[478] I Want Everyone You Know
Chapter 478: I Want Everyone You Know
Everyone needed to take the train to Tokyo first, and then transfer to Kyoto.
The train ride was quite smooth, with hardly any noticeable shaking.
It would take about two hours to reach Kyoto.
Naturally, everyone started chatting, but most of the conversation was among the girls, with Hachiman just listening in.
What do girls usually talk about? Clothes, food, makeup, and the like.
Hachiman had no interest in these topics, so he turned his gaze to the window, feeling somewhat bored.
His mind drifted back to yesterday when Komachi was packing his luggage.
Yesterday, that little girl handed him a note with a list of gifts she wanted.
The second item, oil blotting paper, and the third, Kyoto specialties, were normal enough, but the first one was baffling.
"A wonderful memory from the graduation trip."
How was he supposed to bring that back?
While Hachiman was puzzling over this, Komachi had laughed and said, "I heard Kyoto has many matchmaking shrines. You should visit one, and see which sister you end up with. Make sure to tell me all about it when you get back."
I can tell you right now.
I want all the sisters you know.
...
With the recollection over, Hachiman sighed.
However, a glance showed him that Saika, leaning against the window, had already fallen asleep at some point.
His adorable sleeping face was even more heart-stirring than a girl's.
Not only that, Hachiman could hear Saika mumbling his name in his sleep.
"Hachiman..."
Seeing this, Hachiman couldn't help but twitch his mouth.
Isn't this testing my willpower?
He's a guy, he's a guy, he's a guy.
After repeating this to himself a few times, Hachiman turned his gaze away from Saika's face.
If he were still the same old Hachiman, he'd probably end up bent sooner or later.
The girls' conversation continued energetically in his ears. It was baffling how they could have so many topics to talk about. Ebina was enthusiastically promoting fujoshi culture to her two best friends, appearing quite excited, almost as if she was deliberately showcasing it for Tobe, who was sitting across the aisle.
But not all the girls were chatting. While Yumiko and her friends were deep in conversation, the girl sitting to Hachiman's right, Saki Kawasaki, didn't seem interested in these topics, turning her head slightly away.
Because Saki had to juggle work and family responsibilities, she didn't have much time for leisure, so she had nothing to contribute to these discussions. As for Ebina's talk about fujoshi culture, she was even less familiar with it.
Ebina seemed to notice Saki's indifference and threw her a question.
"Saki, which do you think is the uke, the one by the window or the one by the aisle?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
Naturally, Saki couldn't understand this question and was a bit confused.
Just then, the previously smooth-running train suddenly jolted significantly.
This caused a series of startled exclamations throughout the carriage.
The girls were also affected. Luckily, Yumiko was quick to react and caught Yui, who almost fell, while Ebina held onto the handrails on either side of her seat.
As for Saki, who was sitting next to Hachiman, she wasn't as fortunate. She was daydreaming when the jolt happened, so she couldn't react in time to protect herself.
In her panic, Saki instinctively grabbed Hachiman's arm and held it tightly to her chest, stabilizing herself.
The jolt lasted only a moment, and the train soon regained its smooth ride. The conductor's apologetic announcement echoed through the speakers.
Settling back into her seat, Yui patted her chest in relief and thanked her friend beside her. "Phew, that really scared me. Thanks, Yumiko."
"It's nothing," Yumiko waved it off.
However, when she looked towards Hachiman's seat, her pretty brows furrowed, and a hint of displeasure appeared on her face.
Across from her, Saki Kawasaki was still clutching Hachiman's arm tightly, her face showing the relief of having survived the scare.
Seeing this, Yumiko spoke in a displeased tone, "Hey, you can let go now."
Hearing this, Saki realized her current state and quickly released Hachiman's arm, her face flushing with embarrassment.
"Sorry, I was just…"
Hachiman gave a gentle smile in response to her apology. "It's fine, as long as you're okay, Saki."
If anything, it was he who had taken advantage of the situation, as he had just experienced a girl's embrace for the first time.
He had to admit, it was quite soft.
Seeing Hachiman's kind smile, Saki blushed even more. She turned her head slightly, unable to meet his gaze, and whispered, "Thank you…"
Saki?
Hearing Hachiman call her by her first name, Yumiko's brows knitted even tighter.
Does this jerk want Saki Kawasaki too?
Isn't one Yukinoshita enough for him, and now he wants Saki Kawasaki as well?
Bastard, you playboy, do you want every pretty girl you see?
Thinking this, Yumiko shot a fierce glare at Hachiman before turning her head away, unwilling to look at him anymore.
Given they were on a train, she couldn't directly lash out.
As for Hachiman, he was puzzled by Yumiko's sudden glare, but before he could ask why, he heard Saika's voice beside him.
At that moment, Saika rubbed his eyes and yawned slightly, apparently woken up by the jolt.
"What happened, Hachiman-kun?"
"It was just a little jolt from the train. Everything's fine now."
Hachiman's tone softened involuntarily when talking to Saika.
"I see."
Saika nodded, then looked out the window, exclaiming in surprise, "Wow, it's Mount Fuji!"
"Where, where? I want to see too!"
Hearing this, Yui excitedly stood up.
In her eagerness to get a better view, she moved over to Hachiman's seat, unintentionally leaning her body against him as she peered out the window.
"Oh, it's so beautiful."
Meanwhile, Hachiman once again felt the weight of her on his shoulder.
Though it felt nice, given the crowded train, Hachiman couldn't help but remind her, "Ahem, Yui, be mindful."
Realizing her inappropriate posture, Yui quickly blushed and got off Hachiman.
However, seeing this, Tobe looked over with a forlorn expression.
Why does Hachiman get to be surrounded by girls, while he couldn't even get a seat?
Hachiman ignored Tobe's look and calmly took out his phone to play a game.
The rest of the journey went smoothly, and the group soon arrived in Kyoto.
Under the guidance of the teachers, the students boarded a bus heading towards their inn.
Kyoto, surrounded by mountains and offering different beautiful sceneries throughout the year, is a perennial tourist hotspot.
In spring, one can enjoy the cherry blossoms covering the mountains; in summer, the lush greenery; in autumn, the vibrant maple leaves; and in winter, the snow-capped mountains.
The first day was a group activity, so after dropping off their luggage, the students followed their teachers to the first stop of the trip.
Kiyomizu-dera.
Although the peak season for maple leaves had passed, Kiyomizu-dera remained a popular tourist destination with plenty of visitors.
Arriving at Kiyomizu-dera, the first order of business was to take a group photo.
After the photo, the students toured the temple in their respective classes.
Standing in front of the stone steps, the towering five-story pagoda was truly awe-inspiring.
As Hachiman was admiring the scenery, Tobe approached him.
"Hikigaya, what should I do? I can't get a word in with Ebina at all."
Hachiman rolled his eyes at this.
Obviously. Ebina is on guard now, there's no way she'll give you a chance.
But since he had accepted Tobe's request, he had to help him out, at least superficially.
"Later, when our class goes to offer prayers, you should walk next to Ebina. I can't guarantee anything, but all we can do is create an opportunity for you."
Hearing this, Tobe's face lit up with confidence.
"Don't worry. Just watch me."
Seeing Tobe's confident expression, Hachiman sighed.
At that moment, Yui's voice called out to him.
"Hikki, come over here. It's our turn next."
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