— Oh, Hachiman, Kawasaki, look how cool this is! — Totsuka practically merged his face with the observation glass, admiringly examining the work of the mechanisms.
Blinking slowly, I peeled myself off the wall and walked over to the boy.
— I agree, — I scratched my cheek, moving aside to allow Saki to also join in watching the work of the mechanized "laborers."
It is worth noting that the girl, despite noticeable wariness when communicating with me — oh, that Snowball and her interrogation methods — did not ignore our presence, moving as part of the group, apparently having realized my magnificence multiplied by Saika's transcendent cuteness.
...It would be funny if that were the case. However, most likely, the reason for her actions lay in a much more trivial thing: for some unknown reason, Cap chose this same place, which is why all the other classmates immediately rushed after him like ducklings.
As a consequence, the class divided into two parts: a noisy bunch of idiots led by Hayama, and the three of us.
— I heard that robots are our future, — Saika watched intently as steel "arms" assembled a car body.
— Yeah, they'll take our jobs, — Sleepyhead crossed her arms under her chest, nevertheless not hiding an interested look. By the way, today she looked much more cheerful than usual. Did she get enough sleep or something?
However, I didn't go far from her myself, since the picture of a multitude of mechanisms, obeying a single algorithm, tirelessly performing assigned tasks, is truly mesmerizing.
I wonder if science will ever reach a state where a person will have the opportunity to switch on an autopilot. For example: to get to school or work, or to write down a dull lecture. Something in the spirit of a farm bot in an MMORPG.
— Debatable, — nevertheless, I decided to enter the conversation.
The girl looked at me with a question in her eyes.
— It would be more correct to say here that they won't "take" our work, but will start a process of re-qualification, — I paused, trying to formulate the thought so that both she and Totsuka, who had pricked up his ears, would understand the first time. — Look, how was everything arranged initially in the production sphere? Everything by hand, often even without tools. However, man is a lazy creature, so he constantly looked for ways to simplify the process...
— That's all interesting, — Kawasaki interrupted me. — Can you get closer to the topic? The teacher can tell us lectures too.
— Ahem, — I cleared my throat, realizing that the girl was completely right, and I again... started from too far away. — Right. Now the priority is the service sector, and the emphasis will be on it. From rough labor force to mental transition. Even simpler: we won't work, but we will monitor and direct mechanisms that will work for us.
— Still doesn't change the fact that many will lose their places, — Saki continued to persist.
— That means they'll find themselves another occupation, — I shrugged. — And low-skilled niches will remain filled by people because they are difficult to robotize. Cleaning, resource extraction, or those same waitresses.
— How so?! — Saika and Sleepyhead were surprised, staring at me.
Wow, what attention, and to my person. Pleasant, pleasant.
If only I had a goatee to stroke with my hand...
— Too many nuances for automating actions. A huge number of variables; in the near foreseeable future, there is no possibility of creating a program or algorithm covering this gap in calculations.
— But people can just walk up to a robot, — hmm, Kawasaki is developing the topic, doing it logically and coherently.
Plus one point.
Really warms the soul.
— Like in Mac's? — Totsuka found an opportunity to join our discussion.
— Or a vending machine, — Sleepyhead nodded, confirming the guy's assumption.
I chuckled.
— Then one of the reasons people go to restaurants disappears, since for many the goal is to feel important. It's so pleasant for self-esteem. The service sector implies by the name itself that a person wants to be "served." Understand the principle? — waiting for nods, I continued. — And it's exactly the same with the rest, including other sectors. Let's take banal ore mining — can you just walk up and take it? No. Do hundreds of factors need to be considered to obtain it? Yes. Can we, in the next, say, twenty years, create a program code thanks to which a robot will become equal in level of adaptation and understanding of the surrounding situation with a human? No.
— Hachiman, you're so smart, — Saika drawled reverently.
Did I overcomplicate it again? Why such a reaction?!
— Agreed, you don't lack intellect, — Saki muttered thoughtfully.
And you too?
Save face, Hachiman! Save it!
There is this funny thing where it's hard to understand: is the person speaking with sarcasm or not? Seemingly they are praising you, you've already puffed out your chest, mentally raised your self-esteem from its knees, and then you find out that behind your back people are just laughing and mocking.
Familiar, been there.
And the nastiest thing is, it's unclear what to do in such a situation. Take it for granted? Express gratitude? Or start belittling yourself, saying something in the spirit of: "oh come on, everyone knows this, nothing surprising"?
Why don't I have an algorithm of actions in my head for such cases?
...I want to be an unfeeling and eternally logical machine.
— Listen, what do you want to become anyway? — Kawasaki herself offered a way out of the awkward situation by changing the topic.
— Currently, the plans are programming, — and I didn't lie.
Of course, the matter is moving with a squeak, but the most important thing is that the process is not standing still. Thanks to a bunch of forums and guides for dummies.
— That's hard! — Saika, sunshine, stop looking at me with admiration in your eyes. Don't call my heterosexuality into question! — And I want to go into professional tennis!
— Oh, good thought. With your persistence and passion, success is guaranteed for you, — ha, take that, I can give compliments too!
No, no, don't dare blush so cutely!
Damn it...
— Lucky you, I haven't really decided yet, — Kawasaki said gloomily, frowning.
— What's the problem? — I got interested.
— I don't know what to become. I need somewhere where tuition is cheaper, but at the same time an education thanks to which I can find a normal job, — oh, apparently what Taishi was talking about, like, "sister has gone completely crazy about saving money lately."
I managed to pin her little brother to the wall, not without Komachi's help, and shake relatively important information out of him.
— Well, actually, the main thing now is to study; understanding might come later, — I shrugged.
— I'm trying, if you haven't noticed, — did it seem to me, or did Saki pout for a second?
— Then don't worry your head. You aren't slipping in grades, you get a scholarship from the school, choose preparatory courses, and voila, you enter the desired university on a budget spot. Along the way, you don't spend extra money, — my strategy, which I adhere to. Ideal, right? Ideal.
Only for some reason, Sleepyhead looked shocked.
— S-scholarship? — she stared at the floor. — We have a scholarship?
— Umm, — I scratched the back of my head. — Ye-eah?.. It, like, completely covers all expenses for preparatory courses.
I thought everyone knew about this.
— And to get it you just need to... study well? — Saki, you're starting to scare me.
— Not exactly. Rather, have a certain number of points in total for all exams; on average for each subject, you need to have no less than seventy.
Kawasaki sighed noisily and covered her face with her palm.
— And I was dragging myself through evening part-time jobs... — she muttered under her breath.
...Eh?
Apparently noticing my surprise, Sleepyhead jerked up and waved her hands excitedly, which is extremely atypical for her.
— Don't pay attention! Thinking out loud and... — the girl frantically looked around and, realizing that she couldn't fool anyone, let out a quiet moan.
— Kawasaki, is everything okay? — Totsuka gently patted her on the shoulder.
— Everything... is normal, — Saki shook her head. — Just... let's continue outside, okay? Otherwise, they'll completely forget about us.
Right.
With all these conversations, I didn't notice that the excursion had come to an end.
It always happens like this; time flies unnoticed during an interesting conversation.
***
— Bro-o-o-ther, — Komachi, distracted from the console screen, looked at me. — Taishi told me here that everything was successfully resolved for him!
— And how so? — I turned the page of the book.
— As if you don't know, — my sister smiled spitefully and, lowering her palm, ruffled my hair. — Ehe-he, it's nice to switch roles!
— I know nothing. Isn't it heavy for you, by the way?
The girl shook her head negatively.
— Not a bit, — not removing her hand, she began to twist my locks with her fingers. — Moreover, while you are lying on my knees, my Komachi points are growing in infinite progression! So I understand, brother won't tell anything to his favorite sister?
— About what? — I continued to portray blissful ignorance.
— Everything is clear with you, — she pouted jokingly. — Well, I don't need it! As if I'm interested to know!
Realizing that I wasn't going to fall for her game, Komachi clicked her tongue but then smiled softly.
— Anyway, thanks. Taishi and Saki are communicating normally again, and she stopped coming home in the morning.
— For you — you are always welcome, — catching my sister's palm, I tickled its inner part with my index finger, making her giggle.
Technically, nothing prevents me from telling the whole situation, however...
Why meddle in other people's relationships? What was the task? To return peace to the Kawasaki family. Done? Done.
And what methods I achieved this with and what I learned in the process — doesn't matter. If Sleepyhead wants to, she'll tell her brother everything herself, like she did to us with Totsuka.
About the night part-time jobs, and about the worry due to lack of money, and about her own anxieties about the future.
Unlikely the girl wanted me to blab everything to Taishi. On the contrary, that could have aggravated everything.
Private should remain private.
At least, I believe in that.
— Hey, brother, — I was distracted from my thoughts.
Komachi's gaze boded nothing good.
— Didn't think about starting to date Saki?
Blinked.
— Huh? Good girl, domestic, Taishi says she cooks well...
My brain was still trying to understand what my sister was talking about.
— Always alone and alone, you'll die in solitude like that...
Oh, I think I understood.
— Why? I have you, after all, — she choked on her prepared retort hearing my answer.
— Eh-h-h?! My brother is a sis-con?!
I put the book aside.
— Spot on. I am ready to take only my younger sister as a wife, — and, before someone recovered, I continued the thought. — Therefore, Komachi, when you turn eighteen, will you move to the state of Alabama with me?
— So sudden and unexpected, I don't even know... — the girl squeaked, placing her palms on her cheeks, after which she licked her lips and, leaning down, blocking my view with her small chest hidden by a top, whispered in my ear: — Such things need to be said in a more suitable setting, brother...
And pulled away with a sweet smile, not forgetting to wink.
Feeling unreal embarrassment, I covered my eyes with my hand.
Outplayed me at my own game.
I was distracted from further "self-flagellation" by the phone vibrating on the coffee table.
A message? Who is restless?
Somehow reaching the mobile with my hand — my sister's thighs turned out to be painfully comfortable to change position — I looked at the sender.
What?!
— Did something happen, brother? — Komachi got interested.
— It seems to me that I'm having hallucinations, — I handed her the cell phone. The girl nimbly snatched it.
— "Good afternoon, Hikigaya. I ask forgiveness for disturbing you on your day off, however, I am forced to ask you for help in an extremely difficult matter." What does she need from you? — judging by the tone, Yukinoshita clearly doesn't arouse delight in her.
— Don't know, — taking the phone back, I sighed. — Answer or not?
— Depends on what she wants.
Another vibration.
— "Familiar with your character, I hasten to assume that without telling the details, I will not receive an answer, therefore: I need help choosing a gift for Yuigahama," — now it was my turn to read the message aloud.
Komachi and I chuckled simultaneously, after which we exchanged glances.
There it is, the power of brother-sister relationships.
— Is it hard for her herself? — the girl asked with a noticeable share of mockery.
— Most likely, — scratching my cheek, I sent a short "Ok" as an answer.
New message.
"Then let's meet in an hour at the shopping center."
Sighed.
— Anyway, I wouldn't have been able to lie on your knees all day, — rising slightly, I stretched my shoulders.
— Why is that?
— Do not tempt your older brother! Do not lead to the sinful! — I pompously raised my index finger up.
— Oh, — Komachi hugged me from behind. — Well, there, abandoning your favorite sister for some... girl from the side!
— Cake?
— Cake.
After that, I was graciously released and blessed on a good journey.
Eh, if only all problems could be solved by buying a cake.
***
Honestly speaking, I can't stand shopping centers, especially on weekends.
A huge crowd of people, the noise of many voices, and bright signs.
And advertising. The latter is the most annoying, since recently marketers have found new ways to attract attention, due to which you are forever buying something you never wanted.
Why visit such places when everything can be ordered online? It's more convenient, simpler, and, most importantly, less risk of spending extra money.
— Maybe simplify your face, Hikigaya? — Yukinoshita, walking next to me, indifferently looked around the entrances to the trading halls.
By the way, it was a little unusual to see her in casual clothes. A light dress, a blue jacket thrown over the top, and she even tied her hair in two ponytails. Not bad actually, but something could be changed.
Leave only the dress, lengthen it to the knees, a straw hat with wide brims on the head, and change the location to a field with sunflowers. And a smile, a bright smile — mandatory!
I glanced at Snowball's stone face.
Nah, won't work. And what opportunities are lost. Innocent male hearts bleed mixed with bitter tears.
— Your requests are too complex, — I cracked my wrist. — Better tell me the following: have you at least roughly decided on a category? Or will we wander in circles until the eye stumbles upon something?
— And you have no suggestions? — Snowball answered a question with a question.
I rolled my eyes.
— Need I remind you that I wasn't aware of her upcoming birthday at all? The last time I gave gifts to anyone other than my sister was in elementary school.
— I hear pride in the voice.
— Turn minuses into pluses and life will sparkle with new colors.
— Black color cannot be painted pink.
— You are mistaken, it's just that some are too blind to distinguish the subtle facets of shades.
— Didn't know you were an artist.
— I already said: a multitude of talents are hidden in me that people don't even guess about.
— Rather, they try to ignore them. Looking into the abyss is dangerous.
— Nietzsche? I'll take it as a compliment.
— You're always welcome. So what about the gift. Ideas, Hikigaya?
I pondered and looked around again.
— There are few options. Depends on what you know about Yuigahama, that is — her preferences, tastes, and hobbies.
Snowball measured me with a heavy gaze.
— That is the same thing.
— But you definitely understood what I'm talking about.
— Rude, — the girl grumbled quietly, turning away, not noticing the smirk on my face.
In any case, if one thinks seriously, the problem looms quite large.
In essence, a gift to a person is an expression of your attitude toward them. Everything decides here, from the price to practical value. Also, one should not forget about emotional involvement, for example, the connection of the thing with some memory or event. Sometimes through the act of giving, one can both destroy any ties and strengthen them.
Personally, in cases where a need for such an act arises, I limit myself to money. The simplest and most effective way, not associated with any difficulties. Is the attention factor present? Present. And the person will decide for themselves what they need more at the current moment.
However, logic suggests that Yukino won't be satisfied with this.
— ...Cooking, — still not looking in my direction, the girl muttered. — Various bright trinkets and items related to animals. She has a dog, after all.
— I see, — I closed my eyes, modeling possible suitable options in my head.
In principle, the starting conditions are clear.
Choosing something from clothes — miss. Need to know sizes, preferred color scheme, and style. I've seen Doggy only in a school uniform; I suspect Snowball has a similar situation.
Phone accessories? Yui's mobile floated up in my head, on which there was no "living" space left. Discard. Matching bag keychains? Seems like such things are popular with girls, at least my sister told me about such things.
Animals. Dog.
Collar?..
In the end, as a result of brainstorming, I couldn't come to a clear decision. Unfortunately, life is not like program code, and the presence of function values does not provide the opportunity to obtain a reliable answer.
— Your opinion? — Yukinoshita spun around in an apron, allowing me to examine her from all sides.
I showed a thumbs up.
— Is that about me or that it will suit Yuigahama? — the girl narrowed her eyes.
— Yes, — I repeated the gesture.
She naturally pouted.
...I don't want to say this, but plus a third of a point.
— Or maybe pink? — Yukino cast a glance at another color. — She likes bright things. There are such ruffles here too...
Snowball continued to mutter under her nose, carefully examining the fabric, testing it for strength, and studying the labels.
From the side, it looked cute. Caring so much about a gift for a friend — I'm sure someone won't admit this aloud — makes one feel a little happy for her.
Caught the gaze of a young saleswoman on myself.
Looked back at her.
The woman, breaking eye contact, embarrassedly started doing something behind the counter.
If you want to observe someone, try to do it unnoticeably.
Amateur.
— Hey, Hikigaya, will this one suit her? — Yukinoshita held out that very pink apron she had been studying for several minutes.
— Yes. It will look good on Yuigahama.
— Then I'm taking it, — nodding to her thoughts, the girl marched toward the checkout.
I pondered.
And what should I buy for Doggy? And is it necessary to buy anything at all?
As a club accomplice? Since our relationship stretches to be called friendly with a huge stretch. The most correct description: close to buddies.
But Snowball bought one, so there is no special choice.
Collective responsibility, all that stuff.
Hmm...
If Yukinoshita takes an apron, then I'll take oven mitts! Inexpensive, tasteful, combines in a set. Anyway better than a card or a plain souvenir bought in the nearest store in a hurry.
Look, I see suitable ones right there, with an embroidered heart. Hope Yui doesn't get the wrong idea.
***
Having paid for the purchases, we stopped near a small decorative fountain.
— Thanks for the help, Hikigaya, — why did you accompany that with a nod of the head? Isn't it too official?
— You owe me, — surprisingly, but now her reaction to my words brought pleasure. For a second she was embarrassed, then immediately frowned and pursed her lips irritably. A whole storm of emotions.
— Couldn't you just say something like: "you're welcome" or "anytime"? — eyebrows drawn together suited her. Considering, of course, that the anger was feigned and more out of habit. However, were it otherwise — I wouldn't try to provoke her.
— No-ope, binds with a certain kind of obligations, — let's pour a drop of oil on the fire.
— Sociopath, — Yukinoshita stamped, causing a small smile from me.
— Today you are incredibly generous with compliments, — added an oily tone at the end, thanks to lessons from Komachi.
...Which drove her into a slight stupor. The power of cognitive dissonance in action, although it seemed to me she should have adapted to such things by now.
Nothing, another five-six times and she'll stop reacting. Of the minuses: I'll have to look for a new way.
By the way, such things help perfectly when communicating with other people. Like, Snowball subconsciously already understands that I do all this as a "joke," thanks to which she develops a kind of immunity to passive-aggressive answers from a person who couldn't be pressured immediately.
I felt too sorry for her back then, during the attempt to bring Kawasaki into the open.
Sleepyhead in that case, of course, played harder, but I have nowhere to hurry. Step by step and we will socialize the young lady, prepare her for the realities of unfair life.
Although, it seems exactly such a task stood before Yukino, received from Hiratsuka.
Funny.
— I wanted to... — recovering from the "blow," Snowball decided to answer, but was interrupted by a shout from the side.
— Wow, Yukino? Didn't expect to see you here! — turning my head toward the voice, I saw a young girl hurrying in our direction, heels clicking loudly.
— S-sister? — Yukinoshita turned pale at the same moment and involuntarily took a step back.
An alarming reaction.
Shifted focus to the unfamiliar person again.
A smile on the face, eyes slightly closed, reducing the risk of eye contact. Movement pattern hints at cordiality: wide confident stride, waving hand, and ignoring the attention of others.
Makeup at a minimum, highlighting the most important aspects: lips, eyes. Hairstyle quite short, shoulder-length, seems messy, but traces of careful styling are visible — there is a symmetry in asymmetry, however strange it sounds.
Light top with open shoulders — a hint at freedom and emancipation. Tight pants.
First impression — pure Genki girl.
The problem is in Snowball's reaction. For a second, frank fear flashed in her eyes. Even though I don't know Yukino very well, such a reaction raises a number of questions.
— Didn't expect to see you here! — approaching us, the girl leaned forward. — Walking with your boyfriend? Dressed up so much, a sight for sore eyes!
Only now did she look in my direction, appraisingly looking me up and down as if I were some goods in a shop window.
— Hi! — apparently convinced of something, Snowball's sister smiled broadly. — As you understood, I am Yukino's older sister, Haruno.
— Hikigaya, — I threw back briefly.
By the way, her passage about "walking with a boyfriend." Somehow simplistic, to some extent — expected. If you want to embarrass someone close, play on what they have difficulties with. In Yukinoshita's case, everything is obvious.
Look, irritation burns like fire in her eyes.
— Nice to meet you! Have you been dating my sister for long? — continues to press, ignoring Snowball's angry glares, while perfectly realizing what her words will lead to.
As an older brother — I understand perfectly. This magnificent feeling cannot be replaced by anything.
The question remains: support her game or take Yukino's side?
On the one hand — an excellent opportunity to play on the girl's nerves, simultaneously risking losing all gained points, on the other... it's not a fact that attempts to dispute her words will lead to anything good.
This is from the series when parents see you with a classmate and start building theories aloud about your deep connection. Only now they are strangling not me with questions.
...Turns out, I am in the role of the girl? Or the guy? Partner, basically.
What should one do in such cases in this position?
— Sister, stop it. There is no romantic connection between me and Hikigaya, — Yukinoshita woke up from the stupor in time, entering the dialogue and standing between me and Haruno.
— Yea-ah? — this didn't stop the girl a bit. — That is, you want to tell me that you are just simply, the two of you, strolling through the shopping center?
— Exactly.
Yukinoshita-senior pouted her lips.
— I don't believe it.
— You don't need to, — tired notes flashed in Snowball's voice.
Apparently, not the first time. Now it is clear why she got scared if such things happen on a permanent basis.
Komachi and I have had similar things, only with one small difference.
My precious knows how to bare her teeth in response, sometimes — too successfully.
— Is this how you treat your beloved sister? — Haruno wiped away an invisible tear and, tilting her head to the side, looked at me over Yukino's shoulder. — And how do you relate to this, Hikigaya?
Still trying to weave me into the dialogue, putting me in an awkward position?
Does such a thing really bring you pleasure?
What a... Troll.
And a fat one at that, well-fed.
— To what? A classmate asked me to help, I agreed. Nothing more, nothing less, — answered calmly, without unnecessary emotions.
Won't get too involved for now, play it neutral.
— Really? Or, maybe, you still cherished the thought in your soul that thanks to this you could get closer to my Yukino? — she grabbed Snowball by the shoulders and pressed her to herself, ignoring the indignant cry of the girl, clearly unhappy with sharp tactile contact against her will. — I won't give her up!
As if I needed that.
Kami-sama, how I want to answer right juicy and with sarcasm, but no prerequisites yet. So far all her actions have been directed purely at Snowball; if I show too much "initiative," it will mean my interest. Well, and at the same time put Haruno in a dominant position where she will calmly lead the dialogue.
Encountered such types on the expanses of imageboards. Unfortunately, the golden rule saved there: "Don't feed the troll." In real life, such a thing works... not always.
— Let go, — breaking out of her sister's grip, Yukino smoothed the folds on her dress. — Do you need something?
— I was just passing by...
— Then keep going, — the girl cut her off quite rudely.
— What a grump you are of mine, — Haruno rolled her eyes and, bypassing Yukinoshita, moved close to me, grabbing my hand, simultaneously pressing it into her chest. — Do you also want to chase me away, Hikigaya?
Snapped, in the end, decided to switch to me. Also climbed into personal space, simultaneously trying to play on hormones.
Oh, no, the poor schoolboy felt the touch of a female body, danger! Hormones! Trembling!
...And this unties my hands.
— Unless to send Yukino for the nearest policeman so he can record the fact of committing sexual harassment. And to a minor at that, tsk-tsk, — for effect I clicked my tongue, looking her straight in the eyes for the first time during the meeting.
— How cruel, you meet the guy of your dreams, and he immediately — to court, we haven't even managed to get married yet, — she skewed her gaze toward Snowball. — By the way, sister, you don't mind if I take your "non"-boyfriend from you, with whom you are on a "non"-date?
Mm-m, what a beautiful move, what a game.
Walked over me, returning the serve, and didn't forget about Yukinoshita.
Immediately visible — many years of experience.
Respectable.
— I take off my hat, — couldn't resist and commented aloud. — However, I don't believe in love at first sight. We need to get to know each other better.
— Go on a date? — whoa-whoa, apparently, I'm not the only one starved for such a style of communication.
Plus, simultaneously, I will completely switch attention from Snowball — attentively watching our squabble — to myself. Horror, I make such sacrifices, and in the name of what? Joke.
And, generally, hormones are always to blame for everything.
— Too early.
— Oh, and what do you propose? — Haruno put a finger to her lips, still not letting go of my hand.
— Rely on fate and the will of chance, of course. If we bump into each other a few more times, then we can go on a date, — smirked.
— What romantic guys we have nowadays, — finally the Troll ate its fill and decided to let the victims go home.
Correct approach. Bite, satisfy hunger, and let the "fodder" grow fat back.
Yukinoshita-senior looked at her wristwatch.
— Pity, but I'll have to leave you. Business-business, after all, I have, — she looked at her sister, — not so much free time. So have fun, Yukino, while there is an opportunity.
Snowball grimaced.
Hmm?
— And as for you, Hikigaya, — she violated my personal space again, touching my chin with her finger. — Don't forget: a couple of accidental meetings and you owe me — a date.
After which Haruno winked at me, waved her hand to her sister, and hurried to leave the shopping center.
— This happens every time... — Yukino muttered quietly, seeing her relative off with an irritated gaze.
I smiled sympathetically.
Seemingly close relatives, yet so cardinally different. Amazing.
Oh, by the way, she was joking about the date, right?
She won't stake me out on purpose, will she?
...Right?