Since Yukinoshita moved in, Hachiman's life has obviously changed. If his cooking research time was all his own before, now with a partner, not only has the research speed increased, but there are also more opportunities to learn from each other.
At least, the vacation is not as boring as Hachiman imagined. Because Yukinoshita's luxury car is always parked in front of the Polar Star Dorm, not many people dare to visit. And because Isshiki is busy with the Elite Ten most of the time, the two of them are like a couple stuck together every day, with no difference.
It's good there are no paparazzi here, otherwise, this might turn into another headache-inducing scandal.
Yukinoshita: "Hikigaya, have you ever thought about climbing higher, aiming for the first seat? After all, you now have the ability to challenge any member of the Elite Ten."
Hachiman: "Although I don't plan to stand still, I want to deal with the restaurant first. As for challenging the Elite Ten, let's wait until summer vacation ends. These things are important."
Yukinoshita: "I see..."
Hachiman: "What about you? You could have challenged Erina a long time ago."
Yukinoshita shook her head: "I have no reason to challenge her now. Of course, that doesn't mean I'll stand still. I'll only choose to move forward after my own cooking becomes more complete... And my goal..."
Saying this, Yukinoshita smiled faintly, focusing her eyes on Hikigaya.
"My goal is to beat you."
"That's too easy. I thought your goal would be more ambitious."
The two just smiled at each other, saying nothing more.
Yukinoshita: "Since you said you want to open a restaurant again, how do you want to start?"
Hachiman: "Although it's a bit shameless, since we're still students, the only person we can ask for help is..."
Yukinoshita frowned, thinking for a moment, then quickly realized:
"You mean... Yui?"
Hachiman nodded slightly:
"Remember what she said before? 'Yui's Cookies' is thriving now. And she has experience opening a shop, so she's the best person for the job."
Yukinoshita nodded in agreement, but put her hand on her chin, asking with some confusion:
"Although Yui is reliable, she also has to deal with 'Yui's Cookies'. Does she really have time to help?"
Hachiman: "Yukinoshita, asking for help is an art."
Yukinoshita: "It feels strange coming from you..."
...
The next day, after breakfast, the two quickly dressed casually and planned to leave school to find Yui. Of course, they had told Yui in advance by phone, so they wouldn't arrive at the store and not find her.
While Hachiman was waiting in front of the Polar Star Dorm, Yukinoshita, as if changing her usual style, walked out of the dorm wearing a blue pleated skirt.
Because she was also wearing a cute baseball cap, it made her already beautiful face even cuter. If you weren't careful, you could easily be fooled by her appearance.
Yukinoshita: "Hikigaya... Even if you stare at me, I'll be shy..."
Hachiman: "Oh... sorry. I was thinking about how to negotiate with Yui. By the way, why are you dressed so differently today..."
Yukinoshita's face turned red, and she lowered her head, saying shyly:
"Loving to dress up is a girl's nature. Even someone as dense as you should understand that..."
Hachiman: "Okay, but it still feels weird..."
Hearing Hachiman say that, Yukinoshita's face turned even redder. Her head seemed to drop even lower, and she whispered:
"Idiot..."
'Women are really hard to understand... But, she's still really cute.'
Although the atmosphere was a bit less lively than usual, the two chatted casually, thanks to their familiarity. And because Yukinoshita's driver was taking them, they quickly left Totsuki campus and entered the shopping street. Then, they had to walk.
Even though it was only noon, perhaps because it was summer vacation, the number of people here was incredible. At this time, Yukinoshita and Hikigaya were already famous first-year students at Totsuki Academy. Plus, her beautiful outfit quickly attracted attention.
Hachiman: "I was wondering... Are you used to this feeling?"
Yukinoshita: "Yes, as long as you treat them like bugs, it's not uncomfortable."
Hachiman: "That's too much... But it seems pretty useful."
Of course, there were also many Totsuki students in this shopping street. After noticing the two, the rumors that had calmed down a bit started to spread again at this moment.
"Those two are the ones from the first-year Autumn Election finals, right..."
"I'm sure I'm not wrong. Yukinoshita Yukino with her long black hair, and Hikigaya Hachiman with his dead fish eyes..."
"So, those two..."
"If it was just rumors before, this is the real deal!"
"Yeah, look at Yukinoshita's outfit. It looks like she's on a date..."
"Wow, the first and second place winners are holding hands! If that gets back to the academy, it'll be headline news!"
"Looks like I can't stop myself from getting rich this time, hahaha!"
The surrounding voices naturally reached the ears of the two. But Yukinoshita acted as if nothing was happening, walking elegantly along the road. Sometimes when she saw something interesting, she would turn around and share it with Hikigaya. To others, they really looked like a couple.
However, although Yukinoshita didn't care at all, Hachiman was somewhat concerned. He put his mouth close to Yukinoshita's ear and said softly:
"Yukinoshita, is this really okay? Won't it damage your reputation?"
Yukinoshita showed a natural smile, looking at Hikigaya. Although she also leaned close to Hikigaya's ear to speak:
"Let them say what they want, Hikigaya. You're not someone who cares about this kind of thing!"
'Idiot, of course I don't care. But if this gets back, it'll be troublesome...'
Although he complained inwardly, since Yukinoshita didn't plan to deal with it, there was nothing he could do. After all, he had zero experience.
Of course... Yukinoshita also...
Surrounded by onlookers, the two finally arrived at Yui's 'Yui's Cookies' shop. It was completely different from what they had seen last time. The shop had expanded twice in size, and even the decor was different. During this summer vacation, it was obviously crowded.
Hachiman: "This is... amazing..."
Yukinoshita: "Did Yui do all this..."
Miura: "Idiot, of course not. Don't forget about me!"
Miura, who appeared behind the two without them noticing, said with her arms crossed, startling them both.
Hachiman: "Why are you here, Miura..."
Miura rolled her eyes, somewhat annoyed: "I don't know who said they were coming early in the morning. It's common sense to greet customers. Even you should know that."
Hachiman: "Thanks for your trouble..."
Miura: "By the way, is it really okay for you to walk around together like this?"
Looking at the close relationship between the two, Miura raised her eyebrows at Hikigaya. But soon, as if remembering something, she glared at Hikigaya, feeling annoyed for Yui.
'Women are really hard to understand...'
Hachiman: "It's fine. Can we find a quiet place now?"
Yukinoshita: "Oh? I thought you didn't care about these things at all..."
Miura said somewhat irritably, "Come with me..."
Although there were many onlookers, Miura led them into the 'Yui's Cookies' shop. After a short detour, they miraculously found an office. And waiting inside was obviously Yui.
The people who were just behind them were gone. Miura said calmly:
"Now top celebrities from all over the world come here to buy cookies, like the famous novelist Kasumigaoka, or the illustrator Eriri Spencer Sawamura. Every time they come, they cause a strong public reaction. So, Yui and I decided to prepare a reception area."
Hachiman: "Amazing..."
Yukinoshita: "More reliable than I imagined."
Miura: "Let's go in."
Creak...
As the door opened slightly, Yui, who had been pacing back and forth, appeared before the two. When she saw Hikigaya and Yukinoshita, Yui's face instantly lit up with a pure smile, and she waved her hands:
"Yahallo! Yukino and Hikki!"
Yukinoshita said helplessly, pressing her fingers to her temples: "I told you not to call me by that name."
Yui: "Oh, it's so cute... And... Wow! Yukino, you changed your outfit! I thought you always dressed formally!"
Yukinoshita: "It seems there are other idiots in this world besides Hikigaya."
Before Yukinoshita could finish speaking, Yui had already jumped up and hugged Yukinoshita tightly. Yukinoshita had never been so close to anyone before, and couldn't break free.
"Yui... Too close... Too close..."
Yui giggled and made "hehe" sounds.
After Yukinoshita finally broke free from Yui's embrace, Yui slowly came to Hikigaya, lowered her head and said softly:
"Congratulations, Hikki, on winning first place in the Autumn Election!"
"Yeah, thanks."
With a slow movement, Yui gently opened her arms, then took a deep breath, as if making a final gamble, and leaned her body on Hikigaya.
"This is Hikki's reward..."
Like Yukinoshita, Hachiman had never been so close to a girl before, except for Komachi. And now... this warm feeling didn't seem bad.
Yukinoshita: "Ahem, let's talk about business."
At Yukinoshita's reminder, Yui reluctantly let go, but quickly regained her smile and asked:
"I heard the general idea from Hikki yesterday, so I understand a bit."
Hachiman: "Right... Miura, you should know about the Hikigaya restaurant I had in Chiba."
Hearing this, Miura nodded shyly and said:
"Yeah, I'm really sorry about that time. I was too impulsive."
Hachiman waved his hand: "The past is the past. And I didn't take it to heart. After all, the food I gave you was dead seafood and leftovers."
Hearing Hikigaya's words, Miura's face instantly turned red with embarrassment. She punched Hachiman on the head lightly, annoyed:
"You, Hikigaya, you've made me remember that for so long. Okay, we're even now."
"Yeah, we're even," Hikigaya replied with a smile.
"Of course, I'm here to give my past customers a satisfying answer. And I now have the qualifications to start my own business at Totsuki Academy, so..."
"I plan to reopen 'Hikigaya Restaurant' at Totsuki."
Hearing Hikigaya's plan, the three were stunned. Although it didn't seem difficult, it would be somewhat troublesome to implement.
Hachiman: "You don't have to worry about the menu. I'll continue my dad's style, while adding my own dishes. And what I need are people who can manage the restaurant for me, which is you."
"I know this is shameless, since you already have 'Yui's Cookies', but..."
Seeing Hikigaya's head drooping, Yui said happily:
"That's great... That's really great..."
"Huh?"
"Hikki, you're finally willing to let me help you... You're finally asking me to help you... This is great." As she said this, a few tears welled up in Yui's eyes.
Although Hachiman wanted to say something, he didn't understand the situation.
Yui: "I don't know if it was fate or something else that made you save my puppy in middle school, but that incident made us meet. But... I didn't plan to repay you for that. What I wanted was for us to help each other, just like you unconditionally saved my dog. But... there was never a chance. I've been waiting, waiting for you to ask me for help..."
Some things can't be understood unless they are said, but they may not be understood even if they are said. At least, that's what Hachiman thought. But... if you don't say it, you'll never be able to solve it. Just as Yui said, he used to think it was a mistake. He didn't help anyone with the expectation of being helped in return. Otherwise, it couldn't be called genuine. But...
If, if there is such a relationship, without regard to gain or loss, without regard to benefit, but simply based on wanting to help someone, simply based on wanting to get help from others from the heart, what is that relationship other than the so-called genuine thing?
Hachiman's heart was deeply shaken, and even his thoughts were fixed in place, unable to move forward. The genuine thing he had been pursuing after accepting repeated failures and setbacks was actually by his side all along. The feeling of getting all this was liberating.
Hachiman: "I see... Thank you, Yui."
Yui: "That's great... That's really great..."
Hachiman: "Even so, I don't want you to give up 'Yui's Cookies' to help me. That would be irresponsible to your customers here."
Miura: "Don't worry about that, Hikigaya. 'Yui's Cookies' is completely perfected, so there's not much to manage. And not everyone is like you. I've asked Hina, Tobu, and Saika to help. With them around, there's no need to worry about 'Yui's Cookies'."
Hachiman: "Saika?!"
Feeling Hikigaya's strong reaction, the three girls looked at him with contempt.
Hachiman: "What? Can't I miss my old classmates..."
Yui: "Anyway, Hikki, don't worry. Miura and I have some experience now. It's not a hassle to help you manage there. And we can come back here to check on things."
Miura: "That's true, but Hikigaya, the difficulty of your 'Hikigaya Restaurant' dishes is not the same as cookies. Even if the cookie making can be handed over to the workers, that kind of cooking is completely impossible if you are not there..."
"In other words, if you want to open, you must be there. And... as far as I know, your cooking speed is not that fast."
Although Hikigaya had thought about this, his father was also running his restaurant all by himself. Because his cooking speed was so fast, even when there were many customers, he could handle customers with ease. And later, after Komachi grew up, there was one more capable helper, basically there was never an instance where people din't get food. And now...
Not to mention speed, even if customers were willing to wait, from a physical perspective, it might not be a good result.
Yukinoshita: "It's okay, I can help."
Hachiman: "Huh? You..."
Yukinoshita: "Do you doubt me? Don't forget that I can simulate my sister's cooking perfectly. As long as I have time to train, dealing with customers is not a problem."
Hachiman: "I don't have a salary to pay you..."
Yukinoshita was stunned: "Hikigaya, has your brain broken?"
Hachiman: "Give me a reason to help me unconditionally. You should be busy with other things, right?"
Yukinoshita smiled faintly, and her long eyelashes flickered like butterflies. Finally, she shot pure gaze:
"Remember what I said before? I'm aiming to be like you."
"Since I'm aiming to be like you, the best way to beat someone is to observe what they do. As long as I understand enough, I can beat you on the field!"
Hachiman: "Okay..."
Although the reason was far-fetched, Hachiman had no choice. After all, Komachi hadn't enrolled yet, and he couldn't handle it alone. And Yukinoshita's strength, was undeniable.
Miura: "When are you planning to start? We should start preparing."
Yui: "That's right, leave the operations to Yumiko, the management to me, and the rest is up to you!"
Hachiman and Yukinoshita looked at each other and seemed to say telepathically, "Tomorrow!"
At the same time, Erina, who was browsing Instagram, saw a message that was trending. She clicked on it curiously...
[Shocking! First and Second Place Winners of the Totsuki First-Year Autumn Election are Dating!]
Behind a huge long article were pictures of the two being very close on the shopping street. There was Yukinoshita wearing a cute blue pleated skirt, and pictures of the two leaning close to each other's ears to talk. Of course, there were also photos of them entering a room together.
In short, all that sorts of photoes possible..
Erina's rather cheerful mood instantly vanished like water extinguished the flame. She snapped her phone in half with a 'bang', and her hair seemed to float directly upwards, becoming extremely frightening.
"Yukinoshita!"
Startled, Hisako rushed in from the door. As soon as she entered, she saw Erina with a face full of anger. She seemed to understand that the young lady was not easy to provoke, so she silently backed out.
Then, she took out her phone...
Hisako shook her head helplessly:
"So that's what is happening..."
"The young lady is really troublesome. At this rate, she may be in danger in the future..."
"Maybe... I should help her... Maybe there will be unexpected effects."
---
You can read 30 advanced chapters at my patreon.com/YeyeQiu
Free member can read 2 chapters in advance