Chapter 484: Ebina: I Should Join In Too
Seeing Kawasaki Saki's silence, Yui couldn't help but ask, "Um... Kawasaki-san, do you really have feelings for Hikki?"
This question piqued the curiosity of not only the three girls in the room but also Hachiman, who was eavesdropping outside the door. Could Saki really like me?
After a long silence, Saki finally sighed. "Actually... I'm not sure if I like Hachiman."
"Yuigahama-san, you should remember, you helped me once before," Saki said.
"Of course, I remember," Yui nodded. "That time your brother Taishi asked us to investigate because you were often leaving early and coming home late. He was worried about you."
"Hehe, but in the end, it was just a misunderstanding. You were working part-time," Yui added.
"Yeah, I was working part-time during that period," Saki reminisced with a nostalgic look.
"It was Hachiman who helped me solve my tuition problem, so I didn't have to keep working so hard," Saki continued. "Since then, I've felt something different for him."
"Gratitude, right?" Yui guessed. "Because Hikki helped you out a lot?"
But Saki shook her head. "At first, I thought it was gratitude, but after the summer festival..."
"Summer festival?!" Yui and Yumiko exclaimed in surprise, while Ebina's interest was piqued.
"Saki, did something happen between you and Hachiman that night?" Ebina asked.
Saki nodded in response, leaving Yui and Yumiko stunned. They had also attended that festival. Were they the ones left out?
Yumiko quickly inquired, "What happened between you two? Did you..."
She trailed off, stopping herself from saying more.
After all, making a girl say something like that is really embarrassing.
"Huh?"
Hearing Yumiko's half-spoken sentence, Kawasaki Saki was initially confused. However, she quickly realized what Yumiko was implying and blushed.
"Miura, where is your mind going? That's so indecent."
"Cut it out. You were thinking the same thing as me. Stop pretending," Yumiko retorted disdainfully.
However, Yui, who was listening to their conversation, blinked in confusion.
"Yumiko, Kawasaki-san, what are you two talking about? I don't understand."
Yui was still quite innocent.
"Alright, Yui, don't ask about it right now," Ebina quickly interjected to change the topic. "Saki, what really happened between you and Hachiman that night?"
Hearing this question, Yui and Yumiko perked up.
Yes, that's the most important thing.
Kawasaki Saki gathered her thoughts and began to speak slowly.
"Do you remember that night when Hachiman and I took Keika out for a while?"
"Of course, I remember. You said you were going to the restroom, but you were gone for a long time," Yumiko responded, clearly unhappy about it. Yui chimed in as well.
"You mentioned you encountered a lost little girl and waited for her parents to arrive, which is why you returned so late."
"Yes, that's correct," Saki nodded. "When the girl's parents found us, they mistook Hachiman, Keika, and me for a family. They even invited us to a café."
Yui's eyes widened. "A family?"
"Exactly," Saki's face reddened slightly. "Even though we clarified the situation, I realized that I felt happy when they thought Hachiman and I were a couple…"
Yumiko and Yui fell silent. Typically, if a girl is mistaken for being in a close relationship with a boy she doesn't like, she'd be upset. But Saki felt happy when mistaken for Hachiman's wife, indicating she had feelings for him.
Even though they knew Hachiman had multiple interests, both felt a twinge of jealousy. Yui was somewhat prepared, as Hachiman had already told her he liked many people.
Yumiko, however, wasn't ready to accept it. She had known Hachiman was flirtatious, but now there was also Yukino and Saki. She fumed internally.
Damn you, Hachiman, you'll pay for this.
After cursing Hachiman in her mind, Yumiko asked Saki, "So, what are you thinking now?"
"I don't know; I'm really confused," Saki shook her head. "I'm not sure if I like Hachiman, but like Ebina, I'm not interested in dating right now. I want to focus on studying and getting into college. The rest can come later."
Hearing this, Yui and Yumiko both sighed in relief.
"Alright, then take your time to think it over," Yumiko advised. "But let me warn you, Hachiman is a real playboy. If you decide you like him, be prepared for that."
Hearing this, Kawasaki Saki fell silent, a bit curious, knowing that both Yui and Yumiko liked Hachiman, yet their relationship seemed surprisingly harmonious.
"Miura-san and Yuigahama-san both like Hachiman, so why…"
"Hehe, it's fine with me. After all, I'm just an ordinary girl, and Hikki is really exceptional…" Yui said with a shy smile. "Besides, I think it's nice for all of us to be together, just like usual. Being happy together is the best."
After hearing Yui's words, Saki hesitated but then asked, "But we live in a monogamous society. If both of you like him, doesn't that mean one of you will have to…"
"Well, I haven't thought that far ahead," Yui replied with her signature silly grin. "Hikki told me that I just need to be happy every day, and he'll figure out the rest."
The other three girls in the room were taken aback by Yui's response. They hadn't expected her to place such unwavering trust in Hachiman, essentially entrusting her entire future to him.
Not only the girls in the room but even Hachiman, eavesdropping outside, felt deeply moved.
Don't worry, Yui. No matter what, I will make those promises come true. Your only job is to stay happy; I'll handle the rest.
With this resolve, Hachiman motioned for Tobe to leave with him. Their objective achieved, there was no need to continue eavesdropping.
Although Hachiman and Tobe left, the girls in the room continued their discussion.
Hearing Yui's words, Yumiko remarked irritably, "Yui, you're too naïve. You believe everything Hachiman says. He's just a jerk who wants a harem."
"Don't you trust Hikki, Yumiko?" Yui asked with a smile.
"I…"
Yumiko was at a loss for words. Deep down, she did trust Hachiman; otherwise, she would have broken up with him long ago.
But Yumiko had her pride, and such things were hard to admit openly.
"Hmph, we'll see how he behaves. If he does anything to upset me, I won't let it slide."
Yui, understanding her friend's personality well, just smiled and didn't take Yumiko's words seriously.
She knew that Yumiko also liked Hachiman a lot. Otherwise, she would have left him already.
Unlike herself, her best friend was very opinionated.
At this moment, Ebina mischievously smiled, "But if Hachiman can really do what Yui says, then I might just join you guys too."
"After all, we're best friends, right? Best friends for life."
Hearing her say such things again, both Yui and Yumiko felt a bit helpless.
Yui said, "Oh, come on, Hina, you're doing it again. Don't joke about stuff like this."
Yumiko added, "Yeah, Hina, you shouldn't say things like that carelessly. If Hachiman hears it, it could be trouble. That guy is a total flirt and might really latch onto you."
"Alright, alright, I was just saying it casually. Look how worried you both are."
Seeing her friends' anxious expressions, Ebina chuckled lightly.
Whether she was actually joking or not was something only she knew.
Meanwhile, the boys' side of things had settled down. With Tobe deciding not to confess, Hayama was relieved.
Now he could maintain the friendship he valued so much.
"Alright, Tobe, don't be too upset about it," Hayama said, trying to comfort his friend.
However, Tobe didn't seem upset at all. Instead, he looked quite hopeful.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. There might be someone even better in the future."
Seeing his lack of disappointment, both Hachiman and Hayama couldn't help but smile wryly.
It seemed confessing to Ebina was just a fleeting whim for Tobe.
Fortunately, this matter was finally resolved, and they could get a good night's sleep.
And so, the night passed without incident.
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Chapter 485: The Disappearing Confession
On the third day of their school trip, the students were finally allowed to explore freely.
Friends gathered in small groups, excitedly exploring the ancient city of Kyoto.
With Tobe's issues resolved, Hachiman no longer had any worries and fully enjoyed the trip.
As in the original story, Hachiman strolled through the streets with Yui and Yukino.
The quaint streets were lined with food stalls, and the enticing aromas drew in many tourists.
Yui was one of those enticed.
By the time they had walked some distance, her hands were filled with various snacks.
Croquettes, buns, fried chicken...
She took a bite of croquette with her left hand and a bite of meat bun with her right, enjoying herself immensely.
Seeing this, Yukino spoke up with some concern, "Yui, if you eat so much now, you won't have room for dinner."
Hearing this, Yui, who was happily eating, realized her mistake and laughed awkwardly.
"Hehe, I forgot. Yukinon, you can help me eat some."
Saying this, she handed over the half-eaten croquette.
"Alright, but just this once."
Yukino sighed, accepting the croquette without hesitation, took a small bite, and then turned to Hachiman.
"Don't just stand there, help us out."
Hachiman, of course, didn't refuse and nodded with a smile. "No problem."
Seeing this, Yui handed him a bun.
"Here, Hikki, take this."
Hachiman didn't hesitate, remembering all the times he had already kissed this silly girl; he didn't mind a bit of shared saliva. He took the bun and quickly finished it in a few bites.
Seeing how fast he ate it, both girls were momentarily surprised, then Yui pulled another bun from the paper bag and handed it to him.
"Here, Hikki, have another one."
Hachiman, a bit exasperated, remarked, "You guys are treating me like a pig."
"Well, aren't you just like Zhu Bajie stealing the ginseng fruit?" Yukino chuckled.
Hearing this, Yui also laughed.
Seeing this, Hachiman was at a loss for words.
Besides "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," another very famous novel in Japan is "Journey to the West." It's a household name, so it's no surprise the girls knew who Zhu Bajie was.
However, being called Zhu Bajie, Hachiman naturally retorted, "Who's Zhu Bajie? I should clearly be Sun Wukong."
Though he was complaining, he still took the bun.
This time, instead of eating it quickly, Hachiman decided to savor it slowly, just like the girls.
As they walked and ate, the scene looked quite heartwarming.
After a while, Yukino seemed to remember something and asked Hachiman.
"By the way, how's Tobe doing? Today is the third day, and we're leaving tomorrow."
Yui, who was eating fried chicken, also chimed in.
"Yeah, what about Tobe? Is he still planning to confess to Hina? Yesterday, Hina told us she has no interest in Tobe at all."
"If Tobe still plans to confess, Hina will definitely reject him, and that would ruin their relationship..."
Hachiman shrugged. "Don't worry, I've already taken care of it. Tobe has given up on confessing to Ebina."
Hearing this, Yui's eyes lit up. "Really? Hikki, you're amazing!"
"How did you get Tobe to give up?"
Yukino, curious, also asked. They had interacted with Tobe before, and he seemed determined to confess to Ebina. How did he change his mind so quickly?
"I have my ways," Hachiman replied with a mysterious smile.
Not liking his mysterious tone, Yukino frowned. "No keeping secrets, tell us."
Yui also joined in, grabbing Hachiman's arm and shaking it. "Yes, yes, Hikki, tell us. We want to know."
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you."
Seeing their curious expressions, Hachiman decided to explain.
"I just made sure Tobe understood Ebina's feelings."
"Did you have Ebina tell Tobe directly?" Yukino guessed.
"But that wouldn't fit with Ebina's wishes, would it? She wanted to maintain their friendship."
"Of course not. I wouldn't do something so reckless," Hachiman shook his head.
"Then how did you do it?" Yukino asked, puzzled. "I remember you saying that Tobe was pretty clueless and didn't realize that Ebina wasn't interested in him."
Hachiman smiled. "I just made sure Tobe overheard Ebina's thoughts on romance."
"?"
Both Yui and Yukino were confused.
Seeing their expressions, Hachiman smiled. "Yui, didn't Ebina tell you yesterday that she has no feelings for Tobe and isn't considering romance right now?"
"Yeah, Hikki, how did you know?" Yui blinked in surprise.
But Yukino quickly caught on. "Did you arrange all of this? Did you have Ebina say that on purpose?"
Hachiman nodded, then shook his head. "Yes, I arranged it, but I asked Yumiko to specifically question Ebina about Tobe and romance."
"As expected, Ebina expressed that she wasn't interested in dating, and those words were 'coincidentally' overheard by Tobe and me outside the door."
"Understanding that Ebina wasn't ready for a relationship, Tobe naturally gave up on his plan to confess."
"I see," Yui nodded instinctively, then seemed to realize something. "Wait, you and Tobe were eavesdropping outside the door yesterday?!"
"Yes, how else would I know what Ebina said?" Hachiman chuckled.
"And if Tobe hadn't heard it directly, he wouldn't have given up so easily."
Yui, however, became a bit embarrassed. "Did you... hear anything else?"
If Hachiman had heard everything she said, would he think she was an indiscreet girl?
Hachiman had indeed heard what Yui said, but seeing her worried expression, he decided not to mention it. He simply smiled and shook his head.
"Don't worry. After Ebina expressed her feelings, Tobe and I left, so I didn't hear anything strange."
Relieved, Yui sighed and then pouted. "Hikki, you shouldn't do that again. It's basically eavesdropping."
"Right, secretly listening to a girl's private conversations is practically a crime," Yukino agreed, nodding firmly.
Seeing their reactions, Hachiman shrugged helplessly. "I had no choice. This was the best way to resolve the issue."
Indeed, aside from the drastic measures taken in the original story, this was the most effective method.
It preserved everyone's dignity and perfectly resolved the situation.
"But, is this really okay?" Yui was still a bit worried.
Hachiman smiled. "Don't worry. Tobe was only a little down for a short while, but he bounced back quickly."
Yes, it was a "little down," lasting less than five minutes.
"Since he wasn't rejected face-to-face, Tobe can save face and still remain friends with Ebina."
"It's like a sheet of window paper; even if it's thin enough to see through, as long as it isn't torn, it still serves its purpose."
"I see."
Yui nodded, somewhat understanding Hachiman's explanation.
At that moment, Hayama and Yumiko's group approached, with Tobe and Ebina among them.
Seeing them still chatting and laughing as usual, Yui finally relaxed and ran over to greet them.
"Hi, Hina, Yumiko."
"Hi, Yui," Ebina responded cheerfully.
As for Yumiko, seeing Yukino next to Hachiman, she gave a displeased huff but said nothing, perhaps out of respect for Hachiman.
Hayama nodded at Hachiman and Yukino, a silent thanks for preserving the friendship he valued.
After exchanging greetings, the two groups soon went their separate ways. After all, Yumiko and Yukino didn't get along, and neither wanted to walk with the other.
Hachiman's trio continued their walk.
Walking along the paths of Arashiyama, they turned a corner and heard a rustling sound.
Looking ahead, they saw a lush bamboo grove not far away.
A small path wound through the grove, flanked by countless bamboo stalks.
A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves.
Soft sunlight filtered through the gaps in the bamboo, creating dappled shadows on the ground. Coupled with the pleasant rustling, the scene felt peaceful.
This was another famous spot, the Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It was also the original location where Tobe confessed to Ebina.
But now, without the confession, it was just another beautiful tourist spot.
"This place is so beautiful," Yui exclaimed, admiring the surroundings.
Even Yukino nodded in agreement. "It really is. Look at the ground."
"Lanterns? It must be stunning when they light up at night," Yui imagined the scene.
However, in the next moment, she blushed and glanced at Hachiman.
"This place seems perfect for a confession..."
As soon as she finished speaking, Yukino also looked at Hachiman.
Feeling the simultaneous gaze of both girls, Hachiman forced a smile.
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