Chapter 89: A Rehabilitation Full of Romantic Atmosphere
"Th-Then take your time walking, okay?"
"O-Okay."
From the next day onward, Hachiman's rehabilitation life officially began.
However, since Hachiman's condition only required muscle strength recovery, it was comparatively easier than standard rehabilitation.
That morning, Yukino came to visit him.
Since she had volunteered to help the staff, she was currently supporting Hachiman as he practiced walking.
"Hey, I really appreciate your help, but is everything okay with your school?"
"What are you talking about? It's March right now—universities are on spring break."
"Ah, I see... Sorry, I totally forgot about that. In that world, even though the seasons changed between floors, there wasn't really a concept of four seasons at all."
"A world without four seasons is probably hard for Japanese people to imagine, right?"
"Yeah, having four seasons really is better."
They looked at each other and smiled, continuing with the rehabilitation training.
After a while, a staff member reminded them it was time for a break, and the two sat side-by-side on a bench.
"How do you feel?"
"My body still feels heavy... It's going to take a while to make up for the loss."
"I see. I guess in the game world, even your thought speed affected your physical responses, right?"
"Also your reflexes."
"Exactly. Actually, I also..."
"You also what?"
"Ah, nothing."
"Really?"
'He just got out of the game, so Hemight still have resistance to VRMMOs... I need to be careful about when to tell him we're playing ALO.)
"By the way, Yukinoshita, if it's okay... could you call me Hachiman? It's just..."
"You got used to being called 'Hachiman' for nearly two years, so being called by your last name feels strange now, right?"
"Wow, your understanding is still sharp as ever. It's kind of nostalgic."
"That sounds like a proposal. Then I'll just marry..."
"Hey, wait! I know this conversation! This is something Haruno-san taught you, right!?"
"Hehe, sorry, that's right."
"You sisters, seriously... So, about the name?"
"Hmm... Okay, I'll give it a try... Hachiman-kun, Hachiman-kun."
"If it were before, I definitely would've found that awkward. But now it feels strangely natural."
"Then you should call me Yukino too. It's weird that my sister gets called Haruno-san while I'm still being called Yukinoshita."
"Got it, Yukino."
"You called me Yukino without a second thought. That's still surprising. But I never thought there'd be a day when you'd call me that... Yukino, Yukino... hehe."
Yukino happily repeated her new way of being called.
"By the way, what about Yuigahama-san?"
"Yuigahama? Well, since 'Yui-chan' is already a nickname, it doesn't feel that weird. Anyway, I'll talk to her and tell her to call me whatever she likes. As for Isshiki, let her do her thing."
"She'll probably just call you 'Senpai' anyway."
"Every time I talk to her, it feels like I'm back in high school. Oh, right, Yukino. I heard I can go back to school. I don't know the details yet, but apparently the government is setting up a school for the survivors."
"I've heard something like that. But because you guys cleared the game early, the school building construction hasn't been completed yet."
"Never thought I'd be able to return to school. Honestly, I'm super happy."
"Hehe, you look it. But I'm a little jealous. I really wanted to graduate together."
"Yeah, I really mean that."
"Maybe I should drop out and go back to high school again..."
"Hey."
"Just kidding. If possible, I'll attend your graduation ceremony as your guardian."
Yukino said that with a playful smile. "What's with the guardian thing?"
That conversation once again made Hachiman feel Yukino had changed.
"You know, Yukino, you not only joke now, but you smile a lot more too."
"That's true. Is it weird?"
"No, isn't that a good thing? It means you did well while I was gone. I feel relieved... or maybe, grateful."
"It might be inappropriate to say this, but... because you were gone, everyone—including my sister—grew closer."
"Looks like our efforts back then weren't in vain."
"Hehe... thank you, Hachiman-kun."
"Hikigaya-san, Yukinoshita-san, it's time to continue rehab."
The rehabilitation trainer, who had been quietly watching with a smile, reminded them. With Yukino's support, Hachiman stood up.
"Let's keep it up, Yukinoshita-san, please continue assisting Hikigaya-san."
"Got it."
"Mom~ I'm done visiting my friend, I'll head home now~!"
Just then, a girl ran up and greeted the rehab trainer.
"Oh dear, sorry. My daughter came to visit a friend. Looks like she stopped by to say hi."
"I'll take care of Hachiman-kun, so please go see your daughter."
"Thank you, I'll be right back. Rumi, wait a minute."
"Rumi?"
Hearing that name, Hachiman took a closer look at the girl. Upon closer inspection, he realized she was someone he knew. The girl also recognized him and walked over with wide eyes.
"Is that you, Hachiman?"
"Rumi, huh? You've grown so tall. I didn't recognize you at all at first."
"Long time no see! It's been like two years, right?"
Rumi beamed as she spoke. "Ah, Rumi-san... from the summer camp and Christmas event..."
Yukino also remembered. Rumi, recalling Yukino, quickly bowed.
"Oh my, you all know each other?"
"Yes, we met twice—once during summer vacation and again at the Christmas event."
"Ah~ Rumi mentioned a high school boy who helped her... so that was Hachiman-kun, huh? What a small world. I'm Tsurumi Kumi, Rumi's mother."
"I do remember hearing the name Tsurumi during introductions... but I never imagined it was you."
"Hehe, unlike Hikigaya-kun, Tsurumi is a common surname."
"Mom, let me do the talking!"
"Alright, alright, sorry. Let's continue rehab later. For now, rest on the bench."
"Sounds good."
Hachiman smiled wryly and agreed. Looking between Yukino and Rumi, he mumbled:
"Big Rumi-Rumi... and small Yukino..."
"Don't call me Rumi-Rumi!"
"That sounds like a slogan or something."
"Sorry, I just couldn't help it when I saw you two."
Just as they sat on the bench, Rumi quickly spoke up: "It's been two years, hasn't it?"
"Yeah. You're in 8th grade now? We're five years apart, so not seeing each other for two years makes sense."
"Hachiman, you're so thin. Are you sick? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just physically weak."
"Mom, is Hachiman really okay?"
Bound by a confidentiality agreement, Kumi looked troubled. Not wanting her to struggle, Hachiman stepped in.
"Rumi, your mom can't really say anything. So actually—"
"Is it some serious illness?"
"No, Tsurumi-san, can I explain?"
"Sure, sorry. I have a duty to keep things confidential."
"Rumi, what I'm about to tell you is a secret, okay?"
"Okay, I promise."
"Then let's talk on the bench in the corner."
The four moved to another bench, and Hachiman explained:
"Actually, I can explain everything in one sentence."
"Huh?"
"Listen, Rumi—I spent the past two years playing a game."
"A game? You played so much you got sick?"
"I was playing SAO. You've heard about it in the news, right?"
"Ah..."
Rumi finally understood. "So you weren't sick. I'm glad..."
"Sorry I didn't tell you."
"Haha, we're five years apart and had no way to contact each other. Of course you wouldn't know. No need to apologize."
"..."
"But I'm alive and well now. I just need to regain muscle strength."
"You almost died?"
"Yeah, a bunch of times. But my friends and I fought hard to make it back."
"I'm so glad..."
After saying that, Rumi hugged Hachiman tightly and trembled. Looking at Kumi for help, he got a nod of approval and gently patted Rumi's back. Rumi held back sobs and cried for a while.
"Feeling better?"
"Yeah. Sorry, Hachiman... thank you."
"I should be thanking you—thanks for crying for me."
"Ah! It's already that time! I have plans with friends. I'll come back to visit properly next time, okay?"
"Alright, have fun with your friends."
"Mm!"
Rumi waved goodbye, and Hachiman watched her cheerful back as she left, then returned to his rehabilitation in peace.
"I didn't know Rumi knew Hachiman-kun. What a small world."
"Seriously surprising."
"Though I only saw Rumi-san two years ago, she's way more cheerful now than she was then. That's great."
"When we first met, Rumi was being ostracized, wasn't she?"
"Ah, sorry, Tsurumi-san. I said something I shouldn't have."
"No, you should be thanked. Two years ago, my daughter was gloomy every day. But from summer to Christmas, she gradually became cheerful. It's all thanks to you."
"I'm just glad I could help."
"Oh right,"
Kumi said, remembering something.
"That child still looks at photos from the Christmas event. But there's one photo she never lets me see. Could it be a picture of you and her together?"
"Now that you mention it, Hachiman-kun, didn't you take a picture with Rumi back then?"
"Yeah, she asked me to."
"I knew it. As her mom, I have mixed feelings... but please don't let that girl get hurt."
"That's a little sudden..."
"I mean, I've seen that bridal photo... and all the other girls visiting you."
"True enough..."
"At first I thought, 'What's with this harem guy?' But when I actually met you, I realized you're not that kind of person."
"Please don't bring up that dark history..."
"But Rumi's growing up too. As her mother, I probably shouldn't say this, but with her looks—she really does resemble Yukinoshita-san— I'm sure she'll find a good partner someday. If she ever meets a bad guy, please help look out for her."
"I resemble Rumi-san?"
"A lot! Especially your assertiveness—it's identical."
"...What's that supposed to mean, Hachiman-kun?"
Sensing the pressure, Hachiman quickly tried to smooth things over.
"She means you're both cool beauties!"
"I-I see... If I'm a beauty, then I'll forgive you."
'Phew... That old familiar pressure. That was close.'
Having escaped death, Hachiman resumed his rehab training.