I was just waiting here at the train 7 am in the morning. I swear it was such a pain just to wake up today despite how tired I was yesterday. Waking up early never feels good especially when you're forced to go outside in this freezing weather. All this trouble just was just to return to Chiba. Don't take it wrong, I love Chiba. It's jsut the way to get back to Chiba is annoying. I don't know why Iroha was so insistent on taking the earliest train. Apparently, she wants to take the early train in order to avoid large crowds. All of this for my sake. It's a sweet gesture, but I would prefer waking up normally and entering a train full of people compared to waking up this early in the sheer cold to avoid crowds. With nothing to do for 15 minutes until the train arrives, I decided to start a conversation with the girl half-asleep on my shoulder to kill some time.

"I still say that we should've taken the afternoon train. Look at you struggling to stay awake."

"Stop being so grouchy senpai. It's been done, so there's no more reason to complain."

"Fine. I'm still bored though, so I'm going to keep on bothering you."

"Oh come on senpai. Stop acting childish and let me rest."

"That's rich coming from you though."

"It's okay for me to play unfair."

"Then by all means that it's fair for me to be unfair." I told her as I constantly poked her in the cheek. She just responded with a pout and closed her eyes. I really didn't have it in me to pester someone to same as extent as her though. I was left with no choice but to watch my surroundings. Despite just being a modern area, the scenery of wilted trees covered in white along with the falling snow seemed majestic to me. I really didn't appreciate snow before because winter was rarely associated with happy times. Oddly enough for me though, it gives a feeling of relief. I really can't pinpoint the reason of it though. Maybe it's just a simple desire of mine.

I then looked at the time to see it was nearing the time of departure. I lightly tapped Iroha on the head in order to wake her up. Once she snapped out of her daze, the two of us made our way inside. After finding a comfortable seat, I suddenly felt drowsy. I didn't understand why though. It seemed that Iroha noticed my drowsiness due to my yawn.

"Looks like senpai's the one sleepy now huh."

"Oh shut up."

"Why don't you sleep on my lap?"

"A lap pillow? Really?"

"There're barely any people right now anyway! Besides, I'm sure you're at least interested in it."

"Fine then."

After agreeing to her suggestion, I positioned myself in a way I could comfortably rest on her lap. To be honest, it felt amazing. My head was extremely relaxed. I don't want to describe the softness of her thighs though since that would brand me as a pervert.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself senpai." Iroha said with a cheeky grin. I couldn't deny the fact that I was indeed enjoying myself though. It was also fascinating how different this kind of experience actually feels. It may be simply a display of affection for others, for me though, this just makes me feel relaxed. I could also see how much Iroha was enjoying this as well. As I was about to close my eyes and go to sleep, I felt a hand lightly rubbing through my hair.

"What exactly are you doing?"

"Nothing much. I just never really had the chance to play with your hair. I might as well do it now. Do you not like it?"

"It doesn't feel bad. In fact, it's making me feel sleepy."

Once I said that, Iroha showed her trademark smirk. I have a vague feeling that she discovered a new way to mess with me.

"Don't look so concerned senpai."

"I just can't shake off this bad feeling."

"Don't mind that senpai! Just focus on your nap."

"Fine then."

With the conversation over, I just simply closed my eyes. I was afraid that she would do something to me, but I was extremely drowsy at this point. Without caring to bother, I just let myself drift to sleep while resting on her lap.

My peaceful rest was suddenly disrupted due to the constant nudging of my head. I opened my eyes to see that it was Iroha behind the act. She was cheekily smiling at me. I have a vague feeling that she was staring at me in my sleep. I still don't understand why she adores my sleeping face though.

"Wake up senpai, we're here."

"Just give me a minute."

"No senpai! You have to wake up!"

"Fine."

After getting off her lap and doing some stretches, the both of us got our luggage and left the train. Once we arrived at the terminal of the station, we were planning what to do next.

"What should we do first senpai?"

"It's either we head straight home or eat breakfast first."

"I want to eat breakfast together! I'll be the one to choose where we eat though. You sometimes have horrible taste in restaurants."

"Fine then."

After we made the decision, Iroha dragged me into some random cafe. According to her, it's famous for its breakfast meals. She wasn't exaggerating since the cafe was fairly occupied once we entered. I would normally not prefer to go to cafes since they are often filled like this. I also dislike the constant chattering of the other people present. The only reason I'm accustomed to it now is because of the number of times Iroha has dragged me into various cafes.

We had to settle for a table with three chairs since no other table was available. Once we had settled in along with our luggage, Iroha ordered for the two of us. I didn't really want to bother with looking through a menu feeling this listless. We already understand each other's preferences by now. I just hope she didn't order something with tomatoes to mess with me. Apparently, she ordered a special breakfast meal only available to couples. I normally despised these kinds of offers in the past since it always felt condescending.

"What's exactly did you order anyway Iroha?"

"Two cups of coffee, a couple of daifuku and a honey toast."

"That seems a lot to eat."

"I made sure of that y'know. I'm sure that you want to relax as long as possible before having to do something."

"You really have come to understand my preferences lately."

"Of course I have! I haven't lived with you for months just for show."

"Well, thanks."

"No problem senpai!"

After that, our food arrived to our table and we began to slowly eat it. Since we were planning to stay here for quite a while, I brought out one of my books. Reading peacefully while food is readily available is always a soothing experience. Even Iroha was doing the same thing as she brought out her own novel. She would normally want to engage in conversation, but sometimes she respects my desire for silence. It was reassuring that we had no need for a compromise. We simply accommodate each others desires every now and then.

Just as the two of us were peacefully enjoying our breakfast, we were suddenly disrupted by the voice of an all too familiar face.

"Oh, is that Hikigaya-kun?" A voice suddenly said which startled the both of us. The two of us turned our heads to the source of the voice only to see Yukinoshita Haruno. She was wearing a dark blue coat and a grey blouse along with light blue jeans. Despite her rather simple attire, she still appears as beautiful as ever. Don't get me wrong. She's objectively beautiful. I honestly find Iroha, Komachi and Totsuka more attracting.

It's always unpleasant encountering her since she's just a pain to deal with. Just recalling the times I spent with her was enough to make me feel annoyed. I really couldn't feign off ignorance at this point, so I had no other option but to accept her.

"Fancy seeing you here especially since you have company." She playfully told us as she took the available seat of our table.

"Y-Yahallo Haru-san-senpai!" Iroha clumsily greeted. Looks like she's still intimidated by her. I can't blame her though.

"What are you doing here Haruno-san?" I question her. I sincerely doubt this is simply a coincidence. I already fulfilled most of the wishes of the RomCom Gods. What reason do they have left to mess with me.

"How mean of you! I was just taking a stroll until I noticed you."

"I hardly doubt that's enough of a reason for you to come here."

"Don't be so cold Hikigaya-kun! I haven't seen you recently, so this was the perfect chance. Although I think I may be interrupting something." She said to me as she switched her focus to Iroha. I still don't understand why Haruno-san is so insistent on bothering me. I feel like I'm just a tool of entertainment for her.

"It's no problem if you stay Haru-san-senpai!" Iroha suddenly said to her. Haruno-san just replied with a smile. This situation was already troublesome, so I didn't want to say anything unnecessary. These two are masters of conversation and such after all.

"Now tell me Hikigaya-kun and kaichou-chan, what are the two of you doing here?"

"We just arrived from our train in Tokyo and decided to eat breakfast here. That simple."

"That's not what I meant! That part is pretty obvious. I'm talking about why you two are together at a place like this."

"Senpai and I are dating after all." Iroha casually responded. I was suddenly taken back by how quick she responded. I don't have any qualms with revealing our relationship, but it is still difficult for me to actually say it. Haruno-san just snickered at her answer.

"Oh my, Hikigaya-kun actually did get himself a girlfriend. I was hoping for it to be Yukino-chan. Either way, congratulations!" She cheerfully said to the two of us. Although, I could feel how insincere her words were. Iroha just smiled and gave her thanks while I just continued to read my book.

There was also more food on the table due to Haruno-san. She insisted on ordering more for the purpose of sharing. I could see through her intention though. She wanted the two us to have a reason to stay here longer. I really couldn't do anything about it and neither could Iroha. Iroha would just keep on chatting with Haruno-san while I would occasionally enter the conversation. This went on for around twenty minutes until Haruno-san suddenly startled Iroha and I.

"I wonder how long your relationship will last given how cruel reality is." She said to the two of us with piercing cold eyes. That question was enough to send shivers down both of our spines. I could also see how taken back Iroha was.

Honestly, that was something I didn't want to think about. I know that I consider what I have with Iroha genuine. It's just that life isn't always a fairy tale. Reality could easily tear apart any kinds of relationships. I have already decided to change and do something about it, but I can't help but be intimated by it. I was confused on how to Haruno-san's question until Iroha tightly gripped my hand.

"You shouldn't worry about us Haru-san-senpai. Whether or not what we have could be classified as genuine, senpai and I will manage." Iroha confidently said to her as she was still gripping onto my hand. Those words of hers was extremely reassuring for me. It proves to me that some people will really care for you no matter what, something I had absolutely no faith in before.

"What about you Hikigaya-kun? What do you think?" She asked specifically to me. I didn't even feel intimidated by her anymore due to Iroha's support. I would've never though that someone was willing to support me. I would just support others in order to justify that false assumption of mine. Thanks to Iroha, I've realized something important.

"I agree with Iroha. Even if problems arise, the two of us will somehow deal with it." I said without a shred of hesitation. Overcoming hardships is a part of life that can't be avoided after all. I might as well embrace it with someone willing to stay with me.

Haruno-san just clapped as she was smiling. Most of her smiles awhile ago didn't have a shred of emotion but this one was different. I could see how sincere and devoid it was of malice. The two of us were completely confused with the current situation.

"I'm impressed you two. I didn't expect a response such as that. Looks like it was a good idea to throw out the question." She explained to the of us which only resulted in me sighing. Once again, I was dragged into Haruno-san's antics again. I have to admit though, she did help me gain a sense of relief.

"Well, it's about time I go now. I hope you two have a fun vacation together!" Haruno-san cheekily said to us as she exited the cafe. All I could do was have a sigh of relief as Iroha just giggled.

"You were right senpai, she is a handful."

"I told you I wasn't exaggerating. Although, it's impressive how you kept up with her pace."

"What do you take me for senpai? Just because I spend all my time with you doesn't mean I don't know how to properly interact with people, y'know."

"Oi, avoiding meaningless conversation and staying silent is a perfectly normal way to interact with people."

"That's only for you senpai."

"So?"

The of us then looked directly in each other's eyes before sharing a laugh. It was comforting how we reverted back to our usual selves after a seemingly serious conversation.

"In all seriousness though Iroha, thanks for your answer."

"No problem senpai! I'm already used to taking care of you anyway. Just don't forget you still have to take responsibility for everything you've done so far."

"How could I forget when you constantly remind me? I'm perfectly capable of keeping my promises anyway."

"How sure are you about that when you barely make promises."

"I promised that I would marry you didn't I?"

"More like you just accepted my proposal."

"You should be proud you know. It's not easy to make a cynical loner accept something as grandiose as a marriage proposal."

"In that case, you should also be proud. You were able to make such a cute person like me propose to you when I had so many other options."

"All that aside, what do we do about our parents? Revealing our relationship the moment we come home wouldn't be ideal."

"Geez senpai. You're making it as if we're doing something bad."

"We are technically living with each other without our parent's permission. We still have to mention our intention of marriage."

"Don't worry about it senpai! The break just started. We'll have plenty of time to do something about it before we have to return."

"Fine then. At least mention something about it to your parents later."

"Roger that senpai!"

"Good, now let's finish all the food we have here."

Once we exited the cafe and made our separate ways, I decided to roam about Chiba. I suddenly had the urge to stroll around and experience the winter scenery. I also wanted to test if my knowledge of Chiba was not outdated.

After half an hour of aimlessly walking around and admiring lifestyle in Chiba, I found myself in front of my home. I checked the time to see it was almost noon. Komachi shouldn't have school today, and my parents should at least be present in time for dinner since tomorrow is the start of their holidays.

"Hikki!" Just as I was about to enter my home, I heard a certain shout from a distance. I would've normally ignored it except for the fact it came from a familiar voice. I turned to the sound of the voice to see both Yuigahama and Yukinoshita in their winter apparel.

"What exactly are you two doing here?"

"We heard from Komachi-chan that you would be arriving today!"

"We were sure that you wouldn't even bother to leave your home once we arrived. Yuigahama-san then suggested that it would be best if we just visited you instead."

"Just when I was planning to relax..."

"Don't be like that Hikki!"

"I agree Hikigaya-kun. We did take the extra effort to meet you. The least you could do would be to invite us into your home."

"Fine then. At least now I can tell you both about the news."

The both of them then had a confused expression. It seemed like Komachi wasn't home, so I used my house key to enter. Once inside, I left my luggage by the door and immediately laid my tired body down on the couch. The two of them entered my house with an expression of disappointment on their faces.

"What are you doing Hikki!"

"That's extremely unruly even for you Hikigaya-kun."

"I can't help it. I'm tired. Just sit down where you like."

After the two of them sat down on the other part of the couch. I could see that Yukinoshita was scanning the house. This is her first time visiting unlike Yuigahama who has been here before.

"Why did you two want to visit me anyway?"

"Isn't the answer simple Hikki? We just wanted to see you!"

"Is there some kind of problem with that Hikigaya-kun?"

"Not really. It makes saying the news easier."

"It's that again! What are you talking about anyway Hikki!"

"Could you just say it already instead of being extremely vague?"

"Fine then, just don't freak out."

I sat up and fixed my posture. This statement would obviously surprise them. It takes a while to move on after all. I've already prepared myself for this anyway.

"Iroha and I are getting married." I was expecting some kind of reaction the moment I said that. To my surprise, the two of them didn't even flinch.

"Huh? You two aren't surprised?"

"We've already moved on Hikigaya-kun. We were more or less expecting it to happen."

"It was pretty obvious given how good your relationship is with Iroha-chan."

"That's good to know. Now that everything's settled, I'm going to take a nap."

"Geez Hikki! We're here y'know."

"It is your duty to entertain your guests. Hasn't that ever been taught to you."

"I've never had guests before after all."

"Well, now you do and you're gonna keep us entertained Hikki!"

"I'll go to the kitchen and prepare whatever you have available given how unwilling you are to do it."

I couldn't help but smile at the current situation. It was somewhat reminiscent of our times at the Service Club. It was also reassuring that they value our relationship to the same degree that I do.

For the next few hours, the three of us would just mindlessly talk about anything we could think of. We would share our experiences and other interesting things on the top of our minds. Even after we ran out of things to say, the atmosphere was extremely peaceful and pleasant.

Once it was getting late, the two of them returned home leaving me alone. It would seem like Komachi is having a sleepover or something. After I fixed myself a quick dinner and ate it, I was determined to go to sleep until my phone rang. I checked to see who was calling.

"Hello?"

"Hi senpai! How did it go with your parents?"

"They weren't home. I did tell the news to Yukinoshita and Yuigahama."

"I see. Well, I already mentioned to my parents, and now they want to meet you."

"When?"

"They said around next week."

"I'll make sure to remember. Goodnight."

"Eh? This early?"

"Yeah. I'm pretty tired."

"Okay then. Goodnight senpai!"

"G'night."

After our phone call ended, I immediately went to my room to prepare myself to sleep. Even though I only recently starting sleeping alongside Iroha, it felt different sleeping without her. Oh well, looks like this break will be more troublesome then relaxing.