"U-Um… is it really okay if I just call you by your name?"
Vignette bit her lower lip and looked at Hikigaya Hachiman a little uneasily.It wasn't that she minded, but before coming to Earth for her "practical training," she'd studied a bit about human customs. Supposedly, calling someone directly by their given name was considered… intimate.
"Of course it's fine."
Just as he said that, Hachiman suddenly felt a sharp pain in his side.Turning, he found Kaede standing there with a cheerful smile—the kind of smile that definitely hid violence. He rolled his eyes and caught her hand before she could twist harder.
"We're neighbors now," he explained to Vignette with a sigh. "We'll be walking to and from school together a lot. Being too formal would just get in the way."
He couldn't have her staying so distant. After all, Vignette was a demon—clearly one of those still-in-training types who had to come to the human world for experience. If he didn't build some rapport now, she might just end up hanging around with her angel and demon friends instead.
He had to act fast—solidify his connection with Vignette before she got too comfortable. Then, once he'd learned her habits, he could approach Gabriel, Satania, and the others strategically.He wasn't expecting his "Love Life System" to turn him into some world-crushing hero, but it could at least make those girls like him a little more… right?
He'd help them during school, step in whenever they needed him—just enough that they'd start feeling too guilty not to rely on him.Before long, they'd all be wrapped around his little finger.
...Although, that did sound a little too much like being a scheming background character in someone else's story.
"Then… is it okay if I call you Hachiman-kun?"
Still lost in her thoughts, Vignette completely missed Kaede's silent assault. She tilted her head in genuine consideration before asking.Since she'd be living here for at least three years, she figured it was better to accept his suggestion.
"No," Hachiman corrected immediately, dead serious. "Just Hachiman is fine."
The closer, the better. If she stayed too polite, it'd be awkward to ask her for help later.
"Vignette, you'd better be careful around this dead-fish-eyed guy," Kaede interjected, folding her arms. "He's probably desperate from never having a girlfriend. Now that he's got a cute girl living next door, he's trying to make his move."
Her tone was sharp enough to slice through air.
"Ah? Ah—AHHH!?"
Vignette's face went crimson as she realized what Kaede meant.They'd only met yesterday! Did humans in this world really confess that fast? The books said Japanese people were supposed to be reserved!
"Don't listen to her nonsense," Hachiman said, shooting Kaede a weary look. "I just thought you might need help since you're new here and living alone. I actually run a club at school—the Service Club. We help people with their problems."
"Th-The Service Club?" Vignette gasped, then quickly bowed her head. "I'm so sorry! I completely misunderstood!"
"No need to apologize," he said calmly. "If you ever need anything, feel free to come to the Service Club. We could use a few more requests to show our advisor anyway."
"Pfft—'we,' huh?" Kaede snorted, grinning. "Don't tell me you actually managed to recruit people already?"
The so-called "Service Club" had only been approved two days ago, and only because she'd quietly pulled a few strings as student council president.In reality, it was just a one-man club.
"You don't believe me? I've already got two new members. And they're very cute girls," Hachiman said with mock seriousness, narrowing his eyes. "How about a bet? If I really did recruit two beautiful members, you'll have to grant me one not-too-crazy request."
Kaede arched a brow. "A bet? You're kidding, right? Two? Beautiful girls? You?"
From beside her, her twin sister Shion tugged gently at Kaede's sleeve."Don't bet," she murmured softly.
She didn't think Hachiman was exactly popular, but she also knew he wasn't the type to pick a fight he'd lose.
"One of them's a long-haired beauty you already know," Hachiman added, pretending to be casual.
"Wait, someone I know? Don't tell me you roped in Makoto-chan? She didn't mention that!"
Kaede frowned. Makoto Amamizu, one of her closest friends, often helped the disciplinary committee near the school gate—and frequently scolded Hachiman for his messy uniform.
If Hachiman had somehow convinced her to join… no, that seemed impossible.
"It's not Amamizu-san," Hachiman replied. "Her hair's more violet, right?"
He met Kaede's eyes with deliberate calm, inwardly muttering, Come on, take the bait.
"Fine! I'll take your stupid bet!" Kaede said, slamming her hands on her hips. "But if you lose, you'll owe me one request too!"
Now that she thought about it, Sobu High was crawling with pretty girls—especially lately. But most of them were already in clubs, and Hachiman barely socialized outside his small circle. There was no way he'd suddenly charmed two of them into joining his weird club.
"I've really got two members," he said smugly. "They just haven't submitted the forms yet. Once I get them in, you'll owe me."
He could already see the trap closing around her.
"Sure," Kaede said with a confident grin. "I'll even give you until club activities end today. Let's see what kind of excuse you come up with."
She crossed her arms proudly. "Heh, I should start thinking about what I'll make you do."
"U-Um…" Vignette timidly raised her hand. "Didn't you say we were supposed to leave early for school today…?"
"Ah! That's right!" Kaede gasped, spinning toward the clock. "This is all your fault, Hachiman!"
"My fault!? You were arguing too!"
"Fine! Half your fault, half mine!"
"Breakfast, onii-chan," Komachi called from the table, sliding him a plate with a teasing smile.
Watching the chaos unfold, she couldn't help but grin to herself.Her brother, proactive for once? What a rare sight.
Maybe he didn't mean anything by it, and maybe Kaede was just being possessive, but still…
With Vignette's arrival, things in their little world had begun to shift—just enough to make Komachi wonder if her hopeless brother might finally take a step forward.
Come on, Hachiman-oniichan, she thought with a smirk.It's about time you brought home a sister-in-law.