Chapter 3 (232): Part-1
Hikigaya Hikigaya, as someone capable of traversing three different worlds, it would not be strange even if he were called the god of a new world.
Memories from the past surged into his mind all at once. It was a rather peculiar sensation. When the observer and the participant were the same person, those two once-contradictory perspectives would coexist within Hikigaya's heart.
It took Hikigaya quite some time to come to terms with the reality before him. Now, as he walked through the streets of the Kingdom of Lugunica, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had stepped into another lifetime.
Back then, he had promised to bring Yukinoshita to this extraordinary world. Now, the time had come to fulfill that promise.
Yukinoshita held onto his arm, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. Unlike the independent and formidable Yukinoshita of the past, she now resembled an ordinary girl. She was curious about everything in this world, and the wonder in her eyes was impossible to miss.
She clung to Hikigaya's arm as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Hikigaya, on the other hand, still hadn't quite gotten used to it.
Since only the two of them had come to this world, it almost felt like a secret date. Perhaps because Hikigaya was by her side, Yukinoshita wasn't maintaining her usual composure.
"Wow, it's a kitten!"
Ah, right. He had almost forgotten that this girl was a cat addict. But wait… there were cats in this world? That didn't seem right…
Felix: "Long time no see, Hikigaya-kyun!"
Hikigaya: "It really has been a while. How has Crusch been lately?"
The moment Hikigaya said that, a familiar pain shot through his arm.
He didn't even need to look to know where it came from.
Yukinoshita's puffed-up glare.
Well, perhaps this was simply how women in love behaved. As for 'Crusch,' his former comrade-in-arms, Hikigaya was confident that nothing inappropriate had ever happened between them. Still, Crusch was a woman, and a remarkably charismatic and powerful one at that. Yukinoshita's jealousy was, in all fairness, completely understandable.
Felix seemed to notice something and smiled calmly.
"Lady Crusch has been doing quite well recently, but…"
His eyes flickered mischievously as he leaned closer to Hikigaya and whispered into his ear: "Lady Crusch has been spending a lot of time with Lady Emilia lately. Say… what kind of scene do you think it would turn into if Lady Emilia saw you two being this lovey-dovey?"
The implications were terrifying.
Truly terrifying.
Hikigaya felt a chill run down his spine and hurriedly shook his head.
"Felix, as comrades who once fought side by side, I think it would be best if this matter stayed between us."
"Ahahaha, of course I wouldn't say anything. But Hikigaya-kyun, don't say I didn't warn you. Women can be very scary!"
"Well, that much has always been true."
Yukinoshita tilted her head, watching the two whispering, and asked innocently: "What are you two talking about?"
"A secret shared only between men."
"…How disgusting."
She shot him a look of pure disdain.
That, at least, was one thing about Yukinoshita Yukino that had never changed.
Hikigaya and Felix exchanged a knowing smile before stepping apart.
Hikigaya: "Oh, by the way, Felix, your ears are pretty cute. Are there other beings like you in this world?"
Felix: "How rude, Hikigaya-kyun. But if Miss Yukinoshita would like to touch them, I would be more than happy to oblige."
Before Yukinoshita could respond, Hikigaya cut in: "If your gender were reversed, I might consider it."
Felix's eyes sparkled for a moment before he replied with mild irritation: "Hikigaya-kyun, wouldn't that count as a personal attack? Besides, you of all people should know where to find creatures that resemble little kittens. And yet you're asking me?"
Of course Hikigaya knew.
Inside Emilia resided a certain existence that Yukinoshita would absolutely be unable to resist.
However…
Leaving aside how such a situation could even be arranged, if Emilia and Yukinoshita were to meet, what kind of sparks would fly was far beyond his control.
As Hikigaya sank into troubled thought, Yukinoshita found herself momentarily stunned.
Her gaze did not linger on Felix's cat ears.
Instead, it remained fixed entirely on Hikigaya's face.
Felix: "You really spoil her, don't you?"
Hearing Felix's words, Yukinoshita's cheeks flushed bright red, and she shyly lowered her head.
…
After a brief farewell to Felix, the two continued strolling through Lugunica's streets.
Compared to earlier, however, Hikigaya's mind was clearly elsewhere.
Yukinoshita knew why.
It was because of her.
Because she loved cats. Because she had absolutely no resistance to them. Because the cats of another world fascinated her to no end.
That was why he looked so troubled now.
Hikigaya was a kind person.
He always had been.
No matter what others asked of him, even though he resisted and denied it verbally, his actions always told a different story.
Yet despite that, his greatest charm lay in his emotional obliviousness.
Yukinoshita felt a quiet warmth rise in her heart.
She had long since chosen Hikigaya and would never allow him to leave her side, but this feeling was different.
What he didn't realize was that, compared to kittens, Yukinoshita Yukino liked him far more.
So even if she never got to touch cat ears, even if she never saw a cat…
That was perfectly fine.
Still holding onto Hikigaya's arm, she couldn't suppress the small happiness bubbling inside her as they stopped in front of a fruit shop.
"Excuse me, do you sell apple juice?"
"Apple juice? Hey, young man, why do you look so familiar to me?"
The exchange finally snapped Hikigaya back to reality.
And when he looked—He froze.
Wasn't this the same fruit shop owner he had met when he first arrived in this world?
What a coincidence.
Yukinoshita seemed to remember as well. After all, she had seen that scene in the recordings.
"Sir, two cups, please."
The owner handed them two cups of apple juice, speaking playfully: "Kid, back then you couldn't even afford a single apple. And now you've already found yourself a partner? Don't tell me you struck it rich!"
Hearing this, Hikigaya felt slightly dazed.
Rich might be an exaggeration, but as someone who now possessed an army and territory, money was no longer something he lacked.
As for a partner…
Well, he couldn't exactly deny that.
Accepting the drinks, both Hikigaya and Yukinoshita spoke at the same time: "Thank you."
Walking down this broad street once more, Hikigaya found it difficult to describe the feeling.
He now had the power to protect others.
He no longer feared death.
If one were to ask what he had gained along the way, the answer was simple.
He had changed.
The cowardice, the inferiority, the pessimism that once defined him had gradually faded from his mind.
"Hikigaya-kun, would you like to try mine?"
"Hm? What's this about?"
"It's just that… I think mine might be sweeter than yours."
She puffed up with exaggerated pride, clearly attempting the clumsiest provocation imaginable.
'What is this… she's ridiculously cute.'
"I think mine is already pretty sweet."
"I don't believe you!"
"Whether you believe it or not doesn't really matter."
"Let me try."
Before Hikigaya could respond, Yukinoshita used the hand wrapped around his arm to reach straight for his drink. Before he even realized what was happening, she took a large sip.
"So bitter. Yours is obviously nowhere near as good as mine."
She deliberately furrowed her brows. The expression on her face was flawless. If one didn't pay close attention, they might truly be fooled.
Girls really were cunning.
Even Yukinoshita was no exception.
Hikigaya immediately snatched back his drink, putting on an equally proud expression.
"Bitter or not, I happen to like bitter drinks."
"No, no, you're definitely lying. You obviously prefer sweet things."
"I do not."
"That's clearly a lie!"
"I said it's not…"
Yukinoshita let out a helpless sigh.
For a moment, Hikigaya thought he had gone too far and actually upset her. If she really got angry here, it would be troublesome.
However…
Yukinoshita suddenly revealed a subtle, mischievous smile.
"Well? Did I scare you?"
"…A little."
"You're really terrible at being honest, Hikigaya-kun."
"Well, we're both guilty of that."
Having her intentions exposed, the blush on Yukinoshita's face grew more obvious. On this otherworldly street, the two of them looked like a young couple squabbling, almost out of place.
Yukinoshita's puffed cheeks gradually deflated. As if struck by some sudden impulse, she grabbed Hikigaya's sleeve and began tugging it repeatedly.
"Come on… just one sip. One sip."
"Please… just one sip."
'Hey, hey… what is this, Yukinoshita? I seriously want to record this. She's way too cute… This level of cuteness rivals Komachi.'
Even Hikigaya had never seen Yukinoshita like this before.
The sheer contrast was enough to make his pupils tremble.
"Alright, alright… just one sip."
Perhaps influenced by her pleading, Hikigaya relented with the indulgence of a parent humoring a child.
Under Yukinoshita's expectant gaze, he took a small sip.
Just as he thought.
There was no difference whatsoever. No sweeter, no better.
Only Yukinoshita's shameless scheme.
Still…
It was worth it.
"Well? Is it sweet?"
Seeing Hikigaya finally drink from her cup, Yukinoshita's face lit up with pure, uncomplicated joy.
This was Yukinoshita's moment.
"It's fine."
"Really just 'fine'?"
"…It's good."
"Mhm. That's more like it."
Gone was her usual refined elegance. Yukinoshita now skipped forward lightly, her face overflowing with a smile so radiant that Hikigaya couldn't help but feel happy himself.
Perhaps life was nothing more than a collection of unforgettable moments.
Watching Yukinoshita now, Hikigaya felt certain he would never forget this scene.
In the past, he had always been disgusted by those who glorified youth, finding their sentiments unbearable.
Yet at this very moment, for reasons he couldn't quite explain, he felt grateful.
Grateful that he had met the girl before him at this exact point in time.
That afternoon belonged solely to Yukinoshita and Hikigaya.
They chatted happily, sometimes laughing, sometimes falling into comfortable silence, yet their hearts continued moving in the same direction.
They tasted dishes from another world.
They tried on clothes unique to this world.
They played unfamiliar games.
Perhaps…
This was youth.
Indeed, his youth romantic comedy was turning out just fine.
"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun. I had a wonderful time today."
Yukinoshita's expression returned to its usual gentle smile, as though everything earlier had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion.
But Hikigaya knew better.
Every moment was already engraved in his heart.
"Oh, and one more thing…"
Her tone suddenly sharpened.
"You are absolutely not allowed to tell anyone about what just happened. Anyone means anyone!"
Her voice rose noticeably, clearly flustered at the thought of her earlier behavior being exposed.
Of course, Hikigaya had no intention of letting her off so easily.
Recalling her adorable expression, he feigned ignorance.
"What are you talking about? Did something happen?"
"Hikigaya-kun, your personality was already awful to begin with. Now it's somehow gotten even worse."
"Ohh, you mean the part where you were begging me? Don't worry. I won't tell Haruno how you looked."
"H-Hey! I'll get angry! I'm serious! You have to promise! Swear!"
"I swear I won't tell anyone about today."
He paused briefly.
"Unless someone asks me."
Yukinoshita puffed her cheeks out fiercely, crossing her arms with an expression that was both furious and utterly powerless.
"Idiot! Jerk! Hikigaya!"
Honestly…
That look was incredibly cute.
Yukinoshita had always been cute. It was simply her prideful demeanor that kept others at a distance, shaping the cold impression she gave off.
Fortunately, Hikigaya was one of the few allowed to witness this side of her.
"Hey, that's a personal attack."
"I don't care. You're not allowed to tell anyone. Otherwise… otherwise… I won't talk to you anymore."
"…That really sounds like a little girl throwing a tantrum."
"…Who are you calling a little girl?"
"…Who's throwing a tantrum?"
Seemingly unable to contain herself, Yukinoshita abruptly shook off his hand and ran off.
In the blink of an eye, she had already disappeared into the distance.
Girls really were troublesome creatures.
Still…
She was unbelievably cute.
"Pandora, are you there?"
"Of course, Hikigaya-kun."
In an instant, Pandora emerged from his body.
Looking slightly embarrassed, Hikigaya scratched his head.
"Um… could you stop time for a bit?"
Pandora floated gracefully around him. Naturally, no one else in this world could see her.
"Hikigaya-kun, granting your request is no problem. But I am the Witch of Vainglory. If you keep using my powers just to chase after your little girlfriend, I might start getting jealous."
She drifted closer, gently touching his lips.
"…Hearing that from you is honestly terrifying."
"My, my. I am still a woman, you know. Just as you couldn't tolerate Yukinoshita interacting with other men, I also have the right to dislike you getting close to other women. Compared to that Satella girl, my love for you is just as deep."
Hikigaya rubbed his forehead helplessly.
This again.
"…Alright. What do you want?"
"Ahahaha, I'm only joking. We witches don't really need anything. Without physical bodies, we can't experience your so-called romantic pleasures anyway. Though, if it were possible, I wouldn't mind trying that thrilling sensation you humans speak of."
"Okay, okay, stop. Seriously. Don't start that in broad daylight. You're not the Witch of Lust."
"Hahaha, Hikigaya-kun is as amusing as ever. But being able to reside within you is already enough for me. After all, we have a very, very, very long time ahead of us."
"You really don't need to say it three times."
"Well then, go find your girlfriend. Call me if you need anything."
"Thanks."
With a snap of her fingers, time itself froze.
Looking around at the motionless world, Hikigaya couldn't help but think— If his relationship with Pandora had been this good from the start, he might have been able to handle Greed, Gluttony, the White Whale, and Sloth all by himself.
But the past was the past.
Even if he returned to that time, using the same methods would yield the same results.
Moving carefully through the frozen crowd, Hikigaya searched for Yukinoshita.
He would have to apologize properly later.
And perhaps scold her a little as well.
Running off in a place like this was dangerous.
Finally spotting that familiar black hair flowing down her back, Hikigaya let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Another snap of his fingers.
Time resumed.
Yukinoshita continued running, only to realize— No matter how far she ran, she hadn't moved at all.
Suddenly, a firm hand grasped her shoulder.
She spun around.
Only to find Hikigaya standing there.
"You cheated!"
"Running around like that is dangerous. If I couldn't find you, if something happened to you… I…"
He remembered his first arrival in this world.
Without Emilia's help and his ability to Return by Death, he would have long since become a corpse.
Noticing the guilt on his face, Yukinoshita's anger quickly faded.
Hikigaya: "No matter how you look at it, this is my fault. Don't worry, I won't tell…"
Before he could finish, Yukinoshita threw herself into his arms.
Amid the bustling crowd, the two of them became an impossible sight to ignore.
"I… um…"
"Don't talk."
"…Okay."
Her breathing was uneven from running, yet the two simply embraced one another, gradually syncing their breaths.
Resting her head against his chest, Yukinoshita spoke softly: "I'm glad you came."
"I'll always come. No matter how long it takes."
…
Time seemed to lose meaning.
Hand in hand, they walked silently beneath the setting sun, until the shops of Lugunica gradually closed and the day finally came to an end.
"Hikigaya-kun, do you know why I ran earlier?"
"…Because I upset you?"
"Of course not. If that alone were enough to anger me, I would have been furious long ago while watching those recordings."
"…You were angry back then too, weren't you…"
"…What did you say?"
"…Nothing."
Bathed in moonlight, Yukinoshita gazed up at the sky.
"I just didn't want our time alone to end. I know that once we leave this place… you won't belong only to me anymore."
"I…"
"I don't blame you, Hikigaya-kun. I saw everything. Even if I had been there, I might not have been able to help you. But they supported you without hesitation. They risked their lives for you. If you were to abandon them, you wouldn't be the Hikigaya-kun I know."
Looking at her, Hikigaya felt a quiet ache in his chest.
Back then, she had worried for him from afar.
Even when they were barely more than club acquaintances.
"This is enough. Truly enough. Thank you, Hikigaya-kun."
The night air of this world carried both danger and freedom.
Hikigaya slowly shook his head.
"No… it's still not enough."
He gently took her hand.
"Come on."
"…Eh?"
"Let's go see the kittens."
(End of this chapter)