"Right! Time to get to work!"
The two of them turned and waved to the other four before heading off toward Soleil. The group left behind watched them go, their conversation continuing.
"By the way, Asuna," Kazuto said suddenly. "Nakamachi-san seemed really... put together today. Like she went all out on her outfit. Does she like Hachiman too?"
Asuna nearly recoiled at the bluntness of the question. "Honestly, Kazuto-kun! Of all people, you're asking me that?"
"Well, I mean, it seems like you're the one in charge of the girls' side of things..."
"Hey! Watch it, Kazuto! Have some tact!" Rika snapped.
"He's right. I can't even defend you on that one, Kazuto-san," Keiko added.
"Alright, alright! I'm sorry..." Kazuto muttered, shrinking under the triple-assault.
Rika then turned to Asuna, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So? What's the verdict?"
"Well..." Asuna hummed thoughtfully. "I think it's probably different with her. The way Chika looks at Hachiman-kun... it's more like how someone looks at a celebrity. Or like a fan looking at their favorite artist, you know?"
"Wait, Rika, you're asking normally too?! And why are you answering so normally, Asuna?!" Kazuto cried out.
"What? I was curious," Rika shrugged.
"Okay, that's enough Kazuto-teasing for today!" Asuna declared.
"You guys are unbelievable..." Kazuto sighed.
The four of them began a leisurely stroll toward the station, their conversation drifting aimlessly.
"Still, Kazuto, I'm impressed you noticed she was dressed up," Rika noted. "Given how dense you usually are."
"That's one comment too many! Even I can notice that much."
"And yet you pay zero attention to your own fashion," Rika countered.
"Ugh... I can't argue with that..."
"Ahahaha!"
Meanwhile, inside the Kit, Hachiman spoke up somewhat hesitantly.
"Come to think of it, Nakamachi-san... those clothes look really good on you today. I'm not great with this kind of thing, so I can't explain it well, but... I thought you looked nice."
It was a blunt, honest compliment, devoid of any flattery, and Chika couldn't suppress her joy.
"Coming from someone who doesn't say things like that often... that's the best compliment I could get. Thank you, Hikigaya-kun!"
"Oh... uh, sure. If it made you happy, I guess it was worth the effort of saying it."
"Fufu."
Upon arriving at Soleil, they were guided through the office by Bara. They discussed the best locations for the greenery, with Chika making various notes on a floor plan.
"So, this goes here, and that goes there..." she murmured to herself.
"I'll leave the selection of the plants to you, Nakamachi-san. You're the professional, after all," Bara said.
"Yes! I'll give it my all!"
Hachiman, listening in, suddenly piped up. "Alright, let's put some carnivorous plants right here."
"Eh? But... isn't this right in front of the CEO's office?" Chika asked, blinking.
Bara gave Hachiman a deadpan look. "Honestly. If you do that, you're just asking for the Boss to sexually harass you."
Hachiman remained unphased. "It's fine. Something like that is a perfect match for my sister."
"I can hear you, you know."
The door to the CEO's office swung open, and Haruno Yukinoshita poked her head out.
"Gah! The carnivorous plant herself!" Hachiman jumped.
"Hmm. So Hachiman-kun wants to be harassed by me?" Haruno teased.
"Usually, isn't the harassment supposed to come from my side...?"
"As if you have the guts for that."
"Fine, Bara. Indirect harassment it is. Go ahead and grope my sister for me."
"What are you even saying?! I can't do that!" Bara barked, flustered.
"Ahaha! Ahahahaha!"
Chika couldn't help it; the exchange was so absurd she burst into laughter. Realizing where she was, she quickly covered her mouth and bowed to Haruno.
"I-I'm so sorry! I'm late with my greetings. I'm Chika Nakamachi from 'Nakama-tic' flower shop. Thank you so much for entrusting me with such a big project, President."
"My, you're very polite for a friend of Hachiman-kun's. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"That was a bit unnecessary, but since it's the truth, I'll let it slide," Hachiman muttered.
Chika took a deep breath. "...Um, also, about what happened back in high school... regarding Hikigaya-kun. I am so sorry. I heard you were there when Hayama-kun got angry at us. Kaori and I have both truly reflected on our behavior."
Haruno blinked, appearing genuinely surprised as she searched her memory.
"Kaori-chan...? Our receptionist? Ah! Oh, right! Now that you mention it, she apologized to me when we first met, too. I see, I see. You're the girl from back then."
"Yes. Truly, I can't apologize enough..."
As Chika bowed her head, Haruno waved a hand dismissively.
"Oh, it's fine, it's fine. Back then, I didn't exactly have the highest opinion of Hachiman-kun either. Part of me was actually trying to make things difficult for him on purpose."
"W-was that so?"
"I mean, look at him. Doesn't Hachiman-kun just make you want to tease him?"
"Don't say that right in front of me! Thanks to you, I'm always in a bind!" Hachiman retorted, though Haruno just giggled.
"Sigh..."
Hachiman let out a heavy breath. He turned to Chika, who looked like she was about to apologize again. He reached out and placed a finger just in front of her lips, silencing her.
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