As Hachiman entered the room, Yukino's expression grew increasingly strained. Her porcelain face had taken on an unnatural blush.
"So it was you that Hiratsuka-sensei was talking about. Hachiman Hikigaya. I was wondering who could possibly be described as having such a terrible personality."
The moment Yukino said those words, Hachiman's pupils narrowed unnaturally. He responded in a seemingly calm tone.
"Yukinoshita-san, I know who you are. You're in Class 2-J, the only international culture class in the entire school. Even among a student body with already high academic performance, your class is ranked even higher by two or three deviation points. And you, the top student, consistently place first in every quiz and final exam."
"Not only that, you're also known for being a beautiful girl, and your name is quite famous throughout the school."
"So, it's no surprise that I know your name."
"But as someone with an average face, stuck in a regular class, with unimpressive grades, and barely any social presence..."
He paused, his gaze sharpening.
"Allow me to ask then Yukinoshita-san, how is it that you know my name?"
Faced with his relentless questioning, Yukino grew visibly flustered. She waved her hands awkwardly before forcing herself to sound calm.
"Is remembering someone's name really that hard for me?"
"I see. Maybe I was overthinking it."
"Hey, hey, you two have been saying some really weird things since earlier. Are you pretending I don't exist or something?"
Shizuka Hiratsuka interjected, her voice a sharp reminder of her presence.
"So, judging from your conversation, did you two know each other before this?"
"No. Not at all."
Both Yukino and Hachiman denied it in perfect sync, then turned to glare at each other.
"Well, that's even better. Actually, the reason I brought you here today is because I want Yukino to help fix that horrible personality of yours, Hachiman."
"Given your current state, I'm genuinely worried I'll someday get a phone call from jail-'Hey, Sensei, I've been arrested, can you come visit?'"
Hachiman sighed and turned his head away in annoyance.
"What, did I say something wrong? Look around. Who else in this school doesn't have a single proper friend besides you?"
Without responding, Hachiman simply raised a finger and pointed at Yukino.
"As far as I know, the girl you've entrusted with this task also doesn't have anyone she could truly call a friend."
"Hah?"
Hiratsuka narrowed her eyes. With the air of a samurai about to draw her blade, she gently blew on her fist.
"So you're saying... you don't want to listen to your teacher?"
"N-no! Your will is my command!"
Realizing his precarious situation, Hachiman surrendered instantly.
"Good. From today on, you're an official member of this club. Yukino is your club president. If you have any questions, ask her. I've got other things to do, so I'll leave you two to it."
Without waiting for a reply, Hiratsuka turned and walked out, leaving behind an increasingly awkward silence between the two students.
With no third party to balance the air, the atmosphere thickened into something almost unbearable. After nearly ten minutes of total silence, Yukino finally broke it.
"Hikigaya-kun, aren't your legs tired from standing? Do you need me to bring you a chair before you'll sit down?"
"Huh? Oh…"
Hachiman blinked. After briefly debating whether to move his left or right foot first, he hopped in place as if his legs were asleep, then strolled over to the stack of chairs and pulled one out.
He placed the chair exactly ten tiles away from Yukino, then slowly sat down and placed his backpack at his feet.
He glanced at Yukino, who had turned her attention back to the paperback book in her hands, but something seemed off. Her cheeks were turning an even deeper shade of red.
As the flush crept down to her neck, she could no longer contain herself.
"What exactly are you staring at? You've been ogling me like some kind of pervert. I feel absolutely violated just from your disgusting gaze."
"You really like cats, don't you, Yukinoshita?"
"Wh-how do you know that?"
"Isn't it obvious? Your book cover is covered in cat patterns."
"That's it? You're drawing conclusions from that alone?"
"Not just that. There's one more important reason. I think you know what I mean."
"W-what reason? I have no idea what you're talking about."
Yukino turned her head and stared out the window.
"Don't tell me you've been stalking me? I mean, I know I'm cute, but if you keep doing this, I'll have to call the police."
"And what gave you the confidence to praise yourself so boldly?"
"It's not confidence, just facts. Ever since I was little, everyone I met always said I was cute. It's undeniable."
"Yeah, yeah, you're the cutest."
"Anyway, Hiratsuka-sensei never explained what this club is actually about. Can you fill me in?"
"This club is called the Service Club. I created it myself."
"Those with abundance should offer kindness to those in need. That is the principle behind volunteerism."
"Offering a helping hand to others in trouble is the purpose of this club."
As Yukino explained, her voice carried a noble clarity that struck Hachiman as powerful and dignified.
Watching her speak with such seriousness, even his usual dead-fish eyes seemed to soften slightly.
"So this is a club meant to help other students?"
"That's one way to put it, yes."
"Feels like I just got dragged into something really troublesome…"
Just then, a knock came at the door. Yukino ignored Hachiman's complaint and called out toward the hallway.
"Come in."
As the door creaked open, a pink-haired girl peeked her head inside, hiding most of her body behind the door.
"Um, is this the Service Club? I'm Yui Yuigahama. Hiratsuka-sensei told me I could come here for help."
After Yukino gave her a small nod, Yui stepped into the room. When she saw Hachiman sitting inside, her eyes widened.
"Eh? Why is Hikki here?!"
"You sound genuinely shocked to see me."
"Of course I'm shocked! I thought you were a total shut-in! And now you're in a club? And this kind of club, no less? Hikki, you hate troublesome stuff!"
"You're absolutely right. I'm only here because Hiratsuka-sensei forced me into it. It's not like I enjoy being in a freezing room with an ice queen. I need to wear more layers next time."
"Wow, Hikki, you're still full of energy even in subzero temperatures. That's impressive."
"You two seem pretty close."
"Who would be close to a creep like him?! Anyway, why are you here, Yui Yuigahama from Class 2-F?"
"Ah, right. Hiratsuka-sensei told me to relay a message. She said to make things more exciting, whichever one of you convinces the other that you're right gets to make the loser do anything."
"A-anything?"
Suddenly, Hachiman's mind was filled with the sort of vivid daydreams only a teenage boy could conjure.
"Could you not make that disgusting face? Just seeing it makes me feel like my dignity has been violated."
"Ahem." Hachiman turned his head awkwardly and looked back at Yui. "So, is that all? You don't have a request of your own?"
"Actually, I do. I wanted to ask you guys to teach me how to bake cookies. I want to give them to someone... but I'm not confident in myself, so I thought I'd come to you two for help."
"Why not just ask your friends?"
"Because I don't want them to know about it."
"Alright then, let's head to the club room and try making a batch first. Hachiman, you'll be the taste tester."
After receiving Yukino's detailed guidance, Yui's first-ever attempt at baking cookies emerged from the oven a batch of blackened lumps. Hachiman eyed the tray suspiciously.
"These look exactly like charcoal from the hardware store. Are they even edible?"
"Stop whining and eat it."
Yukino shoved one into his hand. Reluctantly, Hachiman bit into it. After chewing for a moment, he mumbled,
"Wow, this cookie actually tastes amazing."
"Really? Really?"
Yui beamed with delight.
"Totally. It's indistinguishable from carbon. Yuigahama, you nailed it."
"Am I really that bad...?"
"Taste-wise, yes. Without a doubt."
"But that's not the point. If you're giving them to a guy, it's not the flavor that matters most. It's the effort you put into making them. I think if your feelings are sincere, no guy would care about the taste."
"You think so...? I get it now."
…
"It's already been a week since I joined this club, but nothing really dramatic has happened."
As Hachiman made his way to the clubroom, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Hikki!"
He turned to see Yui jogging up to him, slightly out of breath.
"What's up?"
"Oh, nothing really. I just wanted to say thanks for helping me last time."
She pulled a bag out of her backpack and held it out.
"I made these cookies myself. Just a little thank-you."
"If that's all it is, there's no need to thank me. It's part of what the Service Club does."
Hachiman didn't take the cookies. Instead, he turned around, waved at her casually, and walked toward the clubroom.