Chapter 19: Hikigaya-kun, Why Don’t You Visit Senpai’s House?
Why on earth did Yukinoshita suddenly appear on the rooftop?
To "get some fresh air"?
Really?
Don't lie to me!
You're already frail; climbing all these stairs must've been exhausting. With your build, Yukinoshita… uh, wait.
Am I still underestimating her?
Back then, her skills in that area were terrifying. Her slender, delicate legs might look fragile, but in truth, they're frighteningly strong. Climbing some stairs? Piece of cake.
Cough cough!
Anyway, let's set that aside for now.
The pressing issue is…
Why are you and Kasumigaoka-senpai having a casual chat now?!
---
Seeing Yukinoshita and Kasumigaoka, two high-caliber ladies from Sobu High, sitting down and engaging in conversation made Hikigaya so anxious he felt like ants were crawling all over his body.
"Uh, well… I guess I'll leave you two to talk," he mumbled.
"Wait"
Yukinoshita called out, stopping him in his tracks.
Hikigaya froze.
Sigh.
Why can't you two high-and-mighty flowers of Sobu High just chat without dragging me into this? A worthless bottom-dweller like me is just polluting the air here!
Yet, faced with his girlfriend's commanding gaze, Hikigaya could only twitch his lips and reluctantly stay put.
It's not like I'm listening to you or anything!
I'm just… appreciating the view from the rooftop. Yeah, fresh air. Totally worth it.
---
The three of them sat on the rooftop bench: Kasumigaoka and Yukinoshita flanking either side, with Hikigaya awkwardly sandwiched between them.
What kind of setup is this?!
…Me, in the middle?
This is so awkward!
Also…
Weren't you two supposed to be chatting?
Why did you both go silent after sitting down?
Help!
Realizing the tension would only escalate if this continued, Hikigaya had no choice but to break the silence. "So, uh, you two know each other?"
Yukinoshita responded calmly, "Kasumigaoka-senpai and I interacted a few times during academic meetings. Senpai is an outstanding individual."
Kasumigaoka, unfazed, nodded gracefully. "Your praise is appreciated, but Yukinoshita-san is equally remarkable and highly regarded within her year."
"Oh no, you're too kind, Senpai."
---
What the heck?
Are you two seriously showering each other with compliments now?
How harmonious.
Their conversation, mostly about academics, was dull enough to make Hikigaya's eyelids heavy. He was fighting the urge to doze off when Kasumigaoka suddenly shifted the topic.
"Speaking of which, Hikigaya-kun mentioned earlier that you're his girlfriend. Is that true?"
"!!"
Hikigaya, who had been on the verge of nodding off, jolted awake, his brain snapping to full alertness as he glanced at Yukinoshita.
She nodded nonchalantly. "Yes. I suppose you could call it a fated misfortune. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I ended up becoming his girlfriend."
---
Kasumigaoka's body seemed to shudder briefly. After a few moments of silence, she took a deep breath and asked, "He didn't trick you, did he? I mean, Hikigaya-kun looks like a total dead fish. Especially with those eyes."
"Pfft." Yukinoshita couldn't help but laugh softly. "You're right, Senpai. Most girls would likely steer clear of him at first glance."
Yukinoshita! That's just cruel!
You're roasting me again!
Hikigaya sulked silently.
Kasumigaoka raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And yet, you're willing to be his girlfriend?"
Yukinoshita nodded. "Though Hikigaya-kun's appearance leaves much to be desired, he's not entirely without redeeming qualities. Occasionally, he does have some endearing traits."
"Oh? Such as?"
Looking at the now-flustered Hikigaya, Yukinoshita's lips curved into a sly smile. "Well… he's surprisingly selfless. In the Service Club, he often takes on tasks on his own, quietly helping students in need.
"Deep down, he's a very kind person."
Yukinoshita's gentle smile was directed at Hikigaya.
---
"Kind, huh…" Kasumigaoka murmured.
Flustered, Hikigaya muttered, "I-I'm not kind at all!"
Yukinoshita said nothing, simply smiling knowingly.
This is too much!
Yukinoshita, what's gotten into you today?
You're actually… praising me? In front of another girl?
Yukinoshita, you've become so… kind.
Feeling both touched and emboldened, Hikigaya instinctively shifted slightly closer to his girlfriend.
However…
Yukinoshita subtly scooted toward him, using her hand to nudge him further away—straight toward Kasumigaoka.
Wait, no!
Don't push me toward Kasumigaoka-senpai!
---
Before Hikigaya could react, his leg accidentally bumped against Kasumigaoka's.
Of course, she noticed, but she didn't seem to care. She glanced at the two sitting beside her and sighed softly. "You two really seem to get along. It's enviable."
Yukinoshita smiled but didn't deny it. Instead, she turned to Kasumigaoka. "By the way, Senpai, I noticed you and Hikigaya-kun were chatting earlier. May I ask what you were talking about?"
Kasumigaoka paused for a moment before replying calmly, "Games."
"Games?" Yukinoshita blinked, surprised.
Kasumigaoka gave a brief rundown of what had happened earlier.
Hearing this, Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow at Hikigaya. "I didn't know you were so skilled at gaming, Hikigaya-kun."
"Of course! I'm practically a gaming god!" Hikigaya couldn't resist showing off in front of Yukinoshita.
---
Kasumigaoka sighed wistfully. "I was actually thinking of inviting Hikigaya-kun over to help me with a game this weekend. But since he has a girlfriend—who happens to be you, Yukinoshita-san—I suppose I'll have to give up on that idea."
Hikigaya awkwardly added, "Sorry about that. Maybe some other time, if the opportunity arises."
Phew!
I'm saved!
Looks like Senpai gave up on the idea.
Thank goodness.
If I really had to go to her house, spending time alone with a seductive, mature beauty in black stockings… the pressure would've been unbearable.
Feeling relieved, Hikigaya relaxed slightly.
---
However…
To his horror, Yukinoshita suddenly shook her head.
"If Senpai is in need of help, it's only right for members of the Service Club to assist," she said with a smile. "Hikigaya-kun, as the gaming god you claim to be, why don't you visit Kasumigaoka-senpai's house this weekend to help her out?"
"???"
Both Kasumigaoka and Hikigaya were stunned.
Hikigaya almost jumped out of his seat. "You're serious?!"
Yukinoshita smiled serenely. "Of course. Do you have a problem with that, Hikigaya-kun?"
---
What's with that tone?
What kind of girlfriend sends her boyfriend off to another girl's house?!
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