Yeah, I mention this is a prequel to another story of mine. If I have to mention why these characters. Fujimoto is the wholesome character, the idea for her was those slice-of-life manga that revolve around an office lady. Haruno was always interested in Hikigaya but also loved Yukino a lot and that made the perfect character who joined the party late. Now she fills the only role she can, a friend with benefits. Yukino because the ending of OreGairu was satisfying but we want more. Yumi is Yukino's counterpart if she continues a certain path.
If I have to assign a character it will be a mixture of Fujibayashi Kyouko from the series, 'Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei' and Fukuzawa Saku from the series, 'Dekiru Neko was Kyou mo Yuuutsu' for Fujimoto.
Yumi is a mixture of Yukinoshita's mother, Esdeath from 'Akame ga Kill', and Cynthia from 'Pokémon'. You can also include Ragyo Kiryuin from 'Kill la Kill'. All the characters are beautiful. Thinking about it you can say, Cynthia, Panty from 'Panty and Stocking' and Lusamine from 'Pokémon' have the hairstyle I was looking for in making Yumi. Yumi has a more realistic hairstyle and is messy too.
As I strolled down the sidewalk on my day off, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, I found myself halted at a traffic stop. There, standing on the other side of the road, were two schoolgirls in their uniforms, each exuding a distinct aura.
The first girl caught my attention immediately. Her school uniform seemed to fit her effortlessly, accentuating her bubbly and lively demeanor. The fabric clung to her curves in just the right places, enhancing her youthful vitality. Her long, flowing hair danced in the wind, a cascade of golden strands that shimmered like spun silk under the morning sunlight[1]. The delicate curve of her rosy lips curved upwards in a perpetual smile, her eyes sparkling with an infectious joy that seemed to light up the entire street. She was a vision of radiant beauty, her presence akin to a burst of sunshine on that otherwise ordinary morning.
Beside that girl another girl of contrasting elegance. Clad in the same uniform, she exuded an air of grace and refinement that commanded attention. The fabric of her uniform draped perfectly over her slender frame, accentuating her statuesque figure with understated elegance. Her long, ebony hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of midnight, framing her porcelain complexion with a striking contrast. Though her expression was serene, there was a subtle intensity in her gaze, a depth of wisdom and insight that belied her youthful appearance. She possessed a quiet allure, drawing the eye with an irresistible magnetism that left a lingering impression in her wake.
Together, they formed a captivating contrast, representing different facets of femininity and youth.
As I stood there, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation between the two schoolgirls. They spoke of waiting for someone, and as I scanned the crowd, my eyes caught sight of Hikigaya's unmistakable figure above the sea of people.
But as the crowd dispersed, revealing Hikigaya in a school uniform identical to the girls', my heart skipped a beat, and a wave of realization washed over me like a sudden gust of wind. It was then that I understood—I had been mistaken all along. The man I had befriended, the one I had believed to be a senior colleague from work, was, in fact, a high school student.
Shock and disbelief mingled within me as I processed this revelation. How could I have been so oblivious? The realization dawned on me with startling clarity, and I felt a mix of embarrassment and incredulity wash over me. The connection I had forged with Hikigaya, based on mutual understanding and shared experiences, now seemed tinged with a hint of absurdity.
Before I could fully process my emotions, Hikigaya spotted me and greeted me with his usual calm demeanor. As he introduced Yukinoshita Yukino as his girlfriend and Yuigahama Yui as his friend, I felt a pang of surprise and confusion. Girlfriend? Friend? The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, and I realized that my perception of Hikigaya's world had been woefully incomplete.
Despite my initial shock and confusion, I managed to offer a polite smile in return, masking the turmoil of emotions swirling within me. Meeting Hikigaya in this unexpected context shattered my preconceived notions and left me grappling with a newfound understanding of his reality. As I navigated this revelation, one thing became clear—there was far more to Hikigaya Hachiman than met the eye, and I was eager to unravel the complexities of his world, one encounter at a time.
As the traffic light changed, they bid me goodbye and they continued on their way, leaving me with a fleeting yet unforgettable impression of their presence.
00000
With the startling revelation still swirling in her mind, I found solace in the familiar comfort of food. Determined to shake off the remnants of shock and disbelief, I embarked on a mission to indulge in a hearty, oily breakfast—a guilty pleasure that never failed to lift my spirits.
Navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo, I made my way to a nearby market, its colorful stalls brimming with an array of tantalizing treats. The savory aroma of fried delights wafted through the air, beckoning me closer with each step.
As I wandered through the aisles, my eyes alighted on a quaint little stall nestled in the corner, its display adorned with an assortment of piping-hot delicacies. From crispy tempura to golden brown korokke, the choices were endless, each one more tempting than the last.
With a rumble of anticipation in my stomach, I approached the stall, greeted by the warm smile of the vendor behind the counter. "Good morning! What can I get for you today?" the vendor chirped.
My gaze swept over the tantalizing spread before me, my mouth watering at the sight. After a moment's deliberation, I settled on my favorites—a generous portion of deep-fried croquettes, accompanied by a side of crispy vegetable tempura.
As the vendor skillfully assembled my order, I felt anticipation building with within me. There was something undeniably comforting about the prospect of indulging in a greasy, satisfying meal–a momentary escape from the complexities of the world around me.
With my order in hand, I thanked the vendor with a grateful smile before retreating to a nearby bench. Settling myself comfortably, I eagerly dug into my meal, savoring each delectable bite with unabashed delight.
As the rich flavors danced across my palate, I felt the tension of the morning's events slowly begin to melt away. In that moment, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the market, I found a sense of peace—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures in life were all it took to soothe the soul.
With my spirits lifted and my hunger satisfied, I emerged from the market with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. Though the revelation about Hikigaya's true identity still lingered in the back of my mind, I felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, fortified by the comforting embrace of a greasy, indulgent breakfast.
0000
After a long and exhausting day at work, I decided to treat myself to a visit to the bookstore. Stepping into the cozy sanctuary of shelves stacked high with books, a sense of tranquility washed over me. There was something comforting about being surrounded by the familiar scent of ink and paper—a welcome respite from the chaos of the outside world.
Making my way through the aisles, I soon found myself in the romance section, on the hunt for the latest novel that had been making waves among my co-workers. With a sense of anticipation, I scanned the shelves until my eyes landed on the coveted title. With a satisfied smile, I plucked the book from its place, already envisioning the hours of escape it would provide.
As I turned to leave, my gaze was drawn to an intriguing book spine just out of reach on a higher shelf. I hesitated, debating whether to ask for assistance or simply abandon the curiosity that had taken hold of me.
Before I could make up my mind, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts. "Need a hand?"
Startled, I turned to see Hikigaya-kun standing beside me, a small smile playing on his lips. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise at the unexpected encounter, but I quickly composed myself and nodded gratefully.
"Yes. There's a book up there that caught my eye, but I can't quite reach it," I admitted, feeling a flush of embarrassment color my cheeks.
Without hesitation, Hikigaya reached up and effortlessly retrieved the book, handing it to me with a casual flick of his wrist. "Here you go."
"Thank you," I replied, my gratitude evident in my voice as I accepted the book. "I appreciate the help."
As I examined the intriguing title in my hands, a smile tugged at the corners of Hikigaya's lips. "So, what caught your eye about this one?"
I glanced up at him, my interest piqued by his question. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure," I admitted with a chuckle. "I suppose it's the mystery of the unknown. Sometimes, the most unexpected discoveries can lead to the most fascinating adventures."
Hikigaya nodded in understanding, a spark of curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "I couldn't agree more. There's something magical about getting lost in a good book, isn't there?"
I smiled in agreement, feeling a sense of camaraderie blossoming between us. "Absolutely. It's like stepping into a different world entirely—a world where anything is possible."
Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we discussed our favorite genres, authors, and memorable reading experiences. Before long, we found ourselves engrossed in a lively exchange, our shared love of literature bridging the gap between them.
0000
After our delightful encounter at the bookstore, Hikigaya and I found ourselves walking side by side, the gentle hum of conversation flowing between us like a comforting melody. As we made our way to the donut shop, the crisp evening air seemed to crackle with the promise of camaraderie and companionship.
Entering the cozy little shop, the aroma of freshly baked pastries enveloped us in a warm embrace, tantalizing our senses with sweet temptation. Hikigaya led the way to a cozy corner table, where Yukinoshita Yukino and Yuigahama Yui were already seated, engrossed in their conversation.
"Hey, everyone," Hikigaya greeted them with a casual wave, drawing their attention to me beside him. "Mind if Fujimoto joins us? She was kind enough to accompany me to the bookstore."
Yukinoshita-san nodded in acknowledgment, her expression composed as ever. "Of course, the more the merrier," she replied politely, her gaze flickering briefly towards Yuigahama-san as if to remind her of their purpose for being there.
Settling into our seats, I found myself seated beside Yuigahama-san, who greeted me with a warm smile. "Hi there! I'm Yuigahama Yui, nice to meet you," she said cheerfully.
"Fujimoto Kaori," I replied with a friendly smile, reciprocating the gesture. "Likewise, nice to meet you."
As we exchanged pleasantries, Hikigaya leaned in towards Yukinoshita, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, Yukinoshita, what have you been reading lately?"
Yukinoshita's lips quirked upwards in a subtle smile, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "I've been revisiting some classic literature," she replied, her tone measured and thoughtful. "There's something timeless about the works of authors like Jane Austen and Leo Tolstoy that never fails to captivate me."
I listened intently, my interest piqued by Yukinoshita's choice of reading material. "I've always admired the depth and complexity of classic literature," I remarked, my gaze drifting towards the shelves of books lining the walls of the shop. "There's a certain elegance to the prose, a richness of language that transports you to another era."
Yukinoshita nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on Yuigahama for a moment before returning to me. "Indeed. Literature has a way of offering insight into the human condition, allowing us to explore the depths of human emotion and experience," she remarked, her words carrying a weight of wisdom beyond her years.
As our conversation continued, Yukinoshita interjected with gentle reminders to Yuigahama to stay focused on her studies, her words serving as a gentle nudge toward diligence and determination. Despite Yuigahama's occasional distractions, the camaraderie between them remained steadfast, a testament to the bond forged through shared experiences and mutual support.
As we savored our donuts and exchanged thoughts on our favorite books, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected friendship I had found in this eclectic group of individuals. In our shared love of literature and commitment to personal growth, I discovered a sense of belonging that transcended the boundaries of time and circumstance—a reminder of the power of friendship to illuminate even the darkest of days.
0000
As the evening drew to a close, Hikigaya found himself walking the girls home from the donut shop, each step accompanied by the gentle rhythm of our conversation. First, we reached Yukinoshita Yukino's house, a stately building bathed in the soft glow of streetlights.
"Thank you for the company, Hikigaya," Yukinoshita said, her voice tinged with warmth as she turned to face him. With a graceful movement, she leaned forward and planted a fleeting kiss on his cheek, her lips leaving a gentle imprint before she stepped back.
Hikigaya felt a rush of warmth spread through him at the unexpected gesture, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Goodnight, Yukinoshita. Take care," he replied, his voice soft with sincerity as he watched her disappear into the night.
Next, we arrived at Yuigahama Yui's apartment building, its cheerful facade illuminated by the soft glow of fairy lights. Yuigahama turned to Hikigaya with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with affection.
"Thanks for today, Hikki!" Yui exclaimed, her arms encircling him in a warm embrace. Hikigaya returned the hug with equal warmth, feeling a sense of gratitude for her unwavering friendship.
"Anytime, Yuigahama. See you soon," he replied, his voice tinged with fondness as we parted ways, Yuigahama disappearing into the building with a wave and a cheerful goodbye.
Finally, we reached my neighborhood, the quiet streets bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight. I turned to Hikigaya with a small smile, my expression serene as I prepared to bid him farewell.
"Thanks for inviting me today, Hikigaya. I had a great time," I said, my voice soft but sincere. With a wave of my hand, I turned and began to walk toward my apartment building, my figure gradually fading into the darkness.
[1] Yuigahma Yui has chestnut brown hair in the light novel.