[17] Yukino Guilt

On the other side of the story, after the opening ceremony, the freshmen headed towards their respective classrooms.

Among them was Yukino, but her outward appearance of calmness contrasted with her current state of mind.

Despite projecting an image of composure and strength, she was only 16 years old, making it nearly impossible to remain calm after the morning's incident.

After a moment's contemplation, Yukino reluctantly dialed her sister's number.

"Oh,Yukino, Did you miss me? Calling your dear sister?" Haruno's cheerful voice greeted her, seemingly delighted that her younger sister initiated the call.

"You're overthinking. I just wanted to ask about the morning incident. Is the other person alright?" Yukino got straight to the point, brushing off Haruno's playfulness.

"Come on, Yukino, no need to be so reserved. Don't worry, I've handled the situation. The other person is fine, just a few scratches. I even accompanied him to school!" Haruno's response was unfazed by Yukino's detached attitude.

"Okay." Hearing this, Yukino couldn't help but feel relieved, though a twinge of guilt lingered. After all, she had been in the car at the time of the incident, and she had left without a word after the collision.

"Speaking of something else, Yukino, brace yourself for a surprise," Haruno's voice continued from the phone.

"What is it?" Yukino asked, intrigued.

"The person who got injured today is also a student at your school, and a freshman this year."

"What? The other party is a student at Sobu High School?" This news caught Yukino off guard. She hadn't anticipated that the person involved would be a fellow schoolmate.

"Yes, it's quite the coincidence. Who would've thought that Hikigaya-kun and Yukino would attend the same school..."

"I understand." Before Haruno could elaborate, Yukino chose to end the call abruptly.

"Huh?!" Haruno was taken aback by Yukino's sudden hang-up. She had intended to continue chatting with her sister.

However, knowing her sister's personality, Haruno shrugged it off, tidied up, and returned to her company. Given her future responsibilities as the heir to the Yukinoshita family, she was already overseeing many of the company's affairs.

"If the other party's last name is Hikigaya, I should keep an eye out in the future." After ending the call, Yukino contemplated silently. If she crossed paths with the other person at school again, she'd do her best to make amends.

The thread of destiny had been woven, and the trio's fates had begun to intertwine.

"I'm home!"

As Hachiman sat in front of his computer typing away, he heard Komachi's voice from the living room. Glancing at the time, he realized it was the end of the school day.

"Huh? Onii-chan, you're back early today?" Komachi looked a bit puzzled as she saw Hachiman emerge from his room.

"Yeah, something happened this morning..." Hachiman hesitated momentarily before recounting the incident of getting hit.

"What? Onii-chan, you got hit by a car? Are you okay?" Komachi's eyes widened in shock upon hearing about the morning accident. She immediately checked Hachiman's body.

"Don't worry, Komachi. I'm fine, really. I wouldn't be standing here talking to you if something was wrong." Hachiman reassured her, giving her a comforting pat on the head.

"Are you sure you're okay, Onii-chan? Don't try to tough it out!" Despite feeling his warm hand on her head, Komachi still looked worried.

"I'm sure. It's just a few scratches, and they've already been treated at the hospital."

"Good thing I've been working out lately. My body's in better shape." Hachiman struck a pose, trying to flaunt his muscles.

Komachi burst into laughter at his humorous gesture. "Okay, okay, Onii-chan, you don't need to flex your non-existent muscles. I'm glad you're okay."

Cut,you haven't seen me with my shirt off. You'll see that I actually have a six-pack.

Hachiman responded with a wry smile, realizing he couldn't strip down to prove his point.

"By the way, Onii-chan, what about the person who hit you? Did they run away?" Komachi asked, her curiosity piqued.

"No, they were responsible about it. They took me to the hospital and covered the medical expenses. But the main fault was still mine." Hachiman shook his head, explaining the situation.

"By the way, Komachi, please don't tell our parents about this. I don't want them to worry." Hachiman added, hoping to spare his parents unnecessary concern.

"Sure, Onii-chan. Your secret is safe with me." Komachi nodded understandingly.

"Alright, I'll make dinner then." Hachiman patted Komachi's head gently and headed toward the kitchen.

"Wait, Onii-chan. Since you're injured, let me handle dinner tonight. You should rest." Komachi stopped him, concerned.

"Really? Alright then!"

Hachiman was a bit surprised by Komachi's offer, but he agreed. The minor hit to his proficiency points was a small price to pay for the chance to taste his sister's cooking.

Sitting on the sofa, Hachiman eagerly anticipated his sister's culinary creation. While he usually cooked for Komachi, he was curious about her cooking skills.

Before long, dinner was served, and Hachiman sat down at the table.

"Dig in, Onii-chan. Try my cooking!" Komachi handed him a bowl and chopsticks.

Taking the chopsticks, Hachiman picked up a piece of tempura and tasted it.

The flavor was decent, although not as exquisite as Hachiman's own cooking. But with the added touch of his sister's effort, he'd easily rate it an eight out of ten.

"How is it, Onii-chan?" Komachi asked eagerly.

"It's delicious!"

"Really?!" Komachi grabbed a piece and tasted it herself, but her expression soured. "Hmm, it's not as tasty as the dishes you make."

"Anything cooked by you is delicious in my book." Hachiman smiled as he picked up another piece.

"Oh, Onii-chan, you're too kind." Komachi blushed slightly. "Your words mean a lot to me."

Hachiman simply gave a casual smile in response to his sister's bashfulness.

In the end, the dinner at the Hikigaya household continued, marked by moments of warmth and sibling affection.