Chapter 48: Preparing for Kasumigaoka

"Hachiman-kun, Yukino-chan, make sure to visit us often! Mama will prepare delicious cakes for you," Mrs. Yuigahama said warmly, waving goodbye to the two as they stood outside her house.

Hikigaya and Yukinoshita responded politely before heading off.

As the pair walked away, shoulders almost touching, Mrs. Yuigahama let out a soft sigh.

"Hmm? Mama, why are you sighing?" Yuigahama asked, blinking curiously at her mother.

Glancing at her daughter, who was as naive as a blank sheet of paper, Mrs. Yuigahama sighed even deeper.

"Oh, I was just thinking... Does my little Yui even stand a chance anymore?"

"Eh? Mama, what are you talking about—huh?!"

Yuigahama was about to question further when the realization hit her, her face flushing red.

"Ugh! Mama… Hachiman and Yukino are already dating. I… I don't have a chance anymore."

Her voice grew quieter and quieter, fading into a soft murmur.

Mrs. Yuigahama's tone was gentle as she spoke: "But Yui, you still like him, don't you?"

Blushing even more, Yuigahama lowered her head.

Mrs. Yuigahama patted her daughter's head affectionately. "You're still young, so be brave and try, okay? Yukino-chan is indeed remarkable, but you… you still have a chance."

Recalling the tearful sight of her daughter crying over heartbreak, Mrs. Yuigahama's heart ached slightly.

"If you give up completely, you'll truly lose any opportunity."

"Mama…"

Yuigahama bit her lip, her expression tinged with bitterness.

Mrs. Yuigahama continued to encourage her: "If I were you, I'd definitely go after him. So what if he already has a girlfriend? Who said you can't chase after a boy just because he's taken? A kind, capable boy like Hachiman-kun is too precious to let go."

"Mama, why do I feel like… you're especially interested in Hachiman today? When I used to bring him up, you never seemed this invested," Yuigahama said, eyeing her mother suspiciously.

In the past, her mother had consoled her often, but she had never been this proactive, much less openly encouraged her to pursue Hikigaya.

Something felt off about today's Mama.

Mrs. Yuigahama coughed lightly, her expression calm and composed as she smiled warmly. "Everything I'm saying is for your future happiness. If you had been more proactive, would Mama have to be so anxious?"

"But, Mama, didn't you say before that there are plenty of good boys out there, and I could just find another one if things didn't work out?"

"That was then; this is now," Mrs. Yuigahama replied seriously. "After observing Hachiman-kun earlier, I can confidently say he's not someone you should give up on!"

"But…"

"No more excuses, sweetie. Mama would love to see Hachiman-kun as her son-in-law! If normal means don't work, you'll just have to try some special methods. A woman can't afford to be soft-hearted when it comes to winning over a man."

"Ah?"

Yuigahama gaped at her mother, utterly stunned.

"Mama, you're… you're so calculating!"

So her gentle, warm-hearted mother had this side to her?

Mrs. Yuigahama coughed again, brushing her daughter's hair soothingly.

"Everything I'm saying is for your own good. Sigh… Hachiman-kun… Mama truly doesn't want you to miss out on him. Mama really likes that boy."

Images of the hardworking, sweat-soaked youth from earlier flashed in her mind, softening Mrs. Yuigahama's expression. She subconsciously took her daughter's hand.

"Yui, be brave."

"I… I'll think about it, Mama," Yuigahama replied hesitantly, her face still red as she nodded lightly to placate her mother.

---

Meanwhile…

Night had fallen.

As a responsible boyfriend, Hikigaya insisted on escorting Yukinoshita home, unwilling to let her return alone. They ended up taking the train together.

[Hikigaya Hachiman's Favorability Rating with Yuigahama Asuna: 59/100 (Respect)]

It had increased again.

So Hikigaya doesn't like sweet, gentle girls—he prefers mature, gentle women instead, huh?

Sigh. That's going to be tricky.

Yukinoshita sighed inwardly.

Honestly, she naturally hoped Hikigaya would grow closer to Yui.

But… judging by the current situation…

Plans might have to change.

Hikigaya seemed more interested in Mrs. Yuigahama, and it was clear that Mrs. Yuigahama had also taken quite a liking to him.

Without a doubt, the chances of Hikigaya "getting closer" to the older woman were far greater than Yui's clumsy attempts.

The thought of Hikigaya and Mrs. Yuigahama becoming close crept into Yukinoshita's mind.

But still…

Mrs. Yuigahama was technically married. Wouldn't that be a bit…

Cough.

Calm down.

Her husband had already passed away. Besides, Yukinoshita reasoned, she was only entertaining the idea of simple "closeness," nothing inappropriate. That should be fine… right?

---

When they stepped off the train, Yukinoshita turned to Hikigaya and said:

"Hikigaya-kun, if you have free time, you should visit Yuigahama's house more often."

"Huh?"

Hikigaya looked confused.

"They're just a mother and daughter living alone," Yukinoshita explained. "Without a man around, things can get difficult. If you have time, help them out as much as you can, understand?"

A direct order from his girlfriend.

As a "devoted boyfriend," how could Hikigaya refuse?

"Got it," he sighed.

Satisfied, Yukinoshita smiled and patted his head gently, much like stroking a cat.

Hikigaya instinctively tried to dodge but hesitated, ultimately letting her win.

Afterward, Hikigaya suddenly remembered something important.

He hesitated before asking:

"Uh… tomorrow, can you come with me to visit Senpai's house?"

"Hmm?"

"Well… it's just… going to her house alone, as a guy, would be super awkward. Since you're friends, you could tag along. What do you think?"

"Hmm…"

Seeing him lower his stance so humbly, Yukinoshita felt her heart stir with a subtle sense of satisfaction.

"Alright, I'll go with you," she replied with a gentle smile, patting his head again.

After all, she also doted on her boyfriend.

There was no need to make things harder for him.

Still…

Teasing aside, tomorrow's trip to Senpai's house brought to mind the mandatory task issued by the system. If it wasn't completed tomorrow, there would be no second chance. Failure would result in a deduction of 10,000 points!

Sigh.

The thought of sending her beloved boyfriend to another woman's bed weighed heavily on Yukinoshita's heart, an ache forming in her chest.

Let's hope everything goes smoothly.

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