"... and that's how it is." I finish.
Beside me, Hikigaya-kun opens his can of Max Coffee with a pondering expression and I take a sip of my barley tea to wet my throat. We were both sitting at a bench in one of the Lib Arts buildings. Both of us had lectures to attend here and we bumped into each other. There was still about half an hour left to kill so we decided to buy drinks and wait together.
Our conversation naturally led to what happened yesterday. He asked about what my mother and I talked about and I tell him most of it. I don't tell him about our family's possible relocation and my transfer, however. It was something I didn't want him or Yuigahama-san to worry about.
"...I see." he turns to me somberly. "I guess that kind of explains why you look so tired. I'm the only one who's supposed to have rotten eyes here. Want some Max Coffee? It'll cure you." he offers kindly.
"...No thanks." I reply, disgruntled by his odd behavior.
"Ah, well...I wonder how much time I have left..." he looks into the distance, I get the feeling that he was thinking loudly and not talking to me.
"...what are you saying?" I frown at him.
"...you don't understand." he sighs and shows me a sad smile. "Let me try to explain with an example. Let's say I hear a rumor about Komachi getting touched by that guy, whatever his name is." he forms his hand into a fist. "Me and pops would track him down and tear him to shreds. Cut his head off and put it on the gate as a trophy. Then run far away so that his brocon sis won't kill me... Wait, that's not it. Um, basically, we'll do this stuff not just because Komachi's cute. But also because pops is the father and I'm the brother. That's just how things are..."
"...is that so." I answer slowly, realizing what he meant. I take another sip to stop myself from laughing at his melodramatic act.
"... and your father... he thinks that you and I... that we..." he looks hauntingly at something faraway.
"...had sex." I smile in sympathy. It was mainly my mother who misunderstood. I'm sure I can convince father to believe otherwise, once he's cooled down and we can talk reasonably about it. But there's no point in telling him that. I rather enjoy seeing his discomfort.
"... and he's going to be a Minister of State, huh? That's awesome..." he takes a sip. "I'm not in any danger aren't I? I won't be found in some back alley, stabbed to death, right?"
"Nonsense." I gesture dismissively. "If anything, they'll be fishing you out of sea. You'll get kidnapped, tortured, and your body dumped over at Tokyo Bay. Much harder to find evidence that way, when your carcass is bloating and rotting, much like your eyes."
"...I-I see. Thank you. I feel better now." he glowers at me and I smile magnanimously.
"You're welcome."
I cross my legs and take another sip of tea. Around me, students were starting to gather, acquaintances and friends gravitating towards one another, forming cliques and groups. There were quite a few of them stealing glances at our direction, classmates of Hikigaya-kun most likely, since his classroom was nearest to our bench. None approach him, however. He was still the same as ever. Someone who stayed at the edge of class, barely noticeable, unpopular, and slightly disgusting. It was a comfort to know.
"Yukinoshita-san?"
I hear my name being called out from one cluster of students. I turn my head to the source and see someone walking towards me, smiling. He was wearing casual clothes, slightly torn jeans and a polo-shirt. His dark hair was swept back and tied into a ponytail, he also wore glasses and looked familiar. He had an aura of confidence about him, bolstered by his looks. From the size of the mob behind him, he was obviously someone popular.
"Yukinoshita-san?" he repeats. "It's me Takatsu-kun. Remember?" he smiles, teeth flashing.
"Ah, yes. Of course I remember." I smile back.
"What a coincidence, bumping into you here. I knew we went to the same college, but I never really saw you here inside campus, you know? Anyway, you waiting for class to start?"
"Yes, my room is two floors above us. That would probably explain why we never meet. I normally don't spend time here." his gaze flickers to Hikigaya-kun.
"...I see. So hey, I'm guessing our classes finish more or less at the same time, right? I was wondering if you'd like to hang out with us? My friends over there won't mind, in fact, I'm sure they'd enjoy your company." he points his thumb at his friends and grins.
"Hm, no thank you. I'm busy, Takatsu-kun. I have somewhere to go after class." I answer.
"Ah, I see, well, that makes sense." he scratches his head, awkwardly. "So, maybe next time then? Ah, can I get your num-"
"Takatsu-kun," I interrupt him. "I appreciate the invite, but I really do prefer not to socialize with people outside my circle. We'll see each other in the next party or gathering, won't we? We'll talk then." I smile to take the sting off my rejection.
"Oh... okay... I guess that's fine." he shuffles his feet. "Well, I should head back, I'll see you around then?"
"Yes, see you." I reply.
He walks back with a sigh, shoulders slightly slumped, I watch him go.
"Smooth as always." I hear Hikigaya-kun snicker.
"He isn't so bad." I sigh. "Not as bad as the others at least."
"Who was that idiot?" Hikigaya-kun frowns at his back. "He looks kind of familiar..." he then turns to me with a curious expression. "...what do you mean by 'others'?"
"He comes from a family of wealthy farmers. They own several farms up north Kanto and are responsible for supplying a considerable portion of the daily produce needs of several cities here in Chiba. He attends the same social gatherings and municipal events I go to, so we're acquainted. He is one of the many men my mother wants me to befriend." I grumble the last part.
"Takatsu-kun... farms..." Hikigaya-kun's eyes widen in surprise. "Hey, he was my grade school classmate! The bastard who gave me corn..." he grits his teeth.
"What're you talking about?" I look at him askance.
"We were acquaintances once." he shakes his head. "Anyway, what was that about your mother?"
"Oh. Her." I frown in displeasure. "She enjoys playing matchmaker you see. Some of her acquaintances have sons who are, more or less, the same age as us. She likes to introduce me to them, to foster friendship she claims. It's like the play groups we had back when we were children, only infinitely worse."
"O-Oh, " he stares at me blankly for a second. "...must be tough." he says with sympathy.
"Yes, it was." I remember the awkward silences and the wine. These encounters were the main reason why I became tolerant of alcohol. I sipped wine to have something to do and distract myself. I probably consumed more than a bottle's worth every time I go to a party. The excuse to use the bathroom became useful as well, though I sometimes worry that people might think I have a bladder problem.
"Well... if you meet him again, give him the cold shoulder for me, okay? Bastard didn't even notice me..." he complains.
"Him not noticing you does not make him a bad person, Hikigaya-kun." I tell him kindly. "Only weak at heart."
"Oh, right. He isn't a bad person at all, compared to you that is."
"How rude."
"You're the one who's rude here though."
We stay quiet after our exchange. Watching the people gather and listening to their chatter. Even though there were more students arriving, the area surrounding our bench remained relatively vacant. It was a vacuum created by our combined presence. His repellant aura and my intimidating one. I finish drinking my tea and check the time. I still have 15 minutes left till next class. It should be about time for me to go up. I move to stand.
"Hey..."
I stop myself and look at him, tilting my head in question.
"How're things at your place?" he asks, his expression one of concern.
"...it's not so bad, all things considered. It is vexing, however, being grounded and losing my apartment." I put my hand on my chin. "My mother demanded a copy of my class schedule, so I can't stay out too late even though she's usually busy and we often don't see each other. Nee-san is a constant pain, she's the one who enforces my curfew and I avoid her as much as I can. But I'm sure things will settle down after some time has passed. When it does, I plan to get my apartment back."
"Oh, well, guess you'll just have to weather this one out huh... I still feel bad about it though, anything I can do to help you?"
"You could talk to my parents perhaps?" I say with a tinge of hope.
"Nope. Anything else I can do?" he answers immediately.
"...you really are worthless." I look at him with admiration. Truly a good for nothing who stays true to his nature.
"Stop it, you." he frowns. "But seriously, I can't do that now, not with your parents the way they are..."
"True. Well then, it seems we have no choice but to wait things out. I'll be going up now, Hikigaya-kun." I smile longingly. "I hope to see you again..."
"Ohh, trying to raise my death flag are you? Nice try." he gestures dismissively, shooing me away. "See you around."
I wave farewell and walk towards the stairs, the students' gaze following me.
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"Yahallo Yukinon!"
I head over to Yuigahama-san's table carrying my tray. After class, I received a text message from her, asking me to have lunch with her at the cafeteria and to talk about our plans to eat at the dessert buffet, as well as the slumber party. We agreed to meet at 1 in the afternoon and I was 15 minutes early.
"Hello, Yuigahama-san," I greet, I then nod at her companions. "Ebina-san, Miura-san."
"Yukinoshita-san, hello!" Ebina-san waves energetically.
"Hey..." responds Miura-san offhandedly, her attention focused on texting.
"Oh, um, Yukinon. Yumiko and Hina are free later as well so I decided to invite them to eat at the buffet with us." she explains.
"Ah, about that..." I put the tray on the table and take a seat next to her. I try to talk about my situation but stop when Miura-san stands up from her seat.
"Ah, sorry about this Yui, but I have to go somewhere. It's important." she puts her phone inside her shoulder bag jerkily and gives us all a somewhat apologetic and uncomfortable look.
"Ehhh? Yumiko, is there something wrong?" Yuigahama-san asks worriedly, her face scrunched up.
"...It's nothing." she flicks her hair, looking distracted. "I'll text you later okay? I'll meet you guys at the cafe."
"Ah, I'm coming too." Ebina-san addresses Miura-san, slowly rising from her seat. She then looks at us cheerfully. "Yui, let's text each other later okay! Yukinoshita-san, I'll see you there!" she waves.
Miura-san nods at me and I smile at them both in return. Yuigahama-san then waves them farewell. They turn toward the exit and start walking.
"Ahh, Yumiko!" Yuigahama-san calls out suddenly.
Beside me, I see Yuigahama-san bending down to grab something from the floor. It was a small plastic bag with a receipt. There was a small rectangular shaped container inside it. Miura-san glances at it and her cheeks flush red. She then walks over to take it from Yuigahama-san's proffered hand. Quickly hiding it inside her bag.
"Um, thanks, Yui."
"No problem, what was it?" Yuigahama-san tilts her head, curious.
"Nothing really important, anyway, I have to go. See you guys later m'kay?." Miura-san gives me and Yuigahama-san another nod of farewell before hastily withdrawing, Ebina-san following behind her.
"What was that all about?" Yuigahama-san mumbles, she then turns her attention to me. "Well, anyway, Yukinon, sorry I invited them without asking you first... It's okay right?"
"Of course it is. I'm glad you invited them." I pause and sigh. "But the thing is, Yuigahama-san, I can't actually go with you."
"Ehhh!? Why?"
Her eyes widen in surprise and she bounces in her seat. I unwrap my sandwich and start to explain.
"I've been grounded. My class today ends at 4:30, if I'm not back by 5:30, my mother will notice and start looking for me. I'm staying at my parents' house as well. They've taken away my apartment."
"W-What!? But why? What happened?"
"My mother is very strict. You know this well. She heard about what happened last Saturday. About me returning home late and with Hikigaya-kun. She misunderstood." I shrug.
"...Oooh." Yuigahama-san puts her hand to the side of her head and groans. "I-I'm sorry, Yukinon. This was my fault. I wanted you to go to karaoke with us and I didn't think about the time..."
"Oh, no it isn't. It was my mistake. I was careless." I tell her placatingly. I hadn't thought she'd see it this way.
"Ungh, but it is." she pouts. "You wouldn't be in this mess if I hadn't told Yumiko to take you with us."
"...and I was glad you did. I had a great time." I smile comfortingly. "The misunderstanding, my mother's actions, these things were inevitable. It was just a matter of time before my mother makes an attempt to get me back home. She used this incident to make her move..." Though she probably did not expect to be genuinely upset over it, a victory that left a bitter taste.
"Muuuh, I'm so sorry, Yukinon!" she yells and flings herself out of her seat to hug me, her cheek pressing against mine.
"S-stop it." I lean away from her, trying to keep my distance. People at other tables were starting to notice us and it was embarrassing. I use my elbow to put some space between us.
"But! But! Yukinon... what about our afternoon meet-ups? Or our regular Saturday dates? How are we going to spend time with one another?" she wails.
Is this how it feels to have a clingy boyfriend I wonder? Endearing as she is, her act can get very annoying. Especially in public.
"Yuigahama-san, " I sigh, exasperated. "We can still have lunch together. I also think you should worry more on how much time you spend on your studies and less on time you spend with me. It's really not so bad."
"But the time I spend with Yukinon is important too! Like I get to learn a lot of stuff when I'm with you! Like how Pan-san was written by some guy for his son, or how fish should be cleaned before you do anything to them, or how directors are the ones held responsible when a movie turns out bad and that it's our civic responsibility to crucify them for it!"
"... those have nothing to do with your studies though." I tap my finger on my temple. "And that last one sounds like something Hikigaya-kun would say."
"Ah, yeah, maybe..." she pulls away, thinking.
"Yuigahama-san, I won't be grounded forever. Once my mother feels that she's punished me enough, she'll let me go out. We can spend more time then. But for now, we'll just have to settle for lunch." I put my hand on her shoulder and squeeze.
"Ohh, I-I guess you're right." she smiles at me and sighs. "I guess I'll have to tell Iroha-chan that we'll have to postpone the slumber party huh. We were kinda looking forward to it too... I'll still feel lonely you know..."
"Well..." I ponder. "Why don't you invite Hikigaya-kun out instead?"
"H-Huh!? Hikki!?" she stammers, eyes widening in surprise.
"Yes, why not? Instead of doing the usual things with me on Saturday, why not do it with him instead?"
"W-what!? L-like s-sharing spoons, t-taking baths, and s-sleeping together!?" she blushes bright red.
"Well, obviously not." I frown at her disapprovingly. "Just watching movies and maybe eating out... What are you even thinking?" If she's aware of how invasive her actions are, why does she keep doing it? I start to feel somewhat dissatisfied.
"Oh, haha," she laughs uncomfortably. "Right. Um, well, I guess that's... but... is it really okay, I wonder..." she looks down on her lap, stealing glances at me.
"...yes, it is." I answer.
"...o-oh, then, um, I'll see if he's available..." she mutters.
I go back to my lunch, Yuigahama-san sitting closer beside me. I try to keep thoughts of the future away for now and just enjoy her company.
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AN
And here's another set-up chap. With not much editing too! Not like editing it more makes it a whole lot better... Onwards to the next one then.
sinisteran - whoops!
just kidding. I thought about it and I actually do have 2 good reasons why that 'solution' wouldn't work. First one is the Yukinoshita family name and circumstances. Remember, this is a family who didn't want Haruno to go to a better college ( a private one me thinks, implied in vol 5 ) because it wouldn't fit the family image. I just think that it's really unlikely for Yukimom to suggest a check up, it would be something I think she'd believe 'beneath' her or her family. Like, 'I need you to check my daughter's hymen please' is a line she'd never utter under any pain or duress. Yukino won't do it cause of pride too.
The other reason is more 'convincing'. But I can't say it yet because I plan to use this reason in a future chap. You'll figure it out once I get there. But here's a clue, it's something I thought of after reading one of the earlier volumes. If you or anybody figures it out, pls don't post it in a review! ( but post a review anyway! ;D )
Zallow/Cloud9 - I hadn't thought of that. Why'd you have to make me remember that damn series? Now I'm having ideas... hahah... but srsly, I don't think I can do heavy drama well, bits of it will be there ofc, but I won't take that route and follow it all the way.
