Multiversal Chat Group: The Cultivator

Megumi Kato's expression remained calm.

"Asakura, do you have any recommendations?"

Ren Asakura pulled a book from the shelf.

"For a slice-of-life comedy, how about Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu?"

Then, he grabbed another.

"For action-packed gaming adventures, we have the legendary Sword Art Online…"

"And of course, Dragon Ball, Naruto…"

Before long, Hachiman Hikigaya also arrived at the clubroom.

Ren turned his head and, seeing Hachiman enter, grew excited as he proudly showcased his collection.

"Hachiman, get over here! Let me show off my most treasured collection!"

Hachiman set his bag down and walked over. Seeing the bookshelves packed with light novels and manga, he was a little surprised.

"This is quite the collection… Are you sure it's okay to keep them here?"

Ren smirked confidently.

"Don't worry! I have three copies of everything—one for reading, one for safekeeping, and one for spreading the gospel! I'm not the stingy type!"

Hachiman raised an eyebrow.

"Never took you for an otaku."

Ren, completely unfazed, shrugged.

"What's wrong with being an otaku? It's not a crime. I'm not stealing, not hurting anyone. Besides, who said someone with supreme social energy can't also be an otaku?"

Yukino Yukinoshita quietly opened her usual book.

Hachiman, familiar with Ren's carefree personality, simply browsed the shelf and picked out something to read.

With that, silence settled over the clubroom once again.

Until—

Knock, knock.

Someone politely knocked on the door.

Such politeness immediately ruled out their club advisor, Shizuka Hiratsuka.

Yukino spoke softly.

"Come in."

The door slowly opened.

A girl with a stylish, gyaru-like appearance stepped inside.

Her shoulder-length, peach-colored hair had a slight curl, swaying gently as she moved. The bright color gave off an energetic vibe, and it was tied into a bun with a black ribbon.

Her uniform? As expected—two or three buttons left undone.

Ren narrowed his eyes.

Another main heroine had entered the stage.

"Yo! Hello!" Yui Yuigahama greeted.

"Hey there, Dango-chan!"

Ren was the first to stand, waving casually.

As a member of the popular crowd, Yui was someone Ren was aware of.

But they'd only exchanged casual greetings before.

"Asakura, Hachiman! You guys are here too?"

Seeing familiar faces, Yui naturally smiled.

Megumi Kato, as always, maintained her stealth mode.

It wasn't until Yui had scanned the room and greeted everyone else that she finally noticed Megumi.

"Oh! Kato's here too!"

Megumi Kato put down her book, waved slightly, and greeted Yui.

"Hello, Yuigahama-san."

Yui Yuigahama took a deep breath before getting to the main topic.

"So, um… Hiratsuka-sensei told me to come here. She said this club can help with problems."

Hearing that it was Shizuka Hiratsuka who sent her, Yukino Yukinoshita stood up from her chair.

She tidied up her things, preparing to accept the request.

"You're Yui Yuigahama from Class 2-F, right? Well, have a seat first."

Yukino's attitude towards girls was slightly better than towards guys—but only slightly.

Ren Asakura pulled up a chair and sat down.

"So, Dango-chan, what's troubling you?"

Yui smiled awkwardly.

"I… I want to learn how to bake delicious homemade cookies!"

Hachiman Hikigaya, being part of the club, listened carefully.

But internally, he was full of doubts.

Why was Yui calling him Hachiman so casually?

They weren't even that close.

Megumi Kato, standing off to the side, observed quietly.

"So, this is what the club does? Helping people solve problems… Sounds kinda nice."

---

Everyone had put on aprons.

Yukino planned to personally teach Yui how to bake proper cookies.

Megumi watched curiously from the side.

Ren, on the other hand, was just excited about getting to eat homemade cookies from a girl.

Even if it turned out to be a culinary disaster.

And so, the baking lesson began.

Hachiman glanced at the ingredients laid out on the table and couldn't help but ask:

"Wouldn't it make more sense to ask your friends for help with this?"

Yui smiled awkwardly.

"Well… I don't really want them to know about it."

Ren grinned and patted Hachiman's shoulder.

"See, Hachiman, this is where you don't get it! Friendships need surprises like this. It's not about how good the cookies taste—it's about the thought behind them! It's a way to strengthen friendships! I bet you've never gotten a homemade gift from someone before."

Hachiman felt a sharp pain in his heart.

Was he just… roasted?

Megumi, after a moment of thought, nodded slightly.

Giving homemade cookies to a friend… That did sound kinda nice.

Even if it didn't taste good, it was still about the thought behind it.

Friendships could grow stronger through small gestures like this.

As Megumi Kato thought about it, she couldn't help but wonder—

If she made homemade cookies for her friends, would it make their bond stronger?

Then, she imagined Ren Asakura.

There was a high chance he would immediately shower her with praise, finish them all, and dramatically say,

"I accept your feelings!"

"Anyway, I'm counting on you guys!"

Yui Yuigahama clasped her hands together and sincerely pleaded.

After a moment, she added,

"Sensei said this place can make wishes come true."

Yukino Yukinoshita responded coolly,

"Not exactly. The Service Club only lends a helping hand. But… we'll take care of this for you."

And so, the baking lesson began.

From putting on aprons…

To mixing the dough, cracking eggs, and baking…

After nearly half an hour of battle,

The final product was complete.

They all looked at the plate of blackened crumbs.

Ren picked up a relatively intact piece.

"Damn it… Even if a beautiful girl made this, I still can't swallow this."

He put on an exaggerated, grief-stricken expression.

Yui stared at the charcoal-like cookies.

"…Is it really that bad?"

Yukino rubbed her temple.

"We followed every step… but the mistakes just kept piling up."

Hachiman picked up a piece as well.

"Are you sure this is a cookie and not charcoal briquette?"

Megumi picked up one too—it was rock hard.

Anyone wanting to eat this would need extremely strong teeth.

"…Amazing! You actually managed to turn flour into this."

Hearing everyone's comments, Yui hesitantly picked one up and examined it closely.

"…Yeah, this is definitely poison."

Megumi set her cookie back down.

"My advice—Yuigahama-san, you should practice a few more times."

Yui lowered her head.

"…Maybe I'm just not suited for cooking. Maybe I have no talent for it."

Yukino, in her usual calm tone, replied,

"Hard work is also a solution."

°°°

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