Chapter 315: Hikigaya Yukino and Hikigaya Yui
The cooking process went smoothly as many of the girls had some cooking skills. However, it wasn't as simple for the elementary school students, most of whom were cooking for the first time and struggling a bit.
At this point, Shizuka walked over once again.
"If you have nothing else to do, go around and check on things, maybe help them out a bit."
"Sure, there are seldom chances to chat with elementary school kids." Hayama smiled and nodded.
"Let's go, we'll chat with these kids a bit more."
The others didn't refuse either; after all, it wasn't a troublesome task.
And so, everyone split up, guiding the kids who were not skilled in cooking.
Hayama once again found the group he encountered earlier.
Seeing him approach, the girls in that group showed happy smiles, surrounding him and asking cooking-related questions.
Naturally, Hayama wouldn't refuse. With a warm smile, he answered each of their questions.
At this moment, he spotted Tsurumi Rumi, who was once again left alone.
Not giving up, Hayama walked over, attempting to communicate with her.
"Do you like curry?" Hayama asked Tsurumi.
Unfortunately, his attempt at striking up a conversation didn't yield positive results.
"No, I'm not interested in curry."
After a glance at Hayama, Tsurumi sighed, then left without hesitation.
The girl knew that interacting with Hayama wouldn't bring any benefits and might even worsen her current situation of being excluded.
Seeing Tsurumi walk away, Hayama couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. On the other hand, the other four girls showed smug expressions on their faces.
One of the girls walked up to Hayama.
"Onii-chan, come teach us how to make curry."
In response to this request, the amiable Hayama naturally didn't decline, a warm smile gracing his face.
"No problem, it's rare to cook; let's add some unique flavors."
"Raise your hand if you want to add something!"
Encouraged by Hayama, many elementary school students expressed interest, and even Yui raised her hand.
"I want to participate too. I'd like to add some fruits, like peaches."
Observing her enthusiastic expression, Hachiman and Yukino, standing on the hill not far away, couldn't help but shake their heads with a bit of helplessness.
"You're already a high school student; why are you acting like a child?"
"What an idiot," Hachiman sighed. However, there was a hint of indulgence in his tone. It was because of individuals like Yuigahama, with their innocence, that made others instinctively want to protect them.
At this moment, another sigh reached their ears.
"Yeah, they're all idiots."
Turning towards the source, they saw Tsurumi Rumi had somehow come to stand beside them.
"Indeed, there are many fools in this world. They only care about a handsome appearance, not realizing that a real good man needs substance, just like me," Hachiman said with a confident smile.
But upon hearing his words, Yukino, standing next to him, showed an expression of speechlessness.
"Your cheek is really thick," Yukino said, rolling her eyes.
Hachiman just shrugged at the girl's comment, unfazed.
What's wrong with having a thick skin? In today's society, having thick skin is a necessary skill. And if you want to navigate the complexities of a romantic situation, a thick skin is essential.
After all, with a thick skin, you can get what you want; with a thin skin, you might not get anything at all.
Even though that guy Hayama might be a bit more handsome than him, in other aspects, Hachiman was undoubtedly much stronger.
Setting aside Hachiman's "small interests," even in terms of family background, the two of them were not on the same level. With his current assets, not to mention Hayama's lawyer family, even the Yukinoshita family would have to give him due respect. In a few years, Hachiman would become a figure worthy of admiration for the Yukinoshita family.
"Name?"
At this moment, Tsurumi suddenly spoke coldly, showing interest in Hachiman, the audacious guy.
"What?" Hachiman was a bit puzzled.
"I mean, what's your name? Most people would understand when asked like this."
Tsurumi continued with her cold tone.
Hachiman wasn't angered; instead, he looked at her with interest.
Too similar, she was just like Yukino. Not only in appearance but also in personality. Back when he was introduced to the Service Club by Shizuka, Yukino had the same tone.
Though Hachiman didn't mind, Yukino couldn't hold back and directly retorted.
"Before asking someone's name, you should introduce yourself first; that's basic courtesy."
This move—it's the mom training the daughter.
Being retorted by Yukino, Tsurumi's momentum weakened instantly. Although more mature than the average elementary school student, she was still just a child overall.
Unexpectedly, Yukino would step forward for him. While Hachiman felt somewhat pleased, he quickly intervened.
"Yukino, don't get angry. Don't you find this scene familiar?"
"Huh? Familiar? What do you mean?" Yukino was confused.
"Haha, don't you think her tone is exactly like yours when I first went to the Service Club? It seems this kid not only looks like you but also has a similar personality," Hachiman chuckled.
Hearing this, Yukino recalled the past scene, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. Still, she rolled her eyes at him.
"That's what you get."
However, at this moment, Tsurumi, who hadn't spoken, said, "My name... is Tsurumi Rumi."
Seeing the girl introduce herself, a gentle smile appeared on Hachiman's face.
"Tsurumi Rumi, huh? My name is Hikigaya Hachiman. As for the girl who looks a lot like you, her name is Hikigaya Yukino."
"Who... who is Hikigaya Yukino? You jerk."
Hearing Hachiman's introduction, Yukino blushed, glared at him fiercely, and then explained to Tsurumi.
"Don't listen to this guy's nonsense. My name is Yukinoshita Yukino."
"Hikigaya Hachiman... Yukinoshita Yukino..." Tsurumi Rumi murmured to herself.
Just then, Yui ran over from the kitchen. "Ah, so both of you, Yukinon and Hikki, are here."
Hachiman also introduced, "This is Hikigaya Yui."
"Huh? What's with Hikigaya Yui? I'm Yui Yuigahama, okay?" Unfortunately, the naive Yui completely misunderstood Hachiman's intention and directly retorted.
Can't handle it, can't handle it.
After the complaint, Yui turned to Tsurumi Rumi and smiled, "So, you're Tsurumi Rumi, right? I'm Yuigahama Yui. Nice to meet you!"