You'd think summer would last forever, huh? Well, it doesn't. Here's "The second trimester begins"
LUCKY STAR
After the events of that weekend in the middle of summer, the lives of Konata & Yutaka, Miyuki & Minami, Kagami & Tsukasa, and Misao had taken a turn for the better – "better" being relative.
Sojiro finally got another job and was sustaining the Izumi household as best he could. At least they didn't need to worry about having food or running water anymore.
Yukari, now with no reason to hide her dislike of Minami and her relationship with Yutaka, was more open with everyone. The Iwasaki and Takara daughters, despite the unhidden dislike, were now more comfortable being in the same room as her, and were quite amused when Yukari began retorting to Honka's teasing. Their back and forth was reminiscent of Konata and Kagami before they got girlfriends.
Speaking of Kagami, the Hiiragi household returned to its routine of Tsukasa waking up late and forgetting about studying while Kagami was picking up the slack, trying her hardest to get her sister ready for college the entrance tests that year. Truth be told, going back to the familiar humdrum of their lives before that day a month ago felt surreal. Kagami wasn't quite sure what to make of it – and as far as the twin-tailed girl could tell, her twin hadn't realized the change at all.
Misao, still part of the track team, still energetic and seemingly carefree, and still Kagami's girlfriend, also had her life return to the state of normalcy it once had. It was a relief for Misao as the early to middle parts of summer was filled with too many serious matters to talk about. It was a breath of fresh air for her to go from relationship drama back to fun times with friends.
All that said, better is still not good. Yutaka never found out what her mother and Sojiro were talking about over the phone that one night. Konata and Tsukasa, despite taking an enormous leap in their relationship that particular morning, felt that each still saw the other as a friend more than a lover. Yukari and Minami, despite being more comfortable around each other, still had strained relations. Kagami was the worst off, her feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness of being with Misao threatened to overcome her whenever she thought about it too much – and it was worse when she was alone. The only one who probably WAS better off was Hiyori.
Hiyori Tamura, raven haired, glasses wearing doujin artist, decided to take Patricia Martin, blonde and busty American exchange student, on her offer of "more" – "More" being a chance to receive more physical affection from the blonde, i.e. hugs, kisses, etc…
The two began dating in the middle of summer and until the very end of summer, they stayed together.
Speaking of the end of summer…
LUCKY STAR
"Good morning Shiraishi-san." Miyuki greeted as she entered the classroom
"Early again, I see"
"It's the start of a new trimester. I thought it would be a good idea to come early." Miyuki put her bag on her chair and walked out the door. "Besides, the class representatives have a meeting this morning. I'll see you in class, Shiraishi-san"
"See you, Takara-san" Minoru saluted a goodbye.
On her way to the student council office, Miyuki bumped into a lavender haired twin-tailed girl while turning a corner. "Oh, good morning Kagami-san"
"Sorry, Miyuki-san. I shouldn't have been standing behind that corner." Kagami said quickly
"Not to worry. I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going." Miyuki assured her. "Are you headed for the student council office?"
"Yeah. We have a meeting, right?"
"Then let's go together" Miyuki smiled and gestured for the two of them to start walking. And walk they did. "Is Tsukasa-san with you?"
"No. She's still asleep…" Kagami sighed "…Like she always is"
"I'm a bit surprised, though. Hasn't Tsukasa been waking up earlier as of late?"
"Er…" Kagami scratched her head. "Well… you remember that sleepover we had a week ago? She seemed to go back to normal after that"
"Hmm… That's quite strange…" The pinkette noted. "But not entirely unlikely."
"Oh, did you bring an umbrella today?"
"Why… no." Miyuki raised an eyebrow to the unexpected question. "Did the forecast say there would be rain today?"
"Not really, but they said there was a chance that it might if you stay out late enough." Kagami explained "I thought 'better safe than sorry' so I brought a foldable kind" She rummaged her bag and pulled out a folding umbrella – the automatic push-button kind.
"That's a lovely umbrella." Miyuki examined it. The design was rather minimalistic, having only primary colors and basic shapes on the fabric but it looked to have a pattern that was pleasing to look at if it were unfurled. "Oh, this is the birthday gift I gave you"
"Yeah" Kagami smirked "Not saying I want it to rain, but it would be nice to break this thing in"
"Actually, umbrellas were originally made to shade you from the sun" Miyuki commented
"Really…? Huh…" Kagami seemed surprised by that information.
"Don't worry. In modern times, the term umbrella is used when it shields from the rain. It's an unofficial distinction that a parasol is what is used to shade from the sun, although they do both jobs equally well."
"Well, that was certainly some interesting trivia." Kagami remarked "I swear, is there anything you don't know"
"Oh, I don't know everything. I know only what I know" Miyuki said modestly. Kagami blinked then shook her head, as if remembering something she shouldn't. Did I say something wrong? Miyuki wondered
They reached the student council office and entered in preparation for the meeting. Now they need only wait for the other class reps to arrive.
LUCKY STAR
"Good morning, Kona-chan" The lavender-haired air head smiled as she waved hello.
"Good morning Konata-san, Tsukasa-san" Miyuki entered the room and greeted her friends.
"Good morning Yuki-chan"
"How was your summer, moe goddess Miyuki." Konata said with a dramatic bow – a bit difficult considering she was sitting at her desk.
"It was not very eventful summer, unfortunately." Miyuki commented "But it was fun nonetheless"
Tsukasa tilted her head slightly "Hey, Yuki-chan"
"Yes?"
"You're normally the first one to class. How come you weren't here when I arrived?" Tsukasa asked curiously
"Well, I'm not really the first person to get here. That title goes to Shiraishi-san."
"Sebastian?" Konata asked "He's the first to class?"
"Er… yes." Miyuki sweat dropped "Anyway, I arrived here shortly before varsity practice began." The school sports teams began morning practice at least an hour prior to the start of school. "I went to a class representatives' meeting… Then I wandered the school a bit while I waited for class to start"
"Wow Yuki-chan. I never knew you woke up so early." Tsukasa said in wonder.
"It's not surprising. You have a curfew don't you?" Konata noted
"Yes. Nine o'clock. But I've recently had it pushed back to as late as ten."
"Hey Tsukasa, don't you go to sleep at nine as well?" Konata asked
"Er… I do?" Tsukasa doesn't check the clock before she goes to sleep so she doesn't know. Not being able to give an answer she just pouted and hung her head, blushing.
"You're cute when you do that" Konata commented, which caused Tsukasa to cover her cheeks and walk to her seat, obviously embarrassed at the compliment. Konata smiled "She's cute isn't she?"
"Yes." Miyuki looked at Tsukasa. She was holding her hands up to her cheeks and shaking her head excitedly. She was like a smitten school girl, which she incidentally was. Miyuki glanced at the person who cause the reaction and saw that she was still staring at Tsukasa. "Yes, she certainly is" Miyuki smiled and returned to her seat.
The bell rang and a voice called from the door. "Alright, class. Quiet down. It's the first day of school after summer vacation, let's not start it off by being more annoying than you already are." Nanako Kuroi walked into the room, apparently in a bad mood. "So to start off this trimester, let's have attendance. Izumi!"
Konata raised her hand with a smug smile. "Here"
"Really now?" Ms. Kuroi said in surprise. "I expected you to be late… Ah whatever" She waved off her disbelief. "You're off to a good start, Izumi. Let's hope it lasts till the end of the school year"
"It might, but I wouldn't get your hopes up." Konata replied
"Ha! Like I'd ever do THAT" Kuroi laughed
"…" Konata felt a little hurt from the low expectations but didn't really mind.
And so began the second trimester of that year.
LUCKY STAR
"Good afternoon, Nurse Amahara." Yutaka chimed as she and Minami entered the room. Minami nodded her greeting as well
"Oh, good afternoon. How was your summer?" Fuyuki Amahara, the nurse asked cheerfully. "Oh, we're using a different brand of your medicine now." She said cheerfully "If it works as well as it should, we'll have saved you a couple hundred yen." She winked and shifting though her stuff.
"Our summer was fun" Yutaka answered happily. "And thank you."
"Did you find anything remotely supernatural in the summer?" Nurse Amahara asked.
"Eh…" Yutaka sweat dropped. "I'm sorry Nurse Amahara, we didn't find any" Every Monday she asked if they saw ghosts or some similar phenomena over the weekend. They always said no but it seemed it made no difference to her as she always asked again. It was no surprise that she asked on the first day of the new trimester.
"Really? That's a shame."
"Yutaka" Minami handed her a glass of water. She looked at the nurse and held up a bottle of tablets, looking for confirmation.
"Yes, that's the one."
Minami nodded and gave Yutaka a single tablet from the container. The rosy redhead drank it, as gasp escaping her lips when she finished.
"Oh, and by the way, the drowsiness side effect you get from your previous brand of medicine is still present in this one. I just needed to inform you"
Minami looked at the bottle again, and she found a little foot note on the label with the side effects written. Sure enough, 'mild drowsiness' was there.
"Just be careful not to fall asleep in class" Minami warned.
"Okay" Yutaka got off the bed and the two of them began walking out the nurse's office. "Goodbye nurse Amahara."
"Take care now. Be sure to tell me about any paranormal activity you might find."
The door closed and the two students walked back to class.
"Oh, Minami, can we stop by the cafeteria?" Yutaka asked as she passed by the hall leading to said room. "I need to go buy lunch"
"You didn't bring lunch?"
"No. It's cheaper to buy food here. At least that's what I was told."
The mint haired girl blinked. "We could always have my lunch." She suggested
"What? No, that's your lunch. You should be the one to eat it" The shorter girl said
"I'm not that hungry. I think I can survive a day without lunch."
"No. Minami, it's yours." Yutaka insisted.
Minami looked down and muttered. "… What if we share…?"
Yutaka tilted her head slightly. "…Eh…?"
"… We could share my lunch…" Minami said, eyes fixed on a single point in the air in front of her. "… I'd like to feed you…" Minami's face grew red slightly
"… Oh…" Yutaka blushed "… I'd like that too…"
After a few seconds of awkward relative-silence as they stood in the bustling cafeteria hallway, they began walking once more to the classroom, hand in hand.
LUCKY STAR
"I've always wanted to eat lunch up here!" Patricia said enthusiastically. "It's like were anime protagonists!"
They had gone to the roof. Technically, students weren't allowed to eat there. But no one was around and Patricia happened to know how to pick locks.
"Patty-chan, I'm not sure we should stay here…" Hiyori said nervously
"Oh, relax. It's not like anyone goes up here anyway" Patricia waved of her lover's concerns and examined the area.
It was flat, concrete, and surrounded by a chain-link fence – not particularly eye-catching. Patricia was not impressed "Tell me, why do anime protags like eating here?"
"Erm… I don't really know." Hiyori had set a handkerchief on the floor and was sitting on it, getting ready to eat. "Maybe it's the view?"
Patricia leaned on the fence and looked down on the campus. "Looks about as good as it does on the ground." She deadpanned. Sighing, she sat down in front of Hiyori and watched her eat.
It took the glasses-girl a few minutes to notice the rather intense stare Patricia was giving her. And when she did… "Wha! Why are you staring at me!?"
"I'm bored and hungry" The blond said said, not taking her eyes off of the other
"Er… If you don't have money to buy some, you could always share some of mine" Hiyori said nervously.
"It's not exactly that kind of hunger…" Patricia said with a mischievous grin
"Um…" What is she planning? Knowing Patricia, it could be anything…
"Oh, don't mind me for now. Just keep eating"
With apprehension in her stomach, Hiyori ate as fast as possible before her appetite lessens any more. Whatever she's planning, I want it over with as fast as possible.
As Hiyori finished eating her food and packing her lunch box, Patricia leaned over to her. "Remember when I said I was hungry?" Oh boy… "I was sorta craving a taste…" Is this gonna go the way I think it will…? "of you…" … Well…
One passionate kiss later, Hiyori was out of breath, and Patricia had pinned her down, knees on her hips and hands on her shoulders. Hiyori couldn't move "Wow… This… was entirely different… from how… I imagined… getting pinned… would feel like…" Hiyori said between deep breaths.
"Pinning someone by the wrists isn't as effective as anime would tell you." Patricia smiled. "So… can I keep going?"
"… What?"
"Oh, you know." Patricia casually put her hand on Hiyori's left breast.
Hiyori gasped. I MY GOD. If I say yes, I'm gonna get laid… Am I ready for this…? Oh, who am I kidding? I WANT THIS! "G-go…" Patricia grinned and continued.
LUCKY STAR
"Hey, Misao, I've always wondered this… How can you wolf down all of your food all the time and not get any fatter?" Kagami asked, pinching her waist.
"Dude, I'm part of the track team, remember?"
"… huh, forgot about that…"
Lunch in classroom 3-C was pleasant and quiet. Kagami, Misao, and Ayano had much of the room to themselves, with all their classmates either taking up their own small space in the corner of the room, eating at the cafeteria, or wandering the school building.
"You've gotta relax, Kagami. You're not fat." Misao said casually. "You're pretty sexy actually."
That earned a swat to the head which Kagami delivered swiftly. "Geez, you're sounding more and more like Konata with every passing day."
Misao rubbed her head. "Oww… You didn't have to hit me that hard. I was telling you what I honestly thought" Kagami blushed but did not respond. "Speaking of that midget, why aren't you eating with her?"
Kagami blinked. Why AREN'T I eating with her? "… I don't know."
"Maybe it's because you wanted to spend time with me?" Misao said hopefully.
"Er… no. I don't think so." Kagami deadpanned
"Kagami, that's mean." Misao pouted. "Is that how you're supposed to treat your girlfriend?" Kagami twitched. Misao noticed this and suddenly became worried. "… Oh boy…" She began snapping her fingers in front of the twin-tails' face as she began shivering. "Kagami, I was joking. I actually kinda like it when you're mean to me." She said quickly, trying to calm her down..
Kagami's eyes slowly went back into focus and her cheeks slowly turned a rosy color. "You… You shouldn't joke about things like that…"
"Sorry…" Misao apologized. "Hey, this is that tsundere personality this the chibi was talking about" Misao said enthusiastically, happy to have remembered something about her girlfriend. "You're actually pretty sensitive, huh?"
"Sh-shut up…" Kagami replied weakly. "It's your fault for saying stupid things…"
"Just stop thinking too much on it. Your brain keeps making things worse; I'm surprised you keep acing our tests"
"Oh, big words coming from someone who got 16% percent once" Kagami retorted, her voice gaining some energy back
"Hey, the teacher NEVER discussed that!"
"It was discussed! Last Year!" Kagami corrected
"You expect me to remember something a teacher taught me a year ago?!"
"At least some of it!"
"Maybe if you helped me, I'd be able to remember!"
"Oh, I very much doubt that!"
"Wanna bet!?"
"You're on!"
"Great! I'll go to your house every Saturday for tutoring then."
Kagami blinked "Wait what?" Did she just…
"That was smooth." Ayano giggled. "When did you get so good at talking?"
"Let's just say me and the midget are closer friends that we used to be." Misao said smugly
So SHE planned this… Kagami clenched her teeth. I'm gonna kill her…
LUCKY STAR
Miyuki was wandering the halls. Public displays of affection aside, she was perfectly comfortable with staying in the class room and watching her two friends act lovey-dovey, and the couple was likewise fine with her being there. She didn't wish to intrude on them though. Thus, she walked the school building.
By definition, "to wander" is "to move around or go to different places usually without having a particular purpose or direction". With that said, Miyuki was definitely wandering, in more ways than one.
Her mind was afloat and her train of thought had gone off the tracks. The last thing she remembered was walking out of her classroom, the next thing she knew, she was on the other side of the building (and little did she know that she had circled the entire floor twice before she came to)
What tore from daze, however, was a scream.
"Kyaaa!"
"What was that?" Miyuki looked around to find a few other students who were also looking around. They probably heard the noise as well.
A few minutes past and those searching gave up and once again went about their business. Miyuki, however continued her search, fueled by a certain curiosity she couldn't quite control. That sound was too soft to be from one of the nearby classrooms. It's also too loud to be from a classroom farther away. From the way it resounded through the hall, I'd say it came from outside, through the window. Miyuki looked out the window and found the grounds were empty. It wasn't directly from the outside, so it was probably from the second years' hallway… Oh dear, am I really bold enough to brave entering the halls of my underclassmen? Miyuki shook her head. Perhaps it was on the roof. I'd rather not embarrass myself by going down to the second years' floor.
And so Miyuki went for the roof, the door to which was surprisingly unlocked. What she saw was… troubling, to say the least.
LUCKY STAR
"I know we talked about this before, but which end of a choco-cornet is the head?" Konata asked as she took a bite of the side food item. "Like… Which is it really? Is it the fat end or the skinny end?"
Tsukasa thought for a bit "Well, I always thought it was the skinny end because it looks kinda like-"
"A sea shell" Konata finished, taking another bite off the skinny end of the cornet.
The lavender haired girl beamed in awe "Yeah. Wow Konata, you're a really good guesser. It's like you read my mind"
"Eh…" But we already talked about this. Two years ago… "Yeah, let's go with that. It's the skinny end, like the tip of a sea shell…" The otaku decided not to further that conversation anymore.
"You know, I don't think a choco-cornet is enough food for you" Tsukasa noted
"What?"
"I mean, back in the last trimester, you were always bringing box lunches. What happened to change that?" Concern laced Tsukasa's voice.
"Eh… Well, I'm trying to save money and buying choco-cornets and a bottle of milk is cheaper than the lunch I make at home."
"Really?" Tsukasa asked, not quite believing her. "What are you saving up for?"
Konata was presented with a choice - trust Tsukasa and tell her the truth or lie and risk upsetting her if she ever finds out. If she doesn't find out I'll be fine… but then it would mean I don't trust her, now doesn't it? Well… If I were in a dating sim, what action would lead to the good ending…? I'm gonna tell her the truth. "Remember around a month or so ago when I said we were having money troubles?"
The question got a worried look from Tsukasa "Y-yes…"
"We're sorta still in a pinch." Konata gave a vague explanation that didn't really explain anything. "Better than before, but not good."
Tsukasa was left with something to ponder. She pouted, arching her eyebrows, and rubbing her chin. Tsukasa looks cute when she's deep in thought like that… The airhead's eyes widened and a smile found its way on her face. She got an idea.
"I'll just make you one" Tsukasa said cheerfully
"… Make me what?" The blunette was confused. We were talking about money… she's gonna help me make money?
"Lunch"
"Oh…" She blinked. Ooooh, that's what she meant. "Are you sure? I don't really want to be too much trouble"
"Yeah. Why not? It's not like you don't already depend on Kagami for homework. Why not depend on me for food too?"
Ouch… Airheads hit hard when they don't know what they're saying… But she has a point. Why not? "… Okay. You'll make lunch for me. Thanks"
"You're welcome." Tsukasa chimed. "I'll start tomorrow… But til' then…" Tsukasa took a bit of her lunch with her chopsticks and raised it in front of Konata. "Here, have some."
"Uh…" Konata blushed. Holy Haruhi, we're gonna be sharing lunch. That's like getting an indirect kiss… what am I thinking!? I've already gotten a DIRECT KISS from her! Why is this making my heart pound all of all of a sudden!? It's like I'm in a shoujo manga or something! She opened her mouth and Tsukasa fed her.
LUCKY STAR
Miyuki was scolding her two scantily clad underclassmen. "While I'm sorry to have intruded in your… um… intimate moment…" Hiyori and Patricia blushed "… but please understand, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be doing that sort of thing at school. You're lucky it was just me. I'd rather not think of what would have happened if a teacher saw you." The two first-years blushed even more "It's perfectly reasonable for healthy teenage girls to engage in sexual activities, but keep in mind that there is a time and place for everything…"
"Alright, we promised not to get caught next time" Patricia said, getting over her embarrassment quicker than most people would think possible
Miyuki raised an eyebrow. "If you are gonna be doing something like that again, I suggest you find a way to keep the noise to the minimum…" She smiled "oh, and close the door next time" With that, the pinkette walked back into the building.
Once she was at the bottom of the steps, she sighed. I'd be lying if I didn't find that more than a little arousing… She shook her head to dispel any unwanted thoughts. You're in school, Miyuki. Know your priorities.
LUCKY STAR
"Oh, Hiyori, where've you been?" Yutaka asked when she entered the room.
"Well… I was… er… with Patricia and we ate on the roof" Hiyori said quickly
Minami raised an eyebrow. She gave the glasses-girl a once over – slightly messy hair; somewhat ruffled uniform; subtly looser skirt – Minami was pretty sure of what Hiyori and Patricia did on the roof and she would bet that it wasn't eating (although that actually did happen)
Hiyori noticed Minami's stare and when she glanced at her, the mint-haired girl gave a razor-thin smile, a barely noticeable change in her emotionless face. "Congratulations" She said. Hiyori blushed. She knows.
"Congratulations for what?" Yutaka asked
"Ah… well… you see…" Hiyori couldn't think of an answer.
"It's a secret. She'll tell you when she's less shy about it" Minami said, saving Hiyori the trouble of explaining.
Hiyori looked at Minami with grateful eyes. The stoic returned her glance with a look that said tell us when you're ready. Hiyori smiled nervously. Message received
LUCKY STAR
Kagami was asked by their homeroom teacher to help with filing the class' grades. Why the teacher would entrust a student to do that, she didn't know, the fact of the matter is that she was forced to stay late after school.
The rain poured outside as Kagami exchanged her shoes at the shoe lockers. "Well looks like I got my wish. I WILL be breaking this thing in" As she went out the door, the twin-tailed girl took out the folding umbrella from her bag and moved to walk into the rain before she noticed a head of blue hair at the edge of the overhang that shielded them from the rain. "Yo, Konata"
The otaku blinked "Oh, Kagami. Didn't see you there"
"Jeez. What are you doing, spacing out over here?"
"Aww. You're worried about me?" Konata teased
"Of course I'm worried. You were standing there, glaring into space as if you were really pissed off."
The bluenette blinked again "I was?"
"Yeah"
"Ah… Well, don't worry about that." Konata waved her off "What you should worry about is me getting stuck in the rain. Got any problem with sharing?" She gestured at the umbrella
"Oh… Sure." And so, they walked to the station together under the canopy of the umbrella.
The only sound as they walked was the pitter-patter of raindrops hitting the side walk. This is one of the few times Kagami had ever been alone with Konata and not be constantly teased by her. Come to think of it, the last time they were ever alone together was before she and Tsukasa got together, and that was nearly two months ago. That said, the lack of communication made the air around them feel heavy.
"S-so…" Kagami pierced the relative silence.
"… So" Konata repeated awkwardly.
Say something, damn it! "So… school started today…"
"… Yeah"
"… Sorry I didn't eat with you guys"
"It's fine…"
The conversation was force and uncomfortable. Kagami began beating herself up for not being able to find a good topic to talk about. It would have been better to keep the awkward silence. Coincidentally, that was exactly what they returned to.
"Hey, Kagami…" This time it was Konata the broke the silence. "You have a meeting with the other class reps right?"
Kagami coughed lightly "… Um… Yeah. How'd you know?"
"Miyuki said she went to a class rep meeting this morning. Since you're a class rep, I just put two and two together." Konata explained "Anyways, what was the meeting about?"
"Oh, okay" That was actually pretty obvious… How did I not think of that? "Well, we have a few weeks before the culture festival begins so we decided to start planning. It was mostly budget negotiations with the student council. I don't know how the prez managed to juggle negotiating with nine different reps at the same time but she was amazing."
"Actually, I saw an anime involving a certain student council president who could do that…" Konata began, to which she was flicked on the forehead by Kagami
"Whoever that is, if she's from anime, I'm not surprised she can do it." Kagami deadpanned "Oh, and would you believe that Miyuki got you guys the biggest budget out of all of us?"
"Wait, seriously?"
"Yeah. The difference between your budget and everyone else's was a little under a hundred yen, but still"
"That's our Miyuki" Konata praised "How'd she do it? Did she use her sexy moe aspects to seduce the prez?" She added with a sly smile
Kagami face palmed "First of all, the prez doesn't swing that way; second, I don't think Miyuki would stoop so low"
"Hmm… I suppose you're right." Konata frowned "I don't think Miyuki would be able to use her moe powers even if she wanted to…"
"That's not exactly what I meant… Ah, whatever." Kagami shook her head "Anyway, she sort of intimidated us into it."
"No way"
"Yeah. We both know how rich Miyuki's family is. She threatened to… er… contribute to your funds if your class didn't get a bigger budget."
"Wow, the goddess of moe's badass…"
"I'll say. Pretty unfair though" Kagami sighed "Then again, life isn't fair."
The silence returned once more, but not as awkward as it was earlier – not as long as earlier either
"How was lunch with Misao?" Konata asked. She said it in a casual manner but there was a certain look of expectation in her eyes.
Kagami looked at her with suspicion. "It was…" With a blink and a blush, she remembered. She bonked Konata on the head "You planned that didn't you!?"
"OW!" Konata rubbed place of impact. "That hurt."
"Admit it! You planned that whole scene with the teasing and the tricking and word play and-"
"Kagami! Calm down." Konata took hold of her shoulders, causing the tsundere to let go of the umbrella. "Chill"
Kagami took a deep breath. "Y-you… you planned for Misao to trick me into helping her study"
Konata stared at her "What?" She bent down and picked the umbrella up from the sidewalk. "Kagami, I never talked to Misao about doing that." She propped it up awkwardly, in a vain attempt to keep the canopy above Kagami's head. The twin-tailed girl took the umbrella from the struggling Konata. "I mean, I guess I gave her an idea when we last talked but… I didn't exactly give her a way to execute it."
"You… you didn't?" Kagami blushed
"No. I'm still sorta wondering how you thought it was my doing." Konata looked at her sternly, which really didn't work with her as all she could muster was a cute pout.
Ignoring the downright adorable attempt at an unsympathetic face, Kagami explained "She sort of began teasing me…"
Konata rolled her hands in a 'go on' gesture "And?"
"One of them hit a bit too hard and she apologized…"
"And?"
"After a few back-and-forths, she tricked me into accepting a bet where I have to tutor her every weekend."
"And?"
"… That's it"
"… That's it?"
"…That's it…"
Konata blinked "And what's the problem here again?"
"Well, I… I…" Kagami was speechless
"Right" Konata deadpanned in a voice similar to her Haruhi impression. "If you want my opinion, I think you're just overreacting"
"Stop it with the acting" Kagami warned
"Alright alright." Konata relented "But still, I DO think that. What, did you think I was planning to break your mind by sending your girlfriend to your house every week?" Konata joked
"… Yes…" The twin-tailed girl said shyly
"Wait, you did? What the hell kind of train of thought would lead you to that conclusion?" Konata shook her head. "Never mind. Listen Kagami, you've gotta stop overthinking things. Just accept that something good happened in your life. It's not like everything has a catch."
"But…"
"Okay, maybe most things have a catch. Like those supposedly free coupons I got from this one guy at gamerz" Konata muttered
"Uh…" Kagami was getting annoyed
"But that's beside the point. Now, where was I."
"What is it about my situation that is good?" Kagami asked irritably.
"Well, for one, you get to spend time you're your girlfriend" Konata said a-matter-of-factly.
"… She… She's my classmate. We see each other all the time"
"So are me and Tsukasa. I'd feel pretty good if I were in your situation… actually can you tutor me too?"
"NO, I can't tutor you too!"
"Darn it"
"Besides, I don't think staying at my house would be-"
"Kagami, stop making excuses. If you don't want her in your house, you could always tell her"
"But-"
"Ah, for some reason I forgot you were tsundere, alright have to think of a better solution"
"Hey, I'm not-"
"Actually there's no better way than to tell the truth" Konata concluded "Just tell her straight up that you don't want her at your house. Yeah. That'll-"
"Konata!" Kagami shut her up. "She deserves better than me…" Kagami said quietly, barely audible from the sound of the rain
"What are you talking about? You've got the some of the best grades in our year."
"No… it's not because of that… She deserves a better girlfriend… Someone who actually loves her…"
"Then be that girl" Konata said simply "Be the girl you think she deserves"
"I can't… I don't love her. I'm-"
"In love with me?" The umbrella once more fell to the ground
"K-konata…" Kagami blushed, not of just embarrassment, but also in shame. "…yes…"
"Then forget about me!" Konata yelled "If I'm the one going between you two then take me out of your life! Be happy with her!"
"But I DON'T WANT YOU OUT OF MY LIFE!" Kagami sobbed helplessly, sinking down to her knees.
"WELL DO YOU WANT MISAO OUT OF YOUR LIFE!?" Konata asked angrily "Stop beating yourself up! She loves you! It doesn't matter if she deserves better! YOU'RE THE ONE SHE WANTS!" Konata's emotions were overpowering her "Please… I don't want to see you so sad anymore…" Soon, she too sank to her knees.
"I-I'm sorry f-for yelling…" Kagami gasped as she tried to suppress her wails.
"Its… It's fine…" Konata managed "I just… just want you t-to be happy…" Konata leaned over to hug Kagami which she graciously returned.
So there on the sidewalk, in the rain, they sat holding each other, the cold raindrops ignored for the warmth and comfort of their skin ship.
After they've calmed down, Kagami sighed "what the hell are we doing, look at us…"
Konata chuckled. "We look like idiots"
"I'll say" The shade of an umbrella covered them from the rain as someone walked up behind them. The two turned to see it was Miyuki. "While I'm glad you two have made up in whatever argument you were having, I'd think it would be nice if we get you two out of the rain."
Kagami rubbed her eyes dry, or at least as dry as the weather would allow "Right. We might catch a cold" She stood up
Getting up as well, Konata segued into a tangent about colds. "You know, I've always wondered, why is that in anime, when you catch a cold, you're basically dead? It's like colds in anime are the equivalent of cancer in real life"
"… come to think of it, it's the same in light novels." Kagami realized, thankful that Konata lightened the mood
"Perhaps we should continue this while we walk?" Miyuki suggested "We're not far from the station"
And so, the three of them walked. The two received weird looks on the train because of their dripping wet clothes and hair but all was well. When the two got off at their respective stops, they went straight to their homes and took a hot bath.
Miyuki, who arrived home first recounted the even to Minami.
"It sounds like her problem is complicated" Minami noted
"It only seems that way, Minami-san" Miyuki said "It's a whole lot simpler than you think."
LUCKY STAR
I'm getting a lot of views but not a lot of reviews. My mediocrity is more prominent than I thought. You guys seriously have nothing to say? Eh, I don't blame you. Hard to find something to say about something you don't have an opinion about. My story, while not all that bad, isn't exactly good either.