Hikigaya Hachiman's Path to Reformation

by Ivanov117

[AU] It was the school break before his first year in Sobu High and Hikigaya Hachiman was deep in thought. He realized that as of now, he was pretty pathetic and led a bland life. So, he decided that he is going to change that. UPDATED! :)

41. Yukinoshita Yukino's Resolve

Hikigaya Hachiman's Path to Reformation

Yukinoshita Yukino's Resolve

---

YOROKOBE, DEAR READERS!

FOR I, IVANOV117 HAVE RETURNED! FUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

*cough* *cough*

---

My usual routine after classes end is usually like this:

Go to the StuCo Room if my number #1 Senpai, Shiromeguri-senpai, needs any help with anything, and if not, I go buy a snack at the cafeteria if I'm feeling hungry then head straight to the Clubroom. Of course, sometimes Hiratsuka-sensei takes a few minutes of my time chatting after classes, but that doesn't affect things much, given that our talks aren't that long. Just asking about the club and some other random things.

Right now, I was walking with my Senpai and Kouhai after finishing early at the StuCo. Now that Isshiki has joined the team, we got another pair of hands that can help us out! I knew I was right in recruiting her!

"Senpai!" I felt a tug on my sleeve, turned to my left and looked down on the short girl that I recently added to the Council. This became a habit of hers, she'd first tug on my sleeve and call my name while looking up at me.

"Hmm? What is it, Isshiki?"

She held her phone while her eyes shone with energy, even her smile couldn't contain the excitement that she had. "Listen to this Senpai! I heard a new rumour going around! It said that there's a room somewhere in the school that only exists when it's on the corner of your eye! And it disappears when you focus on it!"

"Hooooh, is that so?" I say only half-listening to her.

"Oh! That sounds interesting!" Shiromeguri-senpai said from my right.

Isshiki vigorously nodded her head when she got acknowledged. "Yup! I mentioned it to the Supernatural Research Club, and they said that they're currently looking into it."

"Ah, that sounds just like them…" I say rather bored as we continued walking.

"Now now Hikigaya-kun, don't be like that. I've read some of the files that they compiled, and it's really interesting!" Shiromeguri-senpai added and nudged my arm with her elbow.

"Oh, I've read them. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting and I finished it in one sitting, but they shouldn't get too worked up on something like that. I mean, seriously. Looking for a room that only exists when it's on the corner of your eye? That sounds hard." I say and shrugged at her.

I felt Isshiki's eyes dart between me and Senpai as we spoke, curious about the new topic. "Senpai! What files? Can I read them too?" Isshiki pulled on my sleeve again and I directed her question to Shiromeguri-senpai.

She nodded with a small smile and said "Sure! I have the pdf file on my computer, I'll give it to you tomorrow. But be careful Isshiki-chan, you might get the creeps while reading it~!" Shiromeguri-senpai giggled when Isshiki gulped at her words.

"I can do it! I'm not scared!" She cutely pouted and exclaimed.

Uwaah, she's so cute. I couldn't help but pat her head. "Mm, I'm sure you're not…" She smiled and closed her eyes when I did it.

*pat*

*pat*

I had to gently move her away when she almost bumped into someone since she was still closing her eyes. This little brat is enjoying this too much. "Hehehe, look at the face she's making, Hikigaya-kun! It's so cute!" Shiromeguri-senpai giggled since Isshiki's cute face had turned into an "UvU".

"I know. Hmm, what an adorable little Kouhai you are~…" I say and rubbed the bottom of her chin. Uwaaah, she's so cute, I want to take her home...

Isshiki suddenly snapped out of it and attempted to chomp on my hand. Even though I know that my cute little Kouhai would never do anything to hurt me, I retracted my hand just in case she was serious. "S-Senpai! Stop!" She sported a flustered face when we laughed at her.

Isshiki is a surprisingly hard worker. She's always there when we need some small things to be done. The other members had taken quite a liking to her, which I'm really glad that they did. She's diligent and a quick learner, if a bit clumsy at times.

She got a bit clingy, but I didn't mind. I was the one who invited her, so it doesn't come as surprising that she'd follow me around to get the hang of things. I was the one who suggested it, but I didn't expect that she'd literally follow me around during her free time. She's like a cute little duckling that imprinted herself on me. Isshiki wasn't a boring companion, and she'd tell me about the things that she learned in class and then I'd tell her tips on how to study and get high grades for her subjects. Fufufufufu! As a First Year, I did have perfect grades for an entire academic year after all! For some reason, she knows the times that I'd prefer to eat alone, and then jump at the opportunity to be in my company. She waited at the door of the classroom for me several times, even though I said that she didn't need to do it. Well, there goes my alone time…but I just can't bring myself to shoo her away. Uwaah, I have definitely grown a soft spot for her…

A cute First-Year like her, looking around inside from the edge of the door was sure to catch anyone's attention, and I'd quietly get up from my seat and go to the cafeteria with her when that happens. She's mine! I don't want anyone else laying a hand on her! Yui noticed it but never asked about her. Tobe, Yumiko and even Hina joked that I had finally managed to get myself a "Cute little Kouhai to follow me around.", I had to roll my eyes at their words. Tobe even attempted to make her come to me, but she ran away when he took a single step towards her. Saki asked me about it when we went home together the other day, and I told her that she's a new member that I'm showing around.

I even skipped club yesterday without telling Yui because Isshiki dragged me and Shiromeguri-senpai to a new cake and pastry shop that opened nearby. It was honestly our fault, we were just nodding and nodding at what she was saying…and we couldn't just turn her down since she looked like she was looking forward to it.

"Oh, looks like we're here~! Thanks for walking us here, Hikigaya-kun, you're such a gentleman as always~!" Shiromeguri-senpai said and patted my head when we stopped in front of the shoe lockers. Hmm, her hand feels nice…I immediately feel sleepy when she does it. Maybe I should ask her to stop by my house and rub my head to sleep during those times when I'm having insomnia, or not.

I wonder if this is what Isshiki feels when I do it to her…I can't blame her since it feels really nice.

"Senpaaaaiiii~, why don't you come with us~~~?" Isshiki cutely asked and gripped my sleeve again after she changed her shoes. She was trying to get me to go with them, that much was clear.

"I have to go to my club," I say.

Shiromeguri-senpai winked at me and had an amused smile. "Now now, Isshiki-chan, you shouldn't bother Hikigaya-kun too much. We already took his time yesterday, remember?"

"It's important to listen to your elders, Isshiki," I say and then leaned into Shiromeguri-senpai's ear.

"Thanks for the backup Senpai!"

"No problem!"

She giggled and grinned at me then gave me a high-five, Isshiki on the other hand, went over to her and started pestering her on what I said. "Senpai! What did Senpai say? Is he being a bully and teasing me again? Can I go to his clu-?" She couldn't finish what she was going to say since Shiromeguri-senpai already had a hold on her arm and was slowly walking away. Shiromeguri-senpai mouthed the words "Have fun in your club!"

"Thank you for your hard work. Enjoy your weekend and see you on Monday." I say and gave them a bow. Isshiki stopped struggling and the both of them returned my farewells. I owe Shiromeguri-senpai for this, maybe we should go again to the arcade after work sometime.

"Bye Senpai! Thanks for your hard work and the cake and sweets yesterday!"

"Goodbye Hikigaya-kun, don't go home late ok~? See you on Sunday~!"

I watched them for several seconds before I turned around and started making my way to the clubroom. There were still many students around, and I had to stick to the corners to avoid bumping into anyone since most of them were going in the opposite direction of where I was headed. After several minutes of walking, I entered the separate building where the club was located. The hallways became quieter until I was the only one walking in it. From a small distance away, I saw Yui walking alone. She must be on her way to the clubroom so I decided to go right next to her after activating [ Stealth Hikki ].

She was a bit surprised when I appeared in the corner of her eye and turned to me with a bright smile. "Oh! Hikki!"

I gave her a nod of acknowledgement. "Hmm, going to the clubroom? I was just on my way there." I say.

"Yup! Come on, let's hurry up! Yukinon must be waiting for us!"

"Ah." I just nodded at her words and matched her pace since her version of "Hurry up." isn't exactly different from my usual pace.

Yui was strangely quiet as we walked, usually, she'll immediately strike up a conversation with me about literally anything that comes to her mind. But from the corner of my eye, it looks like something's on her mind right now. Even though I'd prefer not to, I decided to poke some sort of reaction from her.

"Yui."

"..."

"Yui," I asked again and poked her rib, which caused a yelp of surprise from her.

"Eeeep! Hikki! Stop doing that!" She exclaimed and lightly hit my shoulder.

"Well, you were staring off into space, so I had to get your attention somehow. Anyway, why do you still call me "Hikki"? Didn't I permit you guys a week or two ago?" I ask.

I was referring to how they addressed me. At their behest, I've been calling the girls their first names, but they still call me with the usual nicknames that they labelled me. Hikki, Hikio and Hikitani, even Hina started copying Tobe for some reason. Only Saki was the one who calls consistently calls me by my first name.

"Oh, well I like calling you Hikki! It's a special name, and it sounds cute! Don't you think so too?" She turned to me with an expectant smile.

I put a hand to my chin and started thinking deeply about her words. "Ummm, I guess so…but Hikki…sounds like hickey in English…"

She tilted her head to the side and blinked several times. "Hickey…?"

I put my hand to my face and shook my head. "A hickey is a kiss mark, like when you kiss too hard on another person's neck, and it leaves a red mark…" Good grief, why do I have to explain such things…

Huh, strange. The description came out quite clear, and I have an accurate image in my mind as if I've received and given one to someone before…maybe another me from a different timeline is already experienced in this sort of stuff.

Yui's cheeks grew pinkish at my words. "I-I know what that is! You didn't have to say it! It's embarrassing talking about stuff like that."

Now, it was my turn to look confused, and I turned to her with bewilderment on my face. "Embarrassing? How so? Have you gotten one from someone before?"

She grew even pinker. "What?! No!"

I snapped my fingers when I thought that I had arrived at the correct conclusion. "Ah, so you were the one giving it then?"

"No!"

"Then why are you embarrassed…?" I asked her, utterly dumbfounded. "When it comes to things like this, embarrassment is linked to something you've done before or something that you intend to do in the future. Like recalling a memory, or being told to run for StuCo President. The usual reply would be "Eh?! I can't do it! I'm too embarrassed!" for girls like you. It's just a word, nothing more and nothing less…?"

Yui looked conflicted and made a difficult expression as she fiddled with her blazer. I looked around and noticed that we were already nearing the clubroom.

"Because…ah! Never mind! You seriously have no sense of tact, Hikki!" She exclaimed in a loud voice that made me wince.

I scoffed delinquent-like. "Haaaaaaaaaah? Tact? How is that related to anything? I'm surprised that you even know the word!" I retorted with a cocky smirk. She puffed out her cheeks in frustration and twisted my earlobe for my comment. It's a good thing that Yui's the one doing this, had it been Yumiko, then I'd have yelled out in pain since the force that she applies is a lot stronger than Yui's…

I ignored her and opened the door without another word. She was already there and temporarily looked up from the book that she was reading when she saw us.

"Ah, H-Hikigaya-kun…hello..." She greeted, though the tone in her voice told me that it was rather forced. I just hummed a reply that was barely audible and didn't bother looking in her direction. I don't know nor cared what kind of expression she had on her face.

"And, Yuigahama-san…?" From the corner of my eye, she tilted her head, looking very much confused at how the two of us looked since Yui was still pinching and twisting my ear. She wasn't even putting her heart to it, and I just continued walking to my usual seat with her in tow.

She finally released her hold on me when the other occupant in the room addressed her. "Yukinon! Yahallo!" I sighed in relief when Yui let go since I can finally sit down and start doing my homework. Since it's the weekend tomorrow, that means that I can laze around later tonight.

I got out my notebook and started my task. As I recall, we got four sets of homework today: Science, History, Japanese Literature and Math.

The flash drive that Haruno gave me a few weeks ago has proven quite handy since it contained lots of reference materials from her time here in Sobu. From her projects and assignments to the figures and reports that she got when she was Head of the School Festival Committee. There were some discrepancies to be sure, and we had to meet a few times over the past weeks. We'd meet at my Mother's place, during those times when Komachi wasn't there just in case she bothered us.

She was a huge help and was the reason why I don't have to try so hard in academics anymore since I already had a large amount of crucial reference material on hand. Our meet-ups were more of an advanced form of tutoring, modesty aside, she already knows my academic standing, so it doesn't take long for us to finish. She's quite a good tutor, I'll admit. Even with that said, Mother doesn't waste the opportunity and skips over to us after every session, telling us to call her if we ever need anything.

Even someone like Haruno wasn't immune to getting a tad bit embarrassed and flustered to my Mother's constant pestering and teases, since she'd put down lots of snacks and drinks on our table and run off before we could say anything. Occasionally, one of us would look to the counter, where she would give us a thumbs-up while giggling like a high-school girl. After every meet-up, she'd sneak me the cash equivalent of what my Mother gives her, even though I said that it's fine, she insisted. I guess it's more for her integrity since she doesn't want to feel like a freeloader.

The homework was quite easy, and I finished it quickly and put it back in my bag. I looked at my watch and noticed that there was still quite some time before club hours ended. I yawned and stretched a bit, then rested my head on my arms on the table.

I was about to drift off into a short nap when I heard my name being called. "Hikki! Did I forget to ask you, why weren't you at the club yesterday? StuCo duties?" Yui asked when there was a temporary pause in her conversation with the other occupant in the room.

I was too tired to raise my head, so I just mumbled a reply loud enough for her to hear. "Something like that."

"Ah, ok! I was just asking since Yukinon asked me about it several times yesterday. She was all like "Yuigahama-san, have you seen Hikigaya-kun? Is he coming to the club?". I was even planning on dropping by the StuCo room to see if you were there." Yui replied while imitating a certain someone's voice, not thinking about how her words would affect her companion.

I heard a cough after she spoke, then a throat being cleared.

"Is that so…" I reply lazily.

After that, I got dragged into their little conversation which ultimately forced me to put an end to any attempt of mine to take a nap. Whenever I was a wink away from sleeping, Yui would then turn to me and ask my opinion about something. Since I was here, I might as well study in advance for next week's lessons, so I took out my book and started skimming through the pages.

Sometime after that, an electric boiler screeched, its duty complete.

The other black-haired occupant excused herself from Yui and stood up to go prepare the tea. I lightly tapped my highlighter on the table as I continued reading, the only sound being made in the room aside from the sound of teacups and water being poured. I felt Yui's eyes on my person, almost as if she's expecting me to speak up during the temporary silence.

I soon heard footsteps go towards her, and then a tray being put down on the table.

"Thanks as always, Yukinon!" Yui thanked her, and I could already picture the smile that I got accustomed to.

"You're quite welcome Yuigahama-san."

They exchanged a few words, then footsteps that made their way towards me. She stopped at a small distance away, and from the corner of my eye, I saw a teacup that she carefully held with her hand, still hot and steaming.

She spoke after a few seconds of deafening silence and just standing there, reluctant and hesitating to continue. "Hikigaya-kun…would yo-"

"No thank you," I reply too early and a bit too loudly, causing her to get interrupted. She flinched at the tone of my voice, and I'm sure Yui winced too.

"O-Oh…" I heard the hurt in her voice, apologizing is below me and would make me look like a fool and the one at fault. Instead of stepping back and walking away, she asked me again. "Are you sure…?"

I nodded without looking at her.

She stayed there for a few more seconds, just silently contemplating on what to do based on my current reply and demeanour. Her presence was starting to get irksome and I was about to turn and shoo her away when she spoke.

"E-Even so…" She said silently, her voice barely above a whisper, and put down the teacup on the table. "this is a waste. Wait for it to cool down, it's still quite hot…" Her fingers gently and carefully pushed the teacup towards me, as if it might break at the slightest touch. I arched a brow at her hand but said nothing. Then she stepped back and slowly made her way back to her seat. I watched her retreating form and saw Yui give me a small smile.

I didn't pay attention to what they were saying, not that I wanted to join in on them or anything, I wasn't really in the mood anyway. With that said, I ignored them and returned to my current task. I flipped page after page until the faintest streaks of red started appearing in the sky as I watched from the window. Once the tea was cool enough, I drank it in one go.

Yui noticed it too and turned to her companion. "Hey, Yukinon. Can we end club activities today early? It's Friday after all…hehehehe."

She put a hand under her chin and looked outside the window to the sky. "Well, I believe no one is coming anymore for consultations, so I agree." She replied and Yui immediately stood up and fixed the chairs. I already had my things in my bag, so I opted to go ahead with them.

In any case, I want some time by myself, and it's been a while since I walked home alone.

"I'll be going ahead. It's my turn to make dinner tonight." I announced and grabbed my bag. Yui turned me, and an unspoken conversation happened using just our eyes and hand gestures. She had her back to us. In the end, I shook my head at what Yui was implying, and she sighed in defeat.

"Ok, well stay safe then, Hikki…" She said and I nodded at her. I noticed her eyes linger a bit on our Club President, before turning around.

I was about to walk out of the door but not before turning my head around to get a last glimpse of the club room. Yui was rummaging through her bag, and talking about something, but my eyes instinctively went to the other girl.

She went to my seat, her eyes on my teacup. When she got close enough to see that it was empty, she sighed in relief and took it in her hands. Our eyes met when she raised her head, and instead of going out of the room…

I held her gaze for several seconds, my face devoid of any emotion.

Have you ever been frustrated at someone, and instead of doing anything about it, you prefer to completely ignore their existence, lest you say or do something that you might regret? Complete and absolute indifference is what I've decided to call it. A problem doesn't exist as long as you don't acknowledge it. It might be a half-assed compromise on my part, but this is the bare minimum that I could allow myself to do. I refuse to apologize for I have done nothing wrong. This is what I've been doing every time I step inside the confines of this room and be in unfortunate company with the girl that I'm looking at right now.

If it were not for my pride, I would have removed myself from the club weeks ago. Yumiko's words from the other day echoed in my head, "You shouldn't be such a wuss when it comes to these sorts of things, Hikio. Don't take shit from anybody! Well, that's what I'd do anyway."

She looked as if she was about to say something, but then looked down. If she's going to say something, she should just go on and spit it out instead of wasting my time like this.

"Hmph." I opened the door and went outside, not looking behind me.

Isshiki was right, I should have gone with them. Uwaah, if I did, then I should be eating mocha cake right now. We didn't have any clients today anyway.

I didn't let what happened in the club get to my head. What happens in the club, stays in the club, or school to an extent. If I ever bump into her outside of school, I'll be a bit amiable. Other than that, I at least took comfort in the fact that next week will be our last before summer break starts. Not that I'm gonna do much during that time anyway, I'm probably going to spend more time with Maya-sensei, we have a competition of some sort three weeks from now after all. And, if I'm feeling like it, maybe I can just go with my Father to work just like what I did before, or I can request Boss Yuuka to give me some more working hours just for the heck of it.

Hmm, but if I do that, I feel that I'll get scolded by my Mother again since I might overwork myself like before.

I unlocked my shoe locker and opened it. A white envelope fell, and I managed to catch it before it could make contact with the ground. I inspected and turned it around a few times when I saw that there was nothing written on it, I guess I have to open and see its contents. I looked around to see if there was anyone there then sighed and went to the nearby garbage bin and held it above it. If I slightly loosen my fingers more, then this will surely fall…

"..."

Several things are going on in my mind right now as to what this envelop could contain. If this is in fact that, then I have no interest in such things.

This deserves to be in the garbage bin.

"..." But wait, this could be a letter from the School or the StuCo, I was too hasty and jumped to conclusions. On the other hand, if it were from the after-mentioned, then the official seal should be marked at the front.

I eyed the thing for a few more seconds before I withdrew my hand and put it in my bag for safekeeping. I shook my head at how I acted without thinking and started walking out of the school building.

"Good grief, this better not be a prank. I've had enough of that after my little conversation with Yuuko…"

---

*Stare…*

"Sir? Have you chosen which one you like?" The lady beside me asked as I eyed their displayed cakes through the glass casing. She looks a few years younger than my Mother

"Please wait…" I narrowed my eyes at the cakes in front of me, internally conflicted on which one to choose.

"If I may ask Sir, is it for a girl…?"

Without even missing a beat, I replied in kind and turned to her. "Yes."

"Oh, I see!" She clapped her hands together and smiled. "Is it for a birthday? An anniversary? Just a general celebration?"

My eyes wandered downwards as I thought about her words. I tapped my finger on my chin a few times as my mind raced for the most appropriate answer. "Nothing like that…we're just gonna eat it."

"Did she invite you to her place?"

I nodded.

"Ah, so it's more of a house-date thing with your girlfriend?"

I was about to correct her, but I decided against it. A female's opinion when it comes to things like these should always be taken into account. I don't have very much experience after all. Plus, she's just a stranger. To me, I'm just an average customer that needs help with something. "It's my first time going to her place, she wants to talk about something." I calmly reply as I returned my attention to the cakes in front of me.

She blinked a few times before humming to herself. "If I may ask Sir, and you may choose not to answer if you like, but did you fight with her…?

I chuckled and turned to her. Seriously, women are too perceptive that it's scary. "I'd like to call it a tiny misunderstanding. She wants to talk to clear something up, I wager."

"Hehehe~! What a lucky girl to have such a thoughtful guy like you~!" She giggled and I just forced a small amused smile.

"Ah, so it's like that! Then I recommend you to either take the Dark Chocolate, Mocha or Strawberry Cheesecake one! The last one is especially popular with girls your age!" She offered. After several more seconds of thinking, I chose the Strawberry Cheesecake which was big enough for three to four people. I bought a small box of chocolate chip cookies since I felt like it and watched the lady carefully put my purchases in a box, and my eyes drifted to some of the patrons eating on their tables in their store. I feel a bit out of place here, there's a lot of couples being lovey-dovey in public. Grrr, just looking at them doing that makes me-!

Tch!

Filthy Riajuus!

"Thank you," I say when I received my purchases.

The lady gave me a bright smile. "Thank you very much, Sir! Good luck with your girl and please come again!"

I chuckled at her reply. "Thanks, I think I'm gonna need it."

Once I got out of the store and into the street, I stayed at the side and took out my phone, where I went online and gave the store a 5-star rating with the review "Nice place, good service and great cakes.". Maybe I'll take Komachi here with me in the future.

I checked the time on my phone and found out that it was still quite early. Around an hour and a half until the designated time. Now that I think about it, I shouldn't have come here earlier than I should have. Even though her place was two stations away, it was the weekend, and I'm confident that I could have arrived on time anyway if I took off later.

*Sigh*

At least it's not hot anymore since it's the afternoon and all. Why did she have to decide the time this late though? I can't wait for Summer Break to start, I can stay indoors as much as I want~! There were some stores around, and the bookstore caught my eye a block or two from where I was. Since I still had some time to kill, I decided to explore the area, I've never been to this part of Chiba before and lots of unfamiliar-looking buildings and landmarks towered above me.

I entered the bookstore and started looking for the Used-books section. It was larger than I thought on the inside and very well-maintained, I saw some Middle-Schoolers but that was it. I skimmed through the books, most were new, some looked around more than ten years old from how worn-out they looked. After around thirty minutes of walking around the different sections that might contain a book that might catch my interest, I stumbled upon a biography on Murasaki Shikibu that was in great status. And right behind it was a copy of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, its cover and pages were in pristine condition. I had to resist yelling out in joy.

Huh, I'm surprisingly lucky today.

After paying for the books, I went out with my mood and spirits somewhat lifted and started following the instructions to reach her apartment, as stated in the letter that she sneaked in my shoe locker yesterday:

Good Day Hikigaya-kun

I have not found a chance to speak to you recently, given that you are either too busy with your StuCo duties or that you looked like you were not in the mood to speak with me. And I understand your grievances. I would like to speak to you alone, so I decided to invite you to my home. On the back of this is my home address and contact information, use it as you see fit. I know you are quite skilled enough to follow it. I just want to talk. I will also not hold any ill will against you should you decide not to come, I am quite aware of your reasons for doing so. But know that I will be waiting for you until the very last second…

I hope to see you…

Sincerely Yours, Y.Y.

Goodness, adding that last part was so unfair. Even someone like me would be forced to go. She knows me very well to know that those kinds of stuff work quite well on me, I have to admit.

Tch.

I sighed as I continued walking and following the instructions on the map app that I had on my phone. After maybe around fifteen minutes of walking, I finally arrived at the entrance of a rather expensive-looking apartment complex and entered inside. The place was nice, it somewhat reminded me of the lobby of Angel Ladder to an extent. The security guard a small distance away immediately stood up and walked over to me, where she asked my purpose hereafter giving me a stiff greeting and eyeing me from top to bottom.

"Hikigaya Hachiman. Room 910. Just visiting." I said casually. I noticed her raise an eyebrow at me when she thought I wasn't looking.

She nodded at me and proceeded to enter some numbers on the phone behind the reception. "Good Afternoon Ma'am. A young man named "Hikigaya Hachiman" is here to see you…I see. Thank you." She put down the phone and then turned to me.

"Sorry about that Sir. New security policies and all." She said and gave me a small bow.

I waved off her concern. "No worries. I understand." I say and then made my way to the elevator. I stepped inside, then pressed the button that would take me to the 9th floor. Several seconds later, a ding sounded and then the doors opened. The floor was carpeted, and the layout was similar to one of the hotels that I've been to when I travelled around with my Father.

I soon found myself in front of her apartment. After checking my hair and smoothing non-existent creases on my shirt, I knocked twice on her door. Nearly a minute later, I heard quick footsteps from inside until they stopped just on the other side of the door. Good grief, I swear I heard her clear her throat…

The door slowly opened, and I finally saw her.

Her hair looked was nicely combed and she wore a bathrobe to cover herself over her house clothes. Even with that on, I saw her creamy thighs and the soft skin on the base of her neck. The bathrobe looked like it was tied in a hurry, and I had to force my eyes from looking at her too much. She had this meek look on her face as she likewise checked me out from head to toe.

"..."

"..." Our little staredown continued, none of us not quite sure what to say or act. In the end, I decided to take the initiative because I wasn't quite comfortable continuing to look at her with how she looked.

Sigh. "Yukinoshita…"

That seemed to bring her back to reality, and she quickly cleared her throat and moved some strands of her hair behind her ear. "A-Ah, Hikigaya-kun…I didn't expect you to come so early."

I shrugged and tapped my wristwatch. "Weren't you the one who always nagged at me to always arrive thirty minutes early when it comes to stuff like these? Just listened to your advice and all?"

She was deep in thought for several moments as she looked down. "Yes…I do recall frequently saying that…"

"..."

"You're quite decently dressed today…"

"Better to go out overdressed than looking like a snob, no?"

She nodded slowly at my words. "I suppose so."

"..."

"...So are you going to let me in or…?"

Embarrassment was on her face when the realization came to her, and she opened the door so I can pass through. "Forgive me, where are my manners."

To lighten up the rather awkward atmosphere, I decided to throw in a tease as I stepped inside and made way for me. "I'm home Love, what's for dinner?"

She frowned and pouted from my words as a very faint blush appeared on her face. "Hikigaya-kun…please keep your flirtatious words and sweet nothings while in my own home to a minimum."

I rolled my eyes as I knelt and took off my shoes. "Yes, Hon…" From the corner of my eye, she puffed out her cheeks but didn't retort.

"Here, use these slippers. These are yours now." She said and handed me a new pair. They were light blue and had cat designs on them. She wore one of the same designs, the only difference was hers was pink and mine was blue. How cute.

"Hoh, does that mean that I can come here anytime now…?" I say lamely as I put them on. Hmm, they're quite comfy. Her hand went upwards towards my ear, then stopped. I thought she was going to retract her hand but then I felt her twist my ear. Surprisingly, she wasn't even putting much force with her fingers.

She narrowed her eyes at me, and the ends of her mouth curled slightly upwards. "That depends on your behaviour…now please, follow me." She let go and turned around, and right there, near the end of her long and silky hair, was a pink comb that was hanging on for its dear life.

"Umm, Yukinoshita…?"

She turned her body to me, and the comb was hidden from my view. "Hmm?" She tilted her head at my query.

With my finger, I motioned at something on my back, and she likewise reached behind her when she understood what I meant. Her cheeks reddened when her fingers grasped the comb, and she quickly hid it in her side pockets. "That was unsightly. Forgive me, I was quite caught unprepared. As you can see, I even had to wear this robe over myself in a hurry…" She lightly gripped the robe over her breast as if to add emphasis.

I was about to comment that I would have preferred to see her without that robe on, but I think that was going a tad bit too far.

"I understand. Don't fret over such small things." I say in an attempt to salvage what I can from the situation. She nodded and I followed her to her living room.

The place was as what you would expect of an apartment of this level, though there wasn't many decorations and stuff like that, she must be a minimalist.

"Nice place," I commented as I eyed the view from the glass windows.

"Thank you. You're the first person outside my family to set foot here." She replied and turned to me, waiting for my reaction.

"Ah, well I feel quite honoured then…" I say bored, which caused a tiny amused smile on her lips.

"I'm sure you do." She replied and then we entered her kitchen where I smelled something being cooked. Different kinds of spices, most of them already familiar to me, made themselves known to my sense of smell. I saw something being boiled in a pan as well as some chopped vegetables, peeled potatoes, scrambled eggs and frying mix on the side.

"You know…I was just kidding when I asked you what's for dinner earlier…I didn't expect you to make all…this." I say with an unsure voice, slightly taken aback at the lengths that she took.

"Nonsense. What kind of Hostess would I be if I don't offer food to my guest?" She replied and turned to me as if I just said something strange. I then gave her the stuff that I brought with me as I waited for her reaction. She put it on the table and slowly peeked inside, and turned to me when she realized what it was.

She sighed. "Hikigaya-kun…you know that you didn't have to…"

"Nonsense. What kind of guest would I be if I don't bring something as thanks to my Hostess?" She shook her head, then smiled and muttered something under her breathe.

"Also, it's customary for a guy to bring something when visiting a girl's house. Well, that's just what my Mother says anyway…" I added as an afterthought.

She lightly blushed at my words since they did sound quite suggestive, but she didn't seem to mind. "Ah, I see that your Mother raised her Son quite well then…"

"I don't know what your preferences were, so I just picked one that I thought you would like…there's also some cookies inside," I added.

"Anything that you pick is fine by me."

I shrugged and watched her take the entire thing out and set aside the cookies and cake, then she went on to the next bag and took out my books. She widened her eyes and clapped her hands once when she read the titles. "Oh my, a biography of Murasaki Shikibu and War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy…and in magnificent condition too. I have to say Hikigaya-kun, you have an eye for good literature…I have been looking for copies of these for a while now. Thank you, the gesture is very much appreciated." She said and flashed me a small grateful smile.

Wait.

Did she assume that those were for…?

I was about to say that those were in fact mine, but seeing her smiling as she flipped through the pages and nodded in satisfaction made the words die down inside me.

Come on Me! Don't waver! Think about it! What would Yumiko say in this situation! She'd say "Man up Hikio! Don't be such a wuss! Be strong! Don't be such a bottom sub! Dominate him! Bend him over and-!" Wait, Yumiko would never say those last parts! That's something Hina would say instead!

"You're…welcome…" I internally sighed and closed my eyes. Uwaah, just my luck…!

Try as I might, I couldn't bring myself to do it and I had to sigh in exasperation as the two sides within my head voiced their concerns and opinions. Yukinoshita was still standing there, reading the summary and looking at the cover art when I decided to take a closer look at what she was preparing. I was about to walk past her when I felt her hand on my chest, causing me to stop dead in my tracks.

"Hikigaya-kun."

"Yes?"

"May I ask what it is that you intend to do?"

"Just wanted to see what you were cooking." I looked at her from the corner of my eye.

"Oh? And why are you going towards the aprons?" She narrowed her eyes at me, and we both knew that I was caught. "You are my Guest, to have you assist me in preparing these would be shameful on my part."

"And what if I want to help?" I say, but she said nothing and narrowed her eyes at me.

"Tch, you know me so well…" I took a step back while raising my hands in defeat and she took her hand off from my chest, looking quite satisfied. Of course, she already knew my intentions.

I looked away from her, preferring to look to her living room instead. Literally anything except her. "And, I think you should get a change of clothes…" I say. From the corner of my eye, I saw her tighten the knot around herself and muttered her apologies. It had come slightly undone over her chest, and the thin white shirt underneath was, well thin. Even though I know that she wasn't naked underneath, it still bothers me when I see some skin here and there. Had it been Komachi, I would have felt nothing.

"Yes, I will be right back. Make yourself at home." She said and turned away at the corner to where her room must be.

"Make myself at home, huh…" I mutter to myself when I was finally left alone. I checked the meat that was boiling in the corner and lowered it heat a little. Hmm, she must be pre-boiling the chicken for it to cook faster when fried. Out of curiosity, I opened her fridge to see what was inside. It took me by surprise since there was more than I expected. She could last a week and a half with all of this.

After that, I went back to the living room. In your average everyday home, you'd see some picture frames of photos of your family, but this was devoid of such things. If I could describe it in one word, I'd say that the place was a bit gloomy. If I was living here alone, I'd at least put a few photos of my Family on the desks, walls and bedside table. I walked around trying to find one to no avail. I went back to her shoe rack to check, and the only ones that were there were the shoes that I've seen her wear before and my pair side by side.

So it's like that huh…

I..I honestly did not expect this. When she said that she lived alone, I already had an image in my mind as to what her place looked like. But I forgot to take into consideration that her relationship with the rest of her family is a bit…rough. Sometimes I forget that she and Haruno are related since she doesn't even talk about her older sister or her own family for that matter.

I pushed aside the gloomy thoughts in my head as I dragged my feet back to the living room where I opted to stare out the window thinking of nothing, in particular, time passing by as if I had skipped it. I felt my phone ring in my pocket, but I disregarded it for now. Footsteps sounded to my left, and I instinctively turned my head in that direction.

Yukinoshita wore a short black flowing skirt that ended on her mid-thighs and paired them with similarly black stockings where it went up until below her knees. For her top, she chose a fashionable red cardigan over a white blouse, her hair was neat and perfect, and even from this distance, I caught the scent of her perfume. It was also the first time that I saw her wear some light lipstick, it complemented her pale complexion beautifully.

She stopped when our eyes locked, and I eyed her from head to toe, shifting her balance from her leg to the other. My eyes stayed on her stockings-clad legs a bit too long, specifically the parts that exposed her skin and she started fidgeting and squirming from my gaze. My Mother always taught me the signs when a girl is waiting for a compliment, and everything within me screamed at me to say something. Her blue eyes would focus themselves on me, but then break eye contact and she'd have a rather meek expression on her face. If she got out looking like that, then she'd be the apple of everyone's eyes, male and female alike.

Even though much of my previous thoughts were plaguing my head, I still had the mental capacity to say something.

"You're dressed quite…nicely," I say, which caused a small blush to creep up her cheeks.

"A-Ah…t-thank you…Nee-san bought me these for me a while ago, but today was the first time that I wore them. Do I look…strange?" She did a cute little twirl. I clenched my fists. Good Lord, that was a huge critical hit to my sanity meter.

"No, nothing like that. You look beautiful."

She stood there for several seconds, her face turning even redder. "A-Anyway, to ease your boredom as you wait, I'll enter the password for the Wifi for you." She declared and sat down next to me as she crossed her legs imitating me. Her scent was intoxicating and it caused my head to spin and get conscious of how close we were. I gulped and handed her my phone as she put several strands of her hair behind her ear.

A mild surprise was on her face and she turned to me. I had to reflexively lean away from her from how close her face was. "You don't have a password?"

I shook my head. "Not really, it's not like I'm hiding anything shady in my phone."

She nodded and shortly entered the Wifi password, a notification sounded the connection's success and she gave it back to me. She gave me the remote to her T.V. and then stood up. "I think you can do the rest yourself. I will be in the kitchen, dinner will be ready in a while…" I nodded and then she excused herself and went. My eyes lingered on her backside and skirt as it lazily swayed from side to side as if tempting me before I had to slap myself. I watched her pick up and wear the pink apron around herself humming while doing so then looking in my direction to find me just staring at her.

She tilted her head to the side. "Hikigaya-kun?" she called out "Do you need something? Are you hungry…? I have some snacks here if you'd like some…" She then attempted to open some cabinets as well as the fridge.

I shook my head and quickly thought of a shitty excuse. "Are you sure that you don't need my help?"

"I'm quite sure." She turned her attention to her cooking, ending the conversation right there.

With that, I turned on her T.V and went through the channels, looking for something interesting to pass the time. Aside from the sounds of something being cooked, the news anchor started talking about the most recent and relevant news was all I heard. I got bored rather quickly, so I turned down the volume and got out my phone instead. I saw that my parents sent me a message asking me about my current whereabouts, and I told them that I was currently at a schoolmate's house. I spent quite a while playing my usual gacha game until I noticed the smell of potatoes being fried and caused my stomach to instantly growl.

Potatoes! My only weakness!

I put my phone on the table then got up and went to the kitchen without a sound after turning the T.V off. She had her back to me as she seemed to be chopping up some meat and onions and putting them in the curry pot. Beside her, was a bowl of newly fried potatoes. I stopped when she was just right in front of me, humming a tune. Slowly, I reached out my hand, I was about to get one with my two fingers when her hand suddenly slapped my hand away.

Damn!

"Hikigaya-kun, I know that you are hungry but please endure for a little while more. I'm almost finished."

"Just one…"

She sighed and turned to me, then put her hands on her hips. "Fine, just one. When you said that you sneaked up on your Mother and take the fried potatoes that were supposed to be for the curry, I thought that you were jesting…"

To say that I was surprised was an understatement. "How…did you know that?" I ask as I got one and bit into it.

She arched a brow at me as if I had said something strange. "You said it yourself, remember? That you prefer to put fried potatoes in your curry and cook them in the oil that was used in frying chicken since it adds flavour, and you also said that you liked spicy food so I decided to a little bit here and there." She said and pointed to a plate with fried chicken on it.

Huh, I'll give her a little test then. "Did you cut the carrots thinly…?"

"Yes."

"Did you put some pepper after covering the chicken with breading?"

"Of course."

"What about the miso soup?"

She nodded.

"Hmm, did you put some lemon on the fish?"

"Done."

"Did you also put lots of meat and onions in the curry?" She rolled her eyes and wordlessly pointed to the pot. "I know about your mild anaemia, so I put lots." Wow, she does know a lot about me.

"Now please, sit down or something. Goodness, you're like a child. I'm almost done." I followed her and sat down on the dinner table where I rested my chin on my hands as I just continued watching and waiting for her to finish. I watched her cook quietly, she was making three different dishes at the same time. It was a bit amusing, watching her do it and the little movements that caught my attention. The fried chicken, beef curry, steamed vegetables, grilled fish that was inside the electric grill and miso soup. The ventilation system above the kitchen must be excellent since it prevented all the different aromas from spreading to the rest of her apartment.

After half an hour, she was finally done and took off her apron. She put the placemats and food on the table, and I was about to stand up and help her out but she put a hand on my shoulder and made me sit back down.

"You certainly cooked quite a lot…" I say

"These are all your favourites, no?" I slowly nodded at her, and she looked very satisfied with herself. "Too simple for my taste, but its nutritional value are acceptable."

"What about the cake?"

"It's in the fridge. We will eat it together later."

She sat down across me when all the preparations were done. ""Itadakimasu…"" We said together and started eating. As always, I started eating the grilled fish first and paired it with the rice and miso soup. Hmm, the texture of this…

"Blue Marlin…?"

She nodded and gave me a small amused smile. "How perceptive. Yes, it is."

I tried some of the curry and chicken, and they were quite good. She was more than happy to serve me seconds when my plate was nearly empty, doing it diligently and gracefully as with everything that she does. Being the honoured guest that I am, I showed my appreciation and delight to her cooking by giving her compliments and expressing how great the food is.

"How is the food?" She asked.

"Wonderful. The meat in the curry is especially good." I reply.

"That's good to hear. I was planning to make lasagna as well since Uncle mentioned to me that it was one of your favourites."

"Lasagna? Well, you do have an oven, so I thi-" I stopped when I replayed her statement inside my head. Uncle? Did she call my Father…?

I gave her a questioning look, and she wiped her mouth before answering it. "During the company visit your Father…how do I say this…favoured me very much. Always keeping me close and telling my class about his dealings with my own Father. At some point, it got a bit e-embarrassing because my class mistook me as his Niece or Step-Daughter, but he cleared that up so it was fine. I couldn't refuse when he told me to call him "Uncle". The company visit was very interesting, especially when we toured inside the ship named after you." She said.

This is new, but then again, why would my Father tell me such trivial things anyway? "Oh, I see…"

We soon finished eating since the conversation ended there. She only ate a moderate amount of food, only enough to sate her appetite. I, on the other hand, ate as much as I can since the food was really good. And the food tastes ten times better when it's served to you free!

When I was done, she wordlessly took the plates to the sink and replaced them with a smaller one, then took out a knife and the cake from the fridge. Six strawberries were around the top like a crown, and the cream and icing were neatly aligned to it like columns in an ancient Greek building.

She dug the knife deep into it, then put the first slice on my plate. I waited for her to put one on her own before trying it myself. We tried it at the same time, and I saw her make a delighted expression as she savoured the first bite and took another chunk from her piece.

"Hikigaya-kun, this tastes fantastic." She said and gave me a nod of approval.

I shrugged at her as I continued eating. "This choice sounded good, so I went with it."

She lightly giggled at my reply, the sound was something I haven't heard in quite a while. "That sounds very like you. I assume that you asked the salesperson for their recommendation?"

I nodded silently. I wasn't about to tell her that this cake was popular among younger couples, that would make the atmosphere a bit difficult to breathe in.

Both of us were quite satisfied with a single slice, and she got up and put the rest of the cake in the fridge, along with the other leftovers that were remaining which were still quite a lot. After cleaning the table, I took the blue apron and proceeded to help her in doing the dishes. She sighed and shook her head when I stood beside her defiantly but didn't protest as she passed me the plates for me to dry.

"You don't have to do this, Hikigaya-kun…I can manage this just fine."

"Don't mind me."

We worked silently and quickly until I put the last of the plates away and dried my hands on the kitchen towel. I was a bit startled when she suddenly started undoing the knot on my apron and I leaned down a bit to help her take it off.

"Go wait at the living room, Hikigaya-kun. I will prepare some tea."

I followed her words then went back and plopped myself down on the sofa. While waiting for her to finish, I just closed my eyes and leaned back on the couch as I put my arms on top. I heard the electric boiler finish, then the sound of teacups being moved. Footsteps slowly walked and I felt her sit down beside me after putting the tray that carried the tea on the small table in front of us. From the corner of my eye, she was fidgeting with the ends of her skirt with a conflicted expression. Some of her hair came loose and fell, hiding her face from my view. I sat properly, my hand accidentally brushing against her shoulder and waited for her to start as I tapped my knee with my fingers. I turned to the windows, and it had already gotten quite dark, perhaps two hours after sunset…

After around fifteen minutes of dead silence, she finally spoke.

"Hikigaya-kun, do you know why I called you here?" She said but didn't raise her head, her form was still and frozen.

Finally.

FINALLY.

I dropped the act, the same one that I have been doing ever since stepping into her apartment. This persona was incredibly difficult to wear and breathe in, no matter how much I mentally prepared myself. Looks like I still need some practice.

"I can think of a few reasons…" I say with no emotion in my voice. If she looked into my eyes right now, I'd wager that they looked void and empty.

From the corner of my eye, my phone light up since it was in silent mode with the vibration feature off, and I saw that my dear Mother was calling me.

She rubbed her arm with her hand and continued after several seconds of tense and deafening silence.

"I'm very happy that you came, do you know that? When I put the letter in your locker, I had my doubts. That you may think of me as a coward for not informing you face-to-face, that I prefer to hide behind written words on paper."

"Is that so."

"Thank you for at least being a bit cordial with me right now. I was afraid that you might be too cold and distant with me until after we…talked." She said softly, her voice getting smaller and smaller with each word that she uttered.

"I see…"

She faced me and fixed her hair for me to see her face. The expression she had on her face was a mix of shame and guilt. She couldn't bear to make eye contact with me and quickly looked down as I waited for her to continue.

"I-I'm…I'm truly sorry for all the hurtful things that I have said. I thought that we were just doing our usual banter, I should have known better than to push things too far. I apologize for my very inappropriate behaviour, I hope that you'll forgive me. Just say the word and I'll do anything to atone for my transgressions against you." She said and bowed her head.

For the next several minutes, I looked down on her with an emotionless expression, contemplating what I should do and say next. She stayed still as a stone as she waited for any kind of reaction from me.

…

…

…

No.

This isn't enough.

This isn't nearly enough.

"Yukinoshita, let me tell you a story." I started, and I could hear the gears inside her head tick in confusion from my unexpected reply.

"There was once two students, a boy and girl respectively. Both of them come from well-off families and are academically gifted. They were loners since birth and did not fit in with your usual crowd. In their first year together, they were classmates. They weren't friends, but they weren't exactly strangers to each other. Sure, they were sometimes chummy, but those were few and far in between. The both of them had a strange relationship, the girl, in particular, saw him as her rival, while the boy was either oblivious or didn't put much thought into her childish thoughts. The girl was rather cold and had the sharpest tongue that could make even the most hardened heart crack from her words. She had an intimidating aura around her, that made it difficult for other people to get close to her. Aside from his status in school, the boy was a very uninteresting-looking character, he wasn't cold like her, but he gave the expression that he was bored to death and uninterested in most things, even though he immediately joined the ranks of the StuCo at the start of the School year. He was kind, but his eyes made people think that he was hostile. He bore the burden from the expectations of everyone around him. The school, his classmates, his teachers, his sister and especially from his parents, even though they would never admit it."

Though she was bowing, she raised her head and saw my cold and empty eyes that watched her with disinterest. "Hikiga-"

"Do not interrupt me."

She gulped and said nothing.

"When the new school year came, they weren't classmates anymore. The boy got into a class where he was acquainted with some peers that he deemed honest and worthy of his friendship. The girl on the other hand, well who knows? The boy was forced to join a club that helps out students with their problems, the girl was the President and founder of that club. Another girl joined them but let's set her aside for now. Anyway, things were going well, until something changed in their club President. Although they would sometimes make friendly banter and exchange strange teases, the girl was starting to get more toxic and venomous as the days went by.

Now the boy wasn't unfamiliar with those types of things, but her words started to strike too deep and started to hurt him, though he would never admit it. It got to a point where he said his mind to her and walked out of the room, stunning and leaving her speechless. That was the first time in his life where the boy was genuinely upset about something."

Yukinoshita avoided my gaze and looked away, knowing full well what I mean.

"The boy was a gentle and kind soul, he had never experienced something like this before. Instead of confronting her, he chose to ignore her while contemplating his actions, because he had no idea what to do. And then he realized, that he had done nothing wrong. It was only natural for anyone to act the same way he did. He had endured for so long, and he was at his limit. He had no reason to apologize after all…

It should be the girl doing it instead…"

I reached out and held her soft chin where I forced her to face me and look at me in the eye. She looked nervous and bit her lower lip.

"He had been giving her the cold shoulder for the past few weeks, ignoring her greetings and any attempt from her to connect and reach out to him. A few times he leered at her when she only gave him a small cautious smile when they walked past each other at school, causing her to look rather hurt and quicken her pace opposite of him. It was unbearable when it was the first few days after that. Had his other clubmate not been there to give him some words of comfort, he was afraid of what he would have done or said.

But it's not his fault. One can only contain so much inside before cracks start to form.

Anyone would act the same…he may joke that her words do not affect him, but it's quite the opposite.

Her words hurt, they hurt very much. They were like cold needles that pierced his skin and prickled him with holes from the inside every time she said them. He doesn't know if she was just kidding, but if she was, then she definitely has a sickening sense of humour for her to take it lightly."

Yukinoshita tried to look away, but I forced her to stay still.

"Surprisingly, she invited him to her apartment through a letter that she left in his locker. The boy arrived and flawlessly acted like nothing had happened between them, even joking a bit and teasing her a little. He was on his best behaviour, and although he was quite relaxed on the outside, he was very guarded on the inside. He brought her cake and some cookies, even two books as a gift of some sort, and she was thankful to him for it. But when dinner was done, the dishes were clean and the food kept in the fridge, she finally took the initiative and asked him to sit down. Now we know that she apologized, but there's still something that doesn't add up…

Why did she act that way in the first place? They were on the road to becoming friends, but something made her act the way she did, being all toxic and venomous at him for no reason at every opportunity every time he stepped into the confines of their club room while he kept his mouth tightly controlled as he weathered and endured everything that she threw at him."

I let go of her and leaned back on the sofa. I breathed out, one that reverberated throughout my whole body.

"Why?"

It was a simple three-letter word, but it made the air heavy with tension.

Several tense seconds went by and she gripped her thigh, the mixture of guilt and shame she had on her face was multiplied a hundredfold. I had a feeling that she could break down in tears at any moment. After almost an eternity of her just staring at my chest, her eyes finally went up to meet mine and she spoke.

"I-I honestly don't know what came over me during the past few weeks…Something nagged at me from the inside, causing me to get somewhat irritable. Perhaps I was frustrated since I could not best you in our Year's rankings, or maybe because even though we come from somewhat similar backgrounds, you have more freedom in your life than I. We are so alike, yet so different at the same time.

But now that I think about it…maybe I was just being envious…"

I raised a brow. "Jealousy? What could you possibly be jealous of me for?"

She frowned, but it was more towards herself than to me.

"For a self-proclaimed loner, you have quite attracted quite a few individuals to your side whether you admit it or not. Most of the girls, and even Hayama-kun is very friendly with you. You are right, a cold person like me would have trouble gaining peers. But most of all, when I found out that we weren't classmates anymore, I was a bit frustrated…since I felt like I lost the only person that I could truly understand…and the only one who could understand me."

Wordlessly, she carefully took my right hand and clasped it together with her both of hers and kissed it gently. My stern face softened when she did it.

"H-Hikigaya-kun, I consider you as a very important person in my life. I want you to always remember that, e-even if you do not feel the same way. Even if you see me as a cold and annoying girl...even if you wish to disassociate with me and cut me off from your life, my feelings for you will never change. You are different from every other person that I have met so far. At first, you were someone that I barely tolerated, then an acquaintance, my partner as a Class Rep then a valued club mate. But most of all, I had forgotten to take into consideration the most important one of all…

You are a friend who I trust. My first and ever."

She led my hand to her chest, where I felt the rapid beating of her heart.

"You were the first person that made me feel…alive. You made my time in Sobu less boring with our witty exchanges and your playful teases. H-Has anyone ever told you that you have a way with words? The way you intricately construct them to get a proper reaction out of people, the way you can make others flustered, smile and even laugh with a simple sentence. Just sharing a class with you as we traded some conversation every day was enough for me. And on the times when we ate lunch together, I was elated and my mood did not falter for the rest of the day. I-I didn't push it too much, since you may grow tired of me and consider me an annoyance, so I held back. I was a-afraid that you might think that I am too clingy..."

She stopped for a few seconds after collecting her thoughts and breath then continued.

"When I found out that we're not together anymore, I felt a bit frustrated and sad. My classmates treat me well, but it wasn't the same without you around. It is just like what you said before, that there's an invisible wall that is keeping me from fully connecting with them. I feel that you were the only person capable of passing through that wall. And when I would see you with some of your friends that you enjoyed being with, I grew envious. A-A small part of me wanted us to be together again after class, just like before when it was just the two of us. But it was getting difficult since other people also wanted some of your time. Since I was too afraid to take the initiative, I wanted you to actively search me out and keep me company, but that was a stupid thought. In my mind, I was under the impression that you had c-cast me aside and chose to forget about me since you had better people around to keep you company, people that are more expressive than I, and could make you smile earnestly. People that were a hundred times better than me.

I got envious of them, that they get to spend more time with you and see you smile while I had to wait for classes to end to see you. I desperately wanted to know why I wasn't worthy. I spoke to Hiratsuka-sensei, you know? When I told her a fraction of what was feeling, she instantly told me: '

Ah, so it was just like that then. I owe Hikigaya an apology for this one. Anyway, this is easy, but might be difficult for someone like you. The only thing that you need to do is, apologize to him, preferably at your own home…'. I felt insecure and useless whenever I saw my reflection…

And a bit wrongly frustrated with you…

I just…I didn't want to share you with other people…

Just for once in my life…I wanted to be selfish…

I got too possessive of you…

It hurts so bad when I thought that you left me all alone…

I-I wanted…you…all to...myself…"

She smiled pitifully and from her chest, she led my hand upwards where she rubbed her soft cheek on it.

"That is why…I ask your forgiveness. I acted harsh and unjust towards you, my only friend. I have been feeling so confused and lost lately, I don't know what to do anymore. I'm just a foolish stupid girl that let her emotions get a hold of her senses. Had you said the word, I would have immediately stopped, but you are too kind to me to even consider that, aren't you…? You are so kind, too kind. You weathered and endured it all. You have never said anything hurtful to me, even after everything I said, it only happened when your patience finally went out.

P-Please Hikigaya-kun, d-don't hate me…don't leave me alone...I didn't mean to hurt you…"

Her voice cracked and then the tears came.

"I-I'm just…I'm so sorry…" With a shaky voice, she let go of my hand and hid her face as she openly started crying, her shoulders shuddering as she could not hold it any longer. Her sobbing was the only thing we heard in this cold and empty apartment.

I see, so it's like this huh…goodness…

I reached out and gently led her to me, she offered no resistance. I rested her head on my chest where I felt her tears fall through my shirt. I rubbed her back and touched the back of her head, trying to comfort her in any way I can.

"Sssshhh…come here. There there..." I whisper to her ear.

She let go of her face and I felt her hands reluctantly go around my upper torso. She was crying hard now, I felt her grip the back of my shirt with each shudder and hitch of her voice.

"It's fine it's fine…I'm here. I'm not going to go away…don't worry..."

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…please…" She whispered to me in-between sobs and hiccups, her body shuddering every time. She hugged me closer and stronger until I felt the beating of her heart right in front of my own.

I shook my head. "It's fine. You apologized. That's all I need and wanted to hear…"

She rubbed herself on my shoulder as her tears continued to fall. "I-I was an idiot, the lowest of the low! I shouldn't have vented my frustration and confusion on y-you of all people…! I shouldn't have done it…I shouldn't have done it…I'm so sorry...I'm sorry..."

"Sorry for ignoring you and being too cold."

She shook her head and pulled away as I finally got a look on her face. Tears were violently falling as her lips quivered just by saying a single word. Her shoulders shook with every intake of breath. She looked very angry with herself and gripped my collars. "N-No! Don't apologize! Don't apologize! This is all my fault…I deserve it…You should hit me for all the things I've said…" I calmed her down by fixing a bit of her hair and holding her cheek.

"I could never do that. I never hated you, I just preferred to distance myself a bit. Everyone has their shortcomings and flaws, even people like us. At least now, you're aware of it." I reply. She shakily nodded and buried her face on my neck.

She unconsciously shifted her position, until most of her was entirely lying on me while her chin rested on my shoulder. I continued gently rubbing her back and patting the back of her head as she continued. She stayed like that until her sobbing subsided after a long while. I hummed and whispered to her words of comfort until the rapid beating of her heart slowed and relaxed. We were in a rather risque position, she was sitting on my lap while her arms were around me for dear life. Most of my neck and some parts of my chest were wet with her tears but I didn't care.

After almost an eternity of just lying still and shuddering, she let go and broke our embrace. Huh, I thought that she had fallen asleep at some point.

Her face was flushed, her eyes and nose were red and puffy from the crying while she fixed her hair. One last tear fell, I gently and instinctively wiped it away with the handkerchief that I got from my pocket. Her flustered cheeks turned redder when I did it, and she avoided my eyes from the embarrassment. I had realized that my hand was resting dangerously on her upper thigh, when I attempted to remove it, she held it in place with her hand. She looked down on it, her hand over mine and gave me light touches with her fingers.

"..."

"..."

"So…Hikigaya-kun…"

"Yes?"

She looked deeply into my eyes waiting for my answer. "Do you forgive me…?"

I patted her head. "Yes, I do forgive you. How could I ever turn my back on my friend?" I chuckled and looked her in the eye.

Yukinoshita smiled, and then I noticed the sides of her eyes start to water once more.

"Hey hey come on now, no need to cry…" With my other hand, I held her soft cheek and gave it a light pinch, trying to cheer her up.

"Hehehehehehehe…" She started giggling while tears started to fall from her eyes, she didn't even bother covering her face like before as she shook. Even though she was a mess right now: her eyes red and watery, her nose runny, her cheeks pink with dried tears, she still looked beautiful as ever.

Watching the girl that was sitting on my lap shed tears of joy was something strange, the concept itself I mean. I wonder how it feels, feeling joy so much that you started crying. I wiped away a few streaks while she stayed still, she held my vacant hand in hers as she silently watched me with her teary eyes and a tiny smile.

"Thank you, Hikigaya-kun."

When I had wiped away the last streaks of her tears and also from the corners of her eyes, I had expected her to immediately get up, but she stayed comfortably on my lap. Her half-lidded eyes were staring deep into me, unfocused, and I saw something glint inside them. I gulped when I saw that her sultry and tempting lips were slightly open, and she unconsciously licked them as her hot breath washed over my face. She smelled nice, and I had to force every fibre of my body not to get the inappropriate things into my head. Her hands were slowly feeling me from my chest, where they went up. Her left hand was on my shoulder while the other one was holding the side of my face. It was like she was under some kind of spell. With her sitting on my lap wearing a skirt that short, I felt her soft thighs and bum which made me a bit uncomfortable.

She's feeling so many emotions right now and might do something in the heat of the moment. Females are naturally more emotional than males, Yukinoshita is not an exemption. At such a short amount of time, she felt sorrow, grief, regret, shame, sadness, surprise, embarrassment and then joy and happiness. Being the normally calm and collected person that she is, this is probably the first that she's feeling like this. She's like a bomb filled with those emotions right now and might explode and do something brash and impulsive.

Something that both of us might regret.

The instant she started slowly leaning forward and softly held my cheek, her half-lidded eyes staring into mine with her lips partly open while gripping my shoulders as if preventing me any means of escape, I knew I had to do something. She's not thinking straight, and I'm terrified at what might happen if I give in. I doubt that she even knows what she's doing right now.

So…I did what my superior intellect said to me.

I cried out in pain.

"Agh!" I groaned and forced my expression to contort to that one of extreme pain. Yukinoshita was very much startled and instantly snapped back to reality. She then took hold of my shoulders and held my cheek, unsure of what to do from my sudden outburst.

"H-Hikigaya-kun?! What's wrong?!" She exclaimed in a panicking voice, her eyes wide with fear as she frantically tried to figure out what was wrong with me.

I opened my mouth to speak, and pretended to be in so much excruciating pain that I can't even croak out a proper reply. Instead, I frantically pointed at my leg, writhing from pain while doing so. That seemed to catch her attention since she quickly lifted herself from me at a speed that I almost saw what was under her skirt. She then knelt on the floor as she looked at my leg, which she thought was where the pain was originating.

"What is it?! Are you hurt?! Hikigaya-kun!" As if an idea had somehow sprouted in her head, she then attempted to take off my pants. Her hands were already on my belt, ready to remove it before I could do anything.

Bloody fu-! Ok now, this backfired! Initiate plan A: contingency procedure column #2!

"C-Cramps! It's just cramped!" I cried out. She looked at me in the eye then reluctantly retracted her hands. "Iron deficiency and all that..ah damn!…" I added as I started gently massaging my right thigh. I did heavy breaths as I did so. Wanting to help alleviate my non-existent pain, she started doing it too on my lower leg.

"Sorry for making you do this Yukinoshita…" I wince.

She shook her head and focused on doing her current task. She is very serious, I have worked her up a bit. "I didn't know that this kind of thing happens to you…"

"You were making yourself at home on my lap, the flow of blood to my legs must have been under pressure or something like that."

She blushed but said nothing as she gave my lower leg light massages with her delicate hands.

When around fifteen minutes had gone by, I deemed that it was time to drop the act and relaxed my leg a bit. She reluctantly took her hands off of me when I said that I was feeling fine, and got up and sat beside me once more.

"O-Oh, the tea had gotten cold." She said after inspecting it. She gave me the other teacup, it wasn't really cold, per se. It smelled nice, pomegranate and ginger and was lukewarm at most, so I drank it in one go.

Yukinoshita frowned and poked my cheek. "Hikigaya-kun, drinking tea that way is very rude, especially when done right in front of the one who personally brewed it for you."

"Sorry. Won't happen again, Ma'am."

We silently sat there drinking the tea and enjoying the silence. My phone lit up again and it caught both of our attention. This time, it was my Father who was calling me. I turned to her and she nodded.

I was about to get up but she put a hand on my thigh, which made me reluctantly sit back down.

"Hello?"

"Finally! How's it going Hachiman? Having fun with your sleepover? I just found out about this an hour ago."

I frowned.

Sleepover?

I didn't say that. I just said that I was going to a friend's place…KOMACHI! YOU BRATTY LITTLE GIRL!

"Yeah, but-" My Father has that annoying habit of interrupting me when we're speaking. Like myself, he is soft-spoken in person and I have never heard him raise his voice ever, but that's where the similarities end. When he's on the phone, he has a loud voice and likes walking around the room. Yukinoshita curiously watched our exchange.

"Great! Can I speak to your friend then? I just want to thank them."

I turned to Yukinoshita. She must have heard my Father's words too. Reluctantly, she gulped and took my phone from my hand.

"H-Hello?" She said with a small voice.

"Good Evening! Thank you for taking care of my Son! I hope he's on his best behaviour!" Good grief, why is he treating me like a little kid…

She smiled and shook her head. "Do not worry, Uncle, your Son is in safe hands with me. I am making sure that his every need is being taken care of~." I lightly blushed at her words and so did she. Looks like it backfired on her too. Goodness, did she have to word it like that?

There was some silence before my Father spoke again. "Oh! Yukino-chan! It's you!" My Father laughed with delight. "I'm glad that he's with a responsible girl like you then! Don't spoil him too much though!"

She giggled at my Father's words. "Hikigaya-kun has been very helpful and kind to me. We already had dinner and now we're having some tea in my living room."

"Hmm, he should have told me that he was going with you. I could have dropped him off at your place."

"A-Ah, that would be my fault." She bowed as if my Father were in front of her. "The invite was too sudden. My apologies, I'm sorry for taking him away so suddenly..."

"It's fine! Don't be shy in taking some of his time, I believe this is his first time sleeping over at a friend's house." Oh God, why did he have to say that? This is getting more and more embarrassing by the second. Yukinoshita eyed me with amusement as I squirmed from the cringe.

"Well, it's the first time that I invited someone over, so I think we are on the same boat for that matter. I'll try my best not to bore him to death." She flashed me a knowing smile.

"Is that so! Well, don't let me keep you then! Anyway, have fun and don't stay up too late with him! Remind him to brush his teeth! Goodbye!" You know, you'd expect a parent to at least sound a bit concerned, instead of laughing and sounding very carefree. Well, that's just my Father. He gives me so much freedom in my life that sometimes I think that it is ridiculous. I wonder if other children out there are given so much freedom like myself. Probably not.

Yukinoshita said her farewells as well and my Father ended the very brief call, but not before we heard my Mother's loud voice in the background.

"WHAT?! MY HAA-CHAN IS WITH WHO NOW?!"

Her shoulders shook while trying to restrain a laugh as she gave me back my phone.

"H-Haa-chan…?" She turned to me, covering her mouth.

I rolled my eyes at her. "My childhood name. Haa-chan, Hachi-kun, Hachi-chan or just plain Hachi." Now that I think about it, I do have a lot of nicknames.

"T-That's…simply adorable." She said and started giggling. "Anyway, your Father is rather endearing, isn't he?"

"Wait till you meet my Mother. She tends to be a bit...clingy and possessive..." I mutter. Before the conversation goes somewhere awkward because of her relationship with the rest of her family, I decided to take the reins.

"Well…sleepover huh…" I whistle expectantly. I don't even have a change of clothes or anything like that. And I doubt she has a shirt that fits me that I can borrow in the meantime. I looked at my watch, it wasn't that late, maybe an hour left before department stores start to close for the day. I'm not really against the idea of staying here though, frankly, I'm a bit tired too.

She puffed out her modest chest and put her hands on her hips, looking proud for some reason. "Yes, I have prepared for this scenario. I will return shortly with your new clothes."

To say that I was surprised was an understatement. "I beg your pardon? You were hoping that this would happen…?" I ask.

Although it seems rather far-fetched, perhaps she spoke to my Father regarding this, and sought his permission beforehand? No, that's impossible. She would never do that if she weren't sure that we'd clear things up and properly talked face-to-face during this evening. I scanned her face and observed her body movements if she was hiding something.

She wasn't.

She blushed a bit and looked away while scratching her cheek. "I ummm…may have gotten carried away as I was buying your slippers…I bought you pyjamas, shorts, some shirts, a toothbrush and some towels…and some other stuff…"

"I…ugh…thank you I guess…?" I say with some difficulty, still trying to wrap my head around what she just said. She quickly excused herself and hurried away leaving me dumbfounded.

She came back, with a towel and a toothbrush over my new clothes.

"Come, I will show you to the bathroom." I put down my phone and followed her.

Her bathroom wasn't anything special, and I walked out from it feeling refreshed with my new clothes. Though I do think that I may take more time than I should have. As expected, she only chose the highest quality, and I had to admit that they felt nice. It was just a simple red shirt and some white shorts. Though there was some tightness to the shirt on my chest part, it still felt comfortable.

I got out and saw that she had changed clothes as well. The shorts that she was wearing was the same one that she wore under her bathrobe earlier, as for her top, she wore a red shirt similar to mine. I caught her sitting down on the sofa, reading the first few pages of my-, sorry, her book. She made a cute sound when she saw me, a little startled I bet.

"Enjoying the book?"

She nodded. "Yes, I am very much excited to start reading this."

"I got that from a bookstore nearby, a good thing I decided to check it out."

"Y-Yes, I noticed the store's invoice receipt. It is the same store that I frequent…"

"B-By the way…" She added and fidgeted a bit with her legs. "are these shorts too revealing…? Your eyes are focused on the whole time…" She tried to pull the shirt down trying to cover her thighs to no avail. I had to say that she looked really cute while doing that, added to the fact that pink dusted her cheeks.

I decided to make a more mature and casual approach. I remember reading that being more mature, casual and level-headed can make an awkward situation with the opposite sex turn around rather quickly. And it works quite well when I tried it out on Yumiko and Saki. Though when I tried it on someone older like Shiromeguri-senpai or Haruno for instance, they instantly saw through me and teased me about it.

"Was I now? Sorry, I was a bit taken aback that's all. This is the first time that I've seen you wear clothes like that. You look really cute and it wonderfully suits you." I reply casually, deciding to be honest and admitted it.

I mean, I was caught doing it anyway, no use in making up lame excuses and whatnot. Might as well come clean and throw a compliment or two, no?

She stopped what she was doing and hid the bottom half of her face with Leo Tolstoy's book. "I-I see…t-thank you. Your opinion is noted..."

"That's good to hear, having a diverse wardrobe can be fun and rewarding in its way. So, where am I sleeping?" I yawned to add effect. It's already a bit late, and today was draining so it's no question that I'm physically and mentally exhausted. I honestly wouldn't mind sleeping on her sofa.

She put a hand on her hip and looked at me straight in the eye with a serious expression. "Well on my bed of course."

"..."

"..."

"Are you seriously listening to what you're saying right now?"

"Why? Is there something wrong with what I said? The both of us are quite responsible and level-headed." I had to resist scoffing and laughing at her words since it was she who was the one who almost got into the heat of the moment earlier. Thankfully, she doesn't remember doing it.

"You're going to drag me out of the sofa if I'm gonna sleep on it, aren't you?" She nodded.

"What about a futon?" She shook her head.

She stepped forward and sighed in exasperation. "What are you so nervous about? Didn't you say that you always did this kind of thing with your sister? Or are you a shy maiden on the inside?"

I sighed and scratched my head. If she says it that way, it's like I'm the one getting worked up and jumpy. Plus my sister is my sister, while she isn't blood-related. Ah screw this, I don't care anymore.

"Fine then."

Her room was larger than mine and lacked girly stuff to distinguish it from a boy's room aside from some stuffed animals on the bed. The bed was good for two people at least. It was really simple, I liked it. Just like her living room, a large glass window dominated the wall covered by curtains. It was also cold, she must have turned on the A.C. earlier.

"Nice room."

"Thank you. Right or left?" She asked when she closed the door behind us with a resounding lock. For some reason, I felt trapped when she did it.

There was a nightstand on the right side and that was a good place as any. I sat down and felt it a bit, the bounciness and softness and all that. It's a bit too soft for my liking, but I can't complain. I am just a guest after all. I lied down and saw that she was watching me with a curious expression.

"Is the bed to your liking?" She asked as she sat down.

"Yes."

"Good. Would you like the lights completely out or not?"

"The former, thank you."

She nodded and proceeded to go to the switch and turn it off. Even though the curtains were only partially closed, it was still very dark, the only light was from her A.C system. The moon in the sky must be covered by some clouds or something.

"Just follow my voice," I said to her, somewhere out there.

"Ok."

"..."

"Don't stop speaking, I can't tell if I'm close to the bed or not." She said slightly frustrated, I can already imagine the small frown on her face.

"Sorry. But you sound close now. Put your arms in front, I'll try and guide you." I moved to the edge of the large bed. I closed my eyes and focused on listening to her footsteps.

Moments after that, I hit something thin and immediately latched onto it.

"AAAAHHH!" She yelped rather loudly when instinctively grabbed her wrist. Tonight gave me lots of first times from her such as this one for example. It was the first time I heard her scream that loud and high-pitched. That was probably the girliest sound that I heard from her.

"Sorry." I apologized and felt her slap my hand.

"H-Hikigaya-kun, you scared me." She held my hand as I guided her in the darkness and then felt her sit down on the bed. She was smaller than I expected, really warm too.

"Like I said, sorry." I sat up and tried feeling around the bed for the extra pillow that I had set aside. I indeed got hold of something, but it was soft and warm, and I squeezed it a bit. This was not a pillow.

"H-Hikigaya-kun…for how long are you going to hold m-my thigh…?" I heard Yukinoshita's familiar icy cold voice. She might sound a bit stern now but turn on the lights and I'm sure that there's a blush on her pale face.

I immediately let go. "Sorry, I can't find my pillo-" I couldn't finish what I was going to say since something soft had hit me straight in the face. My eyes were finally adjusting, and I saw the vague shape of her in the darkness beside me.

"There's your pillow."

After I got it, she lied down and put the blanket over us. She scooted closer until our shoulders were touching. My hands were over the covers as I closed my eyes and waited for sleep to overcome me. I noticed her move her arms and hands bit as if looking for something. Like myself, she was facing the ceiling, her mind must be going through the things that happened today. I tried to think of anything aside from the fact that she's really warm and soft and smells nice.

"Hikigaya-kun."

"Hmm?"

"Are you feeling sleepy yet?"

"I just laid down so no."

"Ok."

"..."

"Hikigaya-kun."

"Hmm?"

"Please do remember to keep your hands to yourself."

"My hands are already over the covers."

"I see."

"..."

"Hikigaya-kun."

"Yes?"

I felt her turn her head towards me. "Would you like to do something?"

If I turn like what she did right now, our faces would be very very close. When she spoke, her hot breath tickled my ear and goosebumps formed. "Like what?"

"You decide."

I shrugged. "Well, I want to sleep right now, to be honest. You should too."

She grew quiet before giggling as I felt her poke my cheek amused at my reply. "Well then if that is what you want, Hikigaya-kun~..."

She leaned closer to my ear until I felt her lips brush against it. "Goodnight." Then she slightly scooted away. Before long, her breathing relaxed until she finally fell asleep. Moonlight entered the room through the windows and I turned to her and watched her sleeping face. She looked so peaceful and serene, it's hard to imagine that she was crying her heart out two hours ago. Poor thing, she must be exhausted.

This day was interesting. We cleared things up and it ended better than I could have imagined.

After watching her for a few more moments, I closed my eyes.

---

I opened my eyes and watched the moonlight that entered my room between the curtains. It has shifted quite a bit, perhaps maybe an hour or two has passed. I carefully turned to the boy beside me, closely watching his breathing. I poked his cheek to get a reaction from him, and then his rib if he was ticklish. If he was awake then he would have cringed away from my touch, but he didn't. He was asleep.

His left arm was over the blanket, and I slowly took hold of it and got it under. As expected, his hands were cold and larger than mine, but even so, they were surprisingly soft. I had expected it to be a bit rough. I played with his fingers and hand a bit before I intertwined them with mine.

I smiled sadly at our two hands together. "If he were awake, he would never do this with a rotten girl like me…someone like me can't possibly…"

My heart started racing as inappropriate thoughts started appearing in my mind. He looks so vulnerable, he would never know if I kissed him on the cheek or lips. I wonder if he has ever kissed a girl romantically…? With so many beautiful girls around him, the thought was not very pleasant for me. But he does not seem to be interested in any of them from my observations.

Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself over his face, our lips so close yet so far. My heart was pounding in my chest so hard that I could hear it. I clenched my fists so hard, I thought my nails would dig into the skin and blood would come out. My vision became blurry, the only thing that I focused on was his lips. He would never know it if I took his first time…our first kiss together…he would never know…

I want him. I want him. I want him. I want him. I want him. I want him. I want him. I want him.

I want to do it…I want to do it…I want to do it…I want to do it…I want to do it…I want to do it…

But…

I can't…

This is wrong…

I lied back down and checked if I had woken him up somehow. He was still fast asleep. I feel disgusted with myself for almost touching him in his sleep.

I turned my body to him as I gently took hold of his left arm and put my left leg over him, preventing any means of escape. My breasts rubbed themselves against him and I rubbed my cheek on his shoulder.

Ah...he smells so nice...so this is Hikigaya-kun's scent...

This is making my heart race, and my body heat up. It took everything I had to calm my breathing. I was delighted at the fact that he said that I was cute earlier. When he accidentally grabbed my thigh earlier, I am quite glad that it was dark since it hid the flustered smile I had on my face.

Still, these shorts are embarrassing, but it's fine if he eyes me that way. Even though he is dignified, a bit prideful and respectable, he is a male after all. The way that he turned away when he saw me earlier was adorable. I don't mind if it's him after all. Maybe I can convince him to stay with me until Monday morning…I think I can ask Uncle's permission to borrow his Son for a little while more…

And once the Summer Break starts, so many opportunities…so many...

"I hope that you forgive me from the bottom of your heart, Hikigaya-kun. I promise that I will make it up to you. Right now, I'm a rotten and terrible person, but I promise to grow into a girl that is worthy of walking side by side with you…

I promise you…" I whisper to myself before falling asleep once more.

---

Nearly 19k words damn. It longest chapter so far! WOOHOOOO!

Hello friends! I'm back! Have you lot missed me? Are you still following this story?

Sorry for the late update, I got a bit caught up with my other Fic, as you may already know. You know, the SMUT one…oh and too many events in FGO lol. I made this chapter EXTRA LONG for my EPIC COMEBACK! FUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Aight!

Lots of things happened in this chapter, too many to write down in one sentence. As much as possible, I'd like to keep my Afterwords to a minimum, to not spoil some stuff here and there. I'd like to keep you lot guessing on what's gonna happen. Though I WILL say this:

Yukino's character development arc is far from finished.

Oh yeah, after Isshiki's reveal, there were too many reviews to reply to. The Isshikifags have made their presence known! And as a proud member of the Isshiki Gang! I can feel the excitement from your words alone! Forgive me if I didn't pick yours. :D

Elr1K: The horny was too strong! So strong that I made a separate smut Fic!

Digifan474: Don't tempt me to make another smut Oneshot with Hachiman and Komachi…

Dawnytilldusky: Hachiman is quite foxy himself, to Isshiki's surprise.

Ravishing-Impact: Thank you!

WatchHawkZero: Oi…

Atlas: Thank you!

EiNyx: Yup, by taking advantage of Hachiman's Siscon tendencies, Isshiki just MIGHT snatch him away with a smirk right in front of the other girls!

Sum9: Thanks!

Kuman: Exactly!

woodxvii: Same Bruv.

Many of you are asking about the DDLC, I'd just like to say that [WITHDRAWN]-[REDACTED]-[REMOVED]-[DELETED]

If you don't mind, please write a review of this chapter! It helps a lot! I'm feeling anxious if I wrote it properly since this had lots of emotional scenes and it's my first time writing them.

Or if you're too shy, send me a PM to let me know your thoughts!

As always, favourite and follow if you want!

Thank you and see you next time!