The Hikigaya Couple’s Youth Romantic Comedy Is Just as Expected

It was early morning when Komachi, still deeply asleep, was roused by a series of rhythmic knocks echoing through the house.

"Ugh... Who is it this early? Seriously disturbing my beauty sleep," she grumbled, dragging herself out of bed and getting dressed with an irritated scowl.

Yawning, she slowly shuffled her way to the front door. "Who is it?" she asked, clearly not bothering to hide her annoyance.

"Good morning, Komachi-chan," came a gentle voice.

Yukino stood at the entrance, a hint of apology in her eyes as she faced the groggy girl.

"Ehh? Yukino-nee? You're here this early?" Komachi blinked in surprise.

"I didn't have anything to do at home, so I figured I'd stop by," Yukino replied while brushing back a few stray strands of her hair.

"Hehe, when Onii-chan sees you, he's definitely going to be surprised," Komachi said, squinting her eyes as she grinned, revealing her small fang-like canine tooth.

"Hm? He's still asleep?" Yukino tilted her head slightly, the ponytail tied to the side of her head swaying with the motion.

"Ever since summer break started, Onii-chan sleeps like a rock every morning. It's like trying to wake a dead pig," Komachi said with a disgusted expression.

Yukino stifled a laugh at her words.

"Is it alright if I come in now?" she asked softly.

"Ah, of course! The Hikigaya household is always open to you!" Komachi replied cheerfully, half-joking.

Yukino's face flushed faintly at the warm welcome.

Just as she stepped through the doorway, Komachi smacked her forehead. "Oh no! Yukino-nee, I just remembered we're out of guest slippers! Do you want me to run out and buy some?"

"No need to trouble yourself. I'm fine like this," Yukino said, slipping off her sandals and placing her bare feet directly onto the cool oak floor.

"Where's Hachiman's room?" she asked.

Komachi pointed down the hallway. Yukino took a few steps before suddenly remembering something and turned around.

She held out a cosmetic bag to Komachi. "Here. These are some of my cosmetics. I rarely use them, and it would be a waste to let them just sit there. They're yours now."

"Eh? That much? I feel kind of bad taking them..." Komachi waved her hands, hesitant.

"It's really fine. If it bothers you, just make Hachiman repay me for them later," Yukino said with a gentle smile.

"Uuuu thank you, Yukino-nee!" Komachi hugged the bag and did a little happy twirl on the spot.

"Have you had breakfast yet?" she asked, placing the gift down and reaching for an apron.

"I haven't. But don't make too much for me. I'm not very hungry in the morning," Yukino replied. She had already eaten at home but was too polite to say no directly.

"Okay! You go find Onii-chan and I'll get started on breakfast."

Yukino padded quietly toward Hachiman's room. Since she wasn't wearing shoes, her steps made barely any sound on the wooden floor. She opened the door stealthily, like a thief sneaking in.

...

"Aaagh... What are they doing in there? It's been over an hour!" Komachi muttered as she sat at the dining table, bored and waiting.

Just as she was about to storm into the room, Hachiman came out, holding Yukino in his arms with a relaxed expression on his face.

"Onii-chan! You're so slow. The food's gone cold already," Komachi scolded.

"Ah, sorry, sorry. Yukino didn't want to wake me up, so I ended up oversleeping," Hachiman said sheepishly.

"Then hurry up and eat!" Komachi urged, clearly frustrated.

"Um... Hachiman, I need to go wash my feet first," Yukino said quietly, her face half-buried in Hachiman's chest.

"Go ahead. Last room on the left at the end of the hall."

"Huh? Wash her feet?" Komachi watched Yukino scurry off, utterly confused. "What was that? Why does she need to wash her feet before eating?"

"Why do you ask so many questions? Aren't you hungry?" Hachiman replied, flicking Komachi on the head with his chopsticks.

"Ugh... What was that for?" she whimpered, rubbing her head.

"Hmm. The food's a little cold," Hachiman said as he took a bite.

"Well, whose fault is that? You and Yukino-nee holed up in your room for so long!" Komachi pouted.

"How would I know she'd show up so early? I woke up and she was just... sitting there next to me. Scared the hell out of me," Hachiman lied smoothly without batting an eye.

"Hehe, even if you say that, I bet deep down you were actually happy," Komachi teased.

"Sorry for the wait," Yukino said softly as she returned and took a seat, her cheeks still lightly flushed.

"What took you so long?" Hachiman asked.

"Miss Hiratsuka called. She asked us to meet her at the front gate of Soubu High tomorrow morning."

"Got it," Hachiman nodded, then turned to Komachi. "Pack a bag. You're coming with us tomorrow."

"Huh? Where to?" she asked, blinking in surprise.

"The countryside. Just to relax a bit."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hachiman's phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Ah, I already know. Yes... Yukino's with me right now."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line.

"Can I bring my sister along?"

"...Okay. Thanks, Sensei. I'll be there on time."

He hung up and exchanged a glance with Yukino. Then, without saying another word, he picked up his chopsticks again and resumed eating his now slightly cold breakfast.