Chapter: 1
Daydreaming
A condition where a person unconsciously or consciously lost in their deep thoughts. Whether it is intentional or not, at some point, sometimes people tend to daydream all the time, speculating about the future or dwelling on their past.
See, I'm now currently experiencing daydreaming. Whether it's about my future or my past, it doesn't matter.
Though I usually have my daydream during class. Don't get me wrong, I don't intend to get lost in my thoughts because I'm lazy or I'm not interested with the lecture or something like that. But maybe because I thought it was boring?
Hmm...
Maybe so... yeah.
I'm not sure.
I've been experiencing daydreaming a lot these past few days especially during class. I'm not sure why though but, maybe it's because I have done reading my light novel where I've bought just recently? Yeah, that must be it.
Anyway, I need to restrain myself from daydreaming all the time. It worries me sometimes though. I don't want my grades to be affected because of me daydreaming during class.
But, if you think deeper on the subject of daydreaming, to my point of view, it's not entirely bad right? I mean, what's so bad about it? It's not like it would bother anyone right?
I have to admit, sometimes, I'm enjoying it. With daydreaming, you can pass the time quickly without you even realize it. Sure people sometimes made jokes about it because of me daydreaming during class. But who cares?
I'm a loner after all. The best one at that. So I don't really care about what people may think about me. They may call me a fool. With my "efficient" methods to solve other people's problems or concerns, I'm more than used to have bad impressions thrown at me.
They may laugh at me because I'm different. But I laugh at them back 'cause they're all just the same.
Anyway... I've been contemplating about daydreaming for a while there. It may seem ridiculous if you think about it. Me, daydreaming about "daydreaming" during class right now. I didn't realize the bells had rung just a while ago, announcing the end of class period and the arrival of break time.
Hiratsuka-sensei had left the classroom before I knew it. By the way, what was the topic of her lecture earlier? Something about marriage?
Hmm...
Anyway I'm fortunate that she didn't notice that I was daydreaming during her class earlier. I mean, who knows what she'll do if she caught me in the act. I guess luck was on my side for once. I don't think I'll be able to handle any more of her fist like last time.
She may be a woman, but her fist says that about her otherwise. I've been feeling her fist have gotten a bit more painful than the previous one. Seriously, will somebody marry this woman already so that she'll stop being a bit violent towards her student(especially me)?
Anyway, it's break time. Though I'd rather take a nap during this period, but my stomach begged me to be fed. It seems I'd best have my lunch right now yeah?
I took out my bento box from my book bag where my dear little sister Komachi had prepared for me. I would love to eat my lunch at my usual lunch spot but, I'm feeling a bit lazy to walk there today. And besides, I can see that the classroom isn't as crowded and noisy as it used to during this period. I wonder why?
I noticed the most noisiest group of students in my class, which was Hayama Hayato's clique, wasn't around either. Weird. Usually this was their only time where they would get together aside before homeroom starts and made the classroom even more noisier with their usual boring chit-chat.
Eh.. Whatever.
Guess I'll just eat my lunch while I'm at it. It's not everyday you can eat your lunch in your classroom in peace right?
I opened the lit of my bento box and was about to take the first bite of my food when suddenly, someone came over to me.
Though I can already tell (and I'm sure you can also guess) who the person might be.
"Hey Hikki" she said as she appeared in front of my desk. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't got used to Yuigahama coming to my desk and greet me as always.
Either way, I always greet her back with my usual uninterested greeting.
"Yo" I said as I took my first bite of my lunch. I just hope that she wouldn't ask me a lot of questions 'cause you know, what am I doing again right now?
Yep. That's right. Eating my lunch in peace.
"Are you coming to the club?"
"Yeah, I guess"
"Okay! Wait for me after class. And don't try to go on ahead without me like last time!"
Uh... Yui. How many times do I have to tell you I'm not. Geez when will she ever get through with that?
"Yeah yeah, I know" I half-heartedly said as I continued to eat my food. It'll be a waste of time if I start to argue with her right now right?
"Okay see you later then Hikki!" said the girl with that usual cheery smile of hers. I'm quite thankful that I'm a bit different from any other guys. If not, I might've had a crush on her already you know? Though she might seem a little bit of annoying most of the time especially when she's around me, I've long known that she's a nice girl at heart. And if I may say so myself(please don't laugh at this), she's a cute girl too.
Ahemm... Uh.. That might sound weird coming from someone like me don't you think?
Anyway that is just my personal impression on her part. I don't intend to have negative thinking or to sound like a perverted person there. So don't just assume that I'm just the same as those any other guys who might have those perverted thoughts alright?
"Oh and um... Sorry to bother you with your lunch. I'll be taking my leave now. Later Hikki!" said the girl as she was about to leave me with my lunch.
"Yeah, don't worry about it. See ya'"
The rest of the break period went by in a flash. Not much happened and before I knew it, class have already started a while ago.
I've tried my best to stay focus and not to get lost in my mind during the lecture. It's Japanese so I'd pretty much enjoyed this subject for as long as I can remember. I even got the third place on the exam for this subject after all(not that I want to boast). It feels good when you have something to be proud of once in a while right?
Anyway after that long lecture, the class have finally come to an end. I'm so grateful that I was able to focus and took everything the teacher had delivered to us. Well, what can I say? It's my favorite subject after all.
I felt even more grateful that the teacher didn't gave us any homework. That's good enough for me. No homework means I have more time to relax with myself(please don't think like I'm such a lazy bump). But I would also like some homework too you know? Well, sometimes. It might sound weird but I could think of it as a challenge. Only on Japanese Lit. though. Other subjects are a definite NO.
After the class I made my way out. I remembered Yuigahama had asked me to wait for her so I decided to walk to the nearest corner of the hallway like I used to and leaned my back on the wall while I wait for her.
After about a minute, someone suddenly bumped me on my right arm with a bag.
And I know who else besides her who usually does that.
"Ready to go?"
"I told you to wait for me"
"And I did"
"We talked about this!"
...Uhh talk about what now? I don't think I know what you're talking about.
She starts pouting which somehow bugs me, so I'll ask anyway.
"Talk about what?"
"Uhh... nevermind, let's just go" said the girl as she began to walk ahead with a disappointed face that said "you're hopeless".
Err... now, now. I'm not really sure who's really at fault here. She might be a bit depress sometimes but this is definitely not like her. In fact, I don't really remember anything about talking with her about something like this before.
Really, she didn't made this up right? I hope not.
We began our walk towards the Service Club with her walking ahead of me while I followed her behind. Is she still mad at me? Well, not that it worries me. But I have an urge to break the ice anyway. I'm really not used to see her feeling depress like this you know?
"Hey, ...Yuigahama"
"What?"
"Err..."
Ohh man... It seems she is still mad at me. What did I do? This is much harder than I thought.
"Um... err..."
Come on Hachiman. This is Yuigahama we're talking about. You need to think of something that'll make her feel better somehow. God I hate this kind of situation. It's like I've been forced to find a way to comfort her really.
Well, it's not like I don't know what will make her happy. But I can only think of one thing that crossed my mind right now. I'm not really sure how this would turn up, but...
"Um, a-are you... free. Sometime?"
Great! Mission accomplished. Good work "mind". You're really my greatest hope when something like this happens. Do me a favor, next time, warn me if you decided to act carelessly on your own out of nowhere.
"Huh!?"
Shocked by my sudden question, she flinched as she suddenly stopped herself at the hallway. Don't worry Yuigahama, I'm a bit surprised too. I stopped my feet not far behind her. Curse you mind!
I have a feeling where I wished that she couldn't quite heard what I've just said. And It's hard to tell the expression on her face while I'm still standing silently behind her. Well, at least I want to know her expression to that question. After about seconds of uncomfortable silence, she glanced at me sideways where I could only see her left eye and the corner of her mouth while she maintained her body to face the way we're going to go to before.
"I'll think about it" the peach-haired said as she turned her head back and started her walk to the clubroom again.
I'm not quite sure but, did I just saw her smiling just now? I even saw a faint blush on her cheeks too.
Eh. That's better. I think.
At least she didn't get mad at me anymore so that's a relief. Though as the image of her smiling at me earlier keeps on repeating itself in my head, the feeling of warmth could be felt suddenly appeared around my cheeks. Seriously, does she have to be so cute but a bit annoying at the same time? Please forget I said anything.
Well, I guess that's how nice girls are right? Any normal guys would've fallen for that in an instant. But I'm not just any other normal guys. I wouldn't fall for that so easily you know? The genuine loner will live up to his name.
But, there's something strange, no, different if were to talk about Yuigahama. She might be a nice girl, but I know that she's not just any nice girl who I would hate after that embarrassing incident that happened to me during middle school.
She's nice because she doesn't want people to hate her. She's nice because she cares for other people's feelings. She's nice because she want to help other people around her. She's nice not because she lie. But she's nice because she is true. Not a lie. Nor a liar.
I pretty much knew that. More and more about her ever since we had spent so many times together along with Yukinoshita. Yuigahama Yui is a nice girl. But not just any nice girl. But she's nice because it's true. And not a lie. Nor she is a liar.
But, after contemplating about it for a long time, I at least want to know. Well, if I could. About her intentions.
Are they truly genuine?
I guess no one can truly tell until they ask for it themselves right? If one can tell other people's intentions just by guessing, then he or she are probably not human.
But what am I thinking?
I am a loner. Why would I want to know about her intentions? It's not like it's any of my business and I'm not that kind of a loner, so why should I know?
Really, do I want to know? What will I gain from that? What benefit would I get from it? But, if she and me are that alike, then I think it's fine if I were to know about her even more right? Maybe she's the genuine person who I'd sought for all along.
Ahhhhhhh!
What the hell am I thinking? There's no way, I mean ABSOLUTELY no way Yuigahama and me would be a perfect pair!
Seriously, Rom-Com gods! Release me from this good-for-nothing thoughts at once!
Anyway, after I've successfully escaped from that useless not-gonna'-happen thoughts and whatnot, we have finally reached the clubroom.
Well, this is just as any other day. I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect the Ice Queen would be waiting for us beyond that door. So might as well go along with it as usual.
"Yahallo Yukinon!" said the depressed-earlier peach-haired girl, waving her hand to the Queen. I'm quite grateful her mood have changed after my what-the-hell invitation to her earlier. Seriously mind, don't ever do that again. But I guess, I wouldn't want to see the Ice Queen's scornful look after what I did to Yuigahama some time ago. I surely regreted that though.
And there was the Queen, busily preparing tea for us as usual.
"Ah, good evening you two"
I proceeded to take my seat at the far left of the large table as usual. Got my light novel as usual. Reading quietly as usual. And just sit there silently as usual. As usual as usual and as usual.
What the hell am I talking about?
Anyway, the girls have their usual chat as any other day would while Yukinoshita continued to prepare tea for us. I don't care less about what they were talking about so I just let myself to sit there silently reading my book. Well, unless what they were talking about were directed or asked to me, then I have no problem to start talking to them.
After finishing the tea, Yukinoshita then proceeded to pour the tea to our very own cups. Well, mine are the only cup while the girls drank from their mugs. And I have no problem with that for as long as I want to.
I glanced at the Queen silently pouring the tea to our very own mugs and cup. But then, I notice there's something strange. Rather than the usual two mugs and one cup, what I actually see, there are three mugs.
Hmmm...?
What's this? I know that Yukinoshita's very own were the white coloured, while Yuigahama were the pink and white coloured. But that other one was rather new to me. I've never seen that mug before. I've never seen the girls ever use that mug before either. It was coloured with black, half of it were white coloured. And I don't see any of my usual brown cup either.
Wait. Don't tell me...
As I glance at Yukinoshita, finished pouring the tea to the three mugs, she then proceeded to place each mug to its respective owner, one for her, the other one for Yuigahama.
Uhh...
Where the heck is my cup? What I mean cup is my very own brown paper cup. The usual cup where the Queen have always prepared for me!
"Ah, let me do that for you Yukinon" the peached-haired abruptly took the black mug from the Queen as she was about to lift the mug from her hands.
"Ah. Okay, if you insist" said Yukinoshita as she gave the black mug to Yuigahama.
Ah. So that's what it is. How am I so dense to actually realize it? Yukinoshita can be a bit direct and harsh sometimes but this is actually not like the Queen where I used to know at all.
"Here you go Hikki" said the peach-haired as she stepped closer to me and placed the mug filled with the sweet aroma of tea on the table near me while displaying one of her cheerful smile.
"Ah, thanks" I said as I took the mug from her hands while wearing my least genuine smile. "Don't mention it" said Yuigahama as she strode back to her seat right next to Yukinoshita.
I at least wanted give my say in all of this. Besides, the two were staring at me like they were expecting something from me so why not? After all, even though it's not that much, at the very least, I think it's an improvement.
Really, I should be grateful right?
I took a little time to think of what I'm going to say to her by taking a sip of the tea from the mug. As expected, her tea were pleasant and sweet as I'd usually tasted it.
I placed the mug on the table and was about to let out my say in all of this. And it's kind of hard to collect my thoughts back while the two were staring at me like they were expecting things from me so eagerly. Seriously, if these two can shoot lasers from their eyes, they could've accidentally burn a hole through my face just by staring.
A small smile crept out on my face as I stared at the Ice Queen. "Hey, thanks a lot for this. It may not be that much, but at least it's better than the usual paper cup. I'll be sure to repay you back someday" I said while lifting the mug as a gesture. Really, the Queen can be a bit harsh sometimes, but I'm not surprised if she were to at least have any consideration.
Maybe she felt pity that the only one who drinks her tea on a paper cup was a low life loner like me. Ugh.. that's gross. Please forget that.
Though she might act all high and mighty or like the Queen who rules over power, but I would still think that she's actually one of the nice girl at heart. I mean, just look at all those smiles she'd thrown lately. I knew very well it is the sincere one if it were to come from Yukinoshita. After all, Yukinoshita Yukino does not lie. I'd pretty much knew that if I may say so myself.
I was expecting a short and quick response from the Queen and I dare say her responses are usually the one that mocks me anyway even if I were to at least have said something nice to her.
Really, if only I have the ability to read her mind behind those endless mocking of hers, like seriously, when will she ever stop doing that?
At first, after I've said my say to this newfound unexpected not-my-brown-paper-cup-anymore event, what I see is that the Queen have only shown me a face that looked like she didn't quite understand what I've just said.
Okay, this's definitely not like her at all. Seriously, what is up with this woman?
After I've assumed that the Queen have finally recollected and understood what I've said to her, a small smile can be seen plastered on her face while shutting her eyes as if to look calm at the situation.
"My, my, I'd never expect that to come from someone who only just realize just a slight change of a mere small item. Really, you should consider improving yourself when you're about to say something that you consider out of the ordinary"
See what I mean? Well, at least that's better than the mocking responses that I usually expect from her.
"Though as pleasing as that sounds..." and she's not done with that?
"I think you have a slight misunderstanding on this current situation"
Uh... What? What does she mean by that?
"What do you mean?" I calmly said while still maintaining a look of curiosity plastered on my face.
"Ah, I forgot to inform you. I must take my leave early today since I have certain business that need to attend to" Yukinoshita quickly said as she stood herself up from her seat, packed her stuff into her book bag after clearing the tea on her mug and the small jug, and proceeded to walk to the door.
Hey, hey, Yukinoshita, are you trying to run away on purpose? You look like you're just going to leave me and my question left unanswered.
"Ah, I'll see you tomorrow then Yukinon!"
"Yes, see you tomorrow Yuigahama-san"
As she opened the sliding door and was about to walk herself out of the room, she then looked at me with a calm smile on her face.
"Hikigaya-kun, though I'd pretty much appreciate your offer, but it's not me you should be thanking"
What is she talking about now?
"But I also appreciate when you think that I'm the one who have replaced your previous item. Really, I'm glad you think I'm such of a person to your eyes"
And with that last comment, she left the room, leaving the silent me and Yuigahama in the Service clubroom alone while I still don't have any idea what the heck she was talking about.
Okay... I think it's best if we take a little time to recollect and try to understand what she have said to me earlier. Now I know Yukinoshita are sometimes direct and honest, but sometimes, I too cannot understand that foxy side of hers.
This woman...
Anyway, from what I've recalled, she said something like "you have a slight misunderstanding on this current situation" or like "it's not me you should be thanking".
What does she actually mean by that?
Wait, if she said it wasn't her that I should be thanking, then that means there's someone else who had replaced my usual brown paper cup. And that said person are the ones who I should be thanking instead right?
So, it really was not her right? Now I kind of understand what she meant by that. Sort of.
So then, if the Queen wasn't the said person, then who does?
I took a little time to glance around the Service Club room. The only people left were me and Yuigahama after the Queen had taken her leave. I noticed that the peach-haired was silently looking down on the large table.
Suddenly, curiosity overwhelmed me as I notice the peach-haireds' expression's change of pace. Instead of a cheerful expression that she usually wears, what I actually see was that she looked rather gloomy, sad or like someone who's heartbroken after being dumped by their lover.
Uh... umm... what is up with her?
Why is she like that all of a sudden?
Wait... Don't tell me...
Is she the one?!
Okay, wait. I'm not actually the kind who always jump to a quick conclusion. I should be very careful of my own assumption. After all, I don't have any evidence to affirm that yet. But seeing her current expression, isn't that enough evidence seeing as how unusual her expression right now?
Silence enveloped the room. The heaviest one if I may say.
As awkward as this gets, I knew I should ask this directly to her to at least affirm and lift this awkward air hanging in the room between us.
I took a deep breath before I said.
"Hey, Yuigahama"
"…"
No response, or was my voice were too quiet that she couldn't quiet heard what I've just said?
...H-hey why are you being silent?
I awkwardly turned my head to face her since I couldn't stand this unusual reaction the pink-haired have displayed.
Upon noticing my stare, she looked at me sideways where I could only see her right face and her right eye.
"You're welcome"
"What?" Really, what? I said as I stared at her dumbfoundedly.
"I know what you're trying to ask. Yes, it's me. So no need to ask further"
Ah... is that so?
Eventhough she said that, I can't help but notice that smile she was wearing.
So I was right with my guess afterall huh? How very unexpected of you Yuigahama.
"Oh is that so?" I smiled as well seeing how relieved I am with her sudden change of mood.
"Anyway thanks. Actually, I really don't mind it if I'm the only one who still drinks from my paper cup. But I guess, since this is from you after all, then I'll gladly take it"
"Glad to hear that then"
And we both exchanged our comfortable smiles together.
After we both realize the time and how pretty late it has been, we decided to head home since we aren't going to have any customers. I'm not surprise though, usually, the only time we're going to have people coming to us for help were usually when we're about to have the school's events coming around the corner such as the Cultural Festival or something like that.
Eh. Then I guess, this is the perfect time for us to relax for a while before something like that comes around right?
After we have finished packing our things up, we left the school ground and headed for the school entrance. After I've taken my bike, I met her back not far from the entrance since she was waiting for me.
We were both silent for a while as we headed towards the entrance until the peach-haired decided to start talking.
"So then, Hikki..."
"Yeah?"
"Um... when you asked me earlier. You know, the thing you said when we were on our way to the clubroom, I was wondering when do you plan we have that?"
Ooohhhh... Umm... about that... y-yeah, right... I almost forgot about that.
Actually, I never thought about that though. In fact, I haven't planned anything before I said what I said to her at that time. Sorry Yuigahama, actually, I was kind of overreacted with myself at that time, really. How reckless of me.
"Oh... r-right... y-yeah about that.." wincing, I can feel my head was spinning while my cheeks starts to flush.
Noticing my reaction, the peach-haired started pouting with her mouth of which I think looks like an upside down "v".
Would you stop that? That look really suits you you know? I fear my self-control couldn't handle anymore of that cute looks you're wearing.
Suddenly, I remembered something that she said after my what-the-hell invitation to her earlier.
"But, didn't you said that you're going to think about it?"
As realization came to her, the look of surprise plastered onto her face.
"Huh?! T-that's... well..."
Ah... thought so.
Okay okay, I'll go easy on you this time Yuigahama. I wouldn't want to see your surprised face any longer anyway.
"How about this Saturday then? If that's fine with you of course."
"Huh?!" seriously, would you stop it with that surprised reaction?
She then made a pose like she was thinking deeply. Alright, think about it for as long as you need. I won't force you anyway. But I do hope that you couldn't make it 'cause I need more time to laze around at home, especially during the weekends. Hahaha.
Not!
After pondering about it for I'm not sure how long, she then closed her eyes with a smile plastered on that bright face of hers.
What? Done making up with your mind already?
"Well okay... I think I'm free on that day" she finally said.
You think?
"And besides, I was planning to take Sable out for a walk on that day anyway"
Sable? Ohh... yeah right... her dog. Was that her dog's name? I don't quite remember though.
As we were walking together along the sidewalk, we've finally arrived to an intersection area where it's time for us to split part ways to our respective home.
"So Saturday it is then" I said as we stopped walking at the intersection.
"Yeah..."
I then made my turn on the sidewalk and was about to give my farewells to Yui when suddenly, I felt something pressed tightly at the end of my sleeve.
Huh?
Upon noticing, I see it was Yui's right hand.
I glance at her assuming that she definitely have something she wanted to say before we decide to split our way. She then lifted her head up and then locked her eyes tightly onto mine. When I saw that face, she looked rather gloomy, but there's also a mix expression on her eyes. Is she sad?
I braced myself for what it was to come. I'm a little tired anyway so I might as well get along with her until she at least gets satisfied.
Though I'm the first to react with a smile and said.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Yui"
At first she was surprised, but then, a smile crept out on her face.
"Yeah, you're right..." she said with her hand, still pinching at my sleeve.
"I'm so happy to hear you said that name. I've been waiting so long to hear that from you"
Ah... err... I didn't realize that though.
"I've also been waiting for you to someday and ask me out sometime. E-especially from you"
E-e-especially f-from me? Oh damn, my face feels kind of hot now! Alright that's enough Yuigahama. You can stop now.
"And you actually did, just now. S-so I'm happy"
I turned my gaze away, couldn't bear to look at anymore of her sincerity and resolve.
She releases her hand from pinching at my sleeve and run a quick five meter towards the direction of her home.
She then turned, waved her hand and bid her farewells to me.
"Bye bye, Hikki"
"Yeah, good bye, Yuigahama"
And with that, she left, running in a slow pace without looking back. I just stood there, silently looking at her figure until she turned to a corner where I have completely lost sight of her.
Eventhough the image of her face full of that mixed expression keeps on repeating itself in my head, I don't mind it now even if it were to come back to me every now and then. In fact, I'm welcoming it. Because, that face is what makes me feel calm. And I'd love to have that feeling of comfort again someday even if I'm not sure if want it to.
Really. Yuigahama Yui is a nice girl. But not just any nice girl. But because it's true. And not a lie. Nor she is a liar.