Hikigaya wants to be a novelist

On the first weekend of April, Yukinoshita Yukino visited a riding club outside the city where she was studying abroad. Like Japan, the United States has a strong horse culture, with countless riding clubs. However, Yukino's club was one of the most prestigious, and she had no idea about the costs involved since her father had given her the membership card.

Horse riding was a unique hobby that Yukino had managed to maintain. While she had dabbled in other sports like tennis and golf, hiring professional coaches but eventually giving up, horse riding ignited a special passion in her that lasted. Perhaps her love for it stemmed from childhood memories of watching races at Fuchu Racecourse, which left a lasting impression on her.

"You came early today, Yukinoshita," a staff member at the club greeted her as she changed into her riding clothes.

"Thank you for your help today," Yukino replied, her tone somewhat lukewarm. She hadn't made many friends in America, but that didn't matter to her; it wasn't her intention.

Yukino was one of the most dedicated members of the club, seen riding every weekend. Since few women shared her interest, she was essentially the only female regular. Though many wealthy boys at the club were interested in her, they left after being rejected a few times.

"I should have exchanged email addresses with him..." While riding and strolling through the expansive grassland, Yukino thought of the boy who had taught her a lesson on the balcony during a banquet a few months prior. After that event, she expressed her apologies to her family and realized how important reconciling with her mother was.

First, their family had at least experienced harmony during the New Year festivities. Had she stubbornly resisted at that party, her mother—having reached her limit of patience—would likely have confined her until the start of school. 

Secondly, this reconciliation had led her mother to be more tolerant. Yukino was considering renting a house near her school upon returning to Japan for high school. If her disobedience angered her mother to the point of losing that newfound tolerance, it would be unrealistic to expect her request to be met during her next visit home. Her mother might even demand that she abandon her studies abroad in frustration.

In summary, Yukino felt deeply grateful to her peer Hikigaya for his criticism and guidance that day. Unfortunately, she had hurried away without exchanging contact information, severing any chance of reaching out to him. She hadn't even had the opportunity to express her gratitude formally, which seemed like a matter of basic politeness.

Later on, Yukino reflected on her thoughts about "Hachiman." He wore expensive clothing and a branded watch, much like the other affluent kids at the gathering. Yet, he exuded a completely different aura. Unlike the other rich children—who were forced to navigate various social situations with faces that expressed impatience despite their attempts to appear polite—he radiated a sense of leisure, unburdened by the pressures of social obligation.

During their conversation, he had remarked, "I am indeed carefree," which left Yukino puzzled. How could someone from one of Japan's prominent families embody such a carefree attitude? Everyone was expected to prepare for family business inheritances from an early age, and not striving for that path seemed unthinkable.

"I can't see through you at all, Hikigaya-kun..." Frustrated by her inability to understand him, Yukino abandoned her thoughts, adjusting her posture in the saddle to prepare for a fast ride. This position, common in speed horse racing, allowed her to clear her mind as she rode.

After her ride, Yukino enjoyed a leisurely walk across the grassy hillside. Her slender ankles were partially concealed by the lush grass. 

She contemplated the two paths Hikigaya had offered her to change her fate. The first was to achieve great success, enough to be truly independent from her family. Although she'd considered this route, she quickly dismissed it, recognizing her own limitations. While she was talented, she was not a genius in any specific area. This realization led her to admire Hachiman, the mystery novelist who had gained fame in Japan at just fifteen.

As for the second method, if you can find a true love strong enough to gain your mother's approval, you could allow him to marry into the Yukinoshita family, thereby avoiding the fate of an arranged marriage. While that idea sounds wonderful, love cannot simply be acquired by wishing for it. It's best to take it one step at a time.

"What will my future be like?" Yukino pondered as she lay in the deep grass, gazing at the setting sun in the distance.

"Yukino? She probably went horseback riding today; that's her favorite activity," Yukinoshita Haruno thought when she heard Hikigaya Hachiman asking about her sister. On the first weekend after school started, Haruno had invited Hikigaya out again. This time, he insisted on paying for the meal, and knowing he wasn't short on funds, she agreed.

"Is horseback riding really a hobby for people of your class?" Hikigaya remarked. He had never tried horse riding and didn't often have the chance to watch competitions live, usually catching them only on TV.

"Hikigaya-kun, please stop pretending to be ignorant in front of me. Other people might not know the value of things, but I can tell how expensive your coat and watch are," Haruno said, feeling that sometimes Hachiman was a bit oblivious to his own circumstances.

"Oh, it's nothing. Our family just has a bit more money than the average family," Hikigaya replied cautiously. Few could discern how costly his clothing was, and brands that exceeded common knowledge garnered no extra attention. He considered this a way to maintain a low profile.

"By the way, Hikigaya-kun, would you like to try horse riding? I can teach you for free," she offered. The Yukinoshita sisters had experience in riding and were more than capable of instructing a complete novice.

"Um, I didn't know there were places to ride horses in Chiba," Hikigaya admitted.

"Of course! Don't underestimate the horse racing scene in Japan. Don't hesitate; I'll take you there," Haruno encouraged.

"Well... okay, let's just combine work and leisure," he replied.

After finishing their meal, the two got up from the table and left the restaurant. Hikigaya thought that this senior Yukinoshita had a magical ability to convince people to follow her plans. Perhaps that was how she managed to lead a group in the Sobu High School Student Union.

Meanwhile, Haruno silently thanked her sister across the ocean for reminding her of horse racing, an activity that could be enjoyable to share with Hachiman.

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