"Even if we're going sightseeing, Karen lives around here," Hachiman noted as they walked. "It doesn't make much sense to visit places she already knows, does it?"
"Don't you worry about that! We've already discussed it!" Miyu chirped with a burst of energy.
"I see. So, where's the destination?"
"A maid cafe!"
Hachiman blinked. "Why a maid cafe of all things...?"
He had braced himself for another one of Miyu's bizarre non-sequiturs, but her reasoning turned out to be surprisingly wholesome.
"Well, I thought it'd be a nice memory of today if we could wear something we'd never usually wear," she said, looking uncharacteristically bashful. "I wanted to get a matching photo with Kohi, standing on both sides of you."
Seeing Miyu—usually a whirlwind of chaos—looking shy and vulnerable effectively disarmed Hachiman. He couldn't find it in himself to object.
"Well, this whole outing is for your sake anyway," Hachiman sighed. "It's only right that we go where you want to go."
"Really? We can?"
"Yeah."
"Yay! Thank you!"
Hachiman paused, his cynical instincts kicking back in. "Alright, spill it. What's the catch?"
"I was thinking of doing the 'Moe-Moe-Kyun' over your food with extra ketchup, Leader!"
"..."
Hachiman remained silent for a long moment before turning to Karen. "Hey, Karen. How did she end up like this?"
"Hachiman-kun, please understand... Miyu is just a little too honest with her own desires."
"I see. So she's a caveman. No impulse control."
"Leader! You're being mean to poor Fuka-chan!"
"We're off campus now," Hachiman said, waving a hand dismissively. "You can call me 'Leader' if it's easier. You're probably more used to it anyway."
"By the way, Leader," Miyu asked, peering toward the street. "Is there something special about this school gate? We've been standing here for ten minutes."
"You really do pivot fast, don't you..."
"It's my best trait!"
Hachiman glanced at his pocket watch. "Sorry for the wait. Our ride is here."
As if on cue, the sleek black form of KITT glided to a halt in front of them.
"Wait, this is...?" Karen started.
"No problem. KITT, meet Miyu and Karen."
"Wait, I feel like you're treating us with slightly different levels of formality," Miyu grumbled.
"You're imagining things."
[It is a pleasure to meet you, Miyu, Karen,] KITT's voice resonated from the dashboard. [I am KITT. I look forward to assisting you.]
Miyu and Karen gave the universal reaction to a talking AI car—total, wide-eyed shock.
"Whoa... did the car just talk?!"
"Naturally, you're surprised," Hachiman said, sounding a bit too proud. "It's a rite of passage. I've yet to meet a single person who didn't jump the first time."
"Look at the Leader, acting all proud! Moe-Moe-Kyun!"
"Karen," Hachiman said, ignoring her. "Since Miyu came all the way from Hokkaido, don't feel like you have to hold back. You can sit in the passenger seat if you want to get away from her."
"Hey! Don't be such a shy Leader! Moe-Moe-Kyun!"
"Annoying."
[Hachiman, where shall I set the destination?] KITT asked.
"May Queen Nyannyan."
[Understood.]
"Is that the name of the maid cafe?" Karen asked.
"Yeah. It's the only one I know."
"I see."
"Sorry, but I need to give them a heads-up," Hachiman said, pulling out his phone. "Keep it down for a second."
He dialed the number for May Queen Nyannyan.
"Thank you for calling May Queen Nyannyan! This is Mayushii-nyan speaking!"
"Oh, Mayu-san. It's been a while. Are you doing well? It's Hikigaya. Sorry to bother you, but is Faris around? I'd like to speak with her if she's free."
"Ah, Hikigaya-san! Tutturu~! Mayushii is as energetic as ever! Let's see... Faris-chan? Yeah, she's free. Just a second!"
Hachiman smiled to himself. Mayu-san is the only one who still calls her 'Faris' instead of 'Feyris.'
After a brief pause, the voice of the cafe's top maid came on the line.
"Sorry to keep you waiting-nyan! I was just chatting with a friend from America-nyan."
"Sorry for the sudden call. I actually have some friends visiting from Hokkaido, and they want to experience a maid cafe. Would it be alright if the three of us dropped by?"
"Of course it's alright-nyan! In fact, you've kept Feyris waiting far too long! Hurry up and get over here-nyan!"
"Yeah, yeah. Sorry I haven't been around lately."
Feyris's voice took on a slightly pouting tone. "Honestly, why didn't you just call my cell-nyan?"
"I figured you were working. I didn't want to interrupt a shift. Do you even carry your phone while you're serving customers?"
Feyris answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Of course I carry it-nyan. Though, even if anyone other than Hachiman calls, it won't ring or even vibrate-nyan."
"Wait... so it only makes noise when I call?"
"Exactly-nyan."
"Why? That makes no sense."
"A man shouldn't fret over the small details-nyan! Just call my cell directly from now on-nyan."
"Fine, fine. I get it."
"Call me when you're outside the shop-nyan!"
"Understood. See you soon."
"I'll be waiting for you with my tail wagging-nyan!"
Hachiman hung up and signaled to KITT to pick up the pace. "Alright, we're good to go."
"You sounded pretty close with her," Miyu noted. "Is this your regular haunt, Leader?"
"Hmm. I was originally introduced to the place through some business connections. It's not exactly a 'hangout,' but I consider the people there friends."
As they drove, Miyu pelted Hachiman with questions about every landmark they passed. Hachiman did his best to answer, and whenever he hit a wall, KITT stepped in with precise data. By the time they reached Akihabara, Miyu's curiosity was thoroughly satisfied.
"KITT knows everything! That's so cool!"
[I am honored by your praise, Miyu.]
"I can't imagine life without KITT anymore," Hachiman remarked.
[Hachiman, I am also very glad to have met you.]
It was a rare moment of genuine warmth between man and machine. As KITT smoothly decelerated, the iconic sign of May Queen Nyannyan appeared before them.
"Alright, we're here. Let me give her a call..."
Hachiman dialed Feyris as promised.
"I'm coming at Mach speed-nyan!"
"Whoa—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Feyris burst from the shop, running straight for him and latching onto his arm.
"Hachiman! Welcome home-nyan!"
"Yeah, sorry for dropping in like this. Also, let go of my arm."
Feyris released him with a giggle. "Still as cold as ever-nyan! But that's why I like you!"
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