Hachiman Hikigaya fell into a sullen silence, but the question gnawed at him, refusing to be ignored. He finally relented, his voice flat. "So… have you actually come up with a realistic solution for Totsuka's problem, or not?"
"I have. It's simple: turn him into a real girl. Problem solved."
"..."
"Are you being serious right now?"
Hachiman could only stare, utterly speechless.
Hozuki Nozomi shrugged, his expression one of detached analysis. "Think about it. Totsuka-san essentially functions as the club's mascot. If that mascot were to become a genuine, bona fide girl, those absentee members would probably stampede each other to get to practice."
Hachiman fixed him with an intensified dead-fish stare. "Could you maybe offer a solution that exists in the realm of physical possibility?"
A smile played on Nozomi's lips. "Of course. Just let me call Komachi 'imouto-chan,' and I'll solve Totsuka's issue immediately."
"In your dreams!" Hachiman spat, turning on his heel to stalk away.
"Hey, don't be like that! We can negotiate! I do have other ideas!"
Hachiman's steps faltered. After a brief internal war, he turned back, his demeanor shifting to one of exaggerated, obsequious service. He even cracked open a bottle of sports drink and presented it with both hands. "Please, enlighten me, Nozomi-sama."
Nozomi rolled his eyes. "I'm starting to seriously question your feelings for Totsuka."
"Don't talk nonsense! He's just a friend!" Hachiman retorted, his cheeks faintly pink.
Chuckling, Nozomi dropped the act. "My method is to generate hype for the tennis club. That's all. The soccer club is popular because of Hayama Hayato. The baseball club thrives because of Oga Taiyou. The tennis club, relying solely on Saika Totsuka's… unique appeal, isn't enough. So, we create an event—a high-profile tennis match. Use star power to draw a crowd."
The gears turned in Hachiman's cynical mind, and he grasped the concept instantly. However, a practical hurdle arose. "Star power? From who? Who are you planning to recruit for this 'celebrity match'?"
"Yumiko, naturally. In middle school, she was on the tennis team—the ace, in fact. She led her team to second place in the prefecture." Nozomi's eyes gleamed with promotional savvy. "Just imagine: a specially arranged tennis exhibition match between Soubu High's famed 'Goddess of Fashion,' Miura Yumiko, and the untouchable 'Ice Princess,' Yukinoshita Yukino. Wouldn't that draw a crowd?"
Hachiman's eyes, despite himself, lit up with the sheer spectacle of it. "It would be a mob scene."
But his inherent pessimism quickly resurfaced. "But that's just a temporary surge. It doesn't solve the core problem of the members not showing up for regular practice, does it?"
Nozomi shrugged, his logic mercilessly pragmatic. "That's outside the scope of the current request. Remember, Totsuka-san's wish was specifically to 'improve his tennis skills.' How to retain members afterwards is the club president's job to figure out. Besides, if their hearts were never in tennis to begin with, they'd drop out eventually anyway."
He offered his final piece of advice. "Tell Totsuka to focus on recruiting new members—ones who actually want to play tennis, not just ogle the president."
After listening to the entire, coldly efficient plan, Hachiman couldn't help but study Nozomi's face with renewed interest. "Why do I suddenly get the feeling you're… actually reliable?"
Nozomi: "..."
"You're only realizing this now? I've always been the epitome of reliability. So, how about it, future brother-in-law? When do I get to meet Komachi?"
"Shut up! Say that again and I will end you!" Hachiman's face darkened instantly, a protective fury flashing in his eyes. Telling a siscon you're after his sister? Are you trying to get murdered?
Seeing Hachiman's genuine irritation, Nozomi simply shrugged again, unfazed. "Fine, fine, no introductions. No need to get so violent about it."
Hachiman looked at him, a complex mix of exasperation and resignation on his face. "If you were even remotely monogamous, I might have considered it. But you're a confirmed, grade-A scoundrel. Please, for the love of all that is holy, stay far, far away from my Komachi."
…
Nozomi wasn't particularly bothered by Hachiman's hostility. Opportunities had a way of presenting themselves. When the time was right, Komachi would find her way into his orbit, and even a devoted brother like Hachiman wouldn't be able to stand in the way of a fait accompli.
Carrying the drinks, they returned to the tennis courts. Saika Totsuka was sprawled on the ground, utterly spent. His stamina was, lamentably, even worse than Yukino Yukinoshita's. Such a delicate creature, Nozomi mused, his attention already elsewhere. A boy, no matter how pretty, couldn't hold a candle to his Yukino.
Today, Yukino had her long, silken hair tied up in a high, practical ponytail. The elegant curve of her nape was fully exposed, and coupled with her fitted athletic shirt and shorts, the effect was devastatingly beautiful. If they were alone, Nozomi would have already wrapped her in his arms for some much-deserved cuddling.
Yui and Asuna provided equally pleasant scenery. Their well-endowed figures filled out their sports tops impressively, a sight that was simply… magnificent.
Hachiman, meanwhile, dutifully handed a drink to the panting Saika Totsuka—his one and only true friend in this entire affair. As for Nozomi? That scoundrel with designs on his sister was permanently on his personal blacklist.
After a brief rest, Yukino urged Totsuka to continue his drills. The session only concluded when the boy collapsed once more, completely drained. Yukino wore a faint frown of dissatisfaction. Totsuka was simply too physically weak. How could he hope to improve his tennis in this state? It would take months of dedicated conditioning before this delicate boy could even dream of being a club ace.
But for today, it was over. Hachiman said his goodbyes and left, supporting a wobbly Totsuka.
Then, Yukino Yukinoshita felt a familiar, intense gaze land on her. Her heart gave a traitorous flutter, and a warm blush dusted her cheeks.
"There are… others present. Don't get any ideas," she warned in a low voice, though it lacked its usual conviction.
Nozomi responded with a devilish grin. Seizing the pretext of putting away equipment, he guided her into the storage shed adjacent to the courts. The moment the door clicked shut, he had her pinned gently against it, capturing her lips in a deep, possessive kiss that left her breathless and her lips deliciously pink and swollen.
"Yukino," he murmured against her mouth when he finally pulled back, just far enough to speak. "Are you coming to Sakura Dormitory tonight?" The invitation was earnest, laden with promise.
"Umm… I can't," she whispered, her voice still unsteady. "The engagement is so soon… Mother has already moved in with Haruno-nee at my apartment. It would be… difficult."
"Eh? Seriously?" Nozomi's expression crumpled into one of genuine frustration.
Seeing this, Yukino's heart softened. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck in a brief, tight hug. "Don't be so clingy all the time. My sister… she needs companionship too, you know."
"I know, I know," he sighed, nuzzling her hair. "Don't worry, Yukino. I haven't been neglecting Haruno-nee, believe me."
"That's good to hear."
After sharing a few more tender, stolen moments, they reluctantly parted ways, each heading home as the afternoon light began to fade.
…
Back at Sakura Dormitory, Hozuki Nozomi carefully placed the wooden case containing Suigintou in his room. Then, he settled in to wait. He was waiting for a different, blonde visitor.
Some time later, a familiar figure appeared at the dormitory entrance, peering in with palpable nervousness. Eriri Spencer Sawamura was a bundle of conflicting emotions.
One part of her was terrified that Hozuki Nozomi would make good on his messages and subject her to some embarrassing, wall-pinning "bullying." Another, smaller, traitorous part hummed with a faint, thrilling anticipation.
Finally, she clenched her small fists, gritted her teeth in determination, and marched through the door.
If he dares to try anything… she resolved, her mind conjuring her best defensive threat, I'll use my fangs and bite him to death!