Hachiman's POV
Komachi: "Wow~ Onii-chan, this is amazing! Who'd have thought my lazy brother would become such a great cook~ Man, I miss the days when you bragged about your sixth-grade cooking skills."
Hachiman: "Why so nostalgic? I've grown too… Though my teacher's Spartan training probably forced this skill on me."
CB: "Huh~ Hachiman was a slacker before?"
Komachi: "Oh yeah~ He'd argue back at everything, not much to brag about. But now? I could introduce him without shame. Great cook, Tracen Academy trainer and all."
CB: "No way! Hachiman's our trainer!"
Ardan: "Even if it's you, Komachi-sama, I won't let Anii-sama go to anyone."
Fuji: "Yeah, Komachi-san, introducing Hachiman-san to someone now would be tough."
Hachiman: "What're you guys competing over? Either help with the food or get lost."
Air Groove: "I trust Hachiman, but you're not out there picking up girls, right?"
Hachiman: "That's not trust, is it?"
Rice: "Onii-sama, where do I put this dish?"
Hachiman: "Middle of the table, thanks. Geez, is Rice the only good one here?"
Rice: "Eek!? N-No, Onii-sama! I'm not that great…"
Nah, not saying the same nonsense as the others makes you 100% a good girl. Full marks.
Minutes Later
Hachiman: "Food's ready, let's toast. No clue what for, but how about my reunion with Komachi?"
"Cheers!!"
Phew, finally eating. Didn't expect another fight over seating, though. Guys, do you really need to fuss over chairs here?
Komachi: "Quick question—why do Ardan-chan and Rice-chan call you 'brother' with '-sama'?"
Hachiman: "…That bothers you?"
Komachi: "Duh, it's weird when strangers call my brother 'Anii-sama'!"
Ardan: "Allow me to explain why I call him Anii-sama—"
We chatted through dinner like that. Komachi's relaxed, probably because she's not with work colleagues. The team's vibing with her easygoing nature. Wish I had that charm… Nah, never thought that, but props to my sister.
Komachi: "I was shocked you became a trainer, Onii-chan. Thought it was a joke at first, but it's real~"
Hachiman: "I didn't plan on it either. Learned under my teacher, and it just happened."
CB: "Hey, Miss Komachi, is Hachiman that different now?"
Komachi: "Totally. I loved old Onii-chan, but I love the new one too. He's improved tons, but deep down, he's the same. If that changed, I might've hated him."
Hachiman: "That harsh, huh… Well, I'm glad you haven't changed much either."
Komachi: "That's not a compliment for a girl, you know."
Hachiman: "You think I'd gush? Want me to praise you till it's creepy?"
Komachi: "Ugh, stop, that's gross."
Hachiman: "Exactly why I kept it light."
Air Groove: "…Is this your usual banter?"
Hachiman: "Pretty much."
Fuji: "You guys are close."
Ardan: "Hehe, sibling bonds are wonderful. I have an older sister, so I understand."
After dinner, we all talked about tomorrow, the Chrysanthemum Sho, and academy stuff, getting hyped.
Hachiman: "I'll prep the bath."
Komachi: "Yay~ Oh, Onii-chan, when's the last time you went home?"
Hachiman: "What's with the sudden question?"
Komachi: "Mom's worried, you know? You haven't skipped going home since graduating college, right?"
Hachiman: "Uh…"
…Crap, I haven't been back. Since college days, that's… over five years? Changed my phone, don't even have their number memorized…
Hachiman: "Yeah, haven't been back…"
Komachi: "Ugh, Onii-chan… I go home every six months. I get you're busy, but take a break sometimes."
Hachiman: "…Guess I'll visit at year-end."
CB: "Then I'll come too—"Not happening. Why're you acting like it's a given?" Aww, but meeting your parents is important!"
Hachiman: "Meeting parents? This isn't a marriage proposal. Quit joking."
What was I doing again? Komachi's random question threw me off… Right, bath prep.
Hachiman: "No clue who's first, but I'm setting up the bath. Wait a bit."
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