Here is the second chapter. I'm surprised people like this story. I was planning to scrape this story.

The night was draped in a blanket of stillness, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves outside and the distant hum of the city beyond. Igawa Haruka stood outside Hikigaya Hachiman's bedroom door, her heart pounding in her chest as she hesitated, uncertain of what lay ahead. She had two reasons for her nervousness: visiting a man's room late at night and the challenge of explaining herself—would he believe her?

With a trembling hand, she knocked softly on the door, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet hallway. As she waited for a response, her mind raced with thoughts of the task before her, each step weighed down by the gravity of her revelation.

"Who is it?" came the muffled voice from within, tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Summoning her courage, she spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's Igawa Haruka," she replied, her words hanging in the air like a silent prayer.

With a click, the door swung open, revealing Hachiman standing before her, his expression unreadable in the darkness. Without a word, she stepped into his room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

0000

The room was a sanctuary of solitude, a reflection of its inhabitant's introspective nature. Books lined the shelves, their spines worn with age and use, while scattered papers and discarded clothes bore witness to Hachiman's tendency towards disarray.

Taking a moment to survey my surroundings, my gaze lingered on the small desk by the window, where the faint outline of a laptop sat idle amidst a clutter of notebooks and pens. Hikigaya Hachiman took a seat at his desk. Across the room, I stood with a solemnity that belied my youthful appearance, my eyes fixed on him with a determination that spoke of the gravity of my words.

I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat, gathering my courage as I stepped into the room, the door closing softly behind me. "I... I need to talk to you," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "It's important."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the revelation I was about to make. "You might not believe me," I started, my voice trembling slightly with emotion, "but I'm not from this world. I come from a world of fantasy and magic."

Hachiman's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his gaze narrowing as he studied me intently. "You're... not from Earth?" he echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "But how is that possible?"

I nodded, my heart racing as I took a step closer to him. "It's a long story," I admitted my voice barely a whisper in the quiet of the room. "But the short version is that I was betrayed by those I trusted, and with the help of divine powers, I was transported here, to this world."

As I finished my explanation, Hachiman's expression shifted from surprise to contemplation. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before speaking. "So, let me get this straight," he began, his tone measured. "You're telling me that you're from a different world—a world of fantasy and magic—and you were betrayed by those you trusted, transported here with the help of divine powers?"

I nodded, my eyes searching his for any sign of disbelief. "Yes, that's right," I confirmed, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

Hachiman let out a low whistle, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, I guess that sounds like something straight out of an isekai story," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of amusement.

I blinked in surprise, the unfamiliar term catching me off guard. "Isekai?" I echoed, my brow furrowing in confusion.

Hachiman chuckled softly, his gaze warm as he explained. "It's a genre of fiction where characters find themselves transported to another world," he elaborated, his tone casual. "Usually involves some sort of adventure or quest."

Understanding dawned on my features as I processed his explanation. "Ah, I see," I murmured, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Yes, I suppose my situation does fit that description."

I'm surprised that they write books about this type of thing. And for entertainment, no less.

Hachiman nodded a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, welcome to Earth, Igawa Haruka," he said, his voice light with teasing. "I guess you're officially an isekai protagonist now."

I couldn't help but laugh at his remark, the tension of the moment dissipating as I joined him in his amusement. "Thank you, Hachiman," I replied, my voice warm with gratitude. "I'm grateful to have you as my guide in this new world."

As we shared a moment of lighthearted banter in the quiet of Hachiman's room, I felt a sense of camaraderie bloom between us.

1111

Hachiman's gaze lingered on me, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You know," he began, his voice soft with sincerity, "despite everything, you're still as beautiful as ever."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of warmth flooding my cheeks. I knew what he meant—that he could see my true form, the one I had left behind in my original world. However, Earth's God had cautioned me, and I couldn't afford to let Hachiman slip up and mention my white hair and silver eyes.

With a gentle smile, I replied, my voice gentle but firm. "Thank you, Hachiman. But remember, here on Earth, I have black hair and black eyes."

Hachiman blinked in surprise, his expression shifting from admiration to confusion. "Right, of course," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"It's okay," I reassured him, my smile widening. "Just something to keep in mind."

Hachiman's gaze flickered with amusement as he observed me. "You know, despite your... mature demeanor, you still look pretty young," he remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.

I chuckled softly, my expression tinged with amusement. "Well, I may appear young on the outside," I replied, my tone light but tinged with wisdom, "but mentally, I've lived for 30 years. I suppose you could say you're seeing my true form."

Hachiman nodded in understanding, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I can see that," he agreed, his tone thoughtful. "But even so, you still seem young—late teens or early twenties, at most."

My lips curved into a wry smile at his observation. "I'll take that as a compliment," I replied, my voice light with amusement. "After all, it's not every day you get turned younger than you are."

As we continued our conversation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Hachiman.

01010

As a soft knock echoed through the room, Hachiman glanced towards the door, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. Without hesitation, he moved to answer it, curiosity piqued by the unexpected interruption.

Opening the door, Hachiman found my younger sister Marnie standing there, her youthful features illuminated by the soft glow of the hallway light.

"Umm... Hey, Marnie," Hachiman greeted her warmly, stepping aside to let her into the room. "What brings you here?"

Marnie hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice hesitant but tinged with excitement. "I couldn't sleep," she admitted, her gaze flickering towards me. "And I heard you two talking, so I thought I'd join in."

My eyebrows rose—had she overheard our talk? Hikigaya nodded in understanding, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Ah, I see," he replied, a hint of empathy in his voice. "The move and all must have you feeling restless."

Marnie nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm evident. "Yeah, it's been a bit overwhelming," she admitted, her tone echoing Hikigaya's understanding.

With a gentle smile, he gestured towards the bed, his voice soft yet sincere. "You know what? Why don't you two take the bed?"

Marnie's eyes widened slightly at the suggestion, a subtle blush tinting her cheeks as she glanced between Hachiman and me. She quickly composed herself, throwing a playful smile at me before jumping at the opportunity and throwing her pillow at me, her sister.

As Hachiman's offer lingered in the air, my heart quickened with a mix of gratitude and apprehension. While I appreciated his kindness, the notion of sleeping in a man's bed, especially one outside my family, stirred a sense of unease within me. As a noblewoman, such intimacy was deemed inappropriate by the societal norms of my former world.

Nevertheless, with Marnie already nestled comfortably under the covers, I felt torn between propriety and practicality. I glanced toward my sister's sleeping form, my brow furrowing with uncertainty as I weighed my options.

"Looks like Marnie has already claimed the bed," I remarked, my voice soft with amusement as I gestured toward my sister. "I suppose we could share, if you don't mind."

Hachiman nodded in understanding, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Of course," he replied, his tone warm with reassurance. "There's plenty of room. I'll sleep in the living room."

As I settled onto the edge of the bed, I couldn't shake the lingering sense of discomfort that gnawed at my conscience. Despite Hachiman's kindness, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was compromising my principles by accepting his offer.

With a silent prayer for guidance, I nestled beneath the covers beside my sister, the weight of my decision heavy upon my heart. As I drifted off to sleep, I found myself wrestling with conflicting emotions, torn between duty and desire in a world where the lines between propriety and practicality blurred with each passing moment.

As the quiet of the night enveloped us, I found myself succumbing to the gentle embrace of sleep, my mind finally finding respite from the tumult of emotions that had plagued me throughout the night. Beside me, Marnie's soft breathing served as a comforting lullaby, a reminder of the bond that bound us together as sisters.

And as sleep claimed me, I embraced the fleeting sense of peace that washed over me, knowing that in the darkness of the night, I was not alone. For in the presence of those who accepted me for who I truly was, I found solace in the knowledge that I was not defined by the secrets I carried, but by the love and understanding that bound me to those who knew the real me.

With a whispered prayer for guidance and protection, I surrendered myself to the embrace of sleep, my dreams a tapestry of memories and hopes woven together in the quiet sanctuary of Hikigaya's home. As the night unfurled its velvet cloak around us, I found myself grateful for the warmth of companionship that illuminated the darkness, a beacon of light amidst the shadows that lingered at the edges of my consciousness.

0000

My mind drifted to thoughts of the stark differences between the education system in my original world and the one I now found myself in on Earth.

In my world, education was a means to prepare young individuals for their future roles within society. There were no universities to aspire to, no prolonged academic pursuits beyond the age of fifteen. Instead, students were expected to transition into the workforce or pursue a path in the Scholar route, where they delved into studies aimed at advancing the kingdom through technology or policy development.

The structure of schools reflected the rigid social hierarchy that defined our society. Commoners and peasants attended schools run by orphanages and Adventure Guilds, where the curriculum was basic and focused on practical skills. Meanwhile, the nobility enjoyed exclusive education provided by the Kingdom, where the curriculum extended far beyond the basics.

Basic subjects like math, reading, and writing were universal across all schools, serving as the foundation of knowledge for every student. However, in nobility schools, the curriculum expanded to encompass a wide array of subjects tailored to their privileged status. From magic and swordsmanship to archery, etiquette, Equestrianism, and even domestic house service, nobles were groomed for roles of leadership and refinement.

Here on Earth, however, it was common for students to continue their academic journey well beyond their teenage years, often attending universities in pursuit of knowledge and career advancement. This emphasis on higher education had turned Earth into a powerhouse for science and technology, a stark departure from the more traditional paths of my world. In Japan, high school is not a requirement, but many students attend to better themselves.

As I contemplated the vast differences, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and admiration for Earth's educational system. The opportunities for personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge seemed boundless, offering a stark contrast to the rigid structure of education I had known. I couldn't deny the allure of exploring new subjects, delving into fields I had never imagined, and embracing the endless possibilities that lay ahead.

But enough of that. Let's return to the situation at hand. I, Haruka, entered class 2-C at Sobu High School. The students' chatter quieted down, their curious gazes turning towards the newcomer. With an air of confidence, I walked to the front of the classroom, my impeccably tailored black blazer and vibrant red ribbon tie catching everyone's attention. The plaid skirt I wore added a touch of sophistication to my appearance, though I had opted for black thigh-high stockings adorned with white stripes as a modest addition to the uniform, finding the skirt's length shorter than I preferred.

As I stood before the class, the teacher cleared their throat to gain the students' attention. "Class, we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Igawa Haruka." The teacher's introduction prompted a chorus of murmurs and whispers amongst the students, their curiosity piqued by the arrival of their new classmates.

Whispers of admiration rippled through the room as the students took in my appearance. "She's so beautiful," one student murmured to their neighbor, their eyes wide with awe.

"Yeah, I heard she's from a prestigious family," another student whispered back, their voice tinged with curiosity.

Maintaining my composure, I offered a graceful bow to the class. "Good morning, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you," I greeted them with a warm smile, my voice carrying a hint of respect and sincerity.

As the teacher went on to assign me a seat, I made my way to the empty desk at the back of the classroom, my mind abuzz with the anticipation of new beginnings and the promise of forging connections in this unfamiliar environment. Settling into my seat, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of embarking on this new chapter of my high school journey.

0000

During the lunch break, I found myself surrounded by curious classmates eager to ask me questions and learn more about the newcomer. As I fielded their inquiries with a polite smile, a voice cut through the chatter, drawing my attention.

Turning towards the source of the interruption, my gaze fell upon a cute teenage girl with shoulder-length bobbed flaxen hair, her bangs hanging gracefully on the left side. The girl's honey-colored eyes sparkled with mischief as she approached, her confident stride betraying her role as a prominent figure within the school.

"Hello there! I'm Isshiki Iroha, the Student Council president," the girl introduced herself with a cheerful grin, extending a hand in greeting. "I heard we have a new student joining us. Welcome to Sobu High School!"

I returned the greeting with a polite nod, my curiosity piqued by the girl's friendly demeanor. "Thank you, Isshiki-san. It's nice to meet you," I replied, offering a small smile in return.

Before our conversation could continue, the door to the classroom slid open, revealing a familiar figure standing in the doorway. Isshiki's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Hikigaya Hachiman, and she hurriedly approached him with a bright smile, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

"Hikigaya-senpai, what are you doing here?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity as she fought to suppress the almost slip of her tongue.

As Hachiman entered, the classroom fell silent. Sensing the opportunity for some light-hearted joke, Hachiman flashed a mischievous grin at me.

"Well, well, if it isn't my dear cousin Haruka," he remarked playfully, his tone teasing. "Looks like Sobu High is blessed with not one, but two of the best-looking members of our family."

"WHAT!"

"T-that has to be a lie," one student murmured to their neighbor, their eyes wide with awe.

"They're cousins?" another student whispered back.

My brows furrowed in confusion at his remark, unaware of the jest. "Is that why our cousins didn't like us?" I replied innocently, prompting a ripple of whispers to echo through the classroom.

Isshiki-san, caught off guard by the unexpected exchange, struggled to contain her laughter, her cheeks flushing with amusement. "Oh, no, I'm sure that's not it," she interjected, trying to steer the conversation away from any further embarrassment.

"Now that I think about it, Hachiman was pretty cute when I met him. He tried to comfort me when I cried," I mentioned.

"No Way!"

"Sen— Hikigaya-senpai?" asked Isshiki-san.

"I see, that's why they ignore us. Because we are attractive," I remarked.

"Does that mean Hikigaya-san might be handsome?" another student whispered back.

"No way, that can't be true," another student whispered.

"He might be an actual catch. Look at who he is dating," another student whispered.

As the whispers subsided and the class returned to their activities, I couldn't help but smile at the playful exchange with my cousin, grateful for the familiar warmth amidst the new surroundings of Sobu High School.

00010

As I made my way to the Service Club after school following Hachiman and Isshiki-san, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me. This was my chance to meet Yukinoshita Yukino and Yuigahama Yui, whom Isshiki-san often mentioned, in addition to catching up with my cousin, Komachi.

Entering the room, I found myself greeted by the sight of Hachiman and Isshiki-san walking ahead, taking their seats alongside Yukinoshita Yukino and Yuigahama Yui. Hachiman's presence brought a sense of familiarity, while Isshiki's bubbly energy added a touch of liveliness to the atmosphere.

My gaze then fell upon Yukinoshita Yukino, a beautiful teenage girl of average height and slim build. Yukino's fair skin glowed softly in the light filtering through the windows, contrasting with her long black hair that spilled over her shoulders and down to her hips. An ahoge lay flat atop her head, adding a touch of charm to her appearance. Two red ribbons adorned her hair just above each shoulder, accentuating her elegant demeanor. But what caught my attention the most were Yukino's striking pair of large, piercing blue eyes, which seemed to hold a depth of wisdom beyond her years.

Beside Yukinoshita sat Yuigahama Yui, her cheerful presence filling the room with warmth and positivity. Yui's bright smile was infectious, and her bubbly personality immediately put me at ease. With her shoulder-length brown hair styled in loose waves[1], Yuigahama exuded a sense of approachability and friendliness that drew others to her effortlessly.

And then there was Komachi, my cousin and Hikigaya's sister, who sat between Yukinoshita and Yuigahama with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Despite being younger than the others, Komachi possessed a confident aura that belied her age. She had medium-length black hair and, just like Hikigaya Hachiman, a strand of hair standing straight from her head—an ahoge. In contrast with her older brother, her eyes were cheerful and expressive.

As I took a seat among them, I couldn't help but marvel at the diverse personalities gathered in the room. Each person brought something unique to the table, and I looked forward to catching up with Komachi and getting to know Yukinoshita and Yuigahama better as we embarked on our journey together in the Service Club.

Hikigaya Hachiman rose from his seat, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Everyone, this is our cousin, Igawa Haruka," Hachiman introduced me with a nod in my direction. "She's just transferred to Sobu High School, and I thought I'd bring her here to meet all of you."

I offered a polite bow to the group, my gaze shifting between Yukinoshita Yukino, Yuigahama Yui, and Komachi, taking in their welcoming expressions.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," I greeted them with a warm smile, my voice gentle but filled with sincerity. "Thank you for having me."

Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, and Komachi returned my greeting with nods and smiles of their own, their curiosity piqued by the arrival of me, Hachiman's cousin. As we settled back into our seats, with the introductions out of the way, I felt a sense of belonging settle over me. Surrounded by Hachiman and the members of the Service Club, I knew I had found a welcoming group of friends who would support me as I navigated my new school and the challenges that lay ahead.

1. Yuigahama has brown hair in the LN.

2. Pokémon reference.

3. Hikigaya Komachi's middle school uniform, from season 1, episode 4 of the anime.

Omake: Marnie's POV

The first light of dawn trickled through the sheer curtains of my bedroom, casting a soft glow over the tidy room. I stirred under my covers, my eyes fluttering open as I stretched my arms above my head. I glanced at the clock on my nightstand: 5:30 AM. It was early, but I had a special mission today.

Sliding out of bed, I padded over to my closet and opened the door. My eyes lingered on my Marnie cosplay outfit[2]—a black and pink ensemble with spikes and chains that perfectly matched my punk Kawaii fashion sense. I smiled, thinking about the next time I would wear it. But today was a school day, so I pulled out my neatly pressed middle school uniform instead.

I slipped into my uniform, a classic sailor-style outfit with a green skirt and a white blouse adorned with a matching green scarf[3]. I glanced in the mirror, making sure everything was in place before turning my attention to my hair and accessories.

I carefully placed my green contact lenses in my eyes, enhancing my naturally expressive gaze. My mid-length black hair was gathered into twin tails, fastened securely with my favorite red ribbons—a cherished gift from Hachiman. But it was the styling of my bangs that truly set me apart. I meticulously crafted them into a half-bang and separation, using gel to achieve the desired effect. I took a moment to adjust them, ensuring they were perfect.

Satisfied with my appearance, I tied my pink and black apron around my waist. The apron, adorned with little prints of Jigglypuff and Clefairy[2], added a touch of my unique style to my morning routine.

Quietly, I made my way to the kitchen, careful not to wake my sister, who was still asleep in the room next door.

The kitchen was silent, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator. I set to work, my movements precise and practiced. I pulled out fresh ingredients from the fridge and pantry: rice, vegetables, seaweed, eggs, and a small piece of salmon. As I rinsed the rice and set it to cook, my mind raced with thoughts of Hachiman.

Hachiman wasn't your typical cool older cousin. Brooding, cynical, handsome, and perpetually misunderstood, he had a way of looking at the world that was both intriguing and confusing to me. But there was something about him that I admired, something that made my heart race whenever he was around. Maybe it was his honesty, his ability to see through the façades that others so carefully maintained. Or perhaps it was the rare moments of kindness he showed, moments that made me believe there was more to him than his outward cynicism.

As I shaped the rice into neat, compact onigiri, I remembered the first time Hachiman had given me a birthday gift. It was simple—a pair of red ribbons—but it was the first time a boy had given me something special, not just my older, beautiful sister, Haruka. Who receives gifts almost every day, and I was meant to deliver them to her. That memory of my first gift always brought a smile to my face.

With the onigiri done, I moved on to the tamagoyaki, carefully rolling the sweet omelet in the pan. The scent of cooking eggs filled the kitchen, and I smiled to myself, imagining the look on Hachiman's face when he opened the bento. He'd probably grumble about the effort, but I knew he'd appreciate it in his way. I quickly sautéed the vegetables and grilled the salmon, adding them to the bento with a practiced hand. Each item was meticulously arranged, a testament to my dedication.

Finally, I added a small, handwritten note, tucking it discreetly under the lid of the bento box. It simply read, "I hope you enjoy this. - Marnie." I sealed the box and set it aside, taking a step back to admire my work. My heart pounded with nerves; this would be the first time I gave Hachiman something I had made myself.

Just then, the door to the kitchen creaked open, and my father entered, his presence filling the room. He yawned and stretched, his eyes still sleepy. Spotting the bento on the counter, he picked it up, grinning.

"Well, isn't this a nice surprise? My sweet daughter made me a bento," he said, beginning to tuck it into his bag.

My eyes widened, and I quickly snatched the bento from his hands. "No, Dad! That's not for you."

My father raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Oh? Then who's the lucky person? Did you make it for a boy you like?"

My cheeks flushed, and I didn't answer. My father sighed dramatically, a mock expression of heartbreak crossing his face. "My little girl is growing up so fast. Just yesterday, you were telling others that you were going to marry me."

I shook my head, my face still red. "Dad, stop it. I'm going to be late."

He watched me as I hurriedly packed my school bag, and grabbed my black leather jacket. As I reached the door, he called out, his tone more sincere. "Take care, Marnie. And good luck."

I paused, turning to give him a quick smile. "Thanks, Dad."

With my school bag slung over my shoulder and the bento box carefully packed inside, I set off for the day. I had a pit stop at Hikigaya's home to deliver the bento to Hachiman. As I walked out the door, the rising sun bathed the world in a warm, golden light, mirroring the hopeful glow in my heart.