Chapter 442: Be Yukino Hikigaya? It's up to you to prove it.
"Live for yourself, Yukino."
Upon hearing Hachiman's words, the girl fell silent.
Indeed, upon closer examination, she realized she had been chasing after her sister's shadow since childhood, hoping to one day surpass her.
In the end, it was simply her own competitiveness at play.
Whenever someone praised Haruno in her presence, Yukino couldn't help but feel a bit resentful.
Repeating the same actions as her sister was just a way to prove that she was better.
But even if she eventually succeeded in surpassing her sister one day, would she truly be happy then?
...
As the saying goes, those directly involved are often blind to the truth, while bystanders see clearly.
Yukino, who had been immersed in the dream of "surpassing the class," may not have noticed anything, but Hachiman, as an outsider, could see everything clearly.
Watching Yukino stray further and further down the path of chasing after Haruno, gradually losing herself, even violating her own code of conduct that she had personally set.
After a moment of silence, Yukino lifted her head again.
"I understand. I'll apologize to Sagami-san tomorrow and step down from the executive committee."
Hearing this, Hachiman shook his head with a smile.
"No need for that. You don't have to resign from the executive committee. In fact, if you were to leave, the efficiency of the committee would indeed decrease significantly without you."
"But what about Sagami-san?" Yukino still hesitated.
Shrugging, Hachiman continued, "Don't worry, I've already talked to Sagami-san. She'll remain as the chairperson of the executive committee, and you'll just assist her as you originally promised."
So, he's been helping me all along.
Seeing that Hachiman had already sorted everything out, a warmth filled Yukino's heart.
"Thank you for helping me."
To the girl's gratitude, Hachiman just smiled faintly.
"It's nothing. I've always said I would help you from the beginning. Besides, you're the one who's supposed to become Yukino Hikigaya in the future, so it's only natural for me to help you."
Upon hearing him mention that name again, Yukino blushed slightly.
"Hmph, don't be too full of yourself. Whether I become Yukino Hikigaya in the future depends on your performance."
Seeing the girl acknowledge the name of Yukino Hikigaya, Hachiman felt a sense of satisfaction. It seemed his efforts hadn't been in vain.
However, the revolution is not yet successful, and comrades still need to strive.
After some small talk, the two of them got down to business.
"Yukino, since you've been appointed as the vice chairperson by Sagami-san, you do have the authority to participate in many decisions. However, you must remember that the final decision-making authority still lies with Sagami-san as the chairperson."
"I understand. I did make some mistakes before, and I'll improve," Yukino nodded.
Hachiman smiled, "As long as you understand. Although Sagami-san has the final say, as the vice chairperson, you can still voice your 'opinions' if she makes any questionable decisions."
"I believe Sagami-san will also consider your suggestions."
"And even if Sagami-san isn't good at this kind of thing, it's okay. We can help her organize a task list for the chairperson's duties, so she can follow the tasks on the list."
"As for me, I'll continue to handle the original record-keeping and miscellaneous tasks. If any problems arise, I'll be there to help you guys promptly."
After listening to Hachiman's arrangements, Yukino felt a bit helpless.
It felt like Hachiman had become the hidden boss behind the scenes.
It was like working hard to reach the final level, only to find out that the final boss was an inconspicuous NPC from the early stages.
But since Hachiman had already arranged everything, Yukino didn't have any objections.
After all, based on past experience, Hachiman was quite reliable.
After the two of them discussed everything, it was almost dinner time.
Hachiman wouldn't miss such a good opportunity, so he immediately texted Komachi and stayed at Yukino's apartment to eat before leaving.
Seeing his somewhat cheeky demeanor, Yukino had no choice but to make an extra dinner.
The sky had already darkened, and lights were beginning to illuminate outside the window.
At this moment, Hachiman and Yukino were just like any other family.
Under the glow of the lights, they enjoyed a simple and warm dinner together.
....
In the meeting room, each executive committee member was busy with their respective tasks. Thanks to Hachiman's intervention, there was no shortage of manpower as in the original story. Everyone performed their duties, and although busy, they didn't experience the overwhelming workload.
During these days, Manami also experienced growth under the "guidance" of Hachiman and Yukino. She began to resemble more of an executive committee chairperson. At least she could handle the work assignments for each group, and if there were any shortcomings, Yukino would step in to supplement and arrange.
With orderly arrangements and occasional encouragement from Iroha, everything proceeded smoothly.
At this moment, Yukino was sitting at the computer wearing the glasses Hachiman had bought earlier, typing away. There were already many processed documents placed beside her.
Sitting next to her was Minami, who was now the chairperson of the executive committee. Unlike the leisurely portrayal in the original story, she was diligently learning how to handle various documents. If she encountered any problems, she would discuss with Yukino, but most of the time, she listened while Yukino spoke.
Everything seemed to be going well. As long as they maintained this momentum, there shouldn't be any major issues with the cultural festival.
Just then, the door of the meeting room was pulled open, and a cheerful voice echoed in. It was Hayama, holding a form in his hand.
"Sorry to disturb. I'm here to submit the application form for the performance schedule," Hayama said as he entered.
"Please go to the right side to submit the form," Yukino replied without lifting her head.
"Thank you."
Unconcerned by her cold demeanor, Hayama headed to the designated area on the right. After submitting the form, he didn't immediately leave but instead approached Hachiman.
"Everything seems to be going smoothly," he remarked.
"Yeah, more or less," Hachiman responded nonchalantly.
"How are the class performances coming along?"
"The rehearsals are going smoothly, and the costumes have been made, thanks to Kawasaki. She's really talented," Hayama smiled.
Hachiman nodded, unsurprised by Kawasaki Saki's sewing skills. Given her busy parents, she likely took on a caretaker role for her siblings, including sewing and mending.
"It looks like Hikigaya-kun has been working hard lately too," Hayama observed, noticing the files piled up next to Hachiman.
"I'm doing fine. I'm just handling recording and miscellaneous tasks. In terms of workload, it's nothing compared to what Yukino and the others are dealing with," Hachiman replied.
"Yeah, it seems like Yukinoshita is shouldering more of the burden," Hayama agreed, glancing at Yukino, who was still busy.
During this period, others also entered the meeting room, some submitting performance applications, others raising equipment or manpower issues. With the cultural festival approaching, the number of visitors increased, adding pressure to the executive committee members.
However, with Yukino's efficient management and Minami's growth under her guidance, things were proceeding smoothly. With the leadership of the chairperson and vice-chairperson, each department's tasks were progressing well.
Observing this, Hayama spoke again, "It seems like Sagami-san has grown a lot recently. It's been a while since she went out with her classmates. It seems like she's fully dedicated to the cultural festival."
"Do you know anything about that, Hikigaya-kun?"
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Chapter 443: Hachiman Taking Over the Work
"About Sagami-san's changes, Hachiman, do you know anything?"
Upon hearing this, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.
It seemed that Hayama had already guessed something.
But it wasn't surprising. Hayama wasn't someone who lacked intelligence or emotional intelligence. On the contrary, he was quite capable in both aspects, which was evident from his popularity in the class and the school.
Hayama had a good understanding of Minami's personality from before. He used to visit the class frequently during the early days of the cultural festival. So seeing such a significant change in her now was surprising.
It made him curious about who had influenced Minami's transformation. In his impression, Yukino wouldn't do such a thing, leaving only one possible answer: Hachiman, who was also an executive committee member.
Before, Hayama hadn't viewed Minami's appointment as the executive committee chairperson positively. He knew her capabilities well enough; honestly, not being a hindrance would have been good enough. Allowing someone like her to become the chairperson was definitely not a good thing.
According to his deduction, if there were any disruptions in the various tasks, Yukino wouldn't just stand by. He and Yukino had grown up together, and he knew her personality well. If Yukino ended up handling the mess, Hachiman wouldn't just sit back either.
So Hayama believed that Minami's significant change was definitely related to Hachiman.
But even if he guessed it, what could he do? Was Hachiman someone who would easily admit it?
Hachiman shrugged, appearing nonchalant. "Is that so? I don't think it's a big deal. After all, Sagami-san is the executive committee chairperson for this cultural festival. It's only natural to put in some effort."
Hayama didn't press further upon Hachiman's ambiguous response, simply smiling. "Perhaps."
As time passed, more and more people entered the meeting room. It wasn't just Hachiman and Yukino handling activities exclusive to the second-year students; the cultural festival involved the whole school.
With three grades combined, there were at least twenty to thirty classes participating. And it wasn't feasible for only one representative from each class to attend. So while there wasn't a shortage of manpower like in the original story, there was still some chaos with multiple people crowded around each table.
Certainly, there were some who didn't know which table to report to. For instance, a girl who had just entered was startled by the large number of people. Judging by her somewhat youthful face, she was probably a freshman.
Moreover, this girl seemed a bit timid and shy. She stood there, unsure of how to approach amidst the bustling crowd.
Just then, she noticed Hachiman and Hayama, who appeared relatively free compared to the others, and mustered up the courage to ask, "Excuse me, where should I submit the application form for the performance?"
Apparently, this freshman mistook Hayama for an executive committee member as well.
Although it wasn't his task, Hayama, being helpful by nature, naturally didn't refuse the request from the freshman.
"If you need to submit the application form for the performance, you should go to that table."
"Ah, thank you."
Seeing the location pointed out by Hayama, the freshman quickly bowed in gratitude.
At this moment, others also approached Hayama, thinking he was an executive committee member, and asked him questions. However, most of those surrounding him were girls.
"I'll help too," Hachiman said, standing up at the same time.
But instead of guiding the newcomers like Hayama, he went to Minami's position.
"Sagami-san, why don't you go help Hayama guide the newcomers? I'll handle these documents for you."
Hearing Hachiman's words, Minami, who was extremely busy, nodded as if receiving amnesty and quickly stood up to vacate her seat.
"I understand. Thank you."
Honestly, she wasn't very good at this sort of thing. Compared to handling various documents, she preferred guiding the crowd. After these few days of "enlightenment," she had a clearer understanding of the responsibilities of each department.
Pulling out a chair, Hachiman sat directly in Minami's seat and began taking over her work.
Glancing at Hachiman beside her, Yukino continued her work without interruption, but she felt a slight sense of relief in her heart.
Thus, the two of them, one on the left and one on the right, worked together to handle the influx of documents swiftly.
At the entrance, Hayama and Minami received one student after another inquiring about various matters. Eventually, even Meguri came over to help.
After everyone had been busy for a while, they finally managed to handle the influx of people.
"Great job, everyone," Meguri said, comforting everyone after the busy period.
It seemed that the "Meguri Energy" had its effect, and the executive committee members relaxed a bit.
"Thank you as well, this student," Meguri quickly thanked Hayama.
Before Hayama could respond, some second-year female students who knew him directly exclaimed:
"Hayama-kun truly lives up to his reputation."
"Yeah, he's always so eager to help."
...
With Hayama's popularity, it wasn't surprising that he was recognized.
"Oh, so you're the famous Hayama-kun?" Hearing the remarks, Meguri also understood Hayama's identity.
Hayama chuckled, "Haha, calling me famous is a bit exaggerated. I'm just an ordinary student."
"In any case, thank you for your help, Hayama-kun," Meguri thanked him again.
"It's nothing, just a small thing," Hayama smiled, then turned to the crowd and asked, "But it seems like you guys are working hard. Do you need more hands? Should I lend a hand?"
Hearing this, Meguri and Minami were tempted, but unfortunately, Yukino directly refused.
"No need, today's just busy because the cultural festival is approaching. The number of submissions will decrease later, and if there's anything, Hachiman will help me."
Saying this, Yukino looked at Hachiman sitting beside her.
Hearing her words, many people recalled Hachiman's excellent performance just now.
Upon closer examination, Hachiman seemed to handle various documents even faster than Yukino.
Thinking of this, Meguri clasped her hands together and wore a gentle smile.
"That's right, that's right. I didn't expect Hikigaya-kun to be so capable. No wonder even Haruno-senpai praised him."
Hearing this, Hachiman felt a bit helpless.
This Meguri really was a big fan of Haruno. She couldn't go without mentioning her.
What's the inevitable connection between my excellence and Haruno?
And why mention Haruno in front of Yukino? Although the girl wasn't just chasing after her sister's shadow like before, hearing such remarks still made her feel uncomfortable.
But since Hachiman was pushed to the forefront by the girl, he naturally spoke symbolically.
"That's right, the cultural festival is opening in a few days. This is just the final busy period. Also, Hayama, have the rehearsals for the class performance been completed? I remember you're one of the main roles."
"So there's no need for help. Hayama, just take care of your class's affairs," Yukino added.
Hearing both Hachiman and Yukino, Minami quickly nodded.
"That's right, Hayama-kun, you just need to handle your class's affairs. Leave the rest to us!"
Seeing this, Hayama didn't insist. "Alright, if there's anything you need help with, just let me know."
"Alright then, I'll take my leave as well. I've been out for a while, and I need to go back to my class."
With that, he didn't linger and left the meeting room.
Seeing Hayama off to the door, Meguri returned to the meeting room.
Clapping her hands together, she wore a gentle smile once again and spoke up.
"Well then, let's keep up the effort. The cultural festival is just around the corner, and we only need to push a little harder."
Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a refreshing spring, nourishing everyone's spirits.
Under the influence of "Meguri Energy," the executive committee members seemed to be filled with motivation again, and they resumed their work with renewed vigor.
Meanwhile, Hachiman remained seated at Minami's desk, continuing to handle the remaining files from earlier.
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