Bosdicha - that was just him being drama queen again, Tobe has zero record punching someone in school ground.

Anyway, I feel that the student council arc is dragging a little bit too long despite it's importance. If you think the same or don't think so, feel free to tell.

が いる - 嘘の山で

I Exist - On the Mountain of Lies

Disclaimer:

Original Story by Watari Wataru

Chapter 10: And so, they ride the waves of change #1

Isshiki Iroha hummed as she brought her lunch out of the bag, her cheerful mask set tight to cover her major uneasiness. There might be a way, but even if she failed, it can't be helped.

Yukinoshita Yukino... no matter how you look at her, she's perfect. Her grades were unmatched, and she possess both the talent and drive to do anything she want to do, to the point that almost every teacher know her and praised here.

There's simply no way Iroha can win against her.

It can't be helped.

As she joined a group of classmates, she quickly and easily blend in with them, getting in with the flow and occasionally tug the empty conversation to the way she wanted.

It was really easy and yet...

Why was she so afraid?

Because she would be ridiculed behind her back? It was nothing new, really.

She just don't want the position, and give the people who volunteered her without consent get their satisfaction.

It was simple.

And yet, why it become so complicated? Looking at Yukinoshita-senpai and that creepy-eyed Senpai, she swear that giving up will actually much less a hassle than moving forward with the election battle. But still...

She don't want to end it that way.

Service club already accept their request, it's their responsibility to help her out of this mess. It was selfish, yes, but if possible, Iroha wanted everything to be okay.

Her cellphone rang, and she got a message from Yuigahama.

[Yo sup, r u hvg lnch rit nao? ]

[Os, snpai. Y?]

[Cn we m3t aft-school]

[Sure!]

Iroha closed her old fliptop cell and sighed.

Though she respected Yuigahama's dedication and selflessness, she wish Yui-senpai is a little more sharp. Well, meeting Yukinoshita and the shady-looking Senpai probably colored her lens a little too much, because they're so perceptive it's almost unhealthy.

"Did you know, Iroha-chan?"

"Eh? Umm, sorry, I got a message just now."

...

Youthfulness is stupid, and youthfulness is dangerous... one might say, youthfulness is contagious disease, and that's why Hikigaya Hachiman always avoid anything pertaining youthful activities unless it served him in achieving his true goal.

Dating also is a hallmark of youthfulness, and to understand a strange fujoshi that is Ebina Hina, he decided to date her. He thought he did the right thing, it was a necessary evil to accept her 'confession'.

Needless to say, this is one of these times he regret that decision.

Hikigaya Hachiman doesn't strictly hate intimacy, no, he always been intimate with his little sister. Not in the sexual way either, but rather, close proximity that signifies close emotional bond regardless of relationship nature. He just dislike being this close with a person he doesn't know very well, even if that person is his girlfriend.

"What happened?" Her voice whispered on his ears, alluringly baiting for an answer.

"Nothing?" He said in low voice, "We solved the case, that's about it."

"Wrong answer." Her hand slipped under his blazer, roaming all over his slender, modest chest. "Hiki-honey..."

"No, you tell me what's wrong because I don't understand what is your problem." he grew increasingly annoyed, "Quit harassing me."

She grinned.

"Tell me why Yui looks sad."

He blinked a little, then sighed. "I see... I should have known."

"Did you just feigned ignorance in front of ME?" she pulled herself away from him, though her lips curled down, her voice filled with disappointment. He coughed and loosened his tie a bit as it's growing increasingly hot and uncomfortable. "It's not that I feigned ignorance but... there's something in my mind."

"I see..." Ebina nodded, "It's about you and Yukinoshita-san isn't it?"

He noticed how her eyes changed when she mentioned that name, whatever it is, he decided to set things straight. "Not just that, rather, our client is a bit difficult."

"How difficult?"

"More than you will ever be."

"Is that a challenge?" She teasingly winked.

"I hope not." He curtly replied, beads of sweat constantly roll down his temples. "Yuigahama thought she found a solution but we're returning to square one, that's about it."

To work hard is to lose, and that's why, among them all Yuigahama worked the hardest, and suffered the most. That much, he could be very certain. Just making the service club part of the student council don't solve the fact that either way Isshiki's request can't be fulfilled as of yet.

But Komachi found the answer, and that's why he wanted to go to the library. He will need references and concrete numbers to execute his plan, school archive would be a good place for that.

He wanted to bring the result to Yuigahama and Yukinoshita anyway... because it's Komachi's request as well.

Ebina closed her eyes, nodding sagely. "And you and Yukinoshita-san were the only one understand it?"

"...I'm not sure what you're talking about." He huffed.

What' the hell is this woman speaking? Hachiman don't understand, and he really wanted to know.

"Is there a point of Yui being there?"

Though her voice were lovely, her words smite the air sharply like a razor. Ebina's eyes were dim, filled with hollowness and disappointment. Those eyes, she often show him when she suppressed her own emotion. Devoid of feelings, those brown irises looks like a window to cold, empty void in her heart.

And he really hated that look.

"Ebina..."

She pushed him to the wall and waved her hand as she left, "See you later in the class."

Hachiman continued his way to the library, the less time wasted, the better. He might even skip the lunch today. Oh well just missing a greasy bread and cheap milk can't possibly that bad. Right?

Is there a point of Yui being there?

He cursed inwardly, as his ever-reliable hearing began to betray him. Instead of recording everything around him, it constantly repeat Ebina's words, until he can't even hear anything else. He shoved his earphone in and jack up the volumes...

Ebina's voice still there, but at least the music distracted him enough that he can do his errand.

Is there a point of Yuigahama being here? It's not for me to answer, bitch. Yuigahama was there by her own will, whatever she wanted...

What is Yuigahama wanted?

...

"Yumi, sorry I slipped away without telling." Ebina said as she slid open the door.

"Where are you going anyway?" Yumiko pouted, "At least tell me next time."

"It's that time of the month."

Hayato choked on his food and quickly chug the water Yumiko offered in pity. So it wasn't really a secret meeting huh. Hayato wryly smiled. I really don't want to be involved, this is not for guys to hear about. It might be embarrassing to admit that Hayato is quite sensitive about it, but every boy has their own closet full of skeleton.

"Well if that's the case you should eat well, you don't forget your bento don't you?" Yumiko asked softly, in which Ebina waved a cylindrical plastic object. "Yep, brought one."

The Queen bee squinted really hard, and what came out of her mouth was just a single expression of disbelief; "Haaaa?!"

"No offense Ebina but that thing-" Hayato awkwardly pointed.

"Why? Rice stay the same no matter how you shape it." Ebina rotated the cap the weird device and compacted rice came out of it. "Of course, boys would look so better with this thing, don't you think so? Oh, now I sound really lewd... sorry~" Ebina huskily said as she slowly savoring the not-at-all erotic roll of rice, much to some of the boy's embarrassment -including the unsuspecting Tobe who just returned to the class with the other lackeys.

"GROSS." Yumiko covered her mouth and look away, while Hayato simply put both palm on his face and mutter something about amazake.*

In the library, Hikigaya Hachiman sneezed. And alien plastic tube flew from his shirt pocket, much to his confusion. "Huh?"

As he inspected the toy-like bento container, he bumped upon the stout, rounded figure of Zaimokuza Yoshiteru.

"OH! My loyal retainer, it must be fate for us to be reunited here, Hikigaya Hachiman!" the boisterous delusional boy exclaimed, "What brings you here at times like this?"

"That is my question." Hachiman slipped the device to his blazer's pocket, "What are you doing?"

"Hahaha, that's a good question. Library is my haunt of choice during lunch, it's quiet and comfortable."

You're supposed not to eat here, you idiot. Hachiman thought, but from his mouth, came only a heavy sigh.

Noticing the strange behavior of his self-entitled best friend, Zaimokuza exclaimed. "What's matter, Hachiman? You my speak to me anytime."

"Nothing concern you."

Instead of being appalled by Hachiman's cold, rude response, Zaimokuza slap his shoulder and made him jolt.

"How many times have you had to listen to my prattle? I don't mind listening to yours." Confidently, the delusional sophomore said. It was careless, and yet, his words were not empty in the slightest.

Hachiman's eyes widened in disbelief for a moment. But in the end, he gave up and left a defeated smile.

...

Isshiki Iroha expressed a lot of doubt with this particular girl.

Yuigahama Yui was by no means stupid, no, but it would be correct to say that Yuigahama has poor sense of perception, and has major difficulty deciphering hidden message.

Can she even help Iroha?

Even so, she kept coming again and again, she always been there to help.

Iroha think Yui effort was kind of inefficient, wasteful even... and yet she can't help but astonished with the girl's stubbornness and drive.

Iroha feel slightly annoyed, and yet, at the same time she also felt happy that someone actually lend her a hand without nefarious motive whatsoever.

It was naïve, but kind of nice to think about.

Here, on the school roof, they began another private meeting.

"This might be a stupid question but... just to make sure I'm not mistaken..." Yui began, "Iroha-chan, are you still not satisfied with this arrangement?"

It was pretty clear, duh?

"I'm not sure how to put it lightly... but it kind of miss the point entirely." Iroha sheepishly said, trying not to sound too blunt. "Well, perhaps it wouldn't be as bad as me giving up but still..."

"...It might be difficult having to face Yukinon like this huh." Yui's face softened-no, rather, Yuigahama lost her innocent, clueless look and for one reason or another, she looks much more mature than she usually did, which made Iroha speechless.

"You know, I think I feel the same if I'm in your place."

That's wrong on so many levels. Iroha's logic began to work once again. It's not a matter of me winning.

"Or rather, not so much about me want to win, but me afraid of what would happen if I lose."

Eh? Did... she finally get it?

"Well... yeah." Iroha weakly muttered.

"You know, I'm actually having a hard time keeping up with two of them. These two are far too smart for their own good..." Yui sighed and lean on the railing, "But I won't give up just yet."

Iroha followed suit and lean forward on the railings as well. "I know you won't, Senpai." But that might make it worse.

"Iroha-chan, tell me something important." Yui looked Iroha sternly and asked, "Are you willing to gamble everything in this battle?"

"Ummm... I don't follow."

"The reason Yukinon want to keep the campaign to a low-key is not by any means she's arrogant or anything. Rather, presidential campaign is a major hassle, and she probably don't want to burden anyone more than it was necessary. We have a very short deadline after all."

"Did she said it?" Iroha inquired.

"No, but she's just that kind of person. She probably will try to handle everything on her own." Yui laughed, "But you know, there's a flaw in that approach of hers. Namely, if neither of you gained support during the campaign period, then the election battle would be rather pointless."

"Well, she definitely would win." Iroha pouted.

"That's not her intention, even if she appears cold, Yukinon is really nice person. She probably think it's what best for everyone."

"But this time around, I won't lose to her. That's why I ask..." Yui firmly held Iroha's shoulder, "Are you willing to gamble everything in this battle?"

Iroha is really, really afraid now.

"Why going to such a great length, senpai?" She bitterly mutters, "Is there really no easy answer to my request?"

"Iroha-chan... are you familiar with the phrase 'lost the battle, win the war'?"

...

Yukinoshita Yukino rubbed her eyes slightly, she didn't get enough sleep yesterday because for whatever reason, she decide it's really a good time to stay late. And she regret that decision, truly.

She should have listened to Yuigahama when she called her last night.

Still, even Hikigaya of all people is working hard. No one actually knows what everyone else's plan is, but either way, that's the point of club meeting that takes place today.

In the end, I can't do anything to help.

Truthfully, Yukinoshita is more than bitter to find that in the end, her 'solution' didn't help anyone but to satisfy her own ego.

And that's why she's not going to stay idle, if there's anything she can do, she will do it.

At the very least, she will make sure the election is a success. Hirazuka-sensei already gave her full support, and the other teacher now actually interested with the election as well.

Her skill with bureaucracy should come useful in this regard, at least.

And she still have yet to give up, Yuigahama and Hikigaya still tried their best to help Isshiki. She too, will find a way somehow.

Logically speaking, it's very easy to say that Yukino had secured her position. Even so, there must be a way to make sure that Isshiki didn't get the short end of the stick.

Maybe if Isshiki's defeat actually meaningful...

"Good morning."

Yukino snapped back to reality when she found Hayato faced her, along with Yumiko. Though Yumiko look soured by Yukino presence, the blond girl nonetheless said "Morning...", if a little coldly.

"Good morning." Yukino politely bowed, even though they're not exceptionally close, it's rather courteous to reply in kind. There's also the fact that it's still early hours of the school, there shouldn't be any problem with brewing pointless rumor from a simple chat.

"Say, was it true that you decide to take a shot at the election?" Hayato asked friendlily, "That's really great."

Eh?

"We heard from Yui, and the campaign video was rather hilarious if you ask me."

"Pardon?" Yukinoshita completely and honestly baffled with what they're talking about.

"Yumiko..." Hayato whispered, she's not supposed to say anything about it. Not yet anyway. "She shared a private video with us to ask for our early judgment, she said she'll show you today in the club meeting."

Ah...

"You better be grateful, Yui works really hard to make this event a success." Yumiko chided and crossed her arms.

Yukino passed over her and said, "Even if Miura-san didn't say that, I owe Yuigahama-san too much already."

Unknowingly to each other, both of them smiled in satisfaction.

As time passed quickly, the sky began to change its hue. The shade of orange painted the service club room with warm and comforting atmosphere. The first to came to the room was Yukino, who brought a stack of documents about the election. The second to come is Yui, then Hachiman, then finally Hiratsuka-sensei and Iroha herself.

"My, my... looks like you guys already solved it." Hiratsuka felt amazed with the streak of confidence all her student have, despite knowing very well that they all work alone with their own methods, there seems to be a subtle connection that ties them together into a cohesive team.

Very interesting.

"We came into conclusion that election battle is the only way to do it." Hachiman said frankly, "Only that way we can avoid the worst case scenario."

"Unfortunately, with how school policy works there's another problem."Yui added, and pulled a sheet of paper from her pocket. "According to the second article of our Academy's student council policy, whoever lost the election will be assigned as vice president, is that right?"

"That's correct." Yukino confirmed, "Isshiki-san, are you sure you want to go through with this plan?"

"Mmmh." Iroha nodded cheekily, "In the inevitable event that I lost the election, I can always stay as ghost member of the student council. If anything, I'm more afraid of winning. It would be a really big problem for everyone involved, especially myself. Ehe~"

"Normally I wouldn't allow that, but perhaps this is quite a reasonable exception to the rule." Yukino hummed, pink hue drawn on her pale-skinned cheek, "However, Isshiki-san, we decided not to go half-heartedly with the campaign. I hope you're not feel bothered by it, please try your best."

"Of course, my whole stock is at stake here!" Iroha looked at Yui, who simply twitched in response.

"Well, since I'm now officially the PR president of the student council, I'll be the one to handle the campaign progress... frankly speaking, I'll need help with ideas."

"Since you said you made your video, here's my turn." Hachiman push forward his smart phone.

On the screen, a campaign account were shown.

"This is digital age, social media would be a great tool for advertisement."

"Hikigaya-kun, I'm sure Yuigahama-san already thought about it." Yukinoshita jokingly commented, "Knowing you, you might be into something more dangerous than that..."

"You know me very well." He smirked and clasped his arm, entering his Gendo-mode. "Social media is a good tool for advertising yes, but it can also be used to influence the mass. Just making the campaign alone is enough, we had to make it grand enough that the next election that comes next year won't face the same problem in lack of interest."

In short, stir shit and you will get attention. Thanks to Zaimokuza, he now has enough manpower and resource to do anything he wanted.

"If there's growing interest amongst the student, then it's possible that we'll find a volunteering candidate next year." Yukino nodded sagely, "It's naive and optimistic, perhaps... but I don't see anything wrong with it..."

It's rather arrogant for them to believe illusion of grandeur, that they can change the atmosphere of the school with just a single election. Even so, it would be completely stupid to waste this chance and don't do anything. Because the next election will also be their responsibility to carry.

Call it an investment, if one must.

"Hikki... I won't ask how you will do it but at least promise me one thing." Yuigahama softly smiled, "Don't get hurt."

Hachiman scoffed and pulled his bag, "No promises."

Even thought he said that, both Yukino and Yui sighed in relief and shared a glance, before they smile.

"Looks like I will be completely devastated here." Iroha thought, still, if she really had to lose, it will be super graceful and profitable.

Meanwhile, Hiratsuka Shizuka can only feel amusement.

The three of them, clinging strongly to a fragile relationship, desperately protect it no matter what it takes, even if it cost them their body and mind. They wanted to preserve this relationship, because without the three of them, the service club wouldn't be the same.

But none of them were honest about their feeling, and Shizuka know that a relationship built on pretense and hidden desire will not last forever. They all look tired trying to keep up with each other foolishly, without understanding each other in the slightlest.

As she lit a cigarette and open the window, she wonder how much longer before her beloved students implode. The logical teacher in her know it's going to be soon enough, but her heart told her that it can't be helped. It's not her place to interfere with the dynamic of the club, her job is to nurture them, and guide them whenever they need help.

There will be times where she need to speak, this is not the time.

Starting tomorrow, the new service club will unveil their plan.

* Amazake: red sake, traditional rice-based drink usually served during next year. Even children can drink it.

(The strange bento Ebina gave to Hachiman is called Smarthan.)