Life As Hikigaya Hachiman Chapter 297: Yui's Birthday (Patreon)

Chapter 297: Yui's Birthday

"Consider this a gift for your girlfriend," Hachiman's face revealed a gentle smile.

"Alright..."

Hearing his words, Yukino nodded with a slightly red face and took the plushie.

"Thank you..."

Holding the Mr. Panda plushie, Yukino's face showed a hint of happiness.

Mr. Panda, so cute.

Seeing her like this, Hachiman couldn't help but find it strange. I know the girl likes cats, but a panda isn't a cat; it's a bear.

"The character of this plushie, I remember it's called Johnny the Cat-Bear, right? Could it be that you really like this character?" Hachiman asked.

"Yes, because this was a gift my father gave me when I was a child," Yukino nodded faintly.

"A gift too?"

"No, it was the original book."

"A book?" Hachiman was somewhat surprised.

"I remember Johnny the Cat-Bear's original book was written by an American biologist. It's said that he moved his whole family to Indonesia to study a special type of pandas, and this is the storybook his son wrote about not adapting to the new environment, titled 'Hello, Mr. Panda.'"

"You even know about that."

Hearing him able to mention the origin of the book, Yukino was quite surprised, and there was a touch of approval in her gaze towards Hachiman.

Hachiman smiled, "Because Komachi liked this character when she was young, so I've somewhat looked into the character's background."

"I remember this version of Johnny the Cat-Bear is like a Disney animated character, in my impression, it always shouts, 'I want to eat bamboo, I want to eat a lot of bamboo,' and then gets drunk after eating bamboo."

"That's right, Johnny the Cat-Bear became famous because Disney introduced an animated version of the character, emphasizing the aspect you mentioned."

"But I think the original version's setting is also excellent; in it, you can feel a father's love for his child." Yukino nodded, as if recalling many beautiful childhood memories, her eyes softened.

"So thank you for being able to give me this plushie..."

After saying this, the girl, somewhat embarrassed, buried her face in the plushie.

Seeing her like this, Hachiman's heartbeat couldn't help but quicken, and his expression softened.

"It's nothing. As a boyfriend, isn't it natural to make your girlfriend happy?"

"Girlfriend..." the girl murmured to herself.

Both unconsciously forgot the word "temporary."

"Alright, let's head back."

Hachiman extended his hand toward Yukino.

Looking at his outstretched hand, the girl hesitated for a moment but eventually placed her hand on top of his.

Holding Yukino's hand, Hachiman's face revealed a gentle smile.

"Let's go, I'll walk you home."

"Okay."

...

Outside the apartment building.

"Alright, I've reached the apartment. Thank you for escorting me back."

Taking the gift bag from Hachiman, Yukino's expression returned to its usual cool demeanor.

"Is this how it ends? Shouldn't you invite me up for a cup of tea or something?" Releasing the girl's hand, Hachiman expressed some dissatisfaction.

"You're daydreaming. I wouldn't let the wolf into the house," Yukino gave him a charming glance.

"Keep in mind that pretending to be your girlfriend today, I've already suffered enough."

Hachiman was left with black lines on his head hearing this.

"Really? I'm not that bad, am I?"

Although the girl said that, she had to admit that Hachiman was an excellent choice for a boyfriend from any perspective. However, with her personality, admitting that was out of the question.

"You know it yourself," the girl snorted.

"I'm going back. Take care on your way."

"Fine, I'm leaving."

Since Yukino didn't invite him, Hachiman didn't insist. However, just as he turned around, he heard Yukino's subtle voice.

"Thank you. I had a great time today..."

But when he turned back, all he saw was the girl's back as she hurried into the apartment building.

Hachiman smiled, realizing that his strategy was effective.

With that thought, he turned and walked toward his own home.

Monday, the day of Yui's birthday.

Yui spent the whole day looking forward to it because of Hachiman's revelation yesterday. She knew that today both Yukino and Hachiman would give her gifts.

Although Yumiko and Ebina also gave her birthday presents, in her heart, she was more excited about the gifts from Yukino and Hachiman.

As the school bell rang at the end of the day, Yui went directly to Hachiman's seat.

"Let's go, Hikki. Let's go to the club room together."

Seeing her excited look, Hachiman shook his head with a smile but didn't refuse.

"Yeah, let's go."

Walking through the familiar corridors, the two arrived at the Service Club's clubroom together.

"Yahallo, Yukinon, I'm here!"

With the signature greeting, Yui opened the clubroom door.

Seeing her, Yukino's face softened.

"Yeah, Yui, good afternoon!"

"Afternoon, Yukinon." Yui smiled and nodded.

That silly bun.

Seeing her smiling face, Hachiman shook his head helplessly, pulled out a chair, sat down, and nodded at Yukino.

"Yukino, good afternoon."

"Yeah."

The girl responded with a faint hum to him.

Now, Yui also pulled out a chair and sat down next to Yukino.

Looking at Yui sitting beside her, Yukino suddenly became a bit embarrassed.

"Yui, although it might sound a bit sudden, having you as a friend makes me really happy lately."

Yui smiled as well. "I'm happy to be friends with you too, Yukinon."

Seeing her smile, Yukino felt less nervous.

"So, even though it might be a bit late to say this now, I still want to wish you a happy birthday, Yui."

"And this is a gift from me." Yukino handed a gift bag to Yui.

"Ah, thank you, Yukinon."

Taking the gift, Yui's face lit up with a radiant smile.

"Can I open it and see what's inside?"

"Of course, it's a gift for you." Yukino nodded.

"Awesome!"

Excited, Yui eagerly started unwrapping the gift.

Inside was the apron that Yukino and Hachiman had bought together yesterday.

"A apron? Thank you, Yukinon."

Taking the apron and demonstrating it on herself, Yui happily hugged Yukino.

"Yui, don't get too close..."

Even though Yukino had experienced Yui's hugs a few times, she still seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"I'm just happy! Thanks, Yukinon."

Yui let go of Yukino, but in the next moment, she fixed her gaze directly on Hachiman.