Life As Hikigaya Hachiman

Chapter 556: No Flirting Under My Watch

With the tasks assigned, everyone dispersed to their respective duties.

Hachiman made his way backstage and began checking the equipment.

"Ahem... testing, testing... one, two, testing…"

After finishing the microphone check, Hachiman gave an "OK" hand signal toward Iroha in the control room.

Iroha cheerfully returned the gesture with an "OK" of her own.

But she didn't stop there.

The girl playfully blew a kiss in Hachiman's direction.

Seeing this, Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle softly and shake his head.

This girl really doesn't miss a single chance to tease me, huh?

Just as Hachiman was about to head to the control room, Yukino appeared, carrying a box in her arms.

She placed the box down and took out a wireless headset. "Hachiman, let's use this to communicate later."

Noticing the familiar device in her hands, Hachiman blinked.

"Ah, isn't this the headset we used during the cultural festival?"

"Exactly. It's the same one. I just had someone dig it out," Yukino replied with a nod.

However, her face suddenly flushed red as she recalled the things she and Hachiman had said over the headset channel back then.

Seeing the blush creeping up on her face, Hachiman raised an eyebrow in concern. "Yukino, what's wrong? Your face is turning red all of a sudden."

"It's nothing," she snapped, rolling her eyes at him in mild exasperation. Without elaborating further, she handed him two headsets.

"One for you, and one for Isshiki."

With that, Yukino turned to leave, but Hachiman grabbed her arm before she could go.

"Don't leave yet. Let's test the microphone height to make sure it's suitable for you."

Since Yukino, as the event director, would be making the opening announcement for the ball, the microphone needed to be set at the right height for her.

Hachiman placed the microphone on the stand and adjusted it until it was positioned in front of Yukino.

He gauged her height carefully and began tweaking the microphone's height. "How about this? Does this work for you?"

Yukino stepped closer to the microphone. "Ah, this height is just right."

"Good, then it's settled." Hachiman smiled and nodded in satisfaction.

Seeing his considerate actions, a sweet warmth blossomed in Yukino's heart.

Having a man who always pays attention to your needs—this was truly a blissful feeling.

After adjusting the microphone height for her, Hachiman picked up the two wireless headsets.

"Well, I'll head to the control room now."

"Alright, I'll go check on a few things elsewhere," Yukino nodded in agreement.

After bidding farewell, the two left the backstage area.

...

Click.

The control room door opened, and Hachiman stepped in, holding the headsets.

As soon as Iroha saw him, she spun around and spread her arms wide, making a gesture as if asking for a hug.

"Great work, Hachiman-senpai!"

"You've worked hard too, Iroha."

Shaking his head with a wry smile at her antics, Hachiman stepped forward and gave her a light hug before handing over one of the headsets.

"This is your headset. Use it to stay in touch."

"Got it. Thanks, Senpai."

Iroha grinned as she accepted the headset, nodding happily.

Just as Hachiman settled into his seat, Iroha suddenly spoke up again.

"Senpai, I'm jealous, you know."

Her words caught him off guard, leaving him puzzled. "Jealous? Of what?"

"I saw how gentle you were with Yukinoshita-senpai earlier," she pouted, puffing out her cheeks.

"Oh, you saw that? And then?" Hachiman raised an eyebrow, unfazed.

Seeing his indifferent reaction, Iroha's expression turned a little forlorn.

"Seriously, what's with that attitude? You're supposed to be my boyfriend, but you're out there flirting with Yukinoshita-senpai. Shouldn't you at least give me an explanation?"

Her accusatory tone, paired with her exaggerated pout, made Hachiman sigh inwardly. It seemed he wouldn't get a moment's peace anytime soon.

Hearing that, Hachiman blinked and spread his hands innocently. "Since when did I become your boyfriend?"

Seeing him play dumb, Iroha puffed up in frustration, raising her small fists angrily.

"You've gone on dates with me before, and I've even kissed you! You've taken so much advantage of me—don't tell me you're planning to deny it now!"

"I wouldn't deny it, of course. If you're saying I'm your boyfriend, then I guess I am," Hachiman shrugged, his tone indifferent.

Hearing him admit it, Iroha huffed lightly. "If you're my boyfriend, then why are you flirting with Yukinoshita-senpai? And right under my nose too..."

"Ah, Iroha," Hachiman cut her off with a chuckle before she could finish.

"I told you before, didn't I? I'm a hopelessly fickle guy."

"One person alone could never satisfy me. Whether it's Yukino, Yui, or even Yumiko, I don't intend to let any of them go."

"And honestly, if you think about it, weren't you the one who came in late to the game?"

"…"

Iroha was stunned into silence by his words.

Right. She had been so caught up in her excitement after their dates that she'd completely forgotten about this part.

Hachiman had made it clear from the start that he was a self-proclaimed playboy.

Did that mean things would always be like this in the future?

The thought brought a trace of sadness to Iroha's face, her expression tinged with slight resentment.

Seeing her expression, Hachiman sighed and shook his head.

"I told you from the start, I'm a dangerous pit—better not to jump in."

"My stance isn't going to change. If you're not mentally prepared for this, I suggest you give up sooner rather than later."

Hearing this, Iroha pouted in displeasure.

Give up? That's easy for you to say.

My first kiss was already yours, and now you're asking me to give up? That's way too unfair.

No, absolutely not. Even if I can't have him all to myself, I'll make sure I occupy a significant place in his heart.

With that thought, Iroha huffed softly.

"I won't give up! At least for now, Senpai's time is mine and mine alone."

Saying this, she clung tightly to Hachiman's arm.

Seeing her stubborn determination, Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head again.

"Fine, but think it through. If you regret this later, there won't be any turning back."

"Humph, if there's no turning back, then so be it. I'll just accept my fate," Iroha retorted, her voice full of defiance. Yet, she showed no intention of letting go.

Since she was so insistent, Hachiman decided to drop the matter. Instead, he quietly enjoyed the moment.

Though Iroha wasn't particularly tall, she certainly had more to her than a certain flat-surfaced heiress.

And with the two of them so close, Hachiman could faintly smell a crisp apple-like fragrance emanating from her.

The scent, combined with the softness of her touch on his arm, left Hachiman feeling an unexpected sense of serenity.

Just then, Iroha's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Senpai, what do you think? Should we hold the ball again next year?"

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