Haichiman's Super Strength

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The strongest day of the week is Saturday.

A day off after a day off—it's almost like a Super Saiyan sale, isn't it?

Sunday, on the other hand, is a scam.

Sure, it's a rest day like Saturday, but the looming pressure of "having to go to work tomorrow" ruins everything.

And just like that, the first week after enrollment came to an end.

Saturday.

Hikigaya Hachiman slept until noon before waking up at his own leisure.

Living alone was something he had almost gotten used to. No nagging from Komachi, no sudden disturbances—it was peaceful, albeit slightly lonely.

What Ichinose said still made sense.

The school uniforms were free and of impeccable quality, but they weren't comfortable enough to wear at home. Having a few casual outfits was necessary.

And so, he dragged himself out of his dorm and headed to Keyaki Mall.

The mall was bustling with students. The sound of chatter and occasional laughter filled the air.

It had only been a week since school started, but those with high personal points were already spending lavishly.

Hikigaya, hands in his pockets, strolled through the shopping district listlessly.

The selection of clothing stores wasn't too bad—about a dozen of them. For guys, it was more than enough, though for girls, it might be a bit lacking. But since new stores seemed to pop up every month, it wasn't much of a problem.

Just as he was contemplating where to go first—

A familiar pair of twin ponytails came into view.

Tall and slender, her legs were long and well-proportioned, and her sharp, upturned eyes were oddly similar to his.

Their gazes met.

"Ah," the girl muttered, her mouth opening slightly in surprise.

Then, her expression quickly turned annoyed as Hikigaya immediately turned around and walked the other way.

"Oi! Why are you running away all of a sudden?"

A sharp voice followed him, and before he could react, a small, clenched fist landed on his waist—not too hard, but not exactly gentle either.

"Was there a need to talk to me?" Hikigaya sighed.

Normally, she ignored him completely. Why was today different?

Could it be because she was alone?

A quick scan of the area confirmed it—Ichinose and the others were nowhere in sight.

He wasn't avoiding her because she was annoying or anything. He was just being considerate of her usual attitude.

Right. That was all.

"Hah?"

The girl narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.

"You still don't remember my name, do you?"

"Of course I do," Hikigaya responded reflexively.

Then, realizing resistance was futile, he quickly gave up. "Juke. Juke-san, right?"

Juke nodded slightly, satisfied.

"At least you're learning."

Then, she crossed her arms and scolded, "But seriously, turning around and leaving the moment you see an acquaintance? That's just rude, Hikigaya."

"Acquaintance?" Hikigaya repeated, unconvinced.

"Are you embarrassed to talk to me?" Juke's gaze sharpened.

Scary.

Girls are so unreasonable.

"Hahaha…"

Hikigaya forced out a laugh. "So? What do you want?"

Translation: If you have nothing important to say, leave me alone so I can shop in peace.

But Juke didn't get the hint.

"Hikigaya."

Her voice carried a subtle challenge.

"Why are you here?"

It sounded less like a question and more like—

"What is someone like you doing here?"

Was he imagining it?

"Buying some casual clothes," he replied, his tone dry.

Juke's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"Really? I thought guys like you just stayed in your dorm, played games, and read dirty little H-books."

Her bluntness was almost refreshing.

It had been a week since school started, yet no one in Class B had outright called him a 'loner' or a 'nerd.'

Instead, the general consensus seemed to be: "Mature, steady, a bit adult-like."

Whether they actually believed that or not was another matter entirely.

Juke, however, had no such filter.

She wasn't pretending to be polite like the others—she just said whatever came to mind.

"Be a little more respectful, would you?" Hikigaya's face darkened.

"Huh? Why would I be respectful to you?" Juke scoffed.

Then, she grabbed his wrist and thrust her shopping bag into his hand.

"It just so happens that I'm shopping too. Come with me. You can be my fashion consultant."

"…"

Hikigaya stared at the bag in his hand, speechless.

It wasn't that he didn't understand what was happening—

He was being used as a pack mule.

Even if he tried to refuse, Juke was the type who wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

"No thanks. I still have to buy my own clothes."

"Okay, okay," Juke waved him off. "I'll help you pick later. Fair deal, right?"

It wasn't fair at all.

She was just going to ignore his opinions anyway.

But, compared to the alternative—being used as an ATM and then discarded—this wasn't the worst outcome.

"Fine."

Hikigaya sighed and adjusted the shopping bag in his hand.

He supposed helping a girl carry her stuff was just basic etiquette.

…Even if she completely treated him like a servant.

"Where to first?" Hikigaya asked impatiently.

"I haven't eaten yet," Juke said.

Hint: "I'm hungry. Let's eat first."

Counter: "I'm not your servant. Find someone else."

"Fine, but we're eating quickly. I don't want to waste time."

Juke smirked triumphantly.

"Alright. There's a place I wanted to try—the steamed fish rice here is supposed to be good."

"Wait."

Hikigaya narrowed his eyes.

"Wouldn't it be bad if people saw us eating together? Someone might start rumors."

He wasn't worried about himself—he was worried about her.

People in school loved to gossip. If someone saw them together, things could get complicated.

Juke, however, didn't seem to care at all.

"This school is huge," she said, shrugging. "Running into each other every now and then is normal. If anyone seriously thinks we're close just because we're eating together, they're the real idiots."

…That actually made sense.

Hikigaya had to admit—she wasn't exactly smart, but she had a weird kind of cleverness in social situations.

Whatever.

He was hungry anyway.

Lunch.

Juke insisted on splitting the bill—something Hikigaya genuinely appreciated.

At least she wasn't a gold-digger who saw guys as walking wallets.

But still—

She was way too pushy.

And way too annoying.

And way too comfortable treating him like a servant.

He was starting to hate himself for feeling relieved just because she didn't take advantage of him financially.

Damn it.

He had almost been fooled by this hateful woman.

(End of Chapter)

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