The Winner Receives Honor, the Loser Ends with Regret

Yukino held her temple as if she had a headache. The symptoms they both mentioned were basically the same as described by Hiratsuka.

"Because it's the Service Club, the core meaning of the word 'service' is to provide care, concern, and support to others. Besides, Hiratsuka-sensei roughly pushed us in here, so we're the ones who need to be looked after." Nagi said as he sat back down.

"True." Mahiru said with a smile.

Yukino announced loudly, "The rich give to the poor out of pity. This is what is called societal welfare. Like giving aid to developing countries, feeding the homeless, and allowing unpopular boys to speak to girls. The club's activity is to provide assistance to those in need. Welcome to the Service Club, we're glad you've joined."

"No, wait..." Seeing Yukino's gaze towards her, Hitori retracted what she wanted to say.

"I know you don't want to join the club, but improving your character requires subtle changes. Since Sensei entrusted you to me, I'll take responsibility until the end. I'll solve your problems, so thank you." Yukino said.

Hearing Yukino's words, Nagi felt a slight sting in his heart.

He remembered Yukino's harsh comments about Hachiman earlier. It's somewhat ironic that we're talking about compassion and assistance here now.

Yukino is very articulate. She imposes her ideas on others and speaks very nobly.

She's very harsh in judging others but very tolerant of her own behavior.

But... This is truly a treasure trove that can bring endless amusement.

Nagi had collected so many toys, and among them, the most intriguing was this awkward Yukino.

Nagi felt stimulated because of his interest.

What he liked most was playing with others.

So,she decided to quietly investigate whether this club was fun or not.

And Hachiman also thought: Did she want to express the meaning of the old saying that with great power comes great responsibility? However, there were some things that needed to be explained bluntly to her. Even if he spoke nonsense, he had to tell her that he, Hikigaya Hachiman, didn't need pity.

"You women... Although it's quite strange to me, I'm quite fine! In the mock group literature test, my Japanese language score ranked sixth in the whole class! I look pretty good too! Besides having few friends and not having a girlfriend, basically, I'm outstanding!"

"The last question is quite fatal... I'm glad you can speak so confidently. Truly amazing... You're really weird. I feel very uncomfortable."

"There's nothing we can do, Shiina-san. Let's talk to each of them separately. I'll handle those two troublemakers."

Yukino looked at the time, then at Hachiman and Satania.

＊＊＊

"Shiina-san, I didn't expect you and Yukinoshita-san to be in the same club."

"Nanaba-kun, since we're in the same club, just call me Shiina." Mahiru replied with a smile.

"By the way, Nanaba-kun, why do you think Yukinoshita-san seems so cold?" Mahiru suddenly asked.

Nagi looked at Satania, who was intimidated by Yukino to the point of tears, and felt hesitant.

Regarding Yukino, he remembered his former self.

Back then, Nagi could easily find many faults to blame.

But considering Mahiru and Yukino might be friends, Nagi refrained from commenting.

"Actually, Yukinoshita-san isn't as cold as she seems on the surface."

Mahiru felt Nagi was hesitant to speak, so she said, "She doesn't like to bother going anywhere. So sometimes it feels a bit cold. However, once you get used to her, you'll find she's actually very caring."

"Shiina, when did you start joining this club?"

"I actually started joining this club at the end of last semester when the Service Club was newly established. Facing personnel shortage and about to disband the club. Yukinoshita-san found me, so I can actually be considered a new member."

"Okay, I'm almost done asking, Goto-san, is there anything you'd like to say?"

Nagi looked at Hitori again, and Hitori also averted her gaze just in time, no longer looking in their direction.

"...I... Don't mind..." She looked down at her hands and continued rubbing the corner of her jacket.

She really wanted to go home and escape from this class. She only saw Nagi and Mahiru talking. Hitori felt nervous. She feared they would talk about her later, but that was the last thing she wanted.

"I need to go to the bathroom..." She started moving slowly towards the door, carefully avoiding others' gazes.

Suddenly, Yukino's voice sounded, making her heart beat fast.

"Goto-san, where are you going? We're done discussing here. Hikigaya-kun and Kurumizawa-san are very willing to join the Service Club."

Beside Yukino, Satania nodded while crying, while Hachiman was engulfed in anger.

"I... I'm just a little bored... I want to breathe some fresh air..." Hitori answered haltingly.

Hachiman's anger finally peaked.

"It's not like that... I just don't want others to easily influence me to change myself. One cannot change oneself just because of some words from others! What is called 'self' should be determined by oneself, not by others' judgments or expectations."

Nagi felt the same way as Hachiman's words. He remembered that he had done something against his will because of his father's expectations.

That feeling made him miserable. But the fact proved that only by holding onto his heart firmly could he truly find his own path.

Hachiman had similar values and ways of thinking.

Nagi only took the initiative to speak to Hachiman when he was playing tennis against the wall in physical education class, and then they became friends.

Hachiman initially planned to pursue victory but—

Suddenly the classroom door opened with a loud sound.

Everyone was startled and looked towards the door.

It was Hiratsuka Shizuka.

Yukino sighed helplessly and said nothing, while Hiratsuka smiled casually at her.

"Sorry, I forgot to knock on the door."

Hiratsuka's voice sounded calm, but her eyes were full of excitement and anticipation. She seemed to be enjoying the tense atmosphere, like watching an exciting match.

"It's getting more interesting. I like this development the most, very similar to Shounen Jump." She said, looking around with a smile.

She seemed to be in a very happy mood, without any nervous or worried expressions at all.

"In Shonen comics, when two great judges clash, they usually choose to fight to resolve the issue. This is a traditional Shonen comic plot and very interesting."

"But this is the real world..." Nagi said helplessly.

He felt a little confused and didn't understand why Hiratsuka was saying meaningless words at such a tense moment.

It made it impossible for him to continue having fun.

"Alright, from now on, you will guide those lost sheep. Prove yourself right by sticking to your own methods. Who knows how to serve better? So you can fight with all your might, I'll prepare some rewards. How about the winner of each service competition can do anything they want to the loser?"

Except for Hachiman, everyone else moved their chairs back two meters, taking positions to prevent their bodies from being violated.

"Nanaba, why are you like this!!"

Did his friend betray him?

(I shouldn't think like that. Nanaba must be doing this because she's afraid of the demon that will demand too much from him!)

"Sorry, my body moved first."

"Please let me decli—"

Yukino was interrupted by Hiratsuka before she could finish her sentence.

"It seems like Yukinoshita also has weaknesses... Well, there are many great people here, so it's understandable if you're not confident about winning this game." Hiratsuka said with a malicious tone, and Yukino showed displeasure at this.

"Well, although I don't want to be provoked by Sensei into disputes like this, I still decide to participate, and I'll handle these two guys smoothly."

"Hey, I have—"

"What about Nanaba and the others? If you don't mind, let the game begin!"

Seemingly ignored.

Hiratsuka said and looked at Nagi, expecting his answer.

After getting Nagi's nod, Hiratsuka smiled satisfactorily.

It's really funny, there's a lot of fun to be had here.

Nagi sensed this, but a smile appeared on his face that she didn't even realize.