บท 22: Ch 22. The Everywhere Troublemaker Hoshimi
"Hoshimi, what are you here for?"
In the stifling atmosphere of the Service Club's classroom, Yukinoshita stared at Hoshimi with a gaze as heavy as water. Beside her, Yui Yuigahama grew increasingly nervous. She clung tightly to Yukinoshita's arm, widening her eyes at Hoshimi in an attempt to intimidate him.
"Yukinoshita, why don't you guess what I'm here for?" Hoshimi's mouth curled into a smile, his radiant expression carrying an enigmatic depth, with a hint of malevolence.
"..."
Yukinoshita remained silent, staring at Hoshimi without a word, waiting for him to speak first. Hoshimi wasn't in a hurry either, keeping his smile and holding her gaze. Both, understanding each other to some extent, stayed in this stalemate, seemingly waiting for the other to break the silence.
While Hoshimi and Yukinoshita held their ground with confidence, Yuigahama and Hikigaya found the oppressive atmosphere unbearable. After the stalemate began, the clubroom was filled with the heavy tension of an impending storm. It was a suffocating feeling, where even breathing might trigger a terrifying downpour.
Hikigaya's breathing grew faint until he held his breath entirely, afraid of disturbing their confrontation. Yuigahama, similarly tense, held her breath, her eyes fixed on Hoshimi, unable to move. As her lung capacity reached its limit, her chest began to tighten, and her face turned red.
"Heh~"
Just as Yuigahama was about to lose it, Hoshimi chuckled lightly and said nonchalantly, "Yukinoshita, I'm here to negotiate. Are you really not going to consider it?"
"Huh?!"
Before Yukinoshita could respond, the red-faced Yuigahama looked at Hoshimi in astonishment. Negotiate?! Who negotiates like this? Starting with mockery and pressure, it didn't look like negotiation at all! Wait?! He said "negotiate," which means Hoshimi was seeking peace? What's going on? Why would Hoshimi, who holds the advantage, seek peace? Could it be that he wasn't the one initiating the attack?
Yuigahama, puzzled, glanced at Yukinoshita and then back at Hoshimi. This situation wasn't as she thought; it seemed much more complicated.
"Um? Yuigahama-san, do you know nothing about this? Has Yukinoshita told you nothing? Aren't you friends?" Hoshimi tilted his head slightly, looking at the confused Yuigahama with a hint of curiosity.
"..." Yuigahama glanced at Yukinoshita, bit her lip, and whispered, "...Yukinon wants to handle it herself, so I don't want to interfere..."
"Yuigahama-san, you don't have to answer his questions." Sensing Hoshimi's malicious intent, Yukinoshita interrupted Yuigahama, staring at Hoshimi with a cold voice, "Hoshimi, are you really here to negotiate?"
"Yes." Hoshimi spread his hands openly, "Yukinoshita, I said I don't want to be your enemy. You've always targeted me for revenge, but my intent has always been to negotiate."
"..." Yukinoshita's expression grew colder. She looked into Hoshimi's red eyes, her voice emotionless, "Hoshimi, your actions don't seem like you're seeking peace. You know why I seek revenge. Have you forgotten what you did to me?"
"Sigh~" Hoshimi sighed lightly, letting his hands fall naturally at his sides. He looked at Yukinoshita with a touch of helplessness, "Yukinoshita, what I did to you had no substantial impact; it's just that you can't get over it in your heart."
"Besides, I said I could apologize, but your conditions were too high for me to meet."
"As for my recent actions..."
"You seek revenge, I seek peace. Naturally, I have to show you the cost of revenge."
"I'm just trying to force you to negotiate through these means."
"So, clever Yukinoshita-san, do you understand now?"
Yukinoshita closed her book, placing her hands gracefully on her lap. She straightened up, assuming a perfect lady-like posture with a faint smile, "I understand, but I won't negotiate with you. Can you understand my stance, arrogant Hoshimi-kun?"
"So, there's no room for negotiation~" Hoshimi shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.
"Exactly, arrogant Hoshimi-kun, so could you please leave my club?" Yukinoshita maintained her faint smile as she showed him out.
"Well~ there's no rush. Besides being your enemy, I'm also a student at Sobu High. You can't kick me out for visiting the Service Club to make friends, can you?"
Hoshimi's demeanor relaxed, exuding a lazy aura.
"..." Yukinoshita's brows twitched imperceptibly before resuming her faint smile, "In that case, please limit your visit to ten minutes, or it will affect the club's activities."
"Ok~ no problem~" Hoshimi lazily made an "ok" gesture. Then he walked to the long table, looking down at Yuigahama opposite him.
"Yuigahama-san, may I introduce myself?" Hoshimi extended his hand amicably.
"Uh..." Hesitant, Yuigahama instinctively looked at Yukinoshita beside her.
"Um? Do you need Yukinoshita's permission to make friends? Are you Yukinoshita's follower, needing her approval for such small matters?" Hoshimi teased playfully.
"Uh..." Yuigahama was stunned, her eyes involuntarily focusing on Hoshimi's face, unsure what to do.
"Sigh~" Yukinoshita sighed, looking at Hoshimi with a cold expression, "Hoshimi, don't force me to kick you out. If you're visiting, just visit, don't overstep."
"Sorry~ sorry~ my bad." Hoshimi smiled, retracting his hand and moving towards the other quiet member, Hikigaya.
Watching Hoshimi's back, a cold glint appeared in Yukinoshita's eyes. Hoshimi, that bastard, openly trying to sow discord in front of her, clearly not taking her seriously. Moreover, Yuigahama actually fell for his obvious provocation...
This could be troublesome. If Hoshimi finds Yuigahama easily swayed, he might indeed target her. This bastard! Just like her sister, with the same nasty nature!
Now she had one more reason to seek revenge on Hoshimi!
"Hikigaya-san, may I introduce myself?"
As Yukinoshita reaffirmed her resolve, Hoshimi had already approached Hikigaya and extended his hand.
"Hello... I'm Hikigaya..."
Looking at the slender, fair hand in front of him, Hikigaya shook it politely.
"I remember your name is Hikigaya Hachiman, right? Is your name derived from Hachiman Daibosatsu?"
Hoshimi's opening line made Hikigaya feel the social prowess. A new transfer student, knowing his name so quickly, and starting with a relatable topic, made it easy to respond without discomfort. At that moment, Hikigaya felt the oppressive gap in social skills. He straightened his posture, responding to Hoshimi's topic.
"The name Hachiman indeed comes from..."
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