"I'm heading out. See ya, Karen."
"Yeah, see you, Hachiman-kun."
Karen watched him go, a reluctant smile playing on her lips. From inside the cafe, she watched as the SHINC girls swarmed him. She let out a small sigh.
"He's popular, isn't he... and those girls look so happy to see him. But today was definitely a lucky day. Hachiman Hikigaya, huh..."
She looked down at the business card he had given her.
"Wait... the Department Head of Soleil? No way... at his age...?"
Stunned by the revelation, Karen remained in her seat. Part of her still lacked the courage to face Saki and the others head-on.
"Oh, it's Hachiman-san!"
"It really is!"
"Hachiman-san! What are you doing here?"
"Did you come to see me?"
"He came to see us, don't get ahead of yourself!"
Hachiman gave a wry smile at their boundless energy and quickly briefed the six of them on the Fortress Defense Battle.
"It'll likely be tomorrow night. How does that look for you?"
"Oh, that's fine! We have tomorrow off from practice."
"We worked extra hard today to make up for it!"
"Perfect timing, then."
"Yes!"
Having delivered the message, Hachiman saw the girls off as their coach arrived to pick them up. He glanced back toward the cafe. To his surprise, Karen was still there. Noticing his gaze, she scrambled out of her seat and ran toward him.
"Sorry! I think I was just... spacing out."
"No, I was the one who told you to take your time."
"Right... it's not like we had a second meeting planned or anything, and yet here I am..."
Karen realized her words made it sound like she was lingering just to see him again. She flushed, trying to correct herself. Watching her, Hachiman felt a sense of fond amusement.
"It's getting late. If you'd like, I can walk you partway home?"
"Oh! No, I couldn't possibly impose..."
"It's fine, really. I promise I won't try to barge into your house."
"...Really? Then... okay."
"Then lead the way."
This was another first for Karen. Despite her initial nerves, Hachiman was a perfect gentleman. He listened intently to everything she said, nodding along, and before she knew it, she had enjoyed herself so much she'd walked him all the way to her front door.
"I'm so sorry! We were talking so much I walked right to my house... that's it, over there."
"I don't mind the walk, but are you sure you're okay with a guy like me knowing where you live?"
"Mm. If it's you, Hachiman-kun, I don't mind at all."
"Well... if you're sure."
Hachiman bid her goodnight and turned to leave. For a fleeting second, Karen considered inviting him in, but the memory of her uncleaned room stopped her. She watched him go with a mix of regret and excitement. To anyone who knew her, the idea of Karen Kohiruimaki letting a man walk her home—let alone wanting to invite him in—was unheard of. She, however, was blissfully unaware of how momentous this was.
Once inside, she immediately called Miyu.
"Kohie? What's up?"
"Miyu, are you still coming down this Saturday?"
"Of course! I, the great Miyu-sama, am coming to comfort my poor, lonely, single-living Kohie! In a sexual way, obviously!"
Karen didn't skip a beat.
"Actually, the stay-over is cancelled."
"Wait! No! I'm kidding! I'm kidding!"
Miyu scrambled to apologize. Karen replied with a playful, mischievous lilt in her voice.
"Honestly, Miyu, you never change. Do you really want to see that person that badly?"
"Yeah. I don't have an appointment, so the chances are low, but if I don't go, nothing starts... Wait, Kohie, what was that tone? Don't tell me you know my Leader?!"
"Maybe. We happened to meet today."
There was a pregnant pause. Miyu's voice dropped an octave.
"...With Hachiman-sama?"
"Yeah. With Hachiman-kun."
Miyu let out a blood-curdling shriek.
"No way! Hey, Kohie, you know the rules! I get to 'do it' with the Leader first!"
"Okay, I'm hanging up now. Bye, Miyu."
"Wait! Joke! It was a joke! Seriously though, did you get Hachiman-sama's contact info?!"
"Hmm, I wonder."
"Gah! You're teasing me!"
Listening to Miyu's frustrated groans, Karen gave a small, knowing giggle.
"Well... you might have something to look forward to on Saturday."
"Agggh! Just you wait! When I see you, I'm going to kowtow so hard in thanks it'll break the floor!"
"Right, right. See you then, Miyu."
"Yeah! Later, Kohie!"
Karen hung up, having successfully deflected her friend while giving her a glimmer of hope.
"This weekend is going to be fun..."
With a day full of "firsts" finally behind her, Karen whispered those words to herself and drifted into a restless, excited sleep.
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