289 [289] Yukino's Invitation

Chapter 289: Yukino's Invitation

Monday, the beginning of the week. As Hachiman approached the classroom door, he noticed Yumiko waiting for someone.

"Morning, Yumiko. Are you waiting for me?" Hachiman teased.

Surprisingly, the girl nodded. "Yes, I'm waiting for you, you rascal."

Hachiman raised an eyebrow at the unexpected wait. "So, what brings you here, Yumiko?"

Expressing her frustration, Yumiko complained, "Hmph, it's all because of you, you scoundrel. Our little 'incident' has been exposed."

Perplexed, Hachiman inquired, "What incident?"

"Of course, it's..." Yumiko began but suddenly stopped, glancing around. She then pulled Hachiman and led him to a secluded corner.

"Come with me."

Curious about the secrecy, Hachiman asked, "What's going on? Why so mysterious?"

After ensuring no one was around, Yumiko sighed in relief and, in an annoyed tone, explained, "It's all because of you, you scoundrel. You dared to kiss me at my doorstep, and my mom happened to see it."

"Oh, that's what happened," Hachiman nodded.

"But what's the big deal? Just tell your mom I'm your boyfriend," he added nonchalantly.

Upon hearing his straightforward admission, Yumiko felt a warm sentiment, but she outwardly huffed, "As if it's that simple."

"Hmph, you're dreaming. I haven't admitted that you're my boyfriend yet. You better deal with Yui first before bringing up this topic."

"So, if I sort things out with Yui, you'll agree to be my girlfriend?" Hachiman asked abruptly.

Upon hearing this, Yumiko paused, then looked at him disdainfully. "You scoundrel, always thinking about a harem."

"That's right. Whether it's you or Yukino, I want them all," Hachiman replied without hesitation.

Yumiko's gaze became even more scornful.

Unfazed, Hachiman didn't mind, knowing that pursuing a harem required a thick skin.

"But you didn't just pull me over to talk about this, did you? There must be something else," he continued.

Caught off guard, Yumiko hesitated. "Uh, well..."

Seeing her reaction, Hachiman smiled slightly, probably guessing what was going on.

"I guess your mom wants you to bring me home for her to see, right?"

Surprised, Yumiko lifted her head. "How did you know?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Hachiman shrugged.

"We're high school students now, and even if we're in a relationship, it's nothing to be overly surprised about. So, your mom probably wouldn't object to you having a boyfriend. If she's not against it, she would naturally want to meet your boyfriend."

Due to the Japan society's declining birthrates, the government encouraged high school students to engage in romantic relationships.

Moreover, the legal marriage age in Japan is 18 for males and 16 for females. Therefore, cases of getting married right after high school graduation are not uncommon.

It's worth mentioning that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20, so there are many cases where people are already married but still can't drink.

Yumiko was surprised that Hachiman guessed so accurately. "I didn't expect you to be quite clever."

"Of course," Hachiman replied confidently.

"But when are you planning to take me home to meet my mom?"

"What do you mean 'my mom'? It's 'our mom'," Yumiko retorted, rolling her eyes.

"Let's do it this Saturday. Do you have time?"

"Of course, I have time. How could I not have time for something like this? Once I win over your mom, Yumiko, you won't be able to escape," Hachiman smirked.

"Psh, my mom won't be easily won over by you," Yumiko scoffed.

Although she said that on the surface, she wasn't entirely confident. After all, Hachiman excelled in various aspects, and coupled with his superb cooking skills, he might actually win over her mom.

Could it be that she really can't escape?

The thought made Yumiko a bit uneasy.

"Alright, it's settled then. Come to my house this Saturday afternoon," Yumiko said before hurriedly running off.

Seeing her reaction, Hachiman shrugged and strolled back to the classroom.

....

....

Time flew by, and soon it was Friday. The Service Club didn't receive any requests today, making it a leisurely day.

"Phew... finally done." Standing up, Yui lifted the bun on her chest high and stretched lazily, catching the attention of the other two.

However, one wanted to touch, and the other simply admired.

"I'll head out now. See you next Monday, Yukinon, Hikki!" Yui said with a smile after stretching.

"Goodbye, Yui!"

"Yeah, see you on Monday."

Both bid farewell to the girl.

After Yui left, Hachiman put his phone back into his pocket, preparing to leave.

Though Yukino was also packing up, her expression seemed a bit peculiar.

Seeing this, Hachiman asked with concern, "Yukino, what's wrong?"

Hearing his question, the girl looked up, her face showing a hint of hesitation.

"Um... are you free this Sunday?"

Upon hearing this, Hachiman felt a flicker of hope. "Do you want to go on a date with me?"

Rolling her eyes, Yukino replied, "Dream on."

"Oh, it's not a date then?" Hachiman couldn't hide his disappointment.

"Nope, not a date. So, why do you want to meet me on Sunday?" Yukino asked.

"Well, isn't it Yui's birthday next week?" Yukino explained.

"Ah, Yui's birthday."

Hachiman remembered; Yui's birthday was on June 18th, just next week.

Well, Hachiman was planning to buy something tomorrow after visiting Yumiko's house, but he didn't expect that Yukino knew about Yui's birthday.

"Yes, indeed, I should buy her a gift."

"Because my taste is different from that of typical girls, I thought of asking you to go together, so we can discuss and decide on something." Yukino spoke casually.

"I really don't understand how you could think of a date. You must be plotting something against me," she continued.

"Exactly, plotting against you, Yukino. How about it? Are you still willing to go out with me?" Hachiman smiled and asked.

"Hmph, what's there to be afraid of? Am I supposed to be scared of you?" Yukino replied with a light snort.

Seeing her agreement, a smile formed on Hachiman's lips.

Going shopping together, to others, it might just seem like a date.

"Alright then, it's settled. How about LaLa-port TOKYO-bay at 1:30 PM this weekend?" Hachiman suggested.

"No problem!" Yukino agreed.

With the time and place decided, the two of them left one after another.