Isshiki Iroha wants me to take responsibility?

Walking into the council room, I see the members working hard and next to the presidents place sat sat the hard-working girl, long black hair flowing down to her waist.

"Ahh Hikki! You came!"

Yui who was sat next to her shouted for me, forgetting her consideration of my wanting anonymity. Damn it Yui! you slipped up!

Some of the members looked my way, obviously they have their own thoughts of the situation.

"Y-yo."

My nature of a slacker will be tested today.

Too bad Yukino despised slackers.

"Hikigaya-kun, if you're just gonna stand there and do nothing then you're more useless then a dog."

"H-hey, dogs aren't bad Yukinon..."

Too bad it fell on deaf's ears Yui. I thank you for the attempt at a defensive procredure from the bottom of my heart! It was a good question, what did she have against dogs? Yukino's assault didn't wather however...

"So I'd advise you to pick up some of this bottomless workload and get to work."

Maybe I should've read the warning labels before signing the agreement to this. Course, it was for the greater good however so It'll be worth it. (Hopefully)

Sitting down, I organise and compile the work Yukino had printed out. The room's mood was unchanged with the exception of a certain bossy junior.

Due to that, this room felt empty as oxymoronic as it sounds.

We all got to work, me and my compatriots seemed to bring about a team spirit. Yui didn't have to do anything though, I doubt she'd be able to produce such productive work on any scale. Motivation was her strength I guess?

A stack of papers landed on my desk. Why? Just why? As if someone decided I didn't have enough on my plate already.

Looking up, I see it's the girl in specs. She offers a comforting smile in return.

You're expecting me to say thanks? It's not like I like work or anything. Hell, work comes to find me.

"Hey don't give me that look senpai guy. You're just a glutton for punishment."

Heh, she's correct in that regard. Like a killer going back to the scene of a crime. Truly I must be a masochist!

"Yeahhhh right. I'm just an unlucky man cursed with unlucky circumstances."

She bends down eye-level with me. Her assets suddenly became hard to look away from.

"But just so you know, for what it's worth. I figure things should've turned out better for you."

I didn't need some strangers pity though. She's wasting her time here instead of doing her work.

But worse of all, she should notice the dire position I'm in! Why are girls so dense?

Looking to Yui and Yukino for help, I can't help but notice their dark, blank looks in my direction. Are you enjoying the pain I'm in now or what?

The girl in front of me took notice aswell.

"Ahh sorry, looks like I upset your lady friends. I apologize. I'll give you you're space back."

"I don't think that.

Was. The. Case..."

No one heard as before I knew it, she returned to her seat across the room.

That was close...

Breathing in relief, I have to wonder if my life has become dangerously close to that of a rom-com.

I look down in horror at the newly placed workload...

Urgh, this is gonna take awhile.

Sorting through the work, the final piece to the puzzle entered the room. Marked face there for everyone to see.

"Yahallo everyone! Sorry to make you wait for me!"

Taking the attention in stride, she marched to her earned suit solidifying her position as student council president.

"Yukinoshita-senpai, Yuigahama-senpai and senpai..."

Hey, I have a name you know...

If you're gonna show appreciation then show it.

"I appreciate this. I really do."

Bowing her head to them-I mean us. She continues.

"I owe you three big-time for this."

Yui and Yukino didn't know how to handle this judging from their reactions.

I was abit surprised as well...

In a state of confusion, Yui exclaims wildly.

"Waah? Iroha-san! You don't need to, like seriously!"

In a state of humble negligence, Yukino mutters.

"W-well, it's our duty s-so your thanks isn't needed..."

And I finish in utmost declaration.

"But it is appreciated. Now let's defeat the monster called work."

"Hikki."

"Hikigaya-kun."

"Senpaiiiii."

Hey? Whats with those dissaproving looks? I thought we were on the same page right?

"Wow, if that's how you think then how can you survive the working world Hikislacker-kun?"

Well whatever, my future plan is as follows but for now. Best to finish up today.

And so, the work load felt lighter then it should.

"Uwaahhh! Finally."

"Yeah today was pretty long."

"I agree, I'm not going to work that much again for anyone's behalf."

"What about if I need it Yukinon?"

"Then I'd guess you'd be hopeless."

"Wait what? Please!"

"It was a joke Yui-san. Ofcourse I'll help you."

"It wasn't a funny joke Yuki!"

Today went as normal for the service club. The mood eventually went back to normal for us. However exhausted we were, we could always count on Yukino's tea.

"Wahaha! This is what it's always like huh?"

Why is she still here though?

"You know, you got a bad habit of coming here. Why don't you enjoy the rest of your day or something?"

"Senpaiiii. Can't you see I am enjoying it?"

Huh?

"Hikigaya-kun, stop ruining everyone else's day."

"Yeah Hikki! Stop being insensitive!"

Huh?!

"Wait? Why am I the bad guy here? If she wants to join then shouldn't she actually ask to be a club member or something?"

It was a legitmate question as much as I enjoy her presence. Her playful, energetic nature balanced out my boring, serious one.

Sorta pisses me off how I can easily admit that...

"Ahh Iroha! Do you want some of Yuki's tea? It's really good! Probably the best in the business!"

"I don't sell this tea Yui but sure."

"Wait but if you did sell it, you could make a bunch of money!"

"That's a very simple way of looking at it, it's a little more complicated to do that Yui-san."

Looking back and forth between the two, Isshiki decides.

"Well sure if it's OK with you two."

Wait? Aren't they forgetting something? She needs a cup or mug to drink from.

Pouring the tea, Yukino notices too late.

"Oh Isshiki...

I apologize, there seems to be no cup. I could get Hikigaya to fetch you a paper cup though."

"Why is it always me?"

Isshiki cracks a toothy smile. My komachi senses falsified an alarm.

"Well like my mom said senpai. You're my errand boy!"

I could smell death in the air. Yukino and Yui shot jealous looks in my direction.

"Oh? When was that Hikiuseless-kun?"

What's with that smile? Are you a serial murder or something?

"Yes Hikki. You better not be long lost childhood friends or something right?"

I need to get out of here...

"Right, the paper cups. I'll get right on that."

Then I made my great escape. Man that was intense...

Grabbing the paper cup from the vending machines, I made my way back to find the mood was lost in translation somewhere.

And they were drinking from their cups.

Isshiki included?!

She possessed my Pan-san cup and sipped tastefully at it.

Hey that was mine, so please give it back?

"Ahh sorry senpai but this is part of your punishment."

"Yes, so now for one day, you're back to the old days of using paper cups."

"You're really experienced at putting a pamper to my day club president."

She looked in feigned interest.

"Oh? I assume it was a logical punishment for embarrassing Isshiki like that."

"Yeah Hikki! That was low!"

Embarrassed? When?

"Wait hold on? What?"

"Sorry senpai so you're stuck with that~!"

Crafty bitch. Ahh well, I knew how to handle being framed with stride. Speaking from experience...

"Well whatever, I'll live."

She stuck her tongue out ending with a cheeky smile. She's worthy of the name Sly-shiki for sure.

Despite being in a paper cup, the tea tasted wonderful with its synonymous sweet flavor tasting normal again warming me up in preparation for the Spring.


"So... what did you tell them then?"

I couldn't stay out of this. Not when it concerned me. I was too curious!

"I told them you made passes at my mother when you brought me home."

"Ohhh come onn. Too far Isshiki..."

"Ohhhh don't be a baby senpai...

Tell you what I'll make it up to you."

She reached into her bag and pulled out my scarf. Huh?

"You forgot to ask for this back."

She had it all this time? Damn, I must've forgot since a girl borrowed it.

"Thanks. Shi-I mean damn. Thank god you remembered."

"Never took you for a scatter brain senpai."

"Well, usually my memory is impeccable."

She looked prideful, her face clearly shouting victory!

"Just so you know, this will be the only time this happens."

"You wanna bet on that?"

"What's the point in that?"

"Ahh don't worry I understand senpai. You think you'll lose eh?"

Being the person I am didn't mean I was immune to challenge. Damn, my instincts as a male are taking over.

"That's it, how much?"

"1000 yen?"

"Deal!"

I shout in bitter defeat. She was too smart for her own good.

Taking the scarf of her hands, I wrap it round my neck.

Yui was sleeping over at Yukino's place so I was left to drop the last person off with their only words being "you better not do anything funny".

My sense of humor wasn't that great anyway so I couldn't even try.

"OK, senpai. Requesting a status update!"

Eh? What brought this on?

"What of?"

"Don't play dumb senpai! It's your favorite subject!"

Is it Japanese? History?

Wait...

That?

"The genuine stuff?"

"Yup."

Left to ponder in the silence, I'm left clueless.

"Well what about it?"

She looks on disappointed. Hey I'm trying you know?

"Senpaii you're soo slowww."

"Well excuuuuse me."

Wait? This sounded like a bad joke in some old western anime? Wait cartoon...Whatever.

But she was pretty determined looking for that. So much so she would use whatever resources at her disposal.

"Well, I guess the better the days get, the closer it is you know?"

She signs hopelessly frustrated.

"Senpaii, you're so frustrating."

She looks down towards the ground directly in front of me.

"What's wrong? Hey? Are you alright there?"

"Senpai, are you dense or what? You didn't pick up any of the signs..."

What, the genuine thing? How can she think mine and hers are the same thing?

"Mine's probably different. If you're having trouble with yours...

Then just ask for help Isshiki..."

She raises her voice, only madder I'm stumbling blind knocking things down.

"That's not the point Hikigaya! Just look under your nose!"

She tilted her head up then leaned.

I felt a soft fresh sensation on my lips catching me by surprise.

Isshiki Iroha had kissed me.

The peachy sensation stayed even after we separated.

"So...

So there it is senpai..."

The tears in her eyes tried to stay optimistic and only failing.

Her quivering lip holding out hope for a good conclusion.

Deep inside, I was happy...

But she doesn't deserve someone like me. It'd only make her look bad.

"You're!

You're gonna regret this you know..."

"No. Don't."

"Don't worry, everyone makes mistakes Isshiki..."

"No it's not! Senp-I mean Hachiman."

Meeting her gaze, she unflinchingly, unhesitatingly, confidently states 3 words.

"I love you."

I gaze into her teary eyes for a a long time.

How was someone meant to respond to this? Why seek something like that?

With someone like me?

"Like I said, you might regret this in the future you know..."

"Why don't you let me be the judge of that?"

She hugs me tight seeking solace in the object of her desires.

I now had a responsibility to see this through.

"If what you want is this, this being your genuine thing..."

And wrapping my arms around her shoulders, I complete the hug.

"Then I don't see why I shouldn't let you atleast give it a chance."

Everyone had the right to deserve happiness. She got what she wanted and I figured I'll be happy too.

I'll be selfish just this once and accept her blessing. Being accepted on a personal level...

I'll have to speed up the process of me changing. I want her to be happy and happy she shall be.

I'll do everything in my power to make it so.

Tearfully sobbing into my uniform, she looks up apologetically.

While sniffing, she carries on.

"Ahh sorry, I didn't mean to get your uniform wet."

"Water under the bridge. Especially when you cried a river just there."

And with a sore hoarse throat, she replies.

"Senpaiiii, not funnny."

"Hahah. Well that makes things complicated."

"What makes what complicated?"

She seriously hasn't given this much thought hasn't she?

Guess it shows how illogical she was...

And how illogically happy I am...

"Well, guess the rumors were right after all eh?"

"Well let em talk then! Doesn't bother me anymore."

Hmm. Well it's your world Isshiki Iroha.

Hooked around my arm, I walk her home as dusk settles.

"Hey, just so you know...

That wasn't my first kiss."

No, let me guess. Hayama? Some junior guy? The thought pisses me off.

"I don't wanna know."

"Well maybe you should!"

"Grrrr."

"Enough of that disgusting growling senpai."

Blushing, she speaks more courteously.

"It's an indirect one.

Your pan-san cup."

Oh? That? Mannn what's this pleasurable feeling!

"Ew, I regret telling you now when you smile like that! So stoop mhmmm kay?"

"Well you knew the dangers of going out with someone like me."

"Well, when you say it like that."

Isshiki smiles proud of her accomplishments.

"I think the end result is worth it."

Man, I feel sick in a good way.

I sign at the fact that I'll have to ask her something unreasonable.

"This is gonna take me awhile to adjust. So if it's not too much to ask. Will you wait for me?"

She smiles. She smiles genuinely as if she won something worth keeping.

"Yeah. I'll wait."

Pointing at me, her voice accelerates increasing her tone.

"But don't make me wait too long! I'm an impatient girl!"

I can only answer her honestly. After all, she risked alot to gain something like this.

And she won't leave empty handed and neither will I.

"I'll try to make it quick. But no promises yeah?"

"Then that's good enough for me!"

Noticing her pale, clear neck. I wrap my scarf around it letting her savor the warmth.

"You-

you owe me 1000 yen."

Already? But before I complain, I realize I wouldn't want it any other way.

"Well, I don't have much money on me..."

Hiding her chin under the scruffy scarf, she suggests an alternative.

"Perhaps we could...

Convert currency with a kiss?"

Oh?

OH? Now? Sly-shiki?

"Well if You're comfortable with it."

She puckers her lips in anticipation. Her peachy breath making the air smell even sweeter. I bend down to fulfill her wish.

Only for her finger to land on my lips.

"But maybe not now senpai. It'll have to wait for tomorrow~!"

Oompf! That crushed my spirits! Dejected I wonder about the meaning of life.

"You coming senpai?"

Hugging my arm, I walk her home to bring about the end of our realization and our day.

OK finally got there! I'm gonna do 1 more chapter for this which'll involve a timeskip! It'll be much shorter and a epilogue to the story just to quickly wrap up some stuff. Thanks for reading this everyone of you. Now that season 2 is right around the corner as the next month comes, all us Oregairu fans will definitely have our fill of a youth romantic comedy gone wrong.