264 [264] Hikigaya Bacteria

Chapter 264: Hikigaya Bacteria

In Japan, the spirit of craftsmanship is highly respected.

Devoting one's entire life to a single pursuit is not an empty phrase in Japan.

Globally, there are over 200-year-old businesses, with Japan having over 3,000, the highest in the world, and over 33,000 businesses in Japan over a century old.

While many of them might be small shops on the streets, they genuinely pour a lifetime of effort into their work.

Whether it's a bowl of ramen or a piece of sushi...

Many of the century-old establishments seen on the streets have been passed down through generations, embodying a true legacy of over a hundred years.

Unlike some businesses in other countries that easily claim the title of a century-old shop, many of them might only have a history of a decade or so.

Once Hachiman and the others had savored the coffee, the small-bearded manager returned to the counter, his face draped in an expression of nostalgic reflection. Evidently, he had once again immersed himself in memories of his youthful encounter with coffee.

Before long, the desserts they had ordered arrived, courtesy of Gabriel. As they sipped coffee and indulged in desserts, the study session kicked off.

Given Hachiman's adeptness in studying, the focus shifted to assisting Yui and Saika.

"Yukinon, how do you solve this problem?" Yui pointed to a math question in the book, her face reflecting a pitiful expression.

While she could comprehend individual numbers, combining them seemed to perplex her.

"For this question, let me see..."

Taking the textbook handed over by Yui, Yukino slowly began to explain.

"It's quite simple. First, you do this... then follow it up with this..."

Unbeknownst to her, the tone of her voice had taken on a gentle quality.

"Hachiman, do you know how to solve this problem?"

Saika's plea reached Hachiman's ears, and he didn't disregard it. Step by step, he started explaining the problem-solving approach to Saika.

Just then, two more individuals entered the coffee shop.

"Welcome..." Gabriel's once again lethargic voice greeted.

"Huh, Gabriel-neechan, why are you here?" A lively voice echoed.

"Oh, it's Komachi. I'm just working here," Gabriel called out the person's name.

Yes, it was Komachi.

At that moment, Hachiman looked up and waved at Komachi as she entered through the door.

"Komachi, over here."

"Onii-chan, I'm coming." Waving at Hachiman, Komachi walked over with a boy by her side.

Observing the boy beside his sister, Hachiman raised an eyebrow.

This should be Saki Kawasaki's brother, named Taishi Kawasaki, if he remembered correctly.

Arriving at Hachiman's seat and spotting the unexpected "three" beautiful girls, Komachi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

She knew Yui and Yukino, but the third one was unfamiliar.

There were indeed many pretty girls around Onii-chan.

"Good afternoon, Komachi-chan."

Seeing Komachi, Yui greeted her with a smile, and even Yukino nodded.

"Good afternoon, Yui-neechan, Yukino-neechan." Komachi nodded in return, then turned her attention to Saika.

"Onii-chan, who is this sister?"

"Oh, you mean Saika; he's a guy." Hachiman's expression at this moment was somewhat peculiar.

"Um, Onii-chan, are you joking?"

Naturally, Komachi didn't believe it.

However, Saika took the opportunity to introduce himself, "Nice to meet you, I'm Hachiman's classmate, Saika Totsuka."

"Uh... I really am a guy."

Saika's words left Komachi questioning life.

A guy looking even cuter than a girl.

"Komachi-chan, why are you here?" Yui asked, breaking the silence.

Upon hearing her question, the siblings exchanged a glance, and ultimately, it was Komachi who spoke up.

"I actually came here to ask for Yukino-neechan's help."

"Me?" Yukino looked puzzled.

"Yeah," Komachi nodded. "Yukino-neechan, didn't you establish a club to help others? Well, my friend has been feeling troubled lately and wants to seek advice."

She then glanced at the boy who had been silent beside her.

At this point, the boy introduced himself.

"Um, hello, everyone. I'm Kawasaki Taishi, and I'm in the same cram school as Komachi..."

"Huh?!"

Before he could finish his words, Hachiman gave him a sharp look, frightening him into quickly correcting the address.

"I'm in the same cram school as Hikigaya, and my sister is, like you all, a second-year student at Sobu High. Her name is Kawasaki Saki."

Hearing this name, Yui was surprised.

"To think she's our classmate. But Kawasaki-san seems a bit intimidating," she commented.

Saika also nodded, "Exactly, and it seems like Kawasaki-san doesn't have many friends in the class."

"That's why Taishi is worried that his sister might be turning into a delinquent. She's been coming home very late recently, so he wanted to talk to someone about how to help her get back to normal," Komachi explained the situation briefly.

"Since when did this situation start?" Yukino asked Taishi.

"It's only started recently," Taishi's face showed concern. "After all, my sister worked very hard in middle school to get into Sobu High. She used to be diligent, and she's a good person."

"I see. It seems like she caught the Hikigaya bacteria and turned out like this," Yukino said, analyzing the situation with a serious expression.

On the side, Hachiman was utterly bewildered.

"Don't casually pin the blame on me like that."

"Also, what on earth is this 'Hikigaya bacteria'?"

Meanwhile, Yukino wore a slightly innocent expression.

"You must have misheard. It seems your persecution delusion is quite severe, Hikigaya bacteria."

"Hey, hey, I can tell what you said!" Hachiman looked displeased.

Seeing the two about to argue again, Yui intervened once more.

"However, when you say coming home late, what time are we talking about? I often stay out late with friends, too."

"It's not like that. Many times, it's staying out all night and coming back around 5 a.m.," Taishi shook his head.

Hearing this, even Saika seemed surprised.

"Don't your parents say anything about it?"

"They are busy with work, and I have younger siblings, so they aren't too strict with my sister," Taishi explained.

"For family reasons, it seems issues can arise regardless of the family type."

After listening to Taishi, Yukino raised her head.

"I understand. I'll accept this request."