Well, enjoy the read.

I read the latest review. First, as a guy writing a female character, they will come out wrong. I barely touch the tip of the iceberg. I left a few context clues about Yukino but if you didn't understand well it's my bad. In Japan, universities start during spring, when cherry blossoms bloom. The meaning of this is that it is the end of one journey and the beginning of a new journey. In the last chapter and this current chapter, you learn about how their relationship has changed for the better. I wanted to show that Yukino want to change her relationship with Hikigaya, leading her to react differently. The next step in their relationship is the reason for the different emotions Yukino is going through. So Yukino berating or blaming Hikigaya for things out of control for him seems unnatural but once you read the last two chapters. You'll understand that Yukino was emotional, and stressed out.

Here is the profile for the fifth Ice Queen character:

Name: Dr. Mio Kurosawa

Field of Study: Advanced Cognitive Science

Birthday: May 25

Height: 158 cm

Measurements: Bust 101 cm, Waist 55 cm, Hip 84 cm (Bra Size: J66)

Weight: 45 kg

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Hair Color: Chestnut

Age: 39

Background:

Dr. Mio Kurosawa is a former delinquent who became a renowned professor in Advanced Cognitive Science. Her brilliance was overshadowed by her rebellious behavior during her school years, where she led a girl gang out of boredom. Her exceptional intellect only became evident during her university entrance exams, revealing her true genius and the reason behind her previous actions.

Personality:

Mio is known for her stoic and aloof demeanor. She rarely smiles and maintains a level of detachment from others. As a beauty with a narcissistic streak, she takes pride in her appearance. Often displays an Iron Lady persona, blending a tough exterior with a heart of gold. Despite her cold facade, she is brutally honest. Remains a loner by choice, embodying the archetype of an Ice Queen.

The moonlight filtered through the curtains of Dr. Mio Kurosawa's home, casting a faint glow across the polished floors. She entered the genkan with her usual precision, slipping off her boots with a quiet sigh. Barefoot, she glided across the stillness, heading straight to the kitchen. Turning on the tap, she let the water wash away the remnants of the evening—a reminder of her unintended encounter with two persistent strangers. A simple meal, ruined by unwelcome company and the inevitable confrontation. As she scrubbed the blood from her hands, a scowl briefly crossed her face.

"I just wanted one peaceful meal without interruptions," she muttered, her voice low, irritation lacing each word.

Satisfied with her clean hands, she shut off the tap and headed upstairs. In the mirror, she caught sight of the bloodstains on her crisp white dress shirt. She clicked her tongue, eyes narrowing. Shrugging off the shirt and her black pants, she tossed them into the washing machine in the bathroom's utility area, barely glancing as they disappeared beneath the machine's hum. Clad in mismatched light green underwear, she left the clothes to soak, her mind already shifting to more pressing matters.

Back downstairs, she settled into the living room, tackling the stack of student papers beside her. Her dark brown eyes scanned each page, her brows knitting in disappointment. Poor grades. She clicked her tongue again, throwing half the pile into the wastebasket with a decisive motion.

"Hopeless," she murmured, rising from her seat. She stretched, fatigue slowly creeping in, and turned off the light, casting one last glance over the room before heading upstairs.

"I'm going to sleep," she said to no one in particular, her voice fading into the quiet of the night.

0000

Hikigaya Hachiman lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, that familiar dread creeping over him. Saturday mornings were meant for long, undisturbed sleep or a lazy breakfast. Instead, he was wide awake, grappling with a predicament no RomCom protagonist should ever face. His beautiful girlfriend, Yukinoshita Yukino, had stayed over. And as healthy 18-year-olds, their relationship had naturally progressed to the next level. Yes, this Hikigaya Hachiman had sexual intercourse with Yukinoshita.

He cast a cautious glance at Yukinoshita, her hair spilling across the pillow, her expression serene. She looked incredibly peaceful, so soft and warm that he couldn't help but pull her close when he'd woken up early, only to drift back to sleep again. Now, though, the blush heating his cheeks made it hard to leave without creating an awkward situation.

"Hello, RomCom Gods, bless me with an answer. How do I get out of bed without exposing myself?" he silently pleaded.

The heavens remained silent. Subtlety, then.

"Good morning, Yukinoshita," he muttered, gripping the covers as if his life depended on it.

"Good morning, Hikigaya-kun," she replied calmly, making his heart skip a beat. But then, she shifted under the sheets.

"How about a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors?" Hikigaya suggested, grasping for any escape. "Loser has to get out of bed."

Before she could respond, she kicked him—literally. Using her feet, she sent him tumbling out of bed. He landed with a yelp, scrambling to gather his clothes in a flurry of embarrassed glances. Yukinoshita, meanwhile, wrapped herself in the blanket, watching him with a faint smile.

A few moments later, with Yukinoshita in the bathroom, Hikigaya tugged on his black T-shirt and gray shorts, grateful for the reprieve. He prepares a quick breakfast—leftover rice, a raw egg, and a splash of soy sauce—hoping for a quiet morning. Just as he placed their modest meal on the table, a knock interrupted him. Confused, he opened the door to find his neighbor standing there.

The woman from yesterday, her strawberry-blonde hair tied up in a high ponytail with a pink scrunchie, glared at him with emerald-green eyes. Dressed in a red tank top showing off her midriff and with a pair of green pajama pants, she looked ready for a fight.

"Bastard! Can you keep it down? No one wants to hear you watching pornos!"

Hikigaya opened his mouth, an apology on the tip of his tongue, when a familiar voice called out behind him.

"Who is it, Hikigaya-kun?"

He turned, and so did his neighbor, to see Yukinoshita standing there in his oversized blue T-shirt and baggy pants, as serene as ever.

His neighbor's eyes went wide, her face turning a deep shade of red.

"I-I'm sorry!" she stammered, her face flushed with embarrassment before she turned and darted back into her apartment, slamming the door behind her.

Hikigaya sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as Yukinoshita gave him an amused look.

"Well, that was… unexpected," he muttered, trying to bury his face in his hands to hide his growing embarrassment.

Yukinoshita chuckled. "I suppose mornings will never be dull with you around."

000o

Hikigaya Hachiman let the hot shower work its magic, the steam washing away the awkwardness of the morning and leaving him feeling refreshed. After Yukinoshita had left for her family's mansion, his apartment felt emptier than usual. Hunger soon set in, prompting him to head out for a bowl of ramen.

The nearest ramen shop was a modest, dimly lit place with an inviting aroma that beckoned him inside. As he entered, the staff greeted him warmly, but he froze mid-step when he spotted a familiar figure at the counter.

Dr. Mio Kurosawa sat there, dressed in a white tank top and black pencil skirt, her legs crossed with casual elegance[1]. Though her expression remained calm, Hikigaya noticed her fist was tightly clenched. A man stood beside her, leaning in too close, clearly trying to chat her up. Hikigaya recognized the signs of an impending disaster.

His old high school teacher, Hiratsuka-sensei, had often responded to such situations with a swift punch—usually aimed at him. Hikigaya could almost feel the ghost of those blows as he watched Dr. Kurosawa's fist tighten.

With a resigned sigh, he slid onto the stool between her and the guy. "Ah, looks like I'm late, Professor Kurosawa," he said casually, giving her a knowing look. "Though it might not be a great idea to knock someone out just for hitting on you."

Kurosawa's eyes flickered with amusement as she replied coolly, "I don't see the problem. Sometimes a fool needs a physical lesson to understand he's a bother."

Hikigaya smirked. "Judging by how calm you are, I'm guessing a punch would be the least of his worries. Seems like he's in for something worse."

They exchanged a knowing glance, their conversation flowing effortlessly into banter about people who couldn't read a room, especially those oblivious to obvious signals.

"So, does this happen often?" Hikigaya asked, his tone casual yet curious.

Dr. Kurosawa gave him a sharp look. "What are you referring to?"

"Guys like him. The ones who can't take a hint," Hikigaya clarified, nodding toward the man.

A quiet sigh escaped her. "Unfortunately, yes. Men often mistake a woman sitting alone in public as an invitation. They assume silence means interest."

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious you're not interested? With your whole 'Iron Lady' vibe, you'd think that would scare them off."

A wry smile played on Kurosawa's lips. "You'd think so. But arrogance blinds them. It's rare to find someone who understands boundaries." She paused, her dark eyes flickering with mild annoyance. "I've had my share of 'persistent admirers.' Some see my stoicism as a challenge, a puzzle they need to solve."

Hikigaya chuckled. "You're like a real-life video game boss. They think if they beat you, they'll get some rare prize."

Kurosawa's tone dripped with dry amusement. "An apt analogy. Though, if they were smarter, they'd realize the only reward awaiting them is a swift rejection—or worse."

"A punch to the gut?" Hikigaya teased, recalling her earlier tension.

The man, thoroughly ignored and out of his depth, finally slunk away, leaving them alone.

"Precisely. But I prefer not to resort to violence," she said, her expression hardening. "I find words can bruise egos just as effectively."

"Sounds like that's where your 'Ice Queen' persona comes in," Hikigaya mused, stirring the last of his ramen. "Keeps people at a distance."

Dr. Kurosawa nodded slightly. "It does. Managing expectations is easier when people don't get too close."

Hikigaya leaned back in his seat, hands resting behind his head. "Guess being attractive has its downsides, huh?"

Kurosawa's sharp gaze met his. "I wouldn't call it a downside. I've cultivated this image for a reason. It serves me professionally, but…" She trailed off, hesitating.

"But?" Hikigaya prompted.

Her expression softened just a fraction, revealing a rare hint of vulnerability. "It can be… exhausting. People think they know me based on how I look. They see a beautiful woman with a cold demeanor and make their assumptions. No one bothers to look deeper."

Hikigaya studied her for a moment before nodding knowingly. "Yeah, I get that. People project their ideas onto you. It's easier to let them believe what they want than to explain who you are."

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the usual formality between professor and student seeming to fade away.

"Still," Hikigaya said, breaking the quiet, "if it ever gets too much, maybe keep that punch on standby. Some people never learn."

Dr. Kurosawa smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Thanks for the intervention," she said, relaxing her fist, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"Hikigaya Hachiman. No problem, sensei," he introduced himself. "Just don't make me feel guilty for not paying attention in class."

Hikigaya stirred his ramen, letting the rich broth rise in steam as he leaned back in his seat. Beside him, Dr. Kurosawa sipped her broth with refined ease, though her sharp eyes remained fixed on him, making him feel like he was back in her lecture hall.

"I see," she said coolly, not looking up from her bowl. "So your self-imposed loner stance gives you a cynic's view of the world, along with an uncanny ability to observe people."

Hikigaya shrugged, slurping his noodles. "Professor, just because I can tell you're a loner too—former delinquent and all—doesn't mean I need therapy."

Dr. Kurosawa raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Former delinquent, hmm? And here I thought I'd kept that part of my life under wraps."

"Don't get me wrong, sensei," Hikigaya replied, "you're good at maintaining that calm, composed 'Iron Lady' persona. But your fists say a lot more than you do."

"Oh, do they now?" she mused, finishing her noodles with a dismissive yet intrigued air. "Observant, aren't we? Though it sounds more like a defense mechanism than an analytical gift."

"Let's just say I'm not the type to blend in with the crowd," he shot back. "But it takes one to know one, doesn't it?"

Dr. Kurosawa chuckled softly, the sound foreign yet oddly satisfying to Hikigaya. "Perhaps. You're one of the few students bold enough to point that out. There's a certain audacity in that—one that borders on foolishness."

"Hey, you said it, not me," Hikigaya muttered, though he couldn't shake the feeling of camaraderie between them. It was strange, sharing a meal with his professor, their sharp words masking an unspoken mutual understanding.

Their conversation continued, seemingly sharp to any eavesdropper but natural to them. They lingered over their meal, finishing with respect, aware they were cut from the same solitary cloth—even if neither would admit it outright.

00o0

Back in his apartment, Hikigaya quietly closed the door behind him, his eyes instinctively flicking over his shoulder. Dr. Kurosawa, now stepping out of her sleek black heels, exuded a casual elegance that contrasted sharply with her usual composed and commanding presence. The white tank top she wore clung to her slim frame, while the black pencil skirt hugged her curves, emphasizing her slender waist and long legs.

She lowered herself onto the floor with effortless grace, stretching her bare feet out delicately. For a brief moment, Hikigaya found himself unable to look away. The sight of her like this—a renowned professor, relaxed and slightly disheveled in his small apartment—felt strangely intimate. Her chestnut hair, usually tied back, now framed her face loosely, softening her normally sharp features.

Kurosawa-sensei caught his lingering gaze, her dark eyes glinting with amusement. She raised an eyebrow, a subtle, knowing smile on her lips. "Hikigaya," she said, her voice smooth and teasing, "it's rude to stare at a woman's legs."

Her tone carried the usual sharpness, but there was something else beneath it—something that made the air feel heavier, more charged. Hikigaya quickly averted his gaze, clearing his throat, though her words lingered, the heat of them still clinging to him.

He shrugged, trying to brush it off. "Professor Kurosawa, I'm a healthy guy who appreciates beautiful women's legs. It's practically reflex." He attempted to sound casual, but the image of her bare legs, now crossed casually, stayed with him, making his heart race for reasons he didn't quite understand. He kicked off his shoes with more force than necessary.

She shot him a withering look. "Hikigaya-kun, that's something you shouldn't say to a woman—especially your professor."

"That might be true," he conceded with a smirk, "but you're also someone who could beat the crap out of me if I went too far. I'm well aware of the power dynamic here."

She clicked her tongue, but he noticed the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Hikigaya-kun shut up and set up the game system."

"Fine, fine, Sensei," he replied, heading to his closet. He dug out an old analog TV and the family Famicom, the sight of the dusty relic stirring a sense of nostalgia. "No way I'd leave the family Famicom with my dad," he muttered as he plugged in the connectors. "Not after he tried to kick me out when I turned eighteen. Now he can enjoy his quiet life with my mother and Komachi without me."

Kurosawa-sensei watched him with mild interest, her arms crossed. "Ah, family tensions. It's nice to see you've kept something from home, even if it's just a game console."

"Simple but effective," Hikigaya replied, sliding in a cartridge and powering it up. The familiar beeps and bright pixelated screen lit up the dim room, bringing warmth to the space.

Kurosawa-sensei settled next to him, her demeanor softening just enough to make Hikigaya realize this was a rare occasion—seeing his stoic professor let her guard down. "Don't expect me to go easy on you, Hikigaya-kun."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he said with a grin as the game began, both ready for an old-school showdown.

After several hours of intense gaming, the thrill of retro victories had both of them in high spirits. They'd lost track of time, so Hikigaya suggested ordering pizza. In a rare show of generosity, Kurosawa-sensei insisted on paying, opting for a higher-end pizzeria. They continued playing until the knock on the door interrupted them.

"I'll grab my wallet," Kurosawa-sensei said, setting down her controller and rising to her feet.

Hikigaya headed to the door, expecting the delivery driver. Instead, he found his neighbor—a woman with strawberry-blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, and emerald-green eyes sharp but tinged with apology.

"Uh, hey," she began, looking uncomfortable. "I wanted to apologize… I lost my temper earlier, and—"

She was cut off by Kurosawa-sensei's voice from inside. "Hikigaya-kun, is it the delivery guy?"

His neighbor's eyes widened as she took in Kurosawa-sensei standing in the background, holding her wallet with a no-nonsense expression. Realization hit, and her face flushed with renewed anger.

"You creep," she hissed, her earlier apology forgotten. "Bringing multiple women over? I was trying to apologize, and here you are, inviting women left and right. Disgusting."

Before Hikigaya could respond, she spun on her heel and stormed back to her apartment, slamming the door behind her. He stood frozen, hand still on the doorknob.

"Well," Kurosawa-sensei remarked, amusement dancing in her eyes as she approached the doorway, "you certainly have lively neighbors, Hikigaya-kun."

Hikigaya sighed, closing the door. "More like misunderstandings waiting to happen. I need a sign that says, 'Not What It Looks Like.'" He turned to her. "You think this place is cursed?"

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Perhaps, but you don't seem to mind the chaos all that much."

With the pizza in hand, they sat cross-legged at the floor table, the warm aroma filling the room. Hikigaya savored the first bite, grateful he didn't have to pay.

After their meal, they resumed their game marathon. Between rounds, Hikigaya glanced over and casually asked, "So… you threw away our homework[2]?"

Kurosawa-sensei didn't even blink. "Yes. It was terrible."

"Did you even grade mine?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

"No," she replied bluntly.

He sighed, pausing the game. "So what grade are we getting?"

"A D sounds fair," she said, her lips twitching with the faintest hint of a smile.

"Can I get a better grade?" he pressed hoping for some leniency.

She considered him for a moment before replying, "I'll give you five extra points because I didn't end up with blood stains from that ramen shop guy."

"Five points, huh?" he muttered, grinning despite himself. "Guess I'll take what I can get."

They resumed the game, their quiet banter filling the room as the rhythmic clicks of the controllers and the pixelated music echoed in the background. For the first time in a while, Hikigaya found himself at ease—caught up in the simple comfort of their sharp words and companionship.

0o00

As they walked through the quiet, dimly lit streets, Hikigaya stuffed his hands into his pockets, his gaze shifting between the sidewalk and the occasional streetlight. They were only a few blocks from Dr. Kurosawa's place when she finally broke the silence.

"You know, Hikigaya-kun, you didn't have to walk me home," she said, her tone as detached as ever.

"I know, sensei," he replied with a shrug. "But I'm not worried about you. I'm worried about the poor idiot who tries to hit on you."

She let out a soft, amused huff. "I see."

"Besides," he added, his voice dripping with mock seriousness, "I'd rather not read about some poor guy in tomorrow's news… found barely alive after underestimating a certain Iron Lady professor."

When they reached the steps of her house, she stopped and turned to face him, a faint glint of humor lighting her eyes. "I assume you're not hoping for... anything more? A kiss, perhaps?"

"Not a chance," he shot back instantly, deadpan. "I already have a girlfriend. She'd kill me—and that's only if her older sister doesn't get to me first."

Dr. Kurosawa let out a genuine laugh, soft but unmistakable. "You certainly know how to prioritize your survival instincts."

"Comes with experience, sensei," he said, a wry smile creeping onto his face.

"Good night, Hikigaya-kun," she replied, giving him a final, almost approving nod before stepping inside.

He watched her door close, then turned and walked back down the empty street, feeling strangely at ease.

As Hikigaya climbed the stairs to his apartment, his eyes caught sight of a woman just ahead of him, her striking white hair styled in a sleek, short bob. She looked a few years younger than him, her outfit both elegant and bold—a short black ensemble that he couldn't quite tell if it was a dress or skirt. The sharp click of her black ankle boots echoed through the stairwell as she ascended, the high heels and garter stockings with a subtle black lining making her look almost too stylish for such a mundane setting.

To his embarrassment, Hikigaya realized he had inadvertently caught a glimpse of the hem of her skirt lifting, revealing a flash of white panties beneath. A sudden chill ran down his spine, and he quickly diverted his gaze, reminding himself to avoid looking in her direction again.

When they reached the same floor, he unintentionally followed her down the hallway. She turned left, stopping in front of the apartment next to his. As she unlocked her door, he noticed her adjusting a pair of stylish glasses before stepping inside.

Hikigaya paused, glancing at the nameplate beside her door: Ishikawa. "So, she's my other neighbor," he muttered, surprised he hadn't noticed her before.

"She's beautiful, and her ass was nice," he added quietly, feeling an odd mix of fascination and unease.

After a moment, he shook his head, unlocked his door, and stepped inside his apartment. As he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but wonder what was next.

o000

Hikigaya was enjoying a lazy Sunday morning, reclining on his bed with a book, when a knock interrupted his peace. Rolling his eyes, he braced for another encounter with his nagging neighbor. But when he opened the door, he was surprised to find Yukinoshita Yukino standing there, her expression more serious than usual.

"Good afternoon, Hikigaya-kun. I have something important to discuss with you," she said, her voice steady.

He blinked, feeling a slight twist of dread. "I see. So, it's time, then? You're breaking up with me, aren't you?" he asked, trying to sound indifferent, though a pang of disappointment ran through him.

I was terrible at intercourse and Yukinoshita wanted to break up. That's the worst reason to break up.

"What? No, you idiot. I'm not breaking up with you," she snapped, narrowing her eyes. "Let's continue this conversation inside."

Surprised, he stepped aside to let her in. Yukinoshita removed her shoes and sat gracefully on the floor by his low table, her eyes scanning the room before pausing on an empty pizza box from yesterday.

"I see you had pizza," she remarked, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Yeah, had a guest over," he replied, scratching the back of his neck.

She nodded but didn't press further. Instead, she sat quietly for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Finally, she cleared her throat, looking at him with determination and hesitation.

"Hikigaya… about our relationship," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "We've… become physically close. Since we've, um, had intercourse, I think it's only fitting we address each other by our given names." A faint pink blush colored her cheeks, but she kept her composure.

Hikigaya's eyes widened, caught off guard by her straightforwardness. "Y-you're right. You came over Friday, and we did… well, get intimate. So, I guess using our first names makes sense now." He exhaled slowly, realizing he'd been holding his breath. "We've been together for over a year, after all."

They sat in silence, the weight of the change sinking in. Finally, Hikigaya gathered his courage, looked up at her, and said softly, "Yukino…"

Her eyes softened as she met his gaze. "Hachiman…"

For a moment, no words were needed. Just the simple exchange of names marked the deepening of their bond, one that went beyond anything either of them had anticipated.

They both sat there, cheeks slightly flushed, basking in the quiet after saying each other's names. Hikigaya cleared his throat, a nervous smile creeping onto his face. "This… might take some getting used to," he muttered. Catching himself, he added, "So, Yukino—Shita. Uh, Yukino would you want to go on a date? Right now?"

A small, surprised smile crossed her face as she met his eyes. "Hachiman," she corrected herself, her blush deepening. "I'd love to."

Determined not to spoil the moment with awkwardness, Hikigaya quickly stood up, grabbed some clothes, and headed toward the bathroom to change. As he emerged, ready to go, Yukino caught him by the sleeve and gave him a critical look.

"Wait," she said firmly, holding him in place as she glanced over his outfit. With a sigh, she shook her head. "Honestly, Hachiman… here, let me pick something for you."

What? I thought I chose something decent. What's wrong with it?

Before he could protest, she was already rummaging through his closet. After a few moments of consideration, she pulled out a dark, fitted button-down, a pair of gray chinos, and a sleek, understated jacket. She held them up, appraising him with a critical eye.

"There," she said, nodding in satisfaction. "Put these on. You look better in darker colors."

Hikigaya took the clothes, momentarily stunned by how easily she had taken control. "Alright, alright," he muttered, heading back to change with a slight grin.

When he stepped out, dressed in the outfit Yukino had chosen, she nodded approvingly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "See? Much better."

"Right," he mumbled, feeling both embarrassed and oddly pleased. "Then, Yukino… shall we go?" He held out his hand, awkward but earnest.

Yukino took his hand, her smile brightening slightly. "Yes, Hachiman. Let's go."

0o00

As they settled into their seats at the café, Hikigaya glanced around, taking in the charming décor and the soft hum of conversation. He tried to act casual, but he couldn't ignore the slight anticipation building as they waited for their order.

Yukino tilted her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I'm surprised you ordered the waffle set, Hachiman," she remarked with a playful smile. "You're usually not one for anything too elaborate."

Hikigaya shrugged, hiding his smirk. "True, but I figured I should try it before someone else does. Plus, I… wanted to surprise you."

Before Yukino could respond, the waitress arrived with their food, placing each plate in front of them. Yukino's pasta and coffee were set down first, followed by Hikigaya's meal.

Yukino's eyes widened in amusement, a spark of delight flickering as she took in the sight before her. In front of Hikigaya were three waffles shaped like adorable cats, stacked neatly. A scoop of vanilla ice cream sat beside them, decorated with a delicate chocolate paw print, and three strips of fried chicken rounded out the plate.

The moment the cat-shaped waffles were placed before him, Hikigaya noticed the familiar glimmer of excitement in Yukino's eyes—a look she reserved for cats or anything cat-like.

He gave her a lopsided grin, trying to play it cool. "What? They're still waffles," he said, picking up his fork. "Just, you know… cat-shaped."

Yukino stifled a laugh, her eyes twinkling. "It's unexpectedly… cute," she replied. Then, with a softer smile, she added, "Thank you, Hachiman. I love the surprise."

"Mind if I take a picture?" Yukino asked, already reaching for her phone.

Hikigaya sighed, already knowing how this would go. "Go ahead," he said, resigning himself.

With a slight smile, Yukino leaned forward, carefully adjusting the angle to capture the waffles perfectly. She snapped a few photos, admiring the details. But when she finished, instead of handing the plate back, she casually picked up a fork and took a bite of his waffle, her expression innocent.

Hikigaya raised an eyebrow. "So, I'm just supposed to watch?" he said dryly, though amusement flickered in his eyes. Without missing a beat, he snagged her plate of pasta, twirling a forkful.

Yukino glanced at him, momentarily surprised, before giving a knowing smile. Her expression was caught somewhere between mock indignation and appreciation. "Well, turnabout is fair play, I suppose."

They settled into a comfortable silence, their playful back-and-forth leaving both of them quietly amused. As he watched her enjoy his meal with such genuine delight, Hikigaya felt a strange warmth—something that made the afternoon feel a little bit sweeter.

00o0

As Hikigaya and Yukino walked up the stone path to her family's mansion, the evening air was filled with a quiet calm. Just as he turned to leave, he felt a hand grab his arm, tugging him back. He found himself face-to-face with Yukino's older sister, Haruno, her expression gleeful and mischievous.

"Come on, Hikigaya, you have to tell me," she teased, her grin widening. "Did Yukino-chan spend the night at your place? So… what happened? Am I about to become an aunt?"

"Nee-san!" Yukino interjected, her cheeks reddening as she stepped between them. "Nothing inappropriate happened between Hachiman and me."

"Oh?" Haruno's eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and amusement as she looked back and forth between them. "But you're calling him Hachiman now, hmm?" She gave a playful smirk, clearly delighted by the development.

Yukino struggled to maintain her composure, but the flush on her face betrayed her embarrassment. "W-we thought it was time to use each other's given names," she said, attempting to sound matter-of-fact.

Haruno folded her arms and leaned in toward Hikigaya with a knowing look. "Well, well, Hachiman… this is quite the step forward. I'll have to keep an eye on you two."

Hikigaya glanced to the side, rubbing his neck with a mix of awkwardness and resignation. "It's nothing like that. We just… thought it was time."

"Sure, sure," Haruno said with a laugh, patting him on the shoulder. "I'll let you two go… for now. But, Hachiman, I expect details at some point."

As Hikigaya finally escaped, he couldn't help but catch a glimpse of Yukino's faint smile. Even though her sister's teasing lingered, there was a newfound ease between them that made it all worth it.

Once he stepped out of the Yukinoshita mansion, the cool night air brushed against his skin, a welcome contrast to the lingering warmth of Yukino's presence. After bidding farewell to the Yukinoshita clan and their endless teasing, he began his journey back to his apartment.

When he reached the entrance to his building, he noticed his elusive neighbor, Ishikawa, just a few steps ahead of him. She was hard to miss—her white hair styled into a sleek, short bob, and her gray-blue eyes, though hidden behind glasses, always seemed to carry a sharp, quiet intensity. Tonight, she wore a fitted white blouse with a star-shaped cutout near her collarbone, paired with a short black skirt. The white thigh-high garter stockings peeked above the tops of her black leather boots, their heels clicking with each measured step.

Hikigaya paused, lingering a few paces behind her. He had learned enough from close encounters with this mysterious neighbor to know better than to stare too long. The last time, his curiosity had gotten the better of him, and when he glanced up, he felt an eerie chill wash over him as if her presence was a warning. This time, his self-preservation kicked in hard, and he kept his eyes fixed firmly downward until she disappeared around the corner toward her door.

Once he was sure she was gone, he made his way up the stairs, glancing cautiously over his shoulder. Reaching his door at last, Hikigaya let out a breath, turned the key, and stepped inside, grateful to close the door behind him. Leaning against it for a moment, he let out a tired sigh. It had been a long day filled with more surprises than he'd bargained for, but he was finally home—safe, sound, and ready to unwind.

000o

Hikigaya lay on his bed, sinking into the comfort of his pillow as he scrolled through his phone. The screen glowed softly in the dark, displaying the photos Yukino had sent him from their date earlier. One picture stood out: the cat-shaped waffles stacked neatly on his plate, with Yukino's hand carefully angling the shot to capture every detail. He smirked, remembering how she'd claimed his order as her own the moment the food arrived, barely giving him a chance to taste it.

As he flipped through the pictures, a warmth settled over him that he wasn't entirely used to. It was a rare, simple happiness—something that had developed between him and Yukino over time. Letting out a deep yawn, he powered down his phone and set it aside, the lingering image of Yukino's quiet smile on their date imprinted in his mind.

With the weight of the day pulling him under, Hikigaya closed his eyes, preparing himself for the challenges of the second week of university. It might bring more of the same awkward encounters, strange neighbors, and relentless teasing, but he felt ready to face it.

1. I actually became friends with my German Professor, before they returned back to their country. Eight years of friendship.

2. I had a Calculus professor who was grading our first exam, got mad, and threw them away. Showed up to the following class with crutches, a wrapped head, and a sling arm, he welcomed us by saying our terrible grades almost killed him. Then for the rest of the lecture, he told us how to answer his exam questions.