Author's Note: I re-edited chapter 1. Though its core is mostly the same, some of the thoughts and hints are changed quite a bit. The overall writing quality of chapter 1 is also improved (hopefully). I would definitely recommend a re-read.

By now, you might have noticed how the writing is unnaturally wordy and monotonous. Well, that's because I'm attempting a new style called stream of consciousness. This depicts various thoughts and feelings flowing through the mind of the narrator, unlike the conventional style.

Also, apologies for the late upload. I could give a myriad of reasons, all genuine and valid, but that doesn't change the underlying fact that I wasn't motivated enough to write. Well, without any ado, let's get to the chapter!


La Capricieuse

July 23, 2011, 11:16 AM - Class J, Sobu High

"This is lamentable!"

A sudden thud of a stack of papers hitting the desk had gravitated the book-drowned gazes of the entire class towards their severe-looking music teacher. Epiphany struck Yukinoshita Yukino like lightning at the very same moment. Midori-sensei would show them their graded scripts today! She thought.

She peered at the lumbering teacher from over the top edge of the opened book, not unlike how Hikigaya would stare from his so-called, quote, unquote, "peripheral vision"—honestly, she thought. It was no different from his usual creepy, disconsolate stare that would always make her worry for her maidenhood—but wait, why was she thinking of Hikigaya of all people right now? Was it anxiousness? Was it excitement?

Of course! She thought. Who was she kidding?

Her heart jittered, her nerves tingled like red-hot high-voltage wires in anticipation. Had it been any other subject, she would not be so bothered. Just note down the important points that the teachers not-so-subtly hint at in classes, memorise them without compunction and finally go for the gold. Rinse and repeat, ad nauseam. Just a little change here and a little tweak there, voila! It's the same old algorithm primed for any subject and any exam! Unlike her classmates, perfect score wasn't a goal for her. It was inevitable.

But Music Theory is different, thought Yukinoshita. It had always been a fixture in her life, a moreish puzzle that kept fascinating her, the more she unravelled. As an icing on the cake, Midori-sensei was an extraordinary teacher as well! Not only were her fundamentals rock solid, but her very approach to ear training and analysis, for the lack of words, was distinct. It was never about what was right or wrong, but rather what made the composer's choices musical; and more importantly, how one would defend their observations. She was veritably the Richard Feynmann of music.

It makes complete sense though, Yukinoshita thought. Ordinary, run of the mill violinists wouldn't go to Carnegie Hall on their solo debut.

With the countless hours of hellish practice and sacrifices she might have made to be at this stage of her life today, she had every right to be proud of it. But never did Yukinoshita see even an ounce of arrogance in her demeanour, in all her conversations with her.

It made her reminisce about that press conference back then, at the charity ball her family held. Amidst the huge silvery ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers and velvety Persian carpets, numerous cameras flashing incessantly like jellyfishes in the ocean of moguls, tycoons and plutocrats, their sideways glances and murmured whispers passed behind their manicured hands as Midori-sensei responded to the questions of reporters, calmly, her words sharp as a sword, cutting through their insidious verbal traps; those memories were still fresh in her mind. Perhaps it was because Midori-sensei was all used to that world, that cesspit of vipers; but she was one of the few teachers who never treated her like a scion of the Yukinoshita family. Gotou Midori-sensei is to her, how Hiratsuka-sensei is to Hikigaya—despite how vehemently he might deny the latter.

But one of Midori-sensei's defects—no, it's rather more of an idiosyncrasy than a defect—would be her inordinate penchant for suspense. Even now! Thought Yukinoshita. Sensei took her sweet time dusting the chalkboard eraser, just to prolong their maddening anticipation a little bit more. She couldn't help but wonder if sensei secretly had a sadistic side to her, as well—Finally!—Yukinoshita had never imagined that the sound of chalkboard eraser fitting in its slot could be so sweet.

But then came another curveball.

Her snail-paced gait. How annoying, how infuriating! Yukinoshita thought. Especially in a nerve-wracking moment such as this! Her steps were so painfully slow, like that of a heroine in a typical cliched k-drama revelation scene that her sister always lapped up with utmost gusto; the sporadic taps of her hard-soled sandals on the linoleum floor creating an eerie ambience amidst such pin drop silence.

"I understand it's the first time for you to have a written exam for music theory, other than the group projects"

Midori-sensei spoke in barely more than a whisper, but Yukinoshita caught every word—despite her age, her frail countenance, she always had that innate capability of keeping the entire class spellbound, with just a few words.

"I am also aware that the paper was a little bit tricky." Then suddenly raising her voice and bending her brows into a terrible frown, "But that does not excuse your performance which was honestly…subpar."

The class froze—their faces turned deathly pale as if they were suddenly doused by bucketfuls of ice-cold water. Midori-sensei took out the reading glasses from her pocket, nonchalant—but Yukinoshita from her first-row seat could see her hands quiver—and began reading.

"The class average is 71.03 per cent."

No one dared to move a muscle at the nuclear missile sensei had casually dropped upon them. Certainly, thought Yukinoshita, she did expect a significant grade drop.

"Yes, you have heard it correctly. 71.03 out of 100." Midori-sensei asserted. "Deplorable! This is not the performance I would expect from a top section like class J!"

But 71.03 per cent! Thought Yukinoshita with a shiver. That ought to be a record low! Even the biology end term last year had an average of 85 per cent for god's sake, and that was supposed to be the toughest paper ever!

"Tell me, did you all think that you could take it easy just because it's an extracurricular elective?"

None of the students, including her, dared to meet the eyes of this devil incarnate.

"That the exam would merely be a formality? That it would be A grade freebies for all, no matter what nonsense and garbage you have submitted?"

Midori-sensei resumed her seat with a heavy breath. Her hands were grasping the arms of her chair, her nails turning white with the pressure of her grip.

The silence that ensued was stifling. But looking at the growing despair of her classmates, Yukinoshita knew she shouldn't feel like this, but she couldn't help it!—it was so wild, glorious, electric!

She was very well aware of how extremely competent Midori-sensei is, there was nothing new or surprising about it. But this... thought Yukinoshita. By thunder, she exceeded anything which she could have ever imagined!

This teacher had obtained a concrete grasp on the problem, within the span of a few months since she had joined, which both the previous peripatetic teachers and the administration combined couldn't, for god's sake, get to the root of, for years!

Yukinoshita was all over the moon. After countless emails of complaints and student-teacher conferences, all in vain, those white collared dunderheads had finally somehow managed to get a competent teacher for a change. And it was the legendary violinist Midori, to boot!

"I do not know whether this is your negligence or your previous teachers' way of teaching, but you need a thorough brush up in fundamentals. For those who have got less than 80 points, I am going to assign you some exercises."

It was truly the final nail in the coffin.

"You are expected to complete them during summer vacation. At the end of the summer vacation you will have another exam, so don't even think of copy-pasting!" she said, with a hint of asperity.

For the first time, perhaps in the history of Sobu, class J had to take a supplementary exam—class-J, which was supposed to be the crème de la crème of Sobu. It was an ultimate humiliation.

Still, that's why Midori-sensei is her favourite, Yukinoshita thought. Unlike other teachers who often loosen their standards for the sake of class averages, Midori-sensei was like an anchor in turbulent seas, firm and unyielding. Even if the whole class failed, she would bet her entire pan-san collection that sensei would not concede. Even if it had resulted in the entire class hating her, even if it had ultimately led to the deduction of her pay. That level of resolve, that kind of dedication was…frightening.


81 out of 100. Gotten away by the skin of her teeth, Yukinoshita thought ruefully.

Indeed, the paper was hard, tricky; the abysmally low class average, the defeated faces of her classmates themselves should have told the whole story. That she was the highest scorer, as usual. Come to think of it, she had topped the toughest exams ever in the history of Sobu, twice. Even her perfect prodigal sister couldn't do that! Yet, why was she feeling so hopeless, so defeated?

Yes, the absence of flowered circle did certainly hurt more than she had thought. So did the entire section of Wagner's Tristan and Isolde riddled with checkmarks and corrections, despite her painstaking analysis, all because she was off by three semitones—Three stinking, lousy semitones! Yukinoshita thought. It struck her like a punch in the gut.

But it was nothing new. Midori-sensei had always held herself tenaciously by exalting standards and expected nothing less from her students. But, then, why? What was this gnawing feeling that had been festering inside her like water under the carpet? Myriad such questions raged inside her like a tempestuous maelstrom.

As if her prayers were answered, a slip of paper had cut through the ocean of her thoughts. Yukinoshita grabbed it open and looked at the message, with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"Meet me in the office after lunch."


July 23, 2011, 02:02 PM - Consultation Room, Sobu High

Unlike the clumsy, congested common staffroom, the consultation room, despite being small, felt quite comfortable and secure for private conversations such as this. In contrast to the sweltering heat outside, it felt even quite a bit chilly in here. The air conditioner was probably left turned on, Yukinoshita thought. She couldn't help but shiver slightly which didn't go unnoticed by Midori-sensei.

A brief chuckle escaped her lips before sensei took out the white remote from the drawer and increased the temperature from 16 to 20 degrees, with the beep sound emanating from it at every step. E? No. F-sharp? Thought Yukinoshita in wonder.

"You know…" began Midori-sensei, as she stretched out her arms languidly. "I actually expected you to be the top scorer, Yukinoshita."

Shock, amazement, disbelief—a simultaneous flurry of emotions coursed through Yukinoshita, like a freight train barrelling down a rickety track.

It's impossible! She thought. Her hands that had been gripping the arms of the chair tight, quivered in trepidation. She clearly saw the printout of the marks list while carrying the bundle along with her teacher. 81 was the highest score and none of her classmates even crossed 80s, except her!

Then how? She thought furiously. Was it due to the oversight wrought by the virtue of being unchallenged for a long time? Did she become complacent in her bubble?

"... Yukinoshita? Are you alright?" A concerned voice broke through the whirlwind of her thoughts. Yukinoshita took a heavy breath before sighing in consternation.

"I'm sorry sensei, but that was admittedly... quite a shocker." Honestly, how long had it been since her impregnable record was broken? Yukinoshita thought. Three years? Five years?

"No, no!" interjected Midori-sensei. "You are still the highest scorer Yukinoshita. But only in class J. Overall, you are second."

Yukinoshita sat nonplussed for a moment, unable to comprehend her words, the utter incredulity of her statement. For a moment or two, she thought that she was jesting. But she knew that Midori-sensei wasn't the one to joke about these things.

"Sensei, you mean to say that the course topper is..."

"Yes. He is someone outside class J." she confirmed her suspicions.

Absolute silence enveloped her for several heartbeats before was able to resume her composure.

To think that there would be someone who actually beat class J! The class whose average was normally at least two to three points higher than the regular classes on the bell curve. And no! She thought. She wasn't talking about exceptions like Hayama who voluntarily rejected the offer of being placed in class J. Besides, Hayama and Hikigaya were only second and third in Modern Japanese. But more importantly, Hayama did not even credit Music Theory in the first place! Just who was this mysterious topper then?

Perhaps he was a member of String Orchestra Club? Wondered Yukinoshita.

She shook that thought off immediately. No. They were just a bunch of amateurs who frolicked around with pop music.

Yukinoshita could still remember that incident last year. It was late July, end term exams were finished already, but she hadn't joined any clubs yet. Well, in her defence, none of the clubs or their activities truly resonated with her. Or maybe she actually wasn't trying hard enough. Perhaps it was a mix of both. With Hiratsuka-sensei's insistence, she had finally found a club that interested her.

Or that's what she thought. But fate always had different plans. It didn't take long for her to realise that none of the members gave a dime about orchestral music. They only cared about showing off with those soulless, modish pop songs. It was toxic, it was a sham.

Those bunch of baubles never had the calibre to even comprehend this course, let alone master it.

"Pardon me, sensei, for putting it this way", Yukinoshita began, "but, I find that highly baffling."

Midori-sensei waved her concerns off, however.

"It's not just that Yukinoshita", Yukinoshita shivered at the way her eyes gleamed, "he has also got a perfect score. Interesting, right?"

That was the last straw that broke the camel's back. Yukinoshita almost bashed the desk in a fit of anger, before she came to realise what she was doing, her hands uncurled, as they toppled over the desk with a soft thud.

She was naive. She was blinded by her pride too much...until it eventually backfired. She thought furiously. The world was much bigger than she had realised!

"Yukinoshita…don't let today's examination results faze you.

"I know it must be the first time for you, but failures are not uncommon. You just have to learn from them and move on."

A torrent of guilt rushed her. What had she just done? She thought. She was just this close to banging her teacher's desk like a barbarian! The teacher, who was nothing but supportive and encouraging to her. And how did she repay her kindness? By temper tantrums! She thought, half furious and half despondent.

"I apologise for my unseemingly conduct, sensei." Said Yukinoshita, bowing deeply.

"Raise your head, Yukinoshita." came a stern voice immediately. "You should know how I dislike bowing. For god's sake, you are my student Yukinoshita, not my subject."

"I apologise-" however sensei cut her short.

"I know, you are curious about the mysterious top scorer; it's eating you away right now, right?"

Yukinoshita could only nod shamefully.

"Alright." she sighed. "While I cannot reveal his identity directly, I can at least give you a hint.

"Listen, he's a completely unexpected, or should I dare say, an unlikely candidate."

Yukinoshita soaked the clues up like a sponge.

Unlikely candidate? Hikigaya Hachiman was the first name that came to her mind, much to her dismay.

"Also, he might be classically trained."

No. She thought. Despite his sporadic moments of brilliance, as far as she was concerned, Hikigaya Hachiman was just a vermin who wallowed his life away in mundane, degenerate fixations. Despite how he deluded himself to be so complex and enigmatic, he was on the contrary very easy to read, like an open book. There was no way his primitive mind, addled with scantily clad light novels, could ever comprehend the difference between a concerto and a symphony, let alone being classically trained!

Maybe, the string orchestra club had finally gotten a member worth his salt, for a change? Whoever it might be, Yukinoshita vowed, she would never forget this day in her entire life, ever.


August 2, 2011, 07:00 AM - CENTRAL PARK EAST, Makuhari Park Tower

Yukinoshita swiped the alarm off, yawning slightly, as the harsh glare of the sunlight hit her bleary eyes. She forgot to close the curtains, again. She sighed, as she rose up, resisting the greatest temptation in the world; that is to sleep in just for a few more minutes. Few more minutes, she couldn't have heard more dangerous words than that.

She pulled her arms and legs into a stretch before they gave out a soul-satisfying pop. She closed the offending curtain, first and foremost, before going to her morning routines.

If her cell phone didn't chime that is.

Who on earth would be messaging so early in the morning? She thought, half bleary and half annoyed. But all her drowsiness disappeared in an instant when she looked at the sender.

From: Hiratsuka-sensei

Subject: Regarding Service Club's summer vacation activities

Message: Yukinoshita, sorry for disturbing you in the early morning, but it's already been more than a week since the summer vacation started. But you guys haven't seemed to have decided on Service Club's summer vacation activities yet. Please contact me ASAP.


August 2, 2011, 10:11 AM - Central Bus Terminal, Kaihin Makuhari Station

Daishi Parking Lot. Where was it again? Thought Yukinoshita, as she looked around the boscage of buses, surrounded by a myriad of hotel chains, shopping malls and a dizzying web of Metrorail bridges, all leading to god knows where—she had been pacing around the same area like a bear, but she couldn't find that thrice accursed parking lot, where Hiratsuka-sensei was supposedly waiting for her in her minivan!

A ten-minute walk from her apartment to the bus station. This was supposed to be a cinch. But this is a ruddy hitch! Thought Yukinoshita. Whose genius idea was this again?

Just as if to answer her rhetorical question, she felt her handbag vibrate. And as she anticipated, it was the genius herself.

Hiratsuka-sensei: Yukinoshita, where are you?

Yukinoshita did not like how her nerves sagged in relief instantly at the message.

She wasn't feeling hopeless. Nope! Not even one bit! But since Hiratsuka-sensei had so kindly had asked her location, she sent the photo of it, lest misunderstandings ensue. A picture is worth a thousand words after all.

Hiratsuka-sensei: You are lost. Aren't you?

Yukinoshita: I do not know what you are talking about sensei. I just sent a picture for more clarity.

Hiratsuka-sensei: Yup, you are lost. 'Cause, you are definitely not the type to send an MMS, Yukinoshita.

*sighs* I should have known.

I mean I already expected you to be a little direction addled. That's why I have sent you the most straightforward route. Though I definitely did not expect you to be this bad!

Honestly, even a drunkard has a better sense of direction than you, you know.

Heat pooled into her cheeks, as Yukinoshita began typing a fitting reply, furiously, to sensei's cheek. But her phone vibrated again.

New message already? She thought, surprised. How could sensei type so fast? It was unfair!

Hiratsuka-sensei: Stay right where you are, Yukinoshita. I will come there to pick you up.


Private vehicles are not allowed inside the bus terminal. So Hiratsuka-sensei must be coming over by foot, surmised Yukinoshita. Just time enough for a refreshing ice tea. At least that's what she had thought when she went to the vending machine, a few metres yonder.

But who is this suspicious woman in black that has been waving at her like a loon? Also, what's with that cap? Thought Yukinoshita.

Yukinoshita averted her eyes instantly and began walking towards a different seat.

Perhaps the solitary woman had realised that she was making an absolute fool of herself, or maybe she was just tired of the heat, for whatever reason, she stopped waving at her. Thank goodness, thought Yukinoshita in relief.

But all of a sudden, the solitary woman took off her sunglasses and her cap; her raven hair that was tied up into a loose ponytail, fell down like a cascade, giving way to an extremely familiar mien. It was her Modern Japanese teacher cum Service Club advisor in flesh, the culprit who made her wander through this urban maze in the first place, in such sweltering heat.

A pair of piercing eyes met as sensei's hands rolled into a gesture for her to follow. They weaved through the melee and reached the parking lot in less than five minutes, much to Yukinoshita's shame and consternation. She was greeted by a car, no, a huge minivan; an extremely off-putting bright maroon naff, that stood out among the plethora of Hondas and Toyotas, like a bull in a china shop.

Olive green cap with black on black T-shirt and shorts, and as if that hadn't been enough, a bright maroon car? Honestly, thought Yukinoshita, why does Hiratsuka-sensei have a colour sense of a chav?

"Wait here. I'll bring the car in a jiffy." She said with a wink, leaving Yukinoshita completely bewildered. Perhaps the heat truly had got to her.

Her thoughts were brought to a halt by a slow purring sound. Yukinoshita turned over, only to double take in surprise. The minivan was quite bigger than she thought! Easily towering over her by a good foot or more. The tinted windows slid down with a hiss bringing her back from her stupor.

"Get in." Said Hiratsuka-sensei, sliding her sunglasses down her nose.

Yukinoshita looked at her strangely. Isn't it the courtesy of a driver to open the back seat door? She thought. Shrugging, she lifted the doorknob herself, but to her surprise, it was locked. She lifted it once more, just to double-check. Nope. Still locked.

"Sensei, I think you forgot to unlock the back seat door"

"Ah, my bad." she tittered. Yukinoshita heard a clicking noise before the door whirred open. "Here you go."

A burst of cold air gushed at her; Yukinoshita breathed in a few heavy gulps before sprawling herself over the back seat. Her shoulders sagged in relief. It was reminiscent of an oasis after a long, treacherous sojourn in the desert—a flush oasis laden with evergreen trees, a stream gurgling with fresh pearl-like water, birds fluttering across, making peals of laughter-

Wait, laughter?

Yukinoshita awoke with a start. With a terrible squeak, she closed her legs and sat ramrod straight. God! Hope she didn't see that, thought Yukinoshita.

"Sorry, but!" Hiratsuka-sensei's shoulders shook in unrestrained mirth. "I never thought you would show such a classic reaction, Yukinoshita."

Heat flared her cheeks. What was she hoping for in the first place? She thought with a sigh. It was already too late, far too late.

"Sensei...please forget that this ever happened."

"No way!" Hiratsuka-sensei broke into laughter, again. "Just think of it. Always prim and proper Yukinoshita, splaying and sighing like an old man. The gap is just way too hilarious!"

Yukinoshita could only squirm like an amoeba.

The rest of the journey was thankfully silent. Reading was obviously out; she did not fancy herself getting motion sick, thank you very much, thought Yukinoshita. Having no other choice, she took out her earphones from her handbag and soon enough, the light, fluttery melodies of Debussy lulled her into the lap of Morpheus.


"Hi! Yukino-chan!", said a well-known voice.

For a moment or two, Yukinoshita sat breathless, hardly able to believe her ears. All her drowsiness vanished in an instant, her soul filled with the crushing weight of wariness. That innocuously blithe, chirpy voice that hid a cold, calculating, truly Machiavellian soul, could belong to but one person in all the world.

She opened her eyes slowly, and lo and behold, it was her elder sister in flesh, grinning at her like a loon, from the passenger seat.

"Hiratsuka-sensei, what is a university student doing here, on a high school summer camp trip?"

"BOO!"

Yukinohita hid a grimace while covering her ears at the sudden shrill.

"Minus points for you, Yukino-chan!

"Onee-chan came all the way here, sacrificing her holiday because mother was concerned about you, but you treat me as if I don't exist at all! You are making onee-chan cry, you know!"

Mother. Being concerned about her. Heh, how ridiculous, thought Yukinoshita. The intent of her dear mother was clear as crystal; she did not trust the black sheep of her family to go out on a trip alone and neither did she seem to trust Hiratsuka-sensei to keep her in line, so as to speak. After all, Hiratsuka-sensei was too lenient, too modern, for her Showa sensibilities.

Still, to think that she doesn't even have the freedom to go on a simple trip alone; Yukinoshita couldn't help but let a despondent sigh at that. It reminded her once again how she was no more than a bird trapped inside a golden cage.

"Haruno, can you be silent for once? For god's sake, I'm trying to concentrate on driving here!"

Yukinoshita muffled her laughter. Even Hiratsuka-sensei's fuse was only limited. Especially considering her sister's antics.

"Ara, Shizuka-chan! Long time no see!"

But her sister did not take the hint at all.

"...could you stop calling me by that name?"

No, Yukinoshita thought. Her wily sister knew exactly what would push Hiratsuka-sensei's buttons. Diverting her attention, thereby directing the ebb and flow of conversation to her favour; all by a simple greeting.

A terrible shiver coursed down her spine. Her sister was truly a cut above the rest, perhaps with her mother being the only exception.


A good half an hour had passed since her sister joined the fray. Yukinoshita could feel the intensity of the sun creeping up, even with tinted windows and the cold air blasting through the air conditioner with full force.

All of a sudden, the minivan came to a halt; her body stooped slightly, Yukinoshita grabbed the front seat to resume her posture.

She slid the tinted window down slightly. A sudden flash of light glared her eyes and a gush of hot air assaulted her. Yukinoshita shut the window in an instant, sighing in relief as the cold air conditioner air caressed her again.

Her sister saw her little mishap apparently, as her chuckles erupted into full-blown laughter when Yukinoshita glared at her.

She steadfastly ignored her sister and peeked through the tinted glasses, covering her face around with her palms; she could make out an apartment, barely, surrounded by a compound wall and a small gate. The entire neighbourhood looked more or less the same with minuscule differences here and there.

Sighing, Yukinoshita decided to directly ask the driver herself.

"Hiratsuka-sensei, where are we right now? Who are we waiting for?"

But the said person was drowned in her mobile phone. She's probably trying to contact either Yuigahama-san or Hikigaya-kun, whoever lives here. Thought Yukinoshita. That means, just one more stop, before onward to Chibamura!

Her thoughts broke to a halt, when the side door opened again, bursts of light and hot air rushing in again before she was engulfed in a tight hug, by a familiar warm, pink blob.

"Yahallo Yukinon! Are you excited for the summer camp?"

It was Yuigahama, the very personification of exuberance.

Yukinoshita was about to grab her shoulders and steady her, but then she remembered Yuigahama's attire. She was wearing a tank top, which means, she almost touched...her bare shoulders.

Yukinoshita's hands tensed, her eyes searching for safer areas, but to her utter dismay, she found none!

Be it her conservative upbringing, or her lack of friends throughout her childhood, Yukinoshita had always been skittish about physical contact. Yuigahama on the other hand was pretty touchy-feely, even for a normal girl, which irked her initially. But she had to admit, she had soon gotten used to them and even began to enjoy them secretly, much to her chagrin.

Though hugging in fully clothed uniforms, in the private sanctum of the service club was one thing. But in revealing tank top, before people, that too before the prying eyes and shark nose of her sister...it was too embarrassing!

"Yuigahama-san, could you please...unhand me?"

"But Yukinon, we are finally going on a trip together!"

But Yuigahama was delirious with excitement.

"Campfires, barbeque, sleepover, ah! Just thinking of it is so exciting!"

Idiot. Yukinoshita thought, as she finally gave in to the embrace. She did not care how her sweaty back prickled her arms. She did not care how they were being improper before Hiratsuka-sensei. She did not care how her sister was watching them like a hawk. All that mattered at that moment was the warmth that enveloped and engulfed her like a loving mother, like a guiding beacon, like a protecting dragon; the warmth of a wellwisher, the warmth of a friend.

"My my. How interesting."

However, all good things must come to an end.

"To think that things would develop in this direction."

It was her elder sister again. There was a strange glint in her eyes, which peered fiercely from right to left, like a crafty, savage hunter who has just found a wounded gazelle.

"Oh, Haruno-san", said Yuigahama, resuming her seat. "Yahallo…"

The unease in Yuigahama's demeanour was plain as a day.

"Hello to you too, Gahama-chan. I never knew you two were that close."

Yuigahama might have tried to laugh it away, but Yukinoshita could sense it. She could see how that callous nickname hurt Yuigahama. It was just two syllables, how hard would it be for her sister to add just two syllables before it?!

Yet, she wouldn't do it. It showed the height of disregard she had for the persons she deemed normal or uninteresting. Her sister had always been bitter and hateful, deep deep down.

"What do you want, nee-san?" Before she could stop herself, Yukinoshita spat out at her.

"Oooo. Scary! Shizuka-chan, help! Yukino-chan is too scary!"

"Haruno, stop your antics, else I will have to kick you out of the car," said Hiratsuka-sensei, unamused.

"Alright, alright. Honestly, you are such a party pooper Shizuka-chan." The last part was probably supposed to be a mumble, thought Yukinoshita. However, they heard it loud and clear but didn't choose to entertain her.

"Also, Yuigahama put your luggage in the compartment. Yukinoshita, go and help her. We have to make it quick. It's already noon."

A chorus of "Yes, Ma'am!" resounded before finally peace and quiet ensued.


August 2, 2011, 11:40 AM - Hikigaya Household, 6 Chome, 277 Makuharicho

The penultimate destination had been a quick journey. The neighbourhood wasn't altogether so different from Yuigahama's; a series of two-storied houses jam-packed into a lattice, albeit these houses looked a bit more modern, a bit more spartan.

"If you girls want to buy anything, do it now." Said Hiratsuka-sensei in a curt, no-nonsense tone.

Yukinishita was surprised. Was Hiratsuka-sensei still upset with her sister's antics? She thought. Strange. Hiratsuka-sensei has been acquainted with her sister since high school, she must have had a good grasp of her nature already.

"Eh? We can't buy on the way? There would be better shopping malls and all." Yuigahama opposed that idea instantly as she had thought.

"No can do, Yuigahama. We are taking the expressway." Hiratsuka-sensei however was firm as a pillar. "Once we enter, there's no stopping for at least two hours. Any more questions?"

They shook their heads. Yuigahama seems to have noticed as well, that Hiratsuka-sensei was not her usual self and did not push it any further. Besides, what she said was completely sensible, thought Yukinoshita. Though she could still see a small bout of disappointment in Yuigahama.

"Alright, we'll meet here again by twelve-thirty."

Her sister surprisingly went along with Hiratsuka-sensei to pick up Hikigaya siblings, muttering something about surprising Hikigaya. A terrible shiver coursed down their spines. They prayed for Hikigaya-kun—but better him than us, thought Yukinoshita, breathing in relief.

And thus here they were, browsing the menu of pukupuku obento. It was a modest looking store situated at the end of the road, flanked by Hanami river that seemed to stretch towards infinity and a coterie of two-storied residential houses. It's a family-operated business probably, thought Yukinoshita. Yet the inside was a veritable rabbit warren of counters, laden with bentos of sundry items—they all looked quite luxurious for their prices!

"Wow Yukinon, these lunch boxes are cheaper than Saize!"

Yuigahama's eyes shone like a kid inside a candy store. Yukinoshita nodded silently. While she hadn't been to Saizeriya too many times, she understood Yuigahama's general sense. Even the deluxe lunch boxes here were just a fraction of a thousand Yen, for god's sake! Yukinoshita thought. It was a steal deal!

Suddenly, the owner's voice broke in upon her thoughts.

"Customer-san, what's your order?"

The owner was an elderly man in a simple long navy blue uniform and a hat, in contrast to the warm, colourful decor; it reminded her of that old dagashiya near her home, back then, before family mart took over. How her sister used to drag her and Hayama into that shop, how she used to charm the elderly dagashi owner into giving her extra candies—god only knew how her sister liked those overly sweetened swill. Still, those were the halcyon days... before everything broke over.

She shook herself out of those thoughts.

"It's our first time here. What would you suggest..." Yukinoshita took a quick glance at his badge. "Kashiwagi-san?"

She instantly noticed how his finger joints were blackened; he must be a retired chef, thought Yukinoshita.

"For how many people?"

"Seven."

It was supposed to be four, thought Yukinoshita ruefully. But the Service Club trip somehow changed to a random class trip. Well, Hiratsuka-sensei did mention needing more volunteers.

"Then may I suggest, loin pork cutlet, stir-fried beef vegetables and grilled ginger pork? You young ladies seem to be travelling, so ginger would be good for the stomach."

Yukinoshita looked at him, surprised.

Normally any restaurant owner would recommend their safest and best-tasting dishes to the newcomers. More often than not, they even highlight them on the first page of their menu. Odorous dishes like ginger or garlic pork are buried somewhere in the middle pages. It was a basic customer retention strategy.

But this owner...he straight up recommended one of his most radical dishes without any hesitation! Well, he did have a point of ginger being antiemetic. But still! Yukinoshita thought. Was it the confidence in his skills?

"Thank you very much Chef Kashiwagi-san. You have been a great help."

Yukinoshita hid a smug smile at the identical bewildered expressions that seemed to be etched on the faces of the owner and Yuigahama. The owner however resumed his composure quite quickly.

"It would be my pleasure, customer-san. Although if I may ask, what gave it away?"

"Your calloused finger joints, Kashiwagi-san," said Yukinoshita with a triumphant look on her face. "When you cut an onion or any other vegetable, you would normally grip them and let your finger joints guide the knife down.

"Because of the friction between the iron knife and the finger joint, they become calloused with prolonged cutting. You must have been a chef for a long time, right Kashiwagi-san?"

Pin drop silence ensued as Yuigahama and the owner gaped at her, their mouths slightly ajar.

"You... really have good eyes, young lady. Tell me, what's your name?"

Yukinoshita glanced around for a second. Hesitation pooled into her as she kept weighing the pros and cons of revealing her family name.

The owner was nothing but earnest and straightforward, Yukinoshita thought. But even the most earnest of persons turned into the embodiment of avarice, the moment they come to know her identity. She hated how every single person she met looked at her as a means to earn her father's favour.

No. Don't be senseless! Yukinoshita chided herself. This is just a bento store. What would a roadside chef gain by earning her father's favour?

"I'm Yukinoshita Yukino, and this is my friend Yuighama Yui."

"Yukinoshita" he muttered. "A veil of snow. Such a beautiful name." He said in an unnaturally soft voice. "But Yui (reason) isn't a bad name either."

Yukinoshita sagged in relief. The owner didn't even seem to recognise her name and yet ironically he hit the nail when it came to the kanji of her name. Or perhaps he did recognise the name, but was considerate enough to not to say it to her face? Yukinoshita thought.

"To think such beautiful young ladies with beautiful names would grace my store. Today seems to be a lucky day for this old man!" He said laughing boisterously.

She couldn't help but smile unconsciously at his nice grandfatherly demeanour. Unlike many sales personnel with manufactured kindness, he seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve. It was refreshing.

"Good heavens!" The owner cried, laughing. "Look at me, chatting away leisurely when I have a mountain of orders to finish.

"So young ladies, is that it or do you have anything more to order?"

Yukinoshita thought for a moment.

"Kashiwagi-san, sorry for asking this, but can you pack chicken kaarage separately,-without rice?"

The owner raised his eyebrows at her.

Yukinoshita knew what she was asking for was veritably impossible for a bento store. A bento is supposed to be a standard pre-prepared lunch. Customisation is a rarity. That was the very reason why she normally preferred to make her own lunch. But since Hiratsuka-sensei had so kindly thrown the bomb upon them early in the morning, she hasn't had ample time to prepare the lunch for herself, let alone seven people.

She sighed.

"Never mind, please rescind that order."

The owner however looked at them with a knowing smile.

"You young ladies want it as a snack right?"

"Yes..."

"Alright. Consider it done."

Yukinoshita's eyes popped out on stalks. He actually accepted?! She thought. But why?

"Kashiwagi-san, are you sure-"

However, he cut her off.

"Absolutely." He said, handing her a small laminated card. A5? No. A6 probably? Yukinoshita thought as she glanced through what seemed to be a la carte items.

"I knew customers wouldn't be satisfied with just bentos. So, I added some snacks on a separate menu, which of course you can only buy along with bentos."

Now it all makes sense! Yukinoshita thought. The owner has a proper business strategy, completely different from supermarket sold bentos.

"Be sure to eat them fresh though." He added. "The kaarage will become hard with time."

"Yes, I will keep it in mind Kashiwagi-san. Thanks again for your help."

"It's alright." He said with a smile. "Two loin pork cutlet, two stir-fried beef vegetables, two grilled ginger pork and one chicken kaarage. Hmm, that would amount to 3773 Yen.

"Since this is the first time you young ladies have been to my store, I'll round figure it to 3500 Yen. What do you say? You can consider this as a service from an old man." The owner said in a titter.

For a second or two, Yukinoshita wanted to accept the discount. But then she remembered how she had spent easily ten times more at the cafes that weren't even half the worth of this store. No, Yukinoshita thought, she would not stop the owner from receiving his rightful profit.

"Thank you for your kindness Kashiwagi-san. But I'm sorry. We cannot accept that discount. The prices are already very affordable. It would be too unfair for you."

Yuigahama looked at her, her eyebrows raised in surprise. The owner on the other hand was deathly silent.

"Not only are you young ladies, polite and beautiful, but you are also very kind and understanding," he said solemnly. "If only everyone was like you, the world would have been a lot better place."

The owner took a heavy breath and let a huge sigh.

"Anyways, this will take around half an hour for me. Meanwhile, why don't you young ladies go and visit 7-Eleven? It's just in the next street."

"Thank you Kashiwagi-san. We will come here again by twelve-thirty."


Having decided to not go to 7-Eleven, Yuigahama and her were wandering around the silent streets, searching for a brief respite from the heat. The sun was blazing all over the path, barring for small shades of the trees, where numerous stray cats slept soundly. For a second, Yukinoshita considered playing with them but decided that she was content just watching them.

Yuigahama had not said a single word, since the moment they had left the store. Her big brown eyes that were always full of vigour looked mysteriously glum, tired; as if she had seen everything in her life.

Alarm bells rang inside her head.

"Yuigahama-san. Are you alright? Do you need water?"

But all of a sudden, Yuigahama broke into peals of laughter.

"No, no, no! I'm perfectly alright Yukinon." her laughter then morphed into a small smile. "It's just that…

"You were amazing Yukinon."

Yukinoshita stood frozen, like a statue. Those turn of events, thought Yukinoshita, they were mind-numbingly familiar.

"That was just basic deduction skills, Yuigahama-san"

It was all bluster. Her heart knew that was not what Yuigahama meant. But her mind was a stubborn creature.

"No," Yuigahama giggled. But it felt hollow, it lacked the warmth that her usual chuckles had.

"I mean, the way how you thought about the livelihood of the owner when you denied his offer of discount. That was very kind, Yukinon."

"That's…"

Kindness. Noblesse Oblige. But was that really so? Suppose she was born in a poor family, then would she have rejected the discount with the same vehemence? She had the luxury to think about the livelihood of others because she was lucky enough to be born into an affluent family in the first place!

"Yukinon," Yuigahama's voice broke in upon the maelstrom of her thoughts. "You must be thinking something complicated again right?

"Honestly, you and Hikki always overthink like that!"

Yukinoshita immediately burst into series of protests. Just what was Yuigahama-san thinking? She thought. There was nothing similar between Hikigaya-kun and her!

"My bad," Yuigahama chuckled. "Hikki and Yukinon are totally different people. But you know..." Her eyes, earthen brown, darkened, her gaze threatening to pierce into her soul. "There is one thing common between you two.

"You two are genuinely kind."

Yukinoshita stood gazing at her, breathless.

"Certainly, your words sometimes are super harsh, Yukinon. But I know they came from your heart, and you only mean well."

"Yuigahama-san, just what has come over you?" said Yukinoshita softly.

"Yukinon, do you remember that time? That day when I first came to service-club."

Yukinoshita nodded slowly. How could she forget that day?

She might not have friends, Yukinoshita thought, but that doesn't mean she was a recluse like a certain disconsolate loner of her club. Be it her classmates, schoolmates, or the obsolete dingbats that refer to themselves as plutocrats, Yukinoshita had met and experienced various kinds of people throughout her life, that a normal high schooler wouldn't.

But every single one of them was a weak-willed imbecile who did not know how to deal with the intricacies of life. When they encountered even the tiniest of hardships, they would fold away like an umbrella in a windstorm. Then they would blame fate, god or worse; they place blame on others when they were the ones to be blamed for their incompetency.

Few people in the world have the courage to face their problems head-on instead of running away from them. On that day she was faced with the very live example, Yuigahama Yui.

Yuigahama's cooking was honestly atrocious. Even a grade-schooler can bake better cookies than her. She was so easily susceptible to peer pressure. On top of that, she had been pretty harsh with her. Yukinoshita thought. Yet she prevailed. Because she was honest to the fault. She truly worked hard, even if the results were abominable. It was truly an awe-inspiring experience.

Well, it would have been, Yukinoshita thought, if Hikigaya didn't douse her with his stupid perfunctory solution.

"That day, I said that I have always been trying to fit in with my friends, right?"

Yukinoshita nodded silently.

"I don't want to do that with you Yukinon."

Yukinoshita's throat quivered.

"I want to be better friends with you. I want to be cool and reliable as you."

A sudden rush of guilt filled her. Here she was jumping the cycles, just because she let her insecurities get hold of her at that moment, while Yuigahama had been nothing but honest and heartfelt with her.

"Yuigahama-san, I too... have something to confess."

But alas, their moment was ruined by the thrice accursed message notification. By god, couldn't Hiratsuka-sensei have found a better moment? Yukinoshita thought. However, all her impatience disappeared in an instant when she read the contents of the message.

From: Hiratsuka-sensei

Message: Yuigahama, Yukinoshita, come to Hikigaya household ASAP.

Her blood froze in her veins. Did something...untoward happen to Hikigayas?

"Yukinon. Why are you suddenly quiet?"

Yuigahama's words pulled her back to action. "No time for that Yuigahama-san. Follow me, we are going to run."


Yuigahama and her were a panting and puffing mess by the time they reached the familiar grey walls of Hikigaya household. She rang the doorbell, holding herself onto the porch. It was opened by a grim Komachi, devoid of greetings.

Shuffling their shoes off inside the stand, they were lead to the coffee table where the whole group sat, their faces dreary; the table was filled to its brim with barley tea and doughnuts, but none of them was touched barring her sister's. The said person was reading a sticky note over and over, with a strange gleam in her eyes.

Despite being exhausted from all the running, Yukinoshita was able to connect the dots immediately.

"Good morning, Yui-san, Yukinoshita-san," said Totsuka, with a shy smile.

Yukinoshita nodded curtly.

"Yahallo Saika-chan" But even Yuigahama's greeting lacked her usual vigour. Yukinoshita decided it was time to confront the elephant in the room.

"Hiratsuka-sensei, did Hikigaya-kun..."

Hiratsuka-sensei averted her eyes. It was Komachi who broke the news.

"Onii-chan disappeared."


Author's Note:

Yo, so how's the cliffhanger? 😜

Well, actually, this chapter turned out to be longer than expected. So I had to split it into two parts. The next part will be uploaded quickly (hopefully). Now on to the trivia!

Correct answers are marked by circles in Japan, wrong answers by checkmarks (because they couldn't be arsed to draw crosses). If you get a perfect score then the teacher would award you with a big flowered circle on your answer script. That's a badge of pride for studious high schoolers like Yukino.

The Showa era corresponds to the reign of Emperor Showa Hirohito (1926-1989). In this case, it is equivalent to calling someone a boomer.