Chapter 7: Progress?

Yukino's perspective:

Hikigaya-kun and I were seated across from each other. It had been a week since we had decided to pursue a relationship. However, what did that mean? The only real difference now was that we would greet each other more frequently and occasionally talked to each other on the phone. We had decided to keep our relationship a secret because 'Your sister scares me, is she the devil, ' or so Hikigaya-kun said. Although I could see Iwhat he meant, Nee-san wasn't necessarily someone that I enjoyed to be around. I had read online that most high school relationships were quite intimate by the one week mark. I didn't want to progress as fast as they did, nor did I believe that we were capable of handling such a pace. On that note, I still wanted to progress, but I didn't want to rush him and I could feel similar thoughts coming from him. As I attempted to find a solution to our stagnant bond Hikigaya-kun took out some sheets of paper and a book then began to write on the papers. Upon closer inspection, I was able to identify the book as math workbook. Content with the thoughts that he was at least attempting to escape the bottom of the math rankings I returned to my book. After a while, I felt eyes upon me. It reminded me of the time that Hikigaya-kun stared at me endlessly. I couldn't help but be flustered at the time, so in an attempt to evade that from happening again I spoke.

"While I understand that a creature such as yourself does not have the opportunity to lay his eyes upon a beauty such as myself. I must warn you to keep your gaze on your workbook unless you wish to maintain your last place in mathematics."

Hearing these words Hikigaya-kun flinched and then looked away and back.

"You say I don't get to see a beautiful girl often but I see you nearly every day-

Hearing this I lightly blushed. I was not weak against compliments but I was more used to challenges from Hikigaya-kun so I was caught of guard.

"- Besides I had a reason for looking in your direction."

"And what might that be."

"Ahh… you see there's this problem and I couldn't figure it out." As his sentence dragged on his voice kept getting lower and lower.

I was still able to tell what he was trying to say. He was having problems with the work and wanted to seek my assistance.

"Ah, so Hikigaya-kun understands his lack of capability."

"Shut it. Anyways just show me how to solve it and be done with it."

I was disgusted with his lack of manners but I understood how difficult it must be for him to ask for help so I ignored it. I got up and took my chair to sit down while I showed him how to solve the problem. As I placed the chair I accidentally placed it closer than necessary because he occupied both corners. I wanted to move it further but I thought that he might seem insulted if I was to back away now. Also maybe this way we could make some progress. I took my seat next to him and noticed that our knees were inches away from each other.

"Aren't you a bit too close."

I froze I was doing this out of consideration and he dared utter such words. I gave him a cold glare.

"I see in that case I shall sit over here."

I went back to my usual spot with frustration. He looked at me amazed.

"That's not what I meant. You didn't have to go that back."

I ignored him and asked him what type of problem he was having problems with. He answered my question and I began my explanation. He listened to me until he let out a murmur and then stood up.

"It is quite rude to interrupt a person during their attempts to help," I chided him.

In return, he simply grabbed his belongings and took a seat next to me. However, he sat extremely close to me. When I had sat next to him our knees were almost touching, but this was on another level; our seats were joined as one and our thighs were grazing against one another. I could see his flushed face and felt my own heat up. After a brief silence, I decided to accept this as an apology and sighed in acceptance. I continued with my teaching which at first was forced but then turned enjoyable as we traded words in light humor.

"That should cover it then." With these words out I looked at the clock and noticed that the time to depart had arrived.

I began to pack my things and then placed my hand on the table in an attempt to facilitate my rise from the seat. During this procedure, Hikigaya-kun seemed to have had similar thoughts because I felt his hand placed on mine. Under normal circumstances, I could have easily slipped my hand from away, but I was mid rise and admittedly I had no complaints against holding hands with Hikigaya-kun. He then looked into my eyes with his full of determination.

"Yukino."

He only said one word and my legs began to weaken. I sat back down and he looked away while releasing my hand from his grasp. My head was filled with questions but there was one thing that I felt I needed to do.

"Hachiman."

I called his name with the same conviction he had mine. With that, we were both now looking at opposite directions and probably blushing. Then a loud sound followed up by a greeting was heard. I directed my eyes towards the instigator realizing that it was none other that Hiratsuka-sensei. Gathering my thoughts I managed to let out the signature phrase.

"Sensei, knock." This came out with more irritation than planned.

In response, Sensei's shoulders twitched a bit before she let out a cough.

"Yukinoshita and Hikigaya. I came here to remind you guys that club hours are over." She then looked at the two of us and her eyes began to squint.

"Wait did I interrupt something?"

Sensei scratched her head and attempted to play it off.

"No sensei you did not we were just about to make our leave."

Hikigaya-kun seemed to get the message and he rose from his seat and made his way to the door as quickly as I did. I gave the keys to sensei and made my way to gates. Sensei was only able to look at us in confusion and amazement. On my right was Hikigaya-kun and I assumed this was because he was going to walk me back. I secretly nodded my head in approval because this would give me an opportunity to ask him about his behavior. As we reached the gates I was about to ask my question.

"Sorry Yukinoshita, I can't walk you home today."

"Why not."

"Well, Komachi needed help with her math studying which is why I was trying to improve."

For a second I was stunned that Hikigaya-kun would go through such lengths for someone. The second after I saw the look in his eyes and remembered he was a siscon. I was slightly peeved that I would be unable to ask about his behavior, but then an idea sprouted.

"Then how about I help Komachi with her studying?"

"Nah. I'll manage besides that's pretty inconvenient for you."

"Since when did you decide what is and isn't inconvenient to me?"

I was not planning on losing this battle. After a minute of retorts, we both shivered from the outside cold and he conceded. This was perfect not only would I get to ask about his actions, but I would also be reunited with Kamakura. After a small debate he conceded and we packed up.