Gracefully, she managed to place the cup down without making a sound. She pondered what I had told her. And whenever she went into deep thought, her hand formed a fist under her chin and her eyes focused on her lap.

I raised my own teacup to my lips, making sure to savour the taste. It didn't matter how much I visited, the taste managed to become more and more exquisite with each intrusion. This time, the flavour was incredibly rich and I wondered what type of sencha tea she brewed today. It was similar, yet nothing like traditional sencha tea. Looking directly into the dark green liquid, small particles drifted about calmly to form an unrecognizable pattern. Wait, I think it's a five-hundred-yen coin! Anyways, it looked cheap, but the taste was on another level.

Her sigh brought me back to the level of mortality. I waited, wondering what she was going to say. I had told her about my encounter with Komachi, and I couldn't help but wonder what her thoughts were.

"Well, whether you decided to tell your family about me doesn't really matter. It is of no concern to me." With that, she picked up her cup to finish the remainder of this lavish beverage. Although her other hand formed a fist. "I already knew you didn't considering how I had to sneak by to see you at the hospital."

"Oh…okay." I wasn't surprised. What else could she have said? Be disappointed in me that I didn't tell my family I knew a girl for several years and have been talking to her every night for those several years?

When I put it that way, my shoulders slumped and I let out a sigh filled with disappointment. It was more pathetic than I realized. Yet I wasn't feeling any particular shame. I gave Yukinoshita another glance. Her eyes were closed as she sipped from her cup. She looked so serene; her face giving off a sense of otherworldly beauty. It was a fact that Yukinoshita was the most beautiful girl in the country.

I say these things neutrally and not as one of those poor saps infatuated with her without knowing her true colours. Her fair skin, growing hair that resembles the night sky, long eyelashes that emphasize every expression she makes…she wasn't too unlike her sister.

Perfection was in her grasp. Would she take it? I was certain she would.

"I'm more concerned about my sister." I raised a brow, not saying anything. She continued, "What will she do with this newfound knowledge, I wonder? Was it really a coincidence she ran into us at the mall?"

All my moneys on no. I couldn't tell if Haruno-san was the protective older sister or the pestering older sister. Did she actually care about Yukinoshita? Or did she only care about herself and pushing Yukinoshita's buttons amused her to no end? I dipped my head, pretending to take a sip of my tea but in reality, I gave a glance below Yukinoshita's neck. I wondered if Haruno-san ever pushed those buttons? She had enough to brag and she seemed the type of person to gloat. I didn't have enough information to reach a conclusion, so all I could do was speculate.

"We could stop seeing each other…" Bad word choice. I could feel my face flush, so I cleared my throat. "I mean, stop…hanging out to maybe give her the idea that we aren't as close as she assumes?"

"We aren't."

Oh, right. She assumed we were dating. "You know what I mean. That hangout was a one-time thing. And as far as she knows, we were hanging out at a men's clothing store. Not exactly date material."

Yukinoshita sighed, placing her hand on her forehead before letting out an exasperated sigh. That sigh, I've noticed, was always present whenever I suggested a terrible idea in her eyes. "Before I even address your… 'solution', how do we know that she only saw us at that one store?"

My eyes widened and my throat became dry in an instant, despite the tea. Instinctively, I looked behind me. "So, she's the extreme level of overprotective older sister." I've only heard about them in legends. The older sister who would do anything to make sure their younger sister was safe, even if it meant resorting to extreme measures.

"No, that's just you. She's far too busy to do something so trivial as looking after me."

The tone used was discomforting and I wasn't sure how to respond. "She looked after you before, right?"

She snorted, which caught me by surprise. Yukinoshita would never do something so ungraceful in front of anyone. "When I was in elementary."

"What about middle school?" I recalled the one time I decided to leave my luxurious room in order to guide Yukinoshita on the path to become more independent. Unfortunately, she ended up with my money and her mother's bad side.

She seemed to know what I was specifically mentioning and grew a blank stare. "That was a devious trick set up by our families. If I knew it would just be the three of us I would have refused."

I wasn't sure what to make of that statement so I decided not to probe further. The less I knew, the better. That's what I always said. But whenever it involves Yukinoshita, I get the desire to know.

Thankfully, I didn't have to ask because she continued, "Apparently Hayama-kun mentioned offhandedly that we weren't talking much then so our parents decided to create a scenario where we would meet and talk. My mother wasn't very pleased with me, to the say the least."

Her smile became wry but her voice held shame. I grunted, raising my cup to drink some more tea only to feel a small droplet on my lips. It was empty. I placed the cup down, glaring at it for failing to cover this awkward silence. I turned to face the window of her apartment. "Do you regret it?"

I could hear her shake her head, her hair making a very slight sound in our silence. "Hikigaya-kun, I don't regret anything in my life."

I turned to her faster than even I expected and gave her a sceptical expression. "Really? Nothing at all? I find that hard to believe."

She pushed her hair behind her ears and continued moving her hand down her neck before resting it on the skin between her neck and shoulder. I gulped. "Of course, you'd find it hard to believe. I have a feeling you have plenty of regrets."

'Have a feeling' my ass. You outright knew and I wanted to bang my face on the table for bringing up the topic. Tch, now I was in a bad mood.

Suddenly Yukinoshita stood up, grabbing my plate as she did. "More tea?" I nodded sharply and before I could say the magic word, she was gone.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid!" I was mulling over my regrets and completely forgot to say 'please'. She's probably seriously pissed right now. Yukinoshita values manners far more than most high school students these days. I also value them and to completely disregard them because of some petty reason is completely against the Hikigaya code.

Great, another regret.

"Here." I opened my eyes and the same tea as before was sitting before me. The aroma alone ridding my obnoxious thoughts.

I took a sip and my soul was cleansed. "Thank you." It's not every day I show my heartfelt gratitude, but I wanted to make up for the rudeness I displayed earlier. Her expression showed no change and she only nodded. I wasn't sure if she received my gratitude or not. "I'll, uh, pay you back."

"There's no need for that."

Instant rejection. I would have left it at that, but the bad taste in my mouth that would leave would ruin this delightful tea. "Uh, I insist."

"Oh? And how do you plan on doing that when your wallet's as empty as your eyes?"

Ignoring the jab at my eyes, I wasn't backing down. "I have some savings…I kind of need it for Komachi's allowance and all." I could see her rolling her eyes but if she were to have a younger sister she'd understand. "I save it for…Well, just let me pay you back. Any place of your choice. Just make sure it's under a thousand yen."

She scoffed at my restriction and shook her head. "A thousand yen isn't worth anything worthwhile I'm afraid."

My back straightened. "That's quite the insult! Especially when you've got several ramen and sushi shops right by your apartment…" None of them were Tenka Ippin unfortunately…

She tilted her head curiously. "That's right…you said ramen would 'indulge me in Japan's history and culture through taste buds'."

I rubbed the back of my head. "Did I say that?"

She nodded. "Quite fervently I might add. It was almost inspiring."

"Then we'll definitely get you to try ramen! I'll even increase the budget to two thousand yen."

"You had more money after all…" she muttered, her eyes narrowed, clearly unimpressed with me. She sighed and shook her head, as if to clear her mind from trying to understand some convoluted mystery. "Very well. It's a date."

…

Wait, what?

I couldn't help but hum a song that was played on NHK-FM the other day. It was an old song but catchy nonetheless. I tossed a coin into the air and caught it before repeating. It would have been a good day if it wasn't for the fact that this one-hundred-yen coin was the last remaining money in my savings. Komachi wasn't going to be happy.

I winced at the thought but I knew if she knew the reason for my misfortune, she'd be elated instead. After all, friends are something she thought I'd never have. The hospital visits only cemented those feelings. I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. She only wanted the best for me and that day was probably as traumatizing for her as it was me.

I stuffed the coin in my pocket when I realized what time it was. The sun had moved slightly indicating lunch was almost over.

I groaned, wishing desperately that I had one more one-hundred-yen coin in order to get something from the vending machine. I didn't have any friends to borrow money from either, not that I would. Owing someone money is something my conscience couldn't handle.

Unlike elementary where reputation was a minor consideration, in high school it was what defined you from now until the day you die. Unless you cease any and all relationships.

Yukinoshita, who's reputation is something similar to a queen, could never make me, a complete nobody, lunch like back then.

I mentally sobbed at the thought. If there was one thing I missed over the years, it was those lovely bentos. If I knew I'd never be able to have one again, I'd have cherished each and every single one.

Of course, I had lunches made by Komachi every now and then, but it wasn't every day and sometimes I'd just forget to make lunch myself.

"I had a feeling you'd be here."

That one-liner…it could only be one person! …Is my first thought before I digested the voice. I glared upwards at the person standing over me. The prince of Sobu High School: Hayama.

Wait, we weren't supposed to ever meet again! Not for at least five years! It hadn't even been one year!

I stood up and met his smiling face; my own glare faltering. "What do you want?" I tried to sound intimidating, but I think my voice cracked.

He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head before extending his hand. "I think we should be formally introduced, don't you? I'm Hayama Hayato."

I stared at the extended hand for a minute. Any person with common sense would retract their hand, but Hayama kept it out. I looked up back at his face to see his smile hadn't wavered in the slightest. Begrudgingly, I returned the handshake. "Hikigaya."

"Nice to meet you, Hikigaya-kun." He smiled and I thought I felt a cool breeze. I've seen this tactic once, back in middle school. 'The Zone'. Of course, when I tried to explain it to Yukinoshita, she ignored me.

"…Yeah." I couldn't be rude because he wasn't being openly hostile yet, and he needed to make the first move. And that would be when Yukinoshita's mentioned.

He let go of my hand before stepping back. "I just wanted to thank you. You helped Yukinoshita-san when she was in a bind, and I could never repay that." I felt a shiver up my spine and I was left stunned. "I'll never forget that day, and my own uselessness. You helped someone you never met without any regards to yourself…"

To be praised for my actions sounded great, but I had to correct him. "I knew what I was doing. It's just she was worth more than whatever happened to me." This time he was the one who was stunned and I had to hold back my own triumphant grin. That event was something I long moved on from. It may have shaped who I became, but there's no reason to keep looking back at it. So, I turned around and began walking away from Hayama, waving flippantly. "Well, it doesn't matter. That was a long time ago."

"It…doesn't matter?" I could hear the frown in his voice but I didn't care to turn around.

Suddenly a firm hand gripped my shoulder. I glared at it while noticing how perfect it was. Perfectly trimmed fingernails, perfect skin while also retaining some callouses. The perfect mixture of an active and social person. "Then please accept this."

He let go of me and I turned around to see him extending a five-hundred-yen coin towards me. I gave him another one of my glares, yet he smiled unfaltering. "I don't accept charity."

Instead of recoiling, he laughed, making me recoil instead. "Then accept it as thanks."

"You owe me nothing."

"I owe you everything." My brows furrowed and I decided to resort to the ultimate rejection technique.

I spat on the ground, in front of his perfectly shone shoes. This time, he recoiled and I grinned maliciously. "I hate owing someone. I hate being owed even more."

His fists tightened over the coin but he smiled anyways. "Well, then, I hope to get along, Hikigaya-kun."

Sure. I'm sure you do.

I watched him fast-walk back inside the school. He must have been holding it in. Tough guy, I'll admit. I was about to turn around when a glint on the ground caught my attention.

"That son of a…" He dropped the coin at some point and left it there for me to pick up. I growled, hesitantly pocketing it. I should have known he'd also have the skills of a ninja. Seems to be a rich people thing.

A smile was plastered on my face with no intention of leaving as I carefully handled the plate in my hands. Washing dishes is but one of my many talents, for when I'm done you'll think they're brand new! That's a good slogan when advertising as a house husband, right?

As if I'd manage to become one. Yukinoshita had made it clear that she wouldn't let me become one. Do anything you want. Except that. All I heard was 'Do anything you want, except the one thing you actually want'. I suppose it's the definition of a dream job.

To work is to lose, that is the one true fact of the universe. Which means every corporate slave out there is a loser. I'm a loser. But sometimes, sacrifices are necessary for upholding happiness in those that truly matter. And who matters more than little sisters and daughters? Why else would my parents continue to work away their lives? Not for me.

And yet despite the sour thoughts, my smile remained intact. The aroma of the building I was in was true heaven. And I got to stay here for about a third of the day!

Too bad I had to deal with annoying people who didn't know the fine details regarding this sweet beverage, but that is why I, if they desire it, enlighten them. Of course, I learned I really didn't know anything about my dearest drink until that day a few weeks ago.

A knock on the wood separating me from the outside world brought me back to reality. "Hey, Hikigaya-kun? You finished back there?"

I placed the white plate to the side and dropped the sponge in the sink. It probably didn't go there, but priorities. "Yeah, Boss."

Boss: as in my superior and the person who runs this lovely architecture. I quickly stepped outside, adjusting my name tag. It felt strangely empowering having one of these. In normal retail stores, customers are always in the right and will do anything to get cheaper goods, as long as it's within the law. Coffee shops are more home-like. You're treated with respect and gratitude and no underhanded tactics are used to get money out of you.

That, and this isn't a terribly busy coffee shop. People stop by on breaks from work, too busy to cause trouble and be annoying. Well, they can still be annoying; grumbling and complaining about how their co-worker managed to not only use all the paper in the printer but also jam it.

"One last customer!" She smiled and I frowned. Those eyes…those curved lips…I recognize that expression…

She was appraising me with her eyes, her face blank. My shoulders shifted under her gaze and my torso twisted to face away. I made sure to at the very least keep eye-contact. I had to keep some dignity.

Suddenly, she smiled, both her eyes half-lidded and a small mischievous smile grew on her face. "I think I know the perfect job for you."

I glanced at a clock. "It's closing time."

"Just go! You don't keep a lady waiting!" She pulled me forward, pushing me slightly towards the now empty café. "Her order is on the counter, ready and waiting! So, go and give it to her and give 'er a nice chat."

"…Yes Boss." I bowed my head slightly before making my way to the back counter where the drink was prepared. I blinked as I stared at the pitch-black beverage contrasted by the delightfully white teacup. I picked it up with grace akin to my long-time companion and began walking. My back was straight and my eyes darted down every now and then to the cup, making sure the beverage didn't spill.

I stopped walking and looked around the shop, pausing at the bright lights outside the store. The coffee shop I was in was built entirely of glass. There was no privacy in here so if you wanted to have a secret conversation with someone, this wasn't the place.

Yet at night there was something oddly soothing about the calm darkness surrounding the store. Located at the corner of an intersection, the sounds of cars filled the quiet air. During the day, the glass managed to make the building almost entirely soundproof and the only thing you can hear are the voices of many corporate slaves.

"Excuse me, my order?" The voice made me nearly trip on my own feet and my eyes never left the drink in my hands. Recollecting myself, I scanned the shop and saw her at the far end of the store, where the trees outside the building managed to give a somewhat private area.

When I arrived at her table, I placed her cup down gently before standing up straight with my hands in front of me. "Thank you for your patronage." My eyes didn't dare meet hers. I was ready to die from embarrassment.

"It tastes good. That must mean you didn't make it." I winced and my smile was no longer present. I opened my mouth but she continued. "Of course, I haven't had your coffee since you first started."

When I first started, I brewed my first coffee. It was all right to my taste buds, horrid to hers. She then made me promise to never subject her to my coffee until it was perfected. Naturally, I brought up how she made me try her bentos until they were perfected. She had turned red and, well…

My spirits were crushed.

"At least my bentos were already good."

But after a few weeks, I could safely say my coffee skills were adequate! "I think you'd be surprised."

"I hope so." I watched as she took a sip with her eyes closed. Seeing Yukinoshita drink coffee was different, somehow, from her drinking tea. It wasn't as serene as she used both hands despite the handle yet it was strangely just as enrapturing to watch. Her lips hugged the cup's lip and her creamy throat bobbed with every gulp. Her eyes snapped open and she gave me a sidelong glare. "Don't stand there so creepily. Sit down."

"Ah, right." I quickly took a seat in front of her, glancing out the window at the swaying trees. It must have been a windy day. That was a good sign, considering we were approaching summer and the last week had been nothing but dead air. "Uh, why are you here?"

"I wanted to see just how much you've improved since last time. Seeing is believing, after all."

"I still think it's unfair that I have a job when you don't." Not to mention it was because of her I had this job. I didn't even ask for it and signing me up for such a thing was irresponsible.

"You could have declined." I could have. But when I learned it was a coffee shop, I gave in to the sweet temptation deep inside my heart where my love for this delicious beverage burns.

"Well at least the pay is decent. Gratitude for my service isn't bad either." Around eight-hundred fifty yen an hour…I have more money than ever before! Komachi will be so happy with her next allowance! Maybe I'll give her a raise?

Her eyes widened. "Really? People actually don't question whether their food is infected by your touch? They actually thank you?"

I narrowed my eyes. Don't be so surprised! My acts of service were very much deserving of the muttered 'thank you's I get! And out of all the customers, I think you're the most rude one by far. Maybe. "Since I doubt you arrived just now…How'd I do?"

She paused, placing a fist below her chin as per usual. My body tensed and I unconsciously leaned forward. She looked up at me and gave me an evil smile. Tilting her head, she declared her verdict: "Sufficient."

"Uh, is that good or bad?"

"Hikigaya-kun, you do know what sufficient means, yes?"

I do, believe me. What I didn't know was what it meant in regards to your harsh grading system. Last I checked, 'decent' was worth the praise of God.

"Well, I'll take it! I'll keep improving anyways."

Her smile transformed into one much sincerer and elegant. "I really am glad you're enjoying this job."

"Enjoying might be a bit much…"

"You quit your last job less than a week after working there."

"It was a bookstore…opinions are really overrated."

She gave me a look full of irritation and disgust before letting a sigh escape her lips. "Well regardless, at least this one you can stick to. It's only on the weekend too which is good, since I'll help and make sure you don't get any extra homework for the weekend."

That's right, my only day off and it's spent working. I've already began the corporate slave path, haven't I? Is it too late to reset and try a different option?

Although, to be able to talk about one of my passions (MAX) without restraint is kind of nice. Sometimes I do that with Komachi and Yukinoshita, however they just tune me out because they don't understand. Boss on the other hand hired me because of my passion.

"I'll help Boss clean up…"

Simultaneously, as if we both tasted a bad smell, we stood up. She bent over, letting her hair cover her face as she grabbed her handbag from the floor. When she stood back up straight, she pushed a strand of hair behind her ears and presented a small smile. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow." She left the store gracefully with a sway to her hips that I couldn't recall. Of course, she wouldn't ask me to walk her to her building. It was unreasonable on plenty of levels. It was fairly close to this humble café and I still had cleanup to do.

"Hey, lovers boy, help me reach the top shelf!" I gulped down my blush before heading behind the counter to help Boss with storing the delicate silverware. Specifically, the hard to reach places for the vertically challenged. There was a minute of silence, for which I was grateful.

I didn't bother refuting her claim, for it would only cause needless and tedious explanations on my part. And she was the manager of this café and knew her words. She'd somehow manage to get my entire life's story and more from me.

During our interview, I said the bare minimum hoping to conceal any and all secret motivations. Yet I had a feeling she saw through me and more.

"So, I didn't know you had a girlfriend. You should invite her more often, I'll give her a discount!"

Unfortunately for me, she was not just perceptive but social as well. My mind wracked itself in order to think of an appropriate response. If I said yes, Yukinoshita would get discounts at this café, which happened to be next to her humble abode. It wasn't exactly the highest of quality goods, but it was definitely satisfying for the price. To be even cheaper would be the dream of any member of the Go-Home Club.

But of course, I could never be satisfied with such a lie. Yukinoshita's name to be squandered by association with me was something neither of us could allow. It would be bad, for example, if a certain meddling sister visited and managed to pry information from the employees. It wouldn't be hard for someone of her status…and assets.

"No. Never seen her in my life." My hand shook, almost dropping the stack of plates in my hand. That was more than I needed to say and was the typical reaction when lying about meeting someone unpleasant. I needed to brush up on my loner-interpersonal skills.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw her head fling back as her chortle echoed the dead store. Her long, blonde ponytail swayed as she shook her head. I recalled my words and failed to see any amusement in them. Regardless, I forced a chuckle, making sure to look away.

"Uh-huh. Well, you certainly were more expressive with her than you ever were with me."

My shoulders rolled back in reflex. Of course, she was watching. It was in human nature to observe those around you, watch the interactions of the strange and unusual. If you could hear them, you would. The desire to know will always be hidden in your mind.

I didn't bother to accuse her of eavesdropping. To accuse your boss of eavesdropping was a sure-fire way to end up on their to-kill list. My current high school one was slowly filling, but just like how you could get hit by a car on a whim, someone terrible who deserves to die could also appear on a whim.

I stayed silent, having already said too much. To describe my relationship with Yukinoshita was far more complicated than either of us realized.

Friends was the simplest way to put it. But I couldn't touch on why it was complicated. That's how complicated it was.

Boss sighed, clearly not happy with the silence. Was she going to fire me? Was this perhaps my last chance at redemption and I screwed up?

I steeled myself, ready for the inevitable conclusion. I've never been fired; I've always quit.

"Hachiman." I recoiled, suddenly grateful I had replaced the stack of plates in my hands with a sponge. "Why do you think I hired you?"

I rubbed the back of my head, before realizing that I had just been holding a sponge. Quickly, my hands were drenched under the faucet. I'd really prefer it if she didn't beat around the bush, so I waited in silence, taking my time washing my hands.

"If you don't know, well, maybe you'll find out one day." Huh? I looked up at her and on her pale complexion was an amused smile. "And yes, by that I mean you're not fired." She stuck out her tongue playfully that I began to question her age.

"Uh, thanks."

"And! You're not allowed to quit until you figure out why I hired you."

That wasn't in the contract. My nod satisfied her. Or maybe she understood that I knew she couldn't force me under these terms. She had just implied she didn't hire me because of my passion. Her words were more confusing than my own monologues.

To figure out why she hired me, I'd have to relive my interview. Something I had no desire to do. I looked back at the empty store, chairs strewn all over. Tables for two with three chairs, some tables with none. My face twitched and I sighed. Working here wasn't that bad, I guess.

Part of a loner's typical high school life is comprised of two things: nothing and stares. To never spare you a glance is the typical action of any and all. If by some chance you interact with them, they would stare at you in shock, questioning your existence. Not the question of whether you should exist or not, like young, bold middle schoolers but more of a realization that you exist.

We were used to stares. We could even tell what kind of stares were etching into the back of our skulls.

But when you feel like someone's staring at you every second of the day, you become wary.

"If someone's staring at you, it's because they're trying to figure out what kind of specimen you are."

I didn't even bother to entertain her 'joke'. "Seriously, I feel like someone's actually stalking me."

Yukinoshita closed her book gently, barely making a sound before placing it on the coffee table. "Have you bothered to, maybe, turn around and look?"

"Yes, and all I see is a crowd. It's impossible to decipher a stalker from a crowd."

"Did you check to see if anyone was wearing our school uniform?"

"Of course."

"Then either you're delusional, or they're hiding."

"The latter is the most likely." I hoped.

Her eyes became half-lidded, like a cat who doesn't want to hear your justified rants on society and just wants its food. "Somehow I doubt that."

"But they're different…" I placed a hand on my chin, attempting to figure out how to put my senses into words. "The one I get in homeroom is more…pleasant? And more…subtle. The one everywhere else just feels piercing. Kind of like your stares."

She was not impressed.

"W-well, not really. More…judgemental?" Except her stares were the epitome of judgement. I coughed into my fist. "I mean…obsessive. Yeah."

She pushed a few strands of hair away from her eyes. "I thought you ignored such stares."

"Yeah, I do. But they've been more frequent. Normally, people stare for thirteen seconds before moving on and forgetting my existence."

"Huh…people usually stare at me for longer and tend to never forget."

"I wonder why?" I rolled my eyes and her smile became wry.

"Just don't go into any back alleys. I won't be able to help you otherwise." Wait, what?! I thought I was dealing with a stalker, not a…

"R-right." Even if she said it in jest, it was still a possibility. An unlikely one, but that doesn't mean I should cross it off the list. After all, what were the odds I ended up in a hospital on the first day of school? Suddenly, another scenario entered my mindscape. "What if…they know about our relationship?"

Yukinoshita's hair flew to the side when she tilted her head. "Our…relationship? I was not aware we were in one."

My eyes narrowed and I managed to avoid a voice crack for once. "You know what I meant."

Her head returned to its standard position and her eyes were no longer meeting mine. "I doubt they've said anything. I don't recall hearing anything amongst the students."

Neither do I, and I happen to hear all sorts of conversations, whether I want to or not. People just talk about any and all private business they have, not caring for an instance that I'm there. Or maybe they just don't realize I'm there. "Yeah, as far as they know, we have no connection."

"And it can't be Hayama-kun…he's far too busy for something as meaningless as that."

That was true, if not for the fact he knew where I was at lunch that one time, meaning he had to have observed me to an extent. And I didn't even notice. Since then he'd offer a smile and a wave as we passed by each other in the hallway. I never returned the waves and only nodded or bowed my head. Disgust bubbled inside me, but if I reacted any differently, the pack he had clinging to him like bacteria would hound me. I couldn't be bothered to entertain them.

"Then maybe they're trying to use this information as some kind of leverage?" I did not mean to say that out loud. Her inquisitive stare made me gulp. I raised a finger, hoping I didn't sound stupid. "Like to threaten you using their knowledge about our friendship."

"Then let them try. I'll show them no mercy." Why did she sound colder than I've ever heard her? Wait…I think she said something similar when she told me about some chain mail fiasco back in middle school.

"R-right. Thanks, and sorry, I guess it wasn't as big of a deal as I thought." I looked down in embarrassment. It was unlike me to be so flustered, especially regarding something I was quite used to.

"No, it's fine. I'm…glad you can confide in me. It makes me glad that I was able to help in some way. It reminds me of…" No, don't say it. "…how we really are friends."

The rarest of smiles was formed and my cheeks felt much warmer. I wanted to hit myself. These signs would have made it obvious to any onlooker; Me having a crush on Yukinoshita was the most obvious conclusion anyone would make, when in reality it was simply a pretty girl saying something meaningful to me.

But if she misunderstands and assumes that I have a crush on her, then I'd be no better than all the hopeless loons who've asked her out. And just like them, she'd reject me just as harshly.

"…I don't think I've ever thanked you for the job." Her serene look transformed, her eyes widening and head tilting ever so slightly. Her eyelashes suddenly looked longer.

"Oh? What brought this on?"

"It's not as annoying as I expected. Which isn't much, to be fair. But it's definitely tolerable and at the very least worth it for the money. So, thanks. Things have been easier on me; Komachi's been much happier too." And that was why it was worth it. Her lit up face every time she received her allowance was enough to revitalize my spirit which had almost drowned in the river Styx after work.

"I-I see. Well, you're welcome." I regretted those words of gratitude as it only made it more difficult to breathe. Or perhaps the air became thicker. Or both. But what made this sign of gratitude different than the other one? "In that case…would you mind if I played a song?"

My head snapped upwards, my mouth gaping open. "A-a song?"

A subtle but cute nod. "I've played a lot of songs…but never wrote a song before. I wonder if you'd like to hear the draft I've written?"

"Sure." I wasn't sure why she suddenly wanted to play a song. Especially when we have a lot more homework to get through. Or rather, I have a lot more homework to finish. But it was rare for Yukinoshita to ask for something like this, and I wasn't going to refuse her. "I'm surprised you're even allowed to play in this place."

"It's not like I'm using an amp."

If she was, and I was her neighbour, you bet I'd complain.

"Oniichan! Can I get that? Please?"

"Why are you asking me? You have money." When I squinted, a sigh escaped my lips. She was staring at an extremely over-the-top overpriced glittering phone strap. How do you get more pathetic than that? "Twenty-five hundred yen for some Pan-san phone strap? It doesn't even look legit."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Without caring for the annoyed glance of the cashier, I took the strap off the shelf it was on and held it up to Komachi's face.

"Look at its left eye." When she blinked but expression unchanging, I pushed it even closer towards her face.

"Looks normal to me."

I sighed, disappointed with my sister. She's a Pan-san fan, I think, and she couldn't see something so obvious to someone like me? "His left eye looks normal. That's the problem. The black dot around it is supposed to be star-shaped."

Komachi blinked, clearly digesting the info (that she should have known) before grabbing the charm out of my hand. "Oh! And the scarf isn't green, right?"

"What?" It was true, the scarf was green. Pan-san's scarf was yellow, like the bees of summer that always pester our mother's garden. Though she always paid them no mind and they paid her no mind. Komachi too. Our pops on the other hand complained about them buzzing in his ear constantly. As a result, I avoided the garden in fear of something worse than buzzing. "Huh…you might not be a lost cause after all."

"That was seriously low in Komachi points."

Her low tone and quiet grumble made me raise a brow. "Huh? I thought it was quite high."

"I think you might be the lost cause, Oniichan."

My brows readjusted to a furrow as she placed the charm back on the shelf. "That's really low in Hachiman points…"

"…It's low in Hachiman points but high in Komachi points?"

That dead stare was scarily familiar, but I couldn't place where. "What? Of course not. It's all on the phrasing."

"Hey, if it isn't Hikigaya-kun!" I think my sudden gulp was more vocal than I hoped, because Komachi gave me a strange stare before turning to the caller. "Fancy seeing you here."

Rigidly, I turned to meet the sun itself, Hayama. "Y-yo."

I hoped my curt nod would be enough to drive him away, since rudeness didn't work last time, but unfortunately, he didn't buzz off. "And who might this be?"

I growled and attempted to place a foot in front of Komachi, but she was too fast and jumped forward. "I'm Komachi! Oniichan's sister! It's nice to meet you!"

Oi, you shouldn't be so redundant when you talk; it's kind of embarrassing. "Hayama Hayato. Hikigaya-kun's little sister? You're quite pleasant." Why do you sound so surprised while simultaneously giving a compliment?

"What are you doing here?" I was sharp and to the point. Less time with Hayama, the better sleep I'll have tonight.

Irritatingly, he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah, my friends wanted to hang out. Pick some outfits, get a guy's opinion, you know."

No, I don't know. Thanks for reminding me. Komachi looked between us, before a sparkle flew by and entered her eyes. "Oniichan, is he the friend you mentioned?"

"No." I'd be damned if this guy and I ever became even associated. I gave Komachi a desperate look. If anyone was to understand me, it should have been Komachi. Did she really think I'd become friends with him?

Her smile didn't diminish. "I thought so. I mean, you and him? No way! You're too gloomy to hang out with him!"

Komachi, have you fallen into his trap? My glare returned full force and even Hayama stepped backwards, now his smile became awkward. "I only know of Hikigaya-kun through his friend."

"Which friend?" Komachi, that was an impressive attempt at a leading question. Unfortunately for you, everyone and their dog knows how many friends I have.

Hayama seemed to realize Komachi's desire for an answer and turned with a questioning glance. I myself turned to avoid his glance and bit my lip. "Well, maybe acquaintance is the proper term? Anyways, that doesn't matter now. Would you two care to join us? We were going to see a movie."

My glare which should have lessened, intensified. He didn't inform Komachi about Yukinoshita, and now I was in his debt. In that case, it was in my best interest to repay that debt by declining. "We really ought to be going…"

"We'd love to! Right oniichan?"

"No, we really should be going…" Komachi, you don't understand. Hayama said he was with friends. And while he might be nice on the outside, his friends…

"Huh?! Hayato! What's this about?!" The click of her heels overshadowed her obnoxious tone. With blonde locks reaching just past her shoulders, appeared a little rattle snake.

"Yumiko, I want you to meet my friends, Hikigaya-kun and Komachi." My hands dug into my pockets, gripping onto the inside pocket. To just casually say my little sister's given name…He has some nerves. To say we were friends, he has some serious balls.

"O-oh. Uh, I'm Miura Yumiko." She nodded politely to Komachi who beamed in response. Miura seemed to be taken aback and returned to giving Hayama her attention. Wait, what about me?

"I thought this was going to be just the two of us, Hayato!" The way she complained was not dissimilar to the way an elementary student complained.

"But Hina's with us as well." Hayama, you're not one of those dense protagonists, are you? Wait, that's also a girl name…There is no way I'm going along with this. My self-confidence would hit a whole new level of low.

"So, you're single, Miura-san?" My sister's bluntness and forwardness had managed to startle the bold woman, making her raise a brow while donning a slight blush.

"That's quite the bold assumption! But, well, for now!" Don't think I didn't notice you sneaking Hayama glance.

And I think he also noticed.

"Oniichan, we should definitely join them!"

Stop. "No. Didn't you just hear what Miura-san said?" Was my sister denser than a typical dense protagonist? At least she's a cute dense protagonist. I could very well see Komachi the protagonist of her own series. As long as she friend zones every boy who even attempts to make an advance on her. Then the villain would come along and kill each and every one of them.

"Yeah, and they have company!"

"I wouldn't mind, Hikigaya-kun."

Except I would. And can you not sound like you actually want me to go? You're a better liar than me… "I really don't want to go."

"Neither do I…" I ignored Miura-san's grumble, even though it helped my case.

"Oh, but I guess you two were out doing errands. We shouldn't keep you." No, we weren't doing errands. And no, you shouldn't keep us.

I was already walking in the opposite direction. Looking over my shoulder, I jerked my head in front of me. "Come on Komachi. Let these guys enjoy their date. We have…to go get some more fertilizer for the garden." I had to wrack my mind around something that could give me an excuse to get out of here. I recalled out mother complaining and then my lightbulb turned on. I never thought our mother's annoying rants would come back to save me.

"But-"

"Yumiko? What's taking so long?"A reserved voice spoke up, and behind Yumiko approached a shorter girl with short brown hair. Her spectacles didn't hide her curious eyes, wide but not in surprise. They just seem to be perpetually wide.

"Nothing~" Miura-san sang, before gripping Hayama's arm. "Come on Hayato!"

With the same refreshing smile, Hayama freed his arm and nodded. Before turning to leave, he gave me a wave. "See you, Hikigaya-kun! Komachi!"

"Byebye!" Komachi waved back and his returning smile glittered. To my surprise, my little sister wasn't blushing or anything. I knew she was tougher than I previously thought!

The new girl stared at me for a second before smiling gently and following the two from a distance. Although, much to my surprise, Miura-san actually beckoned her to catch up and from what I could tell involve her in whatever conversation riajuu's have.

The fact she smiled at me instead of recoiling in disgust at the sight of my narrowed orbs caught me off guard. I wasn't sure what to expect regarding Hayama and the group he commands, but it was both as I expected and completely unexpected.

"Was she the friend?"

"Hm? Which one?"

"The one that didn't insult your rotten eyes."

Not you too... I slumped forward and shook my head, defeated. "No, never seen her before in my life."

"Reaaally?" Komachi had slipped in front of me, pushing her face towards mine. I wasn't flustered or anything. She was my little sister after all. I only straightened my back and nodded.

"Yeah."

Komachi jumped back. "Hm, okay! Well, I'll find out who this friend of yours is soon, oniichan! And they better be real!

"They are, I promise."

"And you won't break it this time?"

I was affronted by the accusation. "Since when have I broken a promise to you?"

She placed her hands on her hips and bent forward slightly. "Siiince you promised to give Komachi a raise today!"

I created a mental calendar in my brain, and it happened to look similar to the one in Yukinoshita's kitchen, with a Pan-san in the corner and all. "That was last week! Which I did keep!"

Her head tilted and her expression became concerned. Which made me concerned. For myself. "Is your memory getting bad, oniichan? Papa can prove it!"

...'Papa' can prove anything you say.

"I heard you met with Hayama-kun."

I almost spat out my MAX. What was she doing, bringing that up out of nowhere while we stood beneath the bus shelter. I glanced around before realizing no one actually heard Yukinoshita speak. Even though it was pouring, no one decided to try and squeeze under the bus stop. Yukinoshita must be the reason. I hunched over so my height matched hers and she'd hear my whispers clearly. "Where'd you hear that from?"

"Was it a secret?"

"It wasn't worth mentioning. Don't tell me Hayama told you himself." I wondered what else he told her?

"He wouldn't. Nee-san did."

"I see…" I didn't. "How did she find out?" Was she the stalker I worried about some time ago?

"What did you do?"

Don't ignore my questions! "Nothing."

"You tried to invade their date?"

"N-no! They invited me!" I may have said that a bit louder than I should have, so I hunched even further, directing my gaze to the ground. "Why bring this up now?"

"I have something to take care of. You should head straight home."

"Huh? What's up?"

"Nothing you need to worry about." I turned my head slightly to try and get a glimpse of her face. She was staring directly ahead of her, her expression frozen in a cold expression. It was unmoving and nothing like I had ever seen before. Was this the persona she had in public?

"…Okay." If she had stuff to handle, then I wouldn't burden her. Even if my homework included math.

When the bus arrived, Yukinoshita stepped out of the shelter first, and no one moved an inch until she was on the bus.

I went on last.

She had managed to grab a lone seat, the best seat. There was one free right behind her, so I took it. It was odd, since there were some students still standing, but she must have some aura that makes them give her personal space. How nice.

That wasn't it. The moment I took my seat my breath hitched. She was sitting up straight, and her growing black hair shimmered with raindrops. In those five seconds from exiting the bus shelter and boarding the bus her hair became wet. They fell upon her shoulders in disarray and managed to hide any semblance of skin.

I took a breath and nearly choked, having inhaled the scent of rain mixed with whatever scent Yukinoshita bore. I quickly raised my can of MAX coffee to my lips, making sure to taste as much as possible to drown her scent.

Or maybe that was a bad idea. As soon as my lips only felt a small drop, her scent rushed through my nostrils again. I had to distract myself, so I pulled out my phone.

Of course, my contacts were fairly limited. Very limited. "What do you have to take care of?" I decided to text Yukinoshita. The girl literally in front of me.

Her head tilted down slightly, her hair still covering her pale neck. Quickly, my phone buzzed. I was grateful I didn't forget to turn off my notification tone, because the bus was dead silent. It wasn't unusual on a rainy day. "Restocking on my groceries."

"Today?" I replied instinctively before realizing anyone who was standing could be looking down and reading my private conversation. Sometimes you can't help but glance by accident, but some people get drawn and stare at your phone as if it's the first smartphone they have ever seen.

"Yes. I'm aware it's raining, but there's a grocery store right next to my apartment."

Oh right, Lincos. Your average grocery store with average sales. Well in that case, I have no obligation to help her since, like she said, it was right next to her apartment building. And for some reason she preferred doing groceries alone, claiming I would infect them or something. Maybe it was time I got the truth? "Why can't I go with you?"

I heard her release an annoyed sigh in front of me but I kept my head down. I couldn't let anyone know that her sigh was related to me. I pretended to keep typing. "I'll tell you later."

How does one define later? We assume later means sometime during the same day, but it really means sometime after the present moment. "Later as in…?"

"Later."

That didn't help. We were at the station. I watched her stood up and leave the bus. I waited for a few others to do the same before I followed suit. She would catch a different bus than me here at this terminal. When no other student was around, I quickly approached her. "Will you tell me the truth? Or is it really because of me?"

She looked irritated, and I didn't blame her. I was being needlessly persistent. She even said later, meaning that eventually she would tell me. Eventually she released a more tired sigh than the one on the bus. "I…have been gauging you."

My mouth hung open, confusion etched across my face. I had no idea what that meant. "Can you…elaborate?" Did I want her too?

"What you liked…didn't like. I've made you a lot of different food over the last few months. I wanted to see what you truly liked."

She had turned away, preventing me from seeing her face. My left hand had grasped my keys, making a small jingle that was drowned by the rain's beat. I coughed into my fist, before involuntarily coughing again. Yukinoshita turned to face me, this time concern plastered across her face. I raised my hand to stop her from speaking. "I like anything that doesn't have tomatoes."

Yukinoshita's concern warped into a blank stare. "How childish."

I raised my hands in defense, accidentally grasping my keys. "It's true. They're the devil spawn I tell you!" Before she could continue, I stuffed my hands back into my pockets and tilted my head, trying to mimic her and Komachi. "But why didn't you just ask?"

A red bus passed by. That was the only explanation for the brief red that reflected off her face. "I simply wanted to surprise you, I suppose."

"Ingredients don't tell me what you're making, you know."

She glared at me, as if my truth wasn't valid. "I'm very much aware. I don't want to hear that from someone who can't make a single cup of delectable coffee."

"Hey! I've improved!" Probably. "Well, still, you should have asked me. You had me worried. I thought I really was infectious for a while."

"I suppose that was a harsh thing to say. I apologize." She was now gripping her arm, clearly upset with herself. It was rare to see Yukinoshita so defeated. Her brows were raised while her eyes were down. Her mouth was straight, just like the bus that just drove by.

…The bus that was mine.

"Wasn't that your bus?"

I pulled back my arm that was outstretched, reaching helplessly for the bus. I sighed heavily and looked up to the heavens, only to meet water which crashed into my eyes. Yukinoshita looked confused, as if wondering just what I was doing. And to be honest, so was I.

I put a hand to the back of my head, running it through my wet hair. "Do you need help with the groceries?"

I watched her mouth curve upwards while her eyes rolled in amusement. "I suppose your opinion might be helpful."

If you were making it for me, then my opinion was more than just 'helpful'.

When the bus arrived, she stepped on and I immediately after. Instead of taking one of the lone seats, she took a window seat.

This time, I didn't hesitate to sit next to her.

Happiness is different for everyone. Happiness itself is subjective. Some would say having lots of money would make them happy, while others would claim it's the life you live. If there's truly a right or wrong answer, then humanity had yet to discover it.

When celebrating a holiday revolving around happiness, there will always be someone ready to cause ruin. Their mere presence can cause dissatisfaction, which is why on this fateful day I am lying on the couch with my PSP pressed on my face.

I called it a holiday, but the true happiness of a holiday for students is the fact we get the day off. We didn't get the day off. It's simply a time of spreading cheer than a proper celebration. Everyone's significantly happier this day, except for the loners who are reminded they have no one to share their happiness with. My most recent gym partner had attempted to force me to join him at the arcade on this joyous day, but I would not give him the time of day. Not when it was a Friday afternoon.

I had to use my improved stealth techniques to avoid him. I was careful not to underestimate him, as a loner was always able to pick out other loners. It may have gotten me some strange, disgusted looks but it was worth it.

I was also relieved when Komachi returned home on schedule and without a boy accompanying her. I was also surprised no one stalked her. Did they think she wasn't cute enough? Or did they know they had no chance?

Probably the latter. Everyone knows how cute Komachi is.

"No, it's 'cause papa would kill them and embarrass me."

"Even if they somehow survived, it would be for a moment." I'd make sure to finish the job, find a place to hide the body, create a fake crime scene, prepare a fake witness, and a fake defendant. Or maybe stage it to be a suicide. Oh, and get a demon prosecutor on the case.

"How annoying…"

The doorbell rang, and my torso rose quickly. "Komachi, don't answer it."

"Huh? Why?" To her credit, she looked genuinely confused. I had thought it was a boy who followed her home. But she's not smart enough to fake expressions.

"…Fine, answer it. But if it's one of your fanboys, I'll-" She had already begun to open the door, not bothering to listen to my declaration of protecting Komachi innocence.

"Hello. I am Yukinoshita Yukino."

"U-uh…wow…so pretty…I mean, what can I do for you Yukinoshita-san?"

…

…

…

Why was she here? Where do I hide? What is going on?!

"Komachi-san, I'm here to say Merry Christmas. To you, and your brother."

...

"U-uh…just one second!" In a literal second, she turned to face me and I returned her stare, dumbfounded. "Oniichan. Komachi will never forgive you for hiding such a beautiful girlfriend!"

This scenario was unprecedented in my loner life. Never before has a girl visited my house. One that I actually knew, no less. "We're not dating…" was the only thing I managed to choke out, but Komachi was already facing Yukinoshita.

"Come in Yukinoshita-san!"

I saw her pleasant smile with a rosy tint on her cheeks. It was quite cold when I biked home, and that was about two hours ago, so coming inside must have been heaven for her. "Thank you, Komachi-san." She walked inside before turning back to the young girl. "Can you take this off my hands?"

"Yep! Komachi's on it!" What was in Yukinoshita's hands was a white box that anyone could recognize as a box that contained cake. Komachi took the box from her hand, also recognizing what it was, and skipped to the kitchen. She better not drop it.

I took this opportunity to approach Yukinoshita while she was removing her shoes. "What are you doing?"

Without looking up at me, she explained. "I thought it was fine to come over on Christmas?"

"Who said that? You told me you had to finish something important today!"

"Yukinoshita-san!" Komachi's voice echoed from the kitchen. "Did you make this yourself? It's so good!"

Komachi, please don't tell me you already had a piece? And Yukinoshita, please get rid of that triumphant smile on your face. "I still don't understand what you were thinking."

"I wanted to spend Christmas with you." She said it so matter-of-factly that I wasn't even embarrassed. Was I surrounded by dense protagonists?

Or was I the dense protagonist?

"Well, Komachi will appreciate the company. Our parents won't be back 'till late." I sighed in defeat. At least Komachi would stop pestering me regarding my 'friend'.

"It's only fair. You met my sister after all."

"Not by free will." No, that woman took your free will for herself. Any encounter with her would never be by my choice. "Not to mention Komachi is far more pleasant than your sister."

"I must admit, I was curious. Your sister sounded like your polar opposite by your descriptions. How could she manage to live with you?"

"It's Christmas, spare the rudeness." She huffed but didn't say anything further. Using the cheery atmosphere to get out of being insulted…Why couldn't it be Christmas every day?

As soon as Yukinoshita stepped into the kitchen, Komachi hopped down from the counter she was sitting on before giving Yukinoshita a bow. "I'm Hikigaya Komachi! Thank you for the cake and taking care of oniichan."

Yukinoshita finally showed some emotion and became visible flustered. "It's not a problem…It's nice to meet you Komachi-san. Your brother has told me a lot about you."

Yes, and they were all praises, so don't you worry. I nodded to myself filled with pride. "Yukinoshita-san, how long have you known my brother?"

"Komachi, it's Christmas, not twenty questions."

"That's a terrible comparison."

My glare lasted a second before I sighed again. "Though I guess if we keep holding this off, it's only going to look worse…"

"Worse? You've given Komachi more hope than ever before!" Komachi then bowed again to Yukinoshita. "Thank you for the cake! It was delicious!"

"Don't tell me you already ate it all?" My accusatory glare was met by her affronted glare.

"No! I just had a small piece!" I peered into the box, and sure enough Komachi only had a small piece. Cut cleanly, thankfully. I was worried she just stuffed her face in the cake.

I turned to Yukinoshita. "Seriously, why did you decide to come now?"

"I already told you, didn't I?" You told me a half-truth. I'm not going to fully believe that.

"Who cares oniichan? Yukinoshita-san's here and I won't be stuck with you for a Christmas and hopefully many Christmas' to come!" I would have felt offended if it weren't for the fact Komachi's hopeful expression towards Yukinoshita was making the ice queen squirm. I leaned back in amusement, watching two adorable girls interact.

"Y-yes. If you'll have me that is."

"Of course, Komachi would have you Yukinoshita-san!"

"Huh, you're more of a pushover than I thought." I looked away immediately in hopes of avoiding her glare and hiding my smirk, but I still felt it burning holes in the back of my head. Well, I didn't blame her. Rejecting Komachi was more difficult than passing a science midterm.

"You're really smart Yukinoshita-san!"

I could imagine Yukinoshita's hand palmed against her forehead. Yeah, Komachi isn't the brightest in the academic field. "I'm more concerned about your school's education system."

"Thank you for helping me!" Komachi bowed again, something she rarely did. Normally people bowed to her instead. I wonder if Yukinoshita intimidated Komachi? I wouldn't blame Komachi.

"You really like helping others." I placed a cup of coffee in front of the two girls. While Yukinoshita was helping Komachi with her homework, I was left to my own devices.

Yukinoshita was staring long and hard at the dark beverage. She was clearly judging it. Although Komachi didn't understand that. "Is something wrong Yukinoshita-san? Oh, you haven't had oniichan's coffee, right? It's really good! Definitely better than a month ago…"

You really didn't need to say that last part, even if it's true. "A month ago… Then he hadn't improved despite the several months of practice…" Okay, stop, the past doesn't matter anymore. Just drink the sacred beverage! "And Hikigaya-kun, helping others improve is the definite way to improve society."

I hummed, wondering if that was true. It would lead to a society where people actually achieved their goals through proper means. Maybe even less crime. But to actually make everyone in the world change to follow that philosophy was impossible. Changing who you are for any particular reason is admitting the person you are isn't desired by anyone else. But there is always someone who desires you: yourself. If you are happy with yourself, then there's no reason to change.

But then again, this is Yukinoshita. I won't overestimate her abilities and take back what I said about it being impossible, but she could definitely change something. I just don't know what.

"Yukinoshita-san is so inspiring!" Komachi stared at Yukinoshita with admiration I had no recollection of seeing before.

"Yeah, she is." I couldn't help myself, because it was true. It was hard not to admire the woman when all she did was her best. I'd never follow her, but it was a fact that my sense of fulfillment despite my stance in society was because of her.

It made me wonder however…

"Yukinoshita-san, can you teach me the recipe for that cake! I want to surprise our parents!"

Over the many, many years….

"I don't mind. Do you have the necessary kitchen utensils?"

After almost a year of physically interacting with her…

"Yep! Kāsan makes a cake for my birthday every year!"

Have I…

"Then we can begin. Do you have a spare apron I could use?"

Helped her, even once?

"Here's oniichan's!"

Or have I been…

"U-uh, what about your mother?"

Just a burden?

"Oniichan, stop daydreaming and help us!"

Okay. Lots, lots, looooots of stuff in this AN. But I'll get out the most important thing first. Whether you want to read the rest, that's up to you.

10k+ words + 1200 word authors note!

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even though there wasn't much in terms of events. Let me know what you thought! Where I could improve, what I did wrong, right, the usual! It means a lot to know you guys are enjoying this story and if I could improve the story, then I'm all for it!

Good place to end it, I think. So, either next chapter will be the final parts of first year or just jump to second year with nothing of note happening between now and then (probably the latter honestly. And I'm sure you guys want to get into canon territory. Just appreciate the moment for now).

Okay.

So, first off...Time to explain some things that I just glossed over I guess?

- Hikigaya's student rep position in middle school

In his second year of middle school Hikigaya was assigned the role of class rep by his fellow male peers.

This was in the light novel. This was when the female representative volunteered herself afterwards and frequently spoke to Hikigaya, even giving him the initial of her crush and Hikigaya assuming it was him. So, if anyone thinks I made that up, nope! (It's where the nickname Narugaya came from)

(Literally in Volume 1/Episode 1)

I know some people don't trust wikis and I probably should have done some more research, but it seemed to corroborate with my (admittedly faulty) memory so I thought it was good.

Next up, something a little fun.

Out of curiosity, what tropes/cliches/plot devices/threads do you all dislike in the fandom? When a few people mentioned they really didn't want the amnesia trope last chapter, it got me curious. Just a little fun thing I thought I'd ask since I'm not really that well-versed in the Oregairu fandom. While we're at it, why not add what tropes/cliches/plot devices/threads you do like?

Some fun facts about this chapter:

Yukinoshita was going to be hit by a car at the end of the chapter. Just as quickly as I thought of it, I got rid of it. So… 5 seconds.

- Yukinoshita I feel could only be hit by a car by a hit-and-run which would create a plot that would get out of hand

- Yukinoshita would do the sensible thing and jump and curl up to lessen the damage. Except I don't know anything regarding medical treatment so it'd be really...wrong for me to try and make something serious out of it without any foreknowledge.

- There would be no way for her to stay in Sobu after that (I doubt her parents would have liked that).

- Note: she wouldn't have died.

- Note: since I'm saying this here, that means it's not going to happen in the future...probably. So, rest easy.

Yeah it was just one of those blitz thoughts like "You know what might be interesting? ...No, wait, hold on. Nope." But hey, someone could make a one-shot/story based on it!.

I was tempted to go and get a part-time job at Starbucks to learn the ins and out of being a barista...obviously I didn't give into temptation haha. So, I just went with the bare minimum. Also, Cafe Colorado is a real cafe in Chiba right near Yukinoshita's apartment. I used the pictures of the place as a guide. Pretty much everywhere I've mentioned is a real place (The guitar store(s) and the mall).

This is a deleted, short bit of a certain phone call:

"Hello?"

"Hello, I'm calling for Hikigaya Hachiman?" A pleasant female voice replied over the phone speaker, making me raise a brow and immediately raise my defense.

"...That might be me, who-"

"Great! This is Café Colorado, Makuhari Baytown! We would like to thank you for applying for the position of barista and would like to coordinate a time for your interview!"

...What.

Also, a lot of you has been calling this story 'one of the best oregairu fics' and I can't help but feel like you're giving me a bit too much credit? Haha I really, really appreciate it but what this story boils down to is a bunch of snippets in a timeline (well, sort of). I don't know, I just don't feel like I really deserve that kind of intense praise, but I won't question your opinions anymore.

I've went through this chapter four times and I'll probably go through it some more and keep revising it.

Aaaaanyways, again thank you so much for reading this chapter!

EDIT - 07.07.18

- Author's Note edit

EDIT - 15.07.18

- Removed Yuigahama from the encounter with Hayama and Miura

EDIT- 17.07.18

- Removed a leftover line from the Yuigahama scene. Thanks Guest!