The Exorcism Story of Hikigaya Hachiman

"That's true..."

Before Yui Yuigahama could say anything, Hina Ebina next to her nodded in agreement.

Getting into the University of Tokyo already meant being an elite in society. Getting into its medical school meant being the elite of the elite.

For such a top student to be Miura Yumiko's neighbor, and to be willing to tutor a failing student like her — if Yumiko didn't cherish that, she'd truly be stupid beyond measure.

"Yeah, exactly!"

Originally a bit shy, Yumiko felt confident hearing Ebina's words.

"But Yumiko, how's that university student? You have to be really careful..."

Along with knowing all kinds of guys, Ebina also understood that "tutoring sessions" often involved other matters.

Especially with Yumiko being outstanding in both looks and figure among her peers, and with her gullible personality, Ebina was genuinely worried about her safety.

"Well, that guy is pretty nice..."

In Yumiko's memory, Inoue Yasutaka always had a gentle smile.

Even when tutoring her, the slow learner, he patiently taught her how to apply formulas and reason out answers.

When she was about to give up, he even made sweets to encourage her.

If it weren't for Hayama coming into her life first, Yumiko might have been tempted to pursue someone as good as Inoue.

"..."

Seeing Yumiko unconsciously smile, Yuigahama and Ebina exchanged glances.

Suddenly, they both thought: Hayama might be losing his place.

"But!"

Snapping out of her memories, Yumiko looked at her two followers' expressions and guessed their thoughts.

She patted the table and seriously declared in a low voice, "Even so, the person I like is still Hayama. Don't jump to conclusions!"

"Sigh, boss, what's so great about Hayama? Why are you so stuck on him?"

Hearing Yumiko, Ebina sighed.

Honestly, with Yumiko's qualities, if she really wanted a boyfriend, there wouldn't be many guys in school who'd say no.

There were other handsome, sunny boys at Soubu High besides Hayama. She couldn't understand why Yumiko insisted on clinging to Hayama.

"What about you?"

While Ebina said she didn't understand Yumiko's mind, Yumiko was equally puzzled about Ebina.

Taking off her glasses, Ebina was just as beautiful as Yumiko and Yuigahama, yet she kept a plain hairstyle and wore old-fashioned glasses, with some peculiar habits.

Plus, she never fought back when bullied. Yumiko had never seen anyone as clueless as her!

"Ah, well..."

Yumiko's question made Ebina awkwardly scratch her cheek.

She, too, had her own flaws and wasn't really in a position to criticize.

"By the way, Yumiko, how did you come to like Hayama?"

Hearing their conversation, Yuigahama grew curious.

Since her first year, when Yumiko pulled her into the group, Yumiko seemed to have liked Hayama already. But why? There must be a reason for liking someone, right?

"Nothing much, I just thought he looked good when I entered high school..."

Yumiko answered Yuigahama's question calmly, without a hint of shyness.

"Huh, just that simple?"

Yuigahama blinked, finding it hard to believe Yumiko's reason was so plain.

"Of course. Otherwise, what, some tragic hero-saving-beauty story? The girl enters high school with a spring in her heart, finds her lifesaver is her classmate, and boldly pursues him?"

"Don't be silly. Such things don't happen to me, Yumiko Miura."

"As the queen of Sobu High, I'm always the one helping others, when have I ever needed help?"

"Like with studying..."

Ebina suddenly interrupted, not catching the mood and breaking Yumiko's flow.

"Ebina!"

Yumiko glared at her, then resumed calmly.

"When I entered high school and met Hayama, I thought he was handsome, kind, and had good grades. Plus, he joined the soccer club and was a school star. Wanting such an excellent guy as my boyfriend was only natural, right?"

"Well, that doesn't explain why you've been chasing him for two years..."

Yuigahama wiped imaginary sweat from her brow, twitching her mouth. Such a plain and tough reason really fit Yumiko's personality.

"Later..."

Yumiko's normally calm face suddenly flushed red.

"Oh?"

Seeing Yumiko's change, Ebina's eyes lit up and she perked up to listen more carefully.

"At first, I thought we were a good match and pursued him, but then I realized he was getting better and better, and that Hayama seemed to hint he didn't want a girlfriend, so I never confessed..."

"Then, boss, you were totally captivated by Hayama's personality and just stuck to that tree, right?"

Before Yumiko finished, Ebina guessed what she was about to say.

A very real and boring answer indeed.

But thinking about it, where are all those heroic romance stories in real life?

Most love stories start with attraction and grow over time.

Yumiko was just a classic case of falling deeply into a crush.

"Well, that's it. Laugh if you want."

Having her situation fully exposed by Ebina, Yumiko gave up and showed a resigned expression.

"I'm not laughing. On the contrary, Yumiko, I think you're amazing."

Yuigahama shook her head, looking at her with admiration.

"To boldly pursue someone you like, even though I've never tried, must take a lot of courage. So Yumiko, you're super impressive!"