Chapter 6: Haruno and Hayama kept Intervening

Author's Note: Thank you for all of the Faves, Follows, and Reviews. It really means a lot.

This chapter took a while to write because of the planning I had to put into it.

Please enjoy this chapter.

I woke up with my body in a weird position on my bed. You would think I was chained up or something like a medieval torture victim if you spotted the arrangement of my limbs. I laid sprawled across my sheets with my hands above my head and my legs lazily bent. It was as if I was pressed down and I had a weight on top of me that prevented me from moving.

I hazily remembered my dream from last night and I stared at the ceiling with an indifferent face. These dreams are getting out of hand...

All I can recall was a figure holding me down and her face slowly kept getting closer and closer like a ship approaching the dock.

Talk about spooky, right? Not to mention her face was hidden behind long, black hair. I should invest in some exorcism books in the near future. Save me, Rin Okumura!

It's always a girl too. Am I so much of a loner that I am haunted by girls, even in my dreams? Why can't I have cool dreams like flying or having electrical powers to summon thunder like a certain Pokemon?

Hearing my alarm go off, I grunted and smashed the innocent device to silence. I'm sorry, but it's tough love, baby.

With all of the useless thought that I ponder as soon as I wake up out of the way, I drag one leg out of bed over another.

The request is going to be discussed and the details will be finalized after school in the student council room today; I should get ready for a busy day. Heading for the bathroom, I heave a sigh.

Looking in the mirror, I noticed how sloppy I am. It was like my mouth was saying, "It's TIME to d-d-d-drool!"

Wiping my face, I noticed that Komachi left a sticky note on the mirror for my viewing:

[Komachi here! This is directed towards my lovely Oniichan who snores and drools in his sleep! Ah, that earned a ton of points!

Deduction! Reason: Failure to wake up your Oniichan to prevent this habit from being formed. Harsh, but that's how this business rolls.

This is just a reminder that I am bringing a friend over today and you need to stay and help make her feel welcome~! Be a good Oniichan or else you'll receive a punishment.

I chuckled slightly at this statement. Surely she means nothing serious, right? Ah wait. She drew a picture of a wrestling move.

Wait...she knows wrestling moves?!

No thanks, I didn't order the Flying Spinning Heel Kick. No, I do not want the Brainbuster either.

Make sure to be social and totally not yourself!

Rude.

But she has a point...

Ah, we need groceries. I'm cooking for us tonight so I need you to hold the bags for us, please~!

Every older brother knows the feeling of being abused by their little sister through her charm and cuteness. Yet we give in to it every time. I say rise, brothers! We can defeat them through teasing and our height advantage!

We can go together when I swing by your school later. Remember how I want to apply for the school? I want to talk to some students to gauge for the average test score and requirements to get in. Stuff Oniichan is useless with.

I...cannot deny that. I don't represent the student population and even if I knew what I did to get in, I can't say that she is the same. She's more popular, active and well liked. I suddenly feel proud that she's taking a step in the direction to be active.

Oh, and I want to visit the club too! I want to see everyone again!

I take it back. This is the wrong direction and we ask all passengers to do a U-Turn.

I shudder at the thought that she will meet new people and their reactions when they realize that she is my own little sister. I grimace at the thought that she might run into the Service Club members again. And Isshiki.

My youth is stressful as expected.

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After my final class ended, I began heading out of the classroom with the destination being the Student Council room.

Packing my bags, I overheard the conversation from Hayama's group that carried across the classroom. Tobe shouted like a shounen character and spoke at Hayama.

"Neh, HAY-A-MA! Bro, heading to soccer practice already?"

Hayama chuckled at this and continued to pick his books in bag. He stood with a business-like posture, giving off a very formal, but polite aura.

"Can't. I have to help out with the student council."

Oh? Was he dragged in by Isshiki? She probably used some bait like food or soccer practice breaks to lure him in.

"Eeeeh? Are you going to be busy all day...?"

Miura stared at her phone and had a playful pout on her face. But anyone can read the almost clear intentions of her words that scream: "Forget about the club and come play with me!"

Hayama, of course, declines with a gentleman's speech.

"I wish I could hang out, but I'm busy today. We'll definitely hang out later though."

A bright smile that could flash like a camera for a photoshoot was sent Miura's way. Miura snapped her phone closed. Ebina smiled but remained quiet. She seemed to be relenting her control of the situation when she saw how Miura pushed on.

As the boys of the group talked about practice and walked out, Hayama started to head out too. Yuigahama was watching the situation with an unusual silence as she nervously watched Miura's face.

Miura pressed forward. Snapping her phone open and putting one elbow on her desk to hold up the side of her face, she said:

"There's a totally new ice cream shop in the mall….."

Speaking those words, Miura continued to press the buttons on the phone without looking up. Yuigahama, sensing where she wanted to take the conversation towards, helped out.

"Ah! They also serve hot chocolate there too! It's perfect; it's been cold lately!"

Ebina hopped in with her sly smile prepared.

"Yes! They also have that new hot doujinshi shop across from it! Hot, bloody, gorgeous, naked-"

"Hina, cover your nose."

A streak of crimson was prevented from jet streaming her nose by the Queen Miura's Handkerchief. Thank you for preventing the Rain of Blood.

Hayama remained standing with a slightly awkward pose that showed a mid turn in his torso that paid attention to the conversation but also his feet were pointed away. It was unlike him.

"...Want to, like, come..? A-after you help out Student Council or whatever.."

Ah. This was her own way of trying to get to know Hayama more. They alway hung out before as a group. But this was different: her question implied the two to go together alone. It's said that it's rude to turn down a woman's invitation to eat (by a certain older lady) but some people can get away with it. I remember back in January when we had Miura's request going on and her first true step in admitting that she sensed a distance between her and Hayama. She wanted to close it.

It's not easy to close it, however. Hayama is everyone's. He belongs to everyone and must continue to live up to their expectations. By choosing one, he disregards everyone else. To stay true to everyone, he has to use his false self to satisfy as many people as possible. There are people that hate his guts though.

Just as there are people that hate him...there are those that trying to get to know him more. Will Miura be his escape route from his problem or will he have to continue to live up to her expectations too?

Hayama shows a troubled smile and tightens his grip on his bag.

"It might be pretty late."

Miura is a Queen and stands for none of that nonsense. Crossing her arms across the chest, she responds confidently.

"I can wait."

Hayama began to head out. Without turning his head out, he responds:

"I'll send a text later and we'll see who else is free."

The female group had their eyes pinned on Hayama's back. It was this vague answer that felt unreliable and he suddenly seemed far away. As Miura looked down in disappointment, Hayama walked towards the exit.

Pausing at the door, he says a final joke to ease the tension:

"Try not to get a brain freeze like last time."

Laughing, he leaves Miura blushing.

Smooth as butter, he left the girl flustered. Someone throw some ice on her, she looks like she's on fire! No wait, just water! Ice would just hurt.

"H-he always does that! Making vague statements…"

Ebina kindly smiles. I can't but place my doubts on Ebina totally wanting to help Miura but the way she tries to cheer her up just seems to mock my observation skills.

"Don't worry. It's working. He'll warm up…"

A warm look is on her face as she spoke the words.

Yuigahama hops in with a raised fist, "Yep! You have to keep fighting Miura. You're getting there."

A sincere look was on Yuigahama's face as she said this. Closing her hands around Miura's fists, it seemed to work and make Miura haughty again.

Miura gins at this.

"Of course."

Packing my bags and realizing I took too much time observing all of this, I stood up. Yuigahama looked over my way but I just nodded to her.

I finally leave with the scene behind me. Seeing all of that reminded me how tiresome it must be to be Hayama. I bet he has to use an energy drink before he shows up for classes. He's always smiling and moving around like a host of a club.

Putting my hands in my pockets, I took a few steps but then heard Yuigahama from behind. Rushing out of the classroom, she quickly said her goodbyes to the other girls and was carrying her bag over her shoulder like she's in a marathon.

"Hey! You left without me again!"

Turning my head to her voice, she ran beside me with a slightly annoyed voice.

"You always do this even when I tell you I want to walk with you."

"Well, you looked busy. So…"

The girls were having a moment and I didn't want to ruin it. I mean, what else was I supposed to do at this light novel-ish scene? Press start and skip the dialogues?

"You should have still said something. They don't think it's that weird anymore that I go to club with you…"

So they did think it was weird. I mean, it's weird enough that I'm going to club instead of heading home as soon as possible. Man, it's even weirder that Yuigahama is walking next to me now. Totally bizarre, bro!

"I really couldn't have said anything at the moment. Miura was working really hard to talk to Hayama."

"Ah..yeah…"

Recalling the earlier exchange, Yuigahama looks forward with a wry smile. Sensing some discomfort, I decided to stay a little silent. Her face remained passive but then she spoke up.

"Hey….do you think it's possible for...Yumiko..to…?"

"...to get closer? I don't know."

Watching the interaction earlier would make anyone think that Hayama is slowly becoming more open. But the smile on his face and the solemn look he had just before he left the classroom says otherwise. The distance between is being blurred, however.

Yuigahama picked up on what I was trying to say.

"He seems really closed, you know? Like, guarded. Yumiko is trying but she can't seem to get a break. It's not supposed to be easy, I know. It still isn't for us."

As she said those words, I stayed silent while meditating on those words. We weren't any better off either as we continuously gauged the quality of the relationship within the group.

Still, we were different.

Both Hayama's group and the Service Club had an extended period of time where we went through an extreme state of pretending everything was okay. That there was no tension in the room when we met together and that we wanted to see each other. It was a facade placed by our misplaced expectations. Stagnation reigned supreme in that time.

I made the correct choice to end that. Will he make his own correct choice? Can I even bother judging that my correct choice would be also his correct choice?

These pointless thoughts reverberate around my head and I gave a sigh.

"He's under a lot of pressure. Miura will break him. After all, I don't know many guys that can withstand her pressure."

"You make it sound like she's a monster, Hikki. She's a sweet girl."

Yuigahama puts on a slightly scolding face for me.

Scratching my head, I respond with:

"Sweet to you. I can't count the amount of times she stared me down. Anyways, she really doesn't have much competition seeing how scary she is. She can keep all of those other girls at bay like a flaming torch to a tiger."

"Now you're saying she's a weapon! Oh, but she still worries about other girls confessing to him. I mean, he's good looking, athletic, smart, and he comes from a good family."

Yeah, yeah I heard of all of this before. Reminds me of a certain someone else.

"He's also very socially adept, Hikki."

"Picking a fight with me, huh."

Jeez, tell me how much more good things this walking demigod has. I sooooo want to hear it. Gosh, I feel like covering my ears and saying, "LALALALALALALALALA," like an immature child.

"Hey, I wasn't trying to be mean! It's just Hayama is Hayama and you're….different."

"Wonderful."

With the Student Council in view, we saw other students walking in and opening the door to enter. As I adjusted my bag and reached in to grab my phone, I heard Yuigahama mutter a few words.

"I'm not saying you're bad, idiot….."

...huh? What?

"Oh! I see Yukinon! Let's sit by her!"

Running ahead, I was left staring at the back of her head with my jaw slightly lowered. Her hair looked soft and brushed with the bun bouncing up and down. Her skirt and leggings emphasized her thighs and when she turned around to wave me to hurry up, her neck gave my eyes a direction to follow; which traveled down to her chest.

Seeing all of this, I gulped and pressed forward.

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The meeting was lead by Isshiki and the rest of the Student Council members. Sitting at the front of the classroom and nearest to the chalkboard, she began writing out the important parts on what the meeting will cover. Time, place, speeches, organized groupings of jobs, and items needed for the event was plastered across the board. I was honestly surprised for a moment on how well she came prepared when it came to leading what the discussion is for today.

But then Isshiki paused her writing process and looked at the doorway when Hayama arrived. Putting the chalk down, she immediately told the Vice President to finish writing the topics to walk over to Hayama like a fighter jet homing on an enemy base. Putting her best smile on, she greeted him like a waitress at a cat cafe. Or more like a fox cafe, depending on how sly she's feeling.

The Vice President took to his seat and sighed with the Secretary comforting him with a nurturing smile. Isshiki sat down in the middle with Hayama forced to be on her side since she needs his, "special advice." I pity the fool. I can see the chains around his neck like a dog with an overly enthusiastic master going for a walk.

With the chatter going around, Yuigahama, Yukinoshita and I sat together with me being closer to the corner of the table and Yuigahama closest to the Secretary. The other members were volunteers or at least that's what I gauged from their lack of official title.

Yuigahama looked around and had a surprised expression.

"I didn't expect to see this many people here."

I agree. Did Hiratsuka-Sensei round up these suckers?

"They seem to represent different clubs. But do we really need this many?"

"Well this ball was supposed to be huge right? More help the merrier. Less I have to do, anyways."

All volunteers are welcomed. Don't mind me, I'll be working really hard too! Let me just adjust my pillow and bed sheets.

"A being that is willing to take work from others to claim as your own. I'm impressed you can sink as low as you have. Congratulations."

"I didn't claim them as my own; I just wanted to work less. I'll get in the way if I help anyways."

"You're right; maybe you should stay home. I think it's best for humanity if you do your part for everyone and stay out of the way."

That was by far the kindest way I've been told to, "Get lost."

"Well aren't you being considerate. I was just hoping to find a reason to stay at home and to be taken care of."

Yuigahama jumped in with a raised eyebrow.

"He just doesn't change. He's like a child that has to be pampered..."

Yukinoshita chuckled at this.

"It should be considered one of the seven wonders if he could even take care of himself."

Yuigahama and Yukinoshita giggled at this. Buzz off. I'm not a baby! I'm a grown up loner! Level 153, no boost, pure day 1 access bro.

Looking off to the side and placing the hand on the side of my head to hold me steady, I retorted back:

"Ha. If I'm a baby, I guess I should start looking for a motherly woman that is willing to nurse me. Luckily, I'm great at selling myself so that shouldn't be too hard. Either of you wouldn't happen to know someone willing to have me, would you?"

Saying my response with a teasing tone, I gave a snarky grin to show it was a good-natured joke. They both smiled but then stopped cold. It was like time froze and they both had my words processing in their brain. Yuigahama immediately turned away with her face scarlet red, directed downwards.

"M-motherly…"

Clutching her chest, she contemplated deeply. Her knees touching and her face turned away, she mumbled softly.

"A-ah...m-maybe I know someone who is….motherly….she can sort of….cook."

Yukinoshita was in a similar distressful state. Her face was hidden behind the curtain of hair. The edges of her eyes shot towards the ground and it seemed like there was steam rising from the top of her head. Clutching the ribbon of her shirt and also gripping the left knee, she uttered faintly:

"M-motherly….that would imply...someone who is mature….correct or…?"

Seeing them both like this would make anyone fluster. I immediately avert my eyes and I didn't know what to do. This was totally misunderstood. It was a joke! I started to repeat that statement like a prankster that was caught. I want to just disappear into a pipe like a certain plumber. Princess Peach, save me!

Moving my eyes away from the girls, I held eye contact momentarily with Hayama. He was chatting with Isshiki but it seemed like he was just nodding and speaking a few words with her while she chatted away. His eyes dug into mine as if he saw the whole thing. My embarrassment from the girls went away as I was dazed by his slightly, but short-lived investigative display.

Interrupting all of the chatter was the entrance of Hiratsuka-Sensei and Haruno.

Wait-what? What is she doing here?

Surprised by her appearance, I heard Yukinoshita also mutter in surprise too, "Nee-san…"

No one expects the Haruno Inquisition!

With Hiratsuka-Sensei and Haruno seated, Isshiki began the meeting. The discussion covered a lot of topics within 30 minutes and I was surprised once again how direct and effective Isshiki was working.

The Masquerade Ball will be held next week on a Saturday, which is when Valentine's Day will occur. It begins at 6 and will end later that night. Located at a reserved mansion by the Yukinoshitas (as expected), there will be a banquet and Valentine's Day theme games. And of course, the dancing will be performed by the family members that will show up at the event.

Knocking these general details down, she asked for volunteers to show up since there is a need for posters to be spread and to notify which masks are allowed and what clothing is appropriate. Setting up a good portion of the volunteers as coordinators for in town and on campus advertisers, she also set up a few volunteers as on-the-day workers. The rest of the details such as the food and the others will be handled but important points will be brought up by Haruno and Hayama.

Getting out of her seat, Haruno was introduced but everyone knows who she is.

"Hello! I'm Haruno and I'm the older sister of Yukino-chan! I'm here on behalf of my father to thank everyone for volunteering and for lending us your hand. We want to let you know that it is much appreciated and that it is a special night."

Saying that last word, Haruno shot a look at Yukinoshita and she took it coldly. Without blinking she stared back.

"Hayato and I are acting in an opening dance for the ball that night, but the dance floor is open to everyone. Feel free to ask anyone to dance that night. It's a special night for looooove after all!"

Giving an overly enthusiastic posture, she pulled herself back and looked directly at me.

"Ah! And I know someone will come to love the games that will be at that night! The rewards are worth it…"

Once again, I shifted my eyes away. Her eyes winked at me, but not with open coldness, but with a taunting air. Yukinoshita grips her knees tighter while Yuigahama gives her a wry smile.

Hayama watched this exchange with a strained smile and brought her attention back to the forefront of the classroom.

"We almost forgot to mention that the entire Yukinoshita family will be there to host and that there is a special announcement at the later evening."

Haruno pulls back from her stare and glances back at Hayama and then at Yukinoshita.

Clapping her hands together gleefully, she beams at Yukinoshita.

"That's right! Yukino-chan, it's a surprise. Dress pretty. Oh! Let your Onee-san do your hair!"

"That will not be necessary, Nee-san. I'm old enough to do that."

Can't we get along?

The cold exchange was seen as a light hearted dispute two sisters on the outside. HIratsuka-Sensei smiled at this scene and got everyone's attention by clapping her hands once and speaking loudly.

"Alright. That should settle it. Let's end the meeting for now since everyone knows what they're doing. Isshiki, see me after you lock the door because I still need you to fill out other documents regarding this project."

Standing up and saying that, Isshiki sighed and looked disappointed. Putting one hand against her cheek and slightly pouting, she responded with:

"Yes, mama-I mean, 'mam…."

Don't let the demoness hear that slip up, Isshiki...

The meeting ended with the details and contacts exchanged to notify each other of any developments. Isshiki had us as the odd jobs that will regularly do any jobs that the other members will not be able to do as of now. Isshiki suggested we handle supply shopping or something like that until further notified tomorrow.

While people were packing up their laptops and notepads, Isshiki walked over to us and specifically asked for Yukinoshita.

"Uh...Yukinoshita-sempai?"

Standing up with her bag around her shoulder, Yukinoshita looked curiously over to Isshiki and nodded for Isshiki to continue.

"I need help again, so I'm coming by tomorrow with another request."

"Isshiki-san, we can only help so much."

"It-its nothing big! Well-well, it sort of is...Just hear me out sempai!"

She changed her direction to me! Watch out, she's aiming for you weak point!

Her eyes turned watery and glassy while she held her fists in a tight ball. Her hair was swept to the side as her mouth formed a small "o" to emphasize her pursed lips. Her sudden enclosure to my body made her perfume smelled good and suddenly her cleavage was showing up like an image on a wide-screen television.

"W-well, we can hear you out, I guess..."

You gave in! Booo! We want real entertainment!

"Pushover…"

"Gullible…"

Terrible words were sighed and pushed out of their lips. Yuigahama and Yukinoshita gave me a look of disappointment and apathetic displeasure. I'm sorry, if i didn't have a younger sister, this wouldn't happen; I swear!

Isshiki's face glowed at this and stepped back.

"Yay! I'll come right after school, sempai."

Scurrying away like the sly woman she is, she left me with dealing the angry duo. Dual pistols wouldn't save me right now.

Yuigahama sighs and checks her phone.

"Oh! It's almost time for me to meet up with Yumiko!"

"Go ahead. Club is dismissed nowadays."

Yukionshita cuts in, "Excuse me, are you the club president? Did you decide that?"

Tch! Fine, say the fancy words that you like so much.

Yukionoshita turns her head back to Yuigahama.

"Club will be pushed to the side momentarily since this request seems to require a lot of work. Let's call it a day and see each other tomorrow."

That's...what I basically said, right? She's acting like a translator and I'm speaking some kind of dead language.

Yuigahama waves goodbye and says, "We should definitely try that new ice cream shop, Yukinon! It's got chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, mint, raspberry….."

As the girls continued talking about their sweet delicacies, Hayama and Haruno were caught up in a small conversation. Spotting that I was free to conversate/kidnap, Haruno walked over after telling Hayama that she'll text later.

Hayama headed out but not before smiling at me from the other side of the room.

"Hikigaya-kun! Are you excited for the party? You get to wear a suit!"

"Why should I be? I'm being enlisted to work like a corporate slave."

Yukinoshita waved Yuigahama good-bye, but then spotted Haruno trying to poke my cheeks. Walking over with her arms crossed across her modest chest, she spoke sternly:

"Nee-san, go home."

"Ah Yukino-chan is mad. Neh Hikigaya-kun, do you know how to ballroom dance?"

"A-ah no. Nope. Never learned."

I can't tell them that I tried to look it up because of my hopes on using the skill on a girl. I still remember the steps but I couldn't do them because I never had a partner. Practicing in front of a mirror is difficult because the reflection holds the look of a try-hard teenager that is cringeworthy.

"Really? Hey, Yukino-chan, you should teach him. I remember how you always danced so well with other men. This would be a good chance to snatch him up, hehe."

Please stop saying those embarrassing things. Yukinoshita sighs and flicks her hair.

"Nee-san, please just go home. We'll worry about the dancing later since this oath will need to have a proper central nervous system installed in him to learn anything."

"Oi, My brain is tired, not missing."

"Is the exhaustion from the lack of use? Maybe it's too small for large tasks like simple calculation?"

"Brain size doesn't correlate with intelligence."

"But the swelling can suggest you have brain damage."

Watching our exchange, Haruno-san perked up and laughed.

"Hahaha! I knew HIkigaya-kun was so interesting. Neh, Yukino-san. Dance with him later, okay?"

"Absolutely not."

Shot down! And the crowd goes WILD!

People were leaving and Haruno laughed at her response. Yukinoshita's face remained cold and passive.

Haruno sneers at this and older woman leaned in closely to whisper a very few choice words:

"You're right. I wonder who he would pick to dance with anyways."

Freezing herself to the core, Yukino's shoulder shivered slightly and her eyebrows raised by a centimeter. Trying to keep her calm, Yukinoshita responds aggressively.

"Shut up."

Haruno graced her cheek with her fingers and began to think of saying something else but held back. Walking out, she said, "See you later, HIkigaya-kun!"

And just like she was like a breeze. No evidence of coming in, or out.

Sighing, Yukinoshita began packing her stuff too. We were the only ones left and as I began to talk, she cut in.

"You know, you should just-"

"Hikigaya-kun, let's leave the room first."

Heading out, a storm of steps could be heard. Komachi tackles me and says, "Oniichan! I'm done! It's time to go shopping!"

OOF! What is she, a linebacker?! The wind was knocked out of me.

Grinning brightly, Komachi smiles and saw Yukinoshita. Leaving me groveling on the ground, she approached Yukinoshita.

Greeting her, Komachi turns back to me and says, "Oh and Yukino-san is coming with us!"

Yukinoshita froze and I froze. Completely silent, we turned to each other and didn't know what to say. Komachi remained smiling and stood where she was but the glint in her eyes showed no mercy.

Say...say that again?

Second Author's Note:

The next chapter title?

"Dinner with the Hikigayas"