After the initial shock wore off, Hikigaya quickly composed himself, though his expression remained a mix of confusion and concern.
"Komachi… are you serious about this?"
"Of course I am," Komachi replied, puzzled. "What's the matter, brother? Is something strange about this?"
Hikigaya considered her response. In a broader sense, this wasn't surprising at all. ANHS was renowned as Japan's premier institution, with countless students vying for a place each year. Hikigaya himself had experienced a significant boost in status when he was admitted.
Komachi proudly boasted about her brother's achievement to her friends, and their parents basked in the envy of their colleagues at work. Although Hikigaya himself wasn't particularly thrilled, the status of being accepted into such a prestigious school brought noticeable benefits to the entire family.
Besides its impressive educational resources, the school offered benefits beyond those available at other institutions.
While only Class A could guarantee further education and employment prospects, the free tuition and subsidized living expenses made it an attractive option, ensuring that few students would consider dropping out.
Hikigaya tried to reason with a calm tone, "Komachi, I'm not saying I'm against it, but what about our parents?"
"Uh…"
"You're planning to be away for three years. They won't agree to that, will they?"
Komachi's face turned sheepish as Hikigaya made a subtle victory gesture under the table, feeling a sense of triumph. He knew that a forceful approach would only make Komachi more resolute. Despite being siblings, Komachi was not the type to easily comply.
Hikigaya often found himself following her lead.
"There's a bit of an issue with Dad…" Komachi said, crossing her arms. She paused, then her face lit up with clarity. "But if we can convince Mom, it'll be fine! I'm sure Mom will understand. Then Dad's objections won't matter!"
"Hmm…"
Hikigaya considered this. Their mother wasn't a housewife but a strong, career-driven woman. Though she would be reluctant to have Komachi leave, she would likely support her daughter's decision once Komachi showed determination. As for their father, every time he clashed with Komachi, he usually ended up conceding.
In a family like theirs, the position of a younger brother was relatively insignificant. Once Komachi and their mother teamed up, even their father, who was a staunch supporter of Komachi, would likely relent.
Hikigaya sighed inwardly, realizing he had no solid reason to dissuade Komachi. Even if he took the risk of revealing the truth, it was unlikely to sway her decision. It might have the opposite effect. Komachi, being a social expert, would likely find the challenging exams intriguing rather than discouraging.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Komachi asked anxiously. "Do you not want to attend the same school as me? Or do you think I won't pass the exam?"
"No, no, no! That's not it at all!" Hikigaya quickly denied it.
He would never intentionally make his sister unhappy.
"Then why do you look so worried? You seem a bit unhappy."
Hikigaya forced a smile, "I was just thinking… If everything goes well, you'll start school when I'm in my third year, right?"
"Yes! We'll be able to see each other every day! Just be patient, brother!" Komachi reassured him.
"But if that happens, we won't be able to see each other for another two years after I graduate."
"Oh… yes."
"When I think about it, I feel lonely."
Hikigaya lowered his head, feigning dejection, but kept a keen eye on Komachi's reaction.
Sure enough, Komachi seemed to waver slightly.
"If I could convince you like this—"
"This is nonsense!"
Komachi's outburst surprised him. Hands-on her hips, she declared, "Even though my brother has a girlfriend and brings gifts, which scores high for Komachi, he says such inappropriate things, which lowers the score!"
Hikigaya was taken aback. "So, is the score high or low?"
"Just admit you already have a girlfriend," Komachi said, hands on her hips.
Hikigaya sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Well, she's at least a girl I'm close with."
Komachi's irritation seemed to increase. "Anyway, after graduation, you'll be in college. Even if I don't go to higher education, we won't see each other often. At best, we'll only meet during holidays."
"No, I plan to attend a university close to home, and I'll live here…"
"That's impossible," Komachi interrupted brusquely. "Do you think Mom and Dad will let you stay at home while you're in college? They'll kick you out and make you rent a place!"
Hachiman let out a thoughtful hum, though deep down he knew he was only fooling himself. "But what if? Maybe Mom and Dad are just trying to save on rent," he said, attempting to sound hopeful.
However, he was fully aware that this was nothing more than a comforting lie.
Still, isn't it human nature to cling to even the faintest glimmer of hope?
"Well, by the time you graduate from high school, I'll be ready to graduate from junior high too," his sister announced cheerfully.
Although Hachiman's graduation was still a long way off, hearing it from Komachi made it feel alarmingly close.
"...Can I fail on purpose?"
"Don't say such stupid things, you trash-oniisan!"
"Uh…" Hachiman recoiled, taken aback by her bluntness. "Komachi-chan?"
Calling her brother "trash" three times in such a short span wasn't exactly kind. If this continued, she might make him cry... Regardless, it was clear that Komachi had made up her mind about applying to Advanced Nurturing High School, and nothing could deter her.
All Hachiman could do now was hope that she didn't get accepted.
But considering all the misfortunes he'd encountered since enrolling, he doubted that spiteful deity would let things go his way.
If that's the case… then I'll just have to…
Just as Hachiman began to sink deeper into thought, Komachi's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Speaking of which, future sister-in-law has great taste, doesn't she?" Komachi remarked with a teasing smile, holding up a hair clip. "I remember seeing this hair clip in a trendy store. It was even endorsed by a famous actress... Isn't it expensive?"
Her tone turned slightly concerned, likely worried that her brother had strained his wallet.
For a student, ten thousand yen wasn't a trivial amount, but as long as it was for his sister, no price was too high!
Hachiman shook his head. "Don't worry, it was just a discounted leftover."
"What's that supposed to mean? It's one thing to say that to me, but don't ever say that to another girl, okay? She'll get mad."
Komachi pouted briefly before bursting into laughter again.
"Still, if she understands you, she'll realize that's just one of your charms."
"...I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Hehe, as long as Komachi understands, that's all that matters."
Looking at her bright, smiling face, Hachiman was once again struck by how lucky he was to have Komachi as his sister.
Could it be that… Did I save the galaxy in a past life?
"Geez, oniisan, you're thinking something stupid again, aren't you?" Komachi saw right through him.
"...No."
"Sigh, whatever, I'm used to it by now."
As she spoke, Komachi's gaze wandered to the window, and her expression suddenly shifted. She quickly pulled out her phone.
"What's wrong?"
Hachiman watched curiously as Komachi dialed a number.
"Hey, Maki-chan! My brother and I are already at the family restaurant across the street. If you turn around, you'll see us!"
Komachi waved energetically towards the window as she spoke.
In a moment, a long-haired girl who appeared to be a middle school student came running towards them.
...Wait, what?
"Um, Komachi, did you invite a friend?" Hachiman asked, feeling a bit uneasy. "If so, maybe we should call it a day. We'll have plenty of chances to meet later."
"What are you saying? We finally got to meet up; there's no way it's ending so soon."
"But isn't that your friend?"
"Don't worry about it, oniisan. You'll see soon enough."
"Oh…"
Honestly, Hachiman wasn't keen on getting involved with his sister's friends. He didn't have the luxury of that kind of social energy.
"Sorry for being late, Komachi-chan."
The girl entered the restaurant and approached their table, apologizing with a polite bow.
"No problem. Let me introduce you," Komachi said, smiling brightly as she pointed to Hachiman.
"This is my proud trash brother, Hachiman Hikigaya. His gaze is rotten, and so is his personality, but he's still a great oniisan!"
"Hey, stop with the unnecessary comments."
Hachiman sighed deeply. This was exactly why he didn't want to meet his sister's friends. Who knew how this foolish little sister talked about him behind his back?
"Hehe, Komachi-chan is such a bro-con," the girl called Maki teased, while Komachi shyly giggled.
Wait, what part of that conversation suggested anything like that? Hachiman thought to himself, silently grumbling.
Meanwhile, Maki bowed politely to Hachiman. "Hello, Hikigaya-oniisan. I almost forgot to introduce myself. I'm Maki Ichinose, Komachi-chan's classmate. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Oh… uh… wait, Ichinose?"
Hachiman blinked in surprise, recognizing the surname.
"Oh, this might be good!" Komachi exclaimed excitedly. "Maki-chan's sister is also a new student at Advanced Nurturing High School. I thought you might know each other, so I invited her to join us. Looks like you do know her!"
"Yeah, we've exchanged a few words."
Hachiman nodded, not hiding the fact. He hadn't expected to meet Ichinose's sister, especially as Komachi's classmate. What a small world.
Come to think of it… During the cruise, Ichinose did mention how much she missed her sister and said I'd understand how she felt. At the time, I didn't think much of it, just found it a bit odd.
Looking back now, Ichinose must have known her sister had a close friend named Komachi, and Hikigaya wasn't exactly a common surname.
But why didn't she just ask directly… Oh.
Maybe Ichinose was worried that Komachi and I don't look alike, so she was afraid it might just be a coincidence.
Though it's an undeniable fact, it still feels a little lonely...
"Um, Hikigaya-oniisan? Are you okay?" Maki asked, noticing his sudden shift in mood.
"Don't worry about him, Maki-chan," Komachi said, waving off the concern. "He's always like this—probably thinking something stupid again. Just leave him be."
"...That's harsh."
Geez, who's thinking something stupid here?
This is a matter of great importance to the Hikigaya family!
Sigh, as expected, Ichinose's sister is far kinder.
Hachiman couldn't help but admire her, thinking that the saying "like a sister, like a sister" truly applied here… And they're both well-endowed too.
When she ran over earlier, those two... bounces... caught every man's attention.
Is she a middle schooler like Komachi?
"Hmph, trash-oniisan!"
"Uh…" This time, it was hard to argue, so Hachiman decided to just pretend he didn't hear it.
Fortunately, Komachi quickly changed the subject.
"Oh, right! Maki-chan, didn't you say you had something to ask my oniisan?"
"Ah, yes, actually…"
Maki pulled out a small, neatly wrapped box and placed it in front of Hachiman.
"Hikigaya-oniisan, if it's not too much trouble, could you please give this to my sister?"
"For Ichinose?"
"Yes, her birthday was last month, and although it's quite late, I still want to celebrate with her."
"I see. Sure, I'll give it to her."
Hachiman agreed without hesitation. It was a simple task, and since she was Komachi's friend, he had no reason to refuse.
"Also, could you please tell her… just tell her…"
Maki hesitated for a long time before finally making up her mind.
"Please tell her thank you."
"...My memory's pretty good, you know?"
"Ah… hehe, I appreciate it, but I think just a 'thank you' is enough."
"Understood."
There was clearly more to this, but Hachiman knew his role as a messenger was to deliver the package and the message, nothing more.
"Hehe, as expected of Komachi's oniisan. So easy to boss around."
"Hey."
At that moment, Komachi suddenly left her seat and leaned in with a mischievous grin.
"Hey, oniisan, tell Komachi the truth. The girl who helped you pick out the gift, could it be Maki-chan's sister? Are you two close?"
"I already told you, there's nothing like that going on," Hachiman quickly shook his head. "And we're not even in the same class. That girl is incredibly popular throughout the entire year. There's no way someone like me could be involved with her."
Before Komachi could respond, Maki spoke up first.
"I don't think that's true at all. Hikigaya-oniisan is a wonderful person, and I'm sure my sister thinks the same."
"...No, you're overestimating me."
Hachiman felt a bit helpless. It was just a small gesture; it didn't deserve such high praise.
Just as he was about to say something else, he noticed Maki suddenly freeze, her eyes fixed on the hair clip in Komachi's hand.
"What's wrong, Maki-chan? Do you like it too? My brother just bought it for me!"
"...Where did you buy this?"
Komachi blinked, surprised by the serious tone in Maki's voice.
"Uh… you know, that shop near the station."
"...Oh, I see."
Maki's expression was unusually serious as she stared at the hair clip.
Before Hachiman could fully grasp what was happening, Maki suddenly straightened up and gave him a respectful bow.
"Hachiman-oniisan, I'm counting on you for this. Please continue to look after my sister and me in the future."
"Uh, sure…"
Look after her? What's she even talking about?
"Anyway, I'll be heading off now, Hachiman-oniisan, and you too, Komachi-chan," Maki said, bowing her head in farewell.
"Huh?! You're not staying to hang out with us?"
"Sorry, I have work later."
"Is that so? Well, I guess it can't be helped."
Komachi's face fell with disappointment, but she nodded in understanding.
She's already working, even though she's still in middle school? This Maki kid sure is diligent... But didn't she just tell me something weird?
After Ichinose's sister left, Komachi sighed and said, "Maki-chan comes from a single-parent family. She works almost every day after school, so she doesn't have much time to hang out. But her grades are amazing—she often scores full marks and even helps me with my studies sometimes."
No wonder… I should make sure to thank her properly.
"Be sure to thank her, okay?"
"Mm-hmm!"
I hadn't expected there to be such a story behind it. That gift she prepared for Ichinose was probably something Maki saved up for bit by bit through her part-time job.
It has to be delivered safely, no matter what.
Speaking of which... there's something else I promised to do that I haven't done yet.
"Komachi, can you come with me somewhere?"
"Hm? Sure!"
The two of them left the family restaurant and headed to the nearby delivery service. While they could've sent Katsuragi's gift by regular mail, that would have taken too long.
Hachiman specifically asked the staff about the options. Fortunately, Katsuragi's address was quite close, and with the express service, it could be delivered by the end of the day.
If they were lucky, the return receipt might even arrive by tomorrow afternoon.
Of course, the price for express delivery was significantly higher.
If Katsuragi was lucky enough, he might end up having a happy birthday after all.
Even though this was just a theoretical possibility, and there was no guarantee of success, Hachiman felt it was worth giving it a try.