It was the next morning in Chiba Mura and Y/N's night was not pleasant. Well, his sleep was not pleasant.

He had many questions going through his head. Why did he always feel that way around her? His heart would beat faster every time she blushed at him, the small smile he would witness from her was something he liked as it brought many memories of the bright smiles she would give him after he gave a present to her. Just a single present was enough to make her smile, whether it was small or a large one.

Setsuna and Itsuki noticed how his well being is. Y/N had bag under his eyes. When they all met for lunch soon after they woke up, they were the only two who noticed them. Not only that, he moved a lot slower than usual and would almost fall asleep every now and then. It was concerning, but didn't want to cause too much of a scene.

Soon, Hiratsuka comes up to the group and puts a booklet on the table.

Hiratsuka: Okay, here's the schedule for today. We're doing a test of courage followed by a bonfire. The kids'll be in free time during the day. You guys get everything ready in the meantime.

Hachiman: (quietly) A bonfire, huh?

Yui: Like the thing where you dance in a circle?

Komachi: Oh, like, the "Ventura, Ventura?"

Yukino: I think you mean the "Oklahoma Mixer." At least you got the article right.

Hachiman: Not much of a difference. Anyone who'd dance with me's got to be an alien.

Saika: Hachiman, that's mean.

Hachiman: (pokes at food) No. I've got my reasons.

Flashback, Hikigaya's Memories

Hachiman: We had a bonfire back in elementary school.

The scene changes to Hikigaya extending his hand to a girl in front of a bonfire. The girl had a look of disgust and puts on a fake smile, reeling her hand back.

Girl: We don't need to hold hands, do we?

Hachiman and the girl ended up doing the Oklahoma Mixer without holding hands.

Hachiman: All the girls after that said the same. So I ended up doing the "Air Oklahoma Mixer."

Flashback End

Hiratsuka: Hikigaya, your eyes are rotting. Well, I guess that'll come in handy when you play a ghost.

Hachiman: (continues to poke at food) So we're in charge of scaring for the test of courage?

Hiratsuka: They said they've got monster costumes. Split up and get everything ready.

Everyone: Okay!

The scene then changes to a montage of what everyone was doing. Tobe was cutting firewood and it is brought over to Hikigaya by Saika and Hayato. Y/N was helping out Hachiman in building the bonfire.

Hachiman: Stacking up wood quietly...just like playing Jenga.

Y/N: I guess.

Hayato: Eh? You can play Jenga alone?

Hachiman: (thoughts) What? It wasn't single-player?

Timeskip

Y/N and Hachiman had finished stacking up all the logs for the bonfire. The two wipe their sweat away as they had finished and Y/N was finally relieved of having to go to sleep.

Hachiman: Done. See? Jenga's fun because you build it all yourself. Am I right, or what?

Y/N: (clears throat) No one else is here aside us two.

Hachiman turns around and indeed sees that there was no one else. He turns to Y/N to give him an annoyed stare, but already sees him walking away. He ended up following Y/N and the two walked down a dirt road leading to who knows where. They soon come across a small river. 

Hachiman: This looks like a nice place.

Y/N: (hums in agreement)

???: Hey! It's cold!

Looking over to the voices, they see Setsuna, Yui, and Komachi playing in the stream, all three of them in two-piece swimsuits.

Komachi: Hey, it's my brother!

Setsuna: Oh, Y/N!~

Komachi and Setsuna: (waves over) Come on! Over here!

Yui: Hikky and L/N-san!?

Komachi: Come on!

Hachiman: ...What're you doing? And...why are you in swimsuits?

Yui: (hides behind Komachi) Hiratsuka-sensei said we could play in the river, so...

Komachi: Forget about that! Check out my new swimsuit! Look! Look! Look! Well, what do you think?

Hachiman: (looks away) Huh? Yeah. Cutest in the world.

Komachi: (deadpan) Wow, totally thought through.

Setsuna: Y/N?~ What do you think of your Onee-san's body?~

Y/N: Fine. You look good.

Setsuna: At least put some more meaning into it!

Y/N: Where's Nii-san?

Setsuna: Oh, he refused to let me put it on so he's near the tree.

The others look to where Setsuna pointed and they see Y/N's brother tied to the tree with tape covering his mouth. The oldest L/N tries his best to wiggle free as his pleas of rescue are muffled by the tape that covers his mouth.

Hachiman: (thoughts) What the hell is wrong with this family?

Yui: Eh!? When did he get there!?

Setsuna: He's been there.

Y/N: Nee-san...why are you like this?

Setsuna: (death glare) Do you want the same punishment as well?

Y/N: ...No.

Setsuna: Good. Now be a good boy and don't cause trouble. Wouldn't want my otouto being a pervert.~

(A/N): "Otouto" means "little brother."

Y/N: (unenthusiastic) Hai, hai. Will do.

Komachi: ...Then what about Yui-san's?

Yui: Wait, Komachi-chan!?

Hachiman: Um, well...

Y/N rolls his eyes and sits next to his brother in the shade, removing the tape off his older brother's mouth.

Itsuki: (gasps for breath) Good. Y/N, you're here. Quick! Remove--

Y/N: Nii-san, that's asking for a death wish.

Itsuki: But--

Y/N: I'd rather be a good boy and not get killed by Onee-san.

Itsuki slouches in defeat in a comically manner. Y/N looks to Hachiman, who was splashing water on his face. He couldn't quite hear what he's saying though.

Hachiman: (muffled by water) So this is the law of universal boobitation? Newton, old boob, you knew your stuff.

Yukino: My, worshipping the river now, are we?

Hachiman: Of course n--

Hikigaya had paused and Y/N looked as well, wondering why he paused. He wasn't going to lie. He was slightly awe-struck.

Yukino was wearing a swimsuit, but it was underneath the dress she had on. Heat started to flare up in his cheeks as he found Yukinoshita attractive. He could admit she was cute, but her in this outfit made him think something else. Unknown to him, Itsuki and Setsuna noticed their brother's reaction and they snickered to themselves.

As Hikigaya continued to stare at Yukino, he felt a hand on his head and he looked up to see Hiratsuka in a swimsuit as well.

Hiratsuka: Oh, so you came too, Hikigaya?

Hachiman: (smirks) Good job, Hiratsuka-sensei. Anyone'd believe you're around thirty--

He was cut off as Shizuka had punched him in the gut for mentioning her age. Itsuki was wondering what was going on and looked in the direction of the commotion.

Itsuki: S-Sh-Shizuka...?

Hiratsuka: I am around th--huh?

She turned around to see Itsuki a blushing mess, causing she too to be flustered as she starts to shuffle in her spot. At this point, Setsuna was laughing a lot as her two brothers had two girls that seemed to be falling for them. Setsuna knew that Hiratsuka had crush on her older brother since they first met in high school when the two came to their house when they did a project together. She also knew of Yukino's love for her youngest brother and it made her happy, knowing that Y/N had people who cared for him.

Yumiko: So you don't, like, go to Akihabara?

Ebina: No way! We go to Ikebukuro! Like they're completely different places! Akihibara's downtown and Ikebukuro's uptown! So Akihabara's the donut to Ikebukuro's banana!

As Yumiko walked past Yukino, she grinned knowing she won in a certain area.

Yumiko: (thoughts) I win.

Yukino then begins to feel a certain jealousy in her chest as she tilts her head. The other girls and Hachiman begin to surround her, knowing what's wrong.

Hachiman: Well, you're sister's got it going for her, so you can probably count on those genes.

(A/N): Hikigaya knows who Yukino's sister is as in the last two chapters, when he was watching the two get presents for Yui, he did this to see if his plan's to get Y/N and Yukino together will work. At the same time, he saw Y/N and Yukino interact with Haruno.

Yukino: What does my sister have to with anything?

Komachi: Don't worry. They don't decide a woman's worth, and everyone's different! I'm on your side, Yukino-san!

Setsuna: She's not wrong, Yukino-chan. These things can be a hassle.

Yukino: (tilts head even more) I see. Thank you? (looks down at chest) My sister? Genes? Worth? Different? (covers chest) I wasn't concerned whatsoever, but if you intend to pass judgement on one's appearance, you should make judgments based on a single portion, but in the balance of their full figure.

Yukino always had a sense of concern for her "proportions," as she felt that Y/N liked them bigger. In size, it was Komachi, Setsuna, Yui, then Hiratsuka at the biggest. But this wasn't the case for Y/N.

Sure, Y/N didn't necessarily have a spec of "perverted thoughts," but he never really cared for a girls body proportions. Then again, he wasn't one to be interested in a relationship, but looking at Yukino, he always gained the fuzzy feeling he could never identify. Well, if he did like certain areas, it would most likely be thighs.

(A/N): Know who I'm referencing?

His brother had some how wiggled out of his bindings and scooted over to his little brother, whispering to him.

Itsuki: So? Do you--yow! Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow!

He was interrupted as Y/N was pinching his brother's side. Y/N was ticked off at the question that he was asked. He soon caught Yukino staring at him and he looks away, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. Setsuna and Komachi could be heard snickering in the background.

Hiratsuka: Aside from that. (puts hand on Yukino's shoulder) Yukinoshita, it's too early to give up.

Soon after, everyone begins playing in the water. Itsuki had made Y/N put on swimming trunks and he tackled his younger brother into the water. Y/N tries to get his brother off, but Setsuna starts to splash water on him, laughing as she goes. Y/N started to crack up a small smile. He felt...a little happy.

Yukino looks to the L/N boy and sees that he has a small hint of happiness to himself. She smiles as Y/N was slowly regaining who he once was. A kind and happy boy that his mother taught well. Soon enough, Y/N dries himself off and sits down near Hikigaya. Then, the lone elementary girl, Rumi, sits down by the same tree Hachiman was sitting at.

Hachiman: Hey.

Rumi doesn't respond and she continues to look at the scene in front of her, ticking Hikigaya off. When Hachiman resumes looking, she speaks up.

Rumi: Why are you alone?

Hachiman: I didn't bring my trunks. You?

Rumi: We're on free time today. When I got back to the cabin after breakfast, no one was there.

Yui then walks up to the lone elementary girl in hopes of cheering her up.

Yui: Um. Rumi-chan, why don't you play with us?

Rumi: ...

Yui: Okay...

Rumi: Hey, Hachiman.

Hachiman: "Hey" is for the horses.

Rumi: Hachiman, do you have friends from elementary school?

Hachiman: No. I'll bet that goes for everyone. So just forget about them. Once you graduate, you'll never see them again.

Rumi: (looks to Y/N) You?

Y/N: ...The friends I had went somewhere else. Other than that, no, I don't see them again.

Yukinoshita looks down in regret. No one else noticed this. Her and Hayato had went to the US for school, leaving Y/N to study here.

She didn't like to be distant from him, but she didn't have a choice.

Yui: That only goes for you guys.

Yukino: I haven't seen anyone from mine, either.

Yui: (sweat drops) Rumi-chan, these three are kinda unique cases, so...

Hachiman: What's wrong with being unique? It's a synonym for "special." Don't I sound awesome?

Y/N: (sarcastically) Sure you are.

Yukino: Interesting how language works.

Hachiman: Yuigahama. How many people do you still talk to from elementary school?

Yui: Huh? (thinks) Like, one or two?

Y/N: How many kids were in your year?

Yui: Three classes, thirty each.

Y/N: The probability from being friends five years down the line are either three to six percent.

Hachiman: (referring to Yui) She looks attractive from all 360 degrees, which makes her odds better than most.

Yui: "Attractive?" (smiles)

Yukino: Yuigahama-san...

Y/N: It wasn't meant to be a compliment.

Hachiman: (draws on ground) Listen. Most people don't look attractive from all 360 degrees. At most, they've got 90 degrees going for them. So, dividing by four, you've got about a one percent chance. One percent is withing error. Not happening. You know the rules: four rounds down; five rounds up.

Yui: But still, if you consider one percent good enough, then it's a bit of relief. Sometimes, getting along with everyone is, like, a lot of work. 

Rumi: But my mom wouldn't like that. She always asks if I'm getting along with my friends. She wanted me to take a lot of pictures with them over summer camp, so she gave me this camera.

Yui: I see.

Rumi: And when they're shunning you, you feel like you really are at the bottom. I don't really like it. It's kinda miserable. But...I can't do anything about that.

Yukino: Why not?

Rumi: I did the same to others. I can't get along with them anymore. Even if I try, I don't know when they'll do it again. So I thought, maybe, it'd be okay to stop trying.

Y/N felt sympathy for the girl. When he was younger, he always tried to get his father to notice him, but the only one who noticed was his mother and his siblings. He was fine with that.

His mother was a big part of his life. Seeing her life leave her eyes tore something down within Y/N. He didn't feel the need to try. The need to even keep going. The need to live. But there was something else that kept telling him to live. He just wasn't sure what it was.

"They say the world changes when you change, but that's not true. People judge others based on stereotypes and impressions"

Hachiman: (thoughts) Loners will be judged as loners forever. If you try to do something and stand out, they'll use it to bring you down. It's an iron rule of the rotten society of children. (normal) You don't like being miserable?

Rumi: (nods) Yeah.

Hachiman: (walks away) Hope you have fun at the test of courage.

Yui: Hikky? Where're you going, Hikky?

Y/N and Yukinoshita only stare at Hachiman as he walks away. Something was stirring.

Hachiman: (thoughts) Problem: The world will never change. You can change yourself. How will you change? Answer: Become the god of a new world.

Timeskip

The group relocated to a storage room, looking at the monster costumes they had. If you could call the costumes "monsters."

Hachiman: They said "monsters" for the test of courage, right?

Y/N: What the hell are these...?

Yumiko: (deadpan) This's, like, some cheap cosplay.

Ebina had dressed up in a shrine maiden's outfit, flailing around a wand.

Ebina: Upon Takamagahara!

Hachiman: Aren't you taking this a little too seriously?

Ebina: (stars in eyes) I can get off on exorcist stories too! Abe no Seimei! Ashiya Douman!

Hachiman: I see.

Saika: Do wizards count as monsters?

Hachiman: In a wide sense of the term, I guess you could call them monsters.

Saika: But it's not that scary, right?

Ebina: (in background) Demons begone! Demons begone!

Hachiman: No, it's scary. Don't worry. (thoughts) Seriously scary. I could almost jump on the Totsuka route without hesitation. I'm scared for myself.

Komachi: Onii-chan, Onii-chan!

Hachiman: Hmm?

Komachi: Ta-da!

Looking over to his little sister, Komachi seemed to be dressed up as cat lady.

Hachiman: What is this? A catwoman?

Komachi: Probably. No idea, but, like, it's cute, so whatever.

Yukino then slides in, her obsession of cats taking over, she begins to touch and pet the fake ears that sat on Komachi's head. She then begins to pet all around the costume, sorta making Komachi feel uncomfortable.

Yukino then nods in approval.

Hachiman: (thoughts) What was that nod for?

Yukino: It looks very good on you.

Komachi: Thank you very much!

Yukino: That kimono looks almost too fitting.

Y/N: Well...he's not wrong.

Hachiman: Like a real snow woman.

Yukino: Likewise, Hikigaya-kun. You make quite the zombie. Your rotting eyes could give Hollywood a run for its money.

Hachiman: I'm not wearing makeup or a costume.

Hikigaya then sees Yui dressed up as a "devil," doing poses to make her look scary. As Hachiman was talking to Yui, the three, Komachi, Yukino, and Y/N, were off to the side.

Komachi: Onii-chan shows his live by being perverse.

Hachiman: Hey, don't make things up.

Yukino: So, how are we going to solve the problem?

Hayato: I think Rumi-chan needs to talk to the other girls.

Yui: Rumi-chan might get beaten down if she tries, though.

Hayato: Then what if she talks to them what at a time?

Y/N: I doubt they'll talk to her. She's being shunned.

Ebina: Nothing will change. They might play nice when she's around, but they'll act the same way behind her back. Girls are a lot scarier than you think, Hayato-kun.

Yumiko: Seriously? That's, like, totally scary.

Hachiman: Hey, I've got an idea.

Yukino: It doesn't sound like a good idea.

Y/N: I mean, we are listening to a plan from a petty criminal.

Hachiman: Quiet you. But hey, listen to it first. We've got a test of courage coming up. We should use it.

Saika: And how?

Hachiman: If your problem is due to human relationships, then if you destroy those human relationships, your problem's gone. If everyone's a loner, there won't be a war or suffering.

Before Hikigaya could continue with his explanation, they felt an ominous aura in the room. Looking to the source, they see it's coming off of Y/N's sister. They give questioning looks, except for Y/N and Itsuki, as Setsuna was staring a pile of clothes. She then starts to grin and she starts to giggle uncontrollably, sending chills down their spines.

Itsuki: (whisper) Let's go.

Y/N nods frantically and the two head for the door. A loud bang was heard as Setsuna had stomped her foot on the ground.

Setsuna: You're not getting away.~

Y/N tries to open the door, but they couldn't as it was somehow locked. They turn around to see Setsuna with rope in her hands.

Itsuki: Now, now, sister. L-Let's talk about this.

Setsuna: Hehehe...

Y/N: I'm not being used as a dress-up dummy!

Setsuna: Get back over here you two!

Itsuki: Spare us this time! Please!

Setsuna: Never!

Itsuki: Stop it!

Timeskip-Night

It was time for the test of courage and Komachi was still in the cat outfit she tried on earlier in the day.

Komachi: All right...the next group to go will be this one!

The next group that had proceeded was a group of girls. Upon entering the dark forest, they encountered Saika, dressed up as the wizard and holding a flashlight to illuminate his face, trying to act as scary as possible. It could possibly send chills down Hikigaya's spine.

Saika: Y-You go down this road and bring back a talisman from the shrine in the woods.

The girls shriek, pretending to be scared. They continue along the dirt path, using a flashlight to make their way through. They heard some twigs being broken and they turn their flashlight to the right, expecting a jump scare but they only see Yuigahama.

Yui "rawrs," trying her best to scare the group of girls, but it didn't quite work, rather the girls only laughed at her failed attempt. This caused Yui to look down.

Yui: I feel like a total idiot.

The scene then changes to a phone screen, Hikigaya's phone to be specific. The time was 7:36.

Hachiman: It's about time.

Y/N: Huh?

The two boys had heard leaves being rustled nearby. Y/N shines his phone flashlight in the direction and they find the black haired beauty herself.

They made no sound whatsoever, both boys being entranced by her beauty. Yukino didn't realize the two were there and she yelps.

Hachiman: Hey, it's just us.

Yukino: Hikigaya-kun? Y/N? I thought you two were ghosts. Well, only Hikigaya-kun. You're eyes were dead.

Hachiman: I see.

Yukino: How is the plan going?

Hachiman receives a message from his sister. It read, "Here they go!"

Hachiman: There's the signal.

With Komachi

Komachi: And the last group to go will be this one!

Rumi's group, except Rumi, shriek in mock terror. They weren't expecting much. But little did they know, something was planned.

Walking down the same path the previous group had went down, they shined in the direction of where Yui was supposed to be. However, they didn't find Yui. Instead, it was Tobe and Yumiko.

Girl 1: Oh hey, it's the counselors!

Girl 2: They're wearing normal clothes!

Girl 3: Totally lame!

Girl 4: This test of courage isn't scary at all! You're in high school but you're stupid!

Tobe: Huh? The hell ya think yer sayin'?

Tobe's attitude change had suddenly shocked the girls.

Yumiko: Hey, aren't you, like, getting totally full of yourselves? (sneers) It's not like we're your friends, you know.

The girls started to feel an emotion. Fear. These weren't the counselors they met on the first day.

Yumiko: And, like, did I hear one of you, like, making fun of us? Who was that?

Girl 4: I'm sorry.

Yumiko: (stomps foot on tree stump) I asked who it was.

Tobe: Y'all think I'm a retard?

Yumiko: Do it! Do it! Teaching 'em respect's, like, part of our job, right?

Tobe: Hayama-san, mind if we rough 'em up?

A twig snap could be heard as an emotionless Hayama shows. This persona was different from the when the girls met him.

Hayato: How about this? We'll let two of you go. The other three stay here. You decide who stays and who goes.

The girls start to shake in fear slightly. Who were they going to choose? They look amongst themselves, unsure of what to do.

Girl 2: (bows) We're really sorry!

Hayato: I don't want an apology. I want three of you. Now decide.

Yumiko: Hey, you can, like, hear him, right? Or are you ignoring him on purpose?

Tobe: (cracks knuckles) Hurry up and decide, ladies. Who's stayin'? You? You staying?

Girl 1: ...Tsurumi. You stay.

Girl 3: Y-Yeah, you stay.

Itsuki and Setsuna were watching from afar. While they didn't like the plan they had, it was effective. They knew right off the bat, the girls would choose Rumi to go.

Itsuki: I knew.

Setsuna: Yeah. It reminds--

Itsuki: (nods) Yeah. That man...

Itsuki tightens his grip on his arms as they were crossed, thinking of that man. He grits his teeth as he gains an angered look. These girls were reminding him of "that" man.

Having no choice but to obey the girls wishes, Rumi moves away from them.

With Hachiman, Yukino, Yui, and Y/N

Yukino: This was what you wanted, isn't it?

Hachiman: Yeah.

Y/N: By pummeling the relationship...

Hachiman: Yup. It turns into dust.

Earlier in the afternoon

After Setsuna had grabbed Y/N and Itsuki from escaping, she tied them up together with some rope as she had some tape in her hand to cover their mouths so their pleas of rescue could be silenced.

Hachiman was already explaining the idea he had in mind.

Hachiman: When humans are truly and utterly scared, they won't give a damn about anyone else. They'll do anything to survive, even sacrificing others around them. If they each see how unsightly the others are, they'll never be able to be friends again. We just need to split them apart.

Hayato: But I don't think that'll solve the problem.

Hachiman: True, but we can alleviate it. (thoughts) Only the strong think they can't run away. It's not always your own fault. Humanity, society, the world around you...someone else is wrong in plenty of cases. "I can change," means adjusting to that trashy, cold-hearted, and cruel world. It means admitting defeat and subordination. It's a euphemism you use to deceive even yourself.

Hayato: Is that how you see the world? I can see why she's concerned about you. (looks to Y/N) Both of you.

Hachiman: (thoughts) She?

Hayato: (stands up from chair) Okay, let's go with that. But I'm betting on the chance that they'll deal with it by coming together. I think they're good at heart.

Setsuna: Are you sure, Hayama?

Hayato: Eh?

Setsuna: After all, they're thinking like "that man."

Komachi: Um, Onee-san?

Setsuna: Hai, Komachi-chan?~

Komachi: What are we going to do with those two?

They all look to see Y/N and Itsuki passed out, foam coming out of their mouths due to Setsuna wrestling them from escaping and struggling to cover tape on their mouth.

Setsuna: ...Oops.

Present

Hayato: Now then. Two more. Hurry it up.

Hayato was already dreading to carry on this act, but it had to be believable in order for the plan to work.

The girls start to look around each other, wondering who to choose.

Girl 2: You shouldn't have said that earlier, Yuka!

Girl 1: It's your fault, Yuka!

Girl 3: That's right!

Yuka: No! You started it, Hitomi!

Hitomi: I never said anything! It's not my fault! Mori-chan's the one with the bad attitude!

Mori: What!?

Hitomi: You're always like that. You're like that with the teacher too.

Mori: What's that go to do with this!?

Girl 3: Stop it! Let's just apologize!

Yumiko: I hate girls who think crying'll get them out of anything.

Tobe was in a boxing stance, trying to keep the villain persona up. Yumiko, Tobe, and Hayato were ones not to bully younger children.

Hayato: You've got thirty seconds. Two more. Now decide.

Tobe: You know what'll happen if you tattle, right? We know your faces.

Hayato: Twenty seconds.

Hitomi: Yuka has to stay!

Mori: Yeah, Yuka, you stay!

Girl 3: Yeah, I agree!

Yuka's eyes widen in betrayal. She felt what Rumi had been feeling for awhile. Her actions had come back and bit her in the butt.

Hitomi: (pushes Yuka) Come on, go!

Yuka: Hey, don't push me!

They continue to push her and one of them attempts to apologize, only adding more fuel to the fire. Hachiman's plan was working.

Hayato: One more.

The rest of the girls begin to shake in fear. The pressure increasing on them.

Hayato: Ten, nine, eight...

Hachiman: (thoughts) Now all we need to do is pop out and say, "Haha, suckers! Gotcha!"

Hikigaya begins to get up, but Yui pulls him back down. Y/N had a small grin appearing on his face. It was noticeable to Yukinoshita. Y/N was very spiteful towards these girls. She frowned herself as she was getting worried for the L/N. Her hand inches towards the green-eyed boy and she holds his hand.

Y/N turns around to look at her. Confused. He calms down after seeing her face. It was hurt, a sad frown visible on her face. It made Y/N bring down the grin he had.

Hachiman: What was that for!?

Yui: Look.

Hikigaya looks to where Yui was pointing and he sees the look on Rumi's face. Hatching a plan, she was.

Hayato: Four, three, two, one--

Rumi: (raises hand) Um...

They were confused until a bright yellow light shined. The light was coming off of Rumi's camera as she had took a shot with the "flash" setting on.

It bought them enough time to escape and Rumi beings to lead them out.

Yumiko: Oh...my eyes...

Tobe: (shocked) Dude, what was that?

Hayato: The flash on her camera?

Yukino: Does that mean she saved the girls?

Y/N: I doubt they'll be friends again. After all, their true colors had been revealed.

Hachiman: He's right. They can't stay friends without screwing one of them over. Besides, there was no chance in hell they were friends.

Yui: Oh, yeah. You're right.

Hachiman: But...she knew they weren't really friends, yet she still wanted to save them. At the very least, she's a real friend.

The scene changes to the girls that had run away. Now that their true colors were revealed, they weren't sitting with each other and were looking away.

Rumi on the other hand was crouched in a ball, sitting away from the bonfire.

Hiratsuka: You took a slippery slope there. One wrong step, and there would've been trouble.

Hachiman: I see. Sorry.

Hiratsuka: I'm not saying you did the wrong thing. In fact, I'm impressed you got so much accomplished in such a short time.

Hachiman: Even if my methods were low.

Hiratsuka: Yeah. You're the lowest for sure.

Hachiman: When'd we start talking about me? Weren't we talking about my methods?

Hiratsuka: You're the lowest for even thinking up that method. But that might be why you're able to reach out to those who've hit rock bottom. It's an important disposition to have.

Hachiman: ...Was that supposed to be a compliment?

Timeskip

After awhile, the bonfire had burnt out and it was over. Rumi then walks over to Hachiman, taking a quick glance at him before walking past him.

Yukino: No one will ever thank you.

Curious, he looks over to see Y/N, hands in his pocket, and Yukino standing beside him.

Hachiman: Not like I did anything good anyway.

Y/N: Are any of the things you do good?

Hachiman: ...Point taken.

Yukino: If a clique that harasses you disappears, things do get easier on you. Even if you used the lowest means possible, you made preparations for it, Hikigaya-kun. So even if no one can praise you for it, so long as some good came of it, they can forgive you.

Hurried footsteps could be heard coming towards them as Yui and everyone else were running up to them with sparklers and fireworks.

Yui: Sorry for the wait! Here! Fireworks!

Komachi: Let's light them!

They light them and they start to light up the night.  Setsuna had her arm around her younger brother, showing the biggest smile she had as she held a sparkler in her hand. Y/N had a small smile as she looked at his older sister.

Yui was twirling around, holding multiple sparklers in her hands.

Yui: Yukinon! Look!

Yukino: That's dangerous.

Hachiman was starring at the ground, not minding the others, rather paying attention to his burnt out sparkler.

A drink can was in his face as he looks up, seeing Hayama offer one to him.

Hachiman: Sorry to make you the villain.

Hayato: I don't really mind. I don't really feel that bad about it. But...

Hachiman: Hmm?

Hayato: I just remembered that when I was a kid, I witnessed a similar situation, but I just stood back and watched. Not only that, I left him with that "man." (sips drink) Hey...I wonder how things would've turned out if we'd gone to the same elementary school, Hikitani-kun.

Hachiman: You'd just have another loner at your school.

Hayato: (chuckles) Well, I think things would've turned out completely different. But...I still don't think I would've been able to be friends with Hikigaya-kun.

Hachiman: Hmm?

Hayato: (chuckles) Just kidding.

As the sparklers keep going off, Y/N's eyes drag off to Yukino. She looks up and their eyes meet. The bright light of the sparklers could be seen. Yukino gives off a small smile, causing the L/N boy to be surprised, but smiles as well. Even if it was a small one.

Next Day

The group left Chiba Mura and return back to Sobu high school. The Chiba Mura trip was over.

Hiratsuka: Good work, men! But remember, summer camp doesn't end until you reach your doorstep. Be careful on your way home. All right! Dismissed!

Everyone begins to grab their bags and the L/N family were readying up their car to go back home.

Hachiman: Komachi, let's go back shopping before we head home.

Komachi: (playfully salutes) Aye aye, sir! Yukino-san, why don't you come with us?

Yukino doesn't respond and everyone stops what they were doing. A black limousine had pulled up to the front of the school. Y/N, Setsuna, and Itsuki turn to see the black car and out comes a familiar person they all know too well.

Out stepped out was Yukino's sister, Haruno. On the other side was someone the L/N family deeply hated. Yukino glances to the L/N siblings and they see nothing but hate. A man in black coat with swept, blonde hair, green eyes that were the same as Y/N. The father of the L/N children, Hirmada.

Haruno: Hi there, Yukino-chan!

Yukino: Nee-san...

Haruno: Yukino-chan, you haven't been home in ages! I got so worried that I came to pick you up! (looks to Y/N) Oh, Y/N, good to see you! You too, Itsuki, Setsuna-chan!

Itsuki and Setsuna give a nod to Haruno, but Y/N still kept his glare on his father.

Hirmada: My children.

Itsuki: I...am not...your son.

Hirmada: (looks to group) So these are the people you abandon your family for?

Y/N: Shut up...

Before Y/N could go on, Setsuna puts a hand on her brother's shoulder, making him turn to her to which she shakes her head.

Knowing this would end badly, Setsuna leads Y/N to their SUV, but not before giving a hateful glare to their father. If anything, the only one who could have a "civil" conversation with that man was Itsuki.

Itsuki: (with venom) Why are you here?

Hirmada: I'll cut to the chase. You three to stop this foolish behavior and come home.

Itsuki: (scoffs) Yeah right. Like you were home yourself.

Hirmada: You know how much our reputation means to us.

Itsuki: I could give a rat's ass about our reputation. Your the reason why we're never there.

Hirmada: It's like I said. Stop this foolish nonsense and go home to the family manor.

Itsuki: ...Just leave. Leave me and my family alone, Hirmada.

Turning around, Itsuki gets into the driver's seat of the SUV. Setsuna was in the back, keeping her younger brother away from the window.

The L/N children drive off and head back to their home.

Hirmada only watches the car drive before turning back to the limo, getting in as the driver of the limo closes the door, heading back to the driver's seat and waits for Haruno and Yukino to get in.

Haruno: Okay, Yukino-chan. Time to go. Mom's waiting for you.

Yukino's eyes perk up at that. She hasn't seen her mother in a long time, but she was in the same boat as the L/N children, but more of a stable relationship and still considers her mother family. With no choice, she heads into the limousine and the others only watch and they couldn't do anything about it. 

From that point on, the L/N children and Yukino Yukinoshita were never seen again for the rest of the summer.