Chapter 5: Repairing the Doll
Hikigaya Hachiman did not return to his room empty-handed; he brought Moe back with him.
He didn't carry her roughly, wedged under his arm. Instead, he held her carefully, as if she were a human girl.
Pure things always evoke a sense of care.
This dirty little doll in his arms had once moved Hachiman purely and sincerely.
That was why he referred to Moe as "she" rather than "it."
Placing Moe gently on a chair, Hachiman laid his hand lightly on her head and activated his power.
Over the decades, the dust accumulated on her body began to detach under the vibration of his power.
First from her hair, then her face, neck, body, and even her old clothes. The dust fell quietly onto the tatami with soft "shh" sounds.
She was clean again.
With a wave of his hand, Hachiman sent the dust on the tatami flying out the window with the wind.
Following his memory of the anime, he began carefully unlocking the mechanisms inside Moe, one by one.
Keitaro had repaired her well back then. Even after more than ten years, Hachiman only needed to replace some aged parts, including the strings that provided tension.
He first cleaned out the remaining dust inside.
Then he made a phone call. About half an hour later, the sound of a helicopter landing reached his ears.
The helicopter—and people—he requested had arrived.
A few minutes later, voices came from outside the door.
"Hachiman-sama, the doll craftsman you requested has arrived."
"Thank you. Please come in."
The door opened, revealing the impressively busty Kitakou Kanako and an old man.
"Hachiman-sama, this is the finest doll craftsman in Kanto. This profession is extremely rare nowadays."
"Thank you for your hard work." Hachiman stepped aside so they could clearly see Moe on the chair and also glanced at the elderly man Kanako had brought.
The old man looked energetic, sporting an impressively styled pompadour. He wore a large black robe, his eyes gleaming, and carried a suitcase.
The world of doll craftsmen seemed hard to navigate…
"Hello, how should I address you?" Hachiman asked. The old man gave off a strong aura of "I am an artist," looking very professional and capable.
"Sir, call me 'Shokousha.'"
Huh?
Hachiman thought he misheard and looked at Kitakou Kanako.
"Hachiman-sama, his name is Negami Hikko," Kanako explained, "but because he loves pastries so much, he has this nickname in the industry."
"Then I'll just call you Shokousha…" Hachiman said.
Negami Hikko? No wonder he only said his nickname—what a flashy name.
"Sir, you have sharp eyes. I like this title too. There's nothing better in the world than cakes," Shokousha said with a chuckle, then turned his gaze to Moe on the chair. "Sir, do you want her repaired, or modified?"
"Repair. I don't want to change her structure, but please strengthen her material during the repair; she's too fragile right now." Hachiman's approval grew when Shokousha also referred to Moe as "she," and a smile appeared on his face.
"No problem. Sir, can I have a separate room to work in?"
"There's a room next door. You may use it freely."
"Thank you, sir."
Shokousha approached Moe, checked her over, and gently picked her up, heading to the adjacent room.
Hachiman followed him inside. Soon, Kitakou Kanako joined them.
Shokousha first removed his black robe and spread it on the floor.
Good heavens—when spread out, the robe was covered with various tools.
Then he opened his suitcase, revealing materials inside.
He began working carefully, dismantling Moe. Hachiman's attention confirmed the precision and care in Shokousha's movements—nothing was amiss.
Satisfied that the man was meticulous, Hachiman left.
The sky had grown dark.
"I'll go have dinner first. I'll leave this to you. Call me when it's done," he said to Kitakou Kanako and went to the South Wing.
It was time to call some girls for dinner.
Upon entering the South Wing, he was hit by the rich aroma of food—Komachi was cooking.
Following the scent, he arrived at the dining room.
Hinata Manor had an independent kitchen and dining room, as large as a spacious living room, perfect for a culinary enthusiast.
Hachiman saw Komachi and Gokou Ruri busy at the stove, Aragaki Ayase chopping vegetables, and Kurusu Kanako and Kousaka Kirino assisting.
Quite well-coordinated.
Thinking this, Hachiman entered the kitchen—only to be promptly driven out.
"Brother, I'm too busy! Don't mess around," said Komachi.
"Brother, please don't take up space," said Gokou Ruri.
"Brother, you've already worked hard today. Please wait at the table for our results," said Aragaki Ayase.
Kurusu Kanako and Kousaka Kirino, although assistants, were the busiest—barely a moment to speak.
This exchange was quite touching.
Hachiman considered himself someone who could take suggestions, so he found a seat near the table, close to the food.
He didn't want to just act as a freeloader in front of Komachi's friends, but he didn't know how else to help.
Not knowing who cooked, the aroma was irresistible. After a while, Hachiman's appetite was fully awakened.
"Should I serve you first? It should be ready," he asked the busy girls.
"Too early. It'll get cold," Komachi replied.
Hachiman nodded, set the bowls and utensils, and sat down to wait.
A moment later, Kurusu Kanako brought the first dish to the table. Like dominoes, one dish after another was placed until a dozen plates covered the table—meat and vegetables, all colorful and aromatic.
Hachiman served rice for everyone first, then himself last.
Once everyone was seated, they all said, "Itadakimasu," and… started grabbing the food!
"I'll take more cucumbers made by Ayase!"
"The sausages are so good."
"What?! Kuroneko, you made this delicious?"
Silent while eating? Not at all—they were a group of food commentators.
Hachiman simply ate and watched in silence.
He wondered when Shokousha would finish repairing Moe.
By the way, what were they planning to eat tonight? There didn't seem to be many restaurants nearby.
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