I should probably study for my exams but it seemed like I wanted to update the story more before I could take an easier pace. However, I would still update in between. So here is the continuation of it.

Ch-3

A mess or not?

Kinoshita Kazuya's POV-

WOOOAH, what the hell is even happening!? I just can't take it anymore. First, I messed up real bad and now this is what it has come to? I wanted to not escalate things any further but how uncool am I!? I just spoiled everything before it even started…..GAAAAH.

But I have to say I kinda get the vibes of being at ease for now until Yukinoshita san dropped a bomb. I mean its not her fault, she just thought Mizuhara and I might be going out but having to deny that hurts. Even though I still have to get across her once again…..but after what it turned out to be during the conversation, it feels like I have something that is right in front of me, yet it feels miles away.

Anyways, what makes my curiosity pitch the most here is regarding the two people who are the 'real' couple here. I also noticed that they were in their own little world. How envious….. How the fuck could he get someone like her!? A daughter of a diet member, ITS NO JOKE! Does he even have anything worth!? The ones who already in a relationship piss me off…..! Wait, who am I to complain? To break the awkwardness between us, I suddenly spoke up…..

"Soo, for how long have you been going out?"

"1 year-3 months-14 days." Spoke Yukinoshita san with a normal expression.

"Wait what, you've been counting it always? Scary." Spoke Hikigaya with complete surprise to which Yukinoshita san smiled.

Wow, how envious…. It seems like they have been dating since high school. I looked at Mizuhara and noticed her expression being that of what I felt was she blushing in a pleasant manner.

"Um, sorry to interrupt you in between but I guess the introduction part is yet to be finished off with." Spoke Hikigaya with a stoic expression….how could he say that with that face? The both of us suddenly twitched and realized.

"I'm Ichinose Chizuru, A second year. Pleasure to meet you"

"I'm Kinoshita Kazuya, A second year in accounts and management course."

"Oh, so it means you are our seniors! Then, nice to meet you Kinoshita senpai and Ichinose senpai." Spoke Yukinoshita san with a bow to which even Hikigaya bowed down… He does have manners.

"H-hey, there's no need being that formal." Said Mizuhara.

After that, Mizuhara started inquiring the couples with something I had zero interest with.

"So how did you get into Todaigaku? As far as I remember its really difficult to even get into the list." Said Mizuhara with curiosity.

"We got in through recommendation. The both of us ranked the highest, and if you are aware of Sobu High, you might know that its one of the schools with the highest academic record. Well, our school is like a prep school for national level universitries." Said Yukinoshita san.

"Wow, might've been a huge deal in fact. Smart kid heh." Said Mizuhara in amazement.

"N-no Sempai, you are making a big deal out of it. Anyone could've got into the school if they put their all." Said Hikigaya.

Suddenly our orders arrived. I wasn't feeling necessarily hungry because of the tension between me and Mizuhara. I ordered yakitori and beer for myself to ease myself up whereas Mizuhara ordered Miso Ramen for herself. By what I could see, even she wasn't feeling necessarily hungry. The couple….geeeh, I should stop being jealous…ordered ramen as well. Suprisingly the both ordered cans of Max coffee as well…Strange, Why coffee? Suddenly Hikigaya broke his silence.

"I feel we somehow interrupted your personal time you were supposed to have. I don't want to be meddlesome here but it seems that you had something really important to discuss and our presence is eating up your discussion…..if you want to continue then we wouldn't mind finding different seat of us."

Damn…Scary! He was a stranger until now and he just predicted up what we both were struggling with. Is he good in reading the atmosphere or what or was it because of us being too obvious? So embarrassing. I and Mizuhara twitched at his remark and started staring at them and then at each other's face being completely shocked.

"If we really are being that meddlesome then we can leave." Said Hikigaya being very straightforward and blunt. How could he put it as if it really does not hurt us?

"A-ah, um-eh, no not at all. Its just that we had a tiring day and yeah, its somewhat personal." Spoke up Mizuhara being cautious.

"Well, if you say so. But you know what they say, its better if a stranger lends their ear to you rather than the ones who are acquainted/closer to you. You won't have the fear of lying or not being true to yourselves." Said Hikigaya with is expression getting colder in the end. Even Yukinoshita san nodded to what he said.

His words took both of us back as we couldn't say anything. This guy is kinda amazing on his own. He speaks of his mind and does not mince words. It can be cruel but really courageous as well. Whereas look at me, I can't even turn a lie into a truth. I kinda don't like him for that.

"I'm really thankful for the emotion but I feel it needs to be done on our own. It's really admirable to feel someone willing to hear us out." Said Mizuhara with a kind smile to which Hikigaya nodded and went back slurping his ramen with pleasure. The meal went on to be silent with only the three slurping their ramen while me chewing down my yakitori.

Ichinose Chizuru POV-

While I was finishing my Ramen, I glanced towards our kohai couple thinking of how truthful and strong their relation is. I felt envious because I never had the opportunity to feel this sort of connection with anyone. I began to think I really had one but, in the end, I started having doubts since what Mami san tried getting across. I don't want to trust on that.

Also, I feel why Yukinoshita san fell for Hikigaya kun. He is true to himself, always speaks of his mind and maybe there's a lot more. Can I find the same? I feel it is somewhere here but it just seems so hazy and out of my reach.

Soon after we finished eating, we exited the shop and approached the station right next to it. Before we were about to part ways, I felt an involuntary urge inside to be acquainted to them. I don't know why but I felt warm and comfortable being around them. It was as if I felt at ease and almost forgot the issues building up and eating me away. It felt as if they were so truthful that my admiration was not ending there. Despite them being my kohai, it felt as if they were more familiar and experienced to a lot of things around them.

"U-um, Yukinoshita san and Hikigaya kun."

"Yes?" Both of them responded in sync.

"Is it possible if we can still be in touch? Can we exchange contacts?" I asked.

Yukinoshita san smiled whereas Hikigaya kun seemed a little surprised.

"Yeah, sure Ichinose senpai. I felt like it would be nice if we could continue with our conversation and of course, association." Said Yukinoshita san with a smile.

"Thank you." We went on to exchange contacts whereas Kazuya kun stood in the background being hesitant due to his embarrassing show he showed inside the shop feeling guilty.

"Congratulations Hikigaya kun! Finally, you have someone who truly asked you for you contact." Said Yukinoshita san with a smirk back at Hikigaya kun which I couldn't catch onto what was happening.

"Oi oi, do you really think it was my fault the entire time?" Said Hikigaya kun suggestively towards Yukinoshita san. She cought on it whereas I could'nt. She gave him back an empathetic smile and they were lost in their own world.

After entering the station, we waved our goodbyes where our kohai,s were heading towards the main suburb line whereas we took a metro. As we were heading back home. I could see Kazuya putting in his efforts to make the situation less awkward.

"M-Mizuha-"

"Let's not talk right now, there are people around. Wait until we reach the apartment." I said cutting him off. He simply nodded to it.

I really don't know what to say. In fact, I have absolutely no words to say regarding the entire mess that has been going on. Mami san definitely has ulterior motives behind her words she tried getting across to me. I think it would be better to investigate what she is really up to.

Regarding her concern towards Kazuya kun and the issues we have to resolve among ourselves, I'll cross the bridge when I have to. But…, somewhere down in my heart, I feel doubtful regarding the entire mess we are being involved with.

After we reached our stop, we made our way to the apartment. Suddenly Kazuya kun stopped in between and started fumbling with what he was trying to get across.

"Mi-mi-MIZUHARA, I have something really important to say." I could feel seriousness in his words. But I have to stop him here.

"Kazuya kun…, it would be better…. if we stop interacting for some time….before the entire issue of Mami san being associated with Grandma Nagumo could be resolved." I said trying not to lose my composure, He was completely lost of words.

"Bu-but why Mizuhara? Isn't it a trouble if we do not interact and see what our future holds?" Said Kazuya kun with anxiousness. I feel my legs shaking, tears about to foam in front my eyes. I tried my best controlling it.

"I think the only place we are supposed to associate would be in front of Grandma Nagumo. Also, now Mami san is involved in it, god knows what will happen. So, for now, until this is resolved and the entire truth is prevailed in front of us, we need to think with our calm heads and figure this out on our own." I finished off keeping my calm.

"Wait, so you are suspecting Mami chan in the end? I asked Kibe, he told me she has nothing to do anything with us. Maybe its not the right thing to do. Mami chan isn't a bad person." Said Kazuya with a worried face. Here he expresses Mami san not being a bad person whereas she has completely ridiculed him.

"It's not the right way for you to think like that. I'll be going back now, Bye." I said while running back to my apartment door.

"WAIT Mizuhara!" Before he could reach my door, I already closed it. I could feel him being hurt because of it.

For now, I feel this is the best way for us to resolve this out. I suddenly felt tears falling from my cheeks, I've really held it for that long huh. Now that it has happened, my tears just won't stop flowing. I've felt sad, but never this confused over why am I this sad over such an issue revolving around us. If only- if only there could be someone out to guide us out of this mess. I wish my Grandma was alive.

All the lies that have been built up till now, I wish it all of this was the truth. Mami san would definitely try to game up her plan somewhere or the other way around and this needs to be resolved before its too late. What would Grandma Nagumo think if she got to know all of this? Suddenly the same scenario started playing in my head along with the memories of how Kazuya Kun and I first met.

Despite of all of the things that have been happening, he has always tried his best and has never left me behind. I will continue to trust him and would not let Mami san let up her game. Still, I wish if I could have someone who could guide me out of this.

Yukino's POV-

While we were on our way back home riding a train, we were seated closer to the proximity of the exit door. I found myself gazing towards Hachiman. He was gazing outside the window towards the skyline in a stoic expression and seemed to be in deep thought. Is he bothered with the sudden acquaintanceship with unknown people? Well, I can't blame him. I then rested my head on his left shoulder to which he suddenly bought his attention towards me.

"What's up?" He asked

"Are you bothered with something?" I asked

"Um well I can't say that I'm bothered by it but I'm rather thinking about what happened back at the shop." He answered

"Is it with the fight you had with Kinoshita senpai?" I inquired to which he shook his head horizontally and spoke

"Not that, it was not a big deal." Never complaining of being the victim, this has never changed. "But it's the dinner we had with our senpai's, I saw a lot of tension between them and it felt like it was something really important they wanted to get across. I feel that we interrupted them." Again, there he goes, thinking about the others and being able to see through everything.

"I felt the same but don't you think it was for their own good?" I responded back.

"I really don't want to be meddlesome into someone's business. It was just that they were feeling really uncomfortable regarding something. Besides, I was just thinking of how the atmosphere around was awkward." He said in his monotone voice

He never shows it, but is the most considerate and the most caring out of anyone else. He always puts others before himself and gets worried for them even though they are stranger to you. Then, in the end, he would go to any extent to help them out even if it means to get himself hurt in this process without regarding himself and his position/worth/reputation/standing at all. This makes me admire him and fall for him even more but at the same time, it hurts me the most and makes me really sad. I still wonder if he has somewhat changed in that conduct.

"So are you curious." I asked him smiling at him

"Curiosity is not the right word to use. I can say I was a little bothered by it…..not in a bad way." He answered

"So concerned?" I asked him to which he twitched. Really, how adorable. "So, you really are then?" I smirked at him.

"Maybe." He answered while blushing. I see, as always, looking out for anyone despite who that person is. "Anyways I feel that we have other things as well to do, don't we? Especially with the club." He answered gaining his composure

"Yeah, you are right about that." I said smiling at him and then my hands found into his intervening fingers and leaning against each other.

After our conversation ended, our stop arrived. We de-boarded the train and exited the station to make our way back to our mansion. After reaching the mansion, we took a lift to get to the 14th floor. After reaching our floor, we entered inside our residence. Immediately after I closed the door ajar of our residence, Hachiman rushed to the living room and lied down on the sofa.

"Hachiman, if you really are tired, take a shower and go to sleep. I'm planning to do the same." I told him to which he pouted

"I know." He said while making his way to the bathroom after getting up.

This is quite common between us and I'm shouldn't be the one to complain as I'm also the same. He at times pampers me way too much than I could ask him for. I feel I haven't pampered him much in comparison to what he does for me. He doesn't even know that he does the most pampering things for me in unconsciousness. It's involuntary for him as if it's a part of him.

Even when we bought this apartment together, he did the most for me. Well, I should say that I feel blessed in a way, if I wouldn't have met Hachiman, I wonder what kind of life I would be heading right now. The apartment we live in has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 4 balconies. Quite spacious I have to say, it's as if its more like my older apartment bought by my father for me when I was living alone.

Out of which, one of the b-bedroom i-is o-ours. I shouldn't be flustered saying this but we just started getting used to sleeping next to each other. In my unconscious mind, I really wanted to sleep next to him but as Hachiman being himself, he was uncomfortable with the idea at first. He was being very considerate and tried his best way possible to make me feel comfortable.

But I really wanted to be close to him! I've always wanted to…I just can't leave him alone when he promised to do everything for me. He is the one who compromised the most for me. He has always saved me whereas I feel I couldn't do anything for me. At times I still wonder, have I been able to save him? He tells me every time that me associating with him is more than enough.

I being the stubborn person he always labels, after 15 days of moving in together, I forced him to sleep next to me from that day onwards and we have been continuing do so. At first, Hachiman felt uncomfortable and then it became natural for us like any normal couple. It's cliched if talked about but this is the truth. Even when the first time we held hands, the first time we kissed, he was the one always being considerate by telling me 'don't force yourself. Let's take it at a pace you are comfortable with.'

In the end not being able to take it, initiated these before it gradually became normal for us. The first time we kissed was during Christmas when he planned out a picnic date. It was the best day of my life and since then, we kiss quite often. I really sound like a maiden in love and feel cringed with myself. But I can't be helped, it's because I love him. More than anything. But he still feels cautious whenever being indulged in skin ship. He probably thinks that he makes me feel uncomfortable and at times maintains a distance.

I feel hurt that he never values himself. I never what that! He deserves more than what he is getting. That's the reason, before we were about to graduate from high school, I told him that I want to continue being with him, now and forever. He then told me 'Then what do you think I meant back then while organizing the joint prom? Didn't I ask you to give me the privilege of distorting your life?' He was always a step further to getting across me. This news suddenly reached my parents and they decided to get the both of us engaged.

I know that Nee san was behind this as well. I'm no one to complain. After we graduated, we got engaged and then started our college life by moving in together. My chain of thought was broken when Hachiman exited the bathroom wearing his Pan san nightdress, I bought for him. To be honest, it really suits him. Energy radiates through him as if he is in Pan san's costume. How cute. He suddenly called me out.

"Yukino, it's your turn now."

"Yeah, I'll be back." I said walking through the living room making my way to the bathroom.

After taking a quick shower, I changed into my nightdress and headed towards the bedroom where Hachiman was reading his book under the bed which was not a light novel this time. I knew that he read other books as well yet I went on to tease him with that. Hehe.

"So, what are we going to do?" I asked him while scooting next to him under the bed.

"Well reading and then would probably slee-" Before he could finish off with what he wanted to say, I pressed my lips against his lips to which he twitched by this sudden attack. I pulled back after 10 second.

"He-hey, why a surprise attack." He said with a flustered expression which I find extremely cute. I've got to be straight this time.

"I felt lonely, I wanted to keep you to myself! Even back at the Ramen shop, it was nice knowing new people but, I wished to only be with you." I said leaning on his shoulder.

"I-uh-ah thank you. I had the same to say down the lines." He said keeping his flustered look.

"Yawwwn!"

"Tired?" Asked Hachiman

"Yeah, maybe we should sleep." I then lied down properly and scooted closer to him burying my face to his chest. I always do this because I feel that its always warm closer, I feel safe and reassured as I could hear his heart beat everytime.

"Yeah Nekonoshita. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, I love you Hachiman." I said to which he twitched again and whispered

"Please no more surprise attacks, I won't be able to take anymore hits." How cute.

Slowly, the both of us went into deep slumber embracing each other. This is so nice; I want to stay like this forever.

Hachiman's POV-

Ah, the situation I'm in right now can be considered as a blessing as well as dangerous. If I have to be honest, this is nothing new and has been happening constantly. Right now, my face is buried into Yukino's *ahem**ahem* ch-chest. I always get my fill like this even when I'm the one who has not asked for it. This happens whenever I wake up before her or even for that instance when she wakes up before me.

Well when she is awake before me, she just stays there embracing me the same way until I'm awake…..Aghhh, even though I'm used to this it's still embarrassing! It's as if like a cat is snuggling with a huge dried tuna with a set of dead fish eyes! Wow, the description fits in so well. But yeah, she keeps looking at my face with admiration before I'm awake. Well, it's embarrassing! So embarrassing that I wish being drop dead with happiness. Well, I don't want to be immodest here but she just loves burying me against her chest.

I like the feeling of it despite it's moderate in size. It did grow a little bit….wait Hachiman, you are really being immodest here. Bad! Very bad! But if I really have to be honest here, neither did my mom embrace me like this. All I remember was the face of my neighbour next door who took care of me before I could be familiar with my own parent's face. Well, they obviously got fed up looking after me until I was on my own all alone. They were looking after me on obligation, all I did was obey them.

So, receiving someone else's warmth is something relatively new to me. Komachi is an exception, she was the one I had to look after later onwards. I am not being jealous but I feel she received proper parenting after she was born.

However, when she grew up and started going to elementary school, my parents finally stopped returning back home on time which made Komachi shocked. I started looking after her until she grew up and became much more capable that me in housework. I feel relieved she didn't have to go through not being parented. It feels a little weird receiving warmth from the others. I wish if I could be loved by my parents. Well, whatever! All of that was my past.

Suddenly Yukino woke up and started looking towards me who had woken up before her, with a smile.

"Goodmorning Hachiman." Then she cupped my cheeks and kissed my forehead.

"Mornin-mfmfff" I replied and then she suddenly buried my face into her chest.

"So Hikipervy kun, do you like burying your face in my brest." Said Yukino with a smirk….Haven't you become more daring after we got engaged?

"Oi oi, Pervynoshita san, aren't you the one shoving my head into your chest?"

"Hehehe, well it's not bad right?" Said Yukino with a glow, a warm smile and blush.

"Um, it's just that its all new to me." I replied.

"I know." Said Yukino with a sad smile…wait, did I ruin the mood? She continued "It's not your fault. Shall we wake up now?" Said Yukino smiling radiantly this time.

"A-ah sure." Then we got up and made our way out of our bedroom and made our way towards the washroom. We had pair brushes which we took out sand started brushing with my eyes specifically shut and half opened simultaneously.

I remember Yukino being affectionate before as well but I feel it grew over the time. It was there even more before, however when after the new year, she requested me to tell her about my past as she told me that I'm the only one well familiar with hers inside out. After I told her about myself and everything related to my past, her affection has just grown so much that there is no break to it. She literally showers me with it and I've felt and have discovered that her affection towards me is not out of pity or anything. I was a little scared at first but she affirmed me to be with her forever.

I really don't want her to spoil me.

When I finished brushing, Yukino suddenly broke my thought….

"H-Hachiman, h-ho-how ab-about we t-ta-take a-a b-bath to-tog-together?" She asked me pulling the sleeve of my night dress while flushing deeply.

"WH-HA-What?" I responded in a equally deep flush

"D-Don't m-make me r-repeat again?" Stop playing tsundere here, are you planning to kill me with embarrassment or what?

"I-I don't think i-it's right for us." I responded in embarrassment

"Ah, um yeah." She replied sadly….oi oi, now you are disappointed, I sound like a spineless wimp

"W-wait, what I meant was that we have to rush to the university! We might get late. Also, umm…" I said flushing and then started looking for words to which she smiled and suddenly held my waist and then locked her lips into mine. She then broke off from me and spoke

"We are eventually going to do it at one point. Maybe I can wait."

"Oi, what do you mean by 'that'? There are two kinds of 'that' I'm getting in my mind." I said blushing and averting gaze as she still held me.

"We will do 'that' thing as well eventually soon." She looked at me smiling giving me her confirmation with my thinking being right with doing 'those' two things. I flushed deeply putting both my hands on my face.

"This is so embarrassing. I didn't ask you to be so suggestive."

"But you would do it with me right?" She said blushing with her eyes half opened

"I lost; shall we decide who is going for a bath first?" I tried keeping my composure

"How about the both of us?" She inquired

"We are skipping steps again." I said blushing then I let loose of her holding on to my vest and then pushed her inside the bathroom "You go in first while I'm preparing the breakfast for the both of us." I rushed to the kitchen crossing the corridor to which she shouted

"We will eventually."

"Yeah, yeah." Aren't we already acting more like a married couple…wait, haven't we been doing this for the past two months since we moved in together? Aghhhhhh! How corny! The past me would probably be cussing me right now…'So you're becoming one of those normies right, hope you go to hell and be drop dead present Hachiman'.

Well, I myself feel creeped out with how much I've changed in a year. I feel self-depreciating myself would fell better to put me at my level of comfort…..but isn't that going backwards? Anyways let's cook breakfast for now.

The advantage that I've gained in one prospect is that my cooking skills have leveled up. In fact, maxed out! Ku ku-ku-ku hail my greatness Komachi, your oni chan is a better cook than you. Yuckkk, I just sounded like Zaimokuza for a moment. I didn't want to fall this low….Yukino trained me from scratch with the basics of cooking from the moment we started dating and voila! Here I am being able to cook anything, alas also cooking for the others. I wanted to just cook to be self sufficient enough to survive but she didn't stop there are told me to max out my stats.

Hahhhh, just thinking back of those days scare me. I decided to prepare English breakfast for the both of us. Luckily, we had already prepared homemade sausages and bread. Okay….lets go with this. After 30 minutes, I prepared the breakfast which consisted of sunny side up eggs, sausages with jack beans, toasted grain bread and bacon. I prepare Darjeeling tea for Yukino whereas I prepared coffee for myself.

By the moment I plated the breakfast, Yukino arrived and sat opposite to the dining table. Both of us had our breakfast in peace….well not exactly. I rushed eating so that I could take a shower. She was giggling and then spoke to me..

"How kind of you cooking such a wonderful breakfast for me and here you are rushing through it, how sad."

"Yeah, as if it was my fault for rushing through, I've gotta take a shower." I said finally finishing my food first and then rushing to the bathroom to take a shower.

"I'll do the dishes for you." Said Yukino

"Thanks! Though there isn't much to wash." I replied to which she giggled

After then entire rush through, we finally dressed up and were ready to leave for the campus.

"So shall we?" Said Yukino

"Roger." I responded

So, we have a lot to do today as well, right? Oh yeah, the service club. Let's see what waits for us next.

Kinoshita Kazuya's POV-

I just can't believe what happened last night. How did it end up like that, why? Have I been wrong this entire time to think that my feelings could be reciprocated? Why didn't she want to talk to me? Or is it because of what happened last night? Ughhhh my head hurts and I just don't feel like going to the university today…but won't that be wasting my parent's money? I wish that whatever she meant last night was not related to indirectly rejecting me? I'm tired and don't want to feel pain anymore

Why am I the only one who has to go through so much. I've been through a lot and the only thing I want is my feelings to get across her even though she rejects me on my face. NOOOOOO….I don't want to be rejected! As I rolled across my bed, I found myself thinking more about the issue that raised such a commotion. I just love Mizuhara so much that I just can't even move on if I'll be rejected.

"Guess I should watch something from my collection to relieve my stress."

To relieve down my overthinking, I fapped for about 3 times and then got up and thought of another way to confessing my feelings to Mizuhara. I brushed, dressed up and made my way out of the apartment. Guess I'll have my breakfast in the University. The moment I left my area, I started feeling tears rolling down my face. All I could do was quicken up my pace of walking and then suddenly, I found myself running. I just wish that she didn't reject me.

Ichinose Chizuru's POV-

My head hurts from crying last night. I just couldn't even process anything in my mind anymore. I raised up from my bed and then when on to take a shower, brushed and then dressed up into my disguised clothes so that no one could recognize me as 'Mizuhara Chizuru'. Then I sat and had my breakfast thinking about what to do next, what Mami san might be planning, what would be her next move.

After all the thinking I came to a conclusion that I was not able to think of anything. I was completely lost and didn't have any idea of how should I approach this entire issue in hand. I knew what to do but couldn't think of how should I approach this.

After I finished my breakfast, I made my way out of the apartment to the Metro station near to reach the University. By the time I tried thinking again regarding the same, I reached the station close to my University and didn't have anymore time to process about what should be done.

After de-boarding the train and exiting the station, I was making my way to the university and when I entered the campus deep in my thoughts, I bumped into someone and looked up into who I bumped into. It was Hiratsuka sensei.

"Ah, Ichinose san."

"Good morning sensei." I said trying my best to be normal.

"Did something happen?" She asked in a motherly tone to which I suddenly got statled.

"A-ah no, nothing at all sensei." I said and then unconsciously tears started rolling to which sensei got really worried.

"Ichinose san are you alright? I'm very worried now. Is it because of me scolding you yesterday? I'm very sorry."

"N-no sensei, I don't know what is happening to me, it just suddenly happened." I said trying to gain my composure after rubbing my falling tears

"How about you have some rest in my office." Said Hiratsuka sensei by bringing her arms around my shoulder gently trying her best to console me.

"Y-yeah, then I'll take that offer." I said without thinking anything.

I then found myself walking into the department I crossed through yesterday to make my way to my own department. She stopped by a vending machine, grabbed a coffee and then we reached the faculty member's office. She made me sit down on her work area and then handed me a coffee to calm down. I slowly drank the coffee and then she spoke to me.

"So have you calmed down?" She spoke to me in a very warm and motherly tone.

"Yeah, thank you sensei for looking out for me." I said looking up at her

"It's not at all a big deal! A sensei's job is to look after their student's." She said pumping her chest and then continued "So, would you like to talk about it? I'm the councilor as well." She said in a very warm tone which made me think of my late Grandma. I don't care anymore; I just want to let it out now.

I told her everything and she listened to me carefully. After I finished explaining her what has been going on with me from the start to the end, she finally stood up and hugged me.

"It's been really hard for you, isn't it?"

I suddenly broke down and felt Hiratsuka sensei's shoulder getting wet. She really is so considerate and I guess I needed it. I just couldn't take it anymore. After crying for straight 5 minutes, I felt that burden lift off my shoulder and then I felt a little better. She then spoke to me

"I understand how hard it has been for you but I'm sorry that I won't be able to meddle into this much as you know, this is a matter that needs to be done with your own bind." I know sensei. She then continued "I can only guide you through this."

"That would be more than enough for me!" I said without any hesitation.

"But I know the right people you can consult this to. They would not only accept your request but would perhaps even go on to help you out of it." She finished.

"Are they your acquaintances sensei?" I asked.

"More than that, come with me! I'll introduce you to them." She said with a warm smile

We then left the faculty member's office and I followed sensei leading the way. I was completely confused and couldn't follow how this entire issue would get solved. Hiratsuka sensei then broke the silence

"So, to answer your question, these two are my students back from the high school I taught." That sounds somewhat familiar, she continued "One of them is 'my' personal best student. I can't be biased but this person has a special place in my heart." If Hiratsuka sensei really thinks that high of that student then he/she definitely might be good.

"The other one is also the one I treasure the most, she is the most diligent one I've had." She responded and then continued "Also, they've had the worst to face and have had the worst of what anyone could ever go through, 'my' personal best one had the worst of all! Yet he never complained about it and carried it all on his own." Is it? That's rough.

By the time we ended our conversation, I found myself standing in front of a room labelled as the 'service club'. The name sounded more like service with compensation but then sensei spoke up

"Don't worry, you have to do absolutely nothing. Requests are accepted for free here. My students are just carrying on the legacy of continuing the service club even in the college on my request." She said with a motherly tone.

"So, they did it back at High School as well?" I asked to which she nodded.

She then suddenly opened the door without knocking it. Suddenly a familiar voice came out of the room.

"Sensei, knock! Your habit has still not changed."

"Ahahaha, you can forgive your teacher for this at least" Said sensei.

"So, anything we can help you with? We have nothing to do." Came a heavy voice across which I was familiar with. Suddenly sensei called me in.

"Come in Ichinose san."

I entered and saw two familiar faces from last night at the ramen shop. A beauty with long raven hair and the guy with a set of dead fish eyes. I spoke up suddenly

"Hikigaya kun, Yukinoshita san!"

"Ichinose senpai!" The both said in sync and got surprised with my presence

"Wait, what? Do you guys know each other?" Said Hiratsuka sensei in surprise as well

"Yeah, sensei" Said the three of us in sync looking at each other

Wow, what a small world we live in. The people who I wanted to be acquainted truthfully are going to be the ones helping me out? This world is not as cruel as I thought.

Thank you so much for reading it till here, the next chapter might take a little longer as I have my exams are going on. Proctored exams can be stressful but still I'll try my best to update y'all. Stay tuned for the next one.