"People in ancient times believed that to work was to lose. Manual labor requires high risk to earn high rewards. Therefore, my decision to start a family without working is appropriate, and in fact, entirely justifiable. This is why I am requesting my home, the workplace for a stay-at-home dad, for my career observation." Hiratsuka-sensei read out, emphasizing her feelings by slamming her heel down onto the table with the last syllable.

My danger sensor was going off like crazy. Even so, I didn't run. Something told me that I wouldn't make it if I tried.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Hah!? What was that? Surely, you didn't just address me as if I were some old hag, did you?"

"I, uh, no, Hiratsuka-sensei. Of course not" I responded nervously.

"Mmm, that's what I thought. Anyways, Hikigaya, I thought you would have changed a little bit. Has your time in the Service Club not influenced you at all?"

Eh? Are people supposed to change that quickly? That sounds like it'd be a pain. I'd rather just stick here, where it's comfortable.

In response, I just let my body move like fluid, sinking into the rather comfortable chair I was sitting on. Teachers had it good, their chairs were all nice and padded. And, with the table right here, it'd be so easy to just kick up my feet and… relax…

… but now is not the time.

"Not really. I still see being a househusband as a practical goal" I voiced firmly, once getting comfortable.

After a moment of silence, Hiratsuka-sensei let out a long sigh, also letting herself relax into her seat.

"Anyways, you will have to resubmit your application survey."

Thinking for a moment, I nodded my head begrudgingly, and stored it away as something to do later. It seems this world was not quite ready for my ground-breaking aspirations, yet.

"Oh, and we'll attend these observations in groups of three. You can come with whoever you want, so make sure to come prepared" Hiratsuka-sensei continued.

Hmm. Groups of three, huh? It's times like this that having friends is useful. Still, the effort required to maintain relationships vastly outweighs the occasional benefits that they bring.

I'll get by, somehow. I always do.

Bowing, as society dictates I do, I then closed the door in front of me. Taking another backwards step away from the staff room door, I remembered something.

Reaching into my pocket and pulling out my phone, I was surprised to see five text messages pop up in my notifications.

Unsurprisingly, they were all from Yuigahama.

She must have a lot of free time on her hands to text unimportant old me so much. She had been texting me pretty constantly ever since she got my number. Which was about a week ago, as a required sacrifice.

It was about the only thing that calmed the odd look in her eyes. For some unknown reason, Yuigahama refused to let me off the hook for my little incident with Miura. And yes, her name is 'Miura.'

A fact that I found out the hard way. Yuigahama called her 'Yumiko', and I didn't exactly want to call Miura "Mom" in front of Yuigahama, so I used Yumiko as well. Can confirm, was a bad idea. Turns out that 'Yumiko' is her first name.

Well, I guess it all makes sense, then. A loner like me is addressing Yuigahama's friend by her first name, of course Yuigahama would be weirded out.

Anyways, where was I? Oh yeah, text messages.

It seemed that I forgot to tell Yuigahama about my required meeting with Hiratsuka-sensei.

Whoops.

The messages were spaced out five minutes apart, at seemingly exact intervals. Each one asking for my location with increasing urgency.

The last one read 'You better text me back when you see these, idiot! I'm getting worried!'

Eh? She sounds like a super possessive girlfriend. Not that I would know what one sounded like.

Typing out a curt message telling her that I would explain once I got to the club room, I dropped my phone back into my bag and started my way towards the aforementioned room.

If nothing else, at least the club room was closer to the staff room then the classroom. So, that's nice, I guess.

I opened the door. Yukinoshita looked at me. I looked at her. We nodded at each other before I closed the door and made my way towards my seat.

Before I could even pull out my chair, the door was flung open behind me.

Quickly sitting down, I prepared myself mentally.

Glancing up towards the door, I was surprised to see that Yuigahama had already crossed the room and made it only a couple feet from me.

"Nincompoop!" she yelled playfully, sticking her tongue out at me.

Eh? Why?

"I am no such thing" I replied calmly, plopping my bag down on the floor.

"You totally are! I stood outside the classroom for like five whole minutes waiting! And you never showed up!"

Ah, I forgot. We had been traveling to club together for the past week. It slipped my mind that I had to notify another person when my daily schedule changes.

"Sorry. Got called in by Hiratsuka-sensei."

Seeing Yuigahama's confused face, I continued.

"Apparently, being a house-husband isn't a viable career option."

A cute squeak to my left caused me to glance in that direction. What I saw was Yukinoshita with her hand over her mouth, eyes wide and obviously amused.

"What? Don't tell me that you two also think it's a bad idea."

"W-well, it is certainly—" Yukinoshita started.

"I-I, uh, think it's a good idea, Hikki! It's a… really good idea…" interrupted Yuigahama, prompting me to return my gaze to her.

At first, I was a bit surprised that she had drawn a step closer. But the closeness allowed me to clearly see her emotions. My reads aren't 100%, but I could swear that there was longing in her eyes. Not unlike a kid at a candy store, staring down a chocolate bar.

But that can't be. As much as I would… prefer that answer to another, I must be wrong. There's just no wa—

"No, it's quite a ridiculous idea, Hikigaya-kun. While relying completely on others is very much like you, I believe such a plan has no solid basis to build upon…"

See, that's more like it. That's how most people would react.

"… but I suppose, with the right partner, it might not be impossible."

Eh!? Really? That's what I'm talking about!

If a proper lady like Yukinoshita says it, it might just be true. I shall keep the dream alive, then.

Looking back at Yuigahama, I noticed her blank stare as it shifted between Yukinoshita and I. She seemed a bit angry, for what reason, I don't know.

Girls are weird. Super weird.