Before I start, I want to mention the author RAfan2421. Their work, 'The Quest to Capture His Attention was Mortifying, Unexpectedly' was good. Please give it a read.

Now this story I forgot about it. In my notes, I only have two bulletin points. The first Yukino goes on a date, a romantic date, to a bookstore. The second one was Okita Miho's misunderstanding, harsh, Hikigaya thought she aimed at Yukino.

I started this in 2017 or around then.

Yukino's POV:

The soft glow of morning filtered through my bedroom blinds, casting delicate patterns on my neatly made bed. I stood before my full-length mirror, holding up a pale blue dress with a lace-trimmed collar, lips pursed as I mentally paired it with different accessories.

With a sigh, I draped the dress over my arm and turned to my wardrobe, where a modest collection of outfits awaited. Typically, I chose functional, understated pieces, but today wasn't just any outing; it was a date with Hikigaya. Somehow, picking an outfit felt like the hardest decision I'd made all week.

I reached for a soft red cardigan, running my fingers over the fabric before draping it over my shoulders. I glanced back at the mirror, tilting my head slightly, imagining Hikigaya's reaction. Would he notice? Would he even comment?

The thought brought a faint blush to my cheeks.

Turning, my gaze to a classic, cream-colored blouse with delicate buttons and a soft, flowing skirt. This time, I felt almost certain; the outfit was subtle and tasteful, the right blend of elegance and charm.

I finally settled on a cream-colored, midi-length sundress that hugged my figure gracefully without being overly revealing. Delicate, lace-trimmed straps rested on my shoulders, adding a touch of elegance. A narrow belt cinched at my waist, emphasizing my frame and giving the dress a gently defined silhouette.

As I adjusted the belt, my fingertips brushed the cool fabric. I couldn't help but admire how the dress radiated a quiet sophistication. Its color complemented my porcelain skin, giving me an ethereal glow in the warm light. I touched my hair, deciding to let it fall freely down my back in dark, silky waves, accented with my signature red ribbons on either side. The contrast of my black hair against the pale dress created an understated elegance I hoped Hikigaya would notice.

I slipped on delicate, low-heeled sandals, the beige straps wrapping around my ankles with grace. My gaze lingered in the mirror, thoughts drifting to our upcoming date. The thought of Hikigaya's reaction tugged a small smile to my lips as I adjusted the drape of my skirt one last time.

When I arrived at the meeting spot, I saw Hikigaya standing a few steps away, hands casually in his pockets. He scanned the surroundings with his usual slightly bored expression, but a hint of anticipation appeared when he noticed me. I felt a warmth rise in my cheeks but kept my expression cool and composed.

"Good morning, Hikigaya-kun," I greeted, a faint smile on my lips. "I see you wanted this date so badly that you arrived early."

He raised an eyebrow, his usual deadpan softening into a smirk. "Well, I might have arrived early, but you're here thirty minutes ahead. You're one to talk," he replied, crossing his arms with a mockingly suspicious glance.

I laughed softly. "I simply prefer to be punctual, unlike certain people who habitually arrive at the last minute," I teased. "Besides, maybe I just wanted to avoid the awkwardness of keeping my date waiting."

He let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night, Yukinoshita. But don't think I didn't notice the dress. Trying to impress me?"

My smile widened, and I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I chose something appropriate for the weather. If you're impressed, that only attests to my impeccable taste, wouldn't you agree?"

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he sighed, pretending to be unimpressed. "Sure, let's call it 'taste,'" he replied, though his gaze lingered on me longer than usual.

As we walked, our fingers intertwined in a quiet display of affection. The warmth of Hikigaya's hand felt grounding, filling me with a sense of contentment. We strolled unhurriedly as if we had all the time in the world. A bookstore date might seem dull to some, but for us, it was perfect. Books were one of the few things we both truly understood in a world that often felt noisy and insincere.

Now you must be wondering why we are on a date. It is Hikigaya's misunderstanding. I wanted to speak to him about Okita Miho. Being asked by him, to go to the bookstore for a date, I jump on the opportunity.

At last, we arrived at a quaint bookstore nestled between older buildings. The shop, with its ivy-lined exterior and arched windows, looked like an elegant library from another era. The cozy ambiance seemed to beckon us in.

Hikigaya let go of my hand to step ahead and open the heavy wooden door, giving a slightly exaggerated bow. "After you, princess," he teased, though the warmth in his eyes softened the sarcasm.

I rolled my eyes, a small smile tugging at my mouth as I stepped inside. "Why, thank you, Hikigaya-kun," I replied, playing along. The familiar smell of old paper and leather-bound covers filled the air with a comforting nostalgia.

We took a moment to soak in the ambiance. The bookstore's dark wood paneling and winding shelves seemed endless, inviting us to explore. Hikigaya eyed a shelf labeled Philosophy and Literature with unmistakable interest.

"So, which section should we start with?" I asked, my voice soft, so as not to break the bookstore's quiet sanctity.

He smirked, giving my hand a gentle squeeze as he leaned in and murmured, "Only one way to find out. Let's just get lost."

0000

As we strolled through the narrow aisles on the second floor, the light dimmed to a soft, warm glow, creating a cozy yet slightly eerie atmosphere. Dust particles danced in beams of sunlight filtering through the small windows, giving the space a timeless quality. The scent of aged paper and leather filled the air, enveloping us like a comforting blanket.

Hikigaya pulled a worn, leather-bound book from a nearby shelf, his eyes widening. "No way," he murmured, holding up an original copy of The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket by Edgar Allan Poe. The cover was slightly faded, but the pages were remarkably intact. He glanced at the price tag, and his excitement quickly shifted to dismay. "Ninety thousand yen? They must be joking!" he exclaimed, returning it with a resigned sigh.

Meanwhile, I was lost in browsing, immersed in the tranquil atmosphere. Suddenly, I felt a gentle tug around my waist. Before I could react, Hikigaya had moved behind me, leaning in closer.

In an impulsive moment, he pressed a soft kiss to my lips, catching me completely off guard. His warmth lingered even after he pulled back, the mischief in his eyes softened by a hint of shyness. My cheeks flushed a deep crimson as I turned to face him, my mouth slightly agape in surprise.

"Wh-what was that for?" I stammered, trying to maintain composure despite the fluttering in my stomach. That was my first kiss, stolen effortlessly.

Hikigaya smirked, leaning casually against the shelf. "Just wanted to see if you were as soft as you look," he teased, his tone playful yet sincere.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment. "You can't just go around kissing people without warning, Hikigaya-kun!" I retorted, though my voice lacked its usual bite.

"Why not? You didn't seem to mind," he replied, his smirk widening. The confidence in his voice caught me off guard, and my response faltered.

I opened my mouth to argue, but he kissed me again. Words slipped away, and my heart raced as I turned away, hiding the warmth in my cheeks. "I… I didn't…"

The playful banter faded, leaving a comfortable silence between us. The warmth of his presence beside me shifted the tension into something new and thrilling.

With fingers still intertwined, we continued exploring the bookstore, laughter, and soft banter echoing off the dusty shelves. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of us in this cozy sanctuary.

Hikigaya occasionally leaned in for quick, teasing pecks, making my heart flutter. I found myself smiling more, relishing the newfound closeness between us.

"Hey, look at this," Hikigaya said suddenly, holding a well-worn copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray. "Maybe I'll read this one for once."

I chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "You? Reading a classic? Are you sure you won't just Google the summary?"

He narrowed his eyes playfully. "You underestimate my dedication, Yukinoshita."

"Right," I replied, smiling. "I suppose you'll take it home and analyze it, page by page?"

"Maybe I will," he shot back, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

After browsing a bit longer, we found a small reading nook tucked in a corner, with a pair of worn but inviting plush armchairs.

"Perfect," Hikigaya declared, pulling out a chair with a mock bow before sitting.

Settling into my seat, I felt an unexpected wave of contentment. We each opened our books—he with Dorian Gray and me with a collection of short stories. Occasionally, we'd share a smile over the pages, savoring the quiet connection.

The cozy ambiance and the faint rustle of pages made it feel as if we were in our little world. After a while, I got up to stretch, arching my back with a contented sigh.

Without warning, Hikigaya seized the moment, pulling me into his lap with a grin. Startled, I let out a small yelp but quickly settled against him, feeling the warmth of his leg beneath me. I leaned into his shoulder, feeling entirely at ease.

Our moment was interrupted by a store announcement. "Attention, customers: the bookstore will be closing in two hours. Please make your way to the front to finalize purchases."

I groaned softly, unwilling to leave the sanctuary we'd found. Standing to get up, Hikigaya gently pulled me back, our faces inches apart.

"Wait," he murmured, his eyes meeting mine before he leaned in, pressing his lips softly to mine. The kiss was gentle, lingering, and made my heart skip a beat.

When we parted, his thumb brushed my lip, wiping away the warmth between us. "Guess I won this round," he teased, a triumphant gleam in his eye.

My cheeks flushed, and I fumbled for words. "Hikigaya-kun! You can't just—" My protest died as the blush deepened, feeling uncharacteristically shy.

He chuckled, clearly amused. "What? Too bold for you?"

"No, it's just… never mind," I said softly, unable to hide my smile.

I lifted a beautifully illustrated poetry book to my mouth, instinctively using it as a shield to cover my blush[1].

Hikigaya noticed and smirked. "You know, hiding behind a book is a bit cliché, don't you think?"

"Shut up," I mumbled, smiling despite myself.

As we walked back downstairs, I dared to meet his gaze. "Careful, Hikigaya-kun. I might start charging you for those kisses."

He laughed. "Sounds fair to me," he replied, and we shared a warm smile as we reached the new releases.

We picked out a few titles, the lighthearted banter continuing, and made our way to checkout. With our books in hand, we stepped outside, a gentle breeze greeting us. Glancing at him, I couldn't help but smile, feeling lighter than I had in a long time.

0000

As we strolled under the soft glow of streetlights, we shared lighthearted conversation, our laughter mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. The warmth of our earlier moments lingered, making each exchange feel even more precious.

When we finally reached my house, Hikigaya paused at the gate, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, this is it," he said softly. "I had a great time today."

I smiled, my heart fluttering. "Me too, Hikigaya-kun."

With a quick glance around to make sure no one was watching, I leaned in and gave him a French kiss. It was brief, but it held a promise of many more moments like this to come. When we pulled away, we were breathless, the air charged with an electric tension.

"Goodnight, Yukinoshita," Hikigaya said, his tone sincere.

"Goodnight, Hikigaya-kun," I replied, watching him walk away until he disappeared around the corner.

Once inside, I closed the door, a contented smile lingering as I headed to my bedroom. The warm house wrapped around me, and I slipped into the bathroom for a relaxing bath.

I filled the tub with hot water, adding a few drops of lavender oil. The soothing aroma filled the room, calming me as I washed up and slipped into the warm water to soak. My mind drifted back to the day's events—the kiss, the laughter, the easy moments we shared. It all felt like a dream. I could still feel the warmth of his hand in mine, the way he looked at me when he thought I wasn't paying attention.

After my bath, I put on my soft, cozy Pan-san panda pajamas. Snuggling into bed with my plush panda for comfort, I let the day's events replay in my mind, my heart light.

Just as I was drifting off, a thought flickered in my mind—Kibe-sensei's request for the Service Club. I remembered how Kibe-sensei, a petite woman with silver hair, had asked if we could let Okita Miho join the club to improve her transcript and strengthen her university application.

"Why does she think letting her join would be beneficial?" I wondered, a slight frown creasing my brow. The idea of Okita joining stirred a mix of emotions within me—curiosity, annoyance, and a bit of unease.

I sighed, turning onto my side and hugging the panda closer. I should've talked to Hachiman about this today, I thought, feeling a twinge of worry about how Okita might change the dynamics of our tight-knit group. He always seems to have a unique perspective. With that lingering thought, I closed my eyes, the comforting weight of the day settling over me like a warm blanket, yet Hikigaya's presence lingered in my mind, intertwined with my concerns about the Service Club.

Okita Miho's POV:

The weekend felt endless as I waited for the perfect opportunity to talk to Hikigaya Hachiman. I'd rehearsed my words countless times, but each time I imagined the conversation, a knot tightened in my stomach.

Monday morning finally arrived, sunlight streaming through my window and casting a warm glow across my room. I groaned, rubbing my eyes as I sat up in bed. The nervous energy that had kept me awake late into the night made sleep almost impossible. Pushing the covers aside, I swung my legs over the bed, my mind still tangled in thoughts of Hikigaya.

In my rush to get ready, I barely registered my surroundings. I slipped on my school uniform, grabbed my bag, and headed out the door without glancing at the breakfast spread my mother had laid out.

"Miho! Aren't you going to eat?" my mother called after me, concern in her voice.

"Not now, I have to go!" I replied, my mind focused on my mission. Guilt briefly tugged at me, but I brushed it off—today was too important to worry about breakfast.

As I stepped onto the school grounds, I scanned the area for Hikigaya. My heart raced when I finally spotted him approaching the entrance, his usual calm demeanor a sharp contrast to my internal turmoil.

Taking a deep breath, I moved toward him, but a wave of uncertainty washed over me. What if he didn't want to talk? What if he'd already made up his mind about me?

The seconds felt like hours as I wrestled with my nerves. Finally, I gathered my resolve and called out, "Hikigaya!" My voice came out louder than intended.

He looked up, surprise flickering across his face. "Oh, yo," he replied, stopping to focus on me.

The moment was upon me, but instead of feeling empowered, my words caught in my throat. I could feel the weight of my hunger pressing down, making it harder to concentrate. Focus, Miho, I scolded myself. Just say what you need to say.

But instead of speaking, my stomach growled loudly, echoing in the still morning. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I clutched my abdomen, embarrassment washing over me. "I… um… didn't have breakfast," I mumbled.

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

My face burned, and I shot him a glare. "That's not—! I mean, it's not like that!"

I took a deep breath, trying to push past the embarrassment. This was my chance. But instead of saying anything, I turned on my heel and ran away.

At lunchtime, I stepped back onto the school grounds, determined to refocus. But my plans quickly unraveled when I heard someone call my name.

"Miho!"

I turned, my pulse quickening as I saw a familiar face approaching. It was Shirogane, a classmate from my year, his cheeks flushed with determination. He looked flustered but resolute.

"Hey, um, I wanted to talk to you about something," he stammered, fidgeting nervously.

My stomach dropped. Not now. My mind was fixed on Hikigaya; I didn't have time for this.

"I'm kind of busy right now," I replied, trying to sidestep him.

But Shirogane blocked my path. "Wait! Please, just hear me out." He took a deep breath, visibly bracing himself. "I like you, Miho! I've liked you for a long time, and I think we'd make a great couple. Will you go out with me?"

A mix of surprise and irritation bubbled up inside me. I hadn't expected a confession today—especially not from Shirogane.

"No," I replied bluntly, my answer ringing with finality.

Shirogane's expression faltered, disappointment shadowing his features. "Oh… I see," he mumbled, looking down at the ground, unable to meet my gaze.

I felt a pang of guilt, but I was too focused on finding Hikigaya to dwell on it. "Sorry," I added, my voice softening as I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there.

The encounter left me feeling unsettled, and my earlier excitement dampened. Now I was even more distracted, frustration simmering beneath the surface. Shake it off, I told myself, willing myself to refocus.

0000

I was walking behind the school building when I spotted my friends.

"Hey, Okita!" one of them called, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We need to talk to you!"

I glanced over at them, my heart sinking slightly. "Um, I need to find Hikigaya first," I said, attempting to sidestep them.

But the girls weren't having it. "Oh, come on! We want to hear all about that confession!" another teased, a knowing smirk on her face.

Before I could protest, they had already linked arms with me, pulling me away.

"Where are we going?" I asked, trying to sound casual, but the rising anxiety in my chest was undeniable.

"Just a little spot where we can chat," one replied, her tone playful.

I tried to pull away, but the girls were surprisingly persistent. They led me further behind the school, toward a set of stone steps that overlooked the tennis courts. It was a quiet place—somewhere I'd heard Hikigaya liked to go for lunch, escaping the chaos of the classroom.

As we settled onto the steps, the girls looked at me expectantly. "So, what happened?" one urged, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

A mix of embarrassment and irritation bubbled up inside me. "There's nothing to tell," I insisted, crossing my arms defensively. "I rejected him."

The girls gasped in unison, their eyes wide with disbelief. "Really? Just like that?" one asked, leaning closer. "But he seemed so confident! And he was cute too."

"Yeah, he's kind of cute!" another chimed in, waggling her eyebrows. "Are you sure you didn't like him even a little?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck in frustration. "I don't like him that way. I was in a rush! I was trying to find Hikigaya."

"Hikigaya!" one of the girls squealed, her eyes lighting up. "You mean the guy everyone thinks is getting too close to Yukinoshita Yukino?"

"Yeah, that Hikigaya," I replied, trying to keep my composure. "And it's not what you think."

"But wait," one of them said, tilting her head. "What's so special about him?"

I hesitated, thinking of all the times I'd watched Hikigaya from afar—his intelligence, his quiet humor, and the way he saw the world differently from everyone else. "He's just… different," I finally said. "He's smart and doesn't care what people think of him. I admire that."

The girls exchanged glances, clearly intrigued. "Maybe you do like him!" one teased, nudging me playfully.

"Shut up!" I snapped, my cheeks flushing. But the thought lingered in my mind, refusing to go away.

"But honestly, I've heard he's just a loner who makes girls cry," another girl remarked, her tone dripping with judgment.

"No way, that's just a rumor!" someone quickly countered, shaking her head. "He's close to Yuigahama, and she's super nice and cheerful. She wouldn't hang out with someone mean."

"Yeah, and he's also close to Yukinoshita," another added enthusiastically. "You know how picky she is about her friends. She wouldn't associate with someone without worth!"

Their chatter irritated me. They didn't understand him at all. A wave of protectiveness welled up inside me. How could they judge him so easily based on rumors?

As the gossip continued, I grew increasingly impatient. Every moment felt like an eternity, and I was eager to return to my original goal: talking to Hikigaya. "Can we wrap this up? I need to find him," I said, my tone more serious now.

After a few more minutes of playful banter and teasing remarks about my supposed interest in him, the girls finally relented, letting me go.

As I glanced at my watch, a sense of urgency washed over me. Why is it so hard to talk to him? All I wanted was a chance to clear the air and truly connect with him.

0000

I couldn't believe it. I hadn't managed to talk to him all day.

As school ended and the halls began to empty, I finally spotted Hikigaya. He was taking a quieter path away from the student council room, lost in thought, and purposely avoiding his usual route. My heart raced—this was it, finally a chance to talk to him alone.

I quickened my pace, nearly bumping into him as I caught up. Without meaning to, my greeting came out sharper than intended. "Watch where you're going, Hikigaya!" I blurted, my voice louder than I'd planned.

He stopped, blinking in surprise before his gaze met mine, his expression a mix of confusion and mild irritation. "Okita? That's some way to say hello," he replied dryly, raising an eyebrow.

Damn.

I hesitated, a flash of embarrassment coloring my cheeks. "I didn't mean—" I started, quickly shifting to mask my flustered state. "I was just… making sure you were paying attention. You nearly walked right into me."

Hikigaya gave me a skeptical look. "Pretty sure it's the other way around, but sure, if that helps you sleep at night," he retorted, shoving his hands into his pockets, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "Why are you here anyway?"

I bristled at his casual tone. "I was waiting to talk to you," I said, crossing my arms. "But you keep taking all these side routes. It's like you're avoiding people or something."

My words tumbled out in a rush, as though I'd been holding them in forever. "I see you as my rival, and I'll surpass you. I'm the only one who should stand beside you," I declared, my voice barely above a mutter but firm.

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow, glancing over with mild curiosity. "Sorry, I didn't hear that. What are you talking about?"

I huffed, avoiding his gaze. "You're getting too close to Yukinoshita." My tone held a hint of warning as if I were trying to protect something precious.

Hikigaya's brows furrowed, though he kept his composure. "I see... Yukinoshita, right?" he replied slowly, trying to piece together my meaning.

"Yes, exactly." I met his gaze, my eyes fierce with determination. "Hikigaya, you're the one I refuse to let beat me. I'm going to prove I'm better than you in every way."

A slow, amused smile spread across his face as if he completely misinterpreted my intensity. "Oh, I see. So this is all to win Yukinoshita's heart, huh? I didn't realize my 'rivalry' with you was that intense. But I think you're mistaken. I'm not the one you should be worried about—it's Yuigahama."

Yuigahama Yui?

I froze, my face flushing with frustration. "Yukinoshita's heart? Are you serious?" I took a deep breath, steadying my thoughts. "Unbelievable. You're so clueless you can't even tell who your real rival is!"

Hikigaya raised his hands in mock surrender, his smirk unfazed. "Right, right. If this is how you 'compete,' I don't think Yukinoshita has anything to worry about. And like I said, it's Yuigahama you should focus on."

I bit my lip, unsure of what was happening. We walked the rest of the way in silence, his silent amusement lingering beside me as my resolve to prove myself burned even fiercer.