It's been almost a week since that incident with Miura. Indeed, the week has passed with nothing of that scale, resulting in the typical exchange between us, with some small banter here and there. She's still as confusing as ever, her personality still going every which way. Somehow, I feel closer to her now, even though we haven't talked in person ever since she made the request.

Still I don't feel that close to her. She can be caring, for sure, but I'm not one of the recipients. I'm normally the one that she treats like, oh, I don't know, scum of the earth. It's as she said: She doesn't like me as a person. Sure, I'm interesting, but scum can be interesting, right?

I sigh, massaging my temples. I really shouldn't worry too much about this, but I am...

What am I going to do about this whole thing? A whole week of thought and I still haven't arrived at good conclusion. Information hasn't been coming very readily, and the optimal course of action hasn't presented itself yet. And just because I feel as if we might be closer, it doesn't mean I like her any more, as if I did at all in the first place.

Even so, it still confuses me as to why I am even helping her in the first place.

It's true that I originally wanted to do this for my own benefit, but it doesn't feel quite right to say that anymore. What's my motive? I'm missing something now, and it's frustrating that I cant seem to find it.

Perhaps I'm just trying to be selfish in my own way. In order to fight against the fake product we call society, maybe I'm trying to create something more genuine, bit by bit. And yet, that also doesn't seem right. I'm smart enough to know that I can't make any significant change on my own. To think that I could make a difference would be optimistically delusional.

So then the only option that I can still see is that I want to help another person find something genuine. Since I know I can't make an impact on society, perhaps I want to make sure that at least some people can find something real. Even if it won't make a difference, after all that I said it would feel wrong to allow someone to be lost in the web of lies called society.

I sigh. As it turns out, the plan ahead remains muddled.

But I don't have time to be worrying about that right now. Lunch break is about to end, and I have to return to class. I suppose that all I can really do is wait. I have to assess the situation more carefully, and I need to understand my own motives for doing this.

Throwing away the wrapper of my yakisoba bread, I head back to class.

"Alright, class dismissed!"

Picking my head up off my desk, I see Hiratsuka-sensei make her way out of the room while the other students begin standing up. I look over to see Miura still sitting, already on her phone. As soon as she sees Hayama, however, she pockets it hurriedly, as if hiding something.

Shortly after, I feel a buzz in my pocket.

Sneaky...

"Meet me at the library next to the shopping district. I think it's about time we have an actual talk person to person. Be there by 4:00. I'll be waiting until then."

Closing my phone, I can't help but think that the message could be taken wrong should someone see it. It could very well be interpreted as a message between two lovers, though that is quite the opposite of what Miura and I are.

Looking up, I make eye contact with her and give a slight nod, figuring that that's enough to let her know that I'll be there. Plus, if it's at 4, then I might have time to go to club for a while. I'll just have to say I have to leave early for some reason. Eh, I can figure it out when it's time.

As if on cue, Yuigahama exits the classroom, making quick eye contact with me before leaving. I gather my belongings and start my way to the club room, meeting up with her right outside the door.

"Oh, Hikki! Yahallo! Ready for a club?"

As she smiles at me, I shrug. "Well, more or less I suppose."

"Is that so? Well, I guess we haven't really had any requests lately, so there hasn't been a lot to do." She chuckles a little. "Although, I kinda like it to when it's quiet too. Getting to talk to Yukinon and you are pretty fun, I think."

I glance at her out of the corner of my eye. "Well, that's good, I guess."

Yuigahama smiles. "Isn't it? I guess club really never gets boring."

Seeing her love for the club draws out a small smile from me. "Yeah, I guess so."

She picks up the pace, going ahead to open the club door. Sliding it open, she looks inside before saying, "Yahallo, Yukinon!"

As I step in behind her, Yukinoshita gives her reply. "Hello, Yuigahama."

"Yo, Yukinoshita."

She looks over to me. "Ah, hello, Hikigaya." Then, glancing between the two of us, she stands up. "Shall I start brewing the tea?"

Club proceeds without much incident, the time going by faster with Yukinoshita's delicious tea. However, the time quickly comes where I need to meet Miura at the library.

I close my book, and put it back in my bag, drawing some attention. As they look at me, I clear my throat.

"Um, actually, is it okay if I leave a little early? I need to take care of some things before going home."

They glance at each other, as if exchanging a silent conversation. Yuigahama looks at me first.

"Well, sure Hikki, if you say so."

Yukinoshita pipes up. "Yes, you may leave, but for what purpose exactly?"

I scratch my neck somewhat awkwardly. "Well, various things..."

Their gazes tell me that they don't believe me, but it looks like they won't question me, at least for now.

"Well, alright. It's not like we're doing anything today anyways."

I let out an internal sigh of relief. "Ah, thanks. Then, I'll be leaving."

Yuigahama smiles. "Take care! See you tomorrow, Hikki!"

As I make my way out of the clubroom, the school is fairly empty. I barely make any contact with other people, and the ones that I do I don't make any moves to talk to them. Stepping outside, the air is still mildly warm, and the sky has yet to turn dark. I board my trusty bike, slinging my bag over my shoulders, and start pedaling towards the library near the cafe of our last visit.

The library turns out to be a rather plain building, with beige walls and several windows. Compared to the stylish cafe, it seems completely out of place. It sticks out compared to the more flashy, stylish buildings in the area, making me wonder how I missed it the first time.

In retrospect, it's not too strange to have a cafe near a library, but the two are completely contrasting styles.

Well, I guess in the end the appearance barely matters. What matters is what's on the inside.

I pause as I have that thought.

That was, like, surprisingly deep...

As I step inside, I'm greeted by a spacious well lit room with lines of bookshelves, as well as a set of tables in the near corner. I scan the tables, and it doesn't take long to find the familiar blond locks of Miura. She's absorbed in a textbook, spinning her pencil on her fingers while looking frustrated, as if she doesn't understand it.

I walk over. "Yo."

She glances up, making brief eye contact before looking back at her book. "Oh, it's you. I suppose it's been a while since we spoke, hasn't it?"

I take the seat across from her setting down my bag. "Hardly. We've texted pretty much every day."

Her eyes don't come back up, instead focusing on the book in front of her. "I guess."

She doesn't say anything after that, and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to continue the conversation. Confused, I decide to try small talk.

"What are you working on?"

She scribbles something down. "What, this? It's just some modern Japanese homework. Hiratsuka-sensei is great and all, but sometimes I just don't get her teachings."

I chuckle. "I know what you mean. She's a... unique teacher."

Miura grins and proceeds to laugh. "Right? It's like, hard to explain, but she's just different than other teachers!"

Being the ever so smooth gentleman I am, I reach over and grab what she was working on, taking a look for myself.

"Oi, Hikio, what are you doing?"

I don't respond to her question, and instead answer the question on the assignment in front of her.

"If you use a different tone for this passage, then you should be able to convey your message more clearly."

She pauses and blinks. "Huh?"

I lean over the table and point to the part in question. "Right here. You see? Using this form makes it harder to explain."

Miura looks down, mulling over what I said before coming to a realization. "Ah, I see! Thanks, Hikio! You're pretty good at this modern language stuff."

Settling back into my chair, I shrug. "More or less, I guess."

All of a sudden, there's a shift in the mood, so palpable that even I can feel it. Looking at her, she has a strange glare in her eyes. "Why don't you help me with the rest?"

I blink blankly as the weight of what she said dawns on me. Oh man, what a pain...

It's not like I want to do it, but I feel somewhat obliged since I made her wait here, and also because I've basically been leading her down the wrong path. I think it's the least I can do, but still...

What a pain...

After about an hour of studying, she finally finishes her work and drops her pencil, stretching happily.

"Ahh, thanks Hikio! That went by a lot quicker than I thought it would thanks to you. Maybe you aren't such a bad guy after all!"

I sigh tiredly. "Well, I've been saying that for a while now, but I suppose it's as they say: better late than never."

She giggles a little and gives me this strange sort of half smile. "Yeah, I guess so."

A silence ensues as I try to figure out what the heck that was supposed to mean. That sounded like it could have been pretty sweet of her... Wait, should I be happy because of this?

I make no effort to continue the conversation, but it's starting to get a little late. I figure I should probably get to the point here, especially before the silence draws on any longer.

"Is there a reason you wanted to talk to me in person specifically, aside from homework?"

She closes her textbook and looks at me. "Huh? Well, it's like I said in my text. Just want to go over what we have so far and if there's any chance for action."

I sigh. "Action, huh?"

Miura crosses her arms and leans back in her seat. "Well, of course. What else did you expect for me to want? That's why I asked you in the first place, you know."

"Well, I guess. But it's hard to know right now. There are a lot of different variables, and a lot of unknowns could still ruin everything..."

After all, if we go ahead with a plan now, even if it works, I still don't think Miura will really get what she wants. That is, assuming I even know what it is she wants.

"Hah? What do you mean, unknowns? Variables? This isn't some game! I'm serious, you know!"

That's right... She is. But she was just as serious in that one time, wasn't she? She didn't want to destroy the dynamic of her group... Surely, then, this can't be what she wants, can it? I

I rest my chin in my hands, leaning my weight onto one arm, scwoling. "I know, I know. But think about it. We still don't know how he feels about you. We don't know how everyone else feels, either. It's like you once said, isn't it? Is it worth shaking up the whole group dynamic? How important is this to you?"

She frowns, looking to the side out the window. "I mean, I've liked him for a long time... I don't want to let things end this way when we graduate... Even at this point, if I mess up the group, we won't have a lot of time together left. You should know, right?"

I return her frown. "What do I know?"

Her eyes start to gloss over a little. "Knowing Hayato, he's probably gonna go somewhere amazing, or far away. I can't keep up with him like this. That's why, if I do something, it has to be now, during high school. I know the others will always be my friends, but it feels like Hayato has always been a little distant."

Wait. What did she just say? He feels... distant?

Then that must mean... She's started to notice. That Hayama's persona is just that: a persona. The person she likes isn't really a real person. That's good, right? Then I can tell her and be done with this...

And yet, I don't think that that's the right thing to do. Not right now, anyways. Even if she's started to notice it, it doesn't mean she understands it. And besides, her judgement is still biased with her feelings.

"What do you mean by 'distant'?"

I end up blurting that out. If I can figure out more about how she feels, then it might be possible to help her.

"Well, I guess, sometimes it feels like he can be a little cold to us sometimes. Like, I can never really tell what he's thinking nowadays..."

I take the opportunity to confirm things. "But, you still like him, right?"

She purses her lips. "Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't be asking for your help."

I look down. "I see."

What's the right option? I can't tell anymore. Do I tell her? Or do I lead her to a confession? How do I handle this? I don't know anymore... Should I tell her, or do I let her remain ignorant?

Plagued by these impossible questions, I rest my head in my arms.

"Oi, Hikio, you alright?"

Her voice pulls me back, as I look up.

"Well, I guess so. It's just turning out that this is harder than I thought."

To my surprise, she laughs a little. "But of course. I wouldn't have asked for help if it was easy, you know."

I find myself cracking a small grin. "I suppose so."

Miura checks her phone and her eyes widen. "Wow, it's already 5:30... Are you hungry?"

"Huh?"

She rolls her eyes. "Oh, it's not that hard to understand. I asked if you were hungry."

I really don't get her sometimes. Just what exactly is she planning?

"Well, a little I guess."

She nods and packs her things up. "Come on, let's go get something to eat."

"...Huh?"

It doesn't take long for Miura and I to be situated in a McDonald's with a tray of food in front of us. After our talk in the library, she ended up dragging me here and buying me a burger.

"So, why exactly did I have to come? I could have just went home..."

She picks up a plastic fork and opens up the container of salad that she ordered. "What? Don't be ridiculous. I can't just let one of my friends go home hungry, especially at night."

Friends? This is news to me. "Since when are we friends?"

Miura doesn't even look my way as she opens a straw and places it in her cup of iced tea. "Well, after all you've done for me, and after getting to know you a little better, it doesn't feel right to just say 'classmate' anymore. Why?" She shoots me a dirty eye. "You don't like it?"

For some odd reason, I feel my face heat up a little. "Ah, well, no... It's just surprising. But why did you buy my food for me?"

She rolls her eyes. "Could you stop asking so many questions? It's just thanks for all the work you've done for me. I know there's not much for you in return, so I appreciate you taking the time to help me."

Well, it's free food, so I can't say no... "Well, then thank you, I guess."

She takes a bite of lettuce. "Don't mention it. It's my treat. But instead of thanks, let's call it an act of kindness. That sounds better, don't you think?"

I huff. "Well, for you maybe. But it makes me sound like a free loader."

Laughing, Miura looks at me. "Man, that's just like you, Hikio. Fine, we'll call it thanks for the help."

I start unwrapping my own burger. "That's better."

As we continue to eat and chat, I can't help but think that something here feels somewhat natural. It's almost as if her sarcasm and my own sense of humor mesh together, leading to a banter between us that just seems to flow. It's almost as if I'm talking with Yukinoshita, but it's different somehow. I almost don't want to admit it, but I think...

I think I'm starting to enjoy talking to her.

Before I can react, Miura reaches over and grabs a fry from my tray, eating it quickly.

"Oi, that was mine!"

She smiles slyly, chuckling. "Oh please, Hikio. I bought this for you, so I think I can afford to take a few from you."

It takes a moment to think of a comeback. "Well, that's not how it works with presents. If you buy someone a gift, you aren't entitled to it once you give it to them."

Miura pauses to think about that. "Ah, that's true. But it's too bad, Hikio, since I'll be taking some anyways."

At this point, I figure it's not worth it to argue. Besides, she does have a point. "Yeah, yeah, help yourself."

She grins. "That's the spirit."

Dinner continued for a while longer with idle chatter until it was time to go. We both make our ways outside, with the sky being somewhat dark now. We both get on our bikes, about to part ways, when my inner gentleman kicks in.

"It's getting pretty dark. Do you want me to go back with you?"

Wait... That was, like, so out of character, you know! Why did I even ask that? What was I hoping to accomplish?

Miura looks at me quizzically, somewhat confused. "You know, Hikio, I didn't take you for that kind of person..."

I find myself a little warm, unsure of what exactly was going through my mind. "Uh, I guess it felt like the nice thing to do..."

She has a smile on her face. "Well, that's very kind of you Hikio, but I live pretty close, so I'll be fine."

I fit my foot onto the petals. "Ah, is that so. Then, I'll be leaving then."

As I turn, I feel a slight tap on my shoulder. Turning, I see her looking at me somewhat hesitantly. "What is it?"

"Actually... Do you think we could do this again tomorrow? It was pretty helpful for me."

I think about it. "Well, I guess I won't really be doing anything, so I can."

She smiles a little. "Of course, I shouldn't have expected anything less."

Normally, that would be something fairly mean or hurtful, and yet somehow this feels almost like and inside joke with us now. Instead of getting angry, I find myself somewhat amused. "Of course. Well then, I'll see you tomorrow I guess."

She turns away, starting to pedal. "Yeah, see you tomorrow."

As she rides away, I make my way back home. The situation is still unclear, but something feels different.

It's almost like we're friends now. I can't say I necessarily like her all that much, but I don't mind her company any more like I used to. The only question that remains for me is why. Why is it okay now? What changed? Is it because she's becoming more perceptive?

With these questions still bouncing in my head, the only feeling I know for sure is a strange sense of warmth. With a full stomach, I ride all the way back home, where I make it to my room and lay down.

There are a lot of things I want answered, and many things that still don't make sense. My decision also remains unclear, but at the very least, perhaps I'll come closer to my answer tomorrow.

And perhaps, there will be more answers for me as well.

A/N: Okay, I know this isn't my best chapter, and it's pretty shoddy. I wrote most of this while pretty tired, and I'm not very good at critically reading my own works. If someone is interested in being a beta for this series, PM me for more details as I'm looking for someone who can edit my new chapters.

Anyways, thanks for reading. I apologize for the bit of pause hiatus in most of my projects, but I recently got into CSGO so yeah... That happened...

The plot for this one might come across a little rushed, and to be honest I'm not super certain on how much longer this series will last. Don't worry though, it won't be ending very soon. I expect this to be a medium-long length story, since I'm planning for some sort of epilogue sort of thing. So stay tuned for that. Make sure to leave a review if you have any feedback for me, good or bad.

And as always, thanks for reading, and I hope to see you in the next chapter!

-Rohasshiki

p.s. this story has officially overtaken my main story in terms of popularity. I'm glad you guys enjoy this one so much, since it's significantly shorter but just as popular. I hope you guys will continue to stick with me as this story progresses :D