[428] Encountering Black Lace

Chapter 428: Encountering Black Lace

Ignoring the snide comments from onlookers, Hachiman emptied all the bullets.

Naturally, every shot hit its mark, and each girl received her desired item. Even Mafuyu, who had already left with a full load, didn't miss out.

However, the most eye-catching prize was the giant teddy bear cradled in Komachi's arms.

This toy bear stood over a meter tall, originally placed on the prize shelf's top to attract attention.

Seeing this large teddy bear, girls would surely pester their boyfriends to shoot it down, thereby attracting more business for the owner.

But if the teddy bear were that easy to shoot down, how would the owner make money?

Its enormous size meant it was much heavier than regular plushies, and the impact of a single cork bullet wouldn't dislodge it.

Even Hachiman, who had hit it just now, only made it wobble slightly before it stabilized.

Seeing this, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.

But he wasn't about to give up. After some thought, he borrowed another gun from the owner.

Loading both guns with bullets, he raised them simultaneously, drawing surprised looks from onlookers, and pulled the triggers.

"Bang!" "Bang!"

Two shots rang out in quick succession.

The first cork bullet's impact was resisted by the teddy bear, but before it could stabilize, the second bullet hit it again.

Under the combined force of the two bullets, the large teddy bear finally fell from the top shelf.

Setting down the two guns, amidst the owner's bewildered smile, Hachiman reached for the prize and handed it to Komachi.

"Here, this one's for you, Komachi," Hachiman said, handing her the teddy bear.

"Wow, thank you, Onii-chan! I love you so much!" Taking the large teddy bear in her arms, Komachi flashed a radiant smile.

Hachiman's face softened into a gentle smile. "I love you so much, too, Komachi."

However, Yukino's face showed a hint of disdain.

"What you just said is already a crime. Komachi is only 14 years old, and besides, incest is not allowed in Japan."

Hearing this, Hachiman smirked.

Is she jealous?

Really, Yukino, are you jealous of Komachi too?

At this moment, Komachi spoke with a smile, "Don't worry, everyone. Komachi will always be Komachi. I won't compete with you for Onii-chan."

Hearing this, some girls blushed and turned their heads away, while a few others retorted.

"Just a Hikki? I don't want him anyway."

"Although I don't want him, Komachi, don't worry. I believe there will be an insect who loves Hachiman someday."

"That's right, only insects would like him. All he does is bully me in the kitchen."

"Yeah, Komachi, what are you saying? I'm his teacher!"

...

Listening to the girls, Hachiman smirked wryly, looking somewhat helpless.

Doesn't your conscience hurt when you say these things? And what's the point of this self-deception? Can't you learn from Kotonoha and Saeko and the others?

"Alright, let's go. It's about time. We should head back to the observation deck," Hachiman said, shaking his head in resignation, then turned and left the area first.

Seeing this, the girls looked at each other, thinking that Hachiman was angry.

Upon careful consideration, Hachiman had been quite attentive to them tonight, ensuring everything from food to entertainment was taken care of.

However, girls never hope for mere equality; they want to be the one treated specially.

Unfortunately, that doesn't work with Hachiman; in his mind, there's no favoritism.

Watching Hachiman walk ahead, they didn't dare to approach him casually, fearing he might genuinely be upset.

At this moment, Komachi spoke up to reassure them, "Don't worry, everyone. Onii-chan won't get angry over such trivial matters."

"But I think you should refrain from speaking about Onii-chan like that in the future. Boys have strong egos, you know."

Hearing Komachi's words, the girls nodded.

They had blurted out those words earlier due to shyness, and deep down, they regretted it. After all, they knew Hachiman's feelings best.

"Don't worry, everyone. Leave Onii-chan to me; I'll make sure to cheer him up," Komachi said, quickening her pace to catch up with Hachiman.

Arriving by Hachiman's side, Komachi smiled and said, "Onii-chan, don't be upset. It's the festival today, so cheer up."

Watching his sister approach, Hachiman reached out to ruffle her hair and smiled.

"I'm not upset; I understand Yukino and the others."

Indeed, he knew the girls' personalities quite well. Their words earlier were simply out of shyness.

After all, they had kissed many times before. If they still claimed not to like him, it would be self-deception.

Hearing Hachiman say he wasn't upset, Komachi found it strange.

"Then why did you walk ahead?"

"Well, if I didn't, they might have continued talking. I'm not some masochist, you know. Of course, I wouldn't stick around to be scolded," Hachiman shrugged.

"And I do have a temper, you know. They said they don't like me, so I left."

Hearing this explanation, Komachi felt helpless.

She never expected her Onii-chan to have such a childish side.

"Then, Onii-chan, we agreed. No getting mad, okay?"

"Don't worry, I won't get upset over such trivial matters," Hachiman nodded with a smile.

This reassured Komachi, who then clasped her hands behind her back and made an "OK" gesture.

Seeing this gesture, Yukino and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Indeed, Komachi was impressive; she managed to soothe him so quickly.

And from this scene, it was evident that Hachiman truly adored his little sister.

Reaffirming this thought, almost all the girls made up their minds.

They must build a good relationship with Komachi.

If they ever accidentally angered Hachiman, Komachi would undoubtedly be crucial.

Although Komachi indicated that Hachiman was no longer upset, the girls didn't immediately follow them, giving the siblings some space.

And so, the group split into two parts, with Hachiman and Komachi walking ahead and the other girls following not too far behind.

Just then, a somewhat familiar figure caught Hachiman's eye.

It was a tall, slender girl with a model-like figure. Her light blue hair was tied into a ponytail, and she wore a light purple yukata with white flower petals. A teardrop mole beneath her right eye added a touch of charm.

She was Hachiman's classmate and also the target of a previous request from the Service Club, Saki Kawasaki.

At this moment, flanking the girl were two relatively shorter figures, one of whom was Komachi's classmate from the cram school, Taishi Kawasaki.

The other one appeared to be much younger, probably around five or six years old, with similarly light blue hair tied into two small braids.

This must be Saki Kawasaki's other sister, Hachiman recalled her name as Kawasaki Keika.

Komachi also noticed Taishi not far away and waved to greet him.

"Hey, Taishi, good evening."

Seeing Komachi, Taishi smiled and returned the greeting.

"Hey, Kom..."

"Hmm?"

But as soon as he spoke, Hachiman's piercing gaze fell upon him, causing him to quickly change his words.

"Hikigaya-san, good evening."

Seeing the boy being so tactful, Hachiman nodded in approval.

Meanwhile, Saki, who had been focused on her sister, also heard her brother's voice and turned to see the Hachiman siblings not far away.

After a moment's thought, she decided to greet them as well. "Hikigaya-kun, good evening."

Hachiman nodded in return, smiling as he spoke, "Good evening, Black Lace."

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