Monday.
The most hated day of the week. It is the day people stop living leisurely in order to attend to their work or school. Two days of relaxation would disappear in a single day and all of the accumulated stress from last week would return with a vengeance.
People would return to their business to see things they would rather not do. Homework or business propositions that were forgotten would punch them in face with a vicious smile.
Thought we were dead huh? Well Monday-sama brought us back to life!
Truly, Monday is the most hated day while Wednesday is neutral and Friday was looked forward to.
Even though, Monday is hated, there's something even more despicable than a normal Monday.
...Monday mornings.
Not only people hate it, but its got a rather nasty effect that makes people share their bad morning to others (i.e; pops slamming the door so loud that I woke up.)
Thus, the reason I was awake this early in the morning. Five a.m, I've always thought that I would never wake this early after middle school.
I usually wake up on eight or whenever Komachi invades my room in order to bug me. If she weren't so cute I'd punish her with the Hikigaya secret art: Airless-half-minute.
As for pops... I'll make sure mom sees his A-magazines lying around on their room tonight...:-)
Well now, might as well start my plans. I got a lot of things to do today. Just thinking of them makes me tired.
I hear the kettle whistling and took the cue to prepare the most important drink of the day. The sound of the morning news made me want to take a nap but decided against it when I remembered what I needed to do.
Cooking...
Yuigahama has been bugging me since last night of what I was going to cook. She seem to think that I can cook anything else aside from curry and preserved foods as she ignored my honest answer.
Really, I never thought the day would come when I get to cook for other people aside from my sister. Girls too, for that matter.
I don't know what they were expecting but I can't cook as good as Yukinoshita. In fact I'm not really that good and I just believe what Komachi tells me. My little sister might complain but she would always finish her meals.
I opened the fridge and took out the ingredients I bought yesterday. For today's dish, I he decided to use beef instead of the usual chicken. I got a good deal with the vegetables and I'm going to use them all for today. If not, they won't be as good as the are tomorrow.
As I prepared the items, my mind reflected to the past when I used to cook for my sister. Our parents are always out so we used to eat takeouts. But one day, I got to watch a cooking anime and decided that I would be a super master chef. That was the first time I decided to cook dinner.
Komachi cried... not from being touched by my efforts but because the food that I made was horrible.
The truth is that... I also found it horrible and forced Komachi to eat my portions so that it wouldn't be wasted.
Ever since then, Komachi has never been the same.
So back then, whenever Komachi does something that annoys me, I would tell her that I'd be cooking a dish I saw from the television. Ah, remembering her teary eyes makes me want to pinch her cheeks.
But with trials and errors I began to improve my cooking skills. The once inedible curry became Komachi's favorite and then I would start experimenting and would let her guess the new addition to the usual curry.
Not even once has she been correct. It was kinda disappointing. My little sister can't be this dumb.
Anyway, when Komachi got older, she started to take the role for cooking and she has improved greatly. Although I became her test subject and let me say that, her first meal made me faint.
Not from being touched by her efforts, but because it was on the same level as Yuigahama's cooking.
But now, Komachi has now surpassed me.
Though I'd wish that she'd stop mixing tomatoes to my food. Forcing something that a person doesn't like would just make everything else miserable.
I prepared the pot and washed the vegetables. I got the good kind with 25 percent off because I brought them just when the market was about to close. The want to sell everything made the vendor stop caring about profit. If he just remained calm, he could have still sold these with a ten percent off.
People gets impulsive whenever they are looking forward to something. They always focus on the big picture and disregards those that are considered insignificant. But by the time they realize that those insignificant things are the ones they should focus on... it's usually too late.
Just because the beautiful moon is up on the skies doesn't mean you should miss out what's on the ground.
Whoa I'm cutting too deep there just now.
Let's focus back on my task, shall we?
Komachi likes my sweet seafood curry. Mom likes the thick sauce of my special beef curry. Pops... well I just dump a load of spices on his portion and leave it like that.
I don't know the kind of curry that my clubmates prefer so I guess that I'll just have to prepare my own favourite. Hey why make us feel all down when I can make myself enjoy lunch?
With that in mind, I prepared to battle (cook).
... ... ... ...
I closed the newly bought book from yesterday as I heard the door to the living room open. Komachi walked in with a bad bed hair and still in her pajamas. My sister looked at my form for a moment before she walked to the couch where I was seating and laid her head on top of my lap.
"Good morning to you too, Komachi."
My sister moved around the couch rolling around and street thing her back like a cat. Now I know where Kamakura a gets it from. She took my hand and started biting playfully... she really acts like a cat.
"...slobering saliva on Onii-chan's hand is so not worth Komachi points."
Komachi blinked several times with her still sleepy eyes and stares up at me.
"Onii-chan looks good in glasses..."
Huh?
I lightly touched the glasses on my face and remembered putting it on when I grabbed my new book. It costed me money so I'm not going to let gather dust on the corner. Still... I had forgotten that I wore it in the first place.
I used my free hand to pinch Komachi on the cheeks.
My little sister started to trash around and eventually fell from the couch, where she started to roll around...
Sleepy Komachi is a cute Komachi.
"Oi, you okay?"
Komachi got up from her lying position and stared at me with wide eyes... what?
"Onii-chan, you're awake!"
"I guess I am."
Komachi started moving her arms about with a frantic expression. Are we playing charades?
"B-but you're awake!"
"Oi, is that such a bad thing...?"
"You're awake before Komachi! A-and you're wearing glasses! Komachi wasn't dreaming!?"
Is the thought of me waking up early so disturbing? I used to wake you up early mornings when you were younger you know?
"Well, you can blame pops for that."
I muttered with disdain. Retribution will come tonight. Let's see how you handle sleeping on the couch when mom sees those magazines you've been hoarding in.
"Onii-chan, stop smiling... you look like a B-class movie villain."
Komachi sat beside me, her eyes fixes on my face. Oh I just got a rather good idea. What's worse than mom kicking out pops from their too? Seeing Komachi staring at him with disgust he he he...
"Hey Komachi, wanna torture pops?"
"Now Komachi is really concerned... Sure, what's the plan?"
I ruffled Komachi's head and enjoyed the glare she gave me. Now, my revenge to him for waking me up early is complete.
"So... what's up with the glasses Onii-chan? Also why are you awake so early?"
"It was a souvenir that cost me so I'm wearing it. For the other question, pops slammed the door so hard that I woke up."
Komachi tilted her head and stared at me inquisitively. Hey what's with the suspicious expression?
"You could've just sleep again. Onii-chan tell me the reason why you really woke up early."
Komachi inquired, the corner of her lips twitching upwards.
"Well, I will use the extra ingredients yesterday to cook."
Komachi's expression froze as she started at me with wide eyes. Now what?
"Onii-chan cooking. Onii-chan waking up early... cooking... early... effort... girl... Onii-chan's cooking for a girl!"
Huh, wait how did you come up with that conclusion!? Seriously, why did the 'girl' get mixed up in the formula? Did you think that I'd wake up early for a girl? Preposterous! Onii-chan would never do that!
By now, Komachi was grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, hey, tell Komachi! Is it for Yukino-san? Or is it for Yui-san? Hiratsuka-sensei? Oh, oh, is it for Taishi's nee-san? Or perhaps from the girl you had a date with yesterday?"
Okay, now you're being ridiculous. Adding Hiratsuka-sensei is just plain wrong; that woman's ancient. By the way, what was the name of the fourth one? I can't seem to remember, I don't want to hear that bug's name so early in the morning.
Anyway, I'll just tell Komachi the real reason so she doesn't harbor any weird ideas.
"Komachi, Onii-chan was forced to cook a meal for the service club. That's all."
"Kyaah! Is my Onii-chan showing off his skills? No, cooking won't appeal if you only know curry. Should I train you now?"
Komachi's already in her own world it seems...
"Whatever. The rice should be done about now, let's eat breakfast Komachi."
I dragged the still babbling Komachi to help me prepare the table.
Hmm, will the rice be enough for the four of us in the school? Girls only eat small amount of rice so it's probably fine. Besides, Yukinoshita and Yuigahama will bring their own portions. I just told Isshiki to come over so she wouldn't bring anything but her own. She's also thick enough to mooch from the other two...
As we reached the kitchen, Komachi paused to check the contents of the pot.
"N-no way! This smell, could it be... the super-rare item... Onii-chan's mysterious curry!? The one that he makes when he's in a good mood. Legends say that this food is only cooked once a year!"
The what now?
"Komachi, stop drooling and prepare the table."
Komachi wiped the sides of her mouth with her sleeve and started to do as told. I checked the rice cooker and lifted it towards the table. The sound of kitchenwares rustling invaded our home this early morning.
"Didn't you happen you cook too much Onii-chan?"
Komachi asked. Did I really? I just used all of the ingredients I bought yesterday seeing that they won't be fresh tomorrow. I planned to bring some to school and still have enough for dinner with Komachi.
"Onii-chan, were you excited cooking for Yukino-san and Yui-san that you made too much?"
Komachi asked with a Cheshire grin.
I didn't bother to grace her with a response.
Soon, the two of us were seated on the table and were eating silently... well, I'm eating silently while Komachi was doing her best to stuff her face with rice and curry. Even when eating without manner Komachi is cute.
"Slow down Komachi, you might choke."
"B-but Onii-chan! This is so goooood! The last time you cooked this was when Komachi got fifth place in a marathon! Who knows when you'll next cook? Komachi needs to eat a lot!"
Is that so? Well it's good if Komachi finds it delicious, but isn't that your third bowl of rice? We still have school today you know?
Speaking of school, this will be the first day where I would help Isshiki in the upcoming event. I still don't know the specifics, but it seems that the first day will only involve a meeting with the other school. I'll talk to Yukinoshita and Yuigahama so that there won't be a misunderstanding.
Just thinking about meeting another batch of people is making me want to curl up in my room.
I don't wanna go outside!
"Hate."
Eh? I looked at Komachi who was staring at me pointedly.
"That's the secret ingredient. Because Onii-chan doesn't add love to his food, it must be hate! The strange flavor is Onii-chan's hatred of the society!"
There's no way my little sister can be this imaginative.
"Nope. Better luck next time Komachi."
Oh by the way.
"Komachi can you help me pack the food so that I could bring them?"
If it was just me I'd just put the curry in a container along with the rice, but I got the feeling that the other three wouldn't like it.
Komachi grinned.
"Leave it to me, Onii-chan."
... ... ... ...
In the end, Komachi ended up doing all the work and didn't allow me to help her.
Now, I'm at school and walking by my lonesome to the club with an extra bag on my hand. I already confirmed with Yuigahama that Yukinoshita would be waiting for me inside the club. As expected of an honored student, she's even earlier than a certain (old) teacher.
I don't get it. I could've just borrowed the key from Hiratsuka-sensei, why did Yukinoshita have to wait?
Either way, this is a good chance to talk to her about the matter concerning our very student council president.
I arrived in front of the club and knocked twice before I opened the door.
"Yo."
I greeted Yukinoshita who was seating in her usual seat with a book on her hand. Yukinoshita glanced at me and then at the extra bag that I was holding. She closed the book and stood.
Really no need to greet like that.
"It seems that you didn't back out from your word."
Huh, what is this woman talking about? Seeing my inquiring face, Yukinoshita continued.
"I have received a text message from Komachi-san. She have confirmed that you indeed cooked for us. I was expecting that you'd just buy something from the store and claim it as your work."
So my little sister was involved after all. How long has she been in contact with this woman behind my back?
"Really? What do you even call that crime, food plagiarism?"
Yukinoshita did not answer and instead stared at my extra baggage. I closed the door behind and set the bag on the table. As I was not allowed to help in the packaging, I have no idea of how my sister prepared it.
"By the way, I need to talk to you about another request from Isshiki."
Yukinoshita nodded and I continued.
"Basically, I'm being asked for help. I'll be accompanying her and the student council on the upcoming event. Just like what I did in the Christmas event... though this time is different."
I really don't want another confrontation to happen. I value this club, though I won't say it out loud and I think it'd be best if I inform them of my plans before acting.
Just how much did this club changed me?
Yukinoshita held up an arm to stop me.
"Isshiki-san has already informed me of the situation last night. It seems that the two of you have formed a plan. I will say that doing the work of the student council without being acknowledged is unfair, but it would be wasted on you. You have my permission to ask us for help if the task becomes too much."
Isshiki you sly fox, so you plan to handle things even here? I am thankful but I could have done this on my own.
Still, to think that she would work faster than me...
"Oh, umm thanks. Anyway, Isshiki will be coming here in lunch."
Yukinoshita blinked and placed a hand on her temple.
"Now that is something she failed to mention. I'm assuming that it is because of you?"
"Well yeah... the girl has been worked up in doing her own things. I figured that this could help her ease up."
Yukinoshita stared at me for a moment with a bemused look. She smiled slightly and shook her head for some reason.
"You are too soft on her..."
"It's not like that. I'm just helping now because if I left it alone it's gonna bite me in the ass."
"Just like you math grades?"
Keh! I flinched at the casual way she insulted my grades. I'll have you know that I know MDAS and it's all I need to survive in this world!
Yukinoshita walked to where I placed the bag and opened it. Is it me or does it look like our club president seem excited?
Inside the bag were two large bento boxes covered by green cloth with flower designs. One for the curry and one for the rice.
Yukinoshita seem to be having troubles removing them from the box so I went and helped her.
"Hikigaya-kun, isn't this too much for only four people?"
I think so too.
"Komachi was the one who prepared it. I thought I told her to pack enough for four..."
Our fingers lightly touched as I separated the boxes from the bag. Yukinoshita lightly swayed but regained her balance a moment later and coughed. I looked at her reddened cheeks and thought
Geez, this is one sheltered girl.
"E-even so... I think that we won't be able to finish it all..."
Stop acting embarrassed! It's making me embarrassed too.
"Ahem... Well, I guess we can place them on a styrofoam container and give them to some... acquaintances."
We can't eat them all and there's still some left on my house. It's enough for Komachi and me... for our parents too.
I guess I really did make a lot.
"That is an acceptable idea. I shall prepare them later."
Only acceptable? Why can't this woman admit that I always make good suggestions? Probably her ego.
... ... ... ...
Rumors.
The bane of all good relations.
A simple rumor, If left alone would spread and create different opinions among the masses. It has the power to change the views of people, usually to something untoward. It has existed ever since the first language and it remains to this day. Destroying lives and such.
Why do people create rumors in the first place?
Much of it has to do with people needing to make sense of what's happening around them. In order to understand, people talk to one another and sometimes, when conversing about an unfamiliar subject, they fill the holes in the story with guesses, lies or facts. This new story spreads with new additions on its way and that's how it's born.
Sometimes though... people just say too much unconfirmed statements and allow others to think their opinions, just to spice up their life or something.
I have been a target of rumors since I was a kid and I certainly know how it feels.
Needless to say, I hate rumors.
"Yo! Hayato-kun, I've heard some rumors!"
The ditzy guy with bleached hair ran towards a group of people with a ditzy smile. This person... I hate him too.
"They say that there's princess in Sakuya school, is it true?"
I tucked my head into my shoulders and face the other way. I didn't really want to hear anything about their conversations but my headphones are in my bag and I'm too lazy to get it.
No choice then, just ignore them for now.
"Yeah, I totally heard that too! My friend who studies there told me that there's this person in Sakuya that acts as if they own the school!"
"Man, what a nasty fellow."
And just like that, these three have formed their own opinion and now judging that person because of a simple rumor concerning a princess. This shows how unreliable people are when faced with unconfirmed facts.
"I don't think that rumor is true."
In the storm of baseless conclusions, a hero arrived... I hate him too.
"Eh, does Hayato-kun know this person?" This voice... Ebina?
In this subject... how does Hayama Hayato views a rumor? He is a person who dons a mask, and I know that he does work hard to prevent rumors circulating about him and a certain girl. How can he change the opinions that his clique had formed?
Closing my eyes, I listened intently to the conversation.
"Well, I don't really know her per se, but I have met her before. This princess person must be the daughter of the school owner."
Oh, I think that I have a guess where the nickname princess came from. As expected of Hayama, knowing a lot of influential people.
"Daughter of the school owner huh...?"
"Doesn't that make her princess of the school?"
"Hayato-kun, is she a good person?"
The silence that was his answer made me guess that he was making a wry smile. What will you do Hayama?
"My friend told me that she used her father's power to become the student council president, is that true?" Ooka, stop adding oil to the fire. Can't you see your Hayato-kun is trying to defend a girl?
"She... I don't really know her that well but I think that she is a nice person."
Hayama's answer was fragile. Seeing that, the others made another conclusion in their heads.
Instead of diffusing the rumor, Hayama only ended up reinforcing it despite his good intentions.
... ... ... ...
"I'm so excited Hikki!"
On our way to the club room, Yuigahama said those words with a bright smile. I walked on with a slower pace and glared at the energetic girl. Yes, yes, I know that you're excited, but can you keep it down?
"Yeah yeah, keep it down."
"You don't look excited at all, Hikki!"
Why would I be excited to eat my own cooking? Now if it's Komachi's cooking on the other hand...
"Anyway, I brought us desserts!"
My ears perked up at that! Yuigahama, you are godsend.
"Do you have MAX Coffee?"
"Hikki, I don't think that coffee counts as dessert."
What!? How can you say that? When frozen in the freezer, MAX Coffee becomes Iced MAX Coffee! You can also make jelly MAX Coffee! You can add it on cakes and make a MAX CAKED Coffee! There's a lot of possibilities if MAX Coffee is involved!
"You're an airhead Yuigahama..."
"Eh!? What did I do? Hikki wait up!"
We reached the clubroom and Yuigahama opened the and yelled her usual tribal greeting. I entered the room to see Yukinoshita pouring the newly heated curry on a container. The table was already prepared with plated and spoons for four people.
"Yahallo, Yui-senpai, Senpai!"
Huh what's with that greeting?
Isshiki Iroha waved at us with a megawatt smile. Unlike yesterday, she was back to her normal appearance today.
"Yahallo, Iroha-chan!"
"How did you get here before us?"
Isshiki pouted at me and placed her hands on her waist.
"Senpai, would a greeting kill you?"
No. No it won't. But a sharp object definitely will.
Seriously, how did you get here? The first year classrooms are located in a separate building. How did she reach here before us?
Just as I was pondering over that, Yukinoshita coughed on her hand to get my attention. She gestured at the paper bag on the table.
Huh? What am I suppose to do?
"You said that you will give the extra portions to you acquaintances. I took the liberty of reheating them so do your job and make it quick."
Don't say job, it's making me depressed.
"Eh, Senpai has friends?"
Isshiki tilted her head as if she heard something ridiculous. Just who do you think I am? Of course I have none!
"She said acquaintance, not friends."
"Indeed, for Hikigaya-kun to have friends, he must first be sociable. Failing that, he must get good grades."
Tch! What does grades had to do with making friends? I can survive highschool with my lonesome! You're the one to speak!
"That coming from the top one student without any friends?"
Yukinoshita's smile faltered at my remark and she stared at the floor. Huh did I hurt her feelings or something?
Just as I thought of that, Yukinoshita stared back to me, her face red.
"I-I have a Yuigahama-san...!"
A Yuigahama? What's that!?
"Fueeeh! Yukinon, you're my best friend!"
A second later, a figure latched onto Yurinoshita and hugged her tightly. Ah, so that's what she meant, a Yurigahama.
"This club sure is fun, neh Senpai?"
Watching the the Yuri girls, Isshiki approached and handed me the paper bag. I subconsciously took it from her and peered inside. There were four styrofoam containers inside.
"Oh well, gotta go."
"Get back soon."
Hmm, why are the Yuri girls staring at us like that, I wonder.
... ... ... ...
My first stop was the teachers' office.
If you have extra food, you better give it to someone so lonely that they wouldn't mind the extra calorie that they would eat. I knocked at the door and and entered, there was no one inside...
Wait, there she is!
Wearing a lab coat although she teaches language, Hiratsuka-sensei slumped on her desk with a resigned expression.
It sure is lonely to be old.
Should I continue with this?
Sensei really looks like someone whose friends canceled their lunch appointment because they had to do things that concerned their husbands or something. She would laugh to herself and sigh a few seconds later.
Shit I should get out of here!
I took a step back, my heavy foot collided with the ground. The sound alone was enough to break sensei off her reminiscing days of youth as she slowly turned around to face me, her face covered by her hair.
S-Sadako!
Sensei held her stare for a few seconds before a creepy smile made to her face. W-what!?
"Good timing... I've been wanting someone to punch..."
W-what's with her dead voice? It's as if she had given up all hope in her life! W-wait, she said punch right? I'm gonna get punched by a lonely old sensei... I don't want to get punched!
"W-wait sensei! Don't involve me in your misery!"
Seriously, I should've just skipped her. Do I need to be so nice to someone who's abused me with her iron fist?
"Shut up! Only through pain can everyone understand each other! Suffer with me!"
What's with that antagonistic line? Don't involve a student in your failure to find a husband!
Hiratsuka-sensei recoiled as if struck by a bullet, she then slumped back on her table.
...
Ah, did I say that out loud?
Now I feel bad.
I sighed as I approached my teacher. She didn't even respond. Shit her eyes look worse than mine...
She's a lost cause.
"Here sensei, food that might cheer you up."
Light returned to her eyes at the mention of food. I opened the paper bag and retrieved a container, placing it on the table. Sensei sniffed the air and grabbed the offered sacrifice, opening it.
The rice was placed on the left while a plastic cup on the right was filled with curry. As expected of Yukinoshita, her efforts in preparing these were truly top notch.
"Oh, it smells nice. Where'd you get it from Hikigaya?"
Sensei grabbed the plastic spoon and poured the curry over the rice. Wow she really eats like a man.
"I made it and it turned out to be too much for us four."
Sensei looked at me inquisitively.
"Four?"
"Isshiki joined us..."
"Heh..."
Sensei looked at me like a mother looking at her child. Don't do that sensei, you'll look even older!
"You've really changed Hikigaya."
Saying that she took a spoonful of her meal and placed it in her mouth.
"..."
"..."
Well I've got two more to deliver, better go now. I was about to walk away when I heard sensei call me.
"Hikigaya... marry me."
W-what's with that manly expression on your face!?
I-I'm sorry sensei. Even if you're really hot and well paid, the gap is simply too large. Ten years is simply too much!
... ... ... ...
The next stop is the rooftop.
Even though, it's commonly locked, there are ways to bypass it. Especially if you're a loner with no fear towards the punishment.
I opened the door and saw a very nostalgic place where I did something viewed stupid by other people.
My target is...
"Oi, what'chya doing here?"
Just like a delinquent when someone enters their territory, my target came to defend her turf immediately.
Bluish-silver hair tied on a ponytail and a set of dark violet eyes hard enough to scare a normal person with a glance.
As expected of black lace, Kawa...
Wait, what was this girl's name again?
Kawabishi, Kawaonda, Kawahama, Kawararri... damnit I can't remember this girl's name. It has something to do with vehicles right...?
"Oi, didn't you hear me?"
Ah crap, she looks angry.
Better act like I remember her name lest I suffer the consequences.
"Erm, sorry about that. I'm here to give your lunch."
"E-eh? What do you mean?"
Kawasomething looks distracted, looks like she didn't notice my mistake. Good. I grabbed another container in the paper bag and handed it over to her. The girl accepted it with a lost expression.
"W-wha..."
"I happen to make too much so I thought to give it to ya, that's all."
"Eh?"
I noticed the packs of different junk bread on the bench nearby. This girl sure knows how to eat them. As expected of a delinquent. I approve.
"The food you're eating is bad on the long run. Just eat this and take care of yourself."
"R-right..."
Hmm, why's her face reddening? Is she mad about my intervention with her glorious lunch?
"Anyway, bye."
... ... ... ...
My last target was located on the back of the school building.
As expected of a fellow loner, he'd pick a place that no normal people would choose. This area is reserved for those school supplies like paint and steel bars. No one would eat lunch here.
"Fuahahaha! Is that Hikigaya Hachiman I see!?"
From the shadows of the last year's festival banner, a Useless Wannabe appeared. Wearing a trenchcoat over his school uniform and fingerless gloves, it was the man with the chuunibyou, Zaimokuza Yoshiteru.
"Mon, mon, chizumerapon. What has brought your astral projection here comrade?"
Even his way of speaking drives away other people. T-this person's syndrome is in another level! My past self cannot even compete...
"Ah, here... some leftovers from last night."
I took the third portion and handed it over the sword general. He didn't seem to mind that it was last night's leftover and started to devour it.
Oi, at least wait until I'm outta here!
"T-this delicacy... could it be the legendary item... Hachiman's mysterious curry!? Legends fortold that it is a rare drop from a floor boss that only appears once a year!"
The what now?
Eh, I have wasted enough time here as it is. I'd better get back to the club.
"My trusted companion!"
I turned towards Zaimokuza who started to fidget.
"T-this is actually the first time someone gave me b-bento."
Shit. I wanna punch this guy.
"Anyway, thank you for the offering, no-named-god! I shall treasure the husk in my lair!"
Don't do that, that's disgusting!
And so, I started to head back to the club, the paper bag still retaining one portion left in its depth,
... ... ... ...
I finally arrived in the clubroom after the trinity quest.
I found the table in our club filled with different foods. My curry being the main serving, Yuigahama's dessert being an assorted of colored cupcakes while Yukinoshita brought a basket of fresh fruits.
"Senpai, I brought us drink~"
Isshiki chimed the moment she saw me.
Well, you didn't brought anything on the first place so naturally, the drinks should be on you.
"You've finally arrived. Did you delivered all?"
You're speaking as if I'm a delivery man! I'll never end up as a guy who brings happiness to people!
"Nah, there's one left. I'm gonna eat it later."
There's still that job with Isshiki so I'm going to need all the nourishment I can get.
"C'mon Hikki, let's eat!"
Right.
I took on the seat beside Isshiki. The seating arrangement was changed when I was gone so I now seated facing Yukinoshita while Yuigahama faced Isshiki.
"Still, I never thought that senpai could cook, even if it's only csenpai
What do you mean 'only' curry? I'll let you know that I know a variety of curry. I have mastered this cooking through countless repetition and error! I could challenge the King of Curry with my creations!
We said our prayers and started to eat.
For a few minutes, only the sound of eating was in the clubroom.
"Wow, I've never eaten a curry like this."
"There's this flavor that I can't describe. I feel like I've tasted it before though..."
"...a special ingredient? I admit I can't seem to recognize it."
Heh. Even Komachi cannot guess the secret ingredient in this curry, and she's been eating this for years. Care to try your luck, Yukinoshita?
This is the second time the service club did something like this.
Maybe, there's going to be a third time...
... ... ...
I ran.
The meeting with Sakuya prep school was going to take part in that certain community center that I've been getting very familiar with.
Just earlier, Isshiki sent me a message saying that I should go there as the meeting would start in thirty minutes. In my rush, I even forgot to think about using my bike and only remembered it a few moments ago.
Gah! Why didn't Isshiki told me earlier!?
Like, when we were in the clubroom and they were trying to guess on the secret ingredient to my curry.
None of them came close by the way.
I stopped as the traffic light turned red. I paused to catch up with my breathe. I'm not sweating yet, I should take it slower. I don't want to smell sweaty when I arrive there.
"Yahallo, Hikigaya-kun!"
Not now...
I turned to where the voice came from, and saw the beautiful Yukinoshita Haruno making her way towards me.
I don't have the time for this.
Should I run? Nope, people might get the wrong idea if I did. How do you even drive away your ckubmate's annoying elder sister?
Ah, I got it now.
I opened my bag and grabbed a paper bag. Hopefully, the contents haven't spilled when I was running.
"Here."
I pushed the paper bag towards the puzzeled Haruno-san.
"Eh?"
"In exchange for not bothering me today, here's some food. Now gotta go bye!"
As soon as the traffic lights turned green, I made my way to the other side wishing that the older Yukinoshita wouldn't follow.
She did not.
Another ten minutes passed before I made it to the community center. I took a few moments to calm my breathing pace and started to walk towards the discussion room.
The door was still open, that's good.
The first thing I saw when I arrived was the gathered student council of Sobu, all of them were looking at a single paper and whispering to each other. They noticed me the moment I entered and I saw Isshiki troubled expression turn into one of relief.
That can't be good.
I made my way towards them, the vice president offered me a smile as he gestured me to sit next to Isshiki.
"Hey, haven't I seen you before?"
The moment I sat, a haughty feminine voice spoke.
For the first time since arriving, I turned my gaze to the other party. They were composed of five people wearing a gray blazer uniform. I don't know why but the other four were sitting two seats away from the one who addressed me.
She...
Wow.
I blinked my eyes as I stared at the doll-like beauty who was staring back at me with a thoughtful expression. Her transparenr blue eyes narrowed under a rather unique shade of crimson hair.
Is she a model or something?
"Ah, I remember now. You were that jerk on the first day of school."
...huh?
... ... ...
Yukinoshita Haruno sat alone on a bench in a random park.
That Hikigaya-kun, he sure was in a hurry.
Haruno glanced at the 'distraction' that the boy gave in order to get away from her. It was amusing to see how his mind worked under panic.
She wasn't that hungry, she ate with some college acquaintance that she had. Meeting him was truly a coincidence. She wasn't interested in giving him a subtle lesson or anything. At least not today.
Haruno opened the styrofoam container and stared at the neatly prepared food. There was a plastic spoon in the contents and she held it in her hand.
Oh well, a little snack won't hurt.
She placed a spoonful on her mouth and chewed.
It was subtle, but it was there.
Haruno smiled at the message.
In every serving of life, there is a bitter moment that people rarely notice.
Is that what he's trying to say?
"Coffee huh..."
Once again congratulations for making it here!
Ah, the cries of drama has awakened me from my slumber.
First of all, I cant believe I really finished this chapter for the second time. I don't know what happened to the first one I made but it dissapeared without a trace so I was forced to create another one... which lost most of its contents.
So, the mystery girl has been revealed. Some people mistook her for Yumiko, are they that similar? I never said that she wore a Sobu uniform when 8man met her, only that she seemed like a doll and queen. Maybe it's because of that huh?
Anyway, if you see any mistakes point it out. I used a tablet to write this so it's kinda hard to track down errors.
Tell me your thoughts.
See ya next chapter.