[OreGaIru : New Me!]

….

[-Continuation-]

.

[-Hachiman's POV-]

As Yukino and I headed out of the school, the cool evening air greeted us, brushing against our faces as we walked side by side.

Breaking the silence, she glanced over, her voice calm yet tinged with curiosity.

"What do you think? The prom seems to be coming together quite well."

I paused, considering her question, my hands stuffed into my pockets. "...I think you should prepare, Yukino."

Her brow arched slightly, intrigued by the vague answer. "Prepare for what?"

"For what that might be coming." I said in a flat tone. "The biggest obstacle for the prom isn't the budget, manpower, or any of that nonsense."

She slowed her pace, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she studied me. "And what, pray tell, is the biggest obstacle?"

I leaned forward, a smirk playing at the edge of my lips. "It's that you guys are trying something new... Something that hasn't been done before. Sure, it's just a small event, but... well, it's new."

Yukino frowned, her mind quickly processing his statement. "So you are saying...?"

"New ideas are always questioned, scrutinized, even rejected outright, whether the outcome is positive or negative. That's just how people are. And you should be prepared for the complaints that will come your way and have solutions ready."

She exhaled softly, her expression thoughtful yet undeterred. "I will look into it."

Hachiman gave a short nod, his expression unreadable. "Sure."

….

As we walked together, Yukino slowed down, her gaze shifting to the nearby convenience store just across the street.

"You know." She began, her voice almost thoughtful. "I should probably get something for your family. I don't want to show up empty-handed."

Her remark caught me off guard, and I glanced at her. "Sure… but don't overthink it. A box of chocolates or something will do."

Yukino nodded, her gaze still on the store. "Chocolates, then. It seems like an appropriate choice."

"Alright, let's go get some." I said, stepping toward the crosswalk.

Without missing a beat, Yukino turned and headed straight for the store.

I followed right behind, catching up as we merged into the flow of the street.

We stepped into the store, the smell of snacks hitting us immediately.

Yukino walked straight to the candy aisle, grabbing a box of chocolates without hesitation.

"Here." She said, holding it up.

I raised an eyebrow. "That's a bit much, don't you think?"

Yukino didn't even look at me. "They deserve something decent."

I sighed. "Whatever, fine."

With the chocolates secured under her arm, Yukino made her way to the counter.

I trailed behind, grabbing a can of coffee and strawberry from the cooler on the way.

The cashier rang up our items silently, and I handed over the cash, ignoring Yukino's faint protest.

Yukino took the bag, gave it a quick, soft. "Thanks." and we were out the door, back on the street, the bag swinging between her fingers.

As we stepped outside, the bag swayed lightly in her grasp. Without a word, I took it from her hand, pulling out a can of coffee and handing it to her while I cracked open my own.

She accepted it quietly, her fingers brushing mine for a brief moment before pulling the tab with a soft click.

….

By the time we reached my house, the evening air had started to cool, the sky now a dull orange fading into purple.

We stopped in front of the gate, and I turned to face Yukino, gesturing toward the modest house behind me.

"Well, here we are." I said with a quick glance at her. "Home sweet home."

Yukino's eyes wandered over the house, her expression calm and observant.

"It's... quiet." She said softly, her tone thoughtful. "It seems like a peaceful place."

I gave a short laugh, shaking my head. "If only you knew."

Unlocking the gate, I pushed it open and stepped aside to let her enter first.

The faint hum of voices reached my ears even before we got to the door, a clear sign that the house was anything but quiet.

The lights were on, meaning my parents were home, and as we stepped up to the porch, I could hear the unmistakable sound of Komachi's excited chatter.

Yukino cast a brief glance my way, her composure faltering just slightly.

"I am not sure why I am nervous." She muttered under her breath, almost as if speaking to herself.

I gave her a quick glance, smirking. "Relax, it's just Komachi. She will probably be more focused on the fact that you are here for her."

Just as I finished speaking, the door swung open with a burst of energy, revealing Komachi's bright and eager expression.

"Big brother! Yukino! You are here!" Her voice was filled with excitement, and she pulled Yukino into a quick hug before stepping back.

Yukino looked slightly taken aback by the sudden hug, but she quickly recovered and smiled softly. "Thank you. Here, congratulations, you have worked hard for it."

She handed the chocolate bag she bought with her to Komachi.

"Thanks, Yukino!" Komachi beamed, clearly pleased by her praise.

She stepped aside to let us in. "Come on in! Mom and Dad are already here, and we have got everything ready. You will love it!"

I gave Yukino a quick look before stepping inside.

The familiar sight of the living room greeted me.

The old man was sitting on the couch, a stack of papers in front of him as if he was solving the world's problems - or more likely, pretending to.

Meanwhile, Mom's voice drifted in from the kitchen, accompanied by the soft clinking of plates.

Predictably, Dad didn't even look up as we entered, though the cookie crumbs on his face betrayed his true activity - snacking while 'working.'

"Hey." I said, tossing a glance at them. "I brought the guest of honor."

Yukino stepped in, her posture slightly stiff, but she gave a polite bow. "Thank you for having me."

As expected, the old man didn't respond, his nose still buried in his papers.

I sighed and stepped closer, my voice low but loud enough for Yukino to hear. "Stop acting like you're some busy old man... and at least wipe the cookie crumbs off your face while you are at it."

Dad didn't flinch, stubbornly keeping his act intact.

Komachi, on the other hand, burst into laughter, doubling over as she clutched her sides. "Hahaha! Dad, you are so busted!"

Even Yukino's lips twitched, her usual composure slipping as she tried to suppress a laugh.

After a theatrical pause, Dad finally cleared his throat and looked up, acting as if he had just noticed us.

His face quickly shifted to a more 'formal' expression the moment his eyes landed on Yukino.

"Oh..." He stood, brushing off invisible dust from his shirt and slipping into an overly polished tone. "It seems we have a guest. Welcome."

The performance was so over-the-top it bordered on parody, like something straight out of a bad sitcom.

I shot him a pointed look, my voice dripping with mockery. "You really think anyone is buying that, old man?"

In response, he gave me an exaggerated wink, as if to say - I am the master here.

Yukino, to her credit, remained unbothered, offering him a polite smile. "Thank you for having me."

Her calm demeanor only added to the absurdity of the situation, and I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of amusement.

Komachi, still snickering, gestured toward one of the seats. "Come on, Yukino! Sit down! Everything's ready!"

I took my seat, watching the old man carefully wipe his mouth, clearly trying to salvage some dignity.

"Yeah, Dad." I said dryly, leaning back in my chair. "You might want to save that act for someone."

Yukino sat down across from me, her posture composed as usual, though the faintest trace of amusement still lingered in her expression. The earlier tension seemed to dissipate entirely now.

But, of course, the old man wasn't done putting on a show.

"Hey, Hachiman–!" He started, likely about to rope me into one of his schemes, but then he stopped mid-sentence and turned his attention to Komachi instead.

"Komachi, go tell your mother that we have an important guest. And while you are at it, inform her that your father is summoning her imm–!"

Before he could finish his self-important announcement, Mom stepped into the room with impeccable timing.

Her smile was warm, and it was clear she was already well aware of whatever nonsense Dad was cooking up.

"Yukino, it's so nice to see you!" She said, her tone as genuine as ever. "Thank you for coming to celebrate with us."

Yukino nodded, her usual composure intact. "It's the least I could do."

Komachi flashed a wide grin, clearly enjoying the drama that had unfolded in the last few seconds.

"Now, let's get to the fun part!" She exclaimed, already leading the way to the table where snacks and drinks were laid out.

Yukino followed suit, her earlier stiffness all but gone as she reached for a drink with an air of quiet ease.

Well, for all his faults, the old man had at least succeeded in breaking the tension - though not in the way he probably intended.

…maybe I should cut him some slack.

That thought barely lasted five seconds before Dad's voice cut through the moment once again.

"Cough... Kamakura, an important guest, has arrived. Why don't you greet them?"

All eyes turned toward our cat, Kamakura, who was sprawled out lazily on the couch.

He opened one eye, gave Dad a single, uninterested glance, then promptly curled back into his cozy spot, burying his face further into his paws.

…maybe not.

Komachi burst out laughing again, while Yukino hid her amusement behind her drink.

Even Mom let out a quiet chuckle as she shook her head.

"You know." I said, turning to Dad with a smirk. "-even Kamakura knows when you are overdoing it."

The old man shrugged, clearly unfazed. "A cat with no manners. Must get it from his owner."

I rolled my eyes.

But at least the mood was lively - chaotic, sure, but lively.

.

….

[To be continued…]

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