AN: Hello, everyone! I'm right in the middle of exam week right now, so I should probably be studying instead of writing this, but I'm sure it will be fiiiiiiiiine. I've kept you all waiting, as usual, so I need to kick myself on the arse and start writing. Who needs sleep anyway?

As usual, thank you for all the reviews. I love reading them almost as much as I do writing (a part of me wants to address some of the more lengthy ones directly, but there's so many that this AN would become super long, and I don't want to seem like I'm playing favourites – just know that I appreciate every single one!), so keep them coming! Constructive criticism is also always welcome ;)

Now, let's get back to the story!


Chapter 9 – First Confrontation

"...So that's about it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, Yuigahama, but given that Miura has already told you about everything, I'm sure you understand why."

"Hmmm… Well… You could still have told me you two became friends, meanie! It makes me really happy to know two of my closest friends have also become friends. A-ah, but Yukinon, you're still more important to me than Hikki is! S-sorry Hikki, I mean… Um… Agh."

As Yuigahama tried to amend her statement as to not offend either of us, my gaze met Yukinoshita's at the other end of the table. A small smile of amusement appeared on the black-haired girl's face, and I could feel a similar smile on my own face. As soon as I felt my heartbeat rising, however, I had to avert my gaze again. ...I was a nervous wreck after what happened on Sunday, but actually spending time with Yukinoshita like that did make me more comfortable around her… Though only a little bit, as evidenced by my heart rate still skyrocketing when around her. Showing me such a cute expression doesn't help either!

"...But really, I wouldn't have guessed that you would help Yumiko with something like this, ahahaa..." Yuigahama's words brought my attention back to her, and I saw her playing with her hair bun. "I-I mean… You didn't really get along with her before, right, Hikki?" Yuigahama then asked from me.

"Yukinoshita asked the same thing. And I guess the best answer is that… We didn't get along because neither of us truly knew the other." I replied, briefly glancing at Yukinoshita, who quietly sipped her tea without looking back at me. "But when Miura… opened up to me, she turned out to be nothing like my initial impression had been, and it was very much the same for her." I awkwardly scratched my cheek as Yuigahama looked at me intently. Stop that, it's making recounting all this even more embarrassing than it already is.

"I… see." I found Yuigahama's lack of energy in her answer curious, and looked to see her with her gaze turned downwards, but she soon jerked her head back up and smiled. "B-but I really am glad you two could become friends! Maybe we could all hang out together sometime? You're welcome too, Yukinon!" Yuigahama was back to her usual self so quickly I questioned whether the look I had seen on her face just a moment ago was all but a dream. I can tell that she really is happy about Miura and I becoming… friendlier, but… Could she really be mad that I didn't tell her and is just keeping it in? Being honest with those close to you… Realizing that Yuigahama was glancing between Yukinoshita and I with an expectant look on her face, I met the blue eyes of the girl at the other end of the table again briefly.

"...Yeah, sorry, but no."

"I must respectfully decline your offer."

"Ehhhhh? Come on, guys! It will be fun! I think you should really become friends with Yumiko as well, Yukinon!" Yuigahama leaned closer to Yukinoshita, who in turn leaned away from her, sending me a pleading glance as she did. Looking to me for help, huh? Wait, stop looking at me with those eyes. You'll really make want to come over there and pry Yuigahama off you, then confess my feelings to you and get rejected. Holding back my true feelings (Yeah, that whole 'being honest' thing is going really well, I know – but it's still in the planning phase!), I instead gave her a shrug accompanied by a slight smile. But, now that I'm seeing Yuigahama again… She doesn't seem to have changed her behaviour much. She was acting just like before during classes today, talking mostly with Miura and Ebina, and Miura did say that she was going to help her...

"You talked with Miura on Friday, right, Yuigahama?" Hearing my question, the girl turned to me again, before her eyes widened and she averted her gaze again.

"Ah… yes, I did." Yuigahama moved away from Yukinoshita and fidgeted a little."She… told me everything, about what had happened and what she wanted to do. Well, apart from befriending you, Hikki."

"Yes, I asked her to not do so before I could tell you myself. So, you're helping Miura achieve her goals, then?" Yuigahama nodded to me in reply, then raised an eyebrow in question, while Yukinoshita looked at our exchange with intrigue. "So… she must have asked you the same thing she asked from Ebina. To be… more open with her." Yuigahama's eyes widened for a moment, before she looked away again. Of course, it could just simply be that Yuigahama really is like this – there's no need to 'open up' any further. But if everyone in their clique has more or less been hiding things from the others…

"That… well… Yes, she did say that. And I was… honest with her, but..." Yuigahama seemed hesitant, which only fuelled my own curiosity. It is starting to seem like there is something Yuigahama has kept to herself. Perhaps, even if she is ready to open up to Miura, she isn't ready to do so with us..? It hurts a little to think that... Just at that moment, the door to the clubroom suddenly opened, startling the three of us, and we all turned towards it to see two figures peering into the room.

"Hikio! Ah, did you tell them yet?" Miura asked as she nonchalantly walked inside, with Ebina following shortly after her, raising a hand in greeting as she saw us. On the other side of the table, I could see Yukinoshita pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"Miura-san, could you please knock before entering to announce your arrival?" Yukinoshita said in exasperation as Miura walked up to me, the blonde looking back at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Hm? It's not, like, that big of a deal, right? So, did Hikio tell you about us, yet?" Miura turned to me with a smile. Oi, woman. Phrasing! I saw a grin appearing on Ebina's face briefly, and mentally let out a sigh. Does Miura even realize what she's just said..?

"...Yes, he has informed us that you two have become acquainted due to him helping you during the past week." Yukinoshita said coolly as she narrowed her eyes at Miura. That look is kinda scary… And I could swear the temperature just dropped by a few degrees. "So, if I may inquire… What is your business here today, Miura-san?" Yukinoshita spared a quick glance at Ebina, before she returned her sharp gaze to Miura.

"I don't really like your tone of voice, Yukinoshita." Miura said and crossed her arms as she returned Yukinoshita's cold glare with a fiery one. Uh… This atmosphere is not good… Did these two really dislike each other that much..? I can't remember Yukinoshita ever being this… hostile before, though. I looked to Ebina, who seemed to be quietly evaluating the situation like I was, while Yuigahama's gaze nervously flicked between her two friends currently having a stare-off. After a painful amount of time had passed, the silence was broken by a sigh coming from Miura, whose stance now became more relaxed. "Well, you're like, Hikio's friend, so I should try to get along with you. We've not exactly been on the best of terms up until now, but… I'm willing to overlook the past. Taking the blindfold off allowed me to see how great of a person Hikio truly was, so I shouldn't judge you so hastily, either." Miura turned to me briefly again with a smile, and I averted my gaze, hoping that my embarrassment wasn't too obvious. What the hell was with that line? Are you tying to make me fall for you or something? You're over-exaggerating things."So, to answer your question… I'm here to request your help. I've already told Yui, but what about you, Yukinoshita? Did Hikio tell you what I'm aiming to do?" Yukinoshita kept her gaze on Miura for a few moments, before she closed her eyes and took a sip of her tea.

"You are trying to break away Hayama-kun's control within your clique and have everyone in it open up to each other, so you can become 'true friends', correct?" Yukinoshita asked, opening her eyes to look Miura in the eyes again as she lowered her cup, and the blonde nodded to her in reply.

"More or less, yes. I… We… Hayato has been using me, and I was foolish enough to blindly believe him all this time. But now I know that if things stay like this, we won't last." Miura looked to Ebina, then to Yui, the former of which placed a hand on her shoulder and offered a reassuring smile. "But I don't want us to break apart. I want us… to became true friends, as you said. To do that, we need to be open and honest with each other, but… Hayato doesn't want that." Miura's hand clenched into a fist briefly, then she relaxed again. The wound Hayama has left will not heal that easily, even if things in the clique change for the better. "I don't know why he is the way he is, but I want to try and change things in our clique. And… if possible… I want to try and change him." Miura looked Yukinoshita directly in the eyes, not with the glare she previously had, but with an expression more akin to a pleading one.

"..." Yukinoshita kept silent as she gazed back at Miura, then took another sip of her tea. "...I see." She then said after placing her cup back down, her gaze shifting first to Ebina, then to Yuigahama, and finally to me, before she returned it to Miura. "I can somewhat understand how Ebina-san and Yuigahama-san are able to help you with this, and Hikigaya-kun told me that he had been… an advisor of sorts, but… How do think I would be able to help you in your endeavour?" At first, Yukinoshita's question made me think she was implying she wouldn't help Miura regardless, but from her expression and tone of voice – while both calm and neutral, as is usual for the Ice Queen – I got the feeling that wasn't the case. Am I getting better at reading her? I've definitely grown closer to her, at the very least… It's scary how that thought doesn't disturb me any more – quite the opposite.

"I know you two are old… acquaintances. So just… tell me about him. Was he always like this? If not, why did he change? What… is he truly like under that mask of his?" A pained expression flashed across Miura's face, but she shook her head to clear it away and looked at Yukinoshita again. "I know he'll oppose the change I want, so like, understanding why he is the way he is will help in bringing about that change, and maybe… It will also help us convince him to open up as well. So..." Miura took a deep breath, then suddenly bowed deeply in Yukinoshita's direction. "I would very much appreciate it if you could help me with this, Yukinoshita. And, I'm sorry for like, being mean to you in the past, I guess." Mura kept her head lowered for a few seconds, then raised it up slightly to look at Yukinoshita, whose eyes were widened in surprise, while similar expressions could be spied on the faces of both Yuigahama and Ebina. It isn't an exaggeration to say that the Fire Queen has mellowed out somewhat, but… Bowing her head while requesting aid from Yukinoshita? No-one could have seen that coming.

"…Apology accepted." Yukinoshita said after she got over her stupor, then cleared her throat once Miura raised her head. "Well, it does seem that I also had the wrong idea about you, Miura-san, so I must apologize for that as well. And regarding this request of yours…" Yukinoshita shifted her gaze away from Miura and met my eyes, keeping her gaze on me for a few moments before looking back at the blonde. "...Given that Hikigaya-kun and Yuigahama-san are already helping you in their own ways, I don't see why I cannot help as well." Yukinoshita allowed a small smile on her face, and seeing the relieved expression on Miura's face, I felt a smile of my own forming as well. That went better than I expected. Of course, I knew Yukinoshita was mature enough to forgive Miura, if she was given the chance to see the new side to her, and she did indirectly offer her help on Sunday – although that was when talking with me – but a part of me couldn't shake off the memories of what I know has happened between the two in the past.

"Arigatou, Yukinoshita. I… This all… really means a lot to me, so I'm glad you could push aside our past and help me." Miura said with a smile as Yukinoshita reached for her teacup, and I did the same – for the first time in quite while, as I shortly realized after the now-cooled tea touched my tongue. "If… If I'm allowed to be honest with you about something… I want to like, get it off my chest or something..." Miura's gaze flitted between the table and Yukinoshita, who gave the blonde a nod of approval.

"Go ahead. I promise not to get mad." Miura nodded in return, then took another deep breath before she spoke.

"I was… always jealous of you, Yukinoshita. You were pretty, smart and athletic – perfect in all aspects. But you had this like, 'Ice queen' persona, and I thought you were just haughty and arrogant." Huh, so I guess I'm not the only one to use that moniker. "Then there was your… connection with Hayato. Neither of you ever said anything, but I could tell you two knew each other, and that just made me even more jealous. But now that I've seen that the Hayato I know is just a mask, and after actually thinking of what Yui and Hikio have said about you..." Yukinoshita shifted her gaze to me and narrowed her eyes, and I instinctively flinched back. I-it was nothing personal, honest! You've just naturally come up in conversation at some point, I swear! "...I've come to realize all of those were just negative preconceptions of mine. So… I hope we'll be able to get along better from now on, or something." Miura looked away from Yukinoshita and began to twirl a strand of her hair around her index finger. It feels… odd seeing the fierce Miura be so embarrassed about asking someone else something like that… Although, it is understandable, given the recent events that have changed how she views things, and her past with Yukinoshita.

"...I appreciate your honesty, Miura-san, and..." Yukinoshita's eyes flicked to me briefly, but soon her gaze was on Miura again. "...I do also very much hope we get along. It will be for… everyone's benefit." Something about Yukinoshita's answer felt… off to me, and I tried to read her expression, but couldn't detect anything from beyond the surface of her smile. Maybe I'm reading into things too much… "So, you said you wanted to know about Hayama-kun, yes?" Yukinoshita then asked, seemingly wanting to move the conversation forward, and Miura nodded to her. "I must say, I do not know a lot, but I definitely know more than most people do, so perhaps there are some things you might find useful." Yukinoshita brought a hand to her chin as she thought briefly, her gaze moving over each of us and finally landing on Miura. "Though, if you want more information than what I have to offer, you would have to turn to my sister." Yukinoshita Haruno… She would definitely be the one to ask about Hayama from, but… Even thinking of talking to her is causing shivers to go down my spine.

"Anything is fine. I… I want to know why Hayato is the way he is, so… please."

Yukinoshita obliged to Miura's request, and the blonde sat down in the sole seat on the other side of the table, with Ebina standing next to her. Before Yukinoshita started telling us what she knew of Hayama, however, she asked Miura to summarize the situation she was in again and what she knew of Hayama, stating that having a firmer grasp on everything would allow her to help more precisely.

Miura did as asked and told Yukinoshita everything she had already told me, from her starting to notice that something was off about Hayama, to her coming to the realization of just how shallow her friendships were. Miura even told Yukinoshita about Hayama's rejection of her (which Yukinoshita said she had figured out as being the most likely thing to have happened, and the underlying reason behind Hayama's request to us last week), and how it was the final confirmation for her that under his mask, Hayama was not the person Miura knew. She had seen glimpses of someone cold and arrogant, who had used his social skills to bring their clique together and kept them together, but without ever truly opening up to them, or even considering calling anyone in it a true friend. To the Hayama beneath the mask, Miura, who had been clearly smitten with him, was a useful pawn for keeping away others like her due to her "aggressive" nature, nothing more than a pretty face he could manipulate. She explained that she had now seen the truth, and was furious at Hayama for it, but also disappointed in herself in having let herself get fooled all this time. In the back of her mind, she had always known their clique was a fragile thing, but Hayama's words had made her refuse to acknowledge it. But, even with her anger, she still wanted to truly know Hayama, all in hopes that she could change him, to get him to open up, and she needed Yukinoshita's help in that.

By the time Miura had finished, she had gotten quite emotional. But, Miura stayed strong as she told everything she knew to Yukinoshita – though it was with the help of a supportive hand on her shoulder from Ebina, and another from Yuigahama holding onto hers. Though there was still a long way for what they had to become genuine – whatever that might be – I could tell that right now, this was something far greater than the shallow bonds they had had before. And I would be lying if I said that seeing that didn't bring a smile to my face – though I expertly hid that from the others to prevent being called a creep.

I really am going soft.

After giving Miura a few moments to compose herself, Yukinoshita began to tell us what she knew of Hayma, giving yet another disclaimer that what she knew was still not much, as the two of them had not been close, even if they did know each other (I definitely got the feeling Yukinoshita did not like the idea of being associated with him). She didn't know when exactly he began "wearing the mask", but she had observed a change in how he acted during middle school. Hayama had been as popular as he is now, but he had always kept a bit of distance to others. At one point, however, that distance seemed to become even greater, and she rarely saw him interacting with anyone. For a time, Hayama was essentially a loner. It seemed as if the friends he had before had vanished from his life. According to Yukinoshita, though, this "phase" of his didn't last long, as soon enough, Hayama had climbed back up to the top of the social hierarchy. He became the king who always found a way to keep everyone equally pleased, but in truth only did that to maintain the status quo, keeping things neutral and unchanging for whatever reason. Yukinoshita didn't know whether he already had his mask before his "loner phase", or if he donned it afterwards, but she knew for certain that her older sister had some influence in this – as well as things within his own family.

Miura wanted to question more about Hayama from Yukinoshita, but she simply said that was all she knew and avoided elaborating any further. She hadn't been particularly descriptive of any specifics about her past when talking about Hayama, so I didn't pry either. I had figured Yukinoshita had things in her past she wasn't comfortable with talking about, and whatever those things were, they definitely had something to do with her sister and Hayama. Seems like Yukinoshita Haruno has all the answers regarding the two of them and their pasts… Whether or not what comes out of her mouth can be trusted is another thing entirely.

"...That is all the information I can give you, Miura-san. You will have to turn to my sister, if you want to know more, as she will undoubtedly know more about Hayama-kun's circumstances than I do. However… I do not recommend speaking with her." I nodded alongside Yukinoshita's finishing statement, while Miura looked at us with a raised eyebrow.

"Why not? Do you guys like, not get along as sisters?" Miura questioned, while Ebina looked upwards thoughtfully next to her.

"Your sister is… Yukinoshita Haruno, yes? The alumni who performed at the cultural festival?" Ebina asked from Yukinoshita, who nodded in reply.

"That is correct, Ebina-san. Nee-san and I… It's less about us 'not getting along' and more that… she is a rather unpleasant person. She wears a mask, like Hayama-kun does, but she is far more sinister than he is. Nee-san is… manipulative, cunning and ruthless when it comes to getting what she wants." Yukinoshita explained. Add on top of that her peerless beauty, and you have a dangerous mix. Truly deserving of the title 'Demon Superwoman'.

"M-maybe you're being a little too harsh on Haruno-san, Yukinon..." Yuigahama said and awkwardly played with her hair bun, while Yukinoshita let out a sigh.

"...I suppose Nee-san might have her good points, but they are few and far between. My point is, if Miura-san wants more information about Hayama-kun, Nee-san is the best person to ask, but one must be careful when talking with her, and always question whatever comes out of her mouth." Yukinoshita looked at Miura again, who lowered her gaze for a moment.

"I… think this will be enough, for now, at least." Miura said and looked up again, her gaze shifting between the three of us on this side of the table. "Thanks, Yukinoshita. Knowing just a little bit more about Hayato… It will aid in changing him." Miura looked at Yukinoshita with a confident expression on her face. Well, that still remains to be seen. I don't think there's much that can be done to have him open up… Unless you find out the true reason behind all he's doing. Which would likely require involving Yukinoshita Haruno. "But, before that, we need to get everyone else in the clique on our side first."

"Did you decide whether you were going to try with Tobe first, or..?" I asked, my gaze flicking between Miura and Ebina. I didn't see or hear them talk about anything like that today, at least.

"Yes, we did. Hina set up a Line group for us three, so we could plan without like, Hayato finding out." Ah, that explains it. "Oh, right! I tried to add you to it from my contacts, Hikio, but it didn't work for some reason. Can you give me your phone so I can like, do it manually right now?" Miura took out her phone from her pocket and extended a hand towards me, her open palm waiting for me to oblige to her request, while Yukinoshita's gaze became firmly fixated on the two of us, and I suddenly felt like a deer being stalked by a wolf – if I took one step in the wrong direction, I would be pounced upon. What's with that look in her eyes? It's a bit scary.

"I… don't use Line, so… That's why it didn't work." I had it at one point, but it was pretty sad that I could practically only use it to contact Komachi, so I ended up deleting it… I glanced at Yukinoshita again, who had closed her eyes as she breathed deeply, and once she opened her eyes again, any trace of the scary look was gone.

"Well, I'll just download it for you. It'll take like two minutes." Miura gestured with her hand again, and Yuigahama was now the one to fixate her gaze on us. Is it really that surprising that Miura has my phone number..? Well, I guess it kind of is, but… It still hurts, you know? Also, just because I gave you phone once doesn't mean I'll do it again, Miura.

"I would like to believe Hikigaya-kun is perfectly capable of doing so himself, Miura-san." Miura turned her gaze to Yukinoshita, who had now taken out her own phone. "I do also think it would be most beneficial if I was in this… chat group as well, since I am also helping you with this. Wouldn't you agree?" Yukinoshita's gaze moved between Miura and Yuigahama expectantly. Did I sense… a bit of irritation in her voice, then? I... guess she doesn't want to be excluded? Though, I could easily be mistaken. I've gotten better at understanding Yukinoshita, but she is still hard to read at the best of times.

"Oh, yes, we should totally get Yukinon into the group as well!" Yuigahama clapped her hands together as she looked between Miura and Yukinoshita, the former of which looked back at me, then let out a small sigh and withdrew her outstretched hand.

"Alright. Yui can add Yukinoshita, so tell me when you're ready, so I can add you, okay, Hikio?" Miura asked from me, and I nodded to her. I mean, Yuigahama could just add me at the same time when she's adding Yukinoshita, but it doesn't really matter who does it, I guess.

I took out my own phone and began re-downloading the application, which didn't take long, and Miura immediately added me to their group chat. Heh, who could have imagined that I would one day share a private group chat with four girls… As I looked at the list of people in the private group, my eyes locked onto Yukinoshita's name, and I froze momentarily. This… If I just tapped on that name, I could see… I lifted my gaze from the phone screen and looked at the opposite end of the table, where Yukinoshita sat, her gaze fixated on her own phone screen while Yuigahama talked about something or other with Ebina. Why am I feeling so nervous all of a sudden? It's just a phone number. I mean, we are now in the same Line group, so it's fine if I see what her phone number is, right? I looked back at my own phone, Yukinoshita's name staring back at me almost tauntingly. I probably shouldn't add her to my contacts list or anything without her permission, though… I reached for my phone's screen with my free hand, my index finger hovering just above Yukinoshita's name as it was displayed in the list. Well… It won't hurt if I look at it, and maybe write it down. In fact, it would be useful to know her number in case of an emergency. Yes, that is a good excuse. I stole another glance at Yukinoshita, who was now tapping away at her own phone screen, the smallest hint of a smile on her face.

...Or I could just ask her for her number.

Yeah, let's not.

Once again I returned my gaze to my phone, and I took a deep breath as my eyes locked onto Yukinoshita's name. It will be fine – no-one has to know that I know her number. And even if someone does find out, I can just say that I saw it in this group chat. It's not like I'm doing anything illegal – so stop beating so fast, damn heart! As my finger was about to make contact with the screen, the door to the clubroom suddenly opened, interrupting Yuigahama mid-sentence and bringing all of our attention to the door.

"Hm? Oh, if it isn't a prime example of today's youth. You're all sat around the same table and yet you're still playing with your smartphones." The one who had walked though the door – Miss Hiratsuka – exclaimed as she strode in, casting her gaze upon us all and stopping once it landed on me. "Even you, Hikigaya? I thought better of you." She then continued with exaggerated disappointment in her voice and accompanied by a shake of her head.

"...It seems you have the wrong idea about what was going on before you arrived, Hiratsuka-sensei. And I've said it multiple times already, but please knock before you enter." Yukinoshita said and placed her phone on the table, and I followed suit after locking mine.

"It's not that big of a deal, right?" Is this Déjà-vu? "Anyway, I'm surprised to see you two here. Not what I expected to find." Hiratsuka-sensei shifted her gaze to Ebina and Miura as she walked up to us.

"So… you came here for something specific, then?" I asked, and Hiratsuka-sensei turned to me and nodded.

"I was looking for Isshiki. She wasn't in the Student Council room, so the Service Club was my next stop, seeing as she seems to like loitering around here." She explained, her gaze moving across each of us. Isshiki? So, wait, she hasn't been around today? That's… somewhat concerning. "But, as is evident, she isn't here either. Have any of you seen her around?" Miura and Ebina looked at each other, then shook their heads, and Yukinoshita did the same.

"I saw her during lunch break near our classroom when I went… to the b-bathroom. But after that I haven't seen her." Yuigahama said to Hiratsuka-sensei. Well, at least she's been to school… What happened on Friday is still bugging me, and if this is somehow related to why she was acting so weird back then…

"Hrmm… And the other Student Council members told me that she had said she had something to do today… This is problematic, as I needed the Student Council for something kinda urgent… And I can't rely on the Service Club this time either." Hiratsuka-sensei said and let out a defeated sigh.

"U-um, I'm sure we can help with whatever you need, Sensei!" Yuigahama said, glancing between Yukinoshita and I. H-hey, don't just go announcing things like that! I'm sure it was her plan all along to get us to be her unpaid workers! Well, it's not like we get paid for what we do normally…

"I appreciate the offer, Yuigahama, and in any other circumstance I would gladly take it, but unfortunately, this is something I explicitly need the Student Council for. I already told the other members that I'd need their help with something, but I need to get a hold of Isshiki before we can start on anything." Hiratsuka-sensei explained to us and crossed her arms under her chest. "Do you have her number, Yuigahama? If she's off school grounds, I'm going to have to give her an earful." Yuigahama nodded, then took out her phone again and began to tap away on it, while Hiratsuka-sensei turned her gaze to Miura and Ebina again. "So, you two are here for a request, then, huh?"

"Yes, we are. Well, Hikio's been helping me a bunch already, but this is something… I can't do alone." Miura replied, and Hiratsuka-sensei, who had been smiling up until now, took on a more serious expression.

"That does remind me… I hope you still remember what we talked about on Friday?" She asked from Miura, who gave the teacher a nod, and I saw Ebina looking at the exchange with intrigue. "Good. I might be busy tomorrow with the Student Council, but… How about Wednesday?" I wonder what they're talking about..? What, has Miura done something to warrant a lecture from Hiratsuka-sensei or something? I don't really get that vibe from this, though...

"That… sounds fine for me." Hiratsuka-sensei nodded in response to Miura, who I noticed was suddenly… gloomier than usual. Maybe it is something serious? Well, I shouldn't stick my nose into things that don't concern me. My thoughts briefly wandered back to my shopping trip with Miura and Ebina, back to the moment when Miura had been about to tell me something about her family. Could it really be that..? It would make sense if Hiratsuka-sensei knew about it, if that was the case… I… No. If Miura doesn't want to tell me herself, I won't pry. But... I stole a brief peek at Miura, who had her gaze directed downwards, her expression neutral.

...I can't help but feel like I want to help her regardless.

I shifted my gaze from Miura to Yukinoshita, happening to meet her blue eyes with my own.

It's similar to what I feel towards Yukinoshita. But if that's because I… love Yukinoshita… Is it just my instincts as an older brother that make me feel like that towards Miura?

This is too much to think about right at this moment.

"She's not answering her phone… I've sent her a message saying you were looking for her, Hiratsuka-sensei, but… I can't help but feel a little worried." I pushed my current thoughts aside as Yuigahama spoke again, looking at Hiratsuka-sensei with a slightly distressed look on her face.

"I'm sure Isshiki's fine – it's not like she's completely disappeared, as the other members of the Student Council saw her just earlier. If she doesn't come to school tomorrow, though… That's when we start worrying." Hiratsuka-sensei said, but Yuigahama's only reaction was that her grip on her phone tightened.

"It is very possible Isshiki-san is simply unable to answer at this time, Yuigahama-san. You shouldn't start thinking of the worst just after one phone call." Yukinoshita said in a calm manner, and I saw Ebina nodding along with her. "Perhaps she had something urgent to do with her family today, and thus had to leave early? There are countless possibilities – and not all of them are bad." Yukinoshita is right, but realistic pessimism never hurts. There's no harm in being prepared for the worst, and if you are, the good things that happen just feel that much better. Like when… Huh, I can't actually think of any examples. Just goes to show how many good things happen to me… Come on, think, Hachiman!

"There you have it. As long as she's here tomorrow, everything should go smoothly, and even if she isn't, all I need to do is inform her what we're doing and start things without her." Hmmm… Maybe that one Visual Novel Zaimokuza gave to me? It was pretty good… Though I guess I didn't really go into it expecting the worst, more like I had no expectations whatsoever… Well, whatever. It still makes sense, right? Wait, who am I even trying to explain this to? "Well, I think I'll leave you kids to it, now. You have a request, so I'm not going to disturb you any more." Hiratsuka-sensei turned around and began to make for the door, turning back briefly with a raised hand before she exited. "I'll be seeing you around!"

We all gave Hiratsuka-sensei some form of farewell – a simple nod and a raised hand from me – and returned to our previous topic by discussing the plans that Miura and Ebina had regarding Tobe. The slight gloominess that Miura had exhibited when Miss Hiratsuka had appeared was soon gone, but I was certain that I hadn't been the only one to notice it. Ebina seemed like she recognized what Hiratsuka-sensei meant when she referred to her and Miura having talked on Friday, and I'm fairly sure Yukinoshita noticed something as well… Even if I still find it hard to believe, I can't escape the fact that Miura has become someone close to me. Me feeling like I want to help her is proof of that.I watched silently as Miura spoke with Ebina and Yui about different situations they could talk to Tobe in, and felt a small smile forming on my face. Maybe that's one good thing to have happened to me.

Getting to know Miura for who she truly is.


"Miura-san, if you don't mind, could we talk for a moment, just the two of us?"

The blonde girl looked at me with a raised eyebrow, then glanced behind her in the direction where the others had stopped a little ways away from us.

"Yumiko? You coming?" Ebina was the one to ask, with Hikigaya and Yuigahama looking back at us as well. I do not enjoy the idea of letting Hikigaya-kun be alone with two other girls, but… It is an unfortunate necessity. And, this way, at least Miura-san won't be with him.

"Ah, you go on ahead. I'll meet you at the gates, Hina." The other girl nodded back, then began to make her way down the hallway, with Yuigahama following suit after waving at us. Hikigaya's gaze lingered on us for a moment, before he nodded briefly, then started to walk down the hallway as well. "Alright, so… what did you like, want to talk about?" Miura asked from me once the others had gone.

"I won't keep you for long, Miura-san. I just wanted to ask… about Hikigaya-kun." I said as I finished locking the door to the clubroom, fully turning to face Miura once I had confirmed it was indeed locked. "You've gotten awfully close with him in quite a short amount of time." Miura looked at me with a confused expression, then crossed her arms.

"Uh, yeah? What about it? We've like, told you everything already. Hikio helped me when I was at my weakest, and I realized he wasn't such a bad guy after all." A small smile appeared on Miura's face, and I felt the hand still holding onto the clubroom key clenching into a fist. "Is it like, so weird that we'd become friends? I mean, I know we weren't really that friendly before, but… You know what Hikio is like, right? He's just so… I don't know, great. I should have gotten to know him sooner." ...Things are starting to seem as I feared.

"Yes, I do indeed know what Hikigaya-kun is like." Better than anyone else. "I only want to make sure that… things stay the way they are meant to." Miura lifted an eyebrow in confusion at my words. "I understand that it will be impossible to… sever your 'friendship', now, and I plan on doing no such things. If things stay that way, everything will go smoothly, so I ask you now, Miura-san: Is there something more to you seeking to become closer with Hikigaya-kun than simply friendship?" I focused my gaze on Miura's eyes, which now widened in surprise, her mouth opening slightly. I would not mind it if Miura-san stayed as a… friend to Hikigaya-kun, if it makes him happier, as long as I know that she will pose no threat to our future together. That is why I must confirm things here and now, before his charms capture her and things escalate. I must make her understand that she is treading on my territory, and is free to do so only as long as she respects my wishes and orders.

"Huh?" Miura articulated her surprise a few moments later, then cleared her throat and continued. "W-what do you mean by that?" Miura averted her eyes for a moment and raised a hand up, beginning to twirl a strand of her hair around her index finger, while I simply narrowed my eyes at her. Her reaction would point towards the worst possible outcome – that she has already fallen for Hikigaya-kun. The worst possible outcome for her, that is.

"What I am asking is simple, Miura-san. I know you have gotten rejected by Hayama-kun, and realized that he is not the person you thought he was. So then, are you seeking something more than just friendship from Hikigaya-kun?" Miura's cheeks gained a tint of red to them and she looked away from me again. If she now confirms my suspicions… It determines what I must do moving forward.

"W-well, so what if I was? How does that concern you in any way? It's not like you're his… g-girlfriend or anything." Miura's finger stopped its movements, and she was now glaring at me, though her slightly flushed cheeks meant it didn't quite have the desired effect. So, it's true, then. That is… most unfortunate. Yuigahama-san posed no threat to me due to her being too passive and afraid of taking a step forwards – it means I do not have to resort to any drastic measures regarding her. But Miura-san… She already speaks with him casually, and who knows how much they've interacted under my nose during the past week. Her aggressiveness might negatively affect Hikigaya-kun, and he might be tempted to be swayed from the path he is meant to walk.

I must prevent that.

As much as I didn't want to go this far… You've left me no choice, Miura-san.

"Oh, Miura-san, it is nothing so ordinary." I replied to her and closed my eyes, feeling a triumphant smile growing on my face. "Yes, it is true that Hikigaya-kun and myself are not in a relationship currently, but… it is only a matter of time. You see..." I opened my eyes again and met Miura's eyes, sharpening my gaze as I lowered my voice. "...We are meant to be together, and that means that nothing can get in our way. So, I would suggest that you… give up on any possible delusions you might have, because if it comes to it… I will not hesitate in getting rid of any pests that stand in my way." Miura looked at me with wide eyes, unmoving for multiple seconds, until her face twisted into a scowl.

"You… You're talking as if it's set in stone already, but… You can't just claim someone like that! You have to like, take into account the feelings of the other person as well. And you haven't even said any of this Hikio, have you?" Miura glared back at me while pointing an accusatory finger at me, but I was unfazed by her words.

"As I said, it is only a matter of time. We are meant to be together, but Hikigaya just needs to realize that himself. He needs to come to the understanding that only I can stand by his side, and so, I must make sure his life is devoid of any distractions that might affect this. So, I ask you again, Miura-san. If you have any delusions, please let them go, so I won't have to resort to anything unsavoury. I was hesitant at first, but after seeing the way you acted around him… I had to make sure you knew your place." Miura stayed quiet as she glared at me, and after seeing that she had no retort, I walked up to her, stopping just next to her and looking sideways at her. "I suggest you take what I've said to heart. Hikigaya-kun is mine. As long as you keep that in mind, I will let you remain. And do not speak of this encounter with him – Hikigaya-kun would not believe you anyway." After a few silent moments, I kept walking, not looking back at Miura.

Once I had made it far enough that she wouldn't be able to see me any more, I stopped and leaned against a wall, letting out a sigh. That was… Intense, to say the least. I… almost can't believe I was capable of saying such thingsI lifted up one of my hands and looked at my palm, noticing that my hand was shaking. Did I… go too far..? I've made Miura-san cry in the past, though that was due to a different reason, and with different methods, but… No, this had to be done, even if I initially didn't want to do it. If she had said she was simply content with being friends with Hikigaya-kun, I wouldn't have had to go so far, but knowing that she, too, has fallen for him… My hand stopped shaking and balled up into a fist. Well, I cannot blame her for it. But, it does not give her the right to steal away what rightfully belongs to me. Hikigaya-kun and I are meant to be together, and there is no space for anyone else to stand next to him. I lowered my hand and looked outside a nearby window out onto the school grounds, where a few lone figures could be spotted here and there. These revelations I have had about my feelings… They have definitely caused a change in me. A scary change, and one I didn't understand at first.

Until now.

I fully understand the meaning of the saying "All is fair in love and war", now.

I began to walk down the hallway again, making my way towards Hiratsuka-sensei's office to return the clubroom key. Hmm… Perhaps I should have stayed and gauged Miura-san's reaction..? It did seem like my words had an effect on her, and for her own good, I can only hope that effect was the desired one. And even if she were to tell someone about what happened… It is their word against mine. And I trust Hikigaya-kun to believe me, should it come to that. I smiled to myself as I walked, now feeling satisfied. Come to think of it… Perhaps calling him "Hikigaya-kun" won't suffice any longer… Yes… We are meant to be together, so it would only make sense to call him something more… intimate.

Ha…

"H-Hachiman."

Without thinking, I had said his first name out loud, and immediately froze in the middle of a hallway, feeling a blush creeping up to my cheeks. O-okay, that was more embarrassing than I had expected… Perhaps I am not quite ready to use his first name yet, but… Maybe something like…

"Hachi."

"Hachi. Hachi! Hachi?"

"Hachi."

I smiled to myself as I repeated the nickname in my head. Hachi. Hachi. Hachi.

It's perfect.

Realizing I was still standing in the middle of the hallway, I shook my head and took a deep breath, then continued forward. It feels as if I am one step closer to my goal, now. And in a way, I am. As I walked, I took out my phone from my pocket and looked at my – admittedly short – list of contacts, which now held a new name. At least that's one good thing to have resulted from Miura-san's meddling.

I smiled as I looked at the name displayed on screen and the phone number visible beneath it, then pocketed my phone and continued on.


"...Hikigaya-kun is mine."

"No..."

I whispered the word and clenched my hands into fists, then whipped my head around, but saw no sign of the black-haired girl who had been with me moments prior. Yukinoshita… I thought we could have started over with this, and in a way we did, but…

"If you have any delusions, please let them go"

No… You're the delusional one here, Yukinoshita. Even if you love someone… You can't just say things like that. That's not… right.

She had said she knew what Hikio was like, but if she harboured those kinds of thoughts, she clearly didn't know him well enough. Yukinoshita was trying to monopolize him – in a negative way – without paying any heed to what he felt. No, it was worse than that. She believed that healso loved her, but had yet to realize it. How can one person be so… self-absorbed..? Was this…

...How I looked to others when I fended off anyone who tried to get close to Hayato?

I felt my hands – no, my entire body – shaking at the thought. I was not like that. Not any more. I hadn't given up on changing Hayato, but I had given up on loving him. I have someone else I love now.

But was I trying to pursue that love, like Yukinoshita had asked?

Not really, at least not yet. To answer her question honestly… I would have been fine with just pursuing friendship with Hikio. Making sure my clique would survive after graduation took precedence over any… romantic affairs. After everything I've been through, a good, true friend like Hikio… I would do anything for that. But now he is more than that to me – I've fallen in love with him. So hearing Yukinoshita say those things…

Can anyone in the same situation remain calm?

Could I be blamed for feeling this animosity towards her?

It's perfectly normal…

...That I would want to do the exact opposite of what she wants.

Yukinoshita had issued an ultimatum, in other words, a threat.

But she didn't know who she was dealing with. I've now made my decision. Miura Yumiko does not roll over and move to the sidelines just because a romantic rival appeared. I didn't do so with Hayato, so I sure as hell won't do so with Hikio. The main difference is that this time, I know these feelings of mine are true, and I am deadly serious about seeing them reciprocated.

"...Alright. You reap what you sow."

I clenched my hands into fists again and looked down the hallway where Yukinoshita had walked off to. If you're going to threaten me…

"...Then I just have to take that threat as a challenge. Yukinoshita said that only she can stand by Hikio's side, leaving no space for anyone else. So then, I just have to show her how wrong she is." I smiled to myself with confidence, then suddenly felt a vibration from my pocket. Pulling out my phone, I noticed a message from Hina, questioning where I was. Ah, right… She's waiting for me. I sent the girl a quick reply telling her I was on my way, then started to briskly walk down the hallway, my thoughts still focused around what Yukinoshita had said to me. Just you wait…

...I'll show Yukinoshita and Hikio that I'm the one who will stand by his side.


AN: And that's a wrap, folks! This chapter was a little shorter than what I initially planned, but I finally got to advance some things in the story. And while this took a bit long to write (three weeks in total just for this chapter, which, when put together with what I spent writing on my other story resulted in the perceived delay), at least I didn't quite repeat what happened with the previous chapter.

Things are only going to escalate from here, and I have plenty of ideas rattling around in my head, so I just have to find ways to coherently put them all together. A healthy mix of some more casual things and more dramatic moments are coming, so you can all look forward to the next chapter!

Until then, cheerio!