"Egil, I'm sorry for dragging you all the way out here. Especially since it meant making you close up shop for the day."
"Don't worry about it," Egil replied with a sheepish grin. "I'd do more than that to see an old friend."
Despite his humble words, Egil drew curious glances from the students passing by. No matter where he went, his towering frame and presence tended to command the room.
"I've already cleared this with Shizuka-sensei," Hachiman noted, "but we're keeping it a secret from Sasha. We want it to be a surprise."
"I wonder what kind of face she'll make," Egil mused, his voice dropping slightly. "You don't think I'll scare her, do you? I mean, I'll be okay, right?"
Hachiman looked at the big man, amused by the contrast between his intimidating physique and his cautious nature. "Well, she knew I was an alumnus of Sobu High and mentioned she wanted to meet me. You'll be fine. By the way, her real name is Saya Tanaka."
"Got it. Tanaka-sensei. I'll keep that in mind."
The three of them climbed into the Kit to begin the drive toward the high school.
"So this is the famous Kit? Man, this thing is slick," Egil admired.
"I am honored by your praise, Andrew," the vehicle's AI responded.
Egil blinked. "Whoa. It's been a long time since anyone called me that."
"Everyone calls you Egil," Hachiman said with a shrug. "Same with Argo. Nobody uses their real names."
"Don't lump me in with that guy! We don't even know what his real name is. At least mine is a play on Andrew Gilbert Mills—An-Gil, Egil. It's close."
As they pulled up, Egil settled into the back seat, his voice filled with renewed energy. "Alright. I didn't close my shop for nothing. Let's go see Sasha."
They entered through the main gates of Sobu High and found Shizuka Hiratsuka waiting for them.
"Yo, Hikigaya. It's been a while."
"Sensei."
"It's good to see you again, Shizuka-sensei," Asuna added with a polite bow.
Egil stepped forward. "Shizuka-san, thanks again for the drinks the other night." It seemed Egil, Shizuka, and Ryotaro had recently gone out for a night on the town.
"Asuna-kun," Shizuka said, turning her gaze toward her. "Is Hikigaya causing you any trouble? I worry about the boy."
"He's fine," Asuna giggled. "The only trouble is that he's a bit too popular these days."
Shizuka sighed, a wistful look in her eyes. "Is that so? To think, that boy of all people..."
"Honestly, I'm with you there, Sensei," Hachiman muttered. "I'd call it one of the seven wonders of the world."
Shizuka then turned to Egil, her expression softening. "I'm sorry about the other night. Our Ryotaro ended up a complete mess and caused you quite a bit of trouble..."
"No, no, I had a great time. It's good to let loose like that once in a while."
Hachiman couldn't help but smirk at how Shizuka emphasized the word 'our' when referring to Ryotaro. The moment he let out a stifled snicker, Shizuka's "Iron Fist" flew toward his midsection. But Hachiman caught the punch effortlessly, a calm smile on his face.
"Those old tricks don't work on me anymore, Sensei. I've been training, you know."
Shizuka pulled her hand back, looking a mix of frustrated and impressed. "Training... that word doesn't suit you at all."
"I agree. But honestly, if I'm not in shape, I start to feel uneasy."
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