"Hey, Hachiman, wanna grab dinner together sometime?" Kazuto asked at school.
Hachiman, apologetic, declined. "Sorry, Kazuto. Tonight, I'm heading to Asuna's place with Haru-nee."
"Oh? Marriage on the horizon? Gonna say, 'Please give me Asuna's hand'?" Kazuto teased. "Need practice?"
The classroom buzzed. Asuna, behind Hachiman, peeked over his shoulder, fidgeting shyly.
"Not like that," Hachiman said, pulling Kazuto close to whisper. "We spotted Kuradeel by chance. Know Kura Agency?"
"The talent agency? Yeah," Kazuto replied.
"Know Kanzaki Elsa?"
"Yeah! Rika's a huge fan. Her songs remind me of SAO's landscapes. I like her too."
Hachiman smirked, wondering how Kazuto would react to meeting Elsa. "So, we got to know Elsa by chance."
"No way! Introduce me!" Kazuto said.
"Sure, she'd probably want to meet you too."
Kazuto blinked, surprised Hachiman was so casual. "You're that close?"
"Leave it to me. Anyway, Elsa wants to go independent because the next president's harassing her."
"Big scoop!" Kazuto exclaimed.
"That agency's Kura Agency, and the next president? Kuradeel. So, we're teaming up with Asuna's dad to take him down."
"Got it. Need help?" Kazuto offered.
Hachiman grinned. "We've got a solid ally. Besides Haru-nee, guess who? Godfrey."
"That old guy? He's good?"
"Yeah, crazy coincidence—he's my classmate's dad. Met him recently. Turns out, he's a high-ranking cop."
Kazuto, recalling Godfrey's stern look, nodded. "Suits him. Can I see him too?"
"I'll set it up. So, tonight's busy."
Kazuto felt nostalgic, sensing Hachiman's old scheming side. "Your enemy's my enemy. Call if you need me, partner."
"Will do," Hachiman said.
"Tell Asuna's parents hi," Kazuto added, leaving. He paused, then whispered, "Uh, Hachiman… Rika'd love Elsa's autograph. Maybe one for me too?"
Hachiman nodded. Kazuto left. Asuna peeked out, resting her chin on Hachiman's shoulder. "Elsa's super popular, huh?"
"Yeah. By the way, everyone's staring. Wanna step back?" Hachiman said.
Asuna noticed the class's gazes, stepped away, and waved. "Sorry, no proposal today, but Hachiman's meeting my parents, so we're off!"
"Hey!" Hachiman protested as the class erupted, cheering them out.
"Feels like I'm being cornered," Hachiman muttered.
"Really? Your imagination, maybe," Asuna teased.
"Whatever. Kit's coming. We'll pick up Haru-nee, then head to your place."
"Okay," Asuna agreed.
At the school gate, Hachiman studied Asuna's face. "You've been acting rushed lately, pushing me toward other girls more than before."
Asuna looked uneasy. "You noticed? Honestly, when I woke up and met Yukino, Yui, and Yumiko, I was shocked. My position's not secure. I tried staking my claim as your main girl, but now with Shigeno-san, Elsa, and Minami around, I realized claiming you isn't enough. If I don't let others vent their feelings, they might get serious, and I could lose you. So…"
Tearing up, Asuna trailed off. Hachiman hugged her, ignoring onlookers. "Sorry, that'd worry anyone. Yeah, there's suddenly a lot of girls around, hyping me up when I'm not that great. But don't worry. We're visiting your parents tonight, right? That's practically pre-marriage. Focus on our future. No matter the obstacle, I'll always reach you. I'll use any trick to keep you smiling."
"You're turning into a Maou at the end there," Asuna giggled, burying her face in his chest.
"You know I love you," Hachiman said.
"You say it so often, but girls need to hear it daily," Asuna replied.
"Then sense it daily."
"Fine," Asuna said, leaning for a kiss. Hachiman stopped her.
"Someone scary's watching."
"Huh?" Asuna turned to see Chairman Yukinoshita smiling.
"Young love's sweet. Maybe we should have more kids," the chairman mused.
"That's not funny," Hachiman said.
"You're still young, Chairman!" Asuna added.
The chairman blushed briefly, then turned serious. "Behave near school. If I had to expel you, Haruno and Yukino would kill me."
"Kill?" Hachiman echoed.
"They might," the chairman said.
Hachiman gave a vague laugh.
"Where are you two off to?" she asked.
"With Haru-nee to Asuna's place," Hachiman said.
"For work negotiations," Asuna added.
"Calling Haruno 'nee-san' makes me feel… complicated," the chairman said.
"Sorry, was that rude?" Hachiman asked.
"What?" Asuna said, confused.
"No, it's because I wish you were our real kids, but I have to suppress that desire," the chairman clarified.
"Your character's changed!" Hachiman blurted.
The chairman laughed joyfully. "No one's ever spoken to me like that. It's refreshing!"
"Hachiman's been sassing a lot lately," Asuna laughed.
"Too many weirdos around me," Hachiman muttered.
"Like my daughters? Especially the bigger one?" the chairman teased.
"Not her chest—her age!" Hachiman clarified.
They laughed harder. After calming down, the chairman said, "Be careful. If you need help, come to me. I'm still in the game."
"Thanks. If we need to intimidate someone, we'll call," Hachiman said.
"That's my heir!" the chairman beamed.
"Heir?" Hachiman blinked.
"Haruno plans to bring our family under Soleil Corporation, so you'd be our successor," she explained.
"Seriously?" Hachiman said.
"It's thrilling," she said.
"You'll have to step up, Hachiman!" Asuna cheered.
Hachiman sighed. "I just wanted to be a househusband."
He added, "I'll make sure our kid can brag that the Yukinoshita and Yuuki families peaked under us."
Asuna hugged him tightly, and the chairman joined in.
"Chairman, what's with the sneak attack?" Hachiman protested.
"It's fine sometimes, right, Asuna?" the chairman said.
"Totally, I get how happy you are!" Asuna approved.
"Asuna, you're contradicting yourself," Hachiman groaned. "Do whatever…"
Their embrace lasted until Kit arrived.
-------------------------------
Hello everyone!
I've already posted 30 new chapters on Patreon!
If you like the story and want to reaad more, please visit my patreon. Every support is very meaningful!
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you very much!