Chapter 314: Yui's Foolishness
Looking at Tsurumi, who was being excluded and playing with her camera alone, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
"How do you plan to help her?"
Yukino pondered for a moment before speaking, "Let's start by approaching her. Based on my observation, she's isolated not because she's unsociable but because those few girls are excluding her. We need to understand the situation before deciding on a plan."
Everyone nodded, including Yumiko, who usually clashed with Yukino. After all, it wouldn't be wise to intervene recklessly without knowing the specific reasons.
Thus, the group continued to follow at the rear of the team.
As the elementary school students played and walked, by the time they reached the designated location, it was nearing noon.
At this point, Shizuka organized everyone to start a fire and cook. Some of the elementary school students also expressed interest, eager to participate.
Unable to resist their enthusiasm, Shizuka had to instruct Hachiman and the others to watch over them to prevent any accidents.
Arriving at a place resembling an outdoor kitchen, she personally lit a pile of firewood. Watching her skilled actions, Hachiman was somewhat puzzled.
"You seem quite proficient at this."
Proudly, Shizuka responded, "Who do you think I am? Back in college, I often went on outdoor barbecues with clubs. Making a fire is no big deal. I've done it more than a few times."
However, her tone changed as she continued, "But when I was making a fire, a bunch of couples were being affectionate nearby. Ugh, it really ruined my mood."
"Annoying, thinking having a boyfriend is something great."
Now surrounded by a group of elementary school students, she couldn't vent her frustration. Shizuka quickly adjusted her mindset and addressed the children around her.
"Next, boys will make the fire, and girls will prepare the ingredients."
"Okay~~!" The elementary school students responded in unison.
After giving these instructions, Shizuka turned her gaze towards Hachiman and his group. "Watch over them. Don't let them make the fire alone."
Everyone nodded, with each person taking charge of a small group to guide the elementary school students in making a fire.
However, at that moment, Hachiman approached Shizuka with a concerned expression.
"I have to ask, is this really a suitable location for the summer camp?"
Shizuka appeared puzzled and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you asking that?"
Hachiman explained, "I saw a sign on the way here that said 'Beware of Bears.'" He shrugged, expressing his concern, especially with the presence of many children.
Hearing Hachiman's worries, Shizuka waved it off nonchalantly. "Don't worry. It's not likely we'll run into a bear right after arriving, and that sign has been there for ten years. There haven't been any signs of bears in this area for a long time."
"I see," Hachiman nodded, but his concerns lingered.
Just then, a clear voice reached his ears.
"Hachiman-niisan."
Turning towards the sound, he saw a little girl standing not far away, smiling brightly.
It was Kotonoha's younger sister, Katsura Kokoro. Unexpectedly, they had a chance encounter.
Seeing her own sister, Kotonoha also looked surprised. Although she knew her sister was attending the school's summer camp, she didn't expect to meet her so coincidentally.
"Kokoro, you're here too?"
"Yeah, Onee-chan."
Seeing Kokoro, Kotonoha was also quite happy. Kokoro and Kotonoha had built a deep friendship, and Kokoro cherished the rare chance to act as an older sister.
"I saw you guys from below just now," Kokoro said with a smile.
Looking at her, Hachiman suddenly had an idea.
"Kokoro, do you know that girl?"
He pointed towards Tsurumi, not far away.
"Tsurumi-chan, right? We're in the same class. What's up?" Kokoro looked puzzled.
Hearing her response, smiles appeared on Hachiman and the others' faces.
Now they had a reliable source of information. However, it wasn't the right time to inquire. They decided to wait until after dinner.
"No big deal. After we finish eating, I'd like to ask you about her," Hachiman smiled and said.
"No problem, leave it to me. I'll tell Hachiman-niisan everything I know," Kokoro said, proudly puffing her small chest. In her heart, Hachiman was almost like a brother-in-law.
"Yeah, thanks, Kokoro. Now, let's get started with cooking."
...
After Kokoro returned to her group, everyone began preparing their lunch. This time, Hachiman chose not to participate in cooking. He didn't want to dominate the kitchen, giving the girls some space to showcase their culinary skills.
The girls, varying in cooking expertise, started their tasks. Yukino, being the most skilled, took charge of the kitchen. Saeko and Kotonoha were decent, but they fell short compared to Yukino. Komachi, Yumiko, and Ebina weren't particularly adept at cooking. As for Yui, well, no need to say much...
Yukino and Yui stood side by side, wearing the recently purchased aprons. Since they were standing close, the contrast in their chest sizes was apparent, almost despair-inducing.
"Speaking of curry, my mom always adds some weird things to it," Yui, peeling potatoes, suddenly remarked.
Hearing this, on the other side, Saeko, who was starting the fire, chimed in with a touch of nostalgia. "Absolutely, my mom sometimes adds bamboo shoots."
Yui laughed, saying, "Yeah, my mom adds some strange leaves to it occasionally. It's her rare moment of being silly."
However, upon hearing her, Hachiman sighed and couldn't help but interject, "Silly Yui, that's not some strange leaf. It's bay leaf, a type of spice commonly used in stews."
"Eh? It's a spice?" Yui looked surprised and turned to Yukino for confirmation.
Unfortunately, Yukino nodded, "Yes, bay leaf is indeed a spice."
"Ugh... I didn't know that," Yui blushed, recalling her earlier ignorance.
Once all the ingredients were prepared, Yukino put them in a pot for simmering. The chosen recipe for the day was curry, fitting for a group picnic. With the menu decided, the girls, wearing their aprons, started cooking.
Yukino and Yui stood side by side, their chest sizes causing a noticeable contrast. The two chatted and worked together, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie in the makeshift outdoor kitchen. As the ingredients simmered, the aroma of curry began to fill the air, creating an appetizing anticipation for the upcoming meal.
Chapter 315: Hikigaya Yukino and Hikigaya Yui
The cooking process went smoothly as many of the girls had some cooking skills. However, it wasn't as simple for the elementary school students, most of whom were cooking for the first time and struggling a bit.
At this point, Shizuka walked over once again.
"If you have nothing else to do, go around and check on things, maybe help them out a bit."
"Sure, there are seldom chances to chat with elementary school kids." Hayama smiled and nodded.
"Let's go, we'll chat with these kids a bit more."
The others didn't refuse either; after all, it wasn't a troublesome task.
And so, everyone split up, guiding the kids who were not skilled in cooking.
Hayama once again found the group he encountered earlier.
Seeing him approach, the girls in that group showed happy smiles, surrounding him and asking cooking-related questions.
Naturally, Hayama wouldn't refuse. With a warm smile, he answered each of their questions.
At this moment, he spotted Tsurumi Rumi, who was once again left alone.
Not giving up, Hayama walked over, attempting to communicate with her.
"Do you like curry?" Hayama asked Tsurumi.
Unfortunately, his attempt at striking up a conversation didn't yield positive results.
"No, I'm not interested in curry."
After a glance at Hayama, Tsurumi sighed, then left without hesitation.
The girl knew that interacting with Hayama wouldn't bring any benefits and might even worsen her current situation of being excluded.
Seeing Tsurumi walk away, Hayama couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. On the other hand, the other four girls showed smug expressions on their faces.
One of the girls walked up to Hayama.
"Onii-chan, come teach us how to make curry."
In response to this request, the amiable Hayama naturally didn't decline, a warm smile gracing his face.
"No problem, it's rare to cook; let's add some unique flavors."
"Raise your hand if you want to add something!"
Encouraged by Hayama, many elementary school students expressed interest, and even Yui raised her hand.
"I want to participate too. I'd like to add some fruits, like peaches."
Observing her enthusiastic expression, Hachiman and Yukino, standing on the hill not far away, couldn't help but shake their heads with a bit of helplessness.
"You're already a high school student; why are you acting like a child?"
"What an idiot," Hachiman sighed. However, there was a hint of indulgence in his tone. It was because of individuals like Yuigahama, with their innocence, that made others instinctively want to protect them.
At this moment, another sigh reached their ears.
"Yeah, they're all idiots."
Turning towards the source, they saw Tsurumi Rumi had somehow come to stand beside them.
"Indeed, there are many fools in this world. They only care about a handsome appearance, not realizing that a real good man needs substance, just like me," Hachiman said with a confident smile.
But upon hearing his words, Yukino, standing next to him, showed an expression of speechlessness.
"Your cheek is really thick," Yukino said, rolling her eyes.
Hachiman just shrugged at the girl's comment, unfazed.
What's wrong with having a thick skin? In today's society, having thick skin is a necessary skill. And if you want to navigate the complexities of a romantic situation, a thick skin is essential.
After all, with a thick skin, you can get what you want; with a thin skin, you might not get anything at all.
Even though that guy Hayama might be a bit more handsome than him, in other aspects, Hachiman was undoubtedly much stronger.
Setting aside Hachiman's "small interests," even in terms of family background, the two of them were not on the same level. With his current assets, not to mention Hayama's lawyer family, even the Yukinoshita family would have to give him due respect. In a few years, Hachiman would become a figure worthy of admiration for the Yukinoshita family.
"Name?"
At this moment, Tsurumi suddenly spoke coldly, showing interest in Hachiman, the audacious guy.
"What?" Hachiman was a bit puzzled.
"I mean, what's your name? Most people would understand when asked like this."
Tsurumi continued with her cold tone.
Hachiman wasn't angered; instead, he looked at her with interest.
Too similar, she was just like Yukino. Not only in appearance but also in personality. Back when he was introduced to the Service Club by Shizuka, Yukino had the same tone.
Though Hachiman didn't mind, Yukino couldn't hold back and directly retorted.
"Before asking someone's name, you should introduce yourself first; that's basic courtesy."
This move—it's the mom training the daughter.
Being retorted by Yukino, Tsurumi's momentum weakened instantly. Although more mature than the average elementary school student, she was still just a child overall.
Unexpectedly, Yukino would step forward for him. While Hachiman felt somewhat pleased, he quickly intervened.
"Yukino, don't get angry. Don't you find this scene familiar?"
"Huh? Familiar? What do you mean?" Yukino was confused.
"Haha, don't you think her tone is exactly like yours when I first went to the Service Club? It seems this kid not only looks like you but also has a similar personality," Hachiman chuckled.
Hearing this, Yukino recalled the past scene, and a slight smile appeared on her lips. Still, she rolled her eyes at him.
"That's what you get."
However, at this moment, Tsurumi, who hadn't spoken, said, "My name... is Tsurumi Rumi."
Seeing the girl introduce herself, a gentle smile appeared on Hachiman's face.
"Tsurumi Rumi, huh? My name is Hikigaya Hachiman. As for the girl who looks a lot like you, her name is Hikigaya Yukino."
"Who... who is Hikigaya Yukino? You jerk."
Hearing Hachiman's introduction, Yukino blushed, glared at him fiercely, and then explained to Tsurumi.
"Don't listen to this guy's nonsense. My name is Yukinoshita Yukino."
"Hikigaya Hachiman... Yukinoshita Yukino..." Tsurumi Rumi murmured to herself.
Just then, Yui ran over from the kitchen. "Ah, so both of you, Yukinon and Hikki, are here."
Hachiman also introduced, "This is Hikigaya Yui."
"Huh? What's with Hikigaya Yui? I'm Yui Yuigahama, okay?" Unfortunately, the naive Yui completely misunderstood Hachiman's intention and directly retorted.
Can't handle it, can't handle it.
After the complaint, Yui turned to Tsurumi Rumi and smiled, "So, you're Tsurumi Rumi, right? I'm Yuigahama Yui. Nice to meet you!"
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