The Hikigaya couple's youthful love story is definitely not a problem.

As for Yui's choice of medical school, Hachiman still can't figure out why, as if she filled in the wrong university.

While chatting with Hachiman in complete relaxation, Isshiki somehow felt that the experience of being in a fast food restaurant was much better than staying at home.

Hachiman didn't know how to respond. Normally, he would ask Isshiki what he was like when he was a child, but today, after being questioned by the only friend he was somewhat familiar with, and who even asked about the key points, he was a little flustered.

Even the habit of recording things, which I had done countless times and which had almost become instinctive, has quietly changed.

It seems this year's holiday was going to be unstable from the very beginning, and I have no idea what next year will be like.

As a human being's first wish, Hachiman naturally wants to see life get better and better in the future.

But it seemed that some being felt that Hachiman's life was too mundane—and in the days that followed, it brought Hachiman a series of surprises, to the point that he even felt like he had no will to live.

On Isshiki-chan's birthday, I want to dedicate a song to her called "Cooling Down".

I now realize that wearing this outfit wasn't a waste of time, and spending the afternoon awkwardly chatting with you was worth it.

Gently swirling the wine glass in his hand, watching the crystal-clear liquid inside ripple like waves in a transparent glass with his movements, a faint spiciness gradually spread from his mouth to his esophagus. As the burning sensation rose, Issei felt that not only his stomach was stimulated, but even his somewhat tired body relaxed.

Soothing and melodious music filled the air. Although Hachiman couldn't immediately name the music playing in the room or offer his own commentary, he still managed to elicit a look of admiration from Isshiki.

But this doesn't stop Hachiman from appreciating it.

Moreover, due to the price, Hachiman was also extremely looking forward to the dinner he would be spending with Iroha.

So why is it that, whether in movies or in real life, men always like to invite women out for dinner at night?

Suddenly remembering something, Shiro asked Hachiman with great interest.

There are many reasons. First, the evening is when most people have finished their day's work, so they don't have to worry about whether they will have work to do next, and can enjoy their leisure time to the fullest.

Another reason is, for example, when you're in a good mood and see alcohol, unless you're someone who doesn't drink at all, you'll basically have a few drinks.

In situations where there is mutual attraction and intention, it's understandable that the brain might experience temporary excitement after being stimulated by alcohol.

As for what happened next, you probably already know.

A faint smile appeared on Hachiman's face.

He stared intently at her fair, clean face.

A girl with outstanding looks and exquisite makeup is always captivating, and Isshiki's refreshing vitality always subtly influences Hachiman, bringing him a good mood.

Do you guys think about this kind of thing all the time? While showing a look of utter disgust, Iroha didn't forget to swallow the rest of the wine in his glass.

I don't know if it was because of the alcohol, but even with a little makeup, I couldn't stop a faint blush from appearing on my face.

"I just mentioned it casually since you asked. Isn't that what love is all about in the end?" Hachiman said casually, and he didn't find it inappropriate to talk about this with Isshiki.

Senior, you also... Anyway, I think that what love is about is not just that kind of thing. Adding icing on the cake is good, but the most important thing is the little things in life, right? It's impossible to do that kind of thing from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep every day, right? She was talking to Hachiman in a low voice, and Isshiki's gaze kept drifting. For her, who had just come of age, this kind of conversation was really too hurtful. So, I finally understand why that senior said that the difference between girls is like the difference between yellow mangoes and green mangoes.

Hachiman's gaze wandered, never letting it fall on Iroha's amber eyes.

It's not just because the topics they were discussing were somewhat...

More than anything, it was because Hachiman didn't want to see the affection hidden in Iroha's eyes.

What does that mean? Ise thought for a long time, but couldn't figure out why green mangoes and yellow mangoes could be used to describe girls.

Some are yellow from the inside out, while others may appear green on the surface, but are actually yellow in reality.

However, saying that is a bit unrealistic. After all, there are so many people in the world, and some of them will do things with exceptionally pure intentions.

Of course, this doesn't include you.

Seeing the look on Isshiki's face change from understanding to anticipation, Hachiman spoke with malice.

That's really going too far. To slander a girl's reputation like that. If it weren't for our good relationship, I probably would have rolled my eyes right now. Every time Isshiki does something like that, Hachiman is always amazed.

If it weren't for you, I might not have made that kind of joke.

Isshiki is indeed the only person besides Komachi to whom Hachiman can make some excessive jokes.

Therefore, even knowing that the girl had somewhat different feelings for him, Hachiman could never control himself.

I cherish the invaluable friendship with Se.

So, should I then express my deepest gratitude to you? And also confess my feelings as a token of appreciation for your kindness, only to be politely declined by you?

It means that we should just be friends, and that you've always treated me like a younger sister, and I've never developed any romantic feelings for you.

Come on, this kind of plot happened years ago, can't you be considerate of my feelings? Although it has been a long time, every time Ishiki recalls the scene from back then, she can't help but feel her heart become heavy.

In the past, no matter what, it was always Iroha Isshiki who gave out cards to others, and she had never been the one to receive a sister card. What's more, this time the person she received a card from was actually Hachiman, whom Iroha had always teased.

Let's not dwell on the past. Back then, neither you nor I had really thought things through, which led to the way things turned out. But now that we've talked it out and figured it out, there's no real problem anymore.

While enjoying expensive delicacies, Hachiman chatted with Isshiki about all sorts of topics.

While not speaking while eating is a sign of high civility, sometimes silence can be incredibly awkward.

The sound came from behind. In this environment, if Hachiman didn't keep trying to find topics to talk about with Isshiki, the two of them would look like an awkward, unsociable stalemate.

Are you sure there's nothing seriously wrong? I haven't found a man I like yet. If I can't find one in the future, am I supposed to expect you to support me? Isshiki looked at Hachiman with a hint of reproach, as if Hachiman was to blame for her not being able to find a boyfriend.

Wait a minute, didn't you start using me as a shield as soon as you entered university, and then no other guy came up to you and got humiliated? I didn't even ask you for an appearance fee, and yet you're blaming me for it.

Hachiman was extremely aggrieved. He inexplicably got such a lively and cute girlfriend, received a lot of malice for no reason, and didn't get any of the benefits he should have received.

Although he always manages to hold Isshiki's soft, flat little hand, don't forget that Hachiman has a younger sister named Komachi.

Therefore, unlike otaku who face discrimination in Japanese society, he wouldn't get excited for half a day just from holding hands.

Compared to the actual benefits he received, the role of the perverted boyfriend brought Hachiman only endless trouble.

There are always some people who will inexplicably come knocking on your door because of this identity.

Whether you're here to dig into the foundation or to discuss and learn from others' experiences, it doesn't really matter.

In Hachiman's opinion, the most outrageous person was the class representative of Isshiki's class.

It was as if he didn't understand human relationships or simply wanted to use his power to make things difficult for Hachiman. Every time there were various school events that required him to participate in and act out a scene with Yan-seki, Hachiman would always be approached and ordered around by that person to do things that had nothing to do with him.

Appearance fee? Do you know how many people have wanted to pretend to be my partner and I haven't agreed to any of them? This is something you can only beg for, and you not only don't appreciate it but also ask me for an appearance fee? Iroha stopped even making a sound with her mouth. She had just eaten a small piece of meat, and her cheek puffed out. She protested to Hachiman in a murmured tone, looking quite surprised.

Hachiman looked as if he had just realized he wouldn't get paid—his face showed seven parts of disbelief, while the remaining three parts were probably due to his psychological imbalance.

Since it's an unpaid job, I'm not going to do it. After this year's vacation, I'll go back to school and spread the news of our breakup. It was as if I had planned it all along, Hachiman said with perfect clarity of mind.

However, what was just a joke caught Ise completely off guard.

If Hachiman really does that, then Isshiki, who is suddenly single, will probably enjoy care from all sides in the days to come. After all, a girl who has just broken up with her boyfriend will have a very high chance of success if she is given enough care and love and her covetousness is well hidden.

Although this approach is somewhat unethical, taking advantage of the girl's vulnerability after the breakup and the inherent tension between them, we must admit that it is indeed a very effective method when faced with countless facts.

Therefore, Isshiki was well aware that if Hachiman really spread the news that the two had broken up, then her life for the next few months would probably be anything but peaceful. Even though Isshiki was the kind of person who was cold to the core and no matter how unapproachable she was in her daily life, there would always be all sorts of presumptuous people who wanted to find out the truth.

Moreover, Se is inherently a very lively and cute girl, ordinary yet perfectly suited to be a partner.

Appearance fee it is, I'll accept it this time, as long as it's within an acceptable range.

However, since you've calculated everything so clearly, don't blame me for giving you a taste of your own medicine.

With a slight bite of her lip, Isshiki knew that Hachiman would never ask for an exorbitant reward that she couldn't possibly afford, so the loss was definitely not as great as she had imagined. However, after being tricked, Isshiki felt that no one would be happy.

Don't worry, at most I'll just ask you to treat me to afternoon tea.

After all, there should be some interaction between boyfriends and girlfriends.

He deliberately emphasized certain words, and Hachiman is very happy now.

A trap like today isn't always successful. No matter what, Iroha is a smart girl, and Hachiman rarely gets the chance to dig a trap like today, waiting for her to foolishly fall into it. However, Hachiman originally thought that Iroha would express her dissatisfaction while acting cute, but to his surprise, the girl lowered her head for some reason, just like a child who had made a mistake.

Hachiman was now bewildered. Subconsciously, Hachiman told himself that when a girl didn't want to talk to him, it was usually because she was angry. But the conversation between the two of them just now was completely in line with their usual habits, and there was no possibility that he had said something wrong that made her angry.

Therefore, Isshiki's sudden change of heart truly puzzled Hachiman.

Senior, don't talk, just pretend you're eating.

With an extremely uncomfortable and embarrassed look on her face, Isshiki Hatake looked as if she wanted to shove herself under the table.

Is it someone I know? Hachiman was now quite curious. He wanted to see who it was that made Isshiki act like this, so desperate to avoid being seen by the other person. Ignoring Isshiki's words, Hachiman turned around with interest.

However, in a very short time, Hachiman regretted not listening to Isshiki and froze in his seat as if struck by lightning. He had just drunk alcohol not long ago, but Hachiman suddenly realized that he was now thirsty. Even though time flies and several years have passed in the blink of an eye, some people's shadows will always be frozen in a certain moment.

Even with the changed appearance, Hachiman could still recognize the woman carrying the small bag who seemed to be looking for someone.

Yui Yuigahama is Hachiman Hikigaya's real ex-girlfriend. The two had already consummated their marriage. So how could Hachiman not recognize her just because her unique pink hair had grown to her waist?

But the next second, Hachiman really regretted recognizing her, so he stopped what he was doing, causing their eyes to meet, and Yui to take a step towards him.

if line

Chapter Nineteen: Today's full class only costs two thousand.

With a face full of joy, Yui's steps, as light as a swirling gust of wind, seemed to be heading straight for Hachiman's embrace.

Because of the girl's actions, Hachiman unknowingly developed the idea that he and Yui were still in the honeymoon phase.

When it comes to his understanding of Yui, Hachiman can say with certainty that this girl has left his mark on her in both her heart and body, both externally and internally.

Whether it's humidity, temperature, or even those tiny wrinkles, they're no longer a mystery to Hachiman.

Even Yui's favorite angle has become very familiar to Hachiman through their long-term interaction.

Therefore, when the fragrance arrived before the person did, Hachiman, who had just been discussing age-restricted topics with Iroha, immediately thought of those moist and warm spring nights they had shared together.

But halfway through, Yui seemed to have figured something out.

The expression on his face instantly froze.

Just imagine—the people who appear here are almost all in pairs.

Whether it's one man and one woman, or one man and multiple women, or multiple women and multiple men and one woman, even the most extreme group of men will arrive in pairs.

While there are places where someone can appear in formal attire, this is certainly not one of them.

Therefore, the fact that Hachiman is here means that he must have a date.

Yuihama-senpai~ What a coincidence, we actually met here.

Since Yui's approach was unavoidable, Isshiki stopped clinging to any hope of getting away with it.

She raised her head quite directly, and while speaking, she didn't forget to wipe the trace of oil from the corner of her mouth with a tissue.

Ah, that's quite a coincidence.