403 [403] Yukino - I Won

Chapter 403: Yukino - I Won

Thinking about Hachiman's flirtatious behavior, Yukino's expression turned sour.

Seeing the girl's mood shift, Hachiman spoke up to divert her attention.

"What's wrong, my Yukino? Are you jealous?"

Sure enough, upon hearing this, the girl instinctively retorted.

"Who said you're mine? Stop making assumptions."

"You're so full of yourself. Who would be jealous because of you? Just a Hikigaya."

Hikigaya?

Yukino hadn't called him that in a long time since their relationship had improved. Hearing it again after so long, it oddly felt nostalgic.

People are strange sometimes.

But seeing Yukino slightly jealous made Hachiman quite pleased. If she's aware of her jealousy, she's not far from falling.

"Alright, let's not talk about this," Hachiman smiled.

"Today, I appreciate all the effort you put into organizing this birthday party for me."

Yukino just shook her head in response, returning to her usual cold demeanor.

"It's nothing. After all, it's your birthday once a year, and it deserves to be celebrated properly."

"But you, you should take better care of yourself. You didn't even want to prepare for your own birthday. If Komachi hadn't mentioned it, you probably would've treated it like any other day."

Noticing a hint of reproach in her tone, Hachiman chuckled.

"Sorry, sorry. For us guys, birthdays aren't anything special, and I only need to remember your birthdays."

The girl huffed, "Hmph, talk is cheap. If you remember my birthday, then tell me, what's my birthday?"

"I definitely know that, it's January 3rd," Hachiman promptly replied with her birthday.

Surprised to hear him accurately recall her birthday, Yukino was taken aback.

"Too bad you missed my birthday last year, or else I would've celebrated yours too," Hachiman said, sounding a bit regretful.

They met because of the accident on the first day of school, formally met shortly after, and became friends at the beginning of their second year. By the time the Service Club was established, her birthday had already passed.

Then Hachiman continued, "But don't worry, I won't miss your birthday next time."

Hearing this, Yukino's heart stirred with a hint of emotion.

Celebrating birthdays with Hachiman might not be a bad idea.

However, Yukino remembered that Hachiman had just referred to "you guys" rather than specifically mentioning her.

With that in mind, she raised an eyebrow and asked, "When is Yui's birthday?"

Hearing her question, Hachiman seemed puzzled but still answered.

"June 18th, remember we bought her a birthday gift together?"

"What about Yumiko's?"

"December 12th."

"Saeko-senpai?"

"October 20th."

"Kotonoha?"

"January 4th, just a day after your birthday, Yukino."

Sure enough, when Yukino asked about the birthdays of the girls, Hachiman was able to answer each one, which made her slightly displeased.

Hmm, he remembers every girl's birthday so clearly. He truly is a fickle guy.

With that thought, Yukino's expression turned cold again.

"Since you remember so many people's birthdays, just celebrate with them. I don't need to."

Unexpectedly, Yukino felt jealous again, which amused Hachiman. He couldn't help but tease her.

"Tsk tsk, I smell a strong scent of vinegar. What's going on?"

Ignoring Hachiman's teasing, Yukino turned her head away.

What's wrong with feeling jealous? After all, I'm still a girl. Am I not allowed to be jealous?

Seeing Yukino ignoring him, Hachiman quickly stopped joking.

He understood Yukino's personality well; she liked to dwell on things. If she truly ignored him later, it would be a big loss.

That's why Hachiman never told her about his desire to have a harem.

"But how could I not celebrate your birthday? After all, you're going to become Yukino Hikigaya." Hachiman used his trump card.

As expected, this statement had a significant impact, causing Yukino to blush.

"No way, who would become Yukino Hikigaya? You're just being provocative."

Despite her words, Yukino's heart was actually quite happy.

In Japan, it's customary for women to adopt their husband's surname after marriage, symbolizing their marital status. While there's no legal requirement for wives to change their surname, there's a societal expectation for spouses to share the same surname, reflecting Japan's patriarchal norms. Consequently, most women choose to take their husband's surname upon marriage.

Exceptions exist, though. In cases where a man marries into a family, he may opt to take his wife's surname.

"This isn't just talk, Yukino Hikigaya. This name sounds so nice," Hachiman said with a smile, affirming, "Anyway, Yukino Hikigaya, you're set. I won't let you slip away."

While Hachiman's words may seem assertive, Yukino felt a warmth in her heart.

Yukino Hikigaya... it has a nice ring to it.

And since Hachiman has chosen Yukino Hikigaya for me, it indicates he'll surely marry me in the future.

Hehe, it looks like I've emerged victorious.

With this realization, a faint smile graced Yukino's lips as she glanced around the room, feeling at ease.

However, she's still somewhat naive.

Indeed, Hachiman has bestowed upon her the name Yukino Hikigaya, but that doesn't preclude the possibility of others like Yui Hikigaya or Yumiko Hikigaya in the future. After all, they too would adopt the Hikigaya surname upon marriage.

Hachiman wouldn't explicitly convey this to Yukino, at least not yet.

...

As the evening wore on, nearing nine o'clock, the birthday party concluded, and everyone bid their farewells, mindful of the late hour.

As they bid goodbye and the living room grew quiet, a smile graced Hachiman's face.

After tidying up the aftermath a bit, he casually turned off the living room lights.

Next up was unwrapping the gifts.

He wondered what they had given him, feeling a bit excited and curious.

--------------

If you want to read 20 advance chapters ahead.

Visit my patreon: patreon.com/FlapTzy