Yeah sorry taking so long to update it. I was having some issues with the characters and few things. But yes, chapter 2 is done! I hope you like it. Like before leave a review if you'd like or even an idea that you would like to see incorporated. Once again I do not own oregairu or its characters. Also there are no references to anything even though you may think so.
The warmth of snow – ch 2
"SENNNPAIII!"
My posture shot up to a straightened stance. I felt like the hairs on the back of my neck stood up just as fast. There was only one person who that voice could belong to. The only person who refuses to acknowledge my name for whatever reason. Seriously, do you not know my name?
"Sennnpaaiii, I knew that was yoooouuu! Why would you ignore me like that?" Isshiki said while profusely poking at my back.
"Oi, cut that out already," I said while turning to face her.
I was used to being prodded thanks to Komachi, but since it wasn't her I was at odds on how to respond.
"Senpai, why were you in such a rush? Could it possibly be that you were deliberately trying to avoid me?" Isshiki asked me with an perplexed pouting face.
Isshiki must be some kind of master hunter. I thought I surely lost her in the crowd. Well, in actuality all I did was just walk in a straight line at a fast pace until I happened to bump into Yukinoshita. Oh wait, speaking of her.
"Isshiki-San….." Yukinoshita acknowledged her presence.
Isshiki, surprised by the cold voice calling her name. Tilted her head sideways to see behind me.
" Yukinoshita-Senpai?" Isshiki said while exchanging glances between me and Yukinoshita.
"W-w-w wait are you two here together? Was that why you were rushing Senpai?"
"NO!" we both answered her instantly.
"I came here alone to do some shopping and just so happened to run into this stray loner here," Yukinoshita answered briskly with a teasing smile.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't make me sound like a lost animal," I replied while glaring at her.
"Oooh I see. Well okay then Yukino-Senpai. I still have some shopping to do so I'm going to get going now. C'mon senpai lets goooo!" Isshiki after answering Yukinoshita, quickly grabbed my sleeve and started to pull me along with her. For a short girl she had some strength. But wait! Why are you dragging me along with you?!
"W-w-what? W-wait…..Hikigaya-kun!" Yukinoshita called out to me just as shocked at how Isshiki just decided I would be joining her.
Hearing her voice, I pulled back from Isshiki's grip to face her. Whatever she wanted to say has got to be better than joining Isshiki on her shopping. After locking eyes with her, Yukinoshita looking like she had realized herself calling my name stood there still and unmoving.
"What is it?" I asked.
Yukinoshita who stood there as if thinking of what to say next, shifted her eyes away from mine. Then quickly looked pass me and directly at Isshiki.
"Isshiki-San you shouldn't bother Hikigaya-kun on a day off. Even though we had not planned to meet, I do require his assistance with a matter which concerns the service club members. So if you have no real business with him I suggest you leave him with me."
Sheesh. For a suggestion, that sounded almost like a command. Which doesn't really surprise me coming from the ice queen. I wish I could say the same for Isshiki who at the moment of hearing that flinched from fear.
"Ah haha yeah I guess you're right," quietly muttered Isshiki.
"I guess it was rude of me to interrupt you two, I'm sorry. Well it's not all bad if senpai doesn't come along. I mean, I still have tobe-senpai waiting for me back outside somewhere."
Wait, what was that Isshiki? You had Tobe waiting for you and you still ran after me?! Seriously how much responsibility am I going to have to take?
After saying bye, Isshiki ran off to find Tobe. I could imagine that numbskull of a guy standing there waiting for her confused at how long it's taking her to meet with him. "Like mannnn this is taking sooo loooong! Totally not cool man totally!"
Seriously I'm just glad I didn't have to replace him! Well, now that is settled I guess I should thank Yukinoshita. I mean if it wasn't for her I would of surely just been dragged down to the deepest parts of shopping center hell!
"Uhh, well thanks for that,"
"There's no need to thank me, I was only doing an underclassman a favor. Knowing you, she would have had a terrible time looking for what it was she was shopping for." Yukinoshita replied with a small smile.
"Seriously, that's rich coming from you. Someone who previously asked me to help with shopping less than a year ago." I replied with a smug smile of my own.
"Which only happened because I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Even though I knew you had zero experience shopping for a girl."
"Wrong! I'm not surprised you thought that though. I may not look like it but I have plenty of experience and that's all thanks to the only girl I shop for frequently, my adorable little sister Komachi!"
Hmm, now that right there was high in Hachiman points! Oh man, I think she's getting to me. I'm starting to think like her!
"I don't know wether to be creeped out or touched at how much you adore her." Yukinoshita said with her right hand on her temple like she was suppressing a headache.
"Okay, enough of this. Was there really something about the club you wanted me for?" I asked her just after remembering she had mentioned the club just a few moments ago.
Yukinoshita, after hearing my query went silent and started to turn a slight red at her cheeks. Averting my gaze she replied softly
"I…I..I didn't really….I wanted to ask…well before I tell you would it be okay if we talk this over a cup of coffee?"
Coffee shops are amazing places. They're always warm and filled with a delightful aroma. Usually it's not too crowded or noisy either. Because of that I sometimes drop into one from time to time to enjoy a cup, while reading a new book I had just picked up. However theres always a slight possibility of running into someone I know. So to prevent that from happening I've developed a mental process of elimination to help me choose which shops were the best to go during whatever time it was I desired to make my visit. The last thing I needed was to be set up on another double date with people I want absolutely nothing to do with.
But today was different. I had no book to read and I wasn't alone. Instead I was accompanied by someone, the person who sat directly across from me. Yukino Yukinoshita. We both made ourselves comfortable in our respective seats. I didn't have any bags or things of the sort so I had no problem with my seat. I wish I could say the same for Yukinoshita, who was trying to place her bags she was just carrying somewhere on her side but failed since the contents would just poke her ribs. Seeing that, I let out a small chuckle.
"What are you chuckling at?" She asked while still fidgeting with her bags.
I didn't answer. Even though the sight of a clumsy Yukinoshita was entertaining, the bags were pretty noisy with all the swishing noises and some clanging. I stood up and extended my hand. She paused and looked up at me.
"The bags, give them to me. I'll hold them on my side under the table".
"Hmm, I wonder do you have a thing for carrying bags?"
I felt my cheeks slightly tinge with embarrassment
"It's just cause you seem to be having a hard time handling them yourself".
"Very well, here you go. Bag master Hikigaya-kun". Yukinoshita said with a teasing smile while handing over the bags.
Ahh yes that's right. My ability to handle bags was well allotted with skill points.
After setting the bags down, we made our orders. The waitress who took our order seemed to have been expecting something, maybe a certain order of some sorts. She kept asking if we were sure if we didn't want to check out the special promotion they had going on. Yukinoshita politely declined while I just ignored it and kept staring out the window. I was carefully examining the other stores and people across the street. My eyes would travel from one store to a person then to another store. Ahh, yes the true analytical nature of the mind of a loner. As I was thinking this, a dog and a pretty big one happened to run across my vision. It's leash was dangling behind it as it ran. What is it with people and dogs? Do they ever think to themselves maybe I should pay more attention to holding the leash?
*cough cough*
Oh, that's right I forgot I wasn't alone. I quickly turned to face the companion at my side or more literally across from me. Why were we here together again? I mean it wasn't unusual to find me in a shop like this but it definitely wasn't normal to see me with Yukinoshita outside of club activities. Oh, that's right!
"Ah, so about the club, what was it that you needed to talk to me about?"
Her reaction wasn't one I expected. Yukinoshita looked surprised at the question I just asked, like she wasn't anticipating me to ask about the club. She quickly collected herself and put on an expression that said "hold on, I'm thinking".
"Well as you know, in the upcoming week there is a certain holiday. A holiday, which could have a big influence on the type of requests we may be receiving". She quickly spat out after a few seconds of contemplating.
"Yeah, you're right about that. It'll be near impossible to avoid them. It's not like we can post up a big sign declaring the fact we won't be accepting any valentine related requests…..unless…".
"No, of course not. We won't turn down any requests. I knew you would be opposed to the idea of these type of requests but to propose we decline any incoming request in such a bold manner. It's so…disgusting...no….despicable…no…hikigayish. Yes that's it." She replied with a hand on her chin while looking sideways out the window.
"That last one wasn't even an insult".
"It wouldn't be right if we refused any of the requests without giving a notice, especially on the week of. Also Yuigahama had already asked me to help her with making chocolates. So to be fair it wouldn't be right if we treated our members and not our fellow students."
Oh, so Yuigahama is planning on giving someone chocolates. I sure feel bad for the fool who has to eat those small bits of chocolate flavored death.
"So is that why you're out here, doing the shopping before hand? I'm surprised you weren't already prepared for such an event."
"Yes, that is exactly why I'm here. Just to let you know I do have everything I need for myself. I just can't say the same for Yuigahama. So I decided to come out and get a few extra things incase she needed to repeat the process, much like how she did with the cookies."
"Ah, true. I do hope you two come out the kitchen alive"
"I hope so too. I was running through a few things with her last night and from what she suggested her chocolates could either be too sweet or deadly bitter, if they don't come out burnt to be honest."
"Hmm, it's just like Yuigahama to make the sweetest thing possible. That is something I can easily imagine if she were better at cooking of course. It wouldn't be too bad if they came out a little or more bitter. I happen to favor that more than the overtly sweet flavor. Well for chocolates anyway."
I sipped from my cup and finished what was left after finishing my sentence. I seriously find this whole valentine day ordeal so frivolous. It's just another regular day but people seem to have some type of rose colored filter covering their eyes. Just because you give or receive chocolates doesn't mean that you've attained something genuine. For instance, those obligatory chocolates. From afar someone could see the act of one giving chocolates to another but without the context of their situation it could easily be mistaken as an act of confession. Also, what is so courteous about giving chocolates to someone just to let them know they're obligatory. Do you respirate someone back to health just to drown them again also?
"Bitter…" Yukinoshita softly whispered to herself.
Hearing that small voice snapped me out of my inner rant. I quickly looked up from my now empty cup to face Yukinoshita, who was looking at me.
"Uhh well, I'm going to get another cup. Would you like one?"
"Oh, y-yeah I'll take another one."
"So what did you have in mind concerning the request we most likely will be receiving?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes that. We'll handle them as they come."
Wait, is she serious?
"Are you serious?"
"Yes, I am. There really isn't much we can do to prepare for what's ahead."
"If that was going to be your answer, then why ask me here in the first place? Why ask me about what to do concerning these future requests?"
"I don't believe I asked you anything about the future requests Hikigaya-kun. I just mentioned it. It was you who thought I was asking for advice on what to do about them." She replied sharply
After thinking about it for a bit, she was right. She had only mentioned them and I was the one who tried to subtly suggest we reject all incoming requests concerning Valentine's Day and failed at that attempt.
"But regardless, I got my answer to the reason I asked you here." Yukinoshita said softly and gave a small smile.
What is she talking about? She hasn't actually asked me anything. I don't see how she could of gotten an answer from our conversation. Let alone figure out the question she needed answered. As I pondered on about what she could of meant, the waitress came over with our second cups. But something wasn't right with our order. Along with our cups, there was a slice of strawberry cheesecake accompanied by two utensils colored red. What's up with this? Isn't this something that usually happened in some bland unoriginal romantic comedy?
"W-wait, what's this? I'm sorry but I didn't order the cake." I told the waitress with a shaken tone.
"I'm sorry sir, but when a couple orders the same drinks the cake is included this week."
WHAT?! I stared at the waitress, then shot a glance at Yukinoshita. She seemed to be eyeing the slice of cake and looked a bit flushed. No doubt from embarrassment. Hell, even I feel the blood rushing to my face. I quickly faced the waitress again
"But we ordered earlier too and didn't get one then?"
"Ah earlier I believe the young miss had tea whilst you had coffee. But this time the order was for two coffees. Once again, I'm sorry sir. I explained everything when you first ordered but you must have been lost in thought as you were gazing out the window. However I did make sure your girlfriend here was informed about it. So if nothing else I will leave you two to it." The waitress replied in a formal yet fast tone.
If there has ever been a moment where I felt like I wanted to just disappear from existence. It would be now. My face felt like it was set on fire. If I felt this way, I wondered how Yukinoshita was feeling. I slowly turned my head to face her. She was still looking at the slice of cake. Hey, I get that the cake was a surprise and looks rather nice actually but this isn't the time to stay quiet. I mean, I'm sorry Yukinoshita! Please! I didn't mean to dishonor your elite status! I had to say something.
"Ah, well. Looks like we're stuck with it." I weakly tried to brush it off.
"It's okay." Looking back up at me she replied cooly.
"Im sorry, I guess I forgot you were drinking tea."
"No, it's okay really. I heard you order two coffees, I could have had corrected you but I actually did want coffee this time." This time after finishing her sentence Yukinoshita turned her eyes to the side towards the window with a slight blush on her cheeks.
"Oh…., okay. If that's really what you wanted." I replied weakly still slightly embarrassed.
Yukinoshita slid the plate with the cake on it towards her and used one of the utensils to cut it in two.
"I'll take this half and you can take the other. It would be a shame if we didn't at least try to eat it."
"Y-yeah…..I guess."
We both ate our separate pieces and finished our cups.
"Yeah I'm sorry about the cake thing. So to make it up I'll pay for the second order myself."
"Oh…? I had no idea you could be a gentlemen. I guess the infamous Hikigaya isn't as rotten as his eyes make him out to be." She replied in a teasing tone
Oi, stop that. It's bad enough I made a idiotic mistake with our order, you don't have to rub salt in the wound. At least wait until we payed or aren't being stared at by our waitress from earlier.
After paying, we exited the shop and started walking towards the station. It wasn't too late out. Just about early evening. The streets weren't as crowded or busy as they were earlier. No doubt everyone made it to wherever they were headed or got what they needed. Just a few groups of people here and there were scattered along the sidewalk. But no matter what time it was the area around the mall and station would be crowded since those are the two main places of interest around this area. We quietly walked along, making no noises except for the sounds of Yukinoshita's bags.
Then suddenly I stepped on something and heard a squeaking sound. So I stopped to examine the object I had just unknowingly flattened. But as I took my foot off of it, the object squeaked once again. I reached down to grab the item.
"How curious, it appears to be a chew toy. Hikigaya-kun I know you like to carry things to keep you busy around with you, but I suggest you leave your playthings at home next time." Yukinoshita said with a nice smirk on her face.
"Yes, yes very funny. I suppose that's your way of calling me an animal?"
"Oh my, it can talk?"
I didn't answer, I just stared at her. Not that it bothered me but it actually was pretty funny. But I think I'll keep that opinion to myself. Still I couldn't help but put on a small grin.
Suddenly, Yukinoshita's eyes widened then started to change into an expression of fear. What? Was my grin that sadistic looking? I mean, Komachi did tell me a few times I had a disturbing grin but I didn't think it would bother Yukinoshita like that. But, it didn't look like she was looking at me. I started to turn around when
*BARK* *BARK*
A dog was running towards us, barking it's head off! Somehow this dog looked familiar, my eyes widened at my realization. It was the same dog I saw earlier through the window. It still had its leash dangling behind its big body. How could it possibly be? That was over an hour ago! It ran directly up to us, still barking.
"Hikigaya-kun!" Yukinoshita quickly grabbed my left arm and stood behind me trembling.
Shit! That's right she's scared of dogs! I stood between her and the dog, which was still barking loudly. It continued to bark and didn't seem to stop. Which only made Yukinoshita bury her face in my shoulder.
I clenched my fists and heard a squeak. Which got the dog to stop barking. I had just inadvertently tamed my first beast. Since it stopped barking when I squeezed the toy, I squeaked the toy again and this time the dog reacted in a more playful manner. It spun around and barked more softly this time. Still the bark caused the fear frozen feline behind me to flinch. I gave the toy over to the dog and the animal started to chew on it immediately causing consecutive squeaks. Both us and the dog stood there for a bit. Not one of us moving. Where is this dogs owner? I contemplated on grabbing the dogs leash and bring it with us to the station but I don't know how well it'll go with the trembling Yukinoshita.
I was just about to ask her if she would be okay with it, when a shout was heard. Someone was running towards us. An average looking guy, not much about him would stand out in a crowd.
"HEY! SORRY! THAT'S MY DOG, DON'T WORRY HE DOESN'T BITE!"
It's a bit too late to tell us that. I'm sure Yukinoshita is already dead from fear and it's just her corpse that was hanging on to me. The owner came up and apologized once more and took the leash.
"Ahaha, sorry about that. He usually doesn't go running off by hisself" the owner said.
*squeak* *squeak*
"Oh, hey buddy you found your chew toy! I was afraid I lost that."
"You dropped it and I was the one who happened to stumble upon it" I answered sharply
"Oh, I see..ah…thanks for that. I'm sorry if my dog causes you and your girlfriend any problems."
"She's not my girlfriend" I replied a little embarrassed Yukinoshita was still clinging onto me with her face buried.
"Oh…..she isn't….?" The owner looked at the both of us. First me, then Yukinoshita and then back at me. After smiling, he apologized and left with his dog.
I turned my head to look at the person still clinging on to me for dear life if her grip is any indicator.
"Uh….he's gone. You can let go now." I said softly.
Still nothing happened. Her grip didn't loosen, she didn't move and she didn't say a thing. She must of really been frightened. To be fair it was a big dog, even I didn't know if it was going to bite or not. Honestly if it weren't for her I would of turned tail and ran myself.
"Well….lets get going then." I told her and began to walk.
It wasn't a far walk to the station from where we were. It shouldn't of taken us more then 10 minutes. But since Yukinoshita was still clinging onto me and her bags were smacking my left leg, it was really hard to walk.
"Look if you're not gonna let go, give me your bags. It's starting to annoy me." I tried to say in a nice tone.
I stopped walking. Still not letting go of my arm with one of hers. She handed the bags over with the other and resumed her death grip. All while never taking her face away from my shoulder. Can you breath?
We finally got to the station and boarded our train. We were both still standing. It wasn't too long of a ride before we reached her stop. So I decided I could let her stay in her position behind me. But, it was awkward to have her cling to me so silently. I mean it's been about 20 minutes now since the dog left us. I don't really have a problem with it. But….it is a little bothersome. I mean the way her arms are wrapped around mine, the way I could feel and hear her small soft breaths along with the amazingly sweet smell of her perfume. Crap. Now I'm getting self-conscious about it. Like I hope this jacket isn't dirty or the sound of my racing heart beat isn't so loud she can hear it.
*bing* it was Yukinoshita's stop.
"Hey, it's your stop. You should get going now."
"…"
"Hey, Yukinoshita you're going to miss your stop if you don't move it" I tried urging her.
"….."
Jeez! What the hell is up with you?
There wasn't much time before the doors closed again. So I grabbed her bags and dragged her along with me out the train.
"Yukinoshita…." I called to her quietly.
"Are…..you…okay..?"
Still no answer.
"Well I can't just leave you here like this. I'm taking you to your apartment okay?" I could feel my cheeks flaring up.
Instead of a voiced reply. She nodded her head which was still pressed against my shoulder.
The sun was just about setting. The sky which was an blaze red and orange earlier is now going through the transformation into a dark blue and light purple. The lights on the streets started to pop on one by one. The shops and various other stores started to also turn their exterior lights on. It was pretty cool to see. We walked for about another 15 minutes before we reached her apartment building.
"Hey….so….we're here." I told her softly.
She lifted her head off of my shoulder finally and turned her eyes upright towards me. Her eyes seemed to still be a bit glossy and she had a small smile on.
"Yeah, so here we are." She softly spoke still with the small smile on her face.
I instantly stiffened up my posture and looked away. No doubt my cheeks were probably the most darkest shade of red.
Yukinoshita then let go of my arms and relieved me of her bags before turning to the apartment. Before stepping through the doors she turned to look back
"T-t-thank you for walking me back home…and goodnight."
I think I feel a heart attack coming.