Chapter 193: An Unfulfilled Request
End of the school day, Hachiman arrived at the Service Club as per his routine.
Upon opening the door, he found Yukino fast asleep in a chair, a part of Zaimokuza's novel resting on her lap. Evidently, the novel had taken its toll on her.
"You've worked hard."
Looking at the cute sleeping face of the girl, Hachiman's expression softened.
That was only natural because reading Zaimokuza's novel was truly exhausting. Recalling what he read yesterday, Hachiman couldn't help but curl his lips.
Looking at the wide-open window, Hachiman decided to close it a bit. After all, it was quite windy outside, and he didn't want Yukino to catch a cold.
However, the sound of moving the window woke up the girl.
Yukino opened her somewhat drowsy eyes, looked at Hachiman closing the window, and felt a warm sensation in her heart.
"Are you awake?" Hachiman inquired with a gentle smile upon seeing Yukino stirring.
Yukino's typically aloof voice took on a warmer tone. "Yeah."
Just then, the clubroom door swung open, and Yui's cheerful voice chimed in with a familiar greeting.
"Yahallo!"
"Good afternoon, Yukino-chan, Hikki," Yui greeted, her smile in place as she addressed both Hachiman and Yukino.
"Yeah, good afternoon."
"Good afternoon, Yui."
Both Hachiman and Yukino greeted her in return.
Hachiman couldn't help but notice that Yui appeared entirely unaffected, her usual cheerful demeanor intact.
The door to the clubroom swung open once more, and Zaimokuza's imposing figure entered. He was still sporting his distinctive white windbreaker, and with both arms outstretched, he exuded an air of unwavering chuunibyou confidence.
"I've arrived as promised! How is my magnum opus? Shower me with your praise, ooh-ah!" Zaimokuza declared, exuding confidence in his own work.
However, both Hachiman and Yukino watched his performance with stoic expressions. Yukino, in particular, regarded him with an icy gaze, causing Zaimokuza to break into a cold sweat, and his tone wavered.
"Um... I'd like to know what you think of my novel," he ventured.
"It's terrible, simply irredeemable. Reading it feels like cruel torture, turning the act of reading into sadism," Yukino retorted icily.
"Unbelievably boring, I can hardly get through your novel. The first part I read was almost entirely filled with intricate setting descriptions, riddled with typos, and it left me clueless about the kind of story you're attempting to tell," she continued, her criticisms cutting deep.
Zaimokuza's response was a subdued "Wow..." as he clutched his chest and took a step back, appearing thoroughly disheartened.
After collecting himself with a few deep breaths, he turned to Hachiman with hopeful eyes. "Hachiman, you must understand, right?"
Hachiman, unfazed, merely shrugged in response.
"I genuinely wish I could praise you, but it's just not possible"
"The setting descriptions are lacking, and the story's structure is disjointed, lacking any semblance of continuity. It's almost as if you've forcefully mashed several stories together."
"By the way, you haven't been plagiarizing various works individually, have you?" Hachiman couldn't help but add with a wry smile, delivering a particularly harsh critique.
Upon hearing these words, Zaimokuza was overcome with sadness, and he turned to Yui, hoping for a more positive assessment.
Yui, empathetic but honest, admitted, "Well... to be completely honest, I fell asleep while reading it last night. I couldn't make heads or tails of the descriptions of the creation god and the other deities."
"But you do have quite an impressive vocabulary with all those obscure words," she added with a hint of encouragement.
Hachiman couldn't help but wear an "I knew it" expression, realizing that Yui falling asleep was a clear indication that the novel had its flaws.
Unable to bear the weight of their criticism any longer, Zaimokuza dramatically performed a forward roll on the ground, crashing into the clubroom wall in the process.
"Is it really that bad..." he questioned, his heart shattered by the successive critiques from the three of them, tears streaming down his face.
Seeing Zaimokuza in such despair, Hachiman sighed and crouched down beside him, wearing a serious expression.
"Zaimokuza, do you truly have a passion for writing novels? It's not just a passing whim, is it?" he inquired.
Zaimokuza, now standing and equally serious, replied, "I take writing novels very seriously. Even though you guys criticized me harshly, I'm still delighted that something I wrote can be read and evaluated by others. It's a dream I've been diligently pursuing for a long time."
"Someday, I want to craft a story that satisfies everyone with my own pen. It's the dream I've been striving for all along."
Hachiman, after a brief silence, patted Zaimokuza on the shoulder. "People who work hard for their dreams deserve respect. So, let me teach you how to write novels."
"By using my pen name 'Wakamono-sensei,' I promise your novel will meet the standards for publication."
Hachiman's offer left Yui in admiration and even caused Yukino to glance their way.
"Wow, Hikki, you're so cool!"
"I can't believe this guy..."
Zaimokuza, however, was momentarily taken aback by Hachiman's proposal.
"Wait, who did you just say?"
"I forgot to mention it, but I'm actually the author of 'Sword Art Online' and 'That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime,'" Hachiman quipped.
"You... You're Wakamono-sensei?!" Zaimokuza's disbelief was palpable.
"That's right, and they can vouch for it," Hachiman affirmed, gesturing toward the two girls.
"Yeah, Hikki is really talented at writing novels," Yui enthusiastically confirmed.
"Though I hate to admit it, he's undeniably exceptional in writing novels," Yukino added in her usual composed manner.
"Great! Then you can definitely help me!" Now that Zaimokuza knew Hachiman's true identity, he eagerly grabbed his hand.
"Don't worry, if I made a promise, I'll help you," Hachiman assured Zaimokuza. He extended a hand and pulled the disheartened writer up from the floor.
Hachiman continued, offering advice, "What you need to do now is work on improving your writing skills. Start by reading other people's novels and try to emulate their writing styles. Once you've got a feel for it, focus on crafting your own stories."
"However, remember that captivating your readers' attention is crucial. I'll teach you about plot twists, and in that regard, consider it covered."
"So, put in the effort, Zaimokuza. Writing a great novel is a gradual process," Hachiman advised, patting Zaimokuza's shoulder with a serious expression.
Yukino joined the conversation, stating, "Indeed, he's right. We're all here to help you. Since the Service Club has taken on your request, we won't abandon it midway."
"While we might not offer extensive feedback on the writing itself, as readers, we'll provide our evaluations of your novel," she explained.
Yui chimed in with enthusiasm, "Absolutely, I'll definitely read it more attentively next time."
Hearing their collective support, Zaimokuza's face lit up with genuine gratitude, and he bowed to express his thanks.
"Thank you all so much. I'll return to seek your help after making revisions."
With that, Zaimokuza departed the clubroom with his novel in hand. As he had mentioned, this request remained unfinished, and he would return after revising his work.
Chapter 194: Saika's Diligent Practice
In the Shizuka apartment at 8 o'clock in the evening, Shizuka reclined on the bed, wrapped in a towel after a soothing shower.
Her body traced a distinct silhouette against the fabric, creating a captivating figure.
Caressing her lips with her fingers, she recalled the events of this morning and a faint blush appeared on her face.
She didn't expect her first kiss, which she had kept for 29 years, to be taken away by someone, and that someone was a 16-year-old brat.
"Damn it! Damn it! To be teased by a brat and even feel a heartbeat. That stinky brat actually even stuck his tongue in!" Feeling her burning cheeks, Shizuka secretly gulped.
"That brat actually has a pretty good kissing technique, though..." With her fingers touching her lips, Shizuka couldn't help but have a silly smile on her face.
However, she shook her head fiercely a moment later, trying to shake off these thoughts.
"No, no, the age difference between us is too big, and I'm still his teacher. Although Hachiman is quite successful in his career now, has excellent academic performance, cooks delicious food, and seems to have a strong physique... "
As she spoke, Shizuka voice gradually weakened.
"Forget it, I won't think about it for now. The most important thing now is to handle my parents first, and we'll talk about other things later."
"After all, that stinky brat has agreed to accompany me to the wedding. As long as we can handle my parents, I can do whatever I want afterward."
Thinking like this, Shizuka put aside her inner struggle and picked up a manga book again, casually reading it.
....
....
"Ah... Hachiman, that's too much... ease up... ah..."
In the midst of their physical education class, Hachiman lent a helping hand to Zaimokuza during upper body presses.
However, Hachiman's efforts inadvertently prompted a series of pained exclamations from Zaimokuza.
The day's focus was on tennis, and as fate would have it, Hachiman and Zaimokuza found themselves partnered due to a combination of classes.
Choosing to collaborate for this session, they embarked on finding an available spot after the warm-up exercises.
True to his usual flair, Zaimokuza narrated flashy technique names, creating an impression of tennis expertise.
Regrettably, his execution fell short, leaving Hachiman, his practice partner, less than enthused.
In contrast, Hachiman could genuinely be deemed a tennis expert. Despite not dedicating extensive practice time, the cheat code and the Tennis module, activated early on, coupled with accumulated proficiency through natural growth, had nearly maxed out within the year.
Having reached level five in the Tennis module, Hachiman even experimented with various techniques from "The Prince of Tennis." Putting aside the later outlandish moves, a few techniques seemed plausible for real-life recreation.
Examples included topspin serves, snake shots, fluctuating shots, and other seemingly viable maneuvers.
As Hachiman effortlessly returned Zaimokuza's soft shots, a bored yawn escaped him.
In that moment, a voice filled with admiration reached his ears. "The shot you just executed was quite impressive, truly befitting of Hayato."
"Yeah, it's almost like a magical shot," another voice of admiration chimed in.
In response, hearty laughter reverberated. "Haha, it's not as grand as you guys are making it out to be. It was just a coincidental slice shot."
Turning around, Hachiman found himself face to face with Hayama's group.
Despite Hayama consistently wearing a sunny and gentle smile, Hachiman understood that, much like Haruno, this guy concealed himself behind a facade, striving to meet others' expectations and become the perfect existence in their eyes.
Furthermore, based on the information Hachiman had from the original story, it seemed that Hayama harbored feelings for Haruno, adding a subtle layer to his emotions.
While Haruno possessed excellent qualities in various aspects and projected a cheerful exterior, beneath it, she was quite shrewd.
In contrast, Yukino was much more innocent and kind-hearted.
As Hachiman observed Hayama, the latter also cast a glance his way. However, their thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the boisterous voice of Tobe.
"I guess it's time to show off a bit. Watch my slice magic shot."
With a resounding "bang," the tennis ball shot toward Hachiman.
"Be careful, Hachiman," Zaimokuza hastily warned.
Remaining composed, Hachiman calmly raised his racket, effortlessly deflecting the incoming shot. The ball bounced away innocently.
"Sorry about that..."
Tobe apologized swiftly, but his expression showed no trace of remorse.
"Oh, what's his name again? Oh, right, Ikigaya. Could you help pick up the ball?"
Ikigaya?
Hearing the mispronunciation of his name, Hachiman narrowed his eyes. He wasn't the somewhat timid Hikigaya from the original work. Faced with someone who couldn't even get his name right, he naturally wouldn't wear a friendly expression.
"No problem at all!"
Despite his words, Hachiman put some force into picking up the ball and, with a swift motion, launched it forcefully.
"Catch!"
"Bang!"
Before everyone could react, the ball had already hit the wire mesh outside the tennis court.
"Thud... thud... thud..."
Only then did the sound of the tennis ball hitting the ground bring Hayama and the others back to attention.
"Sorry, used a bit too much strength."
Hachiman offered a similarly insincere apology.
"Also, my name is Hikigaya Hachiman. Remember it correctly next time."
"Uh... sorry."
Tobe and the others dared not say much, obediently retrieving the ball.
This incident was just a small episode, and the physical education class resumed its usual course.
As the dismissal bell rang, bringing the physical education class to a smooth conclusion, it marked the onset of lunchtime, being the last class of the morning.
Students paired up and made their way to the cafeteria in twos and threes, and Hachiman was no exception.
Taking out the bento prepared by Kotonoha, he and Zaimokuza aimed to find a quiet spot to eat.
Yet, there was a solitary figure persisting on the tennis court.
With gray short hair, slender limbs, and a face more delicate than most girls, it could only be Saika.
With no one to play against, Saika resorted to practicing against the wall, evident from the sweat-soaked T-shirt, indicating a considerable practice duration.
"Phew, let's call it a day."
Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Saika left the practice court, racket in hand.
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