Chapter 6 (235): Part-4
Almost at the same moment, Kamuro and Kushida appeared.
Kamuro: "Quite lively here. You actually showed up behind my back, Hikigaya. You really are the worst!"
Kushida: "You're not exactly late yourself, Kamuro. Why so worked up?"
Kamuro: "Tch, Kushida. Saying that just means you already got the intel too, didn't you?"
Sakura: "Alright, alright. Since you're here, sit down first."
Both girls crossed their arms, neither willing to yield. Karuizawa, however, reacted instantly. The moment she saw those two troublesome figures, she clung tightly to Hikigaya's arm, openly declaring her claim.
Kushida: "So, how did you run into Hikigaya?"
Karuizawa: "Funny story. I had just finished my bath and walked downstairs, and bam, there he was. Talk about fate. Hehe, this is destiny. You wouldn't understand, Kushida."
Kushida: "Alright, alright, stop gloating. You only got lucky once. Let's see what you do next time."
Kamuro: "Exactly. Luck runs out sooner or later."
For once, the two stood on the same side. Karuizawa, completely unfazed, simply tightened her hold on Hikigaya's arm. To her, that alone was reward enough.
Hikigaya sighed inwardly. Somehow, whenever women met other women, that peculiar tension inevitably filled the air.
Kushida: "Still, today really is lively. Yukinoshita-san, Emilia-san, and Beatrice-san are all here."
Beatrice: "Betty is here to eat. Do not drag me into your battles."
Emilia waved her hands nervously, that pure smile of hers making it impossible for anyone to involve her.
After all, Emilia was someone precious to Hikigaya. She had even saved his life. These so-called romantic battlefields might be competitions, but pushing things too far and earning Hikigaya's dislike would only backfire.
Kamuro: "Oh right. The Princess is looking for you, Hikigaya. Judging by this situation, you're not going anywhere. Should I just call her over?"
Hikigaya: "I wouldn't mind, but… maybe next time. I'll go see her myself."
Kamuro: "Fine by me. Settle it with the Princess yourself. Though, knowing how much she worries about you, she'd probably agree without question."
Kushida: "Hikigaya, aren't you getting a little bold? Deciding things without asking us?"
Karuizawa: "Exactly. You come back and plan to see her privately? Who knows what you two might do. I refuse."
Kushida: "I refuse too."
Hikigaya: "It's probably… nothing."
After that intense incident, both Hikigaya and Sakayanagi understood one thing clearly.
With her congenital heart condition, she simply could not endure anything too strenuous.
So realistically, nothing would happen.
In fact, ever since that unexpected accident, nothing intimate had occurred between them again. It was almost as though she had offered herself entirely to Hikigaya in that single moment.
Hikigaya: "By the way, where's Ichinose? If you all know I'm back, she must know too."
Kushida: "The Student Council has been unbelievably busy lately. Thankfully, Horikita is still Horikita. Her ability is practically superhuman. Even if the sky fell, she'd hold it up. Though when it comes to social matters… well, you know how she is. That's basically all Ichinose's job."
Hikigaya: "Sounds like they're getting along well. Though Horikita's personality is starting to remind me of someone…"
Yukinoshita suddenly yawned, then shot Hikigaya a sharp look.
"Hikigaya-kun… what exactly are you implying?"
"…Nothing. Probably."
Kushida: "Come to think of it, Ichinose was out searching for you with me. She should be here soon."
Hikigaya: "Right. Figures. Forget I asked."
Kamuro: "Honestly, I can't believe you people. Are you planning to take over the entire Student Council?"
Karuizawa: "Seriously. Most third-years retire by now. You guys look like you're planning to rule forever."
Just as the debate continued, Ichinose approached, wearing her usual bright, innocent smile.
"Now that's not quite fair, Kamuro. You say we haven't stepped down, but aren't you planning something similar?"
Kamuro: "Ichinose… that's different. We're staying on as faculty members."
Ichinose: "Is that your idea, or Sakayanagi's?"
Hikigaya sighed.
"Even without class rivalries, the tension is still unbelievable…"
Sakura quickly intervened: "Alright, everyone. Let's stop. Since Ichinose is here too, let's not ruin today with this. Why drag Hachiman into our disputes? It's been a long time since we've all gathered like this."
Ichinose smiled softly: "That's true. Sometimes I really miss the school trip days. Everyone getting along…"
Kushida: "Well, we were technically on the same side back then."
Sakura: "We still are."
Everyone turned toward her in confusion.
Sakura laughed lightly.
"You can compete all you want. Just don't push things too far. Because one thing truly hasn't changed."
"And what is that?"
"No matter our positions, if Hachiman ever needs help…"
"We will all step forward."
The entire group fell silent.
After a moment, Kamuro nodded.
"…You're right, Airi."
Kushida: "Joining the Student Council was for that very reason, wasn't it? To help Hikigaya handle the problems of this world."
Ichinose: "Hehe… that's absolutely true."
Yukinoshita quietly exhaled in relief. The atmosphere had been suffocating all day.
Sakura smiled.
"That's enough, right, Kei?"
Karuizawa nodded vigorously.
"Exactly! I'm totally with Airi on this! Play around if you want, but blow things up and we're all doomed!"
Hikigaya spoke calmly.
"She's right. Everything should have limits. I don't want to see irreparable conflicts between you. Maintaining the harmony we once had may be difficult without a common enemy…"
"…But I don't want any of you becoming enemies either."
"Because if that happens…"
"Everything we've built might simply end."
Ichinose suddenly stepped behind Hikigaya, pressing herself against his back. Her arms slipped comfortably around his neck, her chin resting near his throat.
"I understand, Hikigaya-kun."
Kamuro and Kushida nodded.
"…Agreed."
Sakura smiled gently.
"In the future, everyone will follow their own paths. But if years from now we can still gather like this, laughing together…"
"That alone is enough."
Yukinoshita: "Yes… that would be nice."
Emilia nodded innocently.
Beatrice: "Betty is full. Betty is leaving."
Hikigaya: "This trip was truly worthwhile. Thank you, everyone."
Sakura: "Until next time, Hachiman. We will meet again."
Hikigaya: "Of course. The story isn't over yet."
Kamuro: "Next time we meet, we're having a proper feast!"
Kushida: "You really haven't changed. Still obsessed with food."
Ichinose: "Hehe… see you next time."
Karuizawa: "And don't forget. You better tell me first next time!"
There was clear reluctance on her face. Hikigaya understood her better than most.
"…Yeah. I will."
After their farewells, Hikigaya, Yukinoshita, Beatrice, and Emilia departed once more.
Just like always, it is a meaningful journey.
And just like the past, nothing had truly changed.
To Hikigaya, that alone felt like the best possible ending.
Yet upon returning to the other world, something felt missing.
For someone who once cherished silence, Hikigaya now found the quiet strangely lonely.
Another day passed.
Yukinoshita: "It seems… I must strengthen my resolve."
Emilia: "Yes, Yukinoshita-san… I feel the same. After that conversation, I've realized I've already lost at the starting line."
Hikigaya: "You've definitely been influenced in all the wrong ways. Beatrice, are you full?"
Beatrice: "Betty is full. From consuming your so-called 'dog food.'"
With a light wave of her hand, Beatrice vanished instantly.
Magic restored.
Freedom regained.
Hikigaya sighed.
"She really hasn't changed…"
Emilia smiled gently.
"Beatrice-sama has never liked crowds. This trip probably exhausted her. But for me… I learned many new things."
Hikigaya: "Please don't pick up the wrong lessons, Emilia."
Yukinoshita: "If only I could record that statement."
Hikigaya: "Hey, that's morally questionable."
Both girls laughed softly.
Emilia: "Well then, it's getting late. Though only half a day passed there, months have gone by here. I have responsibilities waiting."
Hikigaya: "Roswaal disappearing again does simplify things. Honestly, involving him would only complicate matters."
"Besides, after experiencing other worlds, Anastasia and Priscilla completely lost interest in the royal selection. They've likely settled into my world by now."
Emilia: "Even so, I must remain responsible for my territory."
Yukinoshita: "Hikigaya-kun, your life truly resembles some terrifying strategy game. Decades passing in the blink of an eye…"
Emilia: "Hehe… I suppose longevity has its advantages."
Hikigaya: "Those two probably just wanted different lives. Still, if they cause trouble, I'll drag them back myself."
Emilia: "Until next time, Hikigaya-kun!"
"…Yeah."
After seeing Emilia off, only Hikigaya and Yukinoshita remained.
Hikigaya: "So now we…"
Before he could finish, Yukinoshita rushed forward and embraced him tightly.
"Hikigaya-kun…"
"…Hm?"
"Please… entrust your life to me."
"…That's sudden."
"Sudden? Nothing could possibly be more sudden than everything you've done."
"…Fair point."
"Therefore…"
She inhaled deeply.
Then.
"Mm…"
Yukinoshita kissed him.
Firmly.
Without hesitation.
Moments blurred.
Breathing faltered.
Only when air became scarce did she finally pull away.
"Hikigaya-kun… I once believed this world offered endless opportunities."
"My experiences were nothing compared to yours. My world was merely that small town of Chiba."
"Even as the daughter of a political family, my life was controlled from the start."
"Chasing my sister. Chasing my father. Chasing everyone always ahead of me."
"Exactly because of that, I've come to understand that chasing after someone leads nowhere. No matter how well you do, you can never compare to someone already crowned with countless honors. So… I've let go of everything from the past. I don't want to chase after you, nor do I want to lose you again. This time…"
"I hope you can stop for me… for us."
"I know full well that I have no right to hold you back. After all, they are by your side too. I won't restrain you or control you. Even though, truthfully, I feel incredibly uneasy… I also know that the ones who understand this feeling best are them."
"So… all I ask is for a place in your heart. That alone is enough."
Yukinoshita's breathless confession left her slightly panting. Hikigaya simply gazed at her, then, beneath the moonlight, slowly pulled her into his arms.
"You've always had one…"
A crystal-clear tear, radiant like the moon itself, slipped from the corner of Yukinoshita's eye.
"…That's enough."
Hikigaya: "Truthfully, from that very day, I had no intention of ever letting you go. So you don't need to worry. And you don't need to compare yourself to anyone. Every person is special. Every person is a bearer of what we call something genuine… a witness, a keeper. We are both participants and observers."
"No matter who it is, if any of you are ever in danger… if any of you call out…"
"I will search the heavens and scour the depths of the underworld to bring you back."
"The same goes for you, Yukinoshita…"
Neither spoke again.
Like two hedgehogs seeking warmth, they simply leaned into each other's embrace.
Time passed unnoticed.
Their intertwined hands gradually grew warm.
And at that moment, both finally took a step forward.
What would the future look like?
Who could possibly know?
Perhaps those unbearable troubles would come again.
Perhaps someone would disappear once more.
Perhaps some world would fall into crisis.
But none of it mattered anymore.
Just as Hikigaya had said, 'Search the heavens, scour the underworld.'
No matter where, he would always appear to save those he loved.
Like a hero.
Shining brilliantly in every corner.
Perhaps…
That alone was enough.
My name is Hikigaya Hachiman.
And this is my story.
An ending… perhaps also a beginning.
Komachi
My name is Komachi.
Hikigaya Komachi.
Hachiman's little sister.
Ever since my brother returned, he's been like a completely different person.
But I know better.
That is my brother.
That is the brother who has transformed.
I don't know what he experienced, but… judging by the taste of tears, he has clearly known suffering.
As a little sister, I've always worried about him.
It's funny, really.
In most families, older brothers take care of their younger sisters.
But in our household, I'm the one taking care of him.
Still…
Who can blame me?
I'm Hachiman's little sister, after all.
Honestly, that alone earns an incredibly high score in Komachi's heart!
Well…
That part was a joke.
Sure, my brother has those infamous dead-fish eyes.
Sure, his personality can be unbelievably awful.
Sure, arguing with him is an absolute nightmare.
But when it comes to taking care of me…
He is impossibly attentive.
My brother's kindness, Komachi understands it.
Perhaps only Komachi ever truly could.
At least…
That's what I once believed.
Until that day.
The day I saw another girl playfully arguing with him on the street.
She had pink hair.
No matter how you looked at it, she was completely out of my brother's league.
Beautiful figure.
Flawless face.
And yet, when I saw the way my brother looked at her…
That unmistakably gentle, indulgent gaze…
And the way she looked at him…
That 'it can only be you' expression…
Komachi understood.
Someday, my brother would leave this home.
No…
He already had.
His kindness was no longer mine alone.
Strangely enough…
Something blurred my vision.
Hachiman…
What a terrible brother.
Always talking about becoming a househusband.
Always saying he'd cling to Komachi forever.
Always saying he'd never let Komachi marry.
And now?
He's completely forgotten those promises.
But…
What can I do?
Komachi is the little sister.
Yes.
Komachi is the little sister.
But…
Not just the little sister.
Because Hachiman is my brother.
The brother who will always come running when I need him.
The brother who stands up for me when I'm hurt.
The brother who indulges even my most unreasonable requests.
Even if he has a girlfriend.
Even if everything changes.
In Komachi's heart, Brother is brother.
Komachi is Komachi.
That alone will never change.
By now, tears were flowing uncontrollably.
So this…
Is what crying feels like.
But this time, Komachi cannot call for him.
He cannot wipe away Komachi's tears.
There was never romance.
We are siblings.
And yet…
This love was never less than anyone else's.
Now I understand.
Because we are family.
Irreplaceable family.
That is why we know each other best.
Why we remain closest.
Why, in the future, we will continue to help, tease, laugh, and fight.
Hachiman is my brother.
Always my brother.
Komachi is the little sister.
Always only the little sister.
That alone is enough.
It has always been enough.
Ah…
If only I could say it properly.
To my most beloved brother.
Hachiman
What does love taste like?
Once upon a time, I never knew.
Never tried to understand it.
After being worn down by the world, I buried what once stirred my heart somewhere I could never retrieve.
What kind of feeling was it?
Truthfully…
Even now, I'm not entirely sure.
It was like observing my own life from a third-person perspective.
And so, even today, I remain rational.
I once believed life was nothing more than watching oneself drift meaninglessly through existence.
But life…
Is something remarkable.
No matter how sharp your perception, you can never foresee the future.
That is why it is called life.
There are things beyond calculation.
Not just emotions, but an entire lifetime.
They picked up the broken pieces of me.
Slowly, patiently, piecing me back together.
With every step, they left their marks upon my path.
Marks that would define my entire existence.
Yes.
Life has meaning.
Unbelievable as it sounds…
Those were words I once spoke myself.
And what is that meaning?
Something genuine?
I don't know.
Because life is always accompanied by falsehoods.
Though I despise them, I cannot prevent their existence.
So if life itself is something genuine, then perhaps I would reject it.
What, then, is something genuine?
At midnight, I often pondered this question alone.
After all that wandering…
To be defeated by something so simple.
How laughable.
And then.
A slender hand wrapped gently around my neck.
She said: "Watching everything you've endured…"
"…moves me and breaks my heart all at once."
At that moment, perhaps I finally understood.
The exceptional stand upon the world's grand stage.
The ordinary are dismissed from the start.
The vulgar stumble forward without elegance.
The timid build confidence step by step.
Such people exist by the thousands… millions.
What is something genuine?
Perhaps…
That was never important.
Perhaps what I truly sought was not something genuine, but the person who would give my life purpose.
And now…
I have found that answer.
The reason to act no longer needs to be granted by others.
This is life.
This is growth.
Though I differ little from anyone else…
The cost of arriving here was immense.
Yet finding one's own meaning, that alone is enough.
Hikigaya Hachiman.
To protect those one loves.
To fight for those one loves.
Everyone in this world lives by the same principle.
Some love others more.
Some love themselves more.
That alone is the difference.
And that's enough.
Hikigaya Hachiman has found his answer.
And will continue forward.
Family.
Beloved ones.
Irreplaceable people.
No matter what lies ahead, to cherish those before me is enough.
My name is Hikigaya Hachiman.
And this is my story.
An ending…
Perhaps also a beginning.
(End of this chapter)
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Translator: With this chapter, I have fully translated fanfiction.