Even Hikigaya Hachiman can write a Love Letter

by God Emperor Penguin

Valentine's Day - a day of love, pink, and chocolates. In the spirit of the coming holiday, Hiratsuka-sensei gives her Modern Japanese periods an assignment: write a love letter. So naturally, Hikigaya writes a love letter to the person he loves the most.

4. Hotpot

Summary: Valentines' Day - a day of love, pink, and chocolates. In the spirit of the coming holiday, Hiratsuka-sensei gives her Modern Japanese periods an assignment: write a love letter. So naturally, Hikigaya writes a love letter to the person he loves the most.

Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru

Chapter 4

A Hotpot from Totsuka Saika with Love

oO oOoOo Oo

I sneezed into my miso soup.

"Oniichan! Don't sneeze into your breakfast!"

Komachi rattled on to the side, taking advantage of me wiping my nose to seize my rolled eggs but leaving the tomato slices. Sheesh, she's merciless when it comes to hostile takeover of food.

"Not like I wanted to," I replied, tossing the tissue into the trash can.

"Hehe, maybe someone's thinking of you this morning?"

"Highly doubt it," I said, finishing my breakfast and heading my way to school.

I walked a bit faster that day. Maybe I was expecting something - like a package awaiting my at the front door or the shoebox at school. I hastened my steps, anxious.

But the gossip swirling around answered my question for me.

Yukinoshita didn't come to school today.

Such an absence is rare, perhaps even unnatural. She might be dead. In fact, the only other time I recall her ever being absent was because she had overworked herself during the cultural festival. She had a one-track mind, and would commit everything to beat it into submission, like a hammer that has but one solution to a problem: to give and give until it relents.

She's selfless in that way…

Damn noblesse oblige.

The girl's too perfect for her own good and it's a hassle sometimes, but at least I could sympathize. Regardless, everyone has their own demons. Some embrace theirs more than others.

To say the day was quiet would be a lie.

High school students are immature, tribal and barbaric and little better than savages. Give them a taste of something good and they begin to turn into children. One moment they're keen on talking about the next karaoke bar or barbeque joint and the next they're spreading rumors.

"Oi oi! Did you hear about the latest rumor?" Virgin Ooka once again initiated the conversation.

"Yeah yeah! Everybody knows, man!" said Tobe. "Still, did you learn anything new?"

"Yeah yeah! So listen up…"

Tobe leaned closer as Virgin Ooka began whispering the secret to him like it was the United States' nuclear arsenal codes.

And so the three stooges began retelling the same rumor for the umpteenth time that morning.

It was spreading to everyone, from each pair to passing couple. There hasn't been such a rise in the rumor mill since… since… well, just ever. Cliques were slowly dissolving, a temporary state in the usually rigid high school hierarchy, as students fluctuated between groups to spread whatever new tidbit of gossip they came across. Students from other classes would come in without the usual announcements, eager to spread the latest word.

"Hey hey, I heard Yukinoshita-san didn't come to school today!" a student said.

"Really? Hayato-kun's not at school today either…" said another.

"Seriously? No way, I saw him at soccer practice this morning," a third student replied.

The other two laughed. "Maybe they do the lovey-dovey stuff after school, haha!"

Thus was the state of Class 2-F this morning.

Humans are pitiful creatures, if they weren't so stupid I think I'd feel sorry them. But it's because of their stupidity that they continue to wallow in their day to day affairs, unable to see the larger scheme. Who wants to be stuck listening to the same people over and over, wondering who will be the next to be sacrificed for the sake of the spider's amusement?

Murmurs begin reaching a crescendo.

Ah.

There he was, the catalyst.

People's stupidity climaxes when patient zero arrives.

A wild Hayama Hayato has appeared.

"Good morn-"

A gatling gun of questions began firing at his direction.

Poor guy got shot down with so many 'Shout and Ask Repetitive and Annoying Questions' attacks that I was worried if he'd have enough HP left to stand. Maybe that kind of stuff is not very effective against him?

Before long, whatever semblance of order and public decency began degrading as people began piling to get closer to Hayama to ask their questions, which were indistinguishable from each other. All the questions pertained to the newly rumored relationship with Yukinoshita. They were like children who had seen a car accident and began to rudely point at it. Haven't their mothers taught them that it was rude to point?

Whatever.

I had nothing to ask him.

If Hayama was even answering the questions at this point, I doubt anybody could hear him.

Then, in an instant flash of blonde drills, a sudden wave of heat dominated the room.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Out of my way! All of you… SHUT UP!"

Hell hath no fury like a Miura Yumiko scorned.

Miura cleared the path for her clique of Ebina and Yuigahama. She had taken up the mantle as the prophet of the Church of Hayama. With her sheer presence, she had parted the students like the Red Sea.

"You! Back up! And you get your ugly-buck-tooth butt back to your seat."

Ouch.

"Greasy haired otaku, go play your Yugi-Poke-mans-whatever in the corner."

The Queen of the Castle was utterly merciless…

"And you… what do you even want me to say? Get a mirror before you put on that eyeliner, you filthy casual."

Shots fired.

Shots fired.

Shots fired everywhere.

Everyone dropped down to their seats. Miura's kill streak was l-l-l-ludicrous.

"H-hey, Yumiko… maybe that was a bit harsh?"

Indeed, Miura's limit break went on a 17-hit combo for 9999 with TRIGGER to KO the entire class. The atmosphere was tense and thick, but I doubt Miura cared at this point.

Well, chaos is a ladder after all and Miura has no problem pushing people off to climb it.

"If any idiot bothers Hayato, then they're bothering me. And I will cut down whatever in this world causes any disturbances to me." Miura took a seat upon her throne and went on her phone. "Even if it's Yukinoshita…"

Woah there, you aren't Celestial Being.

"Eh… I-I don't think it's Yukinon's fault…" Yuigahama said softly.

A loud slam thundered through the classroom.

"Not. Her. Fault?"

Each word was emphasized. Yuigahama just committed a capital offense.

"Hey hey, Yumiko, why don't we go to the arcade after…?" Ebina stepped in with a smile, her glasses fogged up from her rising temperature. With red cheeks she went on, "We can go see some pretty boys and we can decide which one is more uke and seme-"

Miura shot Ebina a glare.

"O-or not… hehe…" Ebina laughed nervously.

The class was silent. It's as if nobody was breathing. Well, except for one.

"That's rather unnecessary, Yumiko." Hayama placed a hand on Miura's shoulder. "But I appreciate the thought, even if you were a bit ruthless."

"H-Hayato…" Miura looked like a princess completely lost in the eyes of her prince.

"I see you meant well. But please, be less critical of others."

It was a charming and diplomatic response, one that relaxed the class atmosphere.

"Still…" Miura continued biting her fingernail. "Isn't it all her fault?"

"I doubt it," Hayama said with a smile. "I think I'll go take a walk. Alone. Please try to relax, Yumiko," he said.

With a final pat on her shoulders, Hayama left the classroom.

Nobody said anything. Like rushing water, tension once again filled the room and overwhelmed it. It was like drowning in the ocean.

I swear I could have heard my own heartbeat.

Miura looked at the doorway where Hayama was just at moments ago.

"She said… she said she didn't like him…" she said to no one in particular.

"Yumiko…" Yuigahama whispered. Ebina placed two hands on Yumiko's shoulder. Physical reassurance is a useful tool when calming down hysterical women. Or a sexual harassment charge. But Yumiko made no reaction. It was as if she was dead to the world.

"I'm sure Hayato's fine," Ebina said reassuringly.

"She said there was nothing between them…" Miura murmured distantly. In the silence of the classroom, the murmur might as well have been well broadcasted on the P.A. system.

"W-well, Yumiko…" Yuigahama began.

"What?"

The death glare from Miura could kill.

"Yukinon… she said-"

"Ah, that's right… you're her friend, aren't you?"

"Yes!" Yuigahama affirmed. "But I'm your friend too!"

Miura looked at Yuigahama. "You've changed…"

"I-I don't think I did…"

Miura's eyes narrowed. "You're probably too dumb to see it yourself," Miura huffed. She turned to Ebina. "Hasn't Yuigahama changed?"

"Um… ah…" Ebina was at a loss for words.

When the alpha leads her pack into starvation, it's expected that the alpha will begin cannibalizing its own. This is done in order to quell one's frustration. This is seen in corporate recalls where people begin blaming and pointing others or doctors in malpractice lawsuits. High school girls are no different. If anything, they adhere more to the tribal principles. These girls weren't a wolf pack - they were a bunch of vultures, ready to tear each other to pieces.

High school girls are cruel in that sense, and so poorly understood. They should make a nature documentary about them narrated by some quaint British fellow.

"There we have it," Miura said, somehow reasoning Ebina's lack of coherent response as an acceptable form of proof.

"Ah…" Yuigahama's eyes became downcast.

Poor Yuigahama. It was like she was carrying a wrestling feud on behalf of a part-time World Heavyweight Champion who never shows.

"So," Miura continued. "What did she say?"

"Yu-Yukinon said the initials were H.H. T-The president made a mistake reading the name…"

"That's it?"

"Yeah."

"So it could have been him, couldn't it?"

"There there Yumiko," Ebina assured. "A lot of boys have names with initials H.H. right? How do we know she meant Hayato? She could have meant anyone else, ne?"

Miura sat silently.

That woman is a swirling vortex of the worst vices of females. She reeks of cheap perfume and gaudy magazine accessories. Any good qualities, on the generous assumption she has any, is overshadowed by her untold thousands upon thousands of faults. She cooks and brews and thinks. Miura is a woman who knows what she wants, has always gotten what she wants, and finally can complain her way into getting what she wants.

I pitied her a little.

The bell rang.

Hayama Hayato was still not in class.

"There's only one person with the initials H.H. who matters…"

Miura's eyes went to Hayama's empty seat.

"… and he might be too far for me to reach."

oO oOoOo Oo

The cold hasn't left yet.

Lunch had come but choosing between the annoying classroom and the frigid cold I sought the best of both worlds: the warm comfort of the Service Room. Though Yukinoshita was absent, I was still a member of the Service Club. It was convenient to have a place to stay and all it took was convincing some newbie teacher that I was the vice-president of the Service Club to get a hold of the key.

Walking to the unused classroom serving as the clubroom, it was strange to feel the keys in my pocket.

Unlocking the door, I entered the room.

My eyes instinctively went to the seat by the window. It was unoccupied today.

Sitting on my usual chair, I took out my lunch; a curry bread and some milk. I also had a can of warm Coffee MAX for the daily helping of caffeine in my diet.

Then, the door began to creak open.

"Yu-Yukinon!?"

The door flung open.

Yuigahama bursted into the room. I had begun eating my lunch. I didn't need to look at her to know she didn't find what she had expected.

"O-oh… Hikki…"

"Yo."

"The door was unlocked… I thought Yukinon was… but…"

"I borrowed the key."

Yuigahama began fidgeting. In her hands was a lunch box wrapped in a flowery pink cloth and another one wrapped in a plain blue one. I assume she thought she could make lunch for Yukinoshita to cheer her up but that scenario would not come to fruition… wait.

"Did you buy those bentos?" I asked.

"N-no!" Yuigahama said. "I-I…"

"You had your mom make them?"

Yuigahama nodded. What a shamefur dispray.

I rose and went to the window.

The sky, despite the cold weather, was still clear.

But on the edges of the horizon, there were clouds gathering. If I remember the weatherman it was supposed to rain, or maybe hail, but my instincts told me it would snow.

Ah… nothing beats a hot drink on a cold day.

Taking the Coffee MAX, still fresh and hot from the machine, I took a sip. Such bliss. It really cleanses the mind.

"Y-you seem like you're in a good mood, Hikki…"

Oh that's right, Yuigahama was still here.

Turning around to face her, I took another swig of my Coffee MAX. "Saying it like that implies I shouldn't be a good mood."

"N-no, what I mean is… Yukinon… and Hayato-kun, aren't you concerned at all?"

A chill crawled up my spine and through my chest.

"No. Should I be?"

Yuigahama stiffened. "I-I see…" She lowered her head into a frown. I caught a slight smile but it formed for a fraction of a moment. A snowflake in on a sunny day probably lasted longer than it. "W-well, you promised me that you'd help her, right!? So we gotta do something!"

"Yukinoshita can handle it herself," I said, returning to the view.

Some girls on the tennis team were playing. I could see my beloved Totsuka carrying water bottles to the ungrateful players. Argh! Look at them, crowding around him all smiles… Totsuka's smile is like a sun compared to their candlelight grins!

"A-ah… is that so," Yuigahama said taking a seat. "Yukinon said it's not a problem…"

Turning around, I saw that she was still unconvinced.

"If she has something to tell us, she will" I said. "If she doesn't tell us, then it's not our problem."

Yuigahama looked to me, angry.

"Everyone has secrets, Hikki!"

"Yukinoshita doesn't lie," I replied, confident in my answer.

I said Yukinoshita doesn't lie.

That woman can sideswipe the truth. She can walk around a lie. She can go a number of mental gymnastics to, by the barest definitions that would make lawyers cry, justify whatever she is saying isn't a lie. She is a woman with absolute conviction in her duty. Yukinoshita doesn't lie…

But did I really believe that?

Yuigahama looked at her feet.

"Take a seat," I said.

"I'll make some tea," said Yuigahama.

She moved slowly towards the water heater. The thought came over me that Yuigahama might not be able to brew tea. I mean, if she couldn't make cookies, then was it a stretch that she couldn't brew tea either? Hopefully Yuigahama had enough points in her INT stats to master the [Brew Tea] and [Pour Tea] skills…

As Yuigahama began fumbling through the buttons (was it that difficult to press 'Boil'?), the room became quiet. The only noises were her mumblings about what she could do. Yuigahama was usually the one who eased the atmosphere whenever the situation became tense… now she was the one who was uneased.

Yukinoshita was gone. Yuigahama was uneased.

Is this how awkward situations develop?

… was it always this awkward?

"So… did you hear anything from Yukinoshita?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Um… 'Boil'… mhm…"

H-hey now… did my presence just revert back to nothingness? "Oi Yuigahama…"

"But what does 'Unlock' mean? Do I press 'Unlock' first…?"

"Yuigahama…" Rising from my seat, I walked over to her. I guess she was so enthralled by the a simple water boiler that Yukinoshita regularly operated that Yuigahama herself never learned how to use it. I walked over behind her to tap her on the shoulder.

"Maybe I should-"

"Yui-"

"Eh?"

Yuigahama turned her head towards the sound of my voice. Our eyes met briefly. I could smell her breath - still minty from the little remnants of toothpaste. Her eyes were wide and I saw my reflection in them, a reflection of myself staring at her. Like an endless cycle, we were caught up by the proximity and lack of distance.

"Eeep!" Yuigahama reacted instinctively, pushing me away.

"Argh!"

"Hikki! Too close! Penalty!"

Her cheeks were flushed red. Her breathing was heavy with a hand over her chest.

"S-sorry," I said. Mea culpa.

"N-no… it was my fault," said Yuigahama, her voice calming down. "I overreacted, hehe…"

"No, it was really my fault," I said.

Yuigahama smiled. "No need to apologize, Hikki," she said cheerfully. She waved a hand in front of her, as if to clear away the bad air. "Come on! We can figure out how to make tea together," she suggested.

Seriously, if you're going to be a girl, at least know how to make tea.

When the tea was brewed and finished, Yuigahama went to pour the tea into the cups.

"Are you sure you got that?" I asked, skeptical of her skill level in [Pour Tea].

"Yes! Even a dum-dum like me can pour tea, Hikki," Yuigahama said carefully pouring a cup into the mugs. Well, at least she was in good spirits. After setting aside the tea cups, she took a seat on the other side of the table across from me.

I took a seat and looked at Yuigahama's book.

It was Kenji Miyazawa's Night on the Galactic Railroad.

"Did you rent this from the library?" I asked.

"Oh?" Yuigahama set the tea down. "I picked it up before… that was what Yukinon liked to read. I know some people from Library Committee so I got them to look up what Yukinon was checking out… and, well…" Yuigahama nervously laughed, "… I just thought if I read what she read, I'd understand her a little more, ya know?"

"I understand. May I?"

"Ah, sure!"

Opening the book and flipping through the pages, the familiar scenes went through my mind. My mind experienced one of those grainy black-and-white footage moments complete with cigarette burns. It's an old book. I'm surprised I even remember Giovanni and Campanella.

"I wonder if the letter was really meant for Hayato-kun…" Yuigahama's voice sounded distant. "Maybe Yukinon didn't want to upset the class? And like, Yumiko is really annoyed because Hayato-kun doesn't want to talk about it either."

"It sounds like their problem," I said.

Yuigahama puffed her cheeks up. "It's our problem too!"

I eyed her carefully. Setting aside the book, I crossed my arms.

"If Yukinoshita wants our help, then she better ask."

"Friends don't need to ask!"

The words struck me to the core. Friends don't need to ask? What are friends, some sort of ESPer clique led by Mental Out? Is Yukinoshita somehow our Level 5 Queen of Sobu High that we're all magically supposed to know what are her explicit orders?

"Yukinoshita isn't my friend."

Yuigahama eyes narrowed on me before they softened.

"Still, I want to do something for her."

"Go visit her like you usually do," I said. "Cook dinner with her and watch a movie together, like a date but between girls. Don't they call that a girl's night out? I hear they're pretty popular with middle-aged office women. You're well on your way to gracefully aging."

My comment was not taken with much fanfare as the paper cup to my face would suggest.

"Ah," I said, thinking of things too close to my face. "That reminds me. Isshiki."

"Eh?" Yuigahama tilted her head sideways.

"Yesterday must have been a surprise for her," I said, referencing the unexpected love letter.

"A-ah! Yes!"

"Well, I guess Yukinoshita did kind of ruin her big day." Then again, she also committed seppuku by not writing her name on the letter.

"Aha… but like, at least Iroha-chan's brave enough to try in the first place, right?" Typical Yuigahama, always looking to the brightside. That sort of outlook won't last too long in the rainstorm of the corporate slave world. "Well, I spoke to her."

"Really? I'm surprised you weren't counselling her over a therapy session."

"H-Hikki! Iroha-chan doesn't need a psychiatrist!"

"True. She forgot to sign her own name on her own letter… she probably needs a tutor."

Resting my chin on my palm, I felt that was a fairly Yukinoshita thing to say. 'Isshiki-san, please study this and practice writing your name on your assignments ten billion times, please.'

"Yukinon already volunteered," Yuigahama sighed. "Anyway, I ran into her this morning and told her that the whole thing was a mixup."

"And? How'd she take it?"

"She said that she'd put her faith in us."

"Huh."

What a naive girl. It's a common rule of life to always keep your cards close to your chest. For Isshiki to put her trust so easily in the hands of strangers only shows a weakness that can be exploited and manipulated. If she trusts us this much, I bet we could convince her that Hayama's actually a shinigami and has a girl living in his closet, and they have wacky adventures defeating demons with holes in them. And then Isshiki can live her life honestly believing that and move on from Hayama.

"Yeah! So everything should be okay… well, at least by like, a little bit, you know?"

The room became quiet again. The wind outside was a gentle but chilling breeze. The tea was slowly cooling as time passed by.

Yuigahama turned her head towards the window.

"We don't know what Hayato-kun is to Yukinon… and what Yukinon is to Hayato-kun… but…"

"What are you getting at?"

"It's… just like, speculation, but…"

"But?"

"Yukinon never said it wasn't Hayato-kun… only that the initials were H.H…"

"I thought you said the president made a mistake," I said.

Yuigahama laughed nervously.

"I… kind of lied…"

My heart sank.

"You lied."

"Well, Yukinon… she like, wouldn't tell me anything, you know? Only that the person she wanted the letter to reach… got it."

"Which means it was for Hayama," I said. A bit of bitterness may have come out. Yuigahama sat down, staring at the floor and kicked her legs absentminded in the air.

"Maybe it was for Hayato-kun," Yuigahama suggested in a soft voice.

"What's your point?" I said getting more irritated than I should.

A slight smile formed on her lips.

"We know they're childhood friends… and we know that they spend a lot of time together because of their families. Maybe, just maybe, they had something back then… and both of them still want to return back to that time…"

The implication of what Yuigahama was getting at didn't sit well with my stomach.

It was true, though.

Yuigahama had brought up something I didn't - or maybe I just didn't want to - think about.

I've only known Yukinoshita for less than a year.

Hayama had known her for almost his entire life.

They shared memories together. They grew up together. There's probably things between them that only they would know about; a relationship so intimate that a loner like myself couldn't possibly understand.

I'm not even her friend. I'm barely an acquaintance. So…

So what did I mean to her?

Probably nothing. 'I'm alright with that,' I would tell myself.

Yeah, I'm alright with that.

Yuigahama sat across from me. It was just us alone in the clubroom now. The room seemed a emptier without Yukinoshita. In the end, the room is just place - I imagine that's the next goofy goodie thing to come out of Yuigahama. 'Yeah! It's just a clubroom! What matters is our friendship!' like some Saturday morning cartoon character going on about morals.

Cartoon characters live in a fantasy, a fantasy that has no basis in reality.

Reality is harsh and cruel. Reality is the truth we all live by. Once upon a time I was okay with that. I liked it, even. After all, we live in a world where the law is give and take, but…

"Maybe Yukinon really does love Hayato-kun…" Yuigahama whispered in thought.

But for some reason, reality was really annoying me right now.

oO oOoOo Oo

"Ah! Hachiman! Yuigahama-san!"

Returning to class we bumped into Totsuka in the hallway.

He was still wearing his beautiful green track jersey. A soft sheen of sweat glazed his skin… the thought of Totsuka serving me tea began filling my mind. Yes, yes… he would do it gracefully with every elegance worthy of a Heian-era princess.

Swinging in his hands was a water bottle carrier.

"Let me get that for you," I offered. Picking it up, I found it heavier than I had anticipated. Damn, how could a couple of water bottles be so heavy? Totsuka smiled at me.

"Thanks Hachiman!"

Ah… such bliss… so angelic… I wanted to protect that smile.

"Sai-chan, yahallo!" Yuigahama greeted. "Just finishing tennis practice?"

"Yes!" Totsuka affirmed with his two hands pumped into the air. "We're training really hard for our next regional competition!"

His enthusiasm was infectious. If I wasn't holding the water bottles, I'd cheer with him.

"Ah! So since you two are here, do you mind I ask how Yukinoshita-san is doing?"

Yuigahama smiled. "I got a text saying she has a slight cold," she said. "But she should return to school soon…"

"Ah! That's good!"

"Hey." The two of them turned their heads towards me. "Speaking of a slight cold, can we get into the classroom? The hallway heaters aren't as good as the classroom heaters and well…"

"Ah! That's true, Hachiman!" Totsuka said, clapping his hands. "That's what we should do!"

His adorable expression caught me off guard. The case of plastic bottles in my grip nearly slipped.

"Do what?" Yuigahama asked.

"It's been cold lately. We should try to warm up Yukinoshita-san!"

O-oi… is it really okay for an angelic being to be saying such lewd things?

Yuigahama waved her hands. "N-no that's not necessary…"

Totsuka shook her head. "I won't take no for an answer!" He said pressing a finger onto my nose. "I still owe you guys for helping me out with the tennis club way back, after all."

"A-ah… sure… but how can we warm Yukinoshita? Are we going to dump a pot of boiling water on her?" My mind turned to a crude American practice where coaches are dumped with a barrel of iced sports drink as a celebratory act. Americans are weird…

"Mhm… boiling water… pot… that's a great idea, Hachiman!" Totsuka looked to Yuigahama and they began clapping excitedly.

H-hey now, don't leave me out of the loop.

"Uh… what did I say?"

Silence.

"Sai-chan's talking about a hot pot, Hikki. Even I got that…"

Coming from Yuigahama… ouch.

"Yeah! A hot pot is a definite must in the last days of winter. To warm us up and keep our spirits high. We can get mushrooms and seafood and beef slices…" Totsuka listed on and on.

"Mhmm… sounds good," I said. The thought of Totsuka's cooking made my mouth water.

"Ah! My brother, Hachiman!"

Oh crap.

"Ah, Zaimokuza… " I said, annoyed. While the plans for hot pot memories with Totsuka had concluded, here comes the one who was the most deluded. "What do you want?"

"Gufum, gufum! Are you not curious as to why I decided to come to you after lunch?"

"No."

"A-ah!" Zaimokuza stumbled backwards. "So crude, Hachiman!"

"Well? Spit it out."

"R-right!" he said, clearing his throat. "After my lunch, I found my stomach to still not be full!"

"And?" How on earth was this my problem…?

"And then I remembered a promise we made eons ago on the battlefield!"

H-hey, people are looking at us weirdly…

A finger was pointed straight at my face. "You still owe me ramen!"

Seriously? "That was from way back!" Well, a couple of weeks to be precise.

"A Hachiman always repays his debts!"

That's not my House's words!

"Garoo! I want ramen!" Thought it was to be expected, Zaimokuza had a very childish side to him as well… "Ramen! Ramen! Ramen!"

"Zai… Zaimokuza-kun," a voice timidly spoke up. "We… we can have ramen in the hot pot if that's alright with you…?"

The tantrum stopped immediately. No! Totsuka! Don't be such a good mother to him! Spoil him too much and he'll grow up with a rotten heart!

"Acceptable," Zaimokuza said with a sniffle.

Wait, was this guy crying for real?

Yuigahama looked at Zaimokuza, then at Totsuka and then finally at me. Her lips curled into a smile before she threw a fist into the air.

"So we are going to go have a hot pot at Yukinon's place!" She said excitedly as she pulled out her phone. "I'll tell her that we're coming after school."

"I'll get the ingredients!" Totsuka offered.

Oh. A chance! "He-"

"Gufum! Such ingredients much weigh a lot. Luckily I've been pumping a lot of points into my STR lately so I shall help Sir Totsuka out with carrying such ingredients…"

D-damn you Zaimokuza…

"H-hey, I'll help too!" Yuigahama pipped up.

"Hey… that's great and all," I said slowly. "But can we go into the classroom now?" I sneezed. "I'm freezing out here."

oO oOoOo Oo

"So… whatcha doing here Kawasaki?"

The silver haired girl beside me turned her head away from me. Her ponytail slapped my face and I nearly dropped the groceries I was carrying. What have I ever done to deserve this attitude…? Maybe I just forgot what exactly I did.

Why was I thinking of black lace…?

"I-if you must know, I'm n-not here because of you! It's because Yuigahama-san invited me."

"That's… wonderful…" I gritted my teeth saying that. Zaimokuza was telling Totsuka about Azuchi-Momoyama era cuisine and how most farmers back then ate millet while samurai ate rice while peasants occasionally feasted on venison, other wild game, and fish. It would have been a fascinating lecture if he didn't punctuate with how certain types of food gave himself magical buffs.

Yuigahama pressed a button on the intercom of Yukinoshita's apartment.

"Yukinon! We're here! Mind opening up for us?"

The intercom hummed. "Very well."

"Hurry up, Yukinoshita. I'm freezing out here," I said, shouting into the intercom. She probably couldn't hear me. No matter, complaining makes me feel better anyways…

"Achoo!"

"Cover your mouth when you sneeze. That's filthy," said Kawasaki, still looking away.

"Hey, it'd be great if you could hold some of the groceries too…"

The doors began opening. Zaimokuza, who was carrying the pot and hot plate, hopped along inside with Totsuka following along. Yuigahama led the way, clearly pleased in knowing the way to Yukinoshita's apartment better than anyone else in the group.

"It's n-not my fault you offered to carry the stuff…" Kawasaki said quietly, walking through the door.

How could I refuse Totsuka's smile?

I sighed and entered the elevator.

We arrived to Yukinoshita's apartment door. Our merry band of five; Yuigahama the fearless leader; Totsuka the meticulous planner; Zaimokuza the carrier of pots and hotplates; Kawasaki the drag-along; and me, who was the original drag-along who was now carrying the vegetables. Luckily they were on sale and Totsuka, in his infinite generosity, offered to pay for all the ingredients and supplies.

Totsuka is a living saint.

The door creaked open.

I doubt Yukinoshita knew what just happened.

Before she could say, "Welcome, sorry for the mess," in an otherwise spotless apartment, the merry band of five had quickly begun its occupation.

"W-what is this?" I couldn't tell if Yukinoshita was more annoyed or surprised as Kawasaki took the groceries off my hands and made her way to the kitchen. Totsuka bowed and said his hello before following after Kawasaki to help. Zaimokuza made himself at home on the couch. There was a movie playing, some historical-romance drama from the looks of it from the cable channel.

"I love this movie!" Zaimokuza exclaimed.

Yuigahama nervously smiled. "Y-Yukinon, yahallo…?"

Yukinoshita shot a glare towards me.

It was super effective! Damn, looks like I chose the wrong starter…

"I was told this would just include yourself and Hikigaya-kun," she said.

H-hey now… I wasn't the one who invited all these people. Why are you glaring at me? It's not my fault!

"A-ah… about that…" Yuigahama said nervously. "We thought a small hot pot party might cheer you up!"

Yukinoshita looked towards Yuigahama and her gaze softened. "I know you meant well…"

"No no! We're like, intruding, you know? Hope you can forgive us for wanting to try to cheer you up," Yuigahama said with a goofy smile that only she could make. "Still! Your place looks great."

Yukinoshita shook her head. "Sorry for the mess. I didn't have a chance to clean up before."

Oh yes, clean up this spotless apartment. I suppose if it was any more spotless it'd start emitting light rays from how bright and shiny the place was.

Yukinoshita looked around at all of us. "Isshiki-san?"

"I invited her, but she had student council duties to do today," said Yuigahama.

"… ah," Yukinoshita said. Some kind of emotion briefly appeared in her eyes. It looked like… relief? Well, I guess you wouldn't want to share a hot pot with a girl you promised to help deliver a love letter to, only to outdo her with a love letter of your own. Actually, that's pretty ice cold, Yukinoshita.

Heh, ice cold.

'Yuki' means snow.

I crack myself up.

"A-anyway, I'll go help out in the kitchen," Yuigahama volunteered. Pulling out the pink apron Yukinoshita and I got for her from her birthday she began making her way to the kitchen.

Yukinoshita's eyes widened.

I whistled to Zaimokuza lazing around on the couch.

"Oi! Zaimokuza! You're up!"

"Gufum! Ha! The perfect task for me. I shall become like an iron wall and you won't stop me unless the flesh is rend from my bones! I shall be like Benkei on the bridge!" Leaping from the couch, he intercepted Yuigahama and blocked her from entering the kitchen. "Thou shall not pass!"

"B-but I want to help!" Yuigahama pleaded. "Pleaseee!"

Yukinoshita let out a sigh of relief. "You came up with that plan?" she asked.

"I figured it was more of a hassle to have the fire department burst into your apartment over a small kitchen fire," I reasoned. "How's the cold?"

"I don't have a cold."

"I thought you were sick, hence why you took the day off."

"I wasn't feeling well."

That's the very definition of sick!

Yukinoshita held her arm. She was wearing a comfortable clothing with a long loose sweater and what appeared to be a sleeping gown underneath. "I just spent the day resting and watching some movies that were recommended. However, I have made all the necessary arrangements for school work to be sent to me, so that won't be an issue."

"Seems you got it all figured out."

"Not everything. Just the things I have control over," Yukinoshita said softly. "I best go keep Yuigahama-san company…" She then turned around to me. "And before I forget-"

"Like you would ever forget anything."

Yukinoshita gave a small smile.

"Thank you," she said as she walked away.

oO oOoOo Oo

Have I mentioned that Totsuka looks majestic in an apron?

He can cook, he looks fantastic in an apron… ah… he would make the perfect housewife. A housewife has a particular set of skills that they are expected to master which are similar to that of a househusbands. As more thought is being put towards my chosen career path, I began to think of some alternative career choices… I wouldn't mind being a corporate slave for the rest of my life if Totsuka was my housewife…

"Ah! Everyone! The hot pot is ready!" Totsuka announced with a clap of his hands.

I was helping Totsuka set the table while Yuigahama, Yukinoshita, and Kawasaki sat on the couch watching the film. Zaimokuza, probably more useless than me, was forced to sit on the carpet.

"This is the best part!" Zaimokuza cheered. "This is the part where OO-hime and XX-suke meet and consummate their love in a magical night in a stable!"

"Ohhh! How romantic," Yuigahama squealed, clutching a pillow tightly.

"How… scandalous," Kawasaki succinctly commented.

"A stable?" Yukinoshita said. "That sounds absolutely filthy."

"It's beautiful!" Zaimokuza retorted with tears in his eyes.

"Filthy."

"Beautiful!"

"Would you like to be thrown out?" A chilling glare was fired in Zaimokuza's direction.

"It's filthy ma'am. I totally agree." Zaimokuza froze up in a salute. Come on man, have a little more self-respect!

Totsuka entered the living room with an apron and ladle. "Time to eat!" he said with a clap.

Everyone began leaving the living room and entering the dining room where the table was neatly set. We weren't savages, after all. Taking his place at the head of the table was Totsuka, who was going to be serving the food. Kawasaki and Zaimokuza sat on one side while Yuigahama and Yukinoshita sat on the other.

"Ah! This smells most glorious," said Zaimokuza.

I could hear his belly rumbling…

"It's amazing." Kawasaki murmured. "I wish my siblings could try some…"

Don't give anything to that thing you call a brother.

"Ah! We will definitely have leftovers. Be sure to take some to them!" Totsuka said.

What a considerate human being…

"It's impressive, Sai-chan! I could never make something like that," said Yuigahama.

And it's a good thing you didn't try.

"Yes it's rather amazing this was made with such simple and rather affordable ingredients…" Yukinoshita admitted. "Even I would have difficulty making- Hi-Hikigaya-kun? Where are you going?"

I stumbled out of the living room.

"I feel like sleeping," I said. "I think I'll take a nap."

Yukinoshita rose from her seat. "Are you sure?"

"Hikki! Join us!"

"Yes! We are about to indulge in a fantastic feast prepared for us by Sir Totsuka!"

"H-Hachiman?" Oh man, I want to protect that concerned smile.

"I-if the idiot wants to sit this meal out then let him… we can save some for him later right?" Black lace was indeed pragmatic.

"It's fine," I said, sitting on the couch.

I felt a sneeze coming on, but it wouldn't escape.

I leaned back.

"I'll just rest for a bit," I said laying down on the couch. "I can always… eat… later…"

The last thing I saw were the bright ceiling lights and Yukinoshita's face over mine. The light behind her head appeared like an eclipse. Her face was the moon blotting out the sun.

"Are you alright?" she asked softly.

I was phasing in and out of consciousness.

"I'm fine," I said. "Just tired… are you alright?"

Yukinoshita looked at me. I thought her hand was reaching my forehead, as if to check my temperature before she rescinded.

"I'm worried."

oO oOoOo Oo

Why do we dream?

It's because we want to escape the world we live in. Some people want to live in their dreams. Or, they get lost in so much pleasure that they feel like they're dreaming. Or maybe some people want to live their lives like a dream and start coming up with sick fantasies to escape how stupid, unfair, and ridiculous real life was.

Humans were meant to suffer. Dreams were a grandmother's cure to cancer.

Because in one way or another, real life is bound to come back and bite you right in the rear. Just like the real cancer.

But some believe that dreams are significant.

They believe that dreams tell us what we really want.

Our deepest desires being whispered to us by our subconscious.

So why is it, rather than Totsuka in nothing but an apron… why is it that…

I saw her?

Maybe I was dreaming it.

But I imagined Yukinoshita Yukino looking over me, her hand outreached, as if to stroke my hair like some nicknamed character from an overrated light novel series with espers, time travellers, aliens and interdimensional hoppers.

Heh, maybe that would make a better dream.

My eyes slowly began to open.

I turned my head slowly. The couch felt softer than usual on the back of my head. I realized that I had a pillow tucked under my head and a blanket had been laid over me. I turned to Yukinoshita.

She stood there, a hand over her chest and her cheeks flushed red.

"What are you doing?" I said.

"I-I-I…"

My eyes felt droopy and drowsy. Getting up, I ignored my earlier question. "Ugh… what… time is it?"

I looked around and found the watch hanging on the wall wasn't ticking. The lamps were off as well as the television.

Everything was lit with candles.

"Late," she said quickly. "Everyone has already left," she reverted back to her classic tone: serious with a gentle dash of softness. Nothing too generous. Whoever was the Goddess of picking stats for women sure was stingy with the spice of kindness when cooking up Yukinoshita.

"Why is all the power off?"

"It's a routine blackout," Yukinoshita explained. "The power company are transferring from one transformer plant to another so they needed a period of three hours without electricity."

Ah… that explains a lot… but it doesn't explain…

"Why am I still here?"

"You were sleeping for a while."

"So why did no one wake me up?"

"You looked exhausted," Yukinoshita said softly.

We didn't say much for a while. Before long I felt a sneeze come over me.

"Achoo!"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine…" I rubbed my stomach. "Just hungry. Do we have any hot pot left?"

Yukinoshita shook her head.

"Yoshiteru-san ate most of your share and Kawasaki-san wanted to bring some back for her siblings," she said. "I had some ingredients to make other things so I assured the others that you would be fed." She then stepped forward, her hand outstretched. "Are you sure you're-"

I held up a hand. "I'm fine," I said.

Getting up, I smoothed out the wrinkles on my uniform.

"Hikigaya-kun," said Yukinoshita.

"Huh?"

I looked into her eyes. They were still full of concern and worry. Maybe that's just the kind of person she was?

"If you step out into public with that drool hanging from your mouth, I'd feel embarrassed for you."

I quickly wiped away the drool with a sleeve.

"Next time just use a tissue," Yukinoshita sighed. "I'm going to make dinner," she said.

"Didn't you already eat?"

"I asked Zaimokuza to eat some of my share as well. I was…" Yukinoshita paused. "… hoping…" She brought a finger to her lips as if she was wondering how explain a complex physical anomaly such as a U.F.O. or pyramids.

"You were hoping…?" I asked, getting a bit annoyed by the suspense.

Yukinoshita sighed. "I was simply hoping to share a meal with you."

"Really?"

"Please don't feel too special. It is a mere courtesy to show appreciation," Yukinoshita said, flipping her hair. "After all, it's the least I can do for coming all this way. It would bring shame to my family if I allowed one to leave my house, especially one as helpless as yourself, hungry."

That girl sure has a funny way of showing appreciation.

I began making my way towards the kitchen guided by the candlelights.

"So we have no power, huh? What do you have in the fridge? It's not spoiled yet, right?"

"Things do not spoil so easily, and I don't have many ingredients. Did you have something specific in mind that you wanted to eat?"

"I'm hungry… so anything would do." I entered the kitchen with Yukinoshita close behind me. Looking towards the sink, I noticed it was sparkling clean. "I was wondering if I could borrow your kitchen to cook." The hot pot and dishes were all washed, left hanging on the rack to dry. If anything, it gave Yukinoshita an air of domestication.

"There are enough ingredients to make a healthy meal," Yukinoshita said absentmindedly. "Hikigaya-kun, please take a seat. I'll cook."

"It's fine. I'm intruding anyways."

"Hikigaya-kun. I can cook," she said.

I turned to her. The look of resolve in her eyes was intimidating to say the least. I was surprised I wasn't kicked out of her house yet. There isn't much point in arguing with Yukinoshita to do something. In fact, don't bother arguing with anybody. Just drag them down to your level.

"Compromise," I said.

Yukinoshita titled her head, as if the revelation was something of the End Times.

"A compromise?"

"We'll both cook," I suggested. "Although I imagine I'll be doing most of the cooking. Pork cutlets and curry are my specialty."

Yukinoshita stepped back, covering her mouth with a hand.

"You're awfully proud to be able to cook things that middle schoolers would be expected to know how to make…"

"Oh? Sounds like a lesson Yuigahama missed out on."

"As much as I would like to say that's rude and mean… I can't find myself disagreeing with you there."

Yukinoshita went to the kitchen pantry and pulled out two aprons, matching blue with a small cats emboldened onto the chest area. I recognized one, slightly more worn with the edges a bit more frazzled and faded spots of sauces leftover, as the one she bought when we went to the mall with Komachi to purchase Yuigahama's birthday present.

The other was an exact copy, except there was a white cat on it. It appears to have seen much less use.

"I found out they were a matching set," Yukinoshita explained. "Although I have a preference for the black cat apron, the white cat apron is equally suitable. If Yuigahama-san comes over, she uses the white cat one."

"I thought you weren't comfortable with Yuigahama cooking."

"It's to… appease her while she waits in the living room."

And you said that I was being mean.

She handed me the apron with the black cat on it.

"Oi oi, why am I getting the more beat up one?"

Yukinoshita looked at me.

"Deal with it."

Translation: deal with it or I'll kick you out hungry and out in the cold.

I choked down a laugh, before I sneezed again.

"Hikigaya-kun?"

"It's nothing," I said, tying the apron around me while Yukinoshita did the same with her apron. Grabbing a candle I went to the refrigerator and withdrew some vegetables. I went to the sink and began washing my hands. "Ohhh, the water still works."

"Of course Hikigaya-kun. The plumbing works by a system of pressure and mechanical physics, not electricity. Surely you learned this? Are you really that amazed water services are still operational during a blackout?"

Is it a crime to be impressed? Jeez.

After washing the vegetables, I began to cut them.

"You're doing it wrong."

"What?"

"I said that you're cutting the vegetables wrong."

"Ah…" So I was. Maybe I was too drowsy to realize it? The pieces looked uneven. Some where as large as small golf balls while some were small like diced like little instant noodle cubes. I washed my hands and rubbed my eyes. "I think I need to shrug off the sleep."

Yukinoshita sighed.

"You're hopeless," she said taking the knife away from me. "Pay attention closely, Hikigaya-kun."

In what seemed like an instant, the vegetables were cut into perfectly even sized pieces. It was like some kind of witchcraft to be able to do that!

"I'm impressed."

"Thank you," said Yukinoshita as if the compliment was expected.

"Heh. You'd make a good housewife," I said offhandedly. Ha. What a joke. Yukinoshita would never settle for a housewife. She'd probably be out campaigning on the front lines as Empress of the World while the husband stays at home struggling to keep the house as spotless as she would. "Maybe you can show me more tricks like that some other time," I requested.

Learning the tricks of the craft would be a boon to my househusband career. Actually… I wouldn't mind being Totsuka's housewife…

As my mind began to swerve into fantasy, my ears noticed that the sounds of the knife slicing through vegetables on the chopping board had ceased.

Yukinoshita stood there, as if frozen in time.

"Hiki… gaya-kun…" She finally managed.

"Huh?"

I turned to Yukinoshita who was fumbling through her words. A crimson hue had graced her cheeks.

"What is it?"

"N-nothing." Yukinoshita turned around and returned to her work. I began dipping the pork cutlets in the batter and patting them with bread crumbs while Yukinoshita began heating the oil.

"Hikigaya-kun, why are you patting the bread crumbs on them?"

"What? Aren't you supposed to?"

"Where do I even begin…" Yukinoshita took the cutlet from my hand. "You pour the bread crumbs onto a plate and then dip the bread on both sides. This way you don't need to pat and compress the meat and cause the moisture to leak out, losing out on the flavor."

"Oh… that actually makes sense."

"Of course it does. Why else would I be telling you?"

As always, Yukinoshita Yukino needed to get the last laugh in.

"Hikigaya-kun, please study this. There are a series of online cooking tutorials featuring a dog that I'd be happy to recommend."

"So… you learned cooking from a dog?"

"While I loathe the animal, it does not mean I don't have things I can learn from them."

"Learning from your enemies?" I asked, surprised. "I suppose that's where you got so good at being snarky. I guess your sister must have taught you pretty well."

Yukinoshita turned to me, as she dropped the first of the cutlets into the oil.

"Friend, enemies, or nobodies… no matter who they are to me, I only learn from the best," she said with a smile.

oO oOoOo Oo

For the second time that night, the table was set in Yukinoshita's apartment.

Yukinoshita was finishing up with boiling the rice in the pot and checking on the curry so I went off to make sure the table was suitable. The hot plate was leftover from the party and came in handy.

The power was still out, so there had to be adequate lighting for the meal.

There were a set of long candles I placed on the dining room table. With a match, I lit them up. Yukinoshita was specific in directing me not to use any scented candles, unless I wanted to ruin our appetites with some kind of smell.

"I see you completed the simple task I had assigned." Yukinoshita inspected the tableware and candle placement. After adjusting a few items by mere fractions of a centimeter, she then gave her verdict: "Passable."

"Oi… can't I get a bit more acknowledgement than that? I completed this quest. Can't I get a quest reward?" Maybe I was still a bit in dream land to expect some XP points to buff my stamina stats, because I was feeling tired.

"Your reward is that you'll have food in your belly. Dinner is served," said Yukinoshita as she placed a plate of rice before me. "Take a seat."

Sitting down, Yukinoshita went back into the kitchen and retrieved a plate of fried pork cutlets, cut into strips, and a pot of curry with some freshly tossed salad that she had thrown together from whatever vegetables she had on hand.

"You don't have to wait for me," said Yukinoshita as she began to undo her apron.

"I recall it's rude to begin eating before the host has taken a seat," I said.

"I said it's fine… ugh." Yukinoshita turned around. "Could you help me with untying this?"

With Yukinoshita's back towards me, I saw a very tight knot keeping the apron on her. Yukinoshita had messed with the knot that it actually became tighter. "Hold on," I said… with a few quick strokes, the knot was undone.

"Thank you."

"It's nothing," I said. "Just another thing to add to the long list of stuff I did today…"

"Oh? Who made this meal?" Yukinoshita asked, taking a seat.

"Hey! I helped!"

"By staying out of my way…"

"I contributed just as much as you did!"

"Who made the salad?"

"You did, but that-!"

"Who made the rice?"

"That was you, but I-!"

"Who cooked the cutlets, sliced them into strips, and plated them? Who got out the plates to begin with? And the curry, the star of tonight's meal… who exactly was the one who measured out the spices and ensured that the vegetables were of appropriate size?"

Yukinoshita was ruthless in the distribution of credit. To her, distributing out the appropriate task to each and rewarding for achievements in a just manner was a matter of the Mandate of Heaven to her. All hail the Empress of the World Yukinoshita Yukino.

Zieg Yukinoshita.

Bah. I contributed somewhat to this effort… even if it was miniscule.

"At least I filled the pot with water!" Clicking my tongue, I muttered, "I contributed at least…"

"Contributed… hm… I suppose I'll give you that. However small an ant's contribution, I suppose they should be acknowledged… even though a single ant is easily lost and forgotten…"

Oi oi… are you saying I'm as unimportant as an ant!?

"I disagree with that sentiment-"

"Just eat," said Yukinoshita as she pulled back some strands of hair to expose her ear. "Thank you for the meal," she said softly. After ladling curry and taking a few pieces of cutlets onto her plate, Yukinoshita brought a spoonful of curry and rice passed her lips. Savoring the food with her eyes closed, she opened her eyes and looked towards me, then my plate. "Oh yes, you haven't been served yet."

"Rather rude to serve yourself before your guest," I said, lamenting my plate of plain rice.

"Even I have my flaws," she said as she ladled some curry onto my plate. "Please, help yourself."

"Thank you for the meal," I said, clapping my hands together.

The curry and pork were an excellent delight together in my mouth. The spices tingled my tongue, the juicy flesh melted in my mouth as the crusty exterior offered a delicious texture. If only this was made by Totsuka… this would have been even more delicious.

"How do you find it, Hikigaya-kun?"

"It's good, but it could have been better if it was made by someone else…"

"Oh?" Yukinoshita set down her spoon. "Are you saying you can make it better than me?" Seriously, I could have felt a breeze sweep in from the windows as she asked.

"Not me, someone else," I answered. A smile crept up on my face as I begin thinking of Totsuka in an apron. Seeing him and saying 'Welcome home, Hachiman!' and everyday will pass like a day in heaven… Ah. That would be bliss.

"Hehe…" I smiled in my fantasy before I realized I was eating dinner in a cold reality. There was no warm Totsuka here - only Yukinoshita.

The girl across from me said nothing. She didn't move her fork or spoon or anything. She simply sat and stared.

"Not going to eat?"

Yukinoshita said nothing for a moment, before asking.

"There's someone else you'd rather eat the cooking of?"

"That goes without saying," I said.

Yukinoshita closed her eyes and returned to the plate. We continued on with our meal in relative silence. For some reason, it felt like even though the power was out, the thermostat was set to the temperature of a refrigerator.

When we were finished, I offered to wash the dishes.

"Go relax on the couch," said Yukinoshita. "The power should return soon. Besides, your presence and rotting eyes would make the dishes gross again," she said, clearing the plates.

My stomach was too full to disagree with her.

I made my way back to the couch.

Even with only candlelight, I realized that I had caused a groove in the couch from my nap earlier on it. Smoothing it out with my hands, I tried my best to get rid of it.

"Hikigaya-kun," came a voice from the kitchen.

"Ah!" I jumped.

Yukinoshita's voice caught me by surprise, like a child getting caught by the store owner for stealing an ice cream pop. "Y-yes?" I responded.

"It may be best for you to stay the night," she suggested.

"Why's that?"

"Due to the scheduled power outage, the trains have stopped early tonight. So… rather than walk home it may be more prudent for you to simple stay over," said Yukinoshita from the kitchen. I could hear the sound of running water cleaning the dishes.

"Sounds reasonable," I replied.

Taking a seat on the couch, I absent mindedly picked up the remote. Trying to turn on the television, I then remembered we were in a planned blackout.

Ugh. My head was not working right.

Then I sneezed.

"Are you alright?" Turning towards Yukinoshita, I saw she was carrying a tea serving tray with two cups. "Perhaps you're coming down with something…"

"It's nothing," I said.

Yukinoshita looked at me suspiciously, as if she were a polygraph and gauging if I was lying or not. Taking out two teacups on saucers, she began pouring a cup for herself and me. "I hope you do not mind black tea," she said.

"We drink it every day," I reminded her, taking a cup.

She laughed quietly. "So we do."

I took a sip. The warm liquid felt pleasant down my throat.

"Is the school talking about it?"

Setting aside my tea, I looked at Yukinoshita. I didn't need to be told what 'it' was, but I didn't take her for one to care about school rumors. Then again, it did concern her. Perhaps she thought this would affect her financial future?

"Yeah. Nothing but the talk of the town, as they say…"

"I see…"

"… ah, that reminds me."

"Yes?" asked Yukinoshita.

"Hiratsuka-sensei caught up with me before the end of last period," I said, taking another sip of my tea.

Yukinoshita gave me a look of 'Oh?' with a slightly tilted head like a SHAFT anime. The sight caused me to nearly burned my tongue on the hot tea. Darn my cat's tongue.

After blowing on the tea to cool it, I continued, "She said that your substitute teacher had made a mistake with the two piles of letters, and yours ended up there."

"I guess it was just bad luck," Yukinoshita dismissed quietly.

"Ah… somewhat."

"Nothing to be done about the letter now," Yukinoshita said softly. Her gazed averted from mine and out towards the balcony.

"Maybe you should have been more humble," I suggested. "Then maybe all of that New Year's charm luck wouldn't have been washed away."

"I'm not one to believe in silly superstitions. There's only coincidences, chance, and all matter of skill. Luck means nothing before perseverance," Yukinoshita flatly stated.

Some people are born lucky. Some are born beautiful. Others are born with righteous duty and others a carefree life of mooching off their parents for the rest of their miserable shallow lives. I envy the latter extremely but I realize Yukinoshita was born into the righteous lot. She had a duty - a conviction - on a scale I'd never seen in a person.

"If everyone didn't lie to themselves," Yukinoshita said softly, setting the teacup aside. "I think the world would be a better place."

Picking up a book from her table to replace the teacup she had put down, Yukinoshita began flipping through it. It was another work of literature, probably one that had gone off to won a Nobel Prize undoubtedly.

"Is that a Nobel Prize winning novelette or something?" I asked. Yukinoshita looked up at me and blinked. Then she sighed.

"Unfortunately no. Despite what you may think, Japan's majority of its twenty-two Nobel Prize laureates have been in Physics and Chemistry. Only two have been awarded in the school of literature."

How she knew that off the top of her head I'll never know. I'll assume that she's been preparing to win a fair number of Nobel Prizes since she was a little girl.

"Good ol' Yukipedia," I said, finally drinking my cooled tea.

"I'm not something that can be easily edited," Yukinoshita said with frown.

We sat there in silence for a bit. Every so often the window would have a tapping noise, coming from the wind. The house itself was rather chilly, due to the cold night.

"So what do you think?"

"Hm?"

Yukinoshita placed her book down and reached for her teacup and took a sip before repeating the question. "I asked… what do you think, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Well Japan should really think about getting a better literature program… can't win Nobel prizes when your country exports light novels and comics."

Yukinoshita blinked. Then she laughed and quietly went on.

"I meant… about the love letter incident."

Oh.

That.

"I don't know what to think," I answered truthfully. What did it have to do with me anyways? Yukinoshita can like whoever she wants to like… at least I think that's what I believe. "It's your life. You can write love letters to whoever you want…"

Yukinoshita gave a mysterious smile and sat back into the couch.

Girls certainly had the luxury of love. They could be love-stricken kittens and it would be seen by society as adorable and proper. They could dabble in chocolate making or writing love letters or doing things that would make men misinterpret them. Or men could go off and make chocolates for other men… can men even do that for each other? Wait… oooh… homemade Totsuka chocolates…

They're pure unlike Ebina's fantasies.

But still, the thought won't leave my mind… the thought that nags me.

Maybe Yukinoshita was just a normal girl in the end.

"You know," she mused. "I've lived in this apartment for almost a year now… but I think today was the first time it's ever felt like home with… everyone being here."

"That tends to happen," I said after draining my cup. "I remember when I was a kid and they made me sleep in my own room. Felt strange the first few nights… I think? I don't remember much from when I was three. Komachi was born around that time and that's roughly when my parents started paying more attention to her than me."

Yukinoshita laughed.

"I've had plenty of nannies, so I wouldn't know about it as well. My sister was raised more closely by my mother though… but I have plenty of fond memories with my father. Although… he can be strict when he wants to be."

How exactly did Yukinoshita's father get elected is beyond me. But he must be a terrifying combination with Yukinoshita's mother.

"That guy…" I said. "How did he ever get elected?"

"He has an impressive way of coercing those less likely to vote… and having them vote for him."

"Ah."

The conversation lulled once again but the thoughts of the letter would leave my mind.

"Um… say, Yukinoshita," I began.

Finishing a sip, Yukinoshita replied, "Yes, Hikigaya-kun?"

"Was that letter really meant for Hayama?"

The sound of a teacup hitting a saucer echoed throughout the room.

The lights suddenly went back on. The television turned on. It showed a scene from the middle of some movie.

"The letter reached who it was meant to reach," Yukinoshita answered methodically in the artificial lights.

"I see," I said.

That answer was suitable enough I guess… but… it didn't tell me anything about why I was feeling so restless.

oO oOoOo Oo

Yukinoshita was bathing.

Showering, to be technical.

The sound of the showers hummed off and on as I began blowing out the candles and putting them away into the cabinets. I imagined I would feel more adrenaline if Totsuka was the one who was showering.

My mind wandered off to those stereotypical romantic comedy mangas where the protagonist inevitably ends up at a love hotel. He sits waiting on the bedside for the girl to finish showering. Then the girl will come out, dripping wet and wrapped in a robe, and sit down beside him. The guy will be timid and not look over and then they will go to sleep because they're only at the hotel to stay the night because it's the only place open.

Aside from the the fact we were at Yukinoshita's apartment and not a love hotel… wait - that's worse isn't it?

The sound of the water ceased.

I began flipping through the channels, lounging around on Yukinoshita's couch. The late night variety shows with pop idols were showing. There were a few old movies ranging from samurai dramas to a few monster shows and even a few late night hot spring tours shows. Those shows were the ones where an aging but still rather attractive pop idol is sent to review hot springs. It'd be fantastic if it weren't for those meddling mosaics.

"Should I be concerned that you're developing a bathing fetish before my very eyes?"

Turning around, I was taken aback by what I saw.

Yukinoshita in a bathrobe. Her skin was still wet and her hair wrapped in a towel. In her hands were a portable and rechargeable hair dryer and a comb.

I moved aside to make room for her beside me as she took a seat. She sat down and began to work at combing her hair before blow drying it at intervals.

"So tell me, Hikigaya-kun," Yukinoshita began.

"Y-yeah…?" I glanced over towards her. While the bathrobe was wrapped tightly around her, I could see a fair portion of her collarbone exposed… was she wearing anything underneath? H-hey, you know I'm a guy right? Is Yuigahama's carelessness rubbing off on you? You need to be on guard at all times!

Then again, there's nothing to get a rise out of with a chest like that…

"Do you intend to watch this woman bath for the rest of the night?"

"But… you're not bathing…"

Yukinoshita shrunk back away from me in horror.

"Your rotten and leering eyes makes me fear for my chastity…"

"W-what? No I-!"

"How perverted. To think that you'd think such thoughts because you're in a close space with a beautiful woman." Only Yukinoshita Yukino can get away with such blatant arrogance!

"N-no! But you're not bathing right now! Not that I'd watch you even if you were bathing, of course," I reasoned nervously.

Yukinoshita sighed and pointed towards the television.

It was still on the hot springs review show where the woman was stripping and testing the waters.

"Ah!" I quickly changed the channel to some random variety show involving history questions. Who was the instigator of the Honnoji incident? Obviously that was Akechi.

"I-is it… Takeda Shingen?" A pop idol asked nervously.

"No you dumb bimbo, it was Akechi Mitsuhide!" I shouted at the screen.

"Oops! Sorry it was actually Akechi Mitsuhide. Sorry!"

And with that, the pop idol got dumped with a bucket of mud.

"For once you were actually correct," said Yukinoshita.

"For once? Aren't I always?"

Yukinoshita closed her eyes with a light smile as she continued brushing her hair. "There are times where I wonder about that…"

"I'm flattered I occupy even a moment of your thoughts."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, you'll probably end up being famous. And I'll be a simple househusband. You'll probably be off ending wars or world hunger or eradicating diseases while I gossip with the other househusbands on the corner."

"I'm flattered you think I'll be able to accomplish so much. But I'm also a bit disappointed you haven't accepted the reality of your gross choice of profession - if one can even call it a 'profession'," Yukinoshita said, a smile still on her lips. Turning towards me, she said. "If you'd like to, you can take a bath."

Yukinoshita set aside her brush and hair dryer and walked away. After disappearing into the hallway, she returned a moment later, dropping a bundle of items onto my lap.

"What's this?"

"A spare towel, face towel, and a toothbrush… you're welcome to use my shampoo and toothpaste."

"Ah… thank you for the hospitality. So far my stay at Hotel Yukinoshita has been mildly pleasant," I said.

"Please do not think of this place as a hotel, Hikigaya-kun…" Yukinoshita rubbed her nose in annoyance. "Such indecent acts such as the one you are thinking of will not take place here."

"Hey! I didn't mean it like that!"

"Yes, yes…" Yukinoshita left again and retrieved a large bundle. "This is a another blanket in case you are cold… and you're welcome to keep using the pillow. I apologize for not having any spare male clothing."

"I think I'd be more concerned if you did have spare male clothing…"

A pillow shot straight towards my face and hit me square on the nose.

"I am going to sleep. Please do not do anything foolish."

"Foolish? What kind of man do you take me for?"

But Yukinoshita didn't dignify me with a response. She simply smiled and retired to her room, leaving me to my own devices.

After bathing, I decided to watch some television. As I made my way back from the baths, I realized the door to Yukinoshita's room was slightly ajar. It was opened just ever so slightly, just enough for someone to look in and get a good view of what was inside. The thought passed my mind of peeking… but that idea didn't set well with me. I dismissed it immediately.

If I were a lesser man, I'd have taken it for an invitation of indecency.

I passed by the room and made my way to the couch.

Sitting down, I turned on the television.

Nothing on television was interesting. There's a hundred channels on television but nothing to watch. Checking my phone, I realized my battery was low. I cracked my neck and it felt great. Looking out beyond the glass balcony doors, and seeing the stars and bright moon in the cloudy sky.

Then a text came to my phone. It was from Isshiki.

'Senpai! Don't forget my birthday is coming up!' Scratching my head, I began wondering when her birthday is.

With nothing else left to do, I laid on the couch and covered myself in the blanket.

My eyes were sore.

My nose was itchy.

I sneezed. I felt my rib cage rattle. I coughed a bit.

With a final sigh to clear my throat, I drifted off to sleep.

oO oOoOo Oo

A Hotpot from Totsuka Saika with Love Fin

Next Chapter: An Interview between Hikigaya and Yukinoshita