[324] Hachiman Enjoying the Blessings of Being Together

Chapter 324: Hachiman Enjoying the Blessings of Being Together

"Only one left," Hachiman remarked. The three remaining girls exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what to do.

Unfortunately, Hachiman didn't give them any time to think as he began the countdown. "10...9...8...7..."

As the final moments passed, the three girls still couldn't come to a decision, so they tearfully huddled together. Meanwhile, Tsurumi Rumi closed her eyes, lost in thought.

"4...3...2...1..."

As the last second ticked away, the three girls still hadn't made a choice. Just as they began to feel hopeless, Tsurumi Rumi suddenly raised her hand. "Wait."

Observing the girl's action, Hachiman raised an eyebrow. Is she still going to go through with it?

With that thought, he narrowed his eyes.

Tobe and Yumiko were also intrigued by Tsurumi Rumi's action. As their gazes shifted towards her, a sudden burst of white light exploded before them.

It was the flash from the digital camera hanging around the girl's neck.

"What's that?"

"Can't see anything."

Due to staring directly at the dazzling white light, both Tobe and Yumiko covered their eyes, their vision blurred.

"Run!"

Seizing the opportunity, Rumi grabbed Yuka and sprinted away, shouting to the other three.

The remaining three girls quickly followed suit, running into the distance.

Having squinted his eyes beforehand, Hachiman wasn't greatly affected and simply watched them leave quietly.

"What was that all about?" Yumiko complained while rubbing her eyes.

"It was the flash from the digital camera," Hachiman explained.

Watching Rumi and the others gradually disappear, Hachiman averted his gaze.

At this moment, Yukino and Yui emerged from the bushes.

"It seems like that child saved the others," Yukino said casually.

Yui chimed in, equally puzzled, "Could it be that the child actually has a good relationship with them?"

"How is that possible," Hachiman shook his head.

"From what we've observed these past few days, it doesn't seem like they have a good relationship at all."

"That child is very clever, perhaps she guessed our intentions and decided to refuse in this manner," Hachiman suggested.

"Well, then it seems like we've wasted our efforts tonight," Yumiko grumbled, feeling annoyed at having played the villain for nothing.

"Don't worry, this situation was within my expectations," Hachiman said with a slight smile.

"Even though they knew it was fake, they still offered help, which shows true friendship," he continued.

"And after this incident, that small group is bound to fall apart. Regardless of whether Rumi can regain her friendships, her days in the class will be better off," he concluded.

Upon hearing his words, everyone nodded in agreement.

"Alright, we've done all we can. Let's head back," Hachiman smiled.

"To reward everyone, I'll personally make some delicious food for you tonight," he added.

"Yes!" Yui cheered.

Just the thought of Hachiman's cooking made even Yukino and Yumiko's mouths water.

Only Tobe seemed a bit puzzled.

...

Back at the campsite, the bonfire party was still going strong.

The bonfire in the center of the clearing burned brightly, while the children gathered in small groups, enjoying themselves and dancing.

In one corner of the clearing, the group that had escaped earlier had gathered.

Tsurumi Rumi still sat alone on the ground, while the other four who were supposed to be close were now keeping some distance from each other.

After all, after what had just happened, this small group couldn't return to how they were before.

In another corner of the clearing, Hachiman and the others were gathered.

Sizzle—

Chunks of meat, tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, sizzled on the iron griddle. Hachiman held a pair of tongs, flipping and pressing the meat slices from time to time.

To reward everyone for their hard work tonight, Hachiman personally prepared dinner.

However, due to limited ingredients and utensils, they could only opt for an outdoor barbecue.

"Alright."

After distributing a batch of freshly grilled meat slices to everyone, Hachiman replenished the supply.

"Onii-chan, come and eat too," Komachi called out.

Hachiman smiled and shook his head, "You guys go ahead and eat, I need to tend to the grill."

"Mmm, this is delicious."

Tobe exclaimed exaggeratedly as he tasted the meat slices.

Beside him, Hayama wore a look of admiration, "Yeah, I didn't expect Hikigaya-kun's cooking skills to be this good."

"Haha, so satisfying. Your cooking is really the best," Shizuka said, enjoying the barbecue and beer, feeling relaxed and comfortable.

"I heard your plan failed today?"

"But it's for the best. If anything had gone wrong, it could have turned into a big problem."

Flipping the meat, Hachiman smiled, "It can't be considered a failure. At least my main goal was achieved. From the beginning, I never imagined that everything could be resolved in one go."

Indeed, even if today's plan had succeeded smoothly, building friendships doesn't happen instantly. So today, he merely gave Rumi a chance to rebuild her interpersonal relationships.

"You always have so many tricks up your sleeve," Shizuka said with an admiring expression.

Hearing her words, Hachiman shrugged, taking it as a compliment.

Just then, Komachi held out a piece of meat to his mouth.

"Ah, Onii-chan, you've worked hard. Let me feed you," she said.

Hachiman didn't refuse Komachi's offer to feed him. After all, they were siblings, and there was nothing taboo about it.

After Komachi fed Hachiman the meat, she winked at the other girls.

Seeing this scene, the other girls also caught on. They looked at the meat on the plate, then at Hachiman who was still grilling nearby, and couldn't help but feel a bit moved.

The first to act was Saeko, who had already expressed her feelings openly.

"Ah, Hachiman-kun, you've worked hard," she said as she fed him.

Hachiman didn't hesitate to accept the feeding from Saeko, considering their close relationship.

Next was Kotonoha, who was a bit shy but gained courage with Saeko's lead.

"Ah, Hachiman-kun, please...please eat," she said, offering him a piece of meat.

Hachiman accepted Kotonoha's offer without hesitation.

Then came the other girls, one by one, feeding him.

Yui: "Hikki, you've worked hard."

Yukino: "Consider it a reward for your efforts today."

Yumiko: "Don't get the wrong idea, I'm just acknowledging your hard work in grilling the meat."

Shizuka: "Kid, open up."

The girls had an unspoken understanding, and Hachiman seemed to enjoy the attention.

Aside from them, Ebina and Saika were also intrigued.

Saika wanted to get closer to Hachiman, while Ebina just wanted to join in on the fun.

However, before they could make a move, a loud roar interrupted everything.