Chapitre 98: [98] Hachiman's Summer Invitation (Part 1)
Lunchtime arrived on the rooftop.
Hachiman and Utaha occupied a bench, savoring their respective bento boxes.
Ever since their excursion to the amusement park, where they gathered material for Utaha's novel, she had taken up the practice of preparing her own bento. Surprisingly, her culinary creations were diverse and delicious. Hachiman, who had previously sampled her cooking, found himself genuinely surprised. He had always perceived Utaha as a refined young lady who wouldn't engage in kitchen duties, making her culinary skills a mystery. However, after some inquiries, he learned that her parents owned a restaurant, and the contents of these bento boxes were crafted by them.
In contrast, Hachiman's bento offerings appeared relatively ordinary.
Today's bento was crafted by Yui, who had recently begun honing her culinary skills.
Within each of his bento boxes, there was invariably a standout dish, whether it was slightly overcooked octopus sausages, a hot spring egg that had seen too much heat, or a tamagoyaki that leaned towards excessive thickness.
Despite occasional flavor discrepancies, Hachiman consumed every bite.
After all, it was Yui's way of conveying her affection.
Furthermore, the cuisine was far from the disaster depicted in the original story.
It appeared that Mrs. Yuigahama had dedicated considerable effort to her culinary instruction.
"Hachiman, congratulations on your novel surpassing five million copies in sales," Utaha casually remarked, continuing to eat her meal while glancing at her phone.
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes, I just received a notification from Kadokawa." Utaha handed her phone to Hachiman.
Displayed on the screen was an announcement from Kadokawa Bunko's official blog.
["According to statistical data, Wakamono Sensei's 'Sword Art Online' has now surpassed five million in sales and is officially on its way to the ten million milestone. Let's anticipate the emergence of a new literary king together."]
Observing this message, Hachiman simply nodded. In his perspective, five million in sales didn't hold extraordinary significance, particularly considering the extensive promotional resources Kadokawa had invested. Furthermore, the "Deity Creation Plan" aimed for sales in the tens of millions to be deemed a success.
Observing Hachiman's composed response, Utaha couldn't help but feel a tinge of exasperation.
"Hachiman, can't you muster a bit more enthusiasm? This isn't five thousand or fifty thousand; it's five million."
"Not many light novel authors attain such numbers."
"Relax, Utaha-senpai. Five million isn't a monumental achievement. Remember, the publisher's target is ten million, so we're merely halfway there," Hachiman replied, nonchalantly waving his hand and offering her a smile.
"By the way, I haven't congratulated you yet. Your sales have also exceeded half a million."
Utaha's "Koisuru Metronome" had already reached its third volume, and with Hachiman's narrative guidance, it had surpassed five hundred thousand in sales, an improvement over the original storyline.
"Fine, forget it. Thanks for the congratulations, but it seems like you're teasing me for having five million in sales," Utaha grumbled, directing a playful glare his way.
Upon hearing her retort, a trace of sincerity crossed Hachiman's countenance.
"You've misconstrued my intentions; I genuinely offered my congratulations."
"Furthermore, my sales primarily stem from the publisher's exceptional promotion. However, you, Utaha-senpai, have genuinely earned these results."
"For an emerging writer, reaching half a million in sales with only three volumes is impressive. Moreover, you possess a legitimate chance of hitting one million."
Indeed, if Utaha's "Koisuru Metronome" continued its ten-volume trajectory, as was the case in the original story, her current performance suggested that achieving one million sales was entirely within reach.
"One million..." Utaha mumbled to herself.
She understood that a significant portion of her five hundred thousand in sales could be attributed to Hachiman's endorsement. So, how much more could she achieve with one million?
Shaking off her contemplation, Utaha shifted her gaze to Hachiman, seated beside her. His sharply defined profile held a certain appeal in her eyes.
Mid-bite, Hachiman noticed her scrutiny and quirked an eyebrow in curiosity.
"What's on your mind, Senpai?"
"Nothing, Hachiman-kun." Utaha shook her head and extended a hand to pluck a grain of rice from the corner of his mouth.
"You should savor your meal a bit more slowly; you've got rice on your face."
Her playful action resonated with Hachiman, evoking a subtle reaction from him. Nonetheless, he promptly redirected the conversation back to their impending beach trip.
"By the way, Senpai, do you have any plans for the summer break?"
"Summer break? I'll probably spend it at home, dedicating my time to writing," Utaha mused for a moment before offering her reply.
In essence, she was the sort of individual who didn't foster many friendships at school, and her typical summer break involved staying at home and immersing herself in her writing endeavors.
"I see. How about we spend some time at the beach together during the summer break?" Hachiman proposed with a smile.
"The beach?" Utaha paused, momentarily caught off guard by his suggestion, but then a teasing grin crept onto her face.
"Why not? It seems like Hachiman-kun is quite eager to see me in a swimsuit."
"I didn't..." Hachiman began to protest, but she cut him off.
"Don't really want to see it? I'll be donning a bikini, you know. If you're not interested, that's perfectly fine."
Her words left Hachiman briefly speechless.
However, it was evident that Utaha wouldn't let him off so easily.
Drawing nearer, she tilted her body slightly and whispered into his ear, her breath as sweet as a lily.
"So, do you really want to see, Hachiman?"
"I... I want to see."
Unable to resist the allure of his senpai's enticing figure, Hachiman ultimately admitted his desire.
He knew he should have declined, but her teasing had proven too effective.
Upon hearing his confession, a satisfied smile graced Utaha Kasumigaoka's lips.
"Since Hachiman wants to see, I'll select a lovely swimsuit for you."
"But when should we plan our beach trip?"
"We should aim for early August. At the end of this month, I have to partake in a tournament with my kendo club comrades, so I won't have time until after the competition."
"I see," Utaha concurred with a nod.
It appeared that she needed to pick her swimsuit with great care. Hachiman probably wouldn't invite her alone; that other girl, Yuigahama, who prepared his bento, would likely be invited as well. Additionally, Hachiman's family might join the excursion, so she needed to make a favorable impression and seize the opportunity.
While Utaha silently devised her strategy, Hachiman began making his own arrangements.
Having extended an invitation to Utaha, Hachiman now only had to inform Yui, Kotonoha, and Saeko about the beach trip.
Hachiman devised his plan to mention the beach trip to Yui when he returned her bento box. As for Kotonoha and Saeko, he concluded that he could inform them during their attendance at the Kendo tournament.
With these arrangements settled, the two companions resumed their lunch.
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Chapitre 99: [99] Hachiman's Summer Invitation (Part 2)
After lunch, Hachiman proceeded to Yui's classroom to return her bento box. As he approached the door, a girl with shoulder-length hair and glasses exited the classroom.
"Hello, if it isn't Hikigaya-kun."
"You're... Ebina-san, Yui's friend, right?"
The girl before Hachiman was indeed one of Yui's close friends, Ebina Hina.
"That's right! Hikigaya-kun, you're here to see Yui, aren't you?" Hina smiled upon hearing Hachiman remember her name and called out to the classroom, "Yui, your Hikigaya-kun is here."
Yui, who had been conversing with Yumiko Miura inside, overheard Hina's voice and blushed as she hastened to the classroom door.
"Hina, don't say things like 'my Hikigaya-kun.' Please don't make stuff up."
"Oh, come on, Yui. You talk about Hikigaya-kun in front of me and Yumiko all the time, and you even prepare bento for him yourself." Hina playfully continued to tease Yui, despite Yui's presence, and lightheartedly exposed her friend's actions.
"I don't..." Yui was about to deny it, but before she could utter a word, Yumiko arrived at the door and added to the banter.
"That's right, you see? We were just having a chat, and the moment your 'my Hikigaya-kun' arrived, you left me hanging."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you're ruthless when it comes to the opposite sex."
"Ugh, Yumiko, please stop..."
Hearing her two closest friends make such comments in front of her crush, Yui couldn't help but cover her face, overcome with embarrassment.
Meanwhile, the classmates inside the classroom started to take notice of the gathering at the door. Upon learning that Yui had personally prepared a bento for Hachiman, some of the guys couldn't help but feel envious and resentful.
The classmates who hadn't realized Yui's relationship with Hachiman were taken aback by the revelation. It seemed that Yui, one of the class's popular girls, was already taken.
Hachiman paid little mind to their reactions. If he intended to lead a more fulfilling life, he had to learn not to be overly concerned with the judgments of others.
"Alright, Ebina-san, Miura-san, let's not tease Yui any further. She's a bit shy and can't handle too much teasing."
Observing Yui's tomato-red face and her desire to hide, Hachiman intervened to diffuse the situation.
"I didn't expect Hikigaya-kun to be quite considerate. Yui, you should cherish this."
"That's right, Yui, you need to work hard."
With Hachiman, one of the key participants, making his perspective clear, both Yumiko and Hina ceased their teasing of Yui.
"Ugh..."
Upon hearing their words, Yui lowered her hands from her face, but a faint blush lingered.
"Hikki, do you have any business with me?" Yui inquired once she had regained her composure.
"Yui, I'm returning your bento box," Hachiman replied with a smile as he handed it to her.
"By the way, the food was delicious."
"I'm glad you liked it, Hikki. I'll continue to work on improving my cooking skills."
Yui was well aware of her culinary abilities, and although she knew her cooking wasn't gourmet-level, she was pleased to see Hachiman finish his meal without complaints. A contented smile graced her face.
However, Yumiko and Hina, who stood nearby, exchanged knowing glances, clearly surprised by this unexpected turn of events.
"On that note, Yui, do you have any summer plans? Would you like to join me for a trip to the beach?" Hachiman finally broached the main purpose of his visit.
"Going to the beach? That sounds wonderful..."
Yui was on the verge of agreeing when a flicker of disappointment crossed her face.
"Actually, I can't make it. I'll be visiting my grandparents in the countryside during the summer break. I probably won't return until early August."
"That's perfect, then. I also have prior commitments at the end of this month, so I won't be available until August."
"Really? That's great, then I'm in."
Since their schedules didn't clash, Yui eagerly accepted the invitation.
Overhearing their conversation, Yumiko and Hina exchanged meaningful glances and nodded in agreement.
"Oh, are you two planning a beach trip? Why not include us as well?"
"Yeah, it's summer break, and a beach trip sounds like a fantastic idea. If it's alright with you, we'd love to join."
"Eh?" Yui looked a bit taken aback by her friends' sudden interest.
"Haha, of course, that's no problem at all. If you're Yui's friends, then you're my friends too." Hachiman replied with a warm smile.
Hearing their requests, Hachiman readily agreed, without any hesitation. After all, he planned to reserve the entire place, so accommodating a few more people wouldn't be an issue. Plus, having them along would surely make the trip more enjoyable, and he couldn't deny the allure of seeing them in swimsuits at the beach, making it a win-win situation.
"That sounds like a good plan. I'll let Yui know the details later. We should head to class now," Hachiman said and turned to leave.
As Hachiman's figure receded, Yui couldn't help but feel a twinge of reluctance.
Yumiko patted her shoulder gently. "Come on, he's already gone, Yui. Don't keep staring."
Turning to her friends, Yui looked puzzled. "Yumiko, Hina, why did you..."
"Yui, sometimes you can be quite clueless," Yumiko sighed in exasperation.
"We're doing this for your own sake!"
"For my own sake?" Yui's confusion deepened.
"Yeah, Yui, didn't you mention before that, besides you, another girl makes lunch for Hikigaya-san?" Hina chimed in.
"Yes, Kotonoha-san also prepares lunch for Hikigaya-kun," Yui confirmed.
"That's correct. That's why Yumiko and I want to join the trip. We'll help you keep Kotonoha-san occupied, Yui. Take this opportunity to spend more time with Hikigaya-kun," Hina elaborated while adjusting her glasses.
"Exactly, Yui. Give it your all. Try to win Hikigaya-kun's heart during this beach trip, and then you won't have to worry anymore," Yumiko declared with a touch of royal authority.
"As long as you two become a real couple, if anyone else tries to interfere, leave it to me and Hina."
"Yumiko... Hina..."
Yui finally grasped the heartfelt intentions of her two friends and looked at them with gratitude.
"Thank you both so much."
"Yui, you can rest assured. We'll definitely create more opportunities for you to be alone with Hikigaya-kun. We're both here to support you."
"After school, let's go swimsuit shopping together," Yumiko suggested.
"Yes, that's right. We must help you choose a swimsuit that will catch Hikigaya-kun's attention," Hina agreed.
"Yes, you two truly are my best friends."
"Best friends for life!"
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