That weekend was fully spent helping Yuigahama. Hayama, Miura, and even Yukinoshita never left the shop.
Even though there had been a small clash yesterday, the mood wasn't awkward. Maybe Yukinoshita never planned on talking to Hachiman in the first place, or maybe she was just out of it now—her cookies no longer tasted like the ones she made yesterday.
Still, with Yukinoshita's guidance, Yuigahama finally understood the essence of cookies. After adding a proper amount of green tea leaves, she made a batch with a unique flavor.
It wasn't top-quality or anything, but this wasn't Totsuki. Compared to the rest of the shopping street, it was definitely in a league of its own.
Hayama went with the workers to break down the back kitchen wall. Since the job wasn't too big, it only took half a day. Miura took over running Hikigaya's Instagram, managing customer traffic for now. As for Hachiman...
Right now he was acting as the taste tester in the kitchen.
"So, Komachi, how is it?"
"Hmm, better than the last one. But you put in too much sugar, and it's a little burnt... makes me want to drink water after eating."
When it came to explaining to Yuigahama, Hachiman never used Totsuki's professional terms. With her, it was obvious she wouldn't understand them anyway.
After hearing his comments, Yuigahama let out two helpless laughs, tilting her head, not knowing what to do.
Yukinoshita started giving pointers on the side:
"You need to control the time and heat more precisely. Count the time your hands are actually moving too. But the most important thing is..."
She began pouring advice into Yuigahama's ear nonstop, but to Yuigahama, this kind of teaching might as well have been chanting a spell.
'Buddha Yukinoshita, please don't pile more pressure on poor Yuigahama...'
Still, in the end, it all depended on Yuigahama herself. How much she could turn into real knowledge would rely on her own ability to understand.
"By the way, Komachi, can people freely go in and out of your school?"
"Eh?"
"I heard from Miura that at your Totsuki Academy, you often have those Shokugeki battles, right?"
When Yuigahama mentioned that he was studying at Totsuki, Yukinoshita seemed even more shocked.
"You're actually a student at Totsuki Academy?"
"Don't ask me with that 'I already know the answer' tone..."
Clearly in disbelief, after hearing that Hikigaya was also a Totsuki student, Yukinoshita pressed her fingers against her temple as if her whole worldview had just collapsed.
After what felt like a long moment of calming herself, Yukinoshita finally let out a deep sigh, then spoke with a calm face.
"If I remember right, even if you're not a Totsuki student, you can still go there to watch matches."
Yuigahama seemed happy with that answer and spoke excitedly:
"That's great! Next time if Komachi challenges someone to a Shokugeki, I'll be able to go watch."
"Idiot, starting a Shokugeki costs a lot. I don't think there's any need for that at all."
Yukinoshita added on the side:
"Well, since this guy has nothing to lose, of course no one would accept his Shokugeki challenge."
"Don't say other people's weak points so casually, Yukinoshita."
"Every time you call my name, it feels like being bitten by a poisonous snake, all itchy and bitter. Ugh, disgusting." She said this while quickly stepping back and wrapping her arms around herself.
'Wow, this girl really doesn't hold back at all. Is this payback for what happened yesterday? And her mouth... way too sharp. No wonder she has no friends.'
As if she could read Hikigaya's thoughts, Yukinoshita continued:
"Unlike someone, I don't fail to make friends because of a bad personality. From the start, I just never thought it was necessary. Maybe you don't understand, but sometimes being too outstanding only makes people hate you."
"Tch."
Whether it was irritation at being seen through or just plain disdain, Hachiman shoved his hands into his pockets and turned his head away from her.
It was only the second day, yet the two of them already seemed like sworn enemies. Yuigahama couldn't figure it out at all.
Hadn't these two only just met yesterday? And they had barely even spoken a few words to each other.
...
In just two days, thanks to everyone's efforts, not only did the cookies taste better, but the shop's decoration and the number of curious customers had also improved a lot.
In just one night, they broke the sales record for "Stammer Cookie Shop."
Hayama: "Alright, this should be fine now… I'll leave the rest to you, Miura, and you too, Yuigahama."
Miura patted her chest: "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, Yui will be fine. Even though you guys are studying at Totsuki now, make sure to come back and visit us when you have time. Especially you, Hikigaya—stop hiding in the dorm all the time."
As if she had just exposed him, Hikigaya awkwardly replied, "Yeah, yeah…"
At that moment, Yuigahama came running out of the store with three boxes of cookies in her hands.
"I know these cookies don't mean much to you, and they can't even be called 'gourmet.' But I really have no way to repay you for your help. Still… one day, I'll definitely return the favor."
Yuigahama: "This one's for Hayama."
Hayama: "Thanks."
Yuigahama: "This one's for Yukinon."
Yukinoshita: "I… I don't need—"
Yuigahama: "Don't be shy! I was only able to keep going because of you, Yukinon."
Yukinoshita reached out to take the freshly baked cookies, the warmth lingering in her hands making her pause for a moment. "Thank you. But please don't call me by that name."
Yuigahama: "Ehehe…"
'These two… their relationship is getting close way too fast. They're not even the same type of person.'
While Hikigaya was lost in thought, Yuigahama finally walked step by step in front of him.
"This one's yours, Hikki…" Her face was slightly red as she lowered her head and stopped talking.
"There's… one for me too?"
"Of course! Idiot."
"Thanks."
"Make sure to come by often! And let's forget about what happened before. From now on, I'll come see you more too!"
...
After those two hectic days, Hachiman finally returned to his dorm—the Polar Star Dorm.
But the school trip was about to begin.
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