Life As Hikigaya Hachiman

Chapter 575: Hachiman the Self-Appointed Mentor

"Want to come up and sit for a while?"

"Sure."

Hachiman naturally wouldn't refuse the girl's invitation, especially since it had been a few days since he last saw Yukino.

Ever since the Service Club activities were put on pause, the two of them rarely met. Given that neither of them was the type to take the initiative, it wasn't like they'd casually visit each other's classrooms without a reason.

When they arrived at the apartment door, Yukino opened it.

"Come in."

However, as soon as he stepped inside, Hachiman wrapped his arms around the girl in front of him.

Caught off guard by the sudden hug, Yukino's body stiffened momentarily. But she quickly relaxed and spoke softly.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just felt like hugging you."

With the girl in his arms, Hachiman leaned his head closer to her ear and gently blew a puff of air.

Feeling his playful gesture, a light blush spread across Yukino's cheeks as she squirmed slightly.

"Don't blow air… it tickles."

Seeing her reaction, Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle.

"Yukino, you're really adorable."

"Hmph, of course I am."

Yukino accepted the compliment without hesitation, her tone confident.

Hachiman silently smiled at her response but didn't say more. Instead, he simply held her quietly.

After a while, he released her from his embrace.

"Energy recharge complete, thanks to Yukino."

Hearing this, Yukino lightly scoffed and shot him a glare.

"Ugh, shameless. Who just hugs someone like that out of nowhere?"

"Well, it's because my Yukino is just too irresistible. I couldn't help myself," Hachiman said with a mischievous grin.

"Shameless."

Yukino lightly scoffed again at his words, but she didn't refute him further.

After changing into house slippers, the two of them walked into the living room.

Sitting on the sofa, Hachiman once again reached out and pulled Yukino into his embrace.

"How have you been these past few days, Yukino?"

Nestled in his arms, the girl didn't resist. Instead, she adjusted herself into a comfortable position.

"The same as always—classes, lunch, then heading home."

Hearing this, Hachiman sighed inwardly.

He understood that, given Yukino's personality, making friends in her class would be unlikely. But her life sounded far too monotonous.

After a moment of thought, a mischievous smile appeared on Hachiman's face as he asked another question.

"So, in the few days we haven't seen each other, did you miss me?"

Yukino's body stiffened at his words. However, after a brief hesitation, her cheeks flushed red as she nodded slightly.

"I… I did."

Though she didn't want to admit it, Yukino had indeed found herself missing Hachiman over the past few days.

Having grown accustomed to Hachiman's and Yui's companionship, the sudden absence of seeing him for several days felt unsettling.

Yui, at least, would still occasionally visit her in class or walk home with her.

But as for Hachiman, this guy hadn't come looking for her at all.

Damn flirtatious playboy, you're probably off entertaining other girls again.

Thinking this, a trace of annoyance crept into Yukino's heart.

"Hmph, even if I missed you, our dear Hachiman must have been busy spending time with someone else. Truly, I'm so honored that you'd still remember me," she said, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Hearing the sourness in her voice, Hachiman couldn't help but smile.

This was actually a good sign—it showed he held a significant place in Yukino's heart. She was even jealous.

Still, her little bout of jealousy needed to be soothed.

Tilting her chin up, and before she could react to the surprise in her eyes, Hachiman kissed her firmly.

"Mm…"

Yukino barely managed a muffled whimper before the rest of her words were swallowed by the kiss.

Savoring the sweetness of her soft lips, Hachiman's hands didn't remain idle either. He couldn't resist exploring, curious if there was any "handle" elsewhere on her slender frame.

Feeling his hands roaming over her body, Yukino's delicate figure trembled slightly.

Yet she didn't resist. She simply let him act, though soft, enticing murmurs escaped her lips as his hands continued their gentle exploration.

"Mm… ah…"

As for Hachiman, his efforts to find a suitable "grip" didn't yield much success. Unfortunately, he realized there wasn't much to hold onto in certain areas.

Since there wasn't much to hold on to.

Well, that was something Hachiman had anticipated.

His right hand slid downward, soon landing on Yukino's long, slender legs. The smooth, delicate sensation against his palm made him reluctant to let go.

After letting his hands explore her figure, Hachiman concluded with some regret that, apart from her well-shaped hips, there weren't many "grips" to be found.

Tsk, looks like I'll have to convince her to try twin tails in the future.

With his exploration complete, Hachiman's hands settled down as he pulled her back into his embrace, refocusing his attention on her enticing lips.

He didn't know how much time had passed, but eventually, with a soft "pop," their lips parted.

The previously suppressed sound of breathing filled the air. Yukino's face was flushed a deep red, her eyes shimmering with a misty hue.

Seeing her in this state, Hachiman smiled and spoke.

"So, did you feel my love?"

Still catching her breath, Yukino rolled her eyes at him.

"What if I say I didn't?"

"Didn't?"

Raising an eyebrow, Hachiman smirked. "If you didn't feel it, then I'll just have to kiss you again."

As he leaned in, ready to claim her lips once more, Yukino quickly pressed her hands against his chest to stop him.

"Enough already! If you keep going, my lips will swell."

Pouting slightly, she stuck out her tongue and ran it lightly across her lips, then sighed in mock complaint.

"It's all your fault. They're already a little swollen now."

Hearing this, Hachiman leaned closer to inspect her lips.

Sure enough, Yukino's alluring lips were slightly red and swollen at the edges, evidence of his enthusiasm earlier. Looks like he may have been a bit too forceful.

Thinking of this, Hachiman secretly channeled a trace of holy light and transferred it through another kiss.

Seeing Hachiman coming in for yet another kiss, Yukino felt a hint of exasperation.

But she didn't stop him. After all, in her heart, she already considered herself to belong to Hachiman. What was one more kiss, really?

However, to her surprise, this kiss felt different. Whether it was her imagination or not, there was a faint coolness to it, soothing the slight swelling of her lips.

The kiss didn't last long, and Hachiman soon released her.

By then, the slight redness and swelling on Yukino's lips had completely disappeared.

Her glossy lips now shimmered under the sunlight, exuding a mesmerizing, dewy glow that made Hachiman feel an overwhelming urge to kiss her again.

But he ultimately restrained himself—if he made her lips swell again, he'd have to heal them all over.

Yukino, however, wasn't oblivious. Noticing the change in her lips, she reached out to touch them.

As expected, the swelling had completely vanished. This left her astonished, and she couldn't help but ask, "What… what just happened?"

Hachiman decided not to hide it. There was no reason to conceal anything from the girl he cared so deeply about.

After organizing his thoughts, he spoke slowly.

"Yukino, do you believe in the existence of angels?"

"An angel?"

Hearing this, Yukino raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"You're not seriously claiming to be an angel, are you?"

If someone like Hachiman could be considered an angel, then perhaps this world was truly beyond saving.

"Of course not. I'm human, no doubt about that," Hachiman shook his head and continued, "But actually… I'm a hero."

"A hero?!"

Yukino's surprise was evident as she processed his words.

A hero? That sounded just as far-fetched as an angel. Was this world really hopeless after all?

Hachiman wasn't surprised by her reaction. After all, someone educated with a materialistic worldview wouldn't easily believe in angels or heroes.

Without wasting more time on explanations, he decided to show her directly.

Just like he had done before, he concentrated and formed a sphere of holy light in his palm, presenting it before her.

"Look, this is holy light."

"Holy light…"

Staring at the faint golden glow in Hachiman's hand, Yukino murmured in disbelief.

"That's right. This is the holy light taught to me by angels," Hachiman said with a shrug and a smile.

Hearing his words, Yukino snapped out of her daze and asked in astonishment, "You're saying angels… really exist?"

"Yes, they do," Hachiman nodded. "They approached me, told me I'm this world's hero, and then bestowed upon me the power of holy light."

However, Hachiman deliberately chose not to reveal the true identities of Gabriel and Raphiel.

Unlike himself, these angels and even demons had limited time on Earth. Most of them would return to the celestial realms after graduating from high school. Whether they'd ever meet again remained uncertain.

As much as he felt reluctant about their eventual departure, there wasn't much he could do about it—unless his strength grew powerful enough to break the rules separating the celestial and demonic realms.

For now, he decided to let Gabriel and the others peacefully enjoy their remaining time on Earth.

...

As Yukino processed Hachiman's explanation, she couldn't help but mutter to herself again.

"Angels, heroes, holy light…"

"Alright, stop overthinking it," Hachiman interrupted with a gentle smile.

"Does my identity really matter that much?"

"I'm just me—Hikigaya Hachiman, the one who loves Yukinoshita Yukino."

Hearing those words, Yukino felt a warmth bloom in her heart, letting go of her lingering doubts.

Yes, it didn't matter if he had other identities. As long as he remained Hachiman, that was enough for her.

With that thought, Yukino leaned forward and offered her lips willingly.

After all, if her lips became swollen, Hachiman could just heal them—so it wasn't something she needed to worry about.

Hachiman, naturally, didn't refuse. As he savored her soft lips and breathed in the faint fragrance emanating from her, he couldn't help but feel his heart race.

To his surprise, Yukino suddenly became the more assertive one. Her small hands began to explore his body with a surprising boldness.

Taste, scent, touch…

With all his senses overwhelmed, Hachiman quickly felt his blood rushing downward.

Sensing his reaction, Yukino pulled back slightly, her eyes glistening with a watery glow.

"Hachiman, should we…?"

Her words left Hachiman stunned. He hadn't expected Yukino to be this forward.

But just as he was about to agree, a memory flashed in his mind—a promise he'd made to Yumiko.

"Before me, you're not allowed to do that with Yukinoshita."

Though the moment felt like a missed opportunity, Hachiman wasn't one to break his word.

Besides, Yukino's willingness to say such things meant she had already made up her mind for the future.

There's no need to rush such things; there's always time later.

With that thought, Hachiman shook his head and said, "Let's save it for another time. Exams are coming up in a few days, so we should focus on those for now. No need to hurry."

Although Yukino felt a hint of disappointment, she nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I'll listen to you."

Just as she was about to stand up, Hachiman suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand.

A mischievous smile played at the corners of his lips as he spoke slowly.

"Even if we can't go that far today, I still need you to help me relax a little, Yukino."

"For example…"

He lightly tapped her soft lips with his finger, his meaning unmistakable.

Yukino immediately understood, her face flushing crimson. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded shyly.

"I get it, but… I don't really know what to do."

"Don't worry," Hachiman replied with a smirk. "I'll teach you."

Hikigaya Hachiman—the eternal mentor.

Under Hachiman's guidance, Yukino slowly knelt down in front of him, her movements tentative yet determined.