I come to school a bit apprehensive today. Even the clouds seem to agree with me given how dark the sky is right now despite it still being morning. With the presence of the winter cold, these ominous clouds make the atmosphere completely eerie. It almost makes me want to skip school and head home although I can't afford to do so today.

Given what happened yesterday, I have to see what happens next. Miura's sudden confession was already surprising enough, but that expression on her face when I rejected her was even more surprising. It was almost the face of hopelessness actually. Now I'm worried about what's going to happen when I arrive to school today. For sure, the dynamics of the clique will fall apart. Yuigahama will definitely run to me for help regarding this situation and drag me into it.

Then again, these are all just mere speculations. For all I know, maybe Miura got over her infatuation for me and returned to normal. I just hope nothing to troublesome is going to happen any time soon. Anyways, I'll have to see it for myself once I arrive to the classroom.

Unfortunately, my assumptions were true. When I entered the room, I immediately noticed that Miura was not together with her clique. She was just sitting by herself and resting her head on top of the table. I also noticed how her hair was no longer in drills but instead just an unorganized mess, a sign that something different about her today.

When I shifted my attention to the clique, they were still talking to each other as if it was a regular day. It was obvious though that they were simply pretending given their uneasy expressions and incoherent conversations. They don't know how to respond to this kind of situation, so they decided to simulate their regular status quo instead. Just goes to show how fragile their clique truly is. One small crack and it instantly falls apart.

I simply sighed at the situation and made my way to my seat in order to process the whole situation.

Given Miura's current condition, she's still greatly affected by yesterday's vents. She probably told her clique that she was under the weather or something as an excuse, so she could be left alone. She also probably rejected any concern she received from the clique which prompted them to act this restless.

I should probably leave her alone for now. People tend to get overemotional at times. There's no immediate need for action. Miura will most probably recover in the next few days.

"Hey Hikki..." A voice from behind me suddenly says. When I look back, I see a fidgety Yuigahama in front of me.

"Can I talk to you about something..."

Before I could respond, the bell suddenly ringed which signaled the start of classes. This prompted Yuigahama to return to her seat. Before she did so though, she told me that we'll talk during lunch instead. I simply nodded in return.

Class then started after a few minutes. I couldn't pay attention though since Miura's current condition was the only thing I could think of. I know that I shouldn't do anything rash, but I couldn't help but worry. I do feel somewhat responsible for her current condition after all.

Before I even realized, it was already lunch break. Yuigahama then approached me while being as restless as she was this morning. Miura's condition must've had a big impact on Yuigahama. It's uncommon to see this cheerful airhead acting as uneasy as this after all.

"Can you please follow me Hikki? There's something I want to talk about..." She said to me in a quiet and shy voice, something uncharacteristic for someone as bubbly as Yuigahama.

"Sure." I reply in a monotone voice. I already know that we're going to talk about Miura anyway. It's still concerning though just how drastic the effects of Miura's current state are.

The two of us then left the classroom together in order to talk in private. While we were walking though, Yuigahama was completely silent. For some odd reason, I was uncomfortable with the silence which is odd since it's something I usually crave.

After a couple of minutes, I found myself in my secret lunch spot. Now that I think about it, Yuigahama's one of the only persons to know about this place. Yuigahama then took a seat and gestured me to do the same. Once I sat down, Yuigahama began to speak.

"It's about Yumiko. She's even worse compared to last week. She won't even talk to us anymore."

"People have times when they just need to be alone. This applies to basically everyone, even you. Think about it, has there been a time when you just wanted to be alone for whatever reason?"

"A couple of times I guess..."

"See? There's no need to worry so much."

"I know that but still! It's just so disheartening. I'm her friend, but I can't even do anything for her..."

"Then just be ready."

"Hmm?"

"When she finally wants to talk, be ready. Some people would always say that they're worried about something or someone, but they never actually bother to do anything about it. That's why when the time comes, they don't know what to do. Don't be like that."

Once I said that, it became silent for a few moments. It was then broken my Yuigahama's slight chuckling.

"H-Hey, what's so funny?"

"It's so unlike you to say something so positive Hikki."

"W-Whatever..."

"Anyway, Thanks for the talk Hikki. I really appreciate it."

"Sure thing. Now you just have to treat for lunch."

"Ehh!?"

"I mean, you took time from my precious lunch break. You also asked for advice from a wise person such as myself. Of course I would demand compensation."

"Meanie Hikki! We never talked about something like that! Maybe I should've asked Yukinon instead..."

"Oi, are you just going to leave me starving here?"

"Oh fine then. Let's go the cafeteria Hikki."

Even though she acting annoyed right now, I can tell that she has cheered up a bit. Although I was a bit too optimistic for my own taste, at least I managed to ease Yuigahama's tension. I also got free food out of it. Now all I have to do is wait and see what's going to happen next.

An entire week has passed yet Miura's condition hasn't improved whatsoever. Actually, it's no exaggeration to say that her condition got worse. She wouldn't respond to anyone. Whether it was her clique members or Hiratsuka-sensei, she simply ignored them all. To be honest, I have never seen anyone so lifeless before. Even I didn't go that far deep back in middle school.

Now, it's club session yet the none of us can seem to relax due to the tense atmosphere.

Yukinoshita has mostly been indifferent about the situation, but I can tell that she too is concerned about Miura despite their antagonistic relationship.

Yuigahama is handling it even worse though since she's always in close contact with Miura. Even though she's been trying her best to be cheerful again, she can't help but worry about Miura. I don't blame her for it since I'm also concerned about Miura. I do feel somewhat responsible for putting her in this state after all.

The sound of knocking then suddenly fills the room. It can't be Hiratsuka-sensei since she never bothers to knock. If this was any other regular day, Isshiki would've been the one knocking. but she's currently doing some student council work. This means that it's a client. Although I have a feeling I know who it is behind that door.

"You may enter." Yukinoshita says in her professional voice. Once Yukinoshita said so, the door slid open and came out the blond haired bastard I share a mutual hate with.

"Hayato-kun?" Yuigahama said in confused voice. Hayama then simply replied with a greeting as he walked towards us.

"I have a request. It's about Yu-"

"If it's about her, don't bother anymore. This is a problem that you ought to solve yourself. You have no right to ask for help from people who aren't involved." I immediately say right before the moment he said her name. Hayama then suddenly glared at me which honestly made me flinch. I know that I interrupted you and that we hate each other, but was there really a need to act like that?

"I have to agree with Hikigaya-kun. Even though it's a pressing situation, we can't assist you. It's a personal problem and I feel like we aren't the ones suitable for solving this problem." Yukinoshita said in a somewhat harsh voice. Once Hayama heard our responses, he was distraught for a moment but quickly regained his composure after a few seconds.

"I was expecting that answer..." Hayama said in a somber tone.

"Then why did you still come to us?" Yuigahama, who was silent up to now, curiously asked Hayama.

"I needed to at least try. I just can't bare to see Yumiko acting like this. I was running out of ideas, so going here was one of my last options. Anyway, I'll let myself out. Thanks for listening at the very least." He said to the three of us as he exited the club room.

As Hayama was leaving, it came to me just how much he values his clique. Even though it's disgusting that all he wants in the end is a maintained status quo and stagnation, it's still respectable that he's concern for the people around him.

After he left, A heavy and tense atmosphere accompanied by silence then filled the room. None of us had anything worthwhile to say, so we stayed quiet and endured the uncomfortable atmosphere.

The bell then rang which signaled the end of club time. After awkwardly saying our goodbyes to each other, we took our separate ways. We couldn't manage to end the day on a happy note given what just transpired awhile ago.

As I was making my way towards the gate, I saw the silhouette of person waiting by the gates. Since it's already late, there shouldn't be that many people in school right now. Who could this person be?

After closer inspection, I noticed that the person was in fact Miura. What's she doing here? Waiting for Hayama perhaps or... is it me?

Anyway, since this situation is getting out of hand, I should take the initiative in trying to fix it. I am responsible for it after all.

"Miura." I call out to her as I make my way towards her. The moment she heard me, it seems like she got slightly startled by it.

"Hikio..." She said to me as I find myself in front of her. If I didn't know any better, I wouldn't have recognized her as Miura. There are eye bags under her seemingly faded green eyes. Her hair is disheveled to the point that it's no exaggerated to say that a tornado went through it. For someone like Miura,who values outer appearances, to look like this is unbelievable. Despite all this though, she still looks attractive to me. Odd.

"Can I talk to you for a while?"

"I was actually waiting here for you to ask that. Is it okay if it's at the same cafe?"

"I don't mind."

We then made our way to the cafe Miura previously brought me to. The entire walk there, it was pure silence. Even though it somewhat resembles the atmosphere from the club room awhile ago, I don't feel tense at all. To be more precise, I actually feel comfortable like this. When I took a glance towards Miura, I could see that her mood brighten up a bit.

When we arrived to the cafe, Miura ordered the sweet tea while I found some seats. Just like last time, the cafe is empty but still gives out a relaxing and warm feeling despite the winter season.

Once Miura came back with the tea, she sat down right next to me as opposed to across me. I was startled at first, but calmed down right after awhile.

For the next few minutes, it was completely silent. Neither of us were talking yet we were both relaxed. I don't understand how or why this is happening, but I'm enjoying it right now. For a brief moment, I even saw a smile appear on Miura's face which was unexpected given her state this past week.

"Hey Hikio, is everyone worried about me?" She suddenly asked me which broke the silence. It was almost relieving to see that Miura is still capable of speaking normally.

"Yeah. Everyone's worried sick about you. Do you know how much trouble you caused?" I instinctively scold her as I gave her a light chop on the head. This prompted Miura to blush a bit. I was curious to why she was acting like that then it came to me. My older brother instincts came up and gave her the same treatment I would do to Komachi, Isshiki or sometimes Yuigahama. This prompted me to blush as well.

"It's nice to see this side of you Hikio. It feels nice to be taken care of like this." Miura said with a slight giggle which prompted me to feel even more embarrassed.

"A-Anyway, why back to the topic. Why are you acting like this. It better not be because of m-"

"Yes, it's all because of you." She immediately says with a solemn voice. This is just as I feared. I can't believe her infatuation for me has to escalated to this level.

"You're thinking out loud again Hikio. Also, it's not infatuation. I actually do love you." She casually says to me as she rests her head on my shoulder. Just what are you doing woman!? I'm pretty sure that the fire queen known as Miura Yumiko wouldn't do something like this. I know this is a troubling situation, but why do I feel so happy right now!?

"You know, I spent the whole week thinking about you. I was thinking for a reason why you would reject me. I never expected a single rejection to affect that much. It even came to the point that I disregarded the clique that I love so much. To be honest, after the rejection, I expected my so called 'love' for you to disappear, but it never did. Guess I really do love you Hikio."

This is getting bad, real bad. Her infatuation is far beyond what I expected. No matter what she says or thinks, this is all just infatuation. I have to resolve this situation somehow. Outright rejecting her won't do. Ignoring and avoiding her would probably have the opposite effect. Pretending to reciprocate her so called love is also out of the question. Just what can I do right now?

"Let me guess Hikio, you just can't accept that I love you right?" Miura suddenly said to me. Those words she said barely registered into my thoughts because that thought has never crossed my mind before. My brain can barely process it right now.

"After thinking for a whole week, I came to that conclusion. Knowing you, you probably can't accept something like love. With that in mind, I came up with the perfect idea. We should go on a date this weekend. That way, I can show you what love feels like and how much I love you. I won't take no for an answer, so better prepare yourself Hikio since I can get pretty greedy." She said to me with a completely genuine happy smile.

These circumstances, her words, her actions, her smile, my request, my principles, my knowledge. All these thoughts rampaging through my mind.

I can only make one conclusion right now: Just what the hell is happening.