expression, Hachiman sighed.
"Don't worry, I'm choosing humanities as well."
Satisfied, Yumiko nodded and shot Hachiman a look that said, "Smart choice."
Seeing her smug expression, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
Got it, looks like you need some attitude adjustment again. It's time to settle old and new scores.
Although Hachiman wasn't too keen on facing that scheming lady, Yumiko had been getting a bit too self-assured recently. It was time to show her who would be in charge at home in the future.
With that decision made in his heart, he sent a text to Yukino saying he had something to do and wouldn't be going to the club today. He then sat at his desk, casting a mischievous glance in Yumiko's direction.
Originally bored, Yumiko suddenly shivered and looked around nervously.
But by that time, Hachiman had already averted his gaze.
"Was it my imagination?"
The girl muttered to herself, unaware that a "crisis" was looming over her.
...
After school, Hachiman explained the situation to Yui and then walked out of the campus alone.
Following Yumiko's route home, he soon caught up to her.
Watching the unsuspecting Yumiko, Hachiman smirked and sneaked up behind her.
Just as the girl was happily humming a tune, she suddenly felt a pair of large hands wrap around her from behind.
As she instinctively started to struggle, a familiar voice whispered in her ear.
"Yumiko, it's me."
Hearing his voice, Yumiko breathed a sigh of relief and turned around in Hachiman's arms with a hint of reproach.
"What are you doing, you jerk? You scared me."
"I just wanted to give you a surprise," Hachiman replied with a grin.
Yumiko rolled her eyes in annoyance. "A surprise? More like a scare."
"But how come you're out so early today? Aren't you supposed to be with that woman, Yukinoshita?"
Hearing her jealous tone, Hachiman couldn't help but find it amusing.
"Oh, who's the jealous one here? You could almost make a dish of vinegar-laced shredded potatoes with it."
"I'm not jealous."
Yumiko instinctively retorted, but being so close to Hachiman stirred some grievances within her.
"It's because of you, focusing only on that woman, Yukinoshita. What about me?"
Hachiman fell silent at her words.
Reflecting on it, he realized he was at fault to some extent. Ever since joining the Service Club, he'd spent most of his time with Yukino, somewhat neglecting the feelings of the other girls.
He wasn't the original Hikigaya Hachiman anymore.
He now had more connections and bonds.
With that in mind, Hachiman spoke apologetically, "I'm sorry, Yumiko. That's my fault."
Yumiko was surprised to hear his genuine apology.
Seeing Hachiman's sincere demeanor, her tone softened as well.
"I understand what you're going through. You don't want to give up on any of us."
"I just hope that in the future, you can be fair. Whether it's me, Yukinoshita, or Yui, treat us equally."
"Sorry, I—"
Before Hachiman could apologize again, Yumiko silenced him.
And how did she do it? By using her lips, of course.
Yumiko stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Hachiman's neck, and pressed her lips against his.
Feeling that familiar and tender sensation, Hachiman forgot everything else, fully immersing himself in the love they shared.
As the sun set, the twilight cast its glow upon them, enveloping the pair in a hazy light.
The moment was serene and gentle.
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