Chapter 253: Perhaps This Is What Being OP Feels Like
The next morning, Hachiman and the girls arrived at the restaurant for breakfast, coincidentally meeting the members of the Polar Star Dorm who were also having breakfast. The training camp had successfully concluded, and after breakfast, the students were going to take the bus back to school.
Upon seeing Hachiman, Soma greeted him, "Hey, good morning, Hikigaya."
"Good morning, Yukihira-kun, and everyone from the Polar Star Dorm," Hachiman nodded.
The members of the Polar Star Dorm also nodded in greeting. However, noticing the group of girls around him, the members of the Polar Star Dorm had different expressions on their faces.
Observant girls like Ryoko and the others had already noticed that some of the girls were looking at Hachiman with affectionate eyes, leading to some speculation.
It seems Hikigaya is quite popular.
On the other hand, the male students discreetly revealed envy in their eyes. After all, from an outsider's perspective, Hachiman was now the epitome of success.
After exchanging greetings with the members of the Polar Star Dorm, the group found two larger tables and sat down. Each person ordered several dishes. Looking at the girls, Hachiman spoke, "So, where do you want to go next? We have some time; we can have lunch and then head back."
"Well, um, Onii-chan, how about we prepare to go back after breakfast?" Komachi suggested quietly.
"Why? Don't you want to play a bit more?" Hachiman was puzzled. Usually, this little girl was the most energetic, so why did she lose interest after just one day?
"Hehe, actually, I came here to experience what a hotel that costs 80,000 yen per night is like. Now that I've experienced it, I don't know what else to do," Komachi said somewhat embarrassedly.
"And besides, even though the scenery here is nice, there's a lot lacking in terms of activities. It feels a bit uncomfortable."
Indeed, the entire Totsuki Resort, while occupying a considerable area, was somewhat remote, nestled close to the mountains.
Though it showcased picturesque landscapes not typically seen in the city, even the most beautiful scenery can become monotonous after a while.
For those accustomed to modern urban life, leaving the bustling city could be a bit unsettling.
"Exactly, this place lacks entertainment. It's better to head back to Chiba in the afternoon for some shopping and maybe singing karaoke," Maki voiced her agreement.
Not only her, but other girls nodded in unison.
For girls, topics like shopping, singing, watching movies, and enjoying desserts were always indispensable.
Hearing this, Shizuka's eyes lit up, and she added, "Sure, heading back earlier is good. We have school tomorrow, and there are other things to take care of."
After all, they had already experienced the Totsuki Resort; now, they just wanted to return.
Lately, Shizuka had been on edge, fearing that Hachiman might unexpectedly make some "indecent" moves.
If someone else witnessed it, that would be okay—after all, they wouldn't know her. But this time, all the students were from the same school, aware of her status as a teacher. If Hachiman were to make any "indecent" moves and others saw, she wouldn't live it down.
Seeing this, Hachiman shrugged.
"Alright, since you all want to head back earlier, I don't mind. Let's finish breakfast and get ready to depart."
"Okay!"
Hearing his words, the girls responded, and breakfast was served by the waitstaff. Everyone began enjoying their morning meal.
After breakfast, the girls returned to their rooms to pack, while Hachiman waited for them in the lobby.
Just then, the members of the Polar Star Dorm also came down with their luggage, and not only them, but many graduates were also seen preparing to leave.
As expected, quite a few graduates had already approached the small group from the Polar Star Dorm, attempting to recruit members.
Especially Soma and Megumi, they were surrounded by three or four graduates.
Unfortunately, it didn't seem very effective.
Soma, without much explanation, declined the invitations from the graduates, stating he still had his family's restaurant to run.
The other members of the Polar Star Dorm did not respond immediately; after all, they had received Hachiman's invitation earlier, and they needed to consider.
However, things were different for Megumi. The usually not good at refusing girl became hesitant and stammered when surrounded by the graduates. She even sought help from Soma with her eyes.
Just as Soma was about to speak up, the voice of Dojima echoed.
"Haha, didn't expect you guys have already started."
And accompanying him, the Vice Chef, Hitomi Sena, also persistent, extended another invitation to Soma.
"Yukihira-kun, won't you reconsider? With your skills, you could make a name for yourself even at Totsuki Resort."
Unfortunately, Soma's response remained unchanged.
"I appreciate the invitation, but I want to continue cooking at my family's restaurant. Though it's not a large restaurant, it's something my dad and I have been managing together, and I find it hard to let it go."
"Even though I don't know where my dad is right now, someday I'll earn his approval and become someone capable of supporting the Yukihira restaurant."
Hearing this, Hiromi's face showed a hint of regret, but he didn't insist any further.
"Well, if that's the case, I won't press you. But if you change your mind, Totsuki Resort will always welcome you."
At this moment, Dojima, who was standing nearby, spoke with a smile, "By the way, Soma, if you happen to see Joichiro, that guy, give him my regards."
"I will, Dojima-senpai." Soma also nodded with a smile.
This puzzled the members of the Polar Star Dorm a bit. Did Dojima and Soma's father know each other from before?
As for the identity of Soma's father, besides a few who attended the private Shokugeki, no one else knew for the time being.
Though curious, they refrained from asking directly, planning to inquire privately later.
After giving instructions to Soma, Dojima noticed Hachiman nearby.
"Hikigaya-kun, are you also getting ready to go back?" he asked.
"Yeah, Dojima-senpai. This stay and training session has concluded, and I've completed the task entrusted to me by Chief Nakiri. So, I'm planning to head back today," Hachiman nodded.
"After all, I'm still a student, and I have classes tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Dojima burst into laughter.
"Haha, looking at Hikigaya-kun's culinary skills, it's hard to imagine you're still a student."
"I feel the same way. Being a student is such a hassle, especially with all the studying," Hachiman shrugged, looking innocent.
Seeing him like this, the surrounding graduates were somewhat speechless.
He knows he's a student, and yet, his culinary skills surpass theirs. It makes them feel like they've wasted their years.
Thinking about Dojima's mention of Hachiman's achievements in other fields, the graduates sighed inwardly.
Perhaps this Is what being OP feels like.
Chapter 254: The Girl Gradually Getting Used to It
If Hachiman were to know what the graduates were thinking, he would surely exclaim, "I, Hikigaya Hachiman, am not cheating!"
All these achievements are the result of my diligent effort to level up proficiency.
Diligent effort...
Well, probably.
Unfortunately, Hachiman is unaware of their thoughts. Instead, he reminds Soma, "Yukihira-kun, where's your headband?"
Upon hearing this, Soma looks down and indeed notices that his headband is missing.
"Oh no, I must have forgotten it in the room. Takumi, wait for me; I'll go quickly fetch it from my room," he says, rushing towards the stairs.
After a short while, Soma returned, now with the familiar white headband wrapped around his hand.
"Haha, thanks for reminding me, Hikigaya-kun. I would have definitely forgotten it," Soma expressed his gratitude.
Hachiman simply smiled in response. "It's nothing. I just noticed you've been wearing it these past few days. When I didn't see it today, it seemed a bit strange, so I mentioned it."
"Haha, well, thanks anyway."
The time was almost up, and it was time for the students to board the bus back to school. At this point, graduates had mostly abandoned their invitations. It wasn't only the members of the Polar Star Dorm; almost all the outstanding students in this training camp received invitations, including Akira Hayama, the Aldini brothers, and others.
However, the gains were minimal since each had their own aspirations.
Once the students boarded the bus, the previously lively hall instantly quieted down, leaving only the graduates.
"Hikigaya-kun, when do you plan to leave?" asked Dojima, looking at Hachiman, who hadn't left yet.
"Oh, I'm waiting for my friends to finish packing. They should be down soon," Hachiman replied.
As soon as Hachiman spoke, Yui's voice rang in his ears.
"Hikki, we're ready."
At the sound of her voice, Hachiman turned to see the girls coming down with their luggage.
"Alright, Dojima-senpai, I'm leaving too. We'll stay in touch."
Since the girls had finished packing, Hachiman didn't linger. After bidding farewell to Dojima and the other graduates, he left the hotel with the girls.
However, as the group prepared to board the limousine, an awkward situation unfolded – there was no available seat for Hachiman.
Even though they had rented a limousine, the number of people was quite large, and when the girls arrived, they barely found enough seats. The only available space was filled with luggage.
Seeing this, Hachiman felt a bit exasperated.
"Why bring so much luggage when we're only going for two days? I didn't see you changing clothes that much either."
Hachiman thought and glanced at Yumiko, who blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
"Looking at what? What's wrong with bringing a bit more stuff? Many things might not be necessary, but we can't be without them. Do you understand that?" Hachiman sighed at her words.
"Alright, you girls go ahead. I'll find Dojima-senpai and ask him to arrange a car for me."
With things having come to this point, it seemed the only option. After all, they couldn't just throw away the luggage.
Glancing at the girls in the distance, Hachiman turned around to find Dojima. However, as he turned, he encountered a familiar face.
With dazzling golden hair, violet eyes, and a graceful figure, it could only be Erina. Seeing her, Hachiman greeted her with a smile.
"Hey, Erina, haven't you gone back yet?"
"Huh? What are you doing here?" Erina was also surprised to see Hachiman.
"Well, I was planning to go back too. We rented a limousine, but there's no space for me. So, I'm going to find Dojima-senpai and ask him to arrange a car to take me back to Chiba," Hachiman explained with a hint of helplessness.
"What about you, Erina? Why didn't you take the bus back to Totsuki?"
"I went back to my room to get something, so I missed the bus," Erina explained.
"Back to get something?"
Upon hearing this, Hachiman noticed the photo album-like object Erina was holding.
"Is this a photo album?"
"Yeah, it's a precious childhood memory. I can't afford to lose it," Erina said, and a faint smile appeared on her lips when she spoke of her childhood.
For her, those childhood times were the happiest.
Before undergoing Azami Nakiri's "training"...
"So, that's how it is."
At this moment, Hachiman recalled a similar plot from the original work. Indeed, there was a scene where Soma missed the bus because he went back to get his headband, and he encountered Erina, who missed the bus for a similar reason.
However, he remembered that in this photo album, there was a special picture of Erina and Joichiro. Moreover, the girl cherished this photo quite a bit.
Thinking of this, Hachiman spoke up, "Erina, can you show me the album?"
Hesitating for a moment, Erina eventually agreed.
Taking the album, Hachiman started flipping through it.
The photos inside were similar to the ones Soma showed him before, but one stood out.
From the worn-out corners of this particular photo, it seemed like it had been turned over many more times than the others, indicating the girl's special attachment to it.
And this photo was of Erina and Joichiro together.
"Wow, isn't this Uncle Joichiro? I didn't expect you to have a photo with him, Erina."
"Ah, give it back, you jerk."
Hearing his words, the girl became somewhat excited and reached out to snatch back the photo.
However, Hachiman naturally wouldn't let her succeed, continually evading the girl's reaching hand.
"It seems Erina values this photo a lot. I might get jealous," he teased.
Failing to snatch the photo, Erina turned her head with a huff, "Hmph, what does your jealousy have to do with me?"
Hearing this, a mischievous smile formed on Hachiman's lips as he slowly approached the girl.
"Really, no connection at all?"
Watching him come closer, a faint blush appeared on Erina's face, and her voice softened, "It really has nothing to do with me."
"What are you trying to do..."
"Hehe, of course, prove that this matters to me."
With those words, Hachiman leaned in and kissed the girl's tender, red lips.
Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Erina widened her eyes. However, after a moment, she succumbed and slowly responded.
After an indeterminate amount of time, their lips parted. At this moment, Erina's face was flushed, and her tone carried a hint of coyness.
"What's gotten into you, doing that out of nowhere?"
"Of course, proving that this matters to me. Erina, you belong to me. I'd get jealous if you had other men in your heart, even if it's a middle-aged guy," Hachiman smiled faintly.
Hearing his somewhat possessive words, Erina couldn't help but give him a disdainful look.
However, what the girl didn't notice was that she didn't feel the slightest aversion to Hachiman's kiss. Instead, there was a sense of gradually getting used to it.
In her heart, Joichiro's presence had also lightened a bit, while Hachiman's had gained a few more points.
At this moment, the car arranged by the resort for Erina was ready.
Naturally, Hachiman comfortably joined her in the car, and together, they headed back.
If you want to read 15 chapters ahead..
Visit my patreon: patrèon/Flaptzy
Você também pode gostar
Comentário de parágrafo
O comentário de parágrafo agora está disponível na Web! Passe o mouse sobre qualquer parágrafo e clique no ícone para adicionar seu comentário.
Além disso, você sempre pode desativá-lo/ativá-lo em Configurações.
Entendi