Chapter 85: The Love War Waged at the Hospital Bedside
The hospital room door opened, and in came Haruno and Komachi. Haruno gently pushed Komachi's back forward. "See, Komachi, this is your real brother, you know."
Pushed forward, Komachi rushed over to Hachiman and hugged him tightly, crying. "Brother! Brother! Brother!" "Komachi… you look like you've grown a little taller?" "But you've gotten a lot thinner, brother." "Yeah." "Welcome home! Komachi always believed you'd come back safely!" "Mm, I'm home. Sorry for making you wait so long."
Komachi kept clinging to Hachiman's side, sobbing.
Hachiman gently stroked her hair while Haruno watched them warmly.
Before long, Hachiman's parents arrived as well.
Haruno took the initiative to excuse herself, saying, "It's rare for a family to be together like this."
"Hikigaya-kun, I've already arranged for no one else to visit today. Just enjoy some peaceful family time. But tomorrow will likely be the peak of visitors, so brace yourself. Oh, and some government officials may come; I'll accompany them when they do."
"Thank you so much, Haruno-san. I'll express my formal thanks tomorrow…" "Mm, alright then. Hikigaya-san, truly, congratulations today."
Hachiman's parents bowed to Haruno repeatedly, their gratitude overflowing. Haruno smiled and left.
That day, Hachiman had a long talk with his family. His parents were particularly interested in the conspicuous photo on the wall.
"We were really surprised the first time we saw that photo. So Hachiman likes this girl?" "I guess you could say that." "Wow! I can't believe Hachiman admitted it so frankly!" "Yeah, we used to worry so much about his future, but I guess we don't need to anymore!" "Hachiman, you better hurry up and give us a grandchild!" "Then Komachi would be an aunt!" "This dumb family… We haven't even met in real life yet. Who knows what'll happen?" "You absolutely can't let her get away! In your future, how many girls would actually like you…? Huh? Seems like quite a few? Komachi?" "Yeah, just among the candidates I know, there are six potential sisters-in-law—including Asuna."
"I see. Well, whoever you choose, just don't do anything you'll regret." "I know. I'll never be dishonest with anyone." "Hachiman's really grown up now… 'And to think our family raised him with a hands-off approach, and we still ended up like this…'
Despite all the chaos and noise, Hachiman was genuinely happy to spend time with his family.
As night fell, the three family members left, and the exhausted Hachiman fell asleep early.
Before sleep, a nurse told him that the outside world was in an uproar over the news that SAO had been cleared.
'I hope it didn't cause problems for my companions, but there's nothing I can do about that now. What matters most is finding a way to bring Asuna back.'
With that thought, Hachiman fell into a deep sleep.
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The next morning, the earliest visitors were Iroha and Komachi. "Senpai! Welcome back!" "Yo, Iroha. Sorry for making you worry." "I was seriously worried, okay!
All the student council work was dumped on me, and I didn't even have anyone to talk to.
But Komachi-chan and I worked hard together to get through it!" "You don't need to sugarcoat it." "Oh, right! I haven't told you officially yet—big bro, I got into Sobu High!" "I was worried I might've affected your exams… Well done. Congrats, Komachi." "Yup! Thinking about that gave me the drive to study hard!" "As expected of Komachi. The world's second cutest and number one little sister." "Senpai! I should be the world's cutest, right!?" "Hah? Obviously, it's Asuna. Don't just say random stuff." "Ugh… you're so tricky… I'll have to slowly close the distance…"
"Still, seeing you're completely unchanged is a relief. I was worried about how things were going here while I was gone." "Everyone worked really hard so you wouldn't have to worry, Senpai."
As Iroha said this, her cheeks flushed. Hachiman gazed at her gently.
After two hours chatting about school, Iroha suddenly said:
"We all agreed to keep visits to two hours so Senpai can rest properly. So it's time to switch shifts. I'll come again next time, Senpai!" "I see. Then see you later." "Yep~"
Even as she said this, Iroha suddenly leaned in and whispered in Hachiman's ear: "I haven't given up on you, Senpai. You still have a responsibility to take." "Ah… Just like Miura said. I thought I misunderstood since you hadn't changed." "Yumiko!?"
Both Iroha and Komachi were shocked to hear Hachiman call Miura by her first name.
"W-wait, since when do you call Miura-senpai by her first name!?" "Hm? Since yesterday." "This is bad. I've completely fallen behind… Miura-senpai's not to be underestimated!" "Komachi thinks Yumiko-oneechan's affection meter is maxed out!" "You two are hilarious." "Darn it! Just wait and see!" "Ah! Iroha-senpai!"
Iroha stormed out angrily, and Komachi quickly chased after her. Hachiman let out a deep sigh. "Am I going to have to deal with this kind of drama from now on…? I better steel myself…"
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Next to visit were Ms. Hiratsuka, Kawasaki, and Totsuka. "Totsuka aaaah!" "Hachiman!" "I missed you, Totsuka!" "Me too! I'm so glad… really!" "Totsuka, I finally made other friends! I'll introduce you to them!" "Really? I'm looking forward to it!" "Oh!" "Ahem, we're still here, you know." "Ah, sorry. This group's pretty rare."
"You look healthy. That's a huge relief. It's like the feeling of finally finishing grading all the homework." "Sorry I didn't make it to graduation." "Your safety is what matters. Besides, not graduating wasn't your fault." "Kawasaki, did you get into university?"
"Yeah, pretty much." "I see." "Thanks to the scholarship info you gave me." "Glad I could help. Let me say it again—I'm back." "Welcome back." "Welcome back, Hachiman!" "Welcome back, Hikigaya. Good job."
Throughout the conversation, Kawasaki avoided meeting Hachiman's eyes.
Seeing her red face, he kindly didn't press.
"By the way, haven't seen you in a while, but that photo on the wall is an interesting addition. Is she your partner?" "Yes. I hope one day I can formally introduce her to you, Sensei." "Hachiman's girlfriend?" "We got married in SAO. What happens in reality, I'm not sure yet." "You two look perfect together." "Oh? Kawasaki, you already knew about the photo?" "Yeah, sort of." "They say you actually agreed to hang the photo up. That true?" "It is. And I know you're in love with someone." "I see…"
"I… I still… like you…"
After a deep breath, Kawasaki continued:
"But when I saw the two of you in that photo, I just felt like supporting you. You looked truly happy from the bottom of your heart." "…" "I might keep liking you, or I might fall for someone else soon. So don't worry about me—just follow your heart. No matter what, I'm just glad you came back alive." "Thanks. For coming to visit me… I made it back thanks to everyone. Please keep looking out for me, Kawasaki." "Me too, Hachiman!" "Of course, Sensei. You too." "Didn't we promise to get ramen together? Once you recover, let's go." "Sure."
"That photo's really well taken." Totsuka remarked. "I'll introduce you properly, once we've met in reality." "Is there a problem?" "She seems to come from a wealthy family…" "I see. Do your best, Hachiman!"
"Yeah." "Hikigaya, while you're at it, introduce someone to me too." "Eh… Sensei, you're still single?"
Ms. Hiratsuka immediately knocked on his temple with her knuckles and twisted. "Sorry for being single! You're enjoying being all happy and proud, huh? Huh!?" "Hikigaya, you little—!"
Grinning, Hiratsuka hugged Hachiman's head into her chest. "Uwah! Totsuka… I can't breathe!" "Sensei! Hachiman's dying! Kawasaki-san, help him!" "Maybe Sensei's finally found her spring… just bear with it." "…"
After a long struggle, Hachiman gave in: "I surrender! I haven't recovered yet, give me a break." "Ah, sorry, got carried away and accidentally smothered your face in my chest." "Hah… Just shortness of breath, no big deal."
Totsuka noticed something and quipped, "Hey, you're way more composed around women now. Cocky little guy." "...S…" "Whatever."
Looking at the clock, Totsuka reminded them: "Sensei, time's up." "Already two hours?" "Time to switch." "Now comes your main event, Hikigaya." "…You mean, those two are next?"
After seeing them off, Hachiman sat uneasily, waiting for Yukinoshita and Yuigahama to arrive.