This was originally going to cover much more ground but when I found my writing crossing the 10k mark and still having no end in sight I made the decision to split this chapter into two separate halves.
Full disclosure, Yumiko will have relatively little direct presence in this chapter and the next despite being one of the two central characters of the story but, rest reassured, she'll be returning to center stage once we hit the mall trip itself.
"…look we'll have plenty of time to shop if we leave now. I go there all the time and I'm never out too late afterwards. I do have some ideas as well so it'll probably be simpler once we actually get there and start looking around."
"I suppose I will have to trust your judgement on the matter then. I will warn you again though that my opinions will likely be of limited help, despite what you may think otherwise."
"Look I told you its fine. I'm the one who asked ok? Don't worry too much if you're not sure. Just tell me if you think it's bad or not and I'll figure out the rest myself."
"We have an agreement then. In that case I will meet with you at the gate."
"…do you really have to go back in person? I mean can't you just send them a text to pick up your stuff when they go or something? That's what I do all the time."
"I'm positive. Given the suddenness of this request, I will need to provide an appropriate explanation for an early leave to justify the short notice. Doing otherwise would be disrespectful. Do you have any objections?"
"…No, it's fine this way. Actually, it might even be better. I've got some stuff to take care of myself anyway. Guess I'll see you later then?"
"Indeed, farewell for now, Miura-san."
Finishing my exchange, I couldn't help but watch as Miura silently made her way down the hall, her gait uncharacteristically subdued and uncertain.
I wondered about the events that had transpired.
Turning, I began to make my way back to the clubroom. I was in no hurry and moved at a leisurely pace, as much to conserve my stamina as to give me ample time to thoroughly digest my exchange with Miura.
Thinking about what I'd promised, I couldn't help but release a small sigh. Gift shopping for others was already not a particular strength of mine but I expect that having to do so alongside someone whom I had great difficulty getting along would make an already trying experience infinitely more difficult, especially given it would only be the two of us, without a single other person to possibly distract us from coming to blows once more. I couldn't help but scowl as memories of Miura's earlier belligerence and the hysterical accusations she'd thrown towards me rose to the forefront of my mind.
Perhaps it had been rash to agree to such a sudden request but I couldn't quite bring myself to believe that I had made a mistake. I could still clearly picture my last exchange with her in my mind. Miura had always been one who wore her heart on her sleeve but her final outburst had been impassioned in its outpouring of emotions, such that it had felt like an almost palatable force in the room. No matter what else I felt about her, her desperation in that room had been very real and simply turning Miura away after seeing such a raw display would not have sat right with me in any circumstances.
The sounds of my steps echoed softly in the halls as I walked. Tilting my head up to look at the ceiling, I began to ponder at what purpose could be driving Miura.
It was not the first time she had come forth with a demand that concerned Hayama in some manner or another but all those occasions were typically straightforward in their intentions. Whether it be finding out what career path he had chosen or simply devising a means of having him accept her Valentine's Day chocolate, the goal of her requests at least had always been clear.
Now however, I found myself truly lost at trying to discern her intentions. Looking for a birthday present was an innocent enough request by any metric, and Miura herself normally had no qualms with being direct and forceful in her methods. To put it frankly, her cagey behaviour about the matter raised many questions. It was hardly a secret among the school of her place by Hayama's side. Was she truly so self-conscious of her inability to pick out a gift that she felt the need to keep it under wraps?
Yet I knew with near certainty there was much more to her request than meets the eye. According to Miura she had made a "mistake" of some kind. One she needed to fix and one she believed that I could somehow emphasise with. Unfortunately, my lack of knowledge regarding her and Hayama's overall relationship meant I had precious little to make inferences from beyond her rather obvious infatuation. Drawing on my own experiences, the only logical answer I could come up with was that Miura somehow believes there to be parallels between her current situation and my own estrangement from Hayama in the past.
On the surface, it seemed like the obvious conclusion but I felt it unlikely for a variety of reasons. For one thing, given how well known the two were within the school and taking into account Miura's own flashy character, it was unlikely any overt falling out between them wouldn't have made waves within the schools' grapevine. Moreover, Miura has never shown any difficulties navigating through the intricacies of social conventions and, if nothing else, I sincerely hoped that Hayama would have learned enough from his mistakes in the past to avoid repeating them again in the present. But then why else would Miura expect me to hold an understanding of she was going through?
Thinking about it all was beginning to make my head spin. Sighing again, I lightly massaged my temple with one hand.
No clear answers were coming to mind for my current circumstances and soon I found myself standing before the room to the Service Club once more. Even with the door shut tight, I could hear the muffled sounds of an energetic discussion taking place inside.
Lifting a hand, I rapped smartly on the door three times in succession.
Immediately, the faint conversation within the room ceased. After a moment I heard the lively voice of Komachi ring out from within.
"Come in!"
Sliding the door open, I deftly stepped into the room.
"Yukinoshita-sempai! What's going on with Hayama-sempai!" Isshiki rudely shouted before I even had a chance to close the door behind me.
Frowning, both at Isshiki's uncouth manner and her obvious attempt to pry into Miura's request, I opened my mouth to deliver a mild rebuke only to find myself beaten to the punch.
"Hey prez! That's not what we agreed to say." Komachi spoke up, her face scrunched up in what I assume was intended to be a stern expression but her youthful countenance made the effect less than effective. "I mean you didn't even wait for Yukino-san to tell us what happened! You're not supposed to just jump into the deep end of the pool right off the bat!"
"What's with you Rice-chan!" Isshiki retorted, turning back to Komachi. "You wanna know what they were talking about just as much, don't you?"
"Well sure, but that doesn't mean I'm just gonna come right out and assume it has something to do with the guy she likes. Don't you know how rude that is?"
"Geez, I thought we'd already gone through this, little sis! There's definitely no other reason why Miura-sempai would come and ask out Yukino-sempai of all people for a talk!"
"You two." Hachiman interjected into the growing back and forth, his eyes flitting between them. "Before you get too wrapped up in another argument, let's actually hear what Yukino has to say first."
"Onii-chan."
"Senpai."
Both Komachi and Isshiki turned in unison and shot Hachiman eerily identical looks of dismay. Quailing slightly under their combined stares, he coughed lightly into his fist before pointedly turning away from their disappointed gazes and looked towards me.
"You were gone for a decent while. Did everything go alright with Miura?" He probed gently, an expression of concern on his face.
"Well enough I believe, given the circumstances." I replied, turning to face my partner. "Miura-san simply wished for my advice on a particular errand she needed to run, though I'm afraid I don't think my advice was very useful to her. I can't speak of the details though as she made me promise to keep them in confidence."
"I see." Hachiman replied, his eyes growing distant as he turned my words over in his head. A part of me wished that I could divulge the whole story with him. Not only for general support but for whatever insights I'm sure he could glean that I would have missed.
"Yukinon, is Yumiko doing ok? I mean she's not in trouble or anything is she?" Yuigahama spoke up tentatively as well. With the way she was lightly biting her lip whilst looking up at me with an expression of earnest worry, her concern for Miura was obvious at a glance.
"I believe Miura-san is doing as well as she can be." I spoke carefully, doing my best to allay her fears without being dishonest. "She became somewhat distressed during our talk and there was a bit of friction between us that likely exacerbated things, but we managed to come to some understanding by the end. She seemed to have mostly composed herself when we parted ways at least. "
"A-Aahaha, is that so." Yuigahama gave a weak laugh as she spoke. "Well that does sound like Yumiko after all. But umm…"
Yuigahama shot me a furtive look. "Are you doing ok too, Yukinon? I mean, Yumiko looked like she was in a pretty bad mood when came in and well…"
She trailed off hesitantly, unable or unwilling to finish her sentence but I believe I understood what she was trying to communicate.
"I'm alright as well, thank you for your concern Yuigahama-san." I replied with a reassuring smile which she quickly returned.
"I see, that's good then!" Yuigahama said, relaxing a bit more as her smile grew a touch wider. "So umm, what did you two talk about then… aah, I mean just the stuff you feel like talking about! I don't mean the stuff Yumiko wants kept a secret!"
"Well before we start on that though, there's really no reason to do this standing up." Hachiman spoke up. Reaching out to my chair next him, he gently pulled it out in invitation.
"Thank you." I said, taking my seat with some relief. Seeing everyone's expectant gazes on me I cleared my throat.
"Before anything else, I regret to say that I will not be able to stay for the remainder of today." I spoke, my tone apologetic. Everyone's faces reflected confusion at my words and I continued my explanation.
"Unfortunately, I was unable to resolve Miura-san's request through counsel alone and she has requested that I accompany her on a trip to the mall for further assistance. She was… quite insistent on the matter and, after giving it thought, I have decided to accept her request."
I paused to take a breath and to give everyone a chance to digest this new information. Around the table I could see the looks of surprise my words have caused. Not unexpected I suppose, it was hardly a secret that Miura and I didn't get along after all.
I moved to address the president of the Service Club.
"Therefore, Komachi-san, I apologise for the short notice, but I humbly request that I be allowed to take a leave of absence for the remainder of the day for the sake of Miura-san's request."
"Uh I don't think you really need to be so formal." Komachi noted sheepishly while scratching her cheek with a finger. "I mean it's not like we're really busy right now anyway, so I don't see it as a problem."
Komachi glanced towards Hachiman and Yuigahama. "Well what do you guys think? If you're both ok with it, I can't see any reason why we can't let Yukino-san go."
Starting slightly at suddenly being put on the spot, Yuigahama gave a nervous glance in my direction. "Wow, shopping with Yumiko huh?" She spoke carefully, as if she were testing the words out loud. "I mean if you've already talked about it, then you have to go right?"
"It sounds like you've already thought all of this through so I'm sure it's fine." Hachiman spoke up as well. He gave me an inquiring look. "Is this something meant for the Service Club specifically?"
"No, I believe this is something Miura-san asked me as a private individual. Given the circumstances, I suspect it was also a spur of the moment decision for her as well."
"Still, it's kinda weird that Miura-senpai would ask you to go help her with shopping, isn't it?" Isshiki commented from her side, disbelief clear in both her expression and tone. "I mean, I would have thought she'd have way too much pride to even ask for something like that, right?"
"I must confess her request caught me by surprise as well." I admitted, giving a helpless shrug. "Even after hearing her out, I'm still baffled as to why Miura came to me in the first place but for whatever reason, she remains convinced that I will be able to help her on this matter."
As we spoke I worked to collect my things off the table, closing textbooks, picking up stationary and deftly packing everything away into my bag. Within a few moments my belongings were tucked away and ready to for me take whenever I wished, however I remained in my seat.
The promise I made to keep Miura's request a secret echoed in my mind but even so I felt compelled to ask my companions for their insights. Not only was it clear that I was rather ill-equipped to assist with her charge, our talk in private earlier had been proof enough of that, I was also perilously short on relevant information I could act upon. Once I would have simply forged ahead regardless, shouldering the burden alone because I believed I had no other choice but things had changed. The tug of old habits may remain but I no longer have to rely solely on my own capabilities to see a task done.
More importantly, it didn't feel right to simply just leave things at that. No, it was more accurate to say I did not wish to leave things as they are. I'm sure if I were to leave right now, without any further explanation, they would accept it without question. The trust forged between us in our time together would ensure it, but simply leaving them in the dark wasn't fair to them either. I had already made it clear that I could not discuss all the particularities of this case with them and, out of respect for my wishes, they would not pry further on their own. So I will take the initiative instead.
I turned to face my oldest friend.
"Yuigahama-san." I spoke.
Blinking her eyes in adorable confusion, her attention was focused on me immediately. "Um, yes?"
"I wanted to ask you, have you noticed anything… odd about Miura-san's behaviour as of late?"
"Eeh?"
"To be honest, I find myself at a bit of a loss at how to offer assistance to Miura's request. My hope is that, if I have a better idea of her circumstances, I may be able to render better aid to her task."
"Ah, yeah! No I get it! Umm… actually I don't really remember anything weird going on. Yumiko hasn't really said anything to me about this either, ahahaha. I guess… if I had to think of something then maybe… but I'm not really sure…"
Yuigahama broke off her sentence uncertainly. I waited patiently but she simply fidgeted in her seat, as if she were having trouble putting her thoughts into words.
"We talked about it a bit after you left, actually." Hachiman spoke up from my other side, shifting in his chair to face me directly. "With the way Miura was acting, we wondered if she might have mentioned something to Yuigahama about this. That doesn't seem to be the case but maybe you might have learned something. We may be able to get an idea at least, if we pool our information together."
He gave an encouraging nod to Yuigahama and she seemed to take some heart from his support. I should try and reassure her as well.
"There's no need to worry Yuigahama-san. Just tell me whatever you feel comfortable with sharing. It doesn't matter if there isn't much to share. I just want to hear your thoughts on the matter is all."
Under our encouragements, Yuigahama's unease seemed to settle down. Glancing back and forth between us for a moment, her face took on an expression of resolve. Taking a deep breath, she began to talk.
"Ah well, I mean I didn't really think much about it at the time but maybe, ever since we got back from Summer Break, I think Yumiko was acting just a little bit quieter and more distracted than usual?"
Perhaps realizing how broad her observation was, Yuigahama energetically waved her hands in front of herself.
"I mean, some days it just seemed like she wasn't talking as much as usual!" She clarified. "Like y'know she seemed to be thinking really hard about something maybe? I mean, Yumiko… Yumiko is usually like… like the leader of discussion whenever we get together and talk right? I guess, it just kinda feels like she's hasn't really been all there when we group up is all."
Yuigahama's paused in thought for a moment before continuing.
"But well, I mean we had the Cultural Festival going like as soon as we got back, right? We were super busy then, we barely had any time to for ourselves! And then almost right after we had the Sports Festival as well, so I just figured like, she was probably just tired from everything that's been happening. That wouldn't be weird right?"
As she continued to speak her voice seemed grew less certain. Her eyes gradually seemed to lose focus, as if she were growing lost in memory.
"Not to mention we have final exams to study for as well. I mean we're third years now so we hear about that all the time in class and Yumiko's never been a fan of that kind of thing. So, with all that going on, I figured, y'know, maybe she was just worried about that too?"
The way Yuigahama went on, it almost began to seem as though she were speaking her thoughts aloud to herself rather than explaining them to us. Turning back, I exchanged an apprehensive look with Hachiman.
"I mean it's not like it's really even that rare to see Yumiko in a bit of a mood about something. She's uh, she's pretty honest when something gets her down and it usually isn't something that serious anyway. Most of the time she's back to normal in a day or two..."
Yuigahama paused again, this time for a much longer period. It almost seemed as though she'd forgotten our presence. When the silence dragged on, I was on the verge of calling out when she abruptly seemed to start up, having realized the stares she was garnering.
"Ah, but well… I guess Yumiko really was bothered by something after all huh?" She said sheepishly, one hand coming up to rub against the back of her head. "Even all those times when she said she was fine, I… didn't even realize. I… I should have been paying more attention."
"Yuigahama-san" I finally interrupted, concerned at her growing remorse. Given their friendship, no doubt she had trusted Miura to come to her if she had any troubles in her life and her bewilderment that this expectation hadn't been met was painful to watch.
"I'm sure that Miura-san has her own reasons for not telling you about her troubles. I can't be certain exactly what those reasons may be but what I am certain of is that it wasn't due to any fault of your own."
My attempts at comfort sounded stilted even to my own ears, as if I were reading pre-rehearsed words rather than something that flowed naturally from thought to speech. It was frustrating that even now I struggled to sound natural with someone I felt so close to. Still, I took heart from the subtle relief I could see on Yuigahama's face. For all my deficiencies at verbal communication, our time together meant that she had also learnt to see the intent behind the awkwardness in my attempts at offering comfort.
"Mmm. It's alright, I understand that as well." Yuigahama replied. "Yumiko, she acts really tough on the outside but she's really all soft underneath. It can be hard to see sometimes but she doesn't like it when people worry about her."
She frowned as she stared down at the table. "It's just… she's really been there for me. This year I mean, when I was… well…" She gave a furtive peek in my direction. "Y'know… back when I was having so much trouble coming to the club sometimes."
She broke off her sentence awkwardly but what she said was enough. Behind me I could sense Hachiman shifting in his chair as well. Just like me, I'm sure he already knew exactly what she was referring to.
How could we not?
That time near the start of our Third Year, when the wound dealt to Yuigahama's heart had still been so fresh, so raw. In the same clubroom that had brought us together, the three of us had affirmed our desires to remain close, regardless of how things had changed between us. Despite the difficulties that had lain ahead, we had been hopeful that we could come to a new understanding in due time. Soon however, our inexperience navigating the boundaries of our new relationships had made itself apparent. Our initial forays had been fraught with struggle and, all too often, Yuigahama found herself having to shoulder the burden of being left on the sidelines lest our fragile equilibrium splinter entirely.
It had been to my dismay to find that, as the indirect cause of her pain, I could do nothing to soothe my dearest friend's suffering. Even now, with that stage of our lives surmounted, I could still vividly remember the time when my frustration at my own helplessness had felt like an almost physical burden weighing me down each day. Not for an instant did I regret my choices that had led to this moment but I had wished so desperately that I could have spared Yuigahama from that pain she didn't deserve.
Of course, it went without saying that Hachiman had been even more stymied in the matter than I was. Even Komachi for all her charm and social graces, her natural loyalty to her brother meant there were limits to what she could do to ease Yuigahama's pain and Isshiki, as much as her presence has become a near constant in our afternoons, was not nearly close enough of a friend to offer true comfort.
In the end it had been Miura and the company of her group, free of the baggage that had burdened us, that had given Yuigahama the refuge she needed. Their presence had ensured that she did not have to bear her suffering on her own. Without that support, who knows how long it would have taken for Yuigahama to recover from her pain, to find the strength to take the first true steps towards reconciling our bond and for all our myriad of differences, for that alone Miura would always have my gratitude.
"It… it just feels wrong that I can't be there for her as well. Yuigahama went on. "It feels like I'm letting her down. I mean, I'm her friend too! I should be able to tell when she's hurt! I should be able to do something for her when she needs help."
Yuigahama finished with her eyes focused on the table, her frustration at her own powerlessness palpable in her voice. I could certainly empathise.
"It's probably just Miura's way of being considerate." Hachiman spoke up from my other side and the both of us swivelled around to focus our attention towards him.
"Sometimes it's the people we feel closest to, that can be the hardest to talk to about personal problems with." He continued to explain. "They don't want you to worry so they keep it to themselves and try to get through it all on their own. Even though it feels like you're just being pushed away, they're probably just doing it because they care."
"Source: me." He finished with a self-depreciating snort.
Yuigahama and I exchanged smiles.
"Thanks Hikki." Yuigahama chirruped.
Hachiman coughed lightly into his fist before turning away, embarrassed as always to be on the receiving end of gratitude.
An exaggerated sniffle on the other side of the table drew all our attention and we all turned around to see Komachi wiping at her eye with one hand with theatrical abandon.
"Oh, don't mind me. It's just… *sniff* seeing how far my trashy Onii-chan has come… it never fails to bring a tear to my eye! Ah that was super high in Komachi points!"
"Oh, spare me the crocodile tears." Hachiman grumbled good-naturedly in reply. "Also, that joke is in serious need of an update by now."
Since my partner was already the focus of our attention, now was as good a time as any to ask him what he may know. At this point, it was clear that everyone has already surmised the likelihood that Miura's request related to Hayama in some form or fashion and denying it outright would be unlikely to change that. It should be alright so long as I do not give out too much detail during my questioning.
"Hachiman, you share a class with Hayama-kun. By chance, have you observed anything different about his behaviour in recent times?"
"Aha! So Miura-senpai was asking about Hayama-sempai!" Isshiki spoke up with glee.
"As far as I can remember, Hayama is acting the same way he always does, but knowing him that could honestly mean anything." Hachiman noted slowly, the fingers of one hand lightly drumming on the table as he talked. "It's not like he'd go out of his way to say anything to me even if something was bothering him after all."
"I suppose not." I admitted ruefully.
"Um actually, now that you mention it, I sort of get the feeling Hayato's been kinda distant as well." Yuigahama spoke up, prompting curious gazes from the rest of us. "Ah, I don't mean just him actually! Lately, it sort of feels like everyone hasn't been as close as they were last year. I mean we still get together whenever we can! It's just… I mean we're all in different classes now and there's all this talk of finals so it's just gotten harder to find time is all. I don't even hang out with Hina-chan as much as I used to either."
"I do believe that Miura-san mentioned something along those lines as well." I recalled, thinking back to our talk in the empty room. "At the time I didn't think much of it but perhaps it was more of a factor then I had anticipated."
"Well it's not really unexpected." Hachiman pointed out. "After all it's easier to stay in contact with someone when you have no choice in spending time together. A lot of friendships formed in the first place because you didn't really have any choice in getting to know someone. Take that away and, for most people, when they find they have to start putting in effort just to maintain what they took for granted before, keeping in touch starts feelings like a chore more than anything else."
"I know right!" Isshiki interjected into the conversation. Leaning forward heavily and bracing her elbows on the table, she plopped her head into her cupped hands, a sullen expression on her face.
"I mean ever since Hayama-sempai quit the soccer club it's like a toootally different team now." She bemoaned. "Not only that I hardly ever get to see him around anymore and it just feels reeeally hard to get motivated and all. Plus all the other players just kinda suck now that he's not there to prop the team up. Geez managing the soccer club this year has become such a draaaaaggg."
"She's not even trying to pretend she isn't talking about herself." Yuigahama muttered under her breath, leaning away slightly as she did so.
"Did Hayama-kun give a reason for why he quit?" I asked, choosing to focus on the relevant parts of her chatter.
"Weeeell." Isshiki drawled, pursing her lips and turning her eyes upwards to the ceiling. "I think he said something about how he was never going to play professionally so he needed to put his all into his studies, y'know with this being his final year and everything."
"Sounds about right for him." Hachiman noted with a slight huff. Turning in his chair, he gave me a curious look.
"Do you think Hayama and Miura are having problems?" He asked, giving voice to the question everyone was likely wondering by this point.
"Possibly, but I would really rather not go too far into speculation without sufficient evidence." I said uneasily. "At the very least, Miura is willing to invest much more effort into this particular request than I would have expected if these were ordinary circumstances."
Was it possible we were over-thinking things? So far nothing we've discussed can really be considered definitive evidence of anything. It was only due to Miura's presence alone that we were even giving the idea credence at all but, even taking into account what I knew from my earlier talk with her, there was still precious little for me to draw any real conclusions.
The silence grew longer as nobody jumped to fill in the conversational gap and I took advantage of the lull to glance at the time.
"I believe it's about time for me to take my leave." I announced, standing up from my chair. "Miura-san should be waiting at the gate by now and it would be best if I don't make her wait any longer than she needs to."
All around the table I heard murmurs of assent and I was just about to reach down for my bag when a somewhat exaggerated cough suddenly rang out, catching everyone's attention.
Studiously avoiding looking at anyone directly, Hachiman pointedly coughed into his fist once more. "You know, as it happens, I was thinking of getting something to drink so, um since we're heading in the same direction, I might as well walk you on the way."
I blinked once in reflex at Hachiman's abrupt announcement before I felt my lips curl into a small, instinctive smile. Judging from the wry looks being exchanged between Yuigahama, Komachi and Isshiki as well, it clear that nobody in the room was fooled by his attempt at subterfuge. Old habits die hard after all.
"I see, that is a happy coincidence then." I said, my voice lightening into a teasing lilt as I chose to play along. "Very well I accept your offer to escort me then."
Still shy of actually meeting my eyes, Hachiman jerked his head in acknowledgement before standing up from his seat as well.
"Onii-chan! You know you can just say that you want to walk Yukino-san to the gate." Komachi suggested, a mischievous grin on her face. "I mean you are her boyfriend after all, nobody's gonna think you're weird for wanting to do that y'know!"
"Oh, leave me alone, Komachi." Hachiman spoke in a huff, graciously swinging my bag onto his back as he did so.
I couldn't help but lift a hand to smother a small giggle at my partner's obvious embarrassment.
"Oh, and Onii-chan?" Here, Komachi's beaming smile took on a slight threatening edge. "Make sure you come straight back here as soon as you've seen Yukino-san off, ok? Club isn't dismissed yet after all. If you ran off and abandon us, I'll have to send Yukino-san a message about it right away!"
"Oi oi that's a little bit harsh don't you think." Hachiman protested weakly.
"That's right! You better come back senpai!" Isshiki chimed into the conversation. "After all, if I'm not allowed to go yet then you definitely can't either!"
"Why exactly can't you leave? You're not even part of the club." Hachiman muttered under his breath.
"Oh my." I spoke up playfully as well, unwilling to pass up a chance to tease my partner a bit. "And here I thought you were merely being chivalrous. I certainly hope you weren't thinking of using me as an excuse to abandon your duties?"
"Hardly." Hachiman snorted. He threw a glance back at the table. "Actually, I figured I'd bring back drinks for everyone while I was at the machines but since nobody has any faith in me I guess just coming back is already enough."
Komachi and Isshiki perked up instantly.
"Oh, well if that's the case I'll take a cola, onii-chan!"
"Ooh, milk tea for me, senpai!"
"Um, I'll have the same as Komachi-chan, Hikki. And uh, don't worry! I'll pay you back!"
"My my, resorting to petty bribery now?" I said, feigning a despairing shake of my head. "Somehow I can't say I'm surprised."
"As long as everyone ends up happy in the end, does it really matter?"
I chuckled under my breath.
"I suppose not, shall we go then?"
With a nod of agreement Hachiman made his way to the entrance in a few nimble steps. Sliding the door open, he shifted to the side in invitation. I was about to follow when a stray thought flittered through my mind. Pausing, I craned my neck around to the table once.
"Before I take my leave, I just want to make it clear that everything I've shared here today was done in the strictest confidence. Please do not speak of it to anyone else lest unpleasant and, quite likely, unfounded rumors are started up once more."
Though my intent was to address the room as a whole, I couldn't help but focus my gaze on a certain person in particular as I spoke.
"H-Hey, Yukinoshita-senpai, why does it feel like you're singling me out specifically?" Isshiki protested weakly, shrinking back in her chair as she did so.
"Obviously it's because, out of everyone here, you're probably the least reliable at keeping something like this to yourself." Komachi immediately piped up with unnatural good cheer, a cheeky grin adorning her face. "In fact, you might be the only one here that Yukino-san doesn't trust to keep this a secret at all!"
"Nobody asked you Rice-chan!" Isshiki groused back, cheeks puffing up in chagrin. "Even if it's true, you aren't actually supposed to say it out loud! It still kinda hurts to hear y'know."
Komachi playfully tapped herself on the head with a fist, closed one eye and stuck her tongue out. "Tee hee!"
Whilst Isshiki was well occupied in the midst of sneering at Komachi, who herself seemed intent on doing everything she could to aggravate the Student Council President further, Yuigahama simply gave me another worried look.
"I'll see you later then Yuigahama-san. And please try not to be concerned. I'm sure I'll be able to tell you more about everything tomorrow." I hesitated briefly before continuing. "And I'm confident that Miura-san herself will want to discuss the matter with you as well, once her task is complete."
She gave me a nod of acknowledgement and with my assurances complete I was ready to go when I heard her call out to me.
"Yukinon wait!"
Turning back, I saw Yuigahama take a deep breath.
"The thing is, when we're shopping, Yumiko… Yumiko really likes talking sometimes, especially whenever we're looking at the latest fashion!" Yuigahama spouted out frantically, both hands curled into fists below her chin. "It can be hard to say anything but sometimes just listening and nodding can be enough. And… um. Sometimes, sometimes she'll interrupt you when you're saying something, or she won't seem to be listening when you try and give her your opinion but she really doesn't mean anything bad by it! So um, y'know try not to get too mad if it happens because then she'll probably get mad too and when that happens it can get really... well anyways. She can also take a really long time to make decisions sometimes and she can also get kinda distracted easy when we're out shopping so it's good to try and be patient and, and-!"
"Yuigahama-san. It's quite alright." I consoled in a soothing voice and Yuigahama's rapid fire speech sputtered to an end.
"I know that Miura-san and I have our differences but I'm sure I'll be able to handle being alone with her for one day. Please try not to feel responsible for the situation."
"Sorry it's just… I just want to help as much as I can. I mean…" Yuigahama glanced up at me once more, her eyes wide and soulful. "It's hard for us too as well, isn't it? It feels like we can't really spend time together like we used to either."
It was certainly true that we've been much busier this year, but all this stress over things she had no power to change wouldn't do her wellbeing any good. I should try and say something to take her mind off the matter.
"I understand, believe me I feel the same way, but there's really no need to worry." I spoke, my eyes wandering over the room in search of something I could use to change the subject. I found my gaze focusing on the school notes and books that were still scattered across the table. Slowly, the beginnings of an impish idea formed in my mind.
"After all… don't forget that, tomorrow, we'll be going over the practice tests that I gave you the week before." To hammer my statement home, I gave her a decidedly pointed look. "Given the importance of our final exams I'm sure we'll be spending plenty of time together going over and improving upon your results."
"Eh?"
Yuigahama blinked once in bemusement, and then she blinked again. On the third, realisation finally seemed to flood her face and her eyes widened in shock.
"EEEEH?! A-Ah! R-Right! S-Sure! Not a problem! A-Ahaha!" Yuigahama let out an unnaturally loud and false sounding laugh even as all color seemed to drain from her face.
"O-Of course, don't worry Yukinon I worked extra hard this time I'm sure there won't be any problems! R-Really!"
Far from the confidence her words suggested, her sickly expression was one I imagine she'd wear if it were suddenly announced that our finals had been moved all the way up to this very month. Shooting me a pleading look, Yuigahama's wide eyed face reminded me nothing less of a small innocent puppy begging for clemency.
I gave her my most gentle smile.
"I'll be sure not to hold anything back then." I finished mercilessly. It was just a shame that I infinitely preferred kittens over puppies.
Yuigahama sank back into her chair with a pitiful whine, resting her chin on top of the desk and splaying her arms across the table, looking as though she were on the verge of tears. Beside her Komachi gave her a commiserating pat on the back.
Shaking my head and smiling fondly at her antics, I made way to the door. Do not worry Yuigahama, the pain that tomorrow will bring only serves to benefit you in the long run.
And that's a wrap. Quite a decent chunk of the next chapter is already finished so, with luck, you'll be seeing it soon.