As the time of the club dwindled to zero Yukinoshita proceeded to return the key as Isshiki, and I continue to leave the building. Nudging me slightly to grasp my attention Isshiki looked at me with a face full of guilt. Perhaps emotions she has been holding inside herself.

"Senpai. I know this whole prom thing was a half-assed idea that I got from watching American movies. And all of this was because I want to be some prom queen. I caused all these conflicts with Yukinoshita senpai and her mother. I'm really scummy right?"

I pondered for a moment to choose my words wisely as I do not want to hurt another girl. Even though Yuigahama let me go that day. I hurt her, and she couldn't pretend nothing happened afterward.

"Knowing and feeling guilt shows that you aren't that bad. Perhaps if all of this helps Yukinoshita grows. It's worth it."

"You really care about Yukinoshita senpai, don't you? Do you..."

"I don't know." I finish her sentence for her. Even though this was somewhat a lie as the feeling that remains was something I did not want to hear or verbalize.

"I'm kinda jealous of her. I wanted someone like that too." She laughed.

"Maybe you already have one you just don't know who it is yet."

Isshiki smiled and returned to her sly self.

"Are you hitting on me again? Sorry but I don't like unloyal boys. So focus on who you like instead of flirting with me. I am happy to know how you feel but I am sorry I cannot accept it yet, maybe once you sort everything out and find out who you really like then we'd talk but for now I am sorry!" Isshiki quickly blurred out her typical jokes gag rejection. I chuckle happily that she figured herself out and is no longer the second most rotten person in the world. Because rotten people won't feel guilty or ever seek change. Isshiki smiled and dashed away after a wave, and I continued toward the bike stand. Due to my conversation delaying my path. Yukinoshita was already waiting for me beside my bike.

"Sorry for the delay. Actually, why are you even bothered enough to wait for me."

"I just wanted to talk with you. Privately."

I guess with Isshiki around there wasn't really much time for us to talk about her mother and Yuigahama.

"So?"

"I noticed I haven't actually thanked you for coming to my aid that day. So thank you." She spoke with a smile then following a small bow which was quite disturbing considering I have never been to formal with Yukinoshita.

"It's nothing."

"I managed to talk with Yuigahama san."

"When?!"

"Just now. I bumped into her as I returned the key."

"Right. She okay?"

"Of course not. But she told me that she permitted you to come to me and that you didn't 'ditch her.' But she said she couldn't see you off with a smile like she thought she could. She is angry at herself that she is mad at you." Yukinoshita couldn't help but solemnly smile.

Classic Yuigahama. Even though she is upset at me, she still exudes a niceness that cannot be explained out of logic. If it was any other woman hate and jealousy is probably all that's left in their eyes.

"So what about you? How do you feel about me?"

Yukinoshita blushed. Her cheeks growing pink and she looked down and began playing with her fingers.

"Why would you ask me that now. In this time and place."

"Whats wrong with here?"

"I expect somewhere more...private? grand?"

"Huh?"

Does she think that I am about to confess? No, no. You are seriously misunderstanding my motives and intentions here Yukinoshita san...

"Uh. I was about to ask you if you were mad at me. You know for hurting your best friend?"

Yukinoshita clicked her tongue and looked up at me with a frown.

"Did you receive a concussion? I already thanked you for coming to my aid when I couldn't persuade mother. Why would I be angry at you? I am angry at you now though."

"Sorry. I should have known better." I scratch the back of my head.

"That just cost you your afternoon."

"Huh?"

"You are escorting me home." She commanded.

Wait...She just moved back. So where does she live now? I have no idea how to go there. Does she even know how to go there? Is she basically using me as a human GPS due to her terrible sense of direction?

"Where do you live. And don't you have a driver? And I am not your big brother, I don't have to escort you." I mention.

"Do you honestly think I moved after a few days. I am about done the packing, but the move will be this weekend."

Stupid question Hachiman...

"By the way Hikigaya kun. I would hate to be your sister."

I cannot help but chuckle.

"Fine by me. Your loss." I shrug. Yukinoshita placed her bag onto the basket in front of my bike, and we started to walk out of the school. Spring was evidently here. Despite just snowing a few days ago, flowers and trees were seemingly starting to bloom, and the smell of sweetness and freshness spread around the atmosphere like perfume. I do kinda want to see the sakura trees this year. I have a feeling they will bloom gloriously and beautifully.

"You have any idea how your mother will take the news about you making prom a student lead thing."

"Actually I have no intention of making it a student lead event. It wouldn't be of standard. The standard I desire."

Confused and shocked I stopped. Yukinoshita did the same. Wait. Wasnt the plan to go behind her mothers back? What is she really planning?

"Yukinoshita I am confused."

"I have no intention of retreating and compromising due to mothers whims. She worries that a prom will be scandalous. What more scandals is a student-led event? With no teachers and adults around, sex, smoke, alcohol will be the least of their problems."

What is Yukinoshita planning? Even I thought all she wanted to do was avoid direct conflict. But it seems like she is trying to go head on.

"I don't understand."

"If our solution is so scandalous and terrible and not in her control...Then mother would have no choice but to compromise with us and allow the prom to be held at a school event."

So she's using her desire to control everything to strongarm her and force her to a compromise. But shes her parent. Can't she simply just not let Yukinoshita be involved, so it doesn't matter her? Or does she care about Sobu's reputation in general because it will affect her daughter too?

"Quite a devious plan. But cant she just forces you to not be involved?"

"Which is why you would be booking a hotel room with me on prom night. On my credit card of course."

I blush at the possibilities but is still confused. Why does that have to do with anything?

"Uh...Why?"

"Oh. Don't worry. It's just to worry my mother and make her think I am more rebellious than she believes so she won't call my bluff. Becuase if we fail and the event is forced to be student-led the chances of it actually happening is close to nil due to different friendship groups etc. A school event is the only way they would all do it together despite being at potential odds."

As a loner, I didn't even concern the fact that some people simply won't want to be with other friendship groups. They could hold their own private parties separately, and that couldn't be called a prom at all. The school is what binds the event together. Yukinoshita thought this through way deeper than I did. But how can she be so adamant that she cough tough up enough to confront her mother? After all, a few days cannot change years of fear.

"How sure are you then you can confront her and make your stand."

"Zero percent."

"Huh." I cannot help but freeze dumbfounded with my mouth slightly opened like an idiot. Yukinoshita chuckles at my reaction and slips her hand forward, grabbing my blazer sleeve.

"But if you're beside me. I am a little more sure I can. You don't need to say anything or do anything. You just need to be there beside me, and that's enough. That is all the help I need from you. Is that okay?"

That I can do.

"Of course," I answered.

"Thank you Hikigaya kun. It is late. We better get going." We slowly continued to walk, but I felt each step Yukinoshita took to seem lighter and lighter and I may have seen a skip or two. Yukinoshita, of course, didn't notice and I wasn't about to say anything to ruin this moment that I alone was given the blessing to see. As we reached the lobby, we once again stopped. Somewhat lingering and just not sure what to say to delay our departure.

"Nee-san stated she would help me confront mother too. Like I said I want to get into politics and business. So that's good news I guess."

"Yeah. Good news. By the way, Komachi passed her exams. But I am sure you already know."

"Yes, I do. She messaged me. Perhaps we could all go out and buy her a congratulatory gift."

"Oh sure. Maybe after PTA meeting and after prom depending on how it goes."

"Sure. Sure. Uhm. Please don't tell Isshiki san about my true plans. I don't want her to accidentally reveal anything."

"No problem. It's not lying if she didn't ask."

"I never lie. But I do tell half-truths."

...

...

...

"Is your sister still staying with you?"

"No. After I stated I would move back. Nee-san returned home. I should be back home this weekend too."

"I see. I see."

An awkward pause which felt like an eternity unsued. We both had something to say, but neither dared to say it, and we were running out of menial talk to delay the reveal of said feelings that we tried so hard to conceal and ensured its genuine before making rash choices.

"Hikigaya kun!"

"Yukinoshita!"

We both say at the same time overlapping each others voice.

Another long pause.

"Would you like to come upstairs?"

Without any words, I nodded and followed the pulling sensation which grasped my hand tightly. With nothing other than anxiety and fear I let her pull me inside.