Rem is Your Younger Sister
"Tsk, so it's that kind of setting? No self-awareness of her own beauty, no self-confidence."
Aki Tomoya 's eyes were bloodshot. He clawed at his hair frantically; his jealousy and disdain for Hikigaya Hachiman reached an all-time peak at this very moment.
"In that case, if literally anyone just came along and praised Emilia, telling her she's actually beautiful, wouldn't they capture her heart easily? Damn it, damn it, damn it! This is a girl who looks like she stepped out of a 2D world—even her personality setting is peak 2D!
If I were the one who had transmigrated, I would have won her over long ago! And with a cheat like 'save and reload,' who couldn't clear the game? Why? Why is it Hikigaya Hachiman? Why isn't it me!!"
Watching his hysterical jealousy, Kato Megumi, Kasumigaoka Utaha, and Spencer Eriri Sawamura each shook their heads. At this point, it wasn't just that they had given up on Aki Tomoya; they felt he was beyond saving.
Finally, they were completely finished with him; not a trace of Aki Tomoya remained in their hearts.
Compared to the pathetic display of Aki Tomoya, they focused more on the video, watching Hikigaya Hachiman and wondering if he could find fulfillment with one of the girls.
And... even though they were girls themselves, if it were Hachiman with Rem and Emilia, they felt even a harem would be acceptable!
"Sigh! This 'master of emotions' is back to acting like a dense, 'iron-straight' man again!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha, having written romance novels, felt her heart itch. Watching Hachiman pretend to be ignorant of love again, she wished she could take Emilia by the hand and teach her herself.
'Do you understand the value of a girl taking the initiative? Once Rem wakes up, you won't stand a chance, you dummy Emilia!'
「Hikigaya Hachiman left.」
「After building up Emilia's self-confidence, he immediately withdrew and walked out with Garfiel, leaving Emilia alone inside to declare her intent to pass the trials to the villagers.」
「While this left Emilia's emotions hanging—feeling like someone who got food stuck in their throat—it was better than her thanking him, leaving more of his mark in her heart, and causing himself to sink deeper into the trap named 'Emilia.'」
「Rather than uncontrollably falling in love with Emilia and becoming someone who is unworthy of both Emilia and Rem, Hachiman would rather leave Emilia feeling 'stuck' like this.」
「Rem, forgotten by the world, now only has this useless man she protected. Only Hikigaya Hachiman remains as evidence of her existence in this world... How could he possibly abandon her!」
「"Hold on, Hikigaya Hachiman. Hold on... Remember your 'Genuine Thing."」
「Shaking his head, Hachiman shook away the instinctive spark of affection for Emilia that had risen slightly. He already has Rem. Therefore, he must strictly restrain everything else.」
「"Hey! Why are you muttering so quietly to yourself? Scared that 'This Ore-sama' will hear your secrets?"」
「Nudging him with an elbow, Garfiel bared his shark-like teeth. He grabbed Hachiman and said boisterously, "You and the Princess are getting along pretty well. How about it? If you tell me how to make Ram my wife, this Ore-sama might help you out once in a while."」
「"You've really given me a difficult problem." Hachiman sighed. He truly wanted to trick Garfiel into joining his side, but now that Rem was gone, how could Ram ever fall for a man other than Roswaal?」
「"Garfiel, how about changing your candidate for a wife?"」
「"Ha? Are you stupid? This Ore-sama only likes that strong woman, Ram!"」
「"Heh."」
「A classic Ram-style sneer. She had approached following Roswaal's orders, without the slightest demeanor of a maid. She was overbearing, and it was unclear who exactly she was mocking.」
「"Where is Emilia-sama? Is she still not ready to take the trial?"」
「"There's no rush for the trial."」
「Hachiman didn't actually care about Ram's obvious lack of respect. If anything, back when he was hiding his potential at Sobu High, the "bottom-of-the-social-ladder" treatment he received before joining the Service Club was far worse than the way Ram treated him.」
「When they met during the evacuation of the villagers after the White Whale hunt, Ram's attitude toward him had been peaceful and normal. The only reason Ram was unhappy with him now was because he and Roswaal were like fire and water, and Ram naturally stood on Roswaal's side.」
「But...」
「"Hey, Ram."」
「"What? You persistent guest. Even if you managed to become Emilia-sama's knight through trickery, don't dream that Ram will ever address you as 'Sama.' Ram will not grant etiquette to someone who is disrespectful to Roswaal-sama."」
「But... it really is heartbreaking.」
「Hachiman shook his head slightly. Before he went to the Royal Capital, his relationship with Ram had been decent.」
「However, Rem—the bridge that built the good relationship between him and Ram—was no longer there.」
「"Hey, Ram... Do you... know her? Do you... still... know... Rem?"」
「With a trembling voice, Hachiman's throat tightened.」
「He pointed to the pattern on his clothes—that blue-haired girl. Ram glanced at it, scoffed, and gave a contemptuous sneer. "Rem? Who is that? I don't know her. Did someone choose that name just to get Ram's attention? Tell her to give up. Ram has zero interest in some 'Rem.' Ram only has eyes for Roswaal-sama. Do you understand, you foolish guest?"」
「Unrestrained venom, ruthless insults—directed at her own sister.」
「The moment Ram finished speaking, Hachiman's breath hitched.」
「"What is it? Why are you looking at Ram with those eyes?"」
「"Rem is... your younger sister. Your twin sister."」
「"Stop the jokes. How could Ram not remember if she has a sister? In the end, it's debatable whether this person named 'Rem' is just someone you fabricated."」
「Heavy mockery, endless irony. Ram intended to continue... but as she looked at Hachiman, she gradually, involuntarily, stopped her poisonous tongue.」
「Hachiman was swaying, his face deathly pale. There was no trace of a joke on this man's face. Every time he heard Ram deny her blood relation to Rem, every time she denied Rem's existence, his heart felt like it was being sliced by a knife—as if hundreds of arrows had pierced his body, leaving him riddled with holes.」
「"—"」
「Blood... flowed out. From the corner of Hachiman's mouth, it dripped down. Bright red blood. A storm woven from guilt and anger swept through Hachiman's battered mind and body.」
「He stared straight at Ram, uttering every word with deliberate force.」
「"Rem is your younger sister—your twin sister! Rem and Ram are sisters who rival me and Komachi, the best sisters in the world! You are Rem's older sister! Rem is your younger sister! You are the sister who loves Rem most in the world! Rem is the sister who loves you most in the world! Rem, she—!!"」
「Heart-wrenching, his voice turned hoarse.」
「"REM IS... YOUR YOUNGER SISTER!!!!"」
Dependent Emilia
"—"
In the courtyard of the Roswaal mansion.
Ram stared blankly, her mouth hanging wide open. Her ears roared for a split second, and then she could hear nothing at all. She was completely stunned, her head buzzing as if struck by a heavy blow, swaying unsteadily.
Her body instantly lost all warmth. Despite the bright sun shining down, she felt as if she were in a world of ice and snow, a chill running down her spine.
"I'm going to—"
She knew nothing anymore; only one thought filled her mind: she... had forgotten Rem.
Previously, she had been able to remain cheerful because she believed she loved Rem to the utmost degree; she thought that even if everyone else forgot her sister, at the very least, she—with their twin telepathy—would remember Rem no matter what.
The irony. It was too ironic—
Hikigaya Hachiman, the man she had repeatedly deemed unworthy of her sister, was instead single-mindedly devoted to Rem. For Rem's sake, he blamed himself, felt rage, made oaths, and for Rem's sake—he had endured the mockery and misunderstanding of her, the older sister?!
No, that's not right—what right does a person like Ram have to call herself Rem's sister anymore—
"Sister!"
She was tackled.
Ram's upper body was pinned to the grass. The most familiar voice called out by her ear, calling her back to her senses.
"Pff... cough, cough, cough!"
"Are you alright? Sister, wait a moment, I'll go get you some water right away! Please don't do something so foolish ever again!"
"Ah..."
Ram lay there with vacant eyes, her hands clutching her own throat, laughing miserably and weakly. "A piece of trash who doesn't remember Rem... should just hurry up and die!"
Rem anxiously pried Ram's hands away, hugging her older sister who had suffered such a massive shock. "If Sister is gone, Rem will never... will never forgive you, Sister! Rem needs
Sister! Pull yourself together! That was the 'future' Sister, wasn't it? Nothing has happened yet in the present!"
"But that is the truth!"
Ram bit her teeth in stubborn persistence. Seeing herself utter those mocking words toward Rem made her heart nearly stop beating and her blood run cold.
If she could travel to the future, she wouldn't do anything else—she would first break her own shackles and kill that future version of herself. A piece of trash who couldn't even remember Rem had no right to be Rem's sister! No right to live! Even if it was 'herself'!!
Nothing in the world was more important than Rem—nothing more important than her own sister.
If she hadn't held such a conviction, she wouldn't have been nitpicking Hikigaya Hachiman.
But the facts proved... Ram couldn't compare to Hachiman at all, even in terms of loving Rem—
"Rem..."
Her sister. Her Rem.
"If Sister cannot forgive herself, how could Rem possibly be happy?"
"Rem..."
Rem, pressing down on her, was advising her so earnestly. Ram sighed weakly. Only now did she finally personally experience the difficulties and the state of mind that Hikigaya Hachiman had endured.
The two sisters embraced, and for a while, there was a lonely silence.
"Rem..." Ram remained quiet for a long time. Then, she said firmly and in a low voice, "I absolutely... absolutely will not interfere with your romance with him anymore!"
"No matter what happens, no matter what, I must make sure he marries you!!
If Hikigaya Hachiman doesn't fall in love with Rem and doesn't marry Rem, then I will never be at peace, no matter what!!!"
She had made up her mind.
Even if it meant carrying the weight of Emilia's life for it, she didn't care. This was no longer something that could be settled by just ruining Emilia's appearance; this was war! And in war, there can only be one winner who takes all!
Although Rem didn't know why her sister had suddenly pivoted to this topic, seeing that she was no longer so emotionally agitated or showing self-harming tendencies, the frightened Rem managed to calm down.
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「Hysterical, voice hoarse.」
「Hachiman's volume wasn't high; he didn't take the opportunity to vent his anger by shouting, yet both Garfiel and Ram could hear his gravity.」
「He stared at the now-silent Ram and, sentence by sentence, described everything about Rem—describing Rem's life with her sister, their feelings, their past, and Rem's current state after encountering the Sin Archbishop.」
「"..."」
「Ram was in disbelief. There was no twin sister in her memories at all. However, the kind of life Hachiman described was hard to dismiss as a delusion because it was far too realistic.」
「"I see. So, in other words, you lost Ram's... younger sister?" Although she realized this point, having no memories or feelings for the sister named Rem, Ram did not get angry.」
「But her simple, unintentional remark was like a knife stabbing into Hachiman's heart, twisting violently.」
「His eyelids lowered, his lips twitched twice, and he said nothing.」
「He would find Rem's soul, Rem's existence, and Rem's name—every single bit of it. This was a vow to himself, a vow to Rem, a one-sided vow that must be completed, will be completed... But until it is completed, he would not mention it to others.」
"How unseemly."
Anastasia curled her lip. "To think he's a man capable of casually defeating me and bringing shame upon me. This guy always habitually blames himself, torturing himself... Sigh, why does he always take all the responsibility upon his own shoulders? He's too kind-hearted, too gentle."
She paused. "But, it's not bad."
Anastasia rested her chin on her hand. Having such a devoted lover would probably be very happy.
If there were also someone who loved her that much... hm, if the one Hikigaya Hachiman loved was her...
"It seems... really not bad?"
"Anastasia-sama?"
"W-Waaaah—!"
Anastasia jumped in fright. Julius, in turn, was startled by Anastasia, who had been muttering to herself and then got scared by him.
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「By the time Emilia finished her speech and came out to regroup, Hachiman had done his best to suppress the thorn that Ram had stirred up.」
「"Garfiel, there are conservatives in the Sanctuary who don't want to leave, right? If Emilia participates in the trials, there won't be any conservatives trying to harm her, will there?"」
「"Ha? Are you looking down on 'This Ore-sama'? If someone really tried to do something that stupid, I would obviously give them a good lesson! No, wait—there won't be anyone like that to begin with!"」
「After confirming repeatedly, led by Garfiel, the group followed behind and headed toward the trial site.」
「Hachiman spoke to Emilia in a low voice: "Puck can't come out?"」
「"Yeah... I don't know why, but..."」
「"If there's any danger in the trial, withdraw immediately, okay?"」
「This suggestion to act like a deserter for the sake of safety—and Hachiman's concern for her—sent a warm current through the slightly despondent Emilia's heart. She nodded joyfully.」
「"Mm! I'll listen to whatever Hachiman says~!"」
First, Face Your Own Past
「The location of the trial was another stone structure. It didn't look particularly large, and according to Garfiel, there were no dangers like magical beasts inside, so there was truly no need to worry about physical safety. As for the specific nature of the trial, he remained tight-lipped; it seemed to involve something from his own past, and pressing for details would even cause him to revert to the irritability he showed when they first met.」
「"Well then, I'm off!"」
「Emilia spoke the words, but her feet didn't move. She stared at Hikigaya Hachiman, her hint being incredibly obvious. Just staring at her knight, Emilia extended her slender, porcelain-white hand, "Well then, I'm off."」
「Hachiman caught on and immediately began offering meticulous instructions, like a protective, nagging parent dealing with a child about to leave the house: "Pass if you can, but if you can't do it, withdraw. Prioritize your own safety. I'll be right here outside, waiting for you to come out. Be careful with everything."」
「"...Eh?"」
「Though she wasn't thinking in terms of romance yet, she had naturally wanted psychological encouragement, not something so practical—however, as long as it was Hachiman saying it, it was all good!」
「"I'll work hard! I'll finish early so I don't make Hachiman suffer out here!"」
「Hachiman nodded, feeling he had done quite well. ...After all, he was a man who saw through social realities. Even when writing a high school assignment, he approached it from a practical perspective. In a moment of such uncertain prospects, how could he possibly encourage Emilia from the perspective of a 'romance-brain'?」
「As Emilia took a step forward, a blue light flashed around the perimeter of the building—the recognition of one qualified for the trial.」
「Watching the girl's back as she entered the building, Hachiman was actually so nervous that his palms were sweating. He feared that in the next second, he would see Emilia sent flying out, covered in wounds.」
「However, in the next second, an accident did indeed occur unexpectedly—the blue light of the building suddenly dissipated. Garfiel shouted in surprise, "What's going on? It's never happened before where the proof representing trial qualification disappears while the trial is still ongoing!"」
「Roswaal... Hachiman's first thought was that this was a plot he had laid. His active mind was calculating what Roswaal wanted, while his subconscious was entirely occupied by his
concern for Emilia. Before he could even regain his senses, his body had already instinctively rushed toward the trial site.
「Just as he realized his recklessness and prepared to stop, the building emitted a blue light, and Hachiman's body passed through the barrier without any obstacle.」
「"...I have the qualification for the trial too?"」
「There was no time to ponder the strangeness. Since that was the case, rushing in to protect Emilia—that was what mattered most!」
「Garfiel said there were no physical hazards like magical beasts in the trial. In that case, even as weak as he was, he should be able to help Emilia.」
「Following the corridor of the building, he reached the final room and saw Emilia lying on the ground, unconscious.」
「"Emilia!"」
「He had just shouted when, before he could get close, a sudden wave of dizziness hit him. Hachiman fell into the same state as Emilia; his consciousness was pulled away, his body left uncontrolled, and with a thud, he collapsed onto the floor.」
「'First, you must face your own past...'」
「In the state between sleep and wakefulness, he heard such a voice.」
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"Face... your own past?"
Mulling over this hint, Emilia's eyes lit up, "Could it be..."
She was far from the only one interested in Hikigaya Hachiman's past.
Despite having been on high alert already, Crusch, Julius, Reinhard, and the others were now at a twelve out of ten. Especially Yukinoshita Yukino; her breathing grew rapid. Because she had guessed a certain possibility, she was almost happy enough to jump up.
For the longest time, the broadcast had only shown highlights of Rem and Emilia. Just looking at the other customers in the convenience store showed how much the entire world currently supported those two.
」
Perhaps she couldn't compare to Rem or Emilia, but if she could appear on screen, if she could have a highlight, it would at least let others know that Yukinoshita Yukino was the one who arrived first! This stock actually existed! Invest more in it!
"Go for it, go for it, go for it, me!"
Yukino was nervous to death. According to her thoughts, the best scene would be the Summer Break Service Club activity, the time she and Hikigaya-kun worked together to help Tsurumi Rumi. That was absolutely the best.
Not only would it show her chemistry with Hikigaya-kun, but also the faint, budding feelings. It would prove that Yukinoshita Yukino wasn't just some useless "flower vase."
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「"..."」
「Clatter, clang, clatter.」
「The sound of pots and pans colliding was so noisy one couldn't even sleep properly.」
「Hachiman wanted to muffle his ears with the blanket, only to realize he wasn't lying in bed at all. The moment he opened his eyes, he was already out of his pajamas, neatly dressed in his Sobu High school uniform, looking in the mirror.」
「"Am I...?"」
「"Breakfast is ready~! Ehe, Onii-chan, hurry up and come eat, or you're going to be late! Quick, quick!"」
「The bedroom door was thrown open. A girl with a cute voice and a visible snaggletooth appeared—a girl just as cute as her voice.」
「"Is it... Komachi?"」
「Hachiman turned his head blankly. He saw his sister freeze for a moment, then look thoughtful, and finally smash her left fist into her right palm in realization: "Could it be you're cosplaying some anime plot? Aww, you can't do that now. Wait for a day off! Although it's a hassle, Komachi can accompany you for whatever famous scene you want to cosplay, Onii-chan. Now, hurry, hurry!"」
「"Ah, speaking of which, when the time comes, let's drag Yui-nee and Yukino-nee along to cosplay too? Ehe, though Yukino-nee probably won't understand, it doesn't matter—this is Komachi's new Master Plan!"」
「"Mm, mm. For the sake of Onii-chan's lifelong happiness, Komachi has really racked her brains. Ah, are you listening? Onii-chan? Why are you being so weird?"」
「She dragged her brother out of the room. He remained dazed the entire way. Komachi tilted her head and waved her hand in front of her brother's eyes.」
「"Is it... Komachi?"」
「"Onii-chan is really strange today. Is something wrong? Are you sick? Maybe you should take the day off. Ah—"」
「Komachi's mouth fell open, as if she were witnessing something comparable to a landslide or a tsunami—an unprecedented, monumental event.」
「Hachiman opened his mouth. He wanted to say something.」
「And then, in the next moment.」
「Two streaks of tears slid down silently—the brother, crying for the first time in front of his sister.」
Crybaby Big Brother
「"Come to think of it, I've felt something was off these past few days. The atmosphere has been so gloomy. Could it be you had a fight with Yui-nee and Yukino-nee?"」
「Resting her fingertip on her lip, Komachi Hikigaya stared suspiciously at her brother, shaking her head helplessly. "That's no good, you know. Komachi worked so hard to find two such suitable candidates for a sister-in-law. Hmm, but well~"」
「"Since they made Onii-chan cry, let's just forget it. As for a sister-in-law, there'll definitely be one eventually. Komachi has no interest in people who make Onii-chan cry."」
「Her attitude did a complete 180-degree flip. One second she was rooting for Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama, and the next, she heartlessly crossed them off the list.」
「Everything was based on her brother... The reason she liked those two was actually because her idiot brother had feelings for them.」
「"No, that's not it—ah, wait, a fight... ugh... something's in my eye... How strange, why can't I rub it out..."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman was dazed at first, but when he felt his own tear tracks, his body couldn't stop trembling. He rubbed his eyes with both hands, yet no matter how much he rubbed, the tears wouldn't stop flowing.」
「"How pathetic, ahh..."」
「"Honestly, a crying Onii-chan is just way too uncool."」
「Komachi Hikigaya shook her head with her hands on her hips, then stood on her tiptoes to comically pat her brother's hair. "But, Komachi doesn't hate it. In fact, I'd give it maybe 90 points? Out of 100!"」
「Unlike the loud, wailing sob during his comfort from Emilia, the current Hikigaya Hachiman only had tears, without the various venting howls. His tears contained endless longing and warmth; these were tears of happiness.」
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"A younger sister, huh?"
Ram recalled that back at the mansion, her future self and Hikigaya Hachiman had once argued over who was the bigger "siscon."
"It truly is a sibling bond no less impressive than Ram and Rem's. However, there's no need to argue anymore. After all, Hikigaya Komachi will be Ram's younger sister in the future as well."
Of course, Rem was the eternal number one, but she wouldn't treat her new younger sister poorly either.
As Ram thought this, far away on Earth, Komachi in the Hikigaya household was both shy and happy, but after a moment, she pursed her lips.
"Komachi obviously loves Onii-chan very much, but I'm not the person who loves him most anymore. No matter how you look at it, Rem-nee loves Onii-chan more than she loves herself... Well, although I don't like Ram-nee that much yet, since she's Rem-nee's sister, I'll try to get along if there's a chance in the future.
Ugh, but... Emilia-nee is so cute, I don't want to give up on her either. What should I do?
Stop thinking about Komachi all day and night, Onii-chan, show some backbone! If Emilia-nee takes the initiative to confess, there won't be any moral scruples or worries about condemnation!"
At Advanced Nurturing High School, Horikita Suzune muttered in confusion: "Did he suddenly travel back to Earth? How strange."
"Man proposes, God disposes—or rather, man thinks, and God laughs."
Ayanokouji Kiyotaka slowly recited a proverb. He looked at Horikita ruthlessly, belittling her without mercy: "Stop your stupid thinking, Horikita. The very air is thick with the scent of stupidity."
"You!"
If it weren't clear that she couldn't win in a fight, Horikita truly wouldn't be able to swallow this insult.
"The trial, facing the past... clearly, this is an illusion."
A spark of curiosity to uncover the mystery flickered in Ayanokouji's eyes. "This other world has truly impressive combat power, and magic for various specialized purposes has flourished. If there's a chance, I'd really like to go see it."
But before that, once the video finishes, if Hikigaya Hachiman is still on Earth, he'd be more interested in testing himself against this "Monster of Logic" first.
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"A younger sister... huh?"
Anastasia thought of her vice-captain of the Iron Fang mercenaries, the cute Mimi and her two brothers—their bond was also very good. But compared to Hachiman and Komachi, they seemed slightly overshadowed.
"Toward Rem, toward Emilia, toward Ferris and Julius, even toward Crusch... once he recognizes someone as a 'Genuine Thing,' he pours out all his true feelings. How can a person like you exist in this world, Hikigaya Hachiman?"
If you call him simple, he can be ruthless enough to plot someone's death and scatter their ashes.
But if you called him a politician, surely no one would agree.
The purity of Hikigaya Hachiman's approach to emotions was simply too high.
"It's as if he lives specifically for the 'Genuine Thing'."
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「Crying with happiness in front of his sister, Hachiman was supported by Komachi to the table.」
「Today's breakfast was nothing special, just like what Komachi usually made: toast, grilled sausages, and milk.」
「Yes, just like any other day.」
「"The tears are flowing again? At this rate, Onii-chan is going to become a crybaby and won't be able to survive at Sobu High, right?"」
「"S-Shut up!"」
「Looking at the words alone, it was a discordant sibling bicker, but anyone hearing the tone of Hachiman's voice would immediately understand the definition of 'Tsundere.'」
「The tearful Hachiman ate his breakfast with lingering affection. Holding the toast Komachi had grilled, he treated it like a precious treasure, only eating it reluctantly under Komachi's repeated urging.」
「"What are you being so sentimental about, you idiot brother? If you want it, Komachi will make you breakfast every day."」
「Komachi handed him a tissue while scolding him with joy. The moment Hachiman looked up, her hand loosened, and the tissue fell onto the table. She was dumbfounded, her expression as if the heavens had collapsed—as if she were seeing a shocking fact that overturned her worldview.」
「"No way..."」
「Hachiman asked back in a confused, tear-muddled voice: "No way what?"」
「"Hey, maybe you should cry a few more times, Onii-chan?"」
「Komachi nearly jumped three feet high. She leaned in close to her brother, observing him meticulously from top to bottom, and finally clapped her hands. "This is too ridiculous! Can crying once actually get rid of dead fish eyes? Wait, looking closely, even that slight slouch you used to have is gone—No way! If you had cried like this earlier, the people wanting to be Komachi's sister-in-law would be breaking down the door by now!"」
「It was different...」
「The bad habits he previously couldn't be bothered to change had all been swept away.」
「Why... was that?」
「Hachiman didn't know, and he didn't want to know—he would just treat it as the result of a mysterious crying session.」
Facing the Past, I Envy You (Part 1)
「Pedaling his bicycle on the way to school with his sister on the back, Hikigaya Hachiman received a terrifyingly large number of backward glances.」
「At Komachi's junior high school, several of her classmates who had once looked down on Hachiman because of his dead-fish eyes were now staring straight at him. Each one of them couldn't wait for Hachiman to leave so they could scramble to get on Komachi's good side, hoping to become her sister-in-law.」
「"...Um."」
「Hachiman gave a strained smile. He looked back every three steps, repeatedly calling out to Komachi just as she was about to walk into the school.」
「Hachiman looked at his sister hesitantly. He watched and watched, and for some reason, he suddenly felt like he wanted to cry again.」
「"No, this is no good. I can't lose face for Komachi... ah."」
「"What's wrong? You've been so weird all day today. Is everything really okay? Don't keep secrets from Komachi, okay?" Komachi's eyebrows furrowed, and she suddenly gasped in horror. "Wait, could it be that Onii-chan actually has cancer and is about to die? That's too scary!"」
「"Even if just for the sake of seeing my cutest sister every day, I wouldn't get cancer, you know? If it really happens, I'll just follow Hiratsuka-sensei's example and transform into Baki to overcome the poison!"」
「He was making jokes.」
「However, he no longer possessed the relaxed, witty mindset of a "snarky commentator" he once had.」
「"Onii-chan." Komachi frowned. She racked her brains, trying to find a suitable description for the current strangeness. But she failed... because no matter how much he had changed, Hikigaya Hachiman was still Hikigaya Hachiman. He was still that gentle, selfless person; that was the one thing that wouldn't change for anything. As long as that stayed the same, it didn't seem that strange.」
「The confused Komachi shook her head. She tapped her temple and, following her heart, said willfully: "We're not going to school today. Let's go appreciate Chiba to our heart's content. Onii-chan loves Chiba the most, right?"」
「Hachiman gave a heavy smile. "If you skip class, I doubt Mom and Dad will let me in the house tonight."」
「He fell silent for a long moment.」
「"When school is over, I'll come pick you up, Komachi. At that time... I have something to tell you."」
「Komachi blinked. She curled her lips into a smile, put her hands behind her back, let out an "ehe," and said contentedly: "Even though I don't understand why there's such a heavy atmosphere, since we'll meet again later, Komachi is relieved. Making a promise with your sister—Komachi gives that full points! Ah—wait, that's not some kind of 'flag,' is it?"」
「Hachiman's throat tightened; he said nothing more. Although there was so much, so very much to say... before that, if he didn't resolve one other matter first, he wouldn't be able to rest easy. If he didn't fix that thing first, he wouldn't be worthy of uprightly declaring what he wanted to say to Komachi.」
「Hachiman got on his bike and headed toward Sobu High... these roads, these shops—familiar, yet so very foreign.」
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"..."
Beatrice pinched the corner of her book's page. As she looked at Hikigaya Hachiman, she felt as if she were seeing her former self—the sudden separation from her closest family, that tide-like grief.
"But, at least Betty knew Mother was dead. Betty knew what Mother went to do, and Mother knew Betty was alive... but a sudden transmigration? There was no time to explain anything. Whether it's the brother or the sister, they know nothing, leaving only—"
Endless unknowns.
Be it sadness or fear... the most heart-wrenching part was the inability to confirm each other's status.
Did the brother who suddenly disappeared manage to survive in some corner of the world?
How helpless, panicked, and pained would the sister be, having suddenly become an only child?
They didn't know; they knew nothing...
"And yet, Lord Hachiman, whose feelings for his sister are so deep they are inseparable... while enduring this sorrow, he still supported Emilia to the best of his ability..."
Crusch murmured, her sadness an overflowing river. Even when witnessing the tragedy of a stranger, humans feel empathy and compassion—let alone for the person they dearly love.
"Ugh—hold me, Old Man. Ferris can't hold it back anymore, I really want to cry..."
"But we shouldn't cry. Lord Hachiman wouldn't want anyone to pity him. He is..."
It wasn't just Crusch... when they witnessed this scene, when they realized the complex pressure on Hachiman's shoulders was actually far greater than those of them who had been watching the future from start to finish.
Even Priscilla could no longer maintain her contemptuous smile. Looking at this, who could possibly laugh? Unless they were a Sin Archbishop or a Witch.
However, Rem and Emilia were not lost in sentimentality.
No matter the pressure, no matter the pain... they would, they must, share it with him. Therefore, they had to keep their spirits up! They couldn't let their sadness show. If they did, when they finally met Hachiman, it would only increase his guilt. That was absolutely unacceptable!!
-
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「Hikigaya Hachiman became a brand-new landmark at Sobu High.」
「When he cast aside those dead-fish eyes, everyone suddenly realized that Hachiman's appearance was perhaps second to none. Even compared to top-tier beauties, he was on their level.」
「"You—"」
「Saki Kawasaki, Yumiko Miura, Hayato Hayama... no matter who it was, they looked as if they had seen a ghost.」
「It wasn't just the change in Hachiman's appearance, but the change in his way of living.」
「"Totsuka Saika, Kawasaki Saki, Hayama Hayato, Miura Yumiko..."」
「Walking into the classroom, Hachiman scanned the people he knew and acknowledged as if he were seeing them after years of separation... He was looking at them seriously, unconsciously whispering their names.」
「Finally, his gaze stopped on Hayama Hayato.」
「A stunned Hayama didn't even know how he got through the day's classes. He only knew that his attention had been fixed squarely on Hikigaya Hachiman all day long.」
「He had heard a little about the "Cold War" in the Service Club... Was such a drastic change due to too much pressure? Although it looked like a change for the better... he couldn't just stand by and watch.」
「Under the varying gazes of Ebina and the others, Hayama Hayato and Hikigaya Hachiman eventually stepped out of the classroom.」
「Passing through the corridor, through the playground, and into the small grove where only the two of them remained.」
「These "best friends," these two men, looked at each other as equals.」
「"I envy you, Hayama."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman, right here, faced his past.」
Facing the Past, I Envy You (Part 2)
「Hayama Hayato was instantly stunned. He suddenly felt a wave of dryness and swallowed hard; his heart and his blood were all in a state of unrest.」
「"Are you serious?"」
「Facing his expression of disbelief, Hikigaya Hachiman did not retract his words: "From the first day I met you, I've been envious of you, Hayama."」
「"You say you... envy me?"」
「Unexpectedly for Hayama, who thought of himself as a calm and gentle person, he grit his teeth at this moment like a discarded lone wolf: "Do you even know what you're saying?"」
「He was like a lit powder keg, staring incredulously at Hikigaya Hachiman. This man—this man he actually looked up to, yearned for, and often felt inferior to; this man he was willing to admit defeat to—this Hikigaya Hachiman actually said... he envied him?!」
「"What kind of—joke are you playing at?!!"」
「Grabbing Hachiman by the collar, Hayama's chest heaved violently. He growled, yet even in his growl, there was that habitual gentleness in his voice that he himself didn't notice: "I'm the one... I envy you! I envy you! Hikigaya Hachiman!!"」
「"I know."」
「"Wha—"」
「"I know you've always envied me, Hayama. I can tell."」
「Stunned, Hayama lacked the ability to stop Hachiman from continuing: "But, I have also always envied you, Hayama."」
「"Don't mess with me! What do I have? What do I have that's worth your envy! You're the target I yearn for, aren't you? Right, Hikigaya? Are you... do you... are you planning to destroy my new conviction?"」
「His soaring momentum gradually turned into a plea. Hayama's eyes were begging; he was pleading for his friend to take back his previous words. However, Hachiman became cold and ruthless in that moment, shattering the man's delusions.」
「"That's just your wishful thinking, Hayama."」
「"I envy you. I've always envied you." Hikigaya Hachiman's words fell clearly into Hayama's ears, one by one.」
「"You've always been the center of the crowd. You're a 'normie' (riajuu); I envy you. After the chain-mail incident, Tobe actually became your true friend. You have friends; I envy you. Miura
has always had a crush on you. You have girls who like you; I envy you. You have a good family background and can worry-lessly become a house husband; I envy you. You're handsome, better-looking than me and my dead-fish eyes; I envy you. You've known Yukinoshita since childhood; you know her better than I do; I envy you."
「"THEN I—!!"」
「A roaring voice. If Yumiko Miura saw Hayama's appearance right now, she might doubt if she was seeing things.」
「Hayama slammed his forehead against Hachiman's, cutting off his list of grievances. His low voice overpowered Hachiman's: "THEN I DO, TOO!!"」
「"To be able to live freely regardless of others' gazes—I envy you! To be able to resolve the loneliness Yukinoshita has suffered since my mistake—I envy you! To possess wisdom far surpassing mine—I envy you! To possess a gentleness far surpassing mine—I envy you! To be able to hurt yourself to complete the unreasonable requests I forced upon you—I envy you!" 」
「"ALWAYS! ALWAYS! I'VE ENVIED YOU!!"」
「Hayama's hands were trembling. He was far more agitated than Hikigaya Hachiman, gasping for air as if he were a drowning man submerged in a vast, boundless ocean. And then...」
「There was a man who extended a redeeming hand of assistance.」
「Ignoring all of his emotions, ignoring all of his feelings, ignoring all of his sounds.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman seemed not to hear his resistance. After a brief pause, he continued his speech as if talking to himself.」
「"I envy you... so, thank you, Hayama."」
「"—"」
「Hachiman's reflection was cast in Hayama's pupils. He froze in an instant.」
「"Because I envied you, I gained an understanding of what a true 'normie' is, so I no longer reject becoming one myself."」
「"I envied you—your background, your 'central heater' personality. Because of that, I can get along well with Reinhard and Julius. Having envied you, I will no longer envy similar people, and I won't distance myself from those 'Genuine' people worth befriending."」
「"I envied you, so I was more willing to learn about Yukinoshita's past, her inner voice, her habits. Thinking back on those days, because she was a part of them, the happy times in my memories have increased a lot. Komachi is also very happy."」
」
「"I envy you... Hayama, I envy you. Therefore, you are my best friend... you are my first best friend, the first 'Genuine' thing I obtained."」
「"Ah, just what... is this supposed to be."」
「Hayama gave a bitter laugh and sank weakly to the ground. "Although I'm listening with great confusion... so, am I just a tool to you?"」
「Hikigaya Hachiman nodded slowly. "Not only are you one, but you are a very useful tool, one that can support me as I hone myself and move forward."」
「"Ah... then, the unsightly display I just made... what was that? What does it count for?"」
「"It was for my own selfishness. Count it as my selfishness."」
「"..." Hayama looked up, smiling bitterly. "If everything you said is true... if you are willing to acknowledge a useless person like me as a best friend..."」
「He tremblingly extended his hand.」
「As if in perfect sync, at the same moment, the standing Hikigaya Hachiman reached out his hand to pull him up.」
「Two different but similar hands met, lending each other strength.」
「His eyes wide, Hayama stood up once more. He watched as Hachiman brushed the dust off his knees, seeing that Hachiman's attitude toward him no longer carried that regrettable estrangement of the past.」
「This was a feeling that could never be experienced with anyone else.」
「"So... this is what it feels like...?"」
「Standing right in front of him: the person he envied, the person he yearned for, his best friend—Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「"If I can be of use to you, then a tool—let it be a tool! If I'm at your disposal, what complaints could I have?"」
「"Just, after you're done using me, please at least say, 'This was a very convenient and useful tool,' otherwise I won't forgive you, Hikigaya."」
「"Then, I hope you never forgive me, and remember me forever, Hayama."」
「The melancholy in Hachiman's eyes—the regret within them—visibly dissipated quite a bit at this moment. He spoke softly.」
「"But, thank you... Hayama."」
Yukinoshita Came First (Part 1)
No one knew Hayama Hayato.
Aside from the students and teachers of Sobu High, no one knew who he was.
And even those who did know him, like Yumiko Miura and the others, were completely stunned.
They had absolutely no idea when he and Hikigaya Hachiman had established such a mutual, sympathetic friendship.
Normally, Hikigaya Hachiman clearly looked like he couldn't stand Hayama, and Hayama generally wouldn't approach Hachiman unless there was a specific need.
Looking only at these outward behaviors, an outsider would never guess how these two formed such a distorted and unique "best friend" relationship.
"Hayato, you..." Yumiko Miura wore an expression of disbelief; she felt aggrieved to the extreme.
If her Hayato and that Hikigaya got along well, then fine—Hikigaya was a guy, after all. She would only be envious; she wouldn't have thoughts of ruthlessly eliminating a love rival. It shouldn't have been a big deal.
However, she, who claimed to be the closest person to Hayato, actually knew nothing about this.
Hayato had never told her about this inner world. It felt so unfair, so incredibly unfair. She felt so slighted that she needed a hug and a kiss from Hayato to recover her energy!
"—" Without the luxury of paying attention to the pouting Yumiko Miura, Hayama Hayato stared blankly at the video.
"I'm a very useful tool... Ah, I see. It wasn't just one-sided. You acknowledged me as a person too, Hikigaya..."
He was happy, incredibly happy. If there weren't so many people around, he might have covered his mouth, crouched down, and giggled to himself. His face was covered in smiles as he let out a sigh of immense satisfaction.
The people smiling were far from just Hayama Hayato... Nearby, Hina Ebina was already so fanatical her tongue was practically hanging out.
She felt like she had fallen into the most wonderful heaven. She was even planning how much money she would spend to find an artist to commission a "doujinshi." No, not just one.
She wanted Hikigaya Hachiman x Julius, Hikigaya Hachiman x Hayama Hayato, Hikigaya Hachiman x Reinhard, and even love triangles and quadrangles.
She wouldn't mind spending her entire fortune for it. She lived for this!
"Well... how should I put it, it's quite a subtle feeling..." Julius pondered for a moment. He suddenly realized that his "Knight" persona had shown a brief opening.
"I feel as though I've become a substitute for this Hayama... However, Hikigaya-kun is not that kind of person... It is my own narrow-mindedness."
"Still, he is indeed someone who is barely inferior to you, Julius. This Hikigaya guy has quite picky taste in friends—or should I say, his intuition is very sharp?"
Anastasia contemplated, her eyes narrowing.
"Facing his own past... bidding farewell to the past, with a clear conscience? Family, friends—to this point, the farewells are essentially complete. But the trial isn't over yet. What's left is...
Lovers... perhaps?"
Hikigaya Hachiman's past was being revealed fair and square before the whole world.
He lived in a peaceful and tranquil era, had a sister he was inseparable from, and friends worth remembering forever.
As long as he wanted it, there wouldn't be a single thing wrong with his life.
Suddenly, he was forced to come to this world.
From then on, death, pain, fatigue, and sorrow—all sorts of hardships followed him like a shadow, never far away. These things he shouldn't have had to experience persistently entangled him, persistently hunted him down.
But these things were not actually hunting or entangling him; they were targeting Emilia. ...And then, he stood up.
Unwaveringly, he stood up. The risks and drawbacks outweighed the benefits by a thousandfold, yet he stood up.
Standing between Emilia and these hardships—was it for Emilia's beauty? Was it to repay his debt of gratitude? No, none of it was. If those reasons existed, they were merely excuses for this "Tsundere" man.
Only one person understood this more deeply than Rem, more than Emilia, more than anyone: Yukino Yukinoshita.
All of this was simply because he was Hikigaya Hachiman... Yukinoshita, who had received so much selfless kindness and help from this man long before Emilia ever did, was currently the only one whose realization in this regard could look down upon Rem and Emilia.
This was her only advantage.
However... Yukino Yukinoshita took a deep breath, her gaze distant.
"Next, the 'me' that will be shown is the one in a 'cold war' with Hikigaya-kun, the one who knew nothing of his suffering... I can already predict how detestable I will be... I truly am a failure."
"Yukinoshita..." Hachiman began to speak, but he met the self-deprecating face of Yukino.
With that beautiful face filled with regret, Yukinoshita Yukino wasn't purely mocking herself; her eyes held a sense of "Nirvana" following that self-reflection.
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「After speaking with Hayama Hayato, Saika Totsuka, Yui Yuigahama, and Yoshiteru Zaimokuza—casting aside his usual "Tsundere" attitude—Hachiman made his way through the school.」
「On the empty corridor, slow footsteps appeared.」
「The person in the corridor, Hikigaya Hachiman, reached his destination. He gazed at the sign for the Service Club, lost in thought.」
「Hachiman, who had dared to face the past when dealing with Komachi and Hayama, hesitated here and now for the first time.」
「Slide—」
「The moment the door opened, the first thing that came into view was a girl.」
「This girl had an exquisitely flawless, snow-white face. Her temperament, her skin, her gaze, her everything—the moment she was seen, she was like pure white snowflakes in winter, bringing to mind snow-capped mountains and the Epiphyllum flowers that bloom upon them.」
「Her waist was slender, her legs long, and her fair fingers stirred the heart. The school uniform hugged her snow-white frame, while her waist-length black hair fell neatly and smoothly over the fabric.」
「She sat at a table, positioned near the window. She held a book in her hands. The window was open, and as the breeze from outside blew in, the light wind brushed against the girl's shoulder-length hair.」
「Hearts were pounding.」
「Just like before... The first time he saw this girl, Hachiman's mind went completely blank. He was utterly dazed; it was the aura of a "Genuine" thing hitting him head-on, even though he knew nothing about this girl yet.」
「However, it was love at first sight.」
「That was the impression of the girl named Yukinoshita Yukino, buried deep in his heart.」
「"Yukinoshita... Yukino."」
"So she's appeared? That 'Yukinoshita' who has lived only in Lord Hachiman's words until now."
Crusch focused intently, staring at this Yukinoshita Yukino.
"In other words, in a strict sense, Lady Rem and Lady Emilia are the newcomers; they are the 'third' and 'fourth' parties... Let me see, Lady Yukinoshita, what kind of person you are to be able to rival them."
Yukinoshita Came First (Part 2)
「Hearing the sound of the door opening, she gave a casual glance, expecting it to be Yui Yuigahama, or Yui plus someone else. But to her surprise, it was only that "someone else"... A flicker of surprise crossed her face, but she immediately lowered her head again.」
「She acted as if she hadn't seen him at all. However, the way she pursed her lips and the bewildered look in her eyes upon seeing that he no longer maintained those dead-fish eyes betrayed her completely.」
「"Yukinoshita... Yukino."」
「His tone was incredibly complex.」
「Had this been the point in time before a certain someone confessed to Ebina, Yukinoshita would have already launched into a playful tease or a discussion about why he was suddenly calling her by her full name with such interest. But now, Yukinoshita kept her head down; it seemed the book resting on her lap was far more charming than a certain someone.」
「"...Where is Yuigahama?" she asked faintly, using the question as her response to being called.」
「"She isn't coming today."」
「"..."」
「After those three lines of dialogue, the vast activity room fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.」
「With her cold expression and troubled face, Yukinoshita Yukino's deliberate attitude of ignoring him was undoubtedly the culprit behind the stifling atmosphere that felt thick enough to choke on.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman pulled out a chair and sat far away from Yukinoshita. He also flipped open a book he had brought and looked down at it. In the silent activity room, where a pin drop could be heard, there was only the faint sound of turning pages. Both of them intentionally slowed the frequency of their breathing.」
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Emilia was left completely dazed.
The cute silver-haired girl shifted her small feet back and forth as she thought seriously. Finally, she looked blankly at Puck and tugged on his fur, seeking help from her "father": "Um, Puck, what's going on here?"
"Yukinoshita Yukino... Yukino must have been the person Hachiman liked before he came to Lugunica, right? She must have been his former wife? I can tell that much, but... it's so strange..."
Emilia found it hard to describe this odd feeling. She gestured with both hands, making patterns she thought were easy to understand but looked like gibberish to Puck.
"Look, Puck, Hachiman and Rem like each other and love each other, right? Isn't being a couple supposed to be such a happy thing? It's the same for Mr. Wilhelm; he's still so devoted fourteen years after his wife died. And, well, then there's... um..."
She shyly turned her face away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You see, right? That... I also... that... when Hachiman is around, it's obviously very happy. Why is Yukino being so strange?"
"Actually, Lia, Wilhelm and his wife—or that kid and Rem, or that kid and you—are the exceptions."
"Eh?"
Puck's answer left Emilia stunned.
As someone who had seen far too much of the world, Puck naturally understood: "Most couples, once the passion fades, enter a boring state of mutual annoyance. They might even break up or cheat—of course.
If it's this kid, I believe none of those things would ever happen. I hate to admit it, but I have to say it... after all, he is Hikigaya Hachiman." Puck changed the subject, instilling a positive view of love in his innocent daughter, and he wasn't lying.
Hikigaya Hachiman's character meant he would surely treat his beloved well for a lifetime, every single second. Even when his wife grew old, in his eyes, she would likely still be the best and the most beautiful.
Puck's words clearly contradicted the reality on screen. Emilia tilted her head, only to hear Puck's insight into the human heart.
"The reason for this bizarre atmosphere can basically be identified as a problem with this Yukinoshita girl."
Puck flicked his tail, making a bold judgment: "But considering that kid's taste in friends, it's unlikely he'd fall for a girl with a bad personality... So, in my estimation, this result isn't so much the fault of either individual, but more likely caused by a third party, or simply bad luck and an accidental misunderstanding."
'This is a golden opportunity!'
If you asked Puck, he'd want to fire off several ice spears in celebration.
It would be best if this Yukinoshita kept acting up! Keep pushing Hikigaya Hachiman away! As for a girl to love, his Lia was enough; even that little maid Rem was one too many!
"Mm..."
Lacking Puck's "dirty" schemes, Emilia watched the light screen, looking at Hikigaya Hachiman and Yukinoshita Yukino, who looked as if they intended to never speak to each other again for the rest of their lives.
She didn't know what her own attitude should be... She didn't want people to be in a cold war; that was bad... but... just a little bit... she felt...
In the courtyard of the Roswaal mansion, unlike the dark-minded Puck or the overly pure Emilia, Ram and Rem were incredibly tense. They didn't dare look away for a second, too nervous to even discuss it.
A person's first love is always special, no matter how the other person is.
Will Hachiman confess to Yukinoshita after this? Or will he say goodbye? It was hard to tell... Ram prayed sincerely in her heart.
Ram was far from the only one praying for Rem.
Kyousuke Kousaka sided with Rem; Kirino Kousaka sided with Emilia.
Crusch thought he could have both. Anastasia felt it was best to have neither.
Chitanda Eru liked Emilia, while Oreki Houtarou leaned toward Rem as Hachiman's best match.
Even Priscilla couldn't help but let a thought slip about which one to support. In places like Musashino, the Shinomiya household, and the Shirogane household, opinions were divided. The only consensus was that, based on the current situation, Yukinoshita Yukino didn't seem able to compete on the same stage as the other two.
The others shared "life and death" highlights, the kind of pure, sublimated love... You, Yukinoshita Yukino, are just sitting there sulking. Who would agree that you are on par with Rem and Emilia?
But Hikigaya Hachiman wouldn't think that way.
Whether the current him or the future him, Hachiman never felt that Yukinoshita Yukino was inferior to anyone else.
How could one "Genuine" thing be inferior to another? Besides, Yukinoshita truly held a special significance for him.
It's just that... a choice must be made even regarding the "Genuine Thing."
-
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「After a period of time that was by no means short, Hikigaya Hachiman let out a long, lingering sigh and closed his book.」
「"As I thought."」
「He shook his head gently and murmured in a low voice: "As I thought, this kind of atmosphere—even if I haven't felt it in a long time, and even if I'll never feel it again—I still don't like it. It's still just as repulsive and disgusting."」
「His reminiscence and his mourning were already enough.」
「Yukinoshita Yukino looked up, suspecting that Hikigaya Hachiman was making a veiled attack at her.」
「For the first time since their reunion, their eyes met.」
Stepping Stones for Rem and Emilia
「The stifling air, the girl in a cold war.」
「It was truly unbelievable... only two months or so had passed, yet it felt like a lifetime. It's just that... as expected, no matter what he missed, he would never miss this kind of falsehood that cast dust upon the 'Genuine Thing.'」
「"Hey, Yukinoshita."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman spoke softly: "Could you... pour me a cup of black tea?"」
「An indelible melancholy was hidden in his eyes, and his voice carried a weight seasoned by deep experience... This was almost no different from before; since the cold war began, the atmosphere of the Service Club had been like a dark cloud looming overhead.」
「Yukino Yukinoshita stared blankly at Hikigaya Hachiman, looking at this man she had spent day and night with and had become so familiar with.」
「Something was different.」
「She wasn't mistaken; something had indeed changed... and it wasn't an external change like his dead-fish eyes or the way his leg and arm muscles were held in a posture that looked ready for combat at any second.」
「He was looking at her—his expression, his aura, his heart.」
「"—"」
「Yukino Yukinoshita suddenly realized. It was the aversion... after the cold war began, every day at this time after school when he was forced to come to the Service Club, the sense of world-weariness on Hachiman's body would become very severe. His disgust for this activity room grew daily; he sincerely wished at every moment that his time in the Service Club would end quickly so he could leave this place that made it hard for him to breathe.」
「That anxiety to make time pass faster, that disgust for the Service Club—none of it could be found on today's Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「Her reflection was mirrored in his pupils, showing an unshielded admiration and attachment toward her.」
「Just like when the two of them first met a year ago, when they had just become acquainted.」
「"Could you... pour me a cup of black tea?"」
「Whatever cold war, whatever gloom, whatever resentment—under such a gaze and such a request, they were all instantly suppressed into the deepest depths of her heart.」
「Yukino's tea-making skills were fluid and natural. Every part of her body, every detail of her movements, seemed like the most perfect treasure bestowed by heaven, more graceful than jewels or pearls.」
「Hikigaya Hachiman took the black tea she handed him, cupping it in his hands, watching the steam rise.」
「He stared fixedly at the teacup, then suddenly turned to look at the girl who was no longer deliberately avoiding him or pouting for the time being. "Aren't you going to rush me?"」
「"You have a cat's tongue, you're afraid of the heat... My memory isn't so poor that I can't remember what my own club member has said." Yukino sighed, her volume getting lower and lower. "If I rushed you again, you would surely force yourself to gulp down the hot tea again."」
「That was what happened on the day Tobe came with Ebina's request after the school festival.」
「The origin of their mutual heart-ache.」
「After a pause, feeling that she had said something quite embarrassing, Yukino turned her head slightly as if nothing had happened. The ice in her heart suddenly began to melt.」
「"Ha, haha... hahahahaha, pff-hahahahaha—"」
「A series of tragic, desolate laughs entered her ears.」
「Yukino looked at Hachiman in shock. This man had suddenly burst out laughing—laughing so hard he doubled over, laughing until tears came, laughing until he covered his face with his hand so no one could see the agonizing regret in his expression. He grit his teeth: "So that's how it was, so that's how it was... so as long as I did this, as long as I had taken one proactive step back then, I could have brushed away the haze covering the 'Genuine Thing'... What a total idiot I am!!"」
「He slumped over the table. That utterly desolate regret completely overwhelmed Yukino's grievances.」
「Although she knew nothing—she didn't know where Hachiman's change came from, or that Hachiman would have a side that directly released his inner emotions—at the very least, she knew this man was currently filled with remorse.」
「It was embarrassing... but as someone who would go to any length to help even a total stranger, if she didn't comfort Hikigaya Hachiman at this moment, she wouldn't be Yukino Yukinoshita.」
「"Hikigaya-kun, you..."」
「"Yukinoshita."」
「Hikigaya Hachiman raised his head abruptly, interrupting the hesitant girl. This time his tears were few and were quickly stopped.」
「"I have some things I want to say to you, must say to you... please, listen to me until I finish, okay?"」
「His expression, his voice, his tone—all were extremely gentle. This was the gentlest Hikigaya Hachiman in history... because this was the weight of a lifetime's worth of gentleness, condensed into these brief few minutes.」
「"This is my... lifetime request."」
「A surge of confusion flashed through Yukino's azure eyes. Her lips moved twice, and she nodded slightly: "Okay... no matter what you have to say, I will listen until the end. But after that... I also have things I must tell you, Hikigaya-kun."」
「At this instant, the memories of the little moments he spent with Yukino in the Service Club at Sobu High were clearer in Hachiman's mind than ever before.」
-
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"I see... I generally understand now."
Crusch had always been one of the few people watching the future most seriously. She clearly remembered every detail of Lord Hachiman; naturally, she could quickly recall his unintentional soliloquies, his various expressions, and his regrets about the past before his transmigration.
Combining this with the current developments, Crusch could basically summarize: "In other words, before coming here, Lord Hachiman might not have been a very straightforward person, and this Lady Yukinoshita was likely equally unstraightforward, leading to a rift between them over a certain incident.
Transmigration meant that Lord Hachiman never had the chance to resolve this rift; it is a heart-ache that has settled within him until now... But it is also because of this, in order to prevent similar regrets from happening again, that Lord Hachiman grew up. He changed himself—facing Emilia and Lady Rem straightforwardly, directly, and no longer as a 'Tsundere'."
"If not for this incident, Lord Hachiman might have forever avoided or refused Lady Rem's confession. If not for this incident, Lord Hachiman might not have directly sworn his loyalty to Lady Emilia and spoken bluntly about wanting to be her knight.
This Lady Yukinoshita, through her own tragedy of never being able to see Lord Hachiman again and through her unfixable rift, served as a warning bell for him. She became the foundation for the beautiful developments between Lord Hachiman, Lady Rem, and Lady Emilia..."
Crusch, Ferris, and Wilhelm.
The way they looked at this "Yukinoshita" transformed in an instant.
Compassion...
"How pitiful, Lady Yukinoshita."
Confession and Farewell (Part 1)
"So it was just an insignificant stepping stone. Hmph, a mere clown."
Ram's intellect led her to the same conclusion at almost the same time. She crossed her arms, wearing a contemptuous, victorious smirk of disdain. "Ram's sister is the best in the world; someone like Yukinoshita Yukino is nothing to fear at all!"
She could already more or less guess what Hikigaya Hachiman was about to say to his first love. Most likely, it would be a final parting, which was excellent news.
"Cheer up, Rem. One love rival has already been eliminated."
"But..." Rem started to speak but hesitated. She troubledly touched her blue hair, saying gloomily, "Hachiman's regret is so sorrowful; Rem can't find it in herself to be happy at all."
Although... compared to him and Yukinoshita ending up together, she did feel a bit better; that was an uncontrollable subconscious reaction.
However, for someone who truly loved him, it was impossible to find joy in his pain.
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Far away on the streets of the Royal Capital, Emilia's situation was not much different from her rival's.
"Mm-hmm, wonderful. That's great, Lia. Look—where are you looking?"
Puck bared his fangs at Yukinoshita for a moment before retracting them. For prey that posed no threat, there wasn't even a need for him to act.
He was about to enjoy the good news with his daughter when he turned and found that most of Emilia's attention was focused on the activity room, the environment, and the objects within it.
"Eh? Me?"
Emilia gave an embarrassed "um." "I'm sorry for not looking properly at Hachiman and Yukino, but I really can't bear to watch... Puck, don't you think this kind of thing is particularly painful? Whether it's Hachiman or Yukino, why must they suffer such distressing treatment?
Hachiman is my knight... so, even if I can't do it, I have to try my best. When he comes back, I will definitely work with him to find a way for him to return!
So I thought I'd pay attention to what Hachiman's world looks like first. That way, if I go there with him later, I won't make a fool of myself and embarrass him."
Looking at the stunned Puck, Emilia's pale fingertip poked his fur.
It wasn't that she didn't care about Yukinoshita... but since Hachiman missed his home so much, she was determined to help him with everything she had!
"I can... never repay your kindness no matter what I do, so..."
Hearing his daughter's whisper, the dazed Puck shook his head. He should have been the one most focused on Yukinoshita Yukino, but his mind had been entirely diverted elsewhere. Well... his "number one in the world" daughter was that kind of person, after all.
And only that kind of person would be worthy of that kid racking his brains to save her so many times, wouldn't she?
"I'll take care of the dark thoughts, Lia. You just do what you want to do."
Puck gazed toward the Roswaal mansion from afar.
Even if he couldn't see them, he understood; surely that little maid Ram felt exactly the same as he did.
"When the time comes, let's see whose skills are superior, maid sisters."
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Aside from Emilia, not everyone was focused solely on Hachiman's past.
"Hey, hey hey hey! No way, right? I'm not hallucinating, and I'm not blind! Reinhard, did you see that? That world..."
Felt was dumbfounded, captivated by the human ecological environment on Earth. "No slums... no slums... although there are rich people, it's so much better than the noble lords over here..."
Reinhard shook his head, also deeply moved.
"Rest assured, you are not mistaken. That is a very fine world, Lady Felt."
Priscilla, a fellow Royal Selection candidate, gave a haughty and disdainful assessment: "Hmph. Though it was but a fleeting glimpse, I can see it. Conflict and hierarchy exist there as well. Strictly speaking, there is not much difference. Boring.
As long as hierarchy exists... no, even if it didn't, I would always reign above all.
Rather than these boring things..."
She stared straight at the light screen displaying the future.
Priscilla felt a knot in her stomach; her current perception of Hikigaya Hachiman was truly complex... Looking at Hachiman's dejection and inner turmoil, no one could help but feel a phantom ache.
She didn't care if Yukinoshita Yukino was abandoned or confessed to, but she really didn't want to see this guy looking so miserable anymore. It made her stomach churn.
"Act like a man! It's just a few wives and concubines; just marry them all!"
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「"I fell in love with you at first sight, Yukinoshita."」
「Speaking words that sounded like a confession, Hikigaya Hachiman didn't show a hint of shyness. He placed his left hand over his chest, feeling the beat of his heart. The rhythm was normal, ordinary, average—nothing like the pounding he felt when he accepted Rem's confession, or the unforgettable excitement and shock when facing Emilia's cautious question about whether he would be her knight.」
「His face showed an expression of relief and closure. From this moment on, he had finally and truly made up his mind, with no intention of turning back.」
「Yukinoshita Yukino didn't notice this... her body had frozen. She looked as if she were performing an act of pure astonishment—at a loss for words, her small mouth slightly open, a flush of surprise instantly occupying her cheeks.」
「"I like you."」
「"I like you, Yukinoshita."」
「"I like you. I like your face, I like your skin, I like your figure, I like your personality. I like your inner self that seems cold but is actually kind and gentle. I like your appearance that one can never tire of looking at. I like your melodious and unique voice. I like your wealthy status that would let me become a house husband as I please. I like your 'Genuine' heart that also has feelings for me. I like the way you get angry and worry for me because I sacrifice myself. I like everything we spent together. I like the name 'Yukinoshita Yukino.' I like that you are this kind of Yukinoshita Yukino. Yukinoshita, I like you, I like you. Hikigaya Hachiman likes you. Hikigaya Hachiman likes Yukinoshita Yukino."」
「"I like you, Yukinoshita."」
「It was an extensive, heartfelt confession. It didn't contain a shred of falsehood; it was from the bottom of his soul. However, the more Hachiman spoke, the more Yukino's flush faded, until she felt as if she had been plunged into a cellar of ice.」
「Like, like, like, like... if he really liked her, why, why?」
「Why was his tone so flat? Why did he sound so relieved? Why was his face so calm?」
「A flat Hikigaya Hachiman. A relieved Hikigaya Hachiman. A calm Hikigaya Hachiman.」
「He looked at Yukino and let out a soft, long breath.」
「He said:」
「"I like you... I used to like you that much."」