Hachiman's Perspective
"Haaaaaaah..."
The sigh escaped me, long and heavy, carrying the weight of a man who had seen the end of the world and realized he still had to pay taxes.
"Um, Hikigaya-kun?" Aoi asked, looking over from her desk. "Is everything okay? You've been letting out those deep, soul-crushing sighs since the moment you sat down. Did something happen?"
"If nothing had happened, I wouldn't be trying to deflate my own lungs," I muttered. "Seriously... how did it even come to this?"
Tojo looked up, her expression a mix of curiosity and mild concern. "What's gotten into you? It's not like you to be this visibly worked up. Usually, you're just... quiet."
"Yeah," Okino added, leaning back in his chair. "I've never seen you like this in the morning. Come on, spill it. What's the damage?"
I slumped further into my chair. "I'm sure you'll hear about it soon enough from Tojo-san or Okino-san. But for now... let's just say my primary reason for not talking is that I'd really rather not acknowledge reality exists."
"Well, that tells us absolutely nothing," Okino sighed.
How could I possibly explain it? How could I tell them that a casual trip to the Student Council room resulted in the Chairwoman deciding to expand my roster on the spot? I'd give anything to just delete that one hour from history. I could only pray the Chairwoman hadn't started shouting the news to everyone she passed in the hallway, though knowing her... that was a lost cause.
"Hey, Aoi," I said, staring blankly at the ceiling. "Can I just be a shut-in today? Just for today?"
"You know perfectly well that you can't," she replied with a sympathetic but firm smile.
—Tracen Academy Grounds—
"Ah, Brother! Good morning," Rudolf called out. Her voice was uncharacteristically bright, her face practically glowing.
"Morning!" C.B. added, beaming with a grin that could have powered the school's electrical grid for a week.
"Morning..." I groaned. "Why do you two look like you just won the lottery?"
Rudolf chuckled, a soft, musical sound. "I think you know exactly why. It's hard not to be in a good mood when the morning starts with such wonderful prospects."
"Hehe, exactly!" C.B. chirped, and before I could react, she had latched onto my arm in a full-body hug.
"I see..." I muttered.
Don't do that in public, I wanted to say. You're the Student Council President. People are going to get the wrong idea. But seeing Rudolf's stoic mask replaced by such genuine cheer made the words die in my throat. It was just an unfortunate coincidence that yesterday happened the way it did.
"Anyway, let's get going!" C.B. pulled on my arm. "The day is wasting!"
"Students are expected to be on time, after all," Rudolf added, moving to my other side. "Let's head in, Brother."
"You two are the students here," I pointed out. "Why are you dragging me along?"
"Because I want to go with Hachiman!" C.B. insisted, squeezing my arm tighter.
"It wouldn't hurt to walk together for once," Rudolf said, gently but firmly taking hold of my other arm. "It's not as if you'll wear out from the walk."
"Stop being stubborn! I have to go to the Trainer's Room—"
"We're going together!" C.B. shouted.
"Ow, ow, ow! Okay! Fine! I'll go with you! Just let go! You're going to pop my arm out of the socket! My arm is literally going to come off!"
"Yay! Let's go!" C.B. cheered, though she notably did not let go of my arm as she began dragging me toward the building.
—The Trainer's Office—
I finally managed to limp into the office, feeling like I'd just survived a wrestling match.
"Was this... the Chairwoman's doing?" I asked, looking at Tazuna-san.
She let out a polite, tinkling laugh. "Ahaha... I heard the news from her last night. About the plan to increase your trainee quota. Judging by your face, Hikigaya-trainer, I take it you aren't exactly thrilled?"
"Of course I'm not. Why am I, a second-year trainer, getting a roster increase while there are seniors who've been waiting for years? I tried telling the Chairwoman, but she has selective hearing. I'm completely cornered."
"But look at it this way," Tazuna-san said, leaning forward. "It's a testament to how much she trusts your abilities. Why not think of it as a new challenge? Though, the Chairwoman did say she would consult the Team Trainers before making a final decision..."
"Great. So my fate is in the hands of my peers' evaluations," I sighed. "I guess all I can do is wait for the hammer to fall."
—Lunchtime—
"So..." I looked around the table. "I see the whole gang is here today."
"The President invited me," Air Groove said, sounding composed despite the crowd. "I decided to take her up on the offer."
"It's nice to share a meal like this every once in a while, isn't it?" Rudolf said. "I believe this is the first time the four of us have sat down together."
"It's all about skinship!" C.B. chirped, leaning into my space. "We're close like that, right, Hachiman? Do you want a bite of mine? Want to do the 'ahhh' thing?"
"I most certainly do not," I snapped. "Stop that. You're setting a bad example for Rice. You're the source of all chaos here."
"Aww, you're so mean to me..." C.B. pouted.
"I-it's okay, Onii-sama," Rice whispered, looking a bit overwhelmed but smiling. "Rice doesn't mind."
C.B. leaned over to look at my tray. "Huh... Hachiman, are you having ramen? That's rare for you."
"That's because I made it from scratch," I replied.
Air Groove's eyebrows shot up. "What? You made this? I knew you could cook, but I didn't realize you were making your own broth as well."
"My brother's cooking is exquisite," Rudolf said proudly. "I can personally vouch for his skill."
"You only ever ate my yakitori bowl..." I reminded her.
"Hey, Hachiman, give me a taste!" C.B. pleaded. "I'll give you a bite of mine in exchange!"
I sighed, defeated. "...Fine. Just one bite."
"In that case, I want some too!" Fine Motion suddenly popped up out of nowhere, her eyes locked onto the bowl with predatory intensity.
"Whoa—Fine? If you want some, I can just make you a bowl. I have enough for seconds."
Fine's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Wait, really?! Yay!"
Well, they say there are no bad people among ramen lovers.
"Just wait a second, I'll get it ready," I said, standing up.
"Okay!~" Fine chirped.
Air Groove looked at her and shook her head. "Ramen again? Honestly, you should learn some restraint."
"I don't eat it every day, so it's fine!" Fine argued. "Besides, it's Trainer's ramen! It's guaranteed to be delicious! I had a flash of inspiration the moment I saw it—I had to have some!"
Rudolf watched the exchange with a wistful look. "I must say, I'm quite jealous of Rice Shower. To be able to eat such delicious meals every week..."
"B-but it's not like Rice asked for it!" Rice said hurriedly, her face flushing. "Onii-sama was the one who suggested it. At first, I felt bad and tried to say no, but... now, I just can't bring myself to turn him down."
"Maybe I'll get Hachiman to cook for me too," C.B. mused.
"Not happening," I said, returning with a fresh bowl. "This is a trainee-only privilege. Or rather, a Rice-only privilege. Here, Fine. Ramen."
"Wow, it smells amazing! Thank you, Trainer! Itadakimasu!"
"Rice, let's eat before the noodles get soft," I said, sitting back down. "And don't hesitate to ask for seconds."
"Okay!" Fine cheered.
"Ahaha... thank you, Onii-sama," Rice smiled.
"...I guess this isn't so bad," I thought.
It had been a while since the table was this lively. Between Fine's interrogation about the ramen broth and C.B.'s constant chatter, it was noisy, chaotic, and utterly exhausting.
But as I watched them enjoy the meal, I figured I could handle a little noise.
The two girls who know the secret—and desperately want to join Hachiman's roster—are sticking to him like glue!
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