Chapter 196: Giving Hikigaya Glasses
Men's clothing store.
Yuigahama Yui was in the middle of picking out clothes in front of a mirror. Suddenly, she saw the reflection of a student from the same school appearing in the mirror, frightening her so much that she spun around immediately.
"Yuki... Yukinoshita-san?!"
"Good afternoon, Yuigahama-san." Yukinoshita Yukino's reaction was very calm.
"Um... Yukinoshita-san, why are you at a men's clothing store?" Yuigahama Yui's curiosity was piqued.
"Could it be, it's a gift for..."
"It's just returning a favor," Yukinoshita Yukino interrupted, asking in return, "Yuigahama-san, why are you here?"
"Me? I'm planning to give a gift to express my gratitude to someone. Ehehehe~" Yuigahama Yui scratched her head sheepishly as she spoke.
"I see. Then let's each go about our own business."
Yukinoshita Yukino had no intention of making small talk. She turned around and picked up a T-shirt, pulling at it firmly with both hands as if checking the garment's defensive attributes.
"Er, it seems neither of us is very good at picking gifts for boys..." Yuigahama Yui proactively approached her.
"Yukinoshita-san, let's pick them out together."
Yukinoshita Yukino instinctively wanted to refuse, but realizing she truly didn't have any good ideas, she agreed to the proposal.
"I should state beforehand, my tastes are different from the average person's, so I might not be able to offer suitable advice." This was the honest truth.
"That's okay! Isn't there that saying? 'Two fragrant cobblers are better than one Sima Yi,'" Yuigahama Yui said with total seriousness. (Having a team of weak people is better than a single skilled individual)
"..."
Yukinoshita Yukino's mouth twitched. Suppressing the urge to retort, she replied tactfully, "The fact that you know who Sima Yi is... is worthy of praise."
"Really? Hehe~" Yuigahama Yui tilted her chin up proudly.
At this point, Yukinoshita Yukino could finally confirm: this girl was an idiot!
"I feel like giving clothes isn't quite right. After all, I don't know the person's measurements; it would be awkward if I gave something that didn't fit," Yuigahama Yui said, being clever about this specific point.
"I agree with your assessment." Yukinoshita Yukino decisively abandoned the clothing section and headed for the accessories.
"For a regular acquaintance, giving a watch seems a bit too expensive." Yukinoshita Yukino rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought.
"Eh? The person Yukinoshita-san is giving a gift to is just an acquaintance?" Yuigahama Yui looked shocked.
"I thought it was at least a friend."
Yukinoshita Yukino fell silent for a moment and spoke expressionlessly, "When speaking of friends, one must first define the scope of what a friend is..."
'That sounds like a line spoken by someone with no friends, doesn't it?'
Yuigahama Yui's eyes darted around; having high emotional intelligence, she didn't say it out loud.
"Yukinoshita-san, why not pick some exquisite small items? Ideally something that can change the person's established image."
Yukinoshita Yukino's eyes lit up instantly. "I must admit, that is an excellent idea! Thank you, Yuigahama-san."
"It's not that big a deal~ Being praised by Yukinoshita-san is such an honor!" Yuigahama Yui took the opportunity to step forward and grab the other's hand. "Um, Yukinoshita-san, we're friends now."
"Eh... ah...?" Yukinoshita Yukino's eyes flickered, seemingly uncomfortable with such intimate behavior.
"Mhm! It's settled then, Yukinon!" Yuigahama Yui nodded with a smile.
"Wait, that nickname 'Yukinon'..."
"Yukinon sounds really cute!"
"..."
Facing the overly enthusiastic Yuigahama, Yukinoshita Yukino found it hard to cope and could only tacitly accept the declaration of friendship.
Afterward, the two chatted as they picked out items. Yuigahama Yui selected a plain-looking phone strap.
"That's a surprise. I thought Yuigahama-san would pick something flashier," Yukinoshita Yukino remarked, somewhat unexpectedly.
"Hehe~ As expected of Yukinon, you really get me!" Yuigahama Yui took a small, hand-knitted sachet from her pocket. "My mom made this sachet for me." She tied the sachet to the strap. "Ta-da! Doesn't it look not-so-ordinary now?"
Yukinoshita Yukino was momentarily stunned. She gave her a deep look. "It seems Yuigahama-san places great importance on the recipient of this gift."
"N-no, not at all~ It's just to thank the person." Yuigahama Yui waved her hands in denial, but her crimson cheeks said everything.
Though Yukinoshita was somewhat curious, she wasn't a gossip by nature and didn't pry further.
"Yukinon is planning to give glasses?" Yuigahama Yui saw her walking toward the eyewear section.
"Yes." Yukinoshita Yukino looked through the glass counter, selecting a style.
"I guess the person is a handsome guy with glasses?" Yuigahama Yui guessed to herself.
"No, he shouldn't be nearsighted," Yukinoshita denied.
"Huh?" Yuigahama Yui was dumbfounded.
"Yuigahama-san, there is such a thing as blue-light-blocking glasses in this world." Yukinoshita Yukino pointed to a pair of grey-silver frames and signaled the clerk to take them out.
"Ohhh~ the kind without a prescription." Yuigahama Yui nodded, half-understanding.
Yukinoshita Yukino tried them on in front of the mirror.
"Wow! I feel like Yukinon's vibe changed instantly!" Yuigahama Yui's eyes sparkled as she offered her praise.
"Thank you. That is exactly the effect I wanted."
The image of a certain man's dead-fish eyes surfaced in her mind, and the corners of Yukinoshita Yukino's mouth curled up slightly.
Having both chosen their gifts, the two were about to head to the front counter to pay. However, as they turned around, they spotted someone unexpected!
"Hachiman, try this belt."
"Er, I rarely wear belts..."
"It's okay, I'll help you put it on."
Totsuka Saika crouched down, reached his arms around Hikigaya's waist, and carefully threaded the belt through.
As Hikigaya looked down at Totsuka beneath him, his expression suddenly became very strange.
"Onii-chan, what kind of weird things are you thinking about again?" Komachi looked at him with disgust.
"Huh? H-Hikki, why are you here?!" Yuigahama Yui covered her mouth in shock.
"Hikigaya?"
Yukinoshita Yukino's eyes widened; she clearly hadn't anticipated seeing him here.
"You guys are here too.
Also, what the heck is 'Hikki'?" Hikigaya's mouth twitched. Had he just gained another weird nickname?
"Ah, sorry... I'm just used to it... Wait, what are you and Saika... doing?"
Yuigahama Yui looked at Totsuka Saika crouching in front of Hikigaya, and whatever her imagination came up with, her face was filled with immense shock!
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