[165] Friend

Chapter 165: Friend

However, before she could offer an apology, Yui raised her head once more, her face flushed with enthusiasm.

"So cool..."

"Haha..."

This left both Hachiman and Yukino bewildered. Before they could say anything, Yui continued.

"I can't express it eloquently, but I think Yukinoshita-san looks incredibly cool."

It appeared that the thought processes of Yui were beyond comprehension. Even though Yui couldn't be compared to that mischievous demon, Satania, she had her own moments of foolishness.

"Are you really taking this seriously? I thought I was quite heavy-handed with my words."

Watching Yui's admiration, Yukino awkwardly took a step back.

"Your words were indeed rather stern, I admit. But I believe you genuinely care about me, while I'm only trying to conform to others so I won't be left out. In comparison, I might seem a bit..."

"Alright, let's not dwell on it. I'll genuinely make an effort to improve from now on."

With that, Yui reverted to her usual, energetic self.

Seeing this, a smile graced Yukino's face.

"Next, I'll demonstrate the process, and you can try to follow."

"Yes!"

After another twenty minutes or so...

"Completely different."

As Yui looked at a plate of cookies with a normal color and then at her own plate of "charred charcoal," her expression revealed a hint of disappointment.

Even Yukino, who was looking a bit weary, rested her head on the cooking counter.

"Why do you still make mistakes even when you watch while I'm making them?"

However, Hachiman, at this point, offered encouragement to both of them.

"Well, don't be too disheartened. There's progress this time at least. You can already see the shapes."

"Next, let me taste the flavor."

With that, he picked up one of the cookies Yui had made and placed it in his mouth.

Seeing this, Yui couldn't help but feel excited because the reason she learned to make cookies was to prepare them for Hachiman.

"The taste is acceptable; the main issue is that the oven temperature was a bit high, so they became a bit too crispy."

"Really?"

Upon hearing Hachiman's assessment, Yui smiled, picked up a cookie, and tasted it as well.

"Indeed, it's not bad. It's just slightly bitter and a bit crispy," Yukino remarked after trying one of the cookies too.

"See? I told you. With a little effort, you'll get there."

Hachiman continued to offer encouragement to Yui and then picked up one of the cookies that Yukino had made, savoring it.

Seeing this, Yukino couldn't help but feel a mixture of anxiety and excitement. After all, Hachiman's culinary skills were top-notch, and she didn't know how her cookies would measure up to his standards.

"Hmm, very nice, even better than what you find at most pastry shops."

"Thank you for the praise."

Upon hearing Hachiman's compliment, Yukino's lips curled into a smile. In her mind, culinary skills held significant importance because it was one of the few areas where she could outshine her sister.

"Great, let's keep working on it."

Boosted by Hachiman's encouragement, Yui's confidence soared, and she delved into making more cookies.

Once, twice, thrice...

The girls continued their attempts, with Yukino offering guidance on the side. Unbeknownst to them, their relationship was gradually improving.

Around 6 p.m., Yui finally produced a batch of cookies that looked presentable.

"While the temperature was still slightly high, it's much better than the first batch."

Hachiman tasted the cookies and expressed his approval.

"Really? That's great! Thank you, Yukino-chan."

Excited, Yui embraced Yukino right then and there.

Yukino, with her reserved personality, wasn't accustomed to such intimate contact. She could feel her chest pressing against Yui, making her somewhat uncomfortable.

"Yuigahama-san, could you please release me? You're too close, and also, please refrain from calling me 'Yukino-chan.'"

However, Hachiman maintained a smile on his face.

"What's the big deal? Yukinoshita-san, you don't have any friends, right?"

"I think Yui is quite suitable to be your friend. With me, that makes two friends for you. Isn't that great?"

"Sure, I'd love to be Yukino-chan's friend."

Yui was naturally delighted by his words, but Yukino regarded him with a disdainful look.

"I can accept Yuigahama-san as my friend, but as for you, I'll need to think about it."

To this, Hachiman simply shrugged.

He was glad that Yui could still be friends with Yukino, as in the original work, Yui played a significant role in Yukino's personal growth. This was one of the reasons why he joined this club; he might have found her annoying at first, but Hachiman was sure that people could change.

After the excitement, Yui released her hold on Yukino and expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you so much today, Yukino. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have been able to make these cookies."

"Don't mention it, Yuigahama. The most important thing is that you were willing to put in the effort. Even if I teach you, without your dedication, it wouldn't have succeeded."

"Also, please don't call me 'Yukino-chan.' It's too embarrassing."

"Right, Yui, the biggest credit should go to you because you didn't give up on your own. That's why you've achieved success now."

"Moreover, when it comes to gifts, the most important thing is the thought and care you put into it. Handmade cookies, in particular, are a way to express your feelings. No matter who you're giving them to, as long as you can convey your intentions, the taste isn't as crucial."

"Keep it up, Yui. As long as you put your heart into it, the recipient will definitely feel it."

Hachiman continued to encourage Yui, and in his heart, he added a personal note.

I've already felt your sincerity, Yui. You've worked hard.

Observing Yui with a bit of flour on her face, he felt a warmth in his heart.

To put in the effort to overcome your shortcomings for the sake of someone you care about.

Perhaps this is what Hachiman truly sought in the original story.