To say that Mori Shinra didn't blame Hikigaya and Yuigahama at all would definitely be a lie.
After all, he was just walking properly on the sidewalk, not playing on his phone or doing anything else, just heading to school normally. Then, because of a suddenly appearing dog and a madman who risked his life to save it, he got into a car accident and was forced to rest at home for two solid weeks.
Even if Shinra gained his system because of it, it was impossible for him to have no opinion of Hikigaya and Yuigahama. At most, he just wouldn't go looking for trouble.
Later, when Hikigaya came to the Service Club, Shinra didn't pay it much mind. If it weren't for Hiratsuka-sensei's Wish Request, he would have likely stood by and watched as Yukinoshita turned him away.
After spending a few days with Hikigaya, Shinra no longer held any ill feelings towards him. And to be fair, as a friend, Hikigaya Hachiman was actually a pretty good choice.
He had sufficient emotional intelligence, a decent IQ, no bad habits, and his manners were impeccable. His temperament could even be called gentle. It was just a mystery why such a person would have no friends. It was probably due to the explosive, twisted personality that resulted from his miserable past experiences.
So, after a few days together, Shinra really had no issues with Hikigaya anymore. He believed Hikigaya could also see this from his actions and behavior.
It was an unspoken, mutual understanding between them.
Now that Hikigaya had broken the silence and apologized so solemnly—not to mention that, in a way, he was now a source of Wish Points for him—Shinra naturally had no reason not to forgive him. As for Yuigahama-san, she could just be considered an add-on. It also happened to complete the Wish Request.
Speaking of which, three members in the Service Club were still too few. Yukinoshita and Hikigaya didn't have many friends, and Shinra was in a similar boat, so practically no one came to the Service Club to make requests.
If they could pull Yuigahama in, this problem might be solved quite well. Don't be fooled by the fact that she can't even make cookies; she was actually a member of the popular normie group in the class.
According to the social hierarchy of a Japanese campus, Yuigahama-san, whose grades were not ideal, was actually in the highest tier, much higher than him and Hikigaya!
As for Yukinoshita Yukino... she was an exception and couldn't be counted.
"I forgive you. Please, raise your heads."
Mori Shinra's words entered Hikigaya's and Yuigahama's ears, giving them a dreamlike, unreal feeling.
Hikigaya subconsciously straightened up, only to be lightly punched in the chest by Shinra.
"What are you doing, man? Suddenly pulling a stunt like this."
The implication was, why did you have to go and break our mutual understanding, making the atmosphere so serious?
"Uh, I felt that if I didn't clear the air soon, we might all be in mortal danger," Hikigaya said, scratching his head. After seeing that Shinra truly didn't blame him, he finally felt completely at ease.
After all, before, it was all just speculation and deduction. Now that things were out in the open and he was forgiven, Hikigaya finally felt grounded.
Yuigahama at the side was also a bit flustered by the sudden turn of events, but after seeing the matter resolved perfectly, a silly smile appeared on her face.
In any case, it was good that things were resolved.
Wait! What did he mean by mortal danger?
Yuigahama suddenly reacted. Could the mortal danger Hikigaya mentioned be referring to taste-testing her cookies?
Alright, she admitted that her cookies were a tiny bit terrible, but they weren't at the level of endangering someone's life, were they?
They could still be considered within the category of food... right?
Yuigahama thought, feeling a little guilty.
"Yuigahama-san."
"Here!"
Hearing Mori Shinra call her name, Yuigahama Yui subconsciously stood at attention, like a soldier being inspected by a superior officer.
"Since I've already accepted the apology, about these cookies..." Shinra hinted tactfully, yet not so tactfully.
"I get it, I get it. I won't make them anymore."
Yuigahama's face flushed red, and she secretly resolved to ask her mother for cooking lessons when she got home. In a while, she would definitely make Mori Shinra and Hikigaya see her in a new light.
Shinra saw the emotional tags like 'unwilling,' 'annoyed,' and 'striving' hovering over Yuigahama's head, and his eyelid couldn't help but twitch. What is this silly girl planning?!
Whatever. If she really tried to make something strange again later, Shinra would definitely use Hikigaya as a human shield.
Bro, I took the hit for you before. Now it's your turn.
Hikigaya, lacking the Emotion Perception ability, naturally had no idea what Yuigahama was thinking. But for some reason, he felt a chill run through his body, as if something was watching him. It was strangely creepy.
"By the way, have you considered joining the Service Club, Yuigahama-san?" Shinra asked.
"Eh? Can I?" Yuigahama's eyes widened. To be honest, she was very interested in the Service Club. Plus, she wasn't in any club at the moment, so it could perfectly fill that void.
Not to mention, the club had Hikki, Yukinoshita, and Mori Shinra, peers who had all given her a good impression.
So there was absolutely no reason to refuse!
"What do you think, Yukinoshita?"
Shinra looked at Yukinoshita, who had gone silent ever since Hikigaya and Yuigahama started their apology.
However, she seemed to still be spacing out. Shinra couldn't help but raise his voice and call her again.
"Yukinoshita-san?"
"Ah, sorry, I was distracted. Yuigahama-san wants to join the Service Club? Of course, that's fine," Yukinoshita said, quickly giving her reply after snapping out of it.
Hearing this, Yuigahama happily hugged Yukinoshita. The latter was clearly not used to her enthusiasm, and a helpless expression appeared on her delicate face.
"Yuigahama-san... too close..."
And just like that, the Service Club gained another stalwart member.
Mori Shinra had also successfully completed the gray Wish Request.
Wish Point +1
"Yukinoshita, what are you doing opening the flour bag?" Shinra noticed her actions.
"Ah... um... I saw there was still some milk and whipped cream left over. I thought we shouldn't waste it, so I plan to use them up," Yukinoshita said, her eyes darting away, her words not matching her thoughts.
Hearing this, Yuigahama at the side immediately raised her hand and shouted.
"Eh? Are you making cookies too, Yukinoshita-san? I'll help!"
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary."
"Huh?"
As expected of someone who had been living alone since her first year of high school, Yukinoshita's cooking skills were leagues above Yuigahama's. Her movements were crisp and efficient, her control over the ingredients was extremely precise, and the whole process was as smooth as flowing water, leaving the other three members of the Service Club watching in a daze.
With a 'ding', the cookies were out of the oven.
Yukinoshita turned to the three who had already gathered around, a serene smile on her face.
"If you don't mind, please help me with a taste test."