He didn't even remember the guy's name, let alone his face.
Hachiman silently checked the task that was triggered this time, not knowing if that pervert could be counted as a cuckold. Maybe he should have Ursula take care of him later and see if there's a reward.
["Character Mission – Slave of Desire."]
["Kasumi Sugisaki is a true honor student, though she doesn't participate in any social activities and seems unremarkable, she works hard every day, burying herself in studies."]
["However, Kasumi Sugisaki, who silently endures external temptations and studies alone, has not noticed the ever-increasing desires deep in her heart."]
["A dam always needs to release floodwaters; otherwise, the flood will break the dam and wreak havoc. The more desire is repressed, the more easily it breaks free from the bonds of reason, leading to irreparable consequences."]
Ever-increasing desire... does this mean helping her release it? Otherwise, she'll become a slave to desire?
Hachiman was slightly stunned when he saw this task.
Isn't this just like that temporary manager mission for the girls' swim team? Only this time, Kasumi Sugisaki's inner pressure is a bit too much. She looks like a bookworm, but internally she's accumulating an immense pressure that could drastically change her personality.
Though according to the settings of the Inner World, the corresponding reaction to ever-increasing desire should be falling into indulgence and addiction.
Kasumi Sugisaki... Train Moleste)... the trope of a country girl becoming a beauty after taking off her glasses...
Hachiman thought carefully, but still couldn't recall any plot involving this Kasumi Sugisaki. Maybe the doujinshi was too old or the storyline too bland. But since the Love List issues a warning when danger is detected, that's fine too.
If he wanted to complete this task, he thought he could first have Yuina or Ichiji Nijika befriend Kasumi Sugisaki.
Kasumi's pressure is too great. Partly because she's too absorbed in studying, and partly because she might be in an isolated situation in the class, without any friends to relieve that internal pressure.
Hmm... in theory, he could use the same method as with the girls' swim team, just like when he counseled Sakurase Shino, and clear the stage in a day.
But on one hand, he was just trying to prevent others from being molested, not shamelessly expecting someone to offer their body in gratitude.
On the other hand, considering the emphasis on "desire" in the task description, it's likely that Kasumi Sugisaki has already built up quite a bit of it, and needs to be slowly guided and released.
If he suddenly lets her vent all that pressure too quickly, she might really become a slave to desire.
So far, he's been close with so many girls, and they all enjoy hanging out with him. But once they part ways, their studies and lives are still normal. They all become more positive and optimistic after releasing their stress with him.
He didn't want to mess up and make a seemingly upright and normal girl like Kasumi become enslaved by desire.
"Hikigaya-kun? Are you still thinking about Sugisaki-san just now? Don't worry. When you and the station manager explained things earlier, I exchanged contact info with her. Once she gets home, she'll message me to say she's safe," Ichiji Nijika waved her hand in front of Hachiman. Seeing him come back to his senses and look at her, she smiled gently to comfort him.
"And besides, Sugisaki-san can't be that unlucky, encountering danger twice in such a short time."
It's not that they didn't want to escort Sugisaki home, but she didn't want to be accompanied. They weren't that familiar either, so it wouldn't be appropriate to follow her all the way to her house.
"I just didn't expect that after saying to Honami that you girls are too pretty and might run into trouble if walking home alone, we'd actually run into a pervert."
Hachiman shook his head and looked at Ichinose Honami, who was walking beside him.
The Love List had just issued a warning, and he didn't even need to teleport, he dealt with the threat immediately. He didn't know whether to call Honami a jinx or someone with divine foresight.
"I was surprised too. Thankfully you were there, Hikigaya-kun. Otherwise, Nijika and I wouldn't have known what to do," Ichinose Honami smiled helplessly when she heard Hachiman's words.
She was only joking around with Hikigaya, who would've thought something would actually happen?
"Didn't you say even without me, you two were strong and there's nothing to worry about?", Hachiman smiled and looked at Ichinose Honami, who was previously raising her little fists in front of him.
"Ugh... I mean, I did say that, but since it hadn't happened to me before, I couldn't be 100% sure I'd be able to handle it...", Ichinose Honami blushed and smiled awkwardly, speaking in a small voice.
Before something like that actually happens, she could speak confidently. But when it really does, she couldn't guarantee she'd react ideally.
Like that pervert on the train just now. Though Hikigaya beat him down in seconds, if she had to do it herself, it would take serious courage just to look at that repulsively greasy and perverted face.
"Mmhm~ Lucky Hikigaya-kun walked us back. Thank you, Hikigaya-kun~", Ichiji Nijika nodded as well. Compared to the tall, athletic Honami, she was smaller and had thinner arms, she'd have had an even harder time if something happened.
Thinking back, the pervert's intended target… if Kasumi Sugisaki hadn't been there, it probably would've been her.
Even though she'd definitely call the police if something happened, just the thought of being harassed by a train molester was disgusting.
"Well then, I'll accept your thanks. Remember to bring me something tasty tomorrow as protection fee," Since the danger was over, Hachiman didn't keep talking about the pervert and cheerfully changed the subject.
"Hehe, sure, I'll bring you some snacks and milk tomorrow morning," Ichiji Nijika giggled and agreed, but just as she said that, she suddenly remembered something and quickly pulled two yellow tickets with black text from her backpack.
"Oh right, I also formed a band with some friends. We're performing for the first time this Saturday. Can you come support us?", As she spoke, Ichiji Nijika handed the tickets to Hachiman and Ichinose Honami.
"Concert tickets?", Ichinose Honami blinked as she looked at the tickets, feeling the topic had jumped too wildly.
Just after the pervert incident, she suddenly finds out her classmate is an idol?
"Uh-haha, not that dramatic. It's not a big concert, just Livehouse tickets. Besides us, there'll be a bunch of other bands performing. If you're free, come cheer us on?", Ichiji Nijika looked slightly embarrassed, but her strong mentality made the awkwardness vanish quickly. Realizing Honami misunderstood, she energetically explained.
"You're not trying to give them away, are you? As far as I know, bands performing have to sell tickets to cover costs. I'll buy these. How many more do you have? I'll bring Shion and Komachi too."
Hachiman shook his head. Snacks and drinks were fine, normal between friends. But Nijika's family wasn't well-off, so it wouldn't be right to have her treat him.
He'd never been to a Livehouse, but he had watched Bocchi the Rock, so he knew underground bands performing there were usually broke. Bands often had to pay venue fees and ask friends to buy tickets to help out. Making money was rare, especially for a newbie like Nijika, if ticket sales could cover the venue fee, that'd be good enough.
But as someone freeloading off a politician's daughter, a mermaid idol, and an elf princess, he obviously couldn't let Nijika take the loss.
Besides, Komachi and the others had never been to a live underground show. It'd be a nice outing.
"These two I'll pay for myself, it's fine. As for bringing others... our band hasn't practiced together for long. You might be disappointed," Nijika scratched the back of her head and lowered her voice in embarrassment.
It's great that Hikigaya knows about ticket sales and wants to support them, but she couldn't shamelessly let him spend so much.
One ticket each as good friends was enough, bringing family would be awkward if the performance flopped.
"I get it. Yumiko told me your guitarist's been missing and you haven't practiced at all, you're still trying to find someone," Hachiman nodded in understanding.
"Yumiko told you that too?", Nijika was stunned and mentally raised Hikigaya's standing in Yumiko's heart again.
Although it wasn't a secret, it was just her hobby. Yumiko usually just expressed support without paying much attention. If Hikigaya knew, it meant Yumiko talked to him about everything.
Hmm... when she chatted with Marin earlier, Marin also said Yumiko might be talking to Hikigaya about some shady things...
'So Yumiko's "friends with benefits" thing was real? Not a joke?"
'Then is Hikigaya also like that with Yuina, Minami, Rin?'
'Hiss...'
Even though Nijika played in a rock band and knew many underground bands had chaotic personal lives, her sister had sheltered her from the details. This was her first time realizing how wild people around her were.
"Yes. If you really can't find someone, I know a friend who's amazing at guitar. I can introduce her to you," Hachiman smiled and nodded. He was referring to Gotou Hitori—Bocchi.
Don't be fooled by her timid and neurotic appearance. Though she seems mentally unstable and hard to approach, Bocchi's guitar skills are top-tier. For Nijika's newbie band, she'd be like a max-level pro dropping into the noob zone.
"Really?", Nijika didn't expect that just by thanking Hikigaya, she'd find a top guitarist. She looked at him in surprise.
"Of course. She's a music major and a member of the Service Club. You've heard of what the Service Club does, right? You can come submit a request, and then we can assign her to your band under club activity," Hachiman explained simply. Though the Service Club had many problem children, it was still a good place for Bocchi. And her hard-earned guitar skills shouldn't go to waste. Despite her social anxiety, she still craved praise.
Assigning her to Nijika's band would make that group a branch of the Service Club, allowing for occasional activities.
After all, a rock band needs parties.
"Uh, is she really that good? Our band is pretty weak... won't she be disappointed?", Seeing how formal Hachiman sounded, Nijika hesitated.
She wanted skilled members, but had self-awareness. If someone's too good, they might not even bother with her.
"No worries. She's just good technically. She has a lot of other flaws, you'll have to tolerate her a bit," Hachiman waved it off. Bocchi wouldn't be mistaken for a noob thanks to his recommendation, but she had no experience collaborating with others, so they'd still need to go through a lot of adjustment to become a real band.
"Lots of flaws? Hmm... then please introduce her tomorrow, Hikigaya-kun. Let's see if she's willing to join us," Hearing it was "she," Nijika thought for a moment and agreed.
Her band was already at rock bottom skill-wise, having a pro guide them was better than a bunch of noobs floundering around.
"Ahem, Nijika, Hikigaya-kun, we're at my place," Ichinose Honami suddenly coughed and gently interrupted them.
They were supposed to be walking her home. Once she's in, the two could chat all they wanted, but they'd completely ignored her.
"Huh? Already?", Nijika looked up and realized they were standing at the gate of a large residence. The nameplate next to the gate clearly displayed the Ichinose family name.
The estate was huge. From the gate, they could see artificial hills and flowing water in the garden under the night sky.
"Your house is really big...", Nijika couldn't help but sigh. If a mere councilman lived this luxuriously, how extravagant must the true aristocrats be?
Even the servants here probably lived better than her whole family.
"I'm just staying here temporarily. It's not really my home," Ichinose Honami smiled and shook her head. She thought it was a bit exaggerated too, she never imagined they had such a rich relative.
But no matter how rich they were, it had nothing to do with her. She just had to carry out her uncle's request, get close to Hikigaya and Princess Iris of the Elves, to repay his financial support to her family.
Once she gets into college and finds a job, she could take over her mother's burdens and make sure her mom and little sister live happily.
Of course, college was the ideal plan. If that didn't work out, she'd just start working after high school. It all depended on how well she could score, and whether she could get a tuition waiver.
"Hikigaya-kun, Nijika, I'll go in first. Be careful on your way home, and message me when you get back safely," Ichinose Honami saw a servant coming to open the gate and slightly bowed to Hachiman and Ichiji Nijika.
"Mm, of course. Oh right, this wristband. Please pass it to Ayano-san for me, and tell her tomorrow there will be a new elf princess transferring to Sobu High. Tonight, she should... get a good night's sleep."
Hachiman nodded, his gaze swept across the mansion, and seeing a slender figure standing in front of a window of one of the buildings inside, looking over here from afar, he couldn't help but smile, then suddenly took out a delicate and beautiful silver bracelet and handed it to Ichinose Honami.
Although something happened today and he didn't find a chance to chat privately with Ichinose Honami, he still had to find a way to win her over.
Tonight, he would first educate Ichinose Ayano a bit, he couldn't let her live too comfortably.
"Honami, goodbye~"
Ijichi Nijika blinked at the silver bracelet in Hachiman's hand, didn't ask much, and smilingly bid farewell to Ichinose Honami.
"Mm? Alright, Hikigaya-kun, goodbye, Nijika, goodbye."
Ichinose Honami somewhat confusedly accepted the silver bracelet, and only after watching Hachiman and Ijichi Nijika leave did she walk into the Ichinose family's mansion.
While heading to Ichinose Ayano's room, she lowered her head to look at this bracelet engraved with strange patterns, very delicate and beautiful.
'Is Ayano's relationship with Hikigaya-kun very good? He actually specially gave such a pretty gift?'
She had to ask about how Ayano was doing in the Service Club, and to what degree her relationship with Hikigaya-kun had progressed.
If Ayano was making good progress over there, then she didn't need to try too hard on her side, lest she steal Ayano's credit. If Ayano wasn't progressing well, then she'd have to work twice as hard and take on Ayano's share too.
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