บท 526: [526] You Two Might as Well Take the Name Hikigaya
Chapter 526: You Two Might as Well Take the Name Hikigaya
"Huh, Hikki?"
Seeing Hachiman not far away, Yui was a bit surprised.
"Why are you here? Didn't you say you had something to do and went home early?"
"I went to help Isshiki with something earlier. Now that it's done, I'm free," Hachiman replied with a smile.
Yukino cast a questioning glance at him. "So why haven't you gone home yet?"
In her mind, Hachiman was not the type to enjoy walking around the mall. Him showing up alone today definitely had a reason behind it.
Hearing Yukino's question, Hachiman smiled and shrugged.
"Actually, I'm here to buy a gift. Komachi's birthday is coming up, and as her brother, I have to get her something."
"A gift?!"
Yui was initially surprised, then broke into a cheerful smile.
"What a coincidence! Yukinon and I are also here to get a present for Komachi."
"You too?"
Now, Hachiman was genuinely surprised. What is this, bribing his future sister-in-law?
Yui, oblivious to Hachiman's thoughts, simply smiled and extended an invitation.
"Hikki, want to join us in picking one?"
It was like getting a pillow when you're ready to nap—he had been racking his brain over what to get Komachi. He quickly nodded and agreed.
"Sure."
"Then let's go!"
Seeing Hachiman agree, Yui's face lit up with joy as she grabbed his arm.
Not only did she take Hachiman's arm, but she also grabbed Yukino's with her other hand.
And just like that, the three of them walked side by side.
"Hikki, what kind of things does Komachi like?"
Looking at the nearby shops, Yui asked for Hachiman's opinion.
Yukino also glanced over, curious about the same thing. After all, when it comes to gift-giving, it helps to have some idea.
Unfortunately, they were both disappointed. Hachiman could only shrug helplessly.
"Honestly, I don't really know what Komachi likes. I was just stressing about it earlier. I feel like whatever I give her, she'll accept it happily."
"Come on, you're such an unqualified big brother."
Hearing his response, Yui pouted in discontent, and even Yukino showed a bit of disdain on her face.
"Indeed, that's pretty disappointing."
Hachiman sighed and smiled bitterly.
What could he say? It seemed like he really was at fault here.
Ever since he became successful from writing novels, he'd always given Komachi the best of everything. But because of that, over time, he realized there was nothing in particular that she really wanted anymore.
And that's exactly why Hachiman was struggling so much with finding her a birthday present.
But now, things felt much easier.
For a guy, all he really needed to do while shopping was follow along and pay the bill.
They arrived at an accessory store, and Yui picked up a hair clip, showing it to the other two.
"How about getting this hair clip for Komachi? I think it looks pretty nice."
Seeing the clip, Yukino shook her head.
"I don't think so. It looks too flashy."
That was true. The clip Yui held had too many decorations—flowers and a cloud-like trim. It matched Yui's taste perfectly, but for Komachi, it wouldn't fit her style.
"Really? Well, I guess not then. I thought it looked nice though," Yui said, a bit disappointed as she put the clip down.
Seeing how much she liked it, Hachiman smiled.
"If you like it, Yui, I'll buy it for you. Consider it a gift from me."
"Really?" Yui's eyes lit up, but after a moment, she shook her head.
"No, it's okay. Today we're here to buy a birthday present for Komachi, not for me."
"What's the big deal? Does it have to be a birthday for me to buy you a gift? Think of it as compensation for helping me pick something for Komachi today," Hachiman said, waving off her concern.
As he spoke, he picked up the hair clip and handed it to Yui.
Not stopping there, he turned toward Yukino as well and added, "Yukino, if you see something you like, just let me know."
Yukino didn't refuse, simply nodding lightly in response.
The three of them continued browsing through the accessory store, discussing what gift to buy for Komachi.
"How about a scarf?"
"Winter's almost over. If we give it now, it'll be too late."
"How about a bracelet?"
"No, Komachi probably wouldn't like something that heavy."
"Then earrings?"
"I don't think Komachi has pierced ears."
"…"
As each of Yui's suggestions got rejected by Yukino, she started feeling increasingly defeated.
Yui glanced at Hachiman, who hadn't offered any opinions, and felt a bit frustrated.
"Hikki, as her brother, at least share your thoughts! Is there anything Komachi really wants?"
If I knew what that girl wanted, would I be stressing out like this?
Hachiman smirked at Yui's complaint. Wait a minute… There might actually be something Komachi wants.
Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.
"I've got it. I know what Komachi wants."
"Really? What does she want?" Yui quickly turned to him, and even Yukino looked over with interest.
Hachiman's lips curved into a playful smile as he glanced at the two girls in front of him.
"Komachi has always been concerned about my future, so I think she'd be thrilled if the two of you changed your last names to 'Hikigaya.'"
"Huh? Change our last names to Hikigaya…"
Yui froze for a moment, not quite catching on at first. But soon enough, she understood the implication behind Hachiman's words, and her face turned red with embarrassment and indignation.
"Hikki!!!"
Changing their last names to Hikigaya—wouldn't that mean marrying Hachiman?
Even though Yui didn't mind the idea deep down, how could something like that be considered a gift?
While part of her was indeed tempted, Yukino's expression turned cold as she watched Hachiman's mischievous grin.
"Hmph, Yui, let's go. It's clear we can't rely on him," she said, unimpressed.
Yukino grabbed Yui's hand and, without paying Hachiman any more attention, walked straight ahead.
Watching their backs, Hachiman shrugged and followed after them. He still thought his idea was great—if it actually happened, Komachi would definitely be thrilled.
Catching up with them, Hachiman offered a more practical suggestion this time.
"I think we should skip decorative items for Komachi. It's better to get her something she can actually use, like a cup, a pillow, or maybe some pajamas."
"Great idea!" Yui's eyes lit up, and even Yukino nodded in approval.
With that, the three of them headed to a home goods store. The store had furniture, decorations, and various household items. Not only that, but it also featured pre-designed model rooms, giving it a theme park-like atmosphere.
Passing by one of the display rooms, Yui and Yukino grew curious and went inside to take a look, with Hachiman naturally following.
The room was predominantly white, and although it was just a display, it felt like a cozy little home. The space was divided into sections—a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom—fully furnished as if someone could really live there.
Looking around, Yui couldn't help but feel a bit wistful.
"This is so nice. I'd love to live in a place like this."
"It is quite nice—simple layout, no excessive decorations," Yukino agreed with a nod.
"Whoa~~" Yui said, playfully swinging her legs as she sat on the bed in the bedroom.
"By the way, Hikki, Yukinon, if we get into university, will you guys rent a place to live?"
Yukino, who had been examining the room's decor, paused at the question and subtly glanced in Hachiman's direction before nodding.
"For me, I'd probably rent a place, like I do now."
Thanks to the success of the cat website, Yukino had a stable source of income, enough to cover rent and living expenses.
"Really? Yukinon, could we share an apartment then?" Yui asked excitedly.
The three of them had applied to the same university, so if all went well, they could attend the same school.
"Live together…"
Yukino was taken aback by the suggestion. She hadn't expected Yui to ask that and wasn't sure how to respond. In truth, there was someone she would prefer to live with more than Yui...
As she was about to glance at Hachiman again, he suddenly spoke up.
"Renting? There's no need for that."
"I'll just buy a place near the university," he added matter-of-factly.
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