"Yuki~ Did you call me here for something?" Yui Yuigahama pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Ah, you're here." Yukino Yukinoshita spoke softly as she reached into her school bag and pulled out a small gift box.
"Today's your birthday, right? So Hachiman and I went out over the weekend to pick out a present for you."
Having never done something like this before, Yukino looked slightly embarrassed.
"Huh? For me?" Yui's face lit up with surprise.
"What, is it that strange for me to give someone a gift?" Seeing the expression on Yui's face, Yukino feigned a hint of irritation, her refined features tightening slightly.
"No, no, that's not what I meant. I just never expected you to remember my birthday." Yui waved her hands in protest, smiling sheepishly.
She accepted the gift box from Yukino with a bright grin. "Can I open it now?"
"Eh? Sure." Yukino blinked, then nodded, giving her permission.
Yui took the small knife that Hachiman handed her and opened the box. Inside was a pink apron trimmed with lace and floral embroidery.
"Oh wow~ Yukino, how did you know I liked this kind of thing?"
Yui's eyes sparkled as she hugged Yukino tightly, rubbing her cheek against her like an affectionate puppy.
"W-what are you doing? Let go of me." Yukino, flustered and clearly unused to being embraced by another girl, tried to push Yui away.
"Hehe~ Yukino-chan is still so shy," Yui teased, poking Yukino's cheek with her finger.
Yukino slapped Yui's mischievous hand away, a faint blush blooming on her face. "Aren't you going to try it on? If not, I'll take it back."
Threatened by Yukino's words, Yui quickly let go and gave her a cheerful smile.
"This side of you is rare, Yukino. You're not like you used to be at all."
After changing into the apron, Yui spun around twice and held out the sides of it with both hands.
"What do you think, Hikki?" she asked, leaning toward Hachiman.
"Hmm... Not bad. Very housewife-like," Hachiman said, scanning her up and down with a detached but honest tone.
"Eh~? Really? That's such high praise from you." Yui blushed as she heard his evaluation.
"So... do you have something for me too, Hikki?" she asked with hopeful eyes.
"I knew you'd ask that."
Hachiman reached into his bag, rummaging around. "I thought this might suit you."
He pulled out a brand-new dog collar and showed it to Yui.
Yui took the collar from his hand and, without hesitation, fastened it around her neck.
"Eh, isn't that... never mind." Hachiman stared in disbelief, then gave up with a sigh.
"What? I think it suits me really well."
Still unaware of the implication, Yui blinked in confusion.
"Well, if you like it, that's all that matters."
"That's... not..." Yukino blinked as she registered what Hachiman had given her. She looked a bit puzzled.
"What is it?" Yui asked, watching the two of them with suspicion.
"Nothing. Yukino and I just think it really fits you."
Hachiman smiled, casually misleading the clueless Miss Dango.
"Eh~? Yukino thinks so too?" Yui turned to ask her.
"Ah... Mm. It does suit you," Yukino replied, playing along with her boyfriend.
Yui beamed with joy at their approval.
"Wait a sec... Did you two go out last weekend together?" she suddenly realized.
"Yeah, we went out to buy your gift," Yukino said nonchalantly.
"Then... how about the three of us go out together next time? I've never really gone shopping with you, Yukino."
Yui raised her index finger, making the suggestion.
Hearing this, Hachiman groaned and covered his face in despair.
"Next week? Maybe give it a bit more time. I spent all last weekend playing tennis with Totsuka and didn't really get any rest. My legs and calves are still sore."
Yukino, not known for her physical stamina, turned to Yui to discuss alternatives.
"Alright. Then we can use the time to plan properly," Yui agreed.
"Uh, can I say something... can we not go shopping?" Hachiman interjected, trying to voice his concern.
"Then what should we do?" Yui looked at him curiously.
"Well, it's so hot lately. Shopping will just make us all sweaty and sticky. Doesn't sound pleasant."
"Then where would you like to go, Hachiman?" Yukino asked, narrowing her eyes at him.
"It's summer... swimming, obviously."
"Oh? Is that what you really think?" Yukino's deep blue eyes fixed on him. "Then let's go to the beach. I'll have the driver take us."
"Wait, what?" Hachiman, who was actually thinking of an indoor pool, was stunned.
"Really? Yukino, you're the best!" Yui lit up instantly at the idea.
"Alright then, it's settled. Yui, go home and start preparing. We'll spend a weekend at the beach."
"Hmm... in that case, can I bring Komachi? That girl's probably dying to go too."
Hachiman turned to Yukino.
"Komachi? Sure."
Yukino nodded in agreement.
"Komachi? Who's that?" Yui looked confused.
"You've met her before my little sister. When you came to the hospital to apologize, she was the one who greeted you."
"Ohhh, right." Remembering the incident, Yui scratched her cheek, a bit embarrassed at the reminder of the accident.
"Well then, it's a plan. Hikki, Yukino, I'll head out now." Yui waved and left the room.
Once she was gone, Yukino turned to Hachiman.
"Hachiman, massage me."
As she spoke, she slipped off her indoor slippers. Her toes, wrapped in black stockings, wiggled slightly before she reached out and brushed her foot against the inside of his thigh.
Hachiman twitched at the sensation and grabbed her mischievous foot as it rubbed against a rather sensitive area.
He gently began massaging the sole of her foot. The smoothness of the stockings combined with the warmth of her skin created a strangely intimate sensation.
"Mm~" Yukino gasped softly, her voice tinged with surprise and pleasure. She smiled faintly. "You're surprisingly good at this, Hachiman. Why so skilled?"
"Practiced on Komachi. That girl used to complain her legs hurt after just a short walk. Always made me massage her."
"I see. It's... very relaxing."
Yukino closed her eyes, a satisfied smile on her lips as she sank into the warmth of his gentle touch.
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