Life As Hikigaya Hachiman Chapter 273: Significant Progress in the Relationship Between Hachiman and Yukino (Patreon)

Chapter 273: Significant Progress in the Relationship Between Hachiman and Yukino

"Give up, no matter how much money you offer, I won't sell my body."

Seeing her reaction, Hachiman smirked, finding girls' thought processes quite peculiar.

"You're overthinking. I'm just helping you out as classmates, and, after all, it's also to fulfill our Service Club's request."

Understood, you're a money-wielder.

Seeing Hachiman's demeanor, Saki realized her misunderstanding, and her tense posture relaxed.

"Okay, thanks for that. If the scholarship isn't enough later, I'll rely on you."

"Yeah, if you have any issues, feel free to come to the Service Club and find me," Hachiman said with a smile.

"I will," the girl nodded.

Seeing the two like this, Yukino felt a bit displeased.

I'm supposed to be the president of the Service Club. How did Hachiman become the main figure in this?

However, she wouldn't utter any dampening words at a time like this.

"Well then, Kawasaki-san, we'll head back for today. You should also go home and rest early."

"This time, I really appreciate your help!" Saki bowed slightly in gratitude.

"It's nothing. After all, we accepted your brother's request, so we'll see it through to the end," Yukino nodded calmly. She stood up, and along with Hachiman, left the place.

Now that the matter was resolved, it was time to leave, especially since it was already past ten in the evening, and they had school tomorrow.

As they walked out of the hotel, Yui stretched with a big yawn, a happy smile on her face.

"Great, we've solved another request together."

Hearing this, Hachiman rolled his eyes.

You, silly Yui, didn't really contribute much. You only know how to be cute, and your ideas are often unreliable.

"It's getting late today. Let's go back and rest quickly."

Saying that, he hailed a taxi, and the three of them got in.

Although Japan nighttime taxis were frighteningly expensive, Hachiman and Yukino didn't care much about the cost.

The Yuigahama residence.

"Hikki, Yukinon, see you tomorrow!"

After getting out of the car, Yui waved to Hachiman and Yukino and then turned to enter her house.

After dropping off Yui at her home, the two continued in the taxi towards Yukino's apartment. During the ride, neither of them spoke. Upon reaching Yukino's apartment building, Hachiman stepped out of the cab.

Breaking the silence, Hachiman addressed the quiet girl, "You don't have to be bothered by what Kawasaki-san said. You're already making an effort to change, aren't you?"

Hearing Hachiman's words, Yukino lifted her head, but her expression remained somewhat dim.

"I am trying to change, but my individual efforts are too weak."

It was true; compared to the entire Yukinoshita family, the girl's personal strength seemed too fragile. Even during the recent workplace visit, she wouldn't have been able to resist the family's decision without Hachiman's help.

And through the incident involving Saki Kawasaki, she understood a lesson.

Everything she enjoyed now was provided by the Yukinoshita family. Leaving the family, she might truly become someone with nothing.

Seemingly aware of the girl's thoughts, Hachiman smiled faintly.

"I understand your concerns, Yukino. That's why I think your first step should be to be able to support yourself."

"Support myself? Are you suggesting I should work and earn money like Kawasaki?" Yukino asked.

"There are many ways to earn money, not just through working," Hachiman shook his head.

"You really like cats, don't you?" Bringing up this topic, Hachiman reminded Yukino of the previous scene where he overheard her "meowing," causing a slight blush to appear on her face.

"Ye...Yes."

"So, you must be well-versed in all sorts of cat knowledge," Hachiman continued.

"Of course, whether it's feeding cats at different stages or care, I know it like the back of my hand," Yukino confidently shared her knowledge about cats.

"No wonder you're like an encyclopedia for cats."

Seeing the girl's confident demeanor, Hachiman smiled.

"Hmph, I'll admit to that title."

She didn't refute the title and gave a slight hum of acknowledgment.

"But what does my love for cats have to do with making money?"

"Naturally, there can be a connection. For example, Yukino, you could create a website about cat knowledge, answering queries for cat owners. On the site, you could also feature cat food and care products, and you could recommend purchases based on different types of cats."

Upon hearing Hachiman's idea, Yukino's eyes lit up. The concept of helping other cat owners while making money aligned perfectly with her preferences.

"Can this really work? But I don't understand how to create a website."

"Don't worry, I'll help you with that. I'm 'somewhat knowledgeable' in website development," Hachiman smiled slightly.

Well, somewhat knowledgeable, referring to the level five proficiency in the [Computer] module.

"Once the website gains some popularity, I believe it won't be a problem to sustain yourself."

"Thank you, Hachiman."

The girl's eyes carried a hint of amusement, but then her gaze dimmed as she thought of something.

"Even if I can support myself, there's still my mother..."

Even if she becomes independent, her mother won't likely let her go easily. She might forcibly bring her back.

Seeing Yukino in this state, Hachiman felt a pang of empathy. He instinctively reached out, gently touching her face.

"Don't worry, Yukino. If that day ever comes, believe me, I will definitely come to rescue you!"

Feeling the warmth of his hand on her face, Yukino was momentarily stunned.

"Hachiman, you..."

From elementary school until now, she never had too close contact with the opposite sex. Today, being touched so directly by Hachiman made her heartbeat accelerate, and a blush appeared on her face.

"Who... who asked you to save me?"

Yukino muttered softly, then blushing, she ran into the apartment building.

Seeing her flee like that, Hachiman shook his head with a somewhat amused expression.

Unexpectedly, the girl had a tsundere side.

Watching her disappear, Hachiman turned and got into the taxi, heading towards his own home.

However, shortly after he boarded, the apartment door opened again, revealing Yukino walking out.

Gazing at the fading taillights of the taxi, Yukino, one hand over her chest, felt her still-racing heartbeat. A beautiful smile graced her face.

This feeling of being cared for doesn't seem bad.

As the taxi vanished from sight, Yukino reentered the apartment building.