It was already the day for our departure for Tokyo. After that whole ordeal in my living room, Isshiki went back to her home to change and pick up her luggage. While I just waited in my house. Apparently, she wants to meet up at my house then walk to the station together. I don't understand why she would suggest something like that in the first place. If we met up in the station instead, we would be there earlier. The trains leaves at 3 pm after all and it's already 2 pm. She said she would be here in 15 minutes. It takes 20 minutes to get to the station from my house. I guess she just wants to walk with me or something. I'm still unfamiliar with all these social norms anyway. As I was just playing my handheld console, I heard the doorbell ring. It was probably Isshiki at the door wanting to pick me up. Guess I have to go tell Komachi now.
"Komachi, I'm heading out already!" I shouted so she would hear me from her room. I know her door is open, so she should be able to hear me. It saddens me that I now have to leave the comfort of my own home and go back to being a university student. Oh how I will miss my beloved little sister Komachi. She's probably teary eyed right now seeing her onii-chan leaving.
"Bye onii-chan! Don't do anything weird to Isshiki okay?" I heard a shout back from her room. She isn't even going to bid me farewell in person? Why do I love such a rude little sister so much anyway? It's fine since it's Komachi. It's just one of her many ways of showing affection. I'm definitely sure she's just not lazy to go downstairs. With my sister informed of my departure, I pick up my luggage and head towards the door. I open it to see my newly attained girlfriend.
"Geez senpai! Why are you wearing such boring clothes again!" She complained once she saw my appearance. There's nothing wrong at all with just wearing shorts and plain dark blue shirt for travel.
"It's just that you dress up too much Isshiki." She was wearing a light pink short sleeved frilly shirt, short jeans and brown loafers. Honestly, I have no idea just how many outfits this girl even owns. After I said my remark, she was just staring intently at me. What did I do this time!?
"Senpai! I told you to call me by my first name. Just how forgetful are you!" She said to me with an annoyed tone. I don't understand why she gives so much importance to that. What is the significance of calling someone by their first name anyway? Some see it as a sign of closeness, but it's just another shallow way of trying to gain affection. Since our relationship as of now is currently genuine or we wish it is, I might as well hold nothing back and just ask her. Who knows? My intuition may be wrong for once.
"Why is it so important for you anyway?"
"I have this weird feeling you're just negatively overthinking something again senpai. I just want you to call me by my first name. That's all really." She said with a slight smile on her face. It was such a simple answer I didn't even consider. It won't change my habit of reading behind the lines and finding the hidden intentions behind sugar coated words. Instead, I might just start considering the possibility of simple answers such as this.
"Fine, you win Iroha. We should go now." I said defeated yet satisfied with her response. She just grinned as she grabbed my arm like she always does. We began making our way our to the station. The both of us just stayed silent the entire walk there. I was expecting her to start some kind of conversation but I don't mind this kind of silence. Most people see silence between people as awkwardness or refusal to communicate with one another. For the two of us, it's just a peaceful time. Before I even realized, we already arrived at the station. We were supposed to board our train in the next 8 minutes before I saw the announcements. It said that all trains to Tokyo were down today and would be back up by tomorrow morning. Iroha noticed as well and then made her sly smile again. She's up to something again. Just before I was able to suggest something, Iroha said something first.
"Senpai! Let's go on a date!" She excitedly said to me. I would honestly prefer to stay at home again but she's the one always accommodating for me. Now that I think about it, I'm the one who always ends up following her demands. I guess I'm spoiling her too much again. Going to the mall wouldn't kill me anyway so I might as well agree. It would be a pain to bring our luggage with us though. I suggested that we drop off our luggage at my house first since it's closer. After Iroha agreed, we made our way out of the station to see a familiar face. The familiar face of a lonely middle-aged teacher who used to act violently around me. The familiar face of Hiratsuka Shizuka. I really wanted to avoid her but she then looked in our direction. If I were to run now, she would just chase me and hell would follow.
"Ah, Hikigaya!" She shouted to my direction. Iroha was visibly surprised by the loud greeting and the presence of Hiratsuka-sensei. Sensei was wearing sunglasses along with a plain outfit consisting of a plain red shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers. If I didn't know better I would have no idea that she was a teacher.
"Hi sensei!" Iroha greeted. I guess it is a courtesy to greet someone who know.
"What are you doing here sensei?" I ask out of curiosity. No one would go to the station by themselves without the intent of traveling. Maybe her loneliness finally reached its limit and drove her to insanity?
"I was just taking a walk really." She casually said to me. Taking a walk? People would prefer to walk around in a park or something. Why a station of all places?
"Aren't you better off socializing or something? Considering that you're still not married and almost..." Before I could react, I felt the impact of her fist on my stomach. I was so busy talking that I didn't notice her movement. I kneeled on the ground to rest myself. It really wasn't that painful since I was accustomed to it. Although, I saw that Iroha was visibly worried about me. I did suddenly get punched in the gut after all.
"What was that for sensei!" Iroha cried out as she comforting me.
"I'm fine Iroha." I told her as I stood up. I could barely feel the pain anymore. I was only surprised by the punch after all. No way would Hiratsuka-sensei punch me with full force.
"You two seem awfully close." Hiratsuka-sensei said as she observed how close Iroha was to me. I guess it would be odd for her to see me like this.
"I'm dating senpai after all! He's my boyfriend now!" Iroha said as she puffed out her chest as a sign of pride. I could feel that Iroha's concern for me instantly faded away. She must really want to brag about being in a relationship with someone. Although, it's sweet that she would worry about me, but it's really concerning that you would change emotions that quickly.
"No way..." Sensei said in a startled manner. "How could Hikigaya be in a relationship before me!?"
"I don't understand it myself sensei."
"But aren't you glad that I'm with you now senpai." Iroha said in a cutesy tone. I have a feel she's flaunting it in sensei's face. She may not be your orthodox teacher. but she still has helped me a lot in the past.
"I am glad but you shouldn't tease sensei too much." I told Iroha in a scolding tone. I usually use this tone when Komachi messes up big time. It rarely happens but I have to be a good example as a big brother. I can't spoil anyone too much after all.
"But you just insulted me awhile ago Hikigaya. Quite the hypocrite aren't you?"
"W-whatever. We should get going anyway." I said as I was flustered. Sensei had a small grin on her face while Iroha was just snickering.
"It's pretty cute to see you like that senpai."
"Well, I have to go myself. It's nice to see you change for the better Hikigaya. Have fun you two lovebirds." Sensei said as she walked away with a wave. She may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but I really do respect her. Despite my rotten tendencies, she still forced upon me her ideals and constantly watched over me. With sensei's image finally out in the distance. Iroha and I made our way back to my house. There was something on my mind, so I decided to ask Iroha about it.
"You seemed pretty worried about me when sensei punched me." I ask out of curiosity. Iroha just gave an annoyed expression to my question.
"I don't know if there's something wrong with you senpai, but to see your lover suddenly punched like that. How I could not be worried? No one likes seeing the people they care about hurt." Iroha seriously said to me. I would always disregard the pain I receive since no one would really care about me. Everything is different now huh.
"Thanks." I said to her as I patted her head. It was on impulse for me to do that since she was shorter than me. I suddenly noticed how embarrassing it was for me to do something like that so I quickly moved my hand away. Before I moved my hand, I noticed how red her cheeks were.
"That didn't feel bad you know?" She said as she was visibly embarrassed. Looks like she enjoys it when I take the initiative for once. The both of us just walked the way back completely flustered. When we arrived to my home, we bumped into Komachi who also just arrived.
"What are you doing here onii-chan!?" Komachi asked me in the midst of her confusion. Shouldn't you be happy to see me again?
"The trains are not working. They'll be back up by tomorrow." I explained to Komachi. After a few seconds, Komachi's eyes suddenly lit up in excitement.
"Why don't the both of you just sleep here tonight! Our parents will be gone for tonight anyway." Komachi suggested. I immediately got flustered by her idea. I looked towards Iroha to see that she was also embarrassed. I was just about to reject Komachi's idea until Iroha grabbed my hand and looked at me.
"I don't mind senpai. I don't want to bother my parents after all." She innocently said with a smile. I could feel that she was embarrassed about it, but she was still insistent about it.
"See onii-chan! Isshiki also agrees so why not?" Komachi said in order to pressure me. We share the same apartment, so this shouldn't be a problem. I still don't understand why the idea of it all still manages me to feel embarrassed.
"Fine." I said defeated by these two younger girls. I managed to get myself swept away by their antics again. After agreeing on Komachi's suggestion, we entered the house to drop off our luggage. We were just about to leave as Komachi was wondering what we were up to.
"Where are you going onii-chan? Is it a date?" Komachi excitedly asked me. I wanted to deny her, but I was in fact going on a date with Iroha. The concept of going out on dates is still a mystery to me. If you were the guy, you would end up wasting all your money. You would also have to endlessly entertain your partner or else she'll just throw a tantrum or possibly leave you. It's honestly a lose-lose situation with no benefits whatsoever. It's beyond me why people would look forward to this. Even now, I'm indifferent about it since I would just be walking around the mall with Iroha. I may spoil her a lot but no way am I going to make my wallet suffer. I always end up entertaining her anyway so that part isn't new.
"Yup! It's a date!" Iroha gleefully said as she grabbed my arm once again. I swear that she loves my arm more than she actually loves me.
"I'm impressed onii-chan. Well, have fun you two!" Komachi cheered as she waved us goodbye. I wasn't expecting Komachi to be this accepting since it seems that she prefers Yuigahama or Yukinoshita to be my girlfriend. Iroha wanted to go to some nearby newly opened mall. I never really gave a damn about malls except for when I wanted to buy new books or games. It was only 8 minute away apparently. During the entire walk, Iroha just held my arm like usual. We may be the most odd couple in the eyes of many since we barely converse while we walk. I honestly have nothing in mind to say and so does she. It was a peaceful feeling really and it's a break from the usual pestering of hers. As we arrived to the mall, we heard someone call out to us
"Hikki?" A voice said in the distance. It was obviously Yuigahama since she's the only one who would call me that. If she was here, then it means that Yukinoshita is also here. I looked toward the direction of the voice to see both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita. Yuigahama was wearing a simple outfit consisting of an orange striped shirt, dark blue jeans and yellow sneakers. She dresses so casually that I have a feeling that she doesn't put any thought into it. Yukinoshita on the other hand seemed elegant as usual. A beige polo shirt and light blue jeans along with brown sandals. Once they got my attention, the those of them moved closer to my direction.
"I thought you were supposed to leave for Tokyo today Hikigaya-kun. Is it possible that you lied to us? I expected this kind of behavior from you, but it's still disappointing." Yukinoshita cruelly said to me. She honestly enjoys this kind of banter too much. Although I can't deny that I enjoy this as well.
"Stop it Yukinon! I'm pretty sure Hikki has a good reason." Yuigamaha said before I could retort Yukinoshita. This scene was too familiar for the three of us. All I could do was slightly grin at the current situation. Just as I was about to explain my circumstances, I felt a tug on my arm.
"Don't forget about me senpai." Iroha said with a slight pout. The three of us completely disregarded her due to our sudden meeting. Yuigahama and Yukinoshita were shocked to see Iroha affectionately cling to me. I still haven't told them about Iroha's confession to me. I could see that the two of them suddenly lost their composure. I have to suggest quick before things get out of hand. At the very least, I don't want to confront them about this in the middle of a mall.
"Why don't we talk somewhere else?" I suggest to everyone. Everyone just agreed and we made our way to a nearby fancy cafe. The name was French so I forewent any attempt to say the name. We were able to find an available table with four seats. Iroha and I sat on one side while Yuigahama and Yukinoshita sat on the other. Iroha stopped acting clingy to me since these two are also here. This situation is very delicate since I'm aware of Yuigahama and Yukinoshita's feelings for me. After ordering some random coffee that looked sweet, silence ensued. Everyone was tense due to the current situation.
"So Hikki, you still haven't told us the reason why you're still here." Yuigahama said in order to get rid of the awkwardness.
"The trains aren't available today. The next train to Tokyo is still tomorrow morning." I explained to them. After that, Iroha tried her best to converse with Yuigahama while also dragging Yukinoshita into it. The four of us sincerely tried to enjoy each others company, but the tense feeling still remained. Just as I was about to speak up, Iroha suddenly stood up and whispered to my ear.
"I'll head back to your house, so you can talk to them in private. I expect you to make up for this though!" She thoughtfully yet slyly said to me. It seems that she is aware of the current atmosphere. I'm glad that Iroha understands that these two are still important to me without getting jealous. I'm just relieved that she's not feeling any contempt for these two. Yanderes may be some people's preferences but no way in hell are they mine. Iroha then greeted the two goodbye with some made up excuse to leave us alone.
"Are you dating Iroha-chan?" Yuigahama suddenly asked as Iroha left the vicinity. I guess this is the question that has been making them feel uncomfortable the whole time. I understand that they both mentioned they're fine if I date someone else, but nonetheless it should still hurt for them.
"Yes I am." I truthfully admitted to the both of them. Yuigahama looked dismayed while Yukinoshita had the expression of wanting to run away. I'm going to end up hurting them. but I rather do that than lie to their faces and live in deceit.
"This feeling is more...painful than I expected." Yukinoshita quietly said after remaining silent for such a long time. The feeling of rejection is outright painful due to the expectations that come along with it. I experienced that pain first hand in my past. Even though I can't avoid hurting them, I at least want to comfort them.
"It's okay Hikki. We're not mad." Yuigahama said with tears flowing from her eyes. Yukinoshita saw her expression and couldn't help feeling even more depressed. Seeing these two writhe in agony due to my choice and irrationality is hurting me more than I expected. Although I have no choice but to withstand this pain if I truly care about them. If I truly want to be genuine with the two of them.
"You won't abandon us?" Yukinoshita said with a hint of terror in her voice. She doesn't want to be left alone. After all of her experiences of sadness, she doesn't want to experience that dreadful pain once more.
"Don't worry you two. I'll never abandon the two of you." I sincerely said to them in hopes of calming them down. The girl that gave the impression of being strong was reduced to tears while gleeful and cheerful airhead had nothing but sorrow on her face. Even after hearing my response, these two still feel insecure. They have truly become too attached to me. It's not as if their whole lives are dependent on me, but they can't fathom the thought of live without me.
"Stop crying already you two. I already admitted that I'm not leaving you. What more do you two want?" I nonchalantly said to them. After they noticed that I reverted from being emotional to the same old me, they just ended up giggling.
"That's worst way to comfort a crying girl Hikki."
"You have seriously surpassed all my expectations in terms of being rotten and horrible Hikigaya-kun."
All I could do was to grin at their responses. It made me relieved to see them calm down.I could've easily avoided this situation if I just made up a lie. That would've been the easiest way out with no complications whatsoever. The old me would've done it to avoid trouble. I already promised myself and these two that I would never do something like that again. It was relieving to see that the two of them have finally calmed down.
"Thanks Hikki." Yuigahama happily said with a sincere smile.
"I admit that I appreciate your help Hikigaya-kun" Yukinoshita pridefully said. It may seem vain to others, but I could notice the sincere thankfulness in her voice. After the two of them finally regained their composure, they began asking questions about my relationship with Iroha.
"Who confessed first?" Yuiagahama asked. It was honestly embarrassing to explain that part since she pushed me down on the couch.
"It was her." I explained while leaving out some details for the greater good of my dignity as a man. I may be a self-proclaimed cynical loner, but I am still a man with dignity.
"I can tell that you're omitting details Hikigaya-kun. Is it perhaps something you don't want to talk about?" Yukinoshita provokingly said to me. It was scary how perceptive she became. Is it possible that my excellent perceptions rubbed off to her? If so, she truly is a frightening ice queen.
"C'mon Hikki! Spill the juicy details!" Yuigahama excitedly said. I couldn't resist the anticipation in her eyes, so I was left with no choice but to reveal all the details. After my explanation, the both of them had disappointed expressions. I already told you what you wanted, why do you still have to look at me like that!
"That's kinda lame Hikki..." Yuigahama said as if she felt sorry for me. It's not my fault those were the circumstances!
"That is truly pathetic of you Hikigaya-kun." Yukinoshita said with no hint of pity or sympathy whatsoever as she glared at me. Her glare made it seem like she was looking at trash. Why don't you people understand that the situation at that time was beyond my control.
"W-Whatever." I try my best to shrug it off. I honestly can't think of anything to defend myself. Yuigahama just straight out laughed at my defeat while Yukinoshita was just quietly snickering. The two of them then forced me to leave since I left Iroha alone. I truthfully wanted to spend some more time with them, but they explained that they were satisfied already. They said that they would try their best to visit around August. It's beyond me why they want to visit specifically during August, but I was satisfied with the thought of them visiting. After I said my farewell to them, I made my way back home. It's been a while since I've been able to truly be alone. I was making the best of this alone time until someone interrupted it. Someone I truly despise for his inability to break status quo and move on.
"Hikigaya?" My name being called out by a blonde bastard that sees me as his rival. I just wanted to ignore him and return home, but I felt that he would be persistent if I reject him.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I just want to talk to you about something." He said in a persuasive voice. His persuasiveness has no effect on me, but I decided to deal with him now so I can quickly get home and see my beloved girlfriend and little sister.
"It's about Iroha isn't it Hayama." I said after I quickly deduced his intentions. Since I retold my story to Yuigahama and Yukinoshita, I remember Iroha mentioning that she hung out with Hayama.
"You're are perceptive as ever Hikigaya." He said feigning the feeling of being impressed. In truth, he's still envious about the fact I can read people so easily.
"I don't give a damn about your compliments. Can you just say what you want to say already?" After I said that, he composed himself and looked at me with serious eyes.
"What do you think about Iroha-chan." He asked me with a straight face. This is seriously the reason why you stopped me?
"I love her. Unlike you, I don't give a damn about unhealthily keeping the status quo, so I'm willing to press forward. Unless you want to whine about your inferiority complex, I have to get going." I said with zero hesitation. I just walked passed him and made my way towards my home. Before I left, I noticed a slight smile on his face as if he came to a realization. I finally arrived to my home after a couple of minutes. I just rang the doorbell since I forgot to bring my key. Komachi and Iroha should be home anyway. When the door open, I suddenly felt a body attached to me. It was Iroha suddenly hugging me.
"I was soooo bored senpai. Hurry up inside, so you can make up for it." She slyly yet cutely said. I think I consider all her sly antics to be cute at this point. I am seriously getting used to this, but I don't feel sick of it. She dragged me to the couch only to make me sit next to her. I felt like reading a book and was about to stand up and get it. Before I could, a book was instantly shoved to my face.
"I kinda guessed that you wanted to read, so I got your book. Your punishment for that failure of a date is for me to cuddle up with you while you read. The expressions you make while you read is cute and amusing after all." She cheekily said. This girl seriously has different preferences from the norm. Most girls who are upset would demand sweet talk and something with monetary value. This gesture of her made me appreciate her presence even more. I just did as I was ordered and read my book. While I was reading, I could her giggles coming from Iroha. Do I really make that many funny expressions while I read? While Iroha was still cuddling my body, she began to speak up.
"Don't get the wrong idea senpai. This punishment doesn't mean I don't want any traditional dates. When we get back to Tokyo, I'm gonna make you take me out for a date, so you better be prepared!" She happily said to me. I guess my wallet will have to suffer for a bit. I'm somewhat hesitant to spend that much money. I'll convince her to not make me waste too much money. I do somewhat look forward to it though. If the both of us can truly enjoy the experience and each others company, it may not be such a bad sacrifice.
"Hey you two lovebirds, it's almost time for dinner, so what do you want?" Komachi suddenly said startling the both of us. This prompted Iroha to slightly distance herself from me. The two of us were embarrassed to be caught in a situation like that, so we just remained silent with our cheeks crimson red.
"Why don't I just help you Komachi?" Iroha said as she stood up and went to the kitchen. Komachi reluctantly agreed to her suggestion. Apparently, they decided on curry. I'm somewhat excited to be able to eat their cooking mainly because I didn't cook for it myself. After a couple of minutes, the curry was finished and the three of us were on the small dining table of ours. It was delicious curry and the two girls both puffed out their chests in pride once I complimented their cooking.
"Where wlll Isshiki sleep tonight?" Komachi asked in the middle of dinner. The fact thatIroha was going to sleep here tonight completely slipped my mind due to my encounter with Yuigahama, Yukinoshita and Hayama.
"I'll sleep on the couch tonight, so Iroha will sleep in my room." I said in order to clear up the situation. This was the most logical and efficient solution. The couch is pretty comfortable anyway.
"I don't want to sleep alone senpai! I'll feel lonely..." Iroha cutely said in order to elicit some reaction from me. I wouldn't mind sleeping in the same room as her, but there is a lack of space. The extra futon is the house is currently in my apartment after all.
"There's not enough space Iroha, so we can't help it." I said as I flicked her forehead. Iroha just pouted, but she quickly came to terms with it. It was then when Komachi expression brighten as if she came up with a genius idea.
"Why don't the two of you both sleep on the bed? I'm pretty sure it's big enough for the two of you." Komachi mischievously suggested to us. Iroha and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed by it. I was about to reject the idea until Iroha tightly gripped my hand.
"I'll do it!" She shouted out as if she was making a declaration. For someone sly, you easily fell into someone's trap. Komachi just smiled at the two of us while I made a confused expression. This is going to be one hell of a night. After dinner, Komachi and Iroha decided to take a bath together. I don't know if that naked female bonding thing in anime actually apply in real life. I just hope they're not doing anything indecent. I was just left to read my book in the living room while those two were together. When they finally came out, Iroha was wearing a set of my clothes. She had a blushed face and so did I. I instantly looked at Komachi demanding an explanation.
"Sorry onii-chan. My clothes don't fit Isshiki, so I got some of yours!" That's a lie and I know it damn it. Just by looking at you two side by side, it's obvious that you two roughly have the same physique. It's not like Iroha has Yuigahama's over-sized chest. I still don't understand how Komachi talked Iroha into it. After the awkwardness faded away, the three of us just spent some quality time in the living room. Komachi and Iroha were talking about what they hate and love about me. It was displeasing to watch since what they hate about me overwhelms what they love about me. Iroha noticed my displeasure and just amplified the teasing even more. Oh how I miss the non-pestering side of you. It was getting late, so we all decided to sleep. Here comes the most challenging part of tonight. I didn't expect this to be that much of a big deal. I was completely proven wrong when the both of us rested ourselves on the bed. We surely did fit, but our bodies were so close to each other. This left the two of unable to sleep. I just looked to the side of the wall and attempted to sleep to avoid any complications. Iroha then suddenly hugged my back and my felt something pressing onto me. I didn't want to visualize it since that would be dangerous. I decided to just say goodnight to her and she did the same. We remained in this position until the tiredness got the best of us. With no more energy to resist, the both of us just closed our eyes and drifted to sleep.