I read a review about one of my stories. I plan to answer it, once I post the next chapter.

I skipped the part of Sato meeting Zaimokuza and went ahead writing this chapter. I found it funny.

The door of the quaint little coffee shop swung open as Sato Aika stepped inside, a soft chime signaling her arrival. Her flowing chestnut hair swayed gently with each step, catching the light as it cascaded down her back. Today, she wore a simple yet elegant outfit—casual for her break, but still refined, a reflection of her graceful personality. Her caramel eyes briefly scanned the familiar space, though she didn't need to search long. Seated at a corner table, the vibrant presence of her friend, Yayoi Amai, was impossible to miss.

Yayoi was a striking contrast to the calm, elegant Sato. She sat casually, her posture relaxed yet strong. She wore a black sports bra accentuating her athletic build—toned and defined without being overly muscular. Her red track jacket hung loosely from her shoulders, unzipped to reveal a glimpse of freckled skin along her collarbone. Black athletic shorts hugged her hips, highlighting her long, lean legs. Her spiky dark red and black hair was tousled, as if she'd just come from a workout, giving her an effortless tomboyish charm that set her apart. Amber eyes gleamed with excitement, and a wide grin spread across her face the moment she saw Sato enter.

0o000

"Good morning, Yayoi Amai," I greeted my friend warmly as I approached the table.

Yayoi looked up from the menu, her eyes lighting up even more at me. "Aika! There you are!" she exclaimed, her voice full of energy. She reached over the table and gave me a playful punch on the arm.

Ouch!

"You look so polished, even on your day off. I just threw this on after my morning run!" She chuckled, completely at ease in her sporty, casual attire.

I smiled softly, taking the playful hit in stride. "You always make it look effortless," I said, my voice warm with the comfort of our long-standing friendship. "Besides, I think your style suits you perfectly. It's refreshing."

Yayoi flashed a cheeky grin, leaning back in her chair. "You know me—gotta stay ready, even for coffee dates."

The peaceful energy between us was a familiar rhythm. Despite our differing aesthetics—Yayoi's tomboyish, athletic look and my gentle, refined elegance—our friendship thrived on mutual respect and understanding. We made quite the contrast, yet somehow, we just worked.

"So, what's the latest?" Yayoi asked, leaning forward on her elbows, always eager for a chat.

I took a slow sip of my coffee, my fingers lightly tracing the cup's rim as I recounted a story about treating Hikigaya Hachiman's burn marks. My voice remained calm and gentle, even while describing the more challenging parts of my job. But now, my curiosity was piqued as Yayoi leaned in, a mischievous yet hesitant smile tugging at her lips.

"I see. You've been having fun with that, Hikigaya Hachiman," Yayoi teased with a wink and then quickly raised a hand. "Ah! I'm not trying to sound mean. But when I attended Tokyo University, I had that Hikigaya in a class." She paused, her amber eyes lighting up with recognition. "He has weird eyes, right? Sharp, always watching. He can be rude and lonely, but he's smart."

I nodded, my expression softening. "Yes, that does sound like Hikigaya-san," I replied with a small smile. I'd grown fond of my employer's quirks, though his bluntness had taken some getting used to.

Yayoi let out a deep sigh, leaned back in her chair, and gazed up at the ceiling before refocusing on me. "Actually," she began, her tone shifting to something more serious, "I wanted to ask you a favor since you know Hikigaya-san." She hesitated, biting her lip. "You see... I'm searching for a guy. It's hard to explain, but I guess... 'love at first sight.'"

My eyes widened in surprise, my usually composed demeanor momentarily shaken. Amai? In love? Of all the things I expected from our conversation, this wasn't one of them. I had known Yayoi since high school, where she was always surrounded by guys—most of them friends, though some wanted more. Yayoi had been so popular, not just with the boys but with girls too. She even got confessions and Valentine's chocolates from them, something I still remember with amusement. Yayoi had always seemed so carefree about romance, never settling on anyone.

But now? Love at first sight?

What kind of guy could have stolen her heart? I wondered silently, my curiosity deepening. I folded my hands in my lap, eyes focused on Yayoi with new intrigue.

"Yayoi," I began slowly, allowing myself a small smile, "I never expected to hear you talking about love at first sight." My tone was gentle but teasing. "You've always been so... relaxed when it came to relationships. Who could be the lucky guy?"

Yayoi scratched the back of her head, a sheepish grin breaking through her usual confidence. "I know, right? It's kinda crazy, even for me." Her cheeks flushed slightly, though she tried to play it off. "But this guy... he's different. I don't know how to explain it, but when I saw him... something just clicked."

I tilted my head, my curiosity growing. "Tell me more. What exactly happened?"

Yayoi leaned back in her chair, fidgeting with the edge of her track jacket. "I was on my usual 10K morning run," she began, a playful grin sneaking onto her lips. "You know me, always pushing my limits. I was getting hungry, thinking about my post-run breakfast—a glass of 10 raw eggs." She laughed. "Anyway, I was at the traffic light, waiting to continue my run, when I saw him."

I leaned in closer, fully absorbed in her story.

"He was across the street," she continued, her amber eyes glowing at the memory. "Tall, a little awkward, with the cutest eyes behind these glasses. There was just something about the way he carried himself... I don't know. I felt it." She sighed, a mix of frustration and longing. "And just like that, he disappeared into the crowd."

My brows knitted together. "You didn't get his name?"

Yayoi shook her head, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Not a clue. I don't know where he was headed or if I'll ever see him again." She groaned in frustration and rubbed her face. "I've never been like this, Aika. You know me! I've always been surrounded by guys. But this... this is different. If I don't find him, I'll regret it forever."

I placed a hand on her arm, offering a reassuring squeeze. "So, that's why you wanted my help?"

"Exactly," she nodded, her expression lighting up. "I thought if Hikigaya could help with my search, it'd be easier to find him. I knew he started a small company during university—a Jack-of-all-Trades thing. He's pretty connected, even if he doesn't look it." She laughed nervously. "Maybe with his help, I can track this guy down and at least find out who he is."

I chuckled softly, considering her request. "You're right about Hikigaya-san's connections. He may seem like a loner, but he's more resourceful than he lets on."

Yayoi smiled, a mix of excitement and relief flashing across her face. "So, do you think he'd help me?"

I hesitated for a moment before nodding, my voice gentle. "I'll talk to him. If anyone can find your mystery man, Hikigaya-san can. And don't worry, even if I have to give up my paycheck, I'll help cover Hikigaya's fees."

00o00

I adjusted my maid outfit, smoothing the pristine fabric as I stood outside Hikigaya's home office. Even though I was technically on break, wearing the uniform felt natural—especially when serving my master. The classic black-and-white attire fit perfectly, and there was a quiet satisfaction in knowing it pleased him.

Gathering myself, I knocked softly, my heart fluttering in anticipation. I waited for the familiar sound of Hikigaya's voice granting me entry.

"Come in," he called out, his tone calm but slightly distracted.

I stepped inside, immediately greeted by the warm, nostalgic atmosphere of his office. It was a world away from his modern workplace. This room, with its towering bookshelves and the rich scent of old leather and paper, felt like a study from a bygone era. The centerpiece was a large, imposing ebony desk, its surface gleaming under the soft lamplight.

Hikigaya's office was a curious blend of old and new. The room's vintage charm, a sleek, modern computer sat on the desk, its quiet hum a subtle reminder of the present.

Behind the desk sat Hikigaya, focused on the screen. But what drew my attention even more was Yukinoshita Yukino, comfortably seated on his lap. She looked elegant, her long black hair flowing down her back as she sipped tea from a delicate porcelain cup. Her expression was serene, her head resting lightly on Hikigaya's shoulder, content and relaxed.

Yukinoshita noticed me first and offered a small, cool smile, her usual icy demeanor softening. "Sato-san," she greeted softly.

I curtsied, smiling warmly. "Good afternoon, Yukinoshita-sama, Hikigaya-sama. I hope I'm not intruding?"

Hikigaya glanced up from his screen, his tired expression easing as he met my eyes. "Not at all. I was working," he replied, his hand resting lightly on Yukinoshita's waist as she shifted comfortably in his lap.

Yukinoshita crossed her legs, still sipping her tea. "What brings you here, Sato-san? I thought you had the day off," she asked, her tone curious but kind.

I folded my hands neatly in front of my apron. "I do, but I wanted to check in. Besides, I enjoy wearing this for you both," I said warmly. "There's also something I wanted to discuss."

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow, motioning for me to continue. "Go ahead."

"I'm searching for a man," I began, but before I could explain further, Hikigaya leaned forward, his expression serious.

"This man better make you happy, or he'll have to deal with me," he said in that familiar protective tone—unexpected yet typical of him. I was taken aback.

Yukinoshita, still sitting calmly on his lap, gently cleared her throat. "Hikigaya-kun, perhaps you should let Sato-san finish before jumping to conclusions," she remarked coolly, giving him a pointed look.

Hikigaya blinked, looking slightly sheepish. "Right. Sorry."

I chuckled softly. "The man isn't for me, Hikigaya-sama. He's someone my friend is interested in."

I recounted my earlier conversation with Yayoi, describing the man in question. "He's tall, wears glasses—"

"I see," Hikigaya muttered. "That'll be tough."

I raised an eyebrow and continued. "He also has white hair in a ponytail, is a bit... overweight, wears fingerless gloves, and wears a trench coat."

Before I could finish, Yukinoshita spat out her tea, spraying it directly onto Hikigaya's shirt.

"What?!" she exclaimed, her calm composure shattered.

"Wait! Yukinoshita, relax," Hikigaya said, hastily trying to wipe the tea off. "I'm sure it's not who you're thinking. It could be someone else."

Yukinoshita gave him a look of disbelief as he rummaged through his desk drawer, pulling out a file with practiced ease. "Let's check," he muttered, placing it in front of me.

I cautiously opened the folder and blinked at the photo staring back at me. The name at the top read "Zaimokuza Yoshiteru," and the image was unmistakably that of the man I'd just described.

Hikigaya winced. "Don't let the mugshot fool you. He was reported for stalking, but it was a misunderstanding. Completely. I'm sure of it."

Yukinoshita, still recovering, shook her head. "Is... is this the man your friend's looking for?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

I hesitated, glancing between the photo and Hikigaya. "I'm... not sure. I'll have to ask her."

"Oh, thank god," Yukinoshita sighed, slumping slightly.

"That's a relief," Hikigaya added with a smirk. "I'm not sure how I'd handle you chasing after Zaimokuza."

I chuckled lightly, closing the file. "No, it's not for me. But I'll let my friend know what you've found."

The tension in the room lifted, and the three of us settled back into our usual camaraderie. As I prepared to deliver the strange news to Yayoi, I knew this wouldn't be the last time Hikigaya's odd network would prove unexpectedly useful.

0000o0

I adjusted my blazer as I stepped out of the taxi, a brisk breeze tousling my hair. My tailored business suit, sharp and professional, stood in stark contrast to the carefree atmosphere of the high school around me. I turned to the driver, handed over the fare with a polite smile, and headed toward the entrance gate, where Yayoi was waiting.

"Good afternoon, Amai," I greeted warmly, a hint of excitement in my voice.

"Good afternoon, Aika!" Yayoi replied, her face lighting up as she approached. Dressed in a navy tracksuit that complemented her athletic build, she exuded energy and readiness.

"It's only been a day since we last talked, but I might have some news about your lucky guy," I said, reaching into my bag. With a small flourish, I pulled out the file containing the information Hikigaya had gathered.

Yayoi's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she took the file from my hands. She opened it, scanning the contents. Her expression quickly shifted from curiosity to sheer delight. "Ah! This is him!" she exclaimed, a grin spreading. "I can't believe we found him so fast. I didn't know Hikigaya-san was this efficient!"

I chuckled, feeling a swell of pride for my master's skills. "You'd be surprised at what he can do when he puts his mind to it. He may seem aloof, but he cares about helping people."

Yayoi nodded eagerly, her fingers tracing the profile picture of Zaimokuza Yoshiteru. "He's perfect! Look at those glasses! And that hair—just like I remembered! I can't believe we found him so quickly." She clutched the file to her chest, beaming. "But now what? I need to meet him."

I tilted my head, considering. "Why don't we ask Hikigaya-san for help? He might know the best way to approach this, or even help arrange a meeting."

Yayoi nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with hope. "That's a great idea! He's got all the connections. Plus, if he's involved, it might make things easier."

I smiled, feeling a surge of encouragement. "Exactly! Let's plan to talk to him soon. I'm sure he'll be willing to help."

Yayoi took a deep breath, her excitement tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Okay! I'll reach out once I figure out a good time to meet."

I grinned, sensing her anticipation. "I can't wait to hear all about it. Good luck, Amai!"

With a quick hug, we parted ways. Yayoi dashed toward the school building, her heart lighter with the possibilities ahead.

I walked back to the taxi, I felt a sense of accomplishment. But now, it was time to refocus on my duties. Once I returned to the mansion, I would find a moment to approach Hikigaya. I was curious to see how he'd react to Yayoi's situation. Hopefully, he'd be willing to help my friend on this unexpected journey of love.

0000o0

I stood poised at the entrance of Hikigaya's mansion, the light breeze rustling the hem of my black pencil skirt. My bare legs and sleeveless white blouse gave me a refined yet approachable look, fitting for the casual outing ahead. I smoothed my blouse just as I saw Hikigaya approaching, dressed casually in a crisp white polo and dark jeans—a rare sight that made me smile.

"Good morning, Hikigaya-sama," I greeted warmly, falling into step beside him as we headed toward the car. We drove off toward the coffee shop.

In the cozy corner of the café, I adjusted the hem of my skirt and glanced out the window. A few casual words passed between us before I spotted Yayoi. Normally dressed in her usual athletic wear, today she wore a casual skirt and T-shirt, looking both charming and slightly out of her element as she entered the shop.

After we ordered and settled into a booth, I took the lead, gesturing toward my friend. "Hikigaya-san, this is Yayoi Amai. Amai, this is Hikigaya Hachiman."

Yayoi gave a slight bow, her smile was bright but laced with nervous energy she tried to hide. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Hikigaya-san. Thank you for taking the time to help me out."

Hikigaya gave a quick nod, looking her over with his usual unreadable expression, before abruptly standing up. "Well, let's get going."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Are we heading to Zaimokuza's place already?"

Hikigaya turned, a small smirk appearing on his face. "No, we're heading to the hospital to get your friend here an MRI. Love at first sight with Zaimokuza? Just checking for brain anomalies."

"Hikigaya-sama!" I cried, half-scolding.

"Okay, okay, I'm joking," Hikigaya replied, waving it off.

Yayoi blinked, momentarily stunned, before laughing. "I see. It's a joke. I regret not talking to you more in class, Hikigaya. I might've known you were kidding."

"Well, it's fine," Hikigaya shrugged. "As for payment, let's hold off on that for now. If this works, then technically, someone else has already covered it." He raised an eyebrow, adding, "But I need to stop by the bank first to pick something up. After that, we'll be on our way."

As we stepped outside the coffee shop, a gust of wind blew. Instinctively, I held down my skirt, but Yayoi wasn't as concerned—her skirt, it turned out, was shorts designed to look like one. I smiled, hoping she might have dressed more feminine, considering she was about to meet the man she'd fallen for.

We drove in companionable silence until Hikigaya turned onto a street lined with businesses, pulling up in front of a sleek, modern bank.

"I just need to grab some documents from the security box," he explained, stepping out and leaving us to wait in the car.

0000o

The drive from the bank had been quiet, with an unusual tension in the air. Hikigaya's casual demeanor had a sharper edge, and I found myself glancing over at Yayoi. Despite her typically bright personality, she was starting to look apprehensive. As we entered a shadier part of Tokyo, her eyes widened as we pulled up in front of a dilapidated building, its paint peeling and windows covered in grime.

We climbed a narrow staircase, the faint smell of mildew filling the air, and followed Hikigaya down a hallway that looked like a set from a horror movie. Yayoi and I exchanged uneasy glances, but Hikigaya remained unfazed. He stopped in front of a plain door, reached into his folder, and then turned to face Yayoi.

"I'll need you to sign this," he said, handing her a sheet of paper with a calm, businesslike tone.

Yayoi looked down at the document, her brow furrowing as she read the title. Her eyes snapped back up to Hikigaya, speechless. I leaned in to see what had caught her off guard. It was a marriage certificate.

"Hikigaya-sama, what is the meaning of this?" I asked, startled.

Hikigaya met Yayoi's gaze, his expression both serious and surprisingly gentle. "I mentioned earlier that someone had already covered the payment for this job. Zaimokuza's parents approached me with this. They're worried they might not live to see the day their son finds a partner and gets married, given his... unique personality and interests."

Yayoi stared at the certificate, her fingers brushing over the paper. She took a deep breath, the weight of his words sinking in. "I didn't expect... this," she said quietly. "But his parents think I'd be good for him? That I could help him feel... less alone?"

Hikigaya nodded, his voice calm but direct. "They're happy their new daughter is at least homo sapiens. They were worried he'd commit a crime. They want him to have a chance at happiness. Honestly, if you take things slow—dates, time together—I don't see marriage in your future anytime soon. Zaimokuza's a slow bloomer. He's only just started being able to greet Yukinoshita after knowing her for years. But this is the best option for both of you right now."

I watched as Yayoi's uncertainty gave way to contemplation. She took another breath, her hand hovering over the paper. "Maybe this is meant to be," she murmured, her voice laced with determination.

Hikigaya and I stood by her side, the air charged with anticipation. As she picked up the pen, Hikigaya gave a small nod of encouragement. "Go ahead, sign it. You'll be married now."

With a focused expression, Yayoi signed her name, her heart clearly racing as she committed to this unexpected step. Hikigaya glanced at me, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Well then, you're married now. Go ahead, take him with you. The door's locked, but it's fine to knock it down. No one but Zaimokuza lives here anyway."

Yayoi chuckled, adrenaline surging through her. Without hesitation, she gave the door a firm shove. To everyone's surprise, it splintered and broke in half, flying open.

Inside the apartment, chaos erupted. Shouts and the sound of objects crashing reached our ears. "What's going on in there?" I asked, my concern growing.

Moments later, Yayoi emerged, triumphantly carrying Zaimokuza over her shoulder like a sack of rice. His wide eyes were filled with disbelief as he flailed helplessly.

Hikigaya's jaw dropped in horror. "Is this happening?" he muttered. "How strong is she?"

Yayoi grinned, showing no signs of struggle, and flashed a peace sign. "I've got him! Let's go!"

"God help Zaimokuza," Hikigaya whispered, pressing his hands together in mock prayer. "May you have a happy life, my dude."

I burst into laughter, shaking my head at the absurdity of the scene. "I can't believe this is actually happening—a marriage in one day!"

Yayoi beamed. "Let's get out of here before he regains his senses!" she declared, striding toward the car with Zaimokuza slung over her shoulder.

We drove to Yayoi's home, where she wanted to introduce her new husband to her parents. Watching her effortlessly carry Zaimokuza inside, I couldn't help but chuckle.

As she set Zaimokuza down on the couch, I noticed Hikigaya taking a phone call nearby. "Yes, sir," he said, his tone respectful but amused. "Your son is married. I saw it happen—he was carried into his new home."

My eyes widened in surprise. I hadn't realized Hikigaya had Zaimokuza's parents' number. I moved closer to listen in.

"You should be proud. Yayoi's strong, determined, and a good person," Hikigaya continued.

Yayoi overheard and flashed a grin, which I returned. There was a warmth in the room, the unexpected turn of events bringing a sense of joy to all of us.

After hanging up, Hikigaya turned to us, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Zaimokuza's parents are thrilled. They're already planning a celebration dinner."

"Really? They're not mad?" Yayoi asked, surprised as she sat beside her bewildered husband.

"No," Hikigaya shrugged. "They care about their son's happiness. They're just relieved he finally found someone. Even if it's... unconventional."

I smiled, nodding. "It's great that they're so supportive. Zaimokuza's lucky to have them."

"Yeah, well, he'll need all the luck he can get," Hikigaya quipped, glancing over at Zaimokuza, who was still adjusting to the situation. "But don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually."

o0000

As Hikigaya and I walked out of Yayoi's house, he turned back and gave her a quick wave. "Well, enjoy your first night together. Bye!" He closed the door with a satisfied grin, looking oddly proud of the chaos he had just set in motion.

I chuckled as we headed to the car. "I can't believe how smoothly that went. Yayoi's something else."

Hikigaya nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, she's got strength. Zaimokuza... well, he's in for a ride now. Literally."

Once inside the car, as we drove back to his mansion, Hikigaya's phone buzzed on the dashboard. He glanced at the caller ID and rolled his eyes. "Zaimokuza? Now what?"

He answered the call, clearly expecting a wild reaction. "Zaimokuza. No, it's not a joke or prank. You're officially married. No, she's not a voice actress. Face it, you're married now to a real person."

I stifled a laugh, overhearing Zaimokuza's frantic voice. "What do you mean I can't back out? This wasn't part of my plan!"

Hikigaya sighed his tone a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Look, you wanted to find someone, right? Yayoi chose you. You can't just throw that away because she's not the 'perfect' girl you imagined. This is real life, not a light novel."

Zaimokuza's voice wavered. "Hachiman! What do I do now? I can't be a husband and a writer! It's all happening too fast!"

"Calm down," Hikigaya said firmly. "This is reality, Zaimokuza. You can't just think about writing novels and hope some voice actress will sweep you off your feet. Right now, your priority is finding a job to support your wife—and, eventually, your future kids."

"K-kids?" Zaimokuza squeaked, sounding even more panicked.

"Yes, kids. Marriage comes with responsibilities," Hikigaya explained, keeping his tone steady. "Writing can be a hobby, but you need to support Yayoi. Think about what you're good at, and find a job."

There was a long pause on the other end before Zaimokuza muttered, "I guess I never thought about that..."

"Of course, you didn't," Hikigaya replied, sounding slightly exasperated. "You were too busy dreaming about a fantasy. Now it's time to be a responsible husband."

"Right… right," Zaimokuza said, though he still sounded uncertain. "But what kind of job should I look for?"

"Something that pays well, for starters," Hikigaya suggested. "You'll have time to write later, but for now, focus on stability. Figure out your skills, and don't hesitate to ask for help."

I glanced at Hikigaya, impressed by how he was handling the situation. It was refreshing to see him take charge, offering Zaimokuza some tough love.

"Okay," Zaimokuza said, his voice steadier now. "I'll give it a shot. I can always write in my free time…"

"Exactly. Just keep your priorities straight," Hikigaya encouraged. "Now, go talk to Yayoi. She probably has some ideas. And remember, you're not alone in this."

"Thanks, Hachiman. Really," Zaimokuza said, sounding a bit more hopeful.

Hikigaya hung up the phone and turned to me. "There we go. Hopefully, that'll set him on the right path."

I grinned at Hikigaya's interaction. "You gave him a push, huh?"

"Hey, he needed it," Hikigaya said, eyes on the road, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Sometimes, people need a little chaos to realize what they really want. Also, it helps me, that keeps him from chasing after my little sister, Komachi."

As we drove through the quiet streets, I smiled. "I guess someone has to stir things up."

"Someone has to," Hikigaya agreed a faint smile on his face. "Now, let's get back to the mansion. I've had enough matchmaking chaos for one day."

And with that, we continued driving through Tokyo, the weight of the day easing as we reflected on life's unexpected twists.

0o000

As we stood outside the sprawling mansion, the evening air was crisp and refreshing. Hikigaya glanced down at me, noticing I seemed lost in thought. Gently, he placed his hand on my head, a comforting gesture. "Don't worry," he said calmly. "I'm sure Zaimokuza will fall in love with Yayoi soon. It might have been rushed, but this was his last chance. He's never been able to talk to women, and now he has a partner who's ready to take on the world with him."

I nodded slowly, my eyes reflecting the fading light of the sunset. "I get it. But do you think it'll work out? I mean, they barely know each other."

Hikigaya sighed softly, taking a moment to consider. "Yeah, they don't know each other well. But sometimes that initial spark can grow into something more. Yayoi's strong and determined; she won't give up easily. And Zaimokuza… well, he needs that push. He's spent so much time dreaming about marrying a voice actress without ever making a move. This might finally force him out of his comfort zone."

I looked up at Hikigaya, a flicker of admiration in my gaze. "You care about your friends, don't you?"

He shrugged, trying to play it cool, but a faint blush appeared on his cheeks. "We're not... I just… don't want them to end up lonely. I know what that feels like. If I can help them find happiness, then why not?"

I smiled, touched by his sincerity. "You're a good friend, Hikigaya-sama. I guess we all need a little push sometimes."

"Yeah, well, let me know when I need mine," he replied, trying to lighten the mood.

I chuckled softly, feeling the tension at ease. "Don't worry, I'll be right there to shove you."

"Great, just what I need," he said with a mock grimace, earning another laugh from me.

As we stepped inside the mansion, Hikigaya couldn't shake the feeling of optimism in the air. Maybe, just maybe, things would work out for Zaimokuza and Yayoi after all.

Entering the grand kitchen, I adjusted to my role once more, now dressed in my light blue maid uniform. The familiar fabric clung comfortably as the kitchen bustled with quiet activity—household staff went about their tasks, the scent of freshly brewed tea and baked goods filling the room.

As I prepared to assist with the daily duties, the head maid, an older woman with sharp eyes and years of experience, noticed me. "Sato-san, do you have a fever?" she asked, her voice filled with concern as she eyed my flushed cheeks. "Your face looks red."

I blinked, surprised, instinctively raising a hand to my cheek. I hadn't even realized how warm I'd felt since stepping inside. The memory of Hikigaya-sama's gentle touch lingered, causing my heart to flutter slightly.

"No, I'm fine," I replied quickly, though my voice wavered a little. "It's just… warm today."

The head maid narrowed her eyes, unconvinced, but didn't press further. "If you're sure. Just don't overwork yourself, Sato-san."

I smiled, trying to appear reassuring, and nodded as I turned back to my duties. But despite my composed demeanor, I couldn't shake the lingering blush. Hikigaya's simple gesture had left more of an impression on me than I had expected. Even as I focused on my tasks, the memory of his touch replayed in my mind.

Shaking my head, I tried to dismiss the thoughts. "Just focus," I whispered to myself, though the warmth in my cheeks refused to fade.

00o00

I lay in bed, the soft glow of my bedside lamp casting a warm light over the room. The day had been long, filled with unexpected moments that left my head spinning. I exhaled deeply, pulling the covers up to my chin, trying to let the weight of it all fade away.

Just as I began to settle into my thoughts, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I reached for it, glancing at the screen—a text from Yayoi. Curiosity piqued, I opened the message, and what I saw made me blink in surprise.

It was a picture. Yayoi was lying in bed, grinning widely at the camera. Next to her, wrapped tightly in the blankets like a cocoon, was Zaimokuza. His face was barely visible beneath the covers, looking more like a bundled-up lump than a person, with only the top of his head peeking out.

The caption below the picture read: "Look at my cute little butterfly! Isn't he precious?"

I stared at the image, a smile tugging at my lips. The sheer absurdity of the situation, combined with Yayoi's carefree tone, made me chuckle softly. The contrast between Yayoi's boisterous energy and Zaimokuza's cocooned terror was too perfect.

As I set my phone back on the nightstand, I couldn't help but reflect on the whirlwind of events that had led to this strange yet heartwarming moment. Yayoi was already calling him her "cute butterfly." Despite everything, it seemed like the two were already finding their rhythm—unconventional as it was.

With a contented sigh, I closed my eyes, my thoughts drifting to the unlikely pairing of my friends, and the strange but hopeful future that lay ahead for them.