The Service Club room was unusually lively that afternoon. Yui was fiddling with her phone, Yukino was sipping her tea with her usual elegance, and Shizuka-sensei was leaning casually against the desk, pretending to be her usual laid-back self.
Except she wasn't.
Because seated right beside her—far too close for her liking—was Hikigaya Hachiman, that trademark smirk dancing at the corner of his lips.
"Sensei," he murmured lowly, voice pitched just enough so only she could hear, "have you thought about what I asked you?"
Her breath caught, cheeks warming instantly. She glanced at Yui and Yukino—both distracted—for reassurance before whispering back, "H-Hachiman! Not here! The girls—"
"What about them?" he cut her off smoothly, tilting his head so his lips nearly brushed her ear. "They don't need to know… unless you want them to."
Shizuka shivered, heat rising in her cheeks. "Y-you're incorrigible…"
"Persistent," he corrected softly, smirk widening. "So… is that a yes?"
She scowled at him half-heartedly, biting her lip. "I-I told you I'd think about it…"
"And I've decided that 'thinking' is over." His voice was teasing but firm, layered with that unshakable confidence he'd been carrying lately. "So, say yes. Before I make this more obvious and the girls start asking questions."
Her heart pounded as her eyes darted nervously to Yui, who was now watching them curiously. Yukino, ever observant, raised an eyebrow.
Shizuka flushed deeper and hissed under her breath, "Fine! Fine—I'll go!"
Hachiman leaned back in his seat casually, like he hadn't just cornered her into agreeing, and smirked at her fluster. "Good girl. Now, let's make it clear."
Her eyes widened, and she whispered furiously, "D-don't say it here—"
"Home date," he interrupted smoothly, smirk widening as his eyes gleamed with mischief. "At my place. Comfortable. Private. No distractions. You and me."
Shizuka nearly choked on her own breath, clutching at her chest. "Y-you… are you insane?! A-at your home—"
"Don't worry," he said, his tone dipping softer, serious under the teasing. "I'm not rushing anything. I just… want time with you, without the world getting in the way."
Her eyes softened despite herself, though her face remained crimson. "…You're impossible."
"Yet irresistible," he shot back smoothly, making her bite her lip to keep from laughing—or screaming.
"Uhm… Shizuka-sensei?" Yui suddenly spoke, tilting her head. "Your face is super red… are you feeling sick?"
Yukino narrowed her eyes, her sharp gaze moving between Shizuka and Hachiman. "Or perhaps… something else is going on here?"
Shizuka waved her hands frantically, laughing awkwardly. "N-no! Nothing at all! Just, uh… hot tea!"
Meanwhile, Hachiman leaned back in his chair, smirk tugging at his lips as he met Yukino's suspicious glare. "Curiosity killed the cat, Yukinoshita. Don't pry."
The room fell into an odd silence, Shizuka trying desperately to hide her blush while Hachiman looked far too pleased with himself.