Chapter 3. Aloud, Using words, Clearly and Unambiguously
I slowly opened my eyes and turned my head, locating the phone. Its clock indicated it was almost noon. After returning the phone to the desk I turned on my back and stared at the ceiling.
Some part of my brain suggested I'd reflect on yesterday. First ever real date (plus a first ever kiss) surely were life-changing events. For whatever reason I… not so much refused. Just didn't feel the motivation to, preferring to instead keep lying on my back and taking turns at staring the the ceiling, the posters, the door, the window, then the ceiling again.
How did I feel?
Well, mostly sleepy.
How else did I feel?
After assessing my state of mind, I came to conclusion that I felt normal. Nothing particularly groundbreaking.
Let's ask another question: how was I supposed to feel? Eagerly elated, jumping two stories high and sending hearts in every direction, if shoujo manga and romcoms were to be believed.
Suffice to say I wasn't inclined to do any of that. What I wanted instead was to give in to the laughter slowly emerging from within me; that same one girls usually found creepy. It wasn't exactly hysterical, or bursting with joy. It was, I realized in surprise, a laughter of level content. Nothing to bother me, nothing to worry, nothing to mull over. Even if there was in fact a whole bunch of stuff demanding to do exactly that in even proportions, right now it didn't matter. No matter how much I thought about it, I didn't feel any anxiety or dread. Just a neutral "well, I'll have to deal with it, fine".
On a more thorough examination, I didn't mind this new state of being at all.
Even the perspective of today's date with Yukinoshi- Yuki- wasn't making me anxious. I would just go and meet her, and have a good time. Just like going to the club.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.
It was every good big brother's responsibility to make his little sister happy. After all, what else us big brothers would exist for? Aside from occasionally picking on their little sisters to vent our frustrations, of course we were to cater to their every whim.
So, as it would to any decent big brother, the sight of Komachi cupping her face, squinting her eyes shut and positively squeeing made me happy.
The only downside was, she squeed because I followed up on my promise to tell her "eeeeverything, like, in every detail" about my date with Yukinoshi- Yuki. Even now I wanted to smile like an idiot I was at every mention of her name, despite having told my sister what was supposed to be a huge secret.
In corporate terms it was called criminal negligence and major critical security breach. Not only I'd be fired on the spot, they'd probably send some shady guys out to get me. And now that we were on the subject, there was at least something to clarify in that regard.
"Komachi, you're still in contact with Haruno-san, right?"
That finally made her stop squeeing.
"Eh, time after time. Why?"
"Don't tell her."
"Why? She'll be happier than a ton of elephants."
What kinda comparison was that?
"Exactly. She'll mess with us."
"Oh, don't be melodramatic. She loves Yukino-san! What bad thing would she do to her?"
I couldn't stress that enough: it was good Komachi wasn't in contact with Haruno-san so closely as to know what kind of person she actually was. And I fully intended it to stay that way. The last thing I needed was for Haruno-san to start getting closer to my little sister. If someone must be spared of that, it should be Komachi.
The downside was I had to explain several otherwise obvious things to her.
"She'd also would tell their mother and then the real fun would start."
"Aaaand? What's so bad about her mother?"
"I didn't expect this from you. I placed my trust into you and let you do as you please, but… No, this is my error in judgement."
"Her mother…" How would I summarize it without sounding spiteful? "…may have other ideas regarding Yukinoshita."
"Hmmm…" Komachi made a thoughtful face. "Like in those dramas where she wants to marry her daughter off to some rich bastard?"
"Indeed. My mother wants to strengthen the bonds between our families…" and a long awkward pause.
"That maybe too."
"Heeeh… what is someone supposed to say in such cases…" Thoughtful expression morphed into a worried one. "And you're gonna oppose her or something? Bro, you sure you'll be okay?"
"No," I shrugged. Well, technically, the future prospects of dealing with that made me want to build a little cozy house atop of my bed and never ever leave it to stay happy, or at least sane. But yeah, the correct summary would be "No".
"Why do it then? Lifting your ass off to go date a girl is already so not like you I don't even know. And then hop! and you're dating Yukino-san. Like, Yui-san wou-"
"No." Crap, I said it too fast and harsh.
"Huh…" Komachi regarded me with a long look. "That's how it goes… Yep, that's how it goes. Bro's already chosen his woman. It is thus a clear sign he has indeed matured and stuff. Gotta respect it."
"Gee, thanks. Just don't tell anyone. Anyone."
"Alright, alright already." She flinched. "Heard you the first two times. Komachi will support her big bro no matter, you know!"
With that and the lunch out of the question, I had less than four hours of free time. Wait, no, four hours till the date would start. Around 40 minutes to get to Sengen from my home which included walking to the bus stop, riding two stops more and switching to Keisei line for another two. So make that three hours and twenty minutes.
About an hour to also clean up, which I didn't particularly bother about last time. I hoped Yukinoshita- Yuki- wasn't too offended by any potential smells. Girls are notoriously picky about it.
Two hours to kill. A whole lot of time, suddenly.
Baffled, I returned to my room and took a look around. Read something? Play? Nap? Clean the room? God forbid… homework?
Wait, where did the last two come from? Would a single date make me happy so much as to consider doing that out of boredom? On the other hand, I did keep stumbling on the pile of light novels on the floor for the whole week. High time to put it back into shelves downstairs.
I looked at the pile for some time. I shrugged. I gave up, gathered the first stack and lifted it. Off we go.
The pile took three trips up and down. Just as I entered my room again my eyes caught the sight of my desk and all the copy books, sheets, pencils and chargers lying on it in a neatly chaotic formation. Did you know order was merely a primitive and arbitrary relational grouping of objects in the chaos of the Universe? I did. It was written in a good foreign book also resting somewhere on the bookshelves. That was a nice phrase, allowing me not to organize my desk for months. Since right now I caught myself putting all the stuff into neat stacks and piles to further sort later, I felt somewhat conflicted about the whole quote and my life principles in general, apparently challenged and shamed into defeat at this very moment.
Hey me, stop being so happy and content, you're making me feel weird.
But me apparently didn't listen, as next thing I did was march downstairs, grab a vacuum cleaner before Komachi's very stupefied eyes and proceed to hunt all the dust in my room I cared for.
In short, when I finally remembered to check the clock amidst sorting through my wall rack and found out it was way past two, I breathed a sigh of relief yet felt a tinge of unfinished business feeling.
This was going too far.
Shower. Like, right that very moment.
I stared at dad's aftershave, contemplating using it too. A double doze of shampoo, a doze of shower gel, antiperspirant, dad's cologne (forgive me, dad, for it served a greater purpose), all used in succession along with vigorous scrubbing as if I wanted to scrub all the filth off my very self (a Sisyphean task for sure). Let it never be said Hachiman Hikigaya couldn't give his all when need arose.
I found myself reaching for the vial of the aftershave and managed to stop at the very last moment. I had already applied cologne, not to mention never had to shave in my life. That was the logical reasoning I came to afterwards. Because, I'll be honest, right at that moment the main reason I stopped in time was that I remembered Home Alone.
Five minutes to four was the time of my arrival at Inagesengenmae station. I could finally calm down and start waiting for my date. Everything I could have remembered to do in preparation had been done. That even included stoically braving through Komachi's long thoughtful stare obviously evaluating my fashion choices, along with the subsequent smug smile and "have fun on your date Bro". I really could live without that, Komachi.
At the umpteenth head turn I finally spotted familiar figure heading to me. Yuki noticed me too at about the same time as she sped up and headed in my direction.
It was an honest relief and joy to the eyes seeing her almost skipping, ballet flats lightly touching the ground; her open coat fluttered, showing the hem of her dark green fitted dress which, while modestly cut, accentuated her figure in all the right places. Completing the image was her most elated smile imaginable and expression brighter than a thousand suns; in short, her sight made me grin almost ear to ear.
It was thus all the more jarring when her expression instantly went from joy to abject shock as she stopped right before me, as if hitting a brick wall, and made a startled step back. What?..
"Y-Yuki? What's wrong?" I tried approaching her which only make take another step back. I felt my heart sinking in the depths of hell. "W-What is it?"
Unable to even come closer to her, I resorted to just stay where I was, feeling ground wobbling beneath my feet, horrified to make another move which would worsen it all.
"I'm sorry, wh-whatever it is I didn't mean it to, please don't be mad at me-" I realized I started to panic. "-I mean it, I won't do that anymore, just tell me-"
"Wait! Wait- I didn't mean it like that…" She flailed her hands, visibly flabbergasted.
"Then what-"
"It's…" She fell silent, collecting her thoughts, as I was balancing the fine line between living and dying for all that time. "Is it me or did you raid your father's bath supplies shelf and used every bottle you saw there?"
…Eh?
"No… I mean…" How do you think it felt to confess such things? "…just cologne. And aftershave- wait, what aftershave, I didn't touch the aftershave, I- You're just not used to the smell? That's it?"
"I was overwhelmed to the point of suffocating wondering if it was really you." She carefully allowed. "You… may call it 'not used to'."
Silence followed.
"You recognize me by smell?"
"…Yes?" She blinked, as if at loss of words. "Every person has their own smell. If I'm in contact with them for long enough I'll remember it."
"Huh. Don't even know what to say." I paused, formulating the next question, wondering if I was prepared for the answer. "And what do I… normally smell like?"
"Your family's detergent, your shampoo…" Yuki pondered for several seconds. "One of the two you ever use, if I remember correctly… and you."
Another round of cold shivers. Called it.
"Me?.. I… I'm sorry… I'll take care of my hygiene properly-"
"Hachi." She somehow stressed both syllables, then sighed rubbing her temples. "Stop it. If there's something that bothers me, I will tell you. Isn't that what we had established long ago?"
I nodded mutely.
"So…" I hesitated, then offered her my hand. "Umm… Yuki?"
She smiled and took it, then brought it to her face and carefully sniffed. It took her couple of seconds but finally Yuki laid her face into my palm, visibly enjoying the sensation.
"Of course, Hachi." She replied, my heart melting at hearing it. "Maybe we'll need to walk a station or three to alleviate it though…"
I sighed.
"Well, fine by me. Shall we?"
"Yes." She suddenly giggled. "Pardon me for asking, but you're not even shaving. Why would you even think of aftershave?"
"I… suddenly remembered that scene in Home Alone. It's an old American movie, don't know if you watched it…"
Her giggling intensified.
"I did. Thank you for reminding me." She managed to utter, almost doubling down in laughter. I joined her, feeling immense relief.
What was I worried about again? It was going to be a good date.
As we walked to Makuhari-Hongou, Yuki gradually wrapped her arm around mine and leaned her head into my shoulder, making the last of my doubts go away.
"I promise not to do that again." I resolved to say.
"We can negotiate on about half of those," I didn't see her face, but her tone was full of mirth. "Say, shampoo, gel and antiperspirant. I'd suggest different one from yours, however."
"Alright," I couldn't help but laugh back. That was becoming a habit, wasn't it? That "laughing" thing.
Yuki gazed at me.
"It is rather weird to say, but I actually like how you laugh."
"And who, pray tell, said my laugh was creepy?"
"I'm allowed to change my mind, aren't I?"
"You are?" I mock-pondered. "Huh. I can laugh for you all day."
"Please don't," she put a finger on her forehead, though still smiling. "What are the plans for today?"
"Tsutaya in Tsudanuma?"
In response Yuki hugged my arm in exaggerated joy.
"Oh, you know all the right words. My heart is like an open book for you."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, seriously."
I finally fully wrapped my arms around her, to which she leaned into me and hugged back. I didn't even bother trying to kiss her; feeling Yuki, all of Yuki, right beside me and listening to my beating heart was more than enough. When she briefly kissed me and rubbed her nose against mine afterwards I gladly accepted it; in all fairness, right then I wanted to stay there longer, on that cramped empty street along the rail track.
Everything else could wait.
Choices were inevitable part of our lives.
They would appear at any moment, in any place. They can be easy, pleasant, hard, mind-crushing, infuriating, important, moot. Rarely they could be nothing like those above, but instead weird, making you rethink your whole life and plain baffling.
Watch Yuki tiptoe around aisles, gazing at the shelves with wide eyes, free from any concern and full of curiosity, or go pick up the books I wanted?
See her ponderingly put a finger on aisles' contents, pick a book or two, check the annotation while tilting her head, carefully put it back, or concentrate on finally reaching the light novels section two aisles away?
Help her reach for the topmost shelf but not before watching her raise on the tips of her toes with her hand outstretched?
Wait, no, the last one wasn't even a proper choice, but instead another chance to inhale her hair, then wrap my hand around her waist for support, then hand her the nature album she tried to reach but then use it to cover me briefly kissing her. The realization of what I just did came just a second afterwards as I made another attempt to stumble to my light novels again, with Yuki watching me while covering her smile with that same album all the time.
That… was counterproductive. Yes. Let's use 'counterproductive'. I got used to it all faster than I would ever imagine.
"Oh, there you are." I heard Yuki approach me as I was checking the new additions.
"Picked something already?"
"I did," she replied showing me the cover.
"Europe in Autumn? What's that?"
"Recently I had a sudden craving for spy thrillers, all thanks to you. This was in recommendations corner." Yuki looked at the back cover. "The annotation says something along the lines of Le Carre meets modern science fiction. I have a feeling I'll like it."
"Le Carre… Oh, it's that author who's written slow-paced thrillers about Cold War?" I squinted, trying to remember. "Ah, right. Yeah, that's what my dad used to read. I think I found them on our bookshelf once."
"And?"
"… I gave up. Something like Heavy Object suits me better." I pointed at volumes 13 and 15 sitting nearby.
"Oh. To each his own, I suppose." She tilted her head looking at the shelves. "Where is volume 14 by the way?"
"Probably out of print. It's pretty normal for light novel aisles in book stores to miss earlier volumes."
"Interesting."
Yuki switched her attention to the long selection of light novels.
"'The Time I Had Been Reborn as a Slime', 'Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody', 'Well-Tempered High Knight and The Valkyrie of Covenant'… 'The Demon Lord From the Other World and the Slave… Magic?'" She looked at me with a weird mix wonder and judgement. "That is quite a mouthful."
"Stop looking at me like I'm the one writing those."
"I have a suspicion you're the one reading those."
"I'm not!" Her look changed to 'really now?'. "Well, some of those. And they're better than you think!"
"Such as?" Yuki elegantly raised her brow.
"Like Tensura, or Death March, Idunno…"
"What are those about?"
"Well, ordinary people get transferred to parallel worlds and gradually becoming stronger there… That's the gist."
"Same as with the others on the aisle, I presume?"
"Others on this shelf."
"All about being transferred to the other world better than their own?"
"You point being?"
"I just wonder if there's anything new to say on the matter since Edmond Hamilton's Star Kings." she randomly picked one volume and briefly skimmed through the annotation. "'Transferred into the game'… Have you by any chance read Otherland by Tad Williams?"
"N-no?"
"Do read it then," Yuki sighed and flipped several pages. "Pictures?"
"Illustrations!" I knew where it was going. "What's wrong with that now, you noble high literature snob?"
Her lips started quivering and finally turned into a teasing smile.
"Last time I had read a picture book was at the age of seven."
I just sent her a long disapproving look.
"Fine, but can I at least recommend Heavy Object to you? It's not about parallel worlds, I promise. Just two guys using smarts and a bit of explosions to take down opposing armies' mechas."
"As in recommendation for a recommendation? And I do admit, that is something I'd like." Yuki gave me a once-over. "Certainly would fit your methods too, in a way."
"Good." I couldn't help but clasp and rub my hands with an evil smile. "My plan to corrupt you to become more like me is moving splendidly."
Yuki just sighed again.
"Let's go search for Tad Williams, my dear Picture Book Dark Lord."
Short search revealed no Otherland in the stocks, though one book by the same author had Yuki stop and look at the cover with a wistful smile.
"An' he liked 'em sweet, an' he liked 'em fat. Sing: Hey-crack, derry-crack, liked his rats." Yuki quoted, that small smile never leaving her face. "Tailchaser's Song. I had read it at twelve. It feels like an eternity now. Have you, by the way?"
"Nope." I looked at the cover: cats. "Oh. Figures. Is it like Souseki's I am a Cat or something?"
"Nothing of the sort. Nor is it like The Life and Opinions of Tomcat Murr, if you decide to inquire me about any other classic satire featuring cats."
Showing off, weren't you.
"That's a start. What's it then?"
"It's actually a fantasy journey and a coming of age story. If you don't mind, I'd like you to read it too. I may even buy it for you as a present."
"I won't stoop that low," I grimaced. "Fine, I'll buy it."
"Good," Yuki smiled.
"Next week will be trickier," Yuki softly said, holding me tight at the familiar bus stop. "I don't know exactly when Sister goes out throughout the week yet. And I don't think we can cancel club meetings too much."
"How about meeting here at seven and waiting for an hour?" I replied, gently stroking her hair.
"At eight. Bus schedule won't allow me to come home that fast."
"Won't be many places to get to that late."
"We'll think of something."
"Would you mind walking?" I reached for her cheek with one hand.
"Now?" She leaned into my palm, allowing me to trace her ear.
"No, in general. Like, walk the streets for the sake of it… or something."
"I think that'd be lovely too." Yuki momentarily let go of me to check her watch. "Five minutes till the bus."
"Sure." I carefully put my fingers under her chin and gently lifted it, to which Yuki just smiled, then closed her eyes and parted her lips in anticipation. Huh, it was that easy…
Each subsequent kiss was less electrifying, yet more steadily pleasant and enjoyable.
I could already say with confidence I liked it like that.
Sunday meant eventual Monday. Monday meant school.
The mind-numbingly usual routine of dressing up, grabbing breakfast, riding to school (good thing I finally remembered to take my bike back after the Saturday date) and finally arriving to the entrance felt very surreal today. The reason for that was as simple as it was stupid: in those three days I plain forgot school existed.
My mom once said something of that sort five or so years ago, when by some divine miracle her company rewarded her overtimes with a whopping two-week vacation; mom used it wisely by first sleeping to her heart's content, then staying in Kagoshima to enjoy the sun and sea, then sleeping off again. And "I forgot my company existed" was probably the most telling phrase she said on vacation's last day.
Way to go, mom! That's the best vacation a working adult could ever wish for! God I didn't want to work.
Nevertheless school was still there, as were all my classmates: at their usual seats, in their typical groups, they were chatting away about their mundane topics. A silent reminder of the world moving on no matter what happened to me.
Normally I would opt for a gloomy sigh. Today I just smiled to myself my no doubt very creepy smile. Think of me what you will; I had the best weekend of my life with a girl none of you were even worthy of and I could smugly and "unintentionally" brag about it at the first opportunity what was I thinking right now what opportunity you numbskull wipe that stupid smile off your face and stop drawing attention in general. Yes, just go to your seat. Sit. Take your pencil case, yes, like that. Now notes and textbooks. Alright, your book you were reading too. Now sit and read. Happy dumbass.
Sighing and thinking of what happens to spies when they got busted, I opened Tailchaser's Song and went on reading. Gotta thank Yuki for recommending it to me: the story, together with feline folklore and legends, was really fun. Not to mention Roofshadow was a totally lovely kuudere. Why bother going all the way for that stupid Hushpad you idiot?
Classes started; out of the corner of my eye I checked Yuigahama, then Hayama. Neither of them were any different from the norm. Good. Less things to deal with. As long I myself wouldn't show any signs of changes.
On the fourth break I was approached by the class' resident angel.
"Hello, Hachiman."
"Hi there Totsuka."
He was radiating light even more than the usual. Normally I would note how blinding it was, but it seemed I gained some immunity lately. Why, I wondered.
"How do you do?"
Exchanging short meaningless phrases with him semi-daily had become a habit; basically, I once realized, it was the dreaded small talk I disliked so much. At first it made me kinda anxious as to what to answer, until I realized the answer actually didn't matter. Thus, bit by bit, heaven-sent Totsuka taught me how to have pleasant meaningless conversations with people… hahaha, of course not, just him.
"Same as usual. You?"
"Me too."
See, just like that. A polite meaningless answer to a polite meaningless question. Doesn't obligate either of us to anything-
"By the way… there's a girl I like. I think I'll ask her out tonight. It's just sort of embarrassing, to say such things… Is it okay if I tell you? I'd like to share it with someone…"
…Come again?
There suddenly was a sound of falling stuff. It came from the general direction of a flock of female classmates to the left of us, who now were staring at Totsuka with expressions of pure, unadulterated blankness.
Well, so much for sharing it with me.
"Uhhh. Yeah, sure. Good luck with that. I'm serious. Just those right there might have thought something weird about it, is all," I ineptly pointed at the gawking girls.
"Oh. I'm sorry," he turned to them, "I didn't mean to startle you. My apologies again. Can you keep it a secret for the time being?"
With that Totsuka, all very flustered, bowed to the girls and left without waiting for them to dumbly nod back. Oh my angelic Totsuka, you still had faith in humanity and appealed to their consciousness. Poor, though pure, but still incredibly poor soul.
As I predicted, immediately at the start of the next break the group of girls spread to the other cliques at their desks to share the news. Hushed gasps and eyes burning with curiosity ensued. Saika Totsuka really was a hot commodity with a devoted fan club; news of the century.
All that made me wonder what would happen if people caught wind of me and Yuki going out. All the scenarios I imagined were… not very optimistic.
As was befitting a good spy fiction, I couldn't even tell if Totsuka's little interjection was a welcome distraction for the whole class or a spanner in the works which would eventually draw attention to me by association and lead to my doom.
Make the gods laugh by telling them your plans indeed.
I inwardly sighed and forced myself to stop thinking about it.
Clubroom awaited.
"Yukinon, Yukinon, turns out Sai-chan has a girl to confess to!"
While not the best way to start a conversation in our clubroom, it sure was a good way to make Yuki almost flush nose-first all the tea she had just planning to gulp. Fortunately she composed herself fast enough and sent me a bewildered look.
"Don't look at me like that. It's true though."
"I guess… thank you for the heads-up?" Yuki testingly replied. "It's Totsuka-san you're talking about, correct?"
"Yep!"
"I… think I would like to hear the details?" That was the correct answer. Just as Totsuka had taught me meaningless conversations, Yuigahama seemingly succeeded at teaching Yuki girl talk.
Not that I minded though. Yuigahama was good at distracting her from both sending me sneaking looks and keeping her mind off the current state of things. For that I was grateful.
Yeah.
Grateful.
Less than a week till we tell her. From the corner of my eye I saw Yuki's face sometimes darken for a fraction of a second; she clearly thought about the same things.
For now, though, all was right with the world.
All even kept being right when I went home at night after unsuccessfully waiting for Yuki at our meeting spot. On one hand I didn't feel all that depressed. On the other I realized I got used to her walking close to me too fast; to her smile and playful expression in her eyes, to her figure so teasingly close, to her gladly reciprocating my embraces.
Oh for… Keep it together, Hachiman. There was always tomorrow.
Yuki's nose lightly touched my cheek, chin and shoulder.
"Sniffed anything suspicious?"
"In fact yes, I did," Yuki looked me square in the eye and raised her brow. "You have another woman."
I shifted my eyes away from her.
"Her name is…" words were stuck in my mouth, "… Komachi."
"What is she up to lately, that Komachi of yours?" She asked matter-of-factly and wrapped herself around my arm.
"Well, she had attended exams to Soubu. The results should come somewhere next week."
"Probably worried, isn't she?"
"Yeah, kinda sorta. I think she handles it way better than I had back then though."
Yuki reached for my hair and gently stroke them, to which I leaned my head in.
"Shall we go?"
"Right. We're kinda late today, so how about a walk along Kemigawa?"
"Agreed. In fact," Yuki opened her bag, "I anticipated it, so I decided to treat you to some coffee in return."
With that she took out a thermos.
"You mean you brewed it?" She nodded, then opened the cup lid and poured some of it. The liquid smelled like coffee, but sweeter and with various other condiments.
"Would you?"
"Alright."
Thee coffee tasted surprisingly balanced, with its natural bitterness offset by what seemed like honey, with spices adding slightly tingly aftertaste. The general result was… not bad. Not bad at all.
"Honey with cinnamon?"
"And a pinch of mint," she nodded and looked at me apprehensively: "Do you like it?"
"Uhh… Yeah. Yeah, I do," I managed to respond after finishing the drink.
Yuki made a small smile, seemingly relieved.
"I thought you liked tea." I noted.
"That I still do," Yuki replied pouring another cup for herself and taking a gulp, "but coffee is fine too time after time."
"Ummm… Thanks. Just in case."
"No worries. It's two birds with one stone… Hmm. I think I'll try a small pinch of star anise powder instead next time. Mint gives more bitterness than I thought-"
She suddenly gave a cup a once-over.
"Oh my goodness. We just shared an indirect ki-ki-kiss."
At this point I just gave her a look, then indulged myself by leaning down and briefly kissing her.
"You're almost as good at deadpanning as me." I smugly noted releasing her chin. "Maybe you'll even be superior. In another ten thousand years or so."
"My, thank you." Yuki stashed her thermos and took my hand in hers; I leisurely guided her north, where the river was supposed to be.
Nights were gradually becoming warmer, so this Tuesday evening felt pleasant already. While overall quiet, the night air was nevertheless filled with sounds: cars far away moving through Keio road, planes flying somewhere over the scattered clouds, crickets here and there, low hum of the air conditioners from the houses around. Some of the windows were lit up, adding to the streetlamps' and sporadic vending machines' illumination, creating a soft ambiance.
"I just thought about how rarely I roam places like this," Yuki softly mused, stroking my palm absentmindedly. "The park by my condo is livelier. Here, though… it's very soothing. Even the air conditioners working add up to it, not disrupt. The light of streetlamps illuminating the narrow street between the concrete fences, the smell of the river nearby… So confined, yet so strangely comfortable."
"Something like that, yeah. Ever thought it's just us the inhabitants being used to crammed spaces?"
"Most probably. When I stayed abroad, I once was taken to the Space Claw in San Francisco. It's their old retranslator tower on the mountain to the west of the bay. The view was breathtaking. The acquaintances told me it was a tradition of theirs to bring their Japanese newcomers there and watch their reaction."
"Huh. You never told me about it."
"I…" Yuki stuttered and somewhat guiltily smiled to me. "Probably later. Way, way, way later."
"Alright." I carefully caressed her cheek, feeling it would soothe her some. She acknowledged the gesture by kissing my palm and stroking it with her other hand.
"Thanks for the recommendation the other day, by the way," I switched topic. "Turned out really fun. And I ship Roofshadow now."
"Ship?.. Oh, think they'd be romantically involved…" Yuki pondered. "I have a suspicion you have a thing for girls like that."
"No no no. I know where it's going." I interrupted. "My type is you. Just you. You heard me."
That made her burst out laughing.
"Suddenly you say the corniest things in existence. What happened? How do you do it?"
"Good thing you haven't seen the early drafts of that letter for your shoe locker." She looked at me inquiringly. "I disposed of them." Her look turned into a disappointed one. "It's true."
Yuki just sighed.
"And to think I saw you that first time and wondered if we could even communicate in the same language."
To think you'd be able to laugh freely too…
"I… didn't think you would laugh freely like that too." At her slightly frightened gaze I hastily corrected myself: "I mean… I just wanted to say I like your laugh."
At that Yuki blushed fiercely as we kept walking through this cloudy night, alone and undisturbed.
Perfect quiet Tuesday.
"Nyaa."
"Mrrrr."
That was expected.
"Nyaa?"
"Mrr."
Somebody please remind me of what exactly I was hoping for.
"Nyan."
"Mrrr."
Madness is doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result.
"Nyaa-nyaa."
"Mrr."
In short, it was Thursday and Yuki was merrily and successfully failing the Cat Cafe Test. To be precise, currently she was engaging in a conversation with a small tabby tom crouching on top of the cat tower and looking at her suspiciously from above. While his tail was waggling slowly left and right, his ears and whiskers were pointed forwards, indicating interest. Curiosity was currently stronger than the cat. On both sides of the conversation.
On another note, having any cat reliably respond to your meows was something of a unique skill I had only observed in Yuki yet. No matter how much I had been trying to meow at various cats throughout my life they never responded. Ever.
Yuki was mysterious and mesmerizing in so many ways.
Oh well. There were plenty of other cats besides my girlfriend around here.
Getting acquainted with all the furry population of Cafe Seiran took me about half an hour: reach out your fingers to be sniffed here, scratch some chins there, sometimes take a feather to play. When I got back Yuki was sitting on a sofa, carefully petting an all-white furball I haven't seen yet, apparently female. Said furball stayed a safe distance away, just enough for Yuki to reach out with her hand, but still accepted long slim fingers stroking her fur.
"She's kinda wary of you."
"Mhm." Yuki nodded absentmindedly.
"Not listening to me, are you."
"Mhm."
"Fine."
There definitely was a feather toy nearby… oh, found it. Time to do something I had been itching to do for a long, long time.
In a perfectly content and satisfied state of mind I took the feather toy and waved it near her face.
Around twenty seconds later, when I was ready to give up, Yuki suddenly pinned the offending toy down in one lightning fast motion, then proceeded to catch my palm and lightly bite it.
"Very funny," she looked at me over my palm and pouted.
"Yep. Very."
Yuki shook her head, leaned back on the sofa and stretched.
"I got it. I will pay some attention to you."
"Finally." I shifted closer and hugged her waist; she in turn laid her head on my shoulder. I felt the already familiar content of enjoying her body warmth through her grey cardigan.
"Is that Yuigahama's? The cardigan, I mean."
"Yes. I had to tailor it somewhat though." I knew where it was going. Letting it slide would be wise, I thought and refrained from comments.
"How come you like cats so much?"
"Good question," she pondered. "Unlike you I never had any cats in the house, so I don't know how to properly befriend them. All I know was written in the books and guides."
"Guides? For communicating with cats?"
"Quite a lot of them too."
"The global problems of cat communication."
"Indeed," Yuki chuckled. "The thing is… during those rare times in my childhood I did see cats in the neighborhood, I couldn't help but pay attention. Quiet, and nimble, and attentive, and effective, and at the same time very cute. The more I observed, the more I was interested."
"Huh."
"And envious too, as I grew up." She lightly caressed my palm. "To be equally quiet and effective. For that matter, to be able to just scratch someone you don't like… or hop on the drawer and hiss from above… They have it so easy."
"True that. You mean… you'd really do that if you could?" I stared blankly at her. "I…"
At this point I gave in and started laughing quietly.
"Can't help it," I replied to Yuki's disapproving look. "I had just imagined you doing it at Yuigahama."
"That indeed would be funny," she finally gave up and joined me.
I hugged her closer, enjoying her warmth some more.
Some time later Yuki curled up on the couch, put her hands on my chest and pressed herself into it, as if trying to fight off a cold.
"Yuigahama-san…"
I knew where it was going too.
"Yeah. We have to tell her," I replied, reaching out to stroke her hair. Yuki leaned her head into it with a sad expression, as if trying to find comfort.
"Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow."
"Will you be there with me?" Yuki looked into my eyes, her expression almost pleading.
"I will."
She cupped my face, then lowered her head again and put it on my shoulder.
"Thank you. Thank you."
"Why the long face, Hikki? Did something happen?"
Yes, Yuigahama. Friday happened. That meant my and Yuki's week of pure bliss has ended. And right now we were going to the clubroom so we would bring down the news to you.
"What's with my face?" I decided to feign ignorance. "My face is as usual."
"It's not." Yuigahama made two steps to stay ahead of me and looked into my eyes from below. "You always make that face whenever something's troubling you."
I just vaguely shook my head, to which she pouted.
"You're always like that. You can always tell me, you know. No need to drag it all along."
Exactly, Yuigahama.
"Let's just get to the clubroom."
The first thing I did after opening the door was to locate Yuki. Upon noticing us she nodded in greeting, then looked at me, her eyes betraying worry, anxiety and a tinge of fear.
It's not like I didn't feel exactly the same. I had spent that night in a now familiar insomnia, trying to figure out how to spell it all out briefly, concisely, on point and as gently as possible. Judging by Yuki's tired expression, she did exactly the same. All I could really do was just nod back.
After confirming with me Yuki stood up.
"Good afternoon, Yuigahama-san."
"Uhh, hi? Yukinon? Why the long face too?"
"We want to tell you something. Both of us."
"Both-" Yuigahama looked at me, then at her. Her face immediately fell. "-oh."
Not the sharpest tool in the shed, yes. Complete dunce, no. In fact, Yuigahama had what both of us didn't: the wonderful ability to feel people. Not just understand, not simply emote with or be empathetic to, but fully feel. A result of her troubled early school years no doubt, it helped her many times.
It also let her realize what we meant exactly, which was a good thing.
The bad thing was we had to spell it anyway. Aloud, using words, clearly and unambiguously.
I caught Yuki's questioning look and nodded. My turn's first.
"Yuigahama…" I started, looking into her sad eyes, "You may probably guessed already, but we, both of us, wanted to be clear with you. No misunderstandings anymore. So…"
I tried to swallow a lump in my throat.
"… Me and Yuki- Yukinoshita, we're dating. I asked her out and she agreed."
Yuigahama just nodded, her whole posture reminding me of a very fragile glass vase; one clumsy hand motion and it would break.
"As Ha- Hikigaya-kun had pointed, we wanted to be clear with you. We both didn't want to go through what happened the last time we had a misunderstanding."
"How… how long?" Yuigahama weakly asked.
"A week," I replied.
"So last Friday…"
"Yeah. I had to contact Yukinoshita via letter beforehand and make a cover-up so no one would notice. I'm sorry. I really didn't see any other way." I bowed.
"It's my fault too, Yuigahama-san. I wanted this week for myself so we'd be happy, both of us, before we… talk to you. So please forgive me for my selfishness too," Yuki also bowed.
"Eh… G-guys, s-stop. It's alright, really." Yuigahama managed a shaky smile. "I knew it long ago. You're always so… in tune, like, on the same brainwave…"
Yuigahama rubbed her cheeks as if trying to come to her senses, then slowly lowered her hands again.
"I… never had a chance, did I?" She looked at me now.
Unable to reply anything, I just shook my head.
"Yeah. Thought so. It's… fine. Honest. I'm fine. I'll be fine. We're still friends, right?.."
"Yes. I… and him… we both would like to still be friends with you, Yuigahama-san." Yuki finished and bit her lip.
"Right… Thanks, really." Yuigahama's lips now were slightly twitching. "Honest. It's alright. I'll be fine… I'll be fine… I'll be fi-"
She let out a heartrending whimper and briskly walked out of the room. We heard sporadic sobs getting quieter with each step, then suddenly the sound of her dashing, away from us, away from the clubroom.
We were left alone in the empty room. For what felt like an eternity no one moved, just standing motionless like stone statues.
"We… did the right thing… didn't we?" My throat was hoarse, so I said it barely above whisper.
Yuki just nodded, then slowly approached me, took my hand in hers and leaned into my shoulder. Unable to do anything else, I just carefully took her in my arms.
It wasn't a romantic hug, or passionate; nothing like that. It was an embrace for two people who desperately tried to console each other, save what mutual warmth we had.
"That's right." I finally heard Yuki's muffled voice. "The right thing."
After a pause she added:
"It hurts."
A knock on the door didn't startle us since Yuki perked up a second before; she carefully let go of my shoulder, moved her chair a tiny bit and straightened her hair and clothes.
"Sensei has finally learned to knock," She noted with a small smile and addressed the door: "Come in."
"Hey there," Hiratsuka-sensei waved to us after entering and closing the door. We both silently nodded.
"There was one crying Yuigahama running in the general direction of the school gate so I deduced you've already started going out. Seems like," she regarded us with a thoughtful look, "I was right. Might hold off moving your chairs together that fast though."
"It's just for the time being," I replied. "Until Yuigahama returns."
"Until Yuigahama returns, eh…" Sensei sighed. "So, any thoughts of what you're gonna do in the meantime?"
"Cope, generally," Yuki bitterly smiled. "We might approach her later though."
"Good plan. Don't be surprised if she closes off even more. Just in case."
"What other options do we have?" I asked.
"Well, uhhh… wait? Or you may talk to her other friends. Now I really need a smoke… Mind if we go to the roof?"
The roof was empty, cold wind blowing through it. I turned to the sea, watching it absentmindedly.
"Alright…" Sensei lit up her cigarette before continuing: "First things first: I'm honestly glad you did it."
"What, going out or telling?.."
"Both. Takes a lot of guts to not let it fester." She inhaled the fresh sea air. "How do you feel?"
"Like dragged through a pit of mud, Sensei," Yuki summated both our feelings rather neatly.
"Yeaah, I feel you on that one," Sensei laughed. "Though you never ever said something like that to me. Or at all. Kinda always the keep-it-to-yourself type, you both. Good thing it's changing slowly."
"The question is: now what?" I interjected. "We'll wait, or try to… apologize? Or plead? Or what?"
"None of this." Hiratsuka-sensei shook her head and took another drag. "You don't have anything to apologize for, nor you should plead. Just remind her you're always waiting for her return."
"And how long will it take?"
"Hah. That's the hardest part. Maybe days. Weeks. Months." She shrugged. "Years."
"Oh."
I inadvertently lowered my eyes. Called it. A heavy feeling of regret almost crushed me, along with that nagging "what if?..". What if we could keep it secret long enough? What if we had chosen words differently? What if?.. What if?..
Warm slender hands reached for my palm and gently grabbed it.
"Don't do that," Yuki softly said.
"Do what?"
"Sulk and close off." She glanced at Sensei, who raised her brows and politely turned back. "You reached out for me, have you not? I'll do the same for you."
That… was something entirely new. Something undeservedly good, and positive. I had the familiar urge to shut off, to run away, to stew in it alone.
Crushing that urge flat took effort, but I did it consciously; caressing Yuki's welcoming hands certainly helped with that.
"Yeah. Sorry."
"Hikigaya," I heard Sensei's voice. "All in all Yuigahama's a big girl, so have some faith in her. The most important for you right now is to set your priorities straight. Remember what I told you? Take care of yourselves."
I nodded again. It was all I really could do at the moment.
Friday ended with us both sending messages to Yuigahama; she replied only to Yuki, saying she was alright but needed some time. While not much it was still better than nothing.
Saturday evening was spent by the Makuhari Park shore, with us silently staring at Tokyo Bay; cuddling at the end of the date and one timid kiss, more to reassure each other than to ignite any sort of passion, were followed by a quick retreat home.
On Monday, as I entered class, I took a look at Yuigahama: she was more or less lively chatting with Miura and Ebina-san. At least she was back to normal, somewhat. When she glanced at me, her face darkened for a second; she smiled guiltily, shook her head and turned back to her friends. No more bugging her today, got it.
The club meeting that day was brightened by me giving Yuki the first volume of Heavy Object. Aside from occasional frown or massaging her temples, she was engrossed in reading. I'd have to bring next volumes in a day or two.
On Tuesday's second break I felt an ominous presence somewhere nearby. Turning my head in its general direction I noticed one very furious Miura, her eyes full of fiery anger with a hint of poison.
"You. Me. Outside. Now!"
She said it barely loud enough for just me to hear but all my classmates in the nearest vicinity instinctively leaned away in fear; some were throwing looks at me, full of wonder and pity. Well, good thing they acknowledged my existence; they could save their pity though. After a year of more closely interacting with the resident Fire Queen Yumiko Miura, not to mention stuff Service Club went through for her cozy small circle of friends who couldn't even solve their damn problems themselves, all I could say was…
… What could she do to me, really?
I shrugged, slowly stood up and leisurely followed her outside, where Miura barely had patience to walk 10 meters away from the classroom door before stopping, putting her hands on hips and starting to rapidly tap her foot.
"When I say 'now' I mean now you dumb slug. Like, who do you think you are?"
A good start of a good conversation. My apologies for having been long since desensitized by Yuki's creative barbs though. I really would love to say that aloud, Miura, but you wouldn't even parse the sentence correctly, nevermind comprehend several words.
Instead, noting in surprise how much I didn't care, I just sighed.
"Morning to you too Miura. Do you mind cutting to the chase please?"
"Why you-" She angrily stared into my eyes, then switched her tapping foot and crossed her arms. "What have you done to Yui? I just asked her about your club couple times and she was, like, ready to cry on the spot. It's you an' that frigid bitch again cause who else."
Kettle called. It was not amused.
"Well? You goin' to answer that or not?"
Oh, easy.
Except not.
Would Miura be able to figure out me rejecting Yuigahama meant me dating Yuki? If yes, would she keep quiet about it, what with Hayama still with them? I've already blurted it out to Komachi (who probably could refrain from blabbering to anyone else) and Sensei (who was a responsible adult). Would I risk speaking to Miura too?
Common sense suggested I overestimated her, just to be safe. Maybe reveal it all later, or as a last resort. That meant I needed to calm down and carefully respond.
"We had an argument and spoke our minds clearly. This is a natural falling out. Nothing I can do about it at the moment."
"Bullshit." Miura's stare intensified even more. "Yui'd react better. What. Happened?"
"How's that even your business-"
"I care 'bout her, okay?" She was now almost shouting, making me flinch. "So what if she's with you jerks? She's still with us too!"
"Alright," I tiredly rubbed my eyes. Falling back to being honest it was, then. Not without some trump cards. "Just don't shout. One moment."
After scratching my head I flexed my neck and looked at her.
"I'm telling, but will also ask you to return a favor." She opened her mouth, but I raised my hand to stop her. "For what we've done for your group. Will you do that? Please answer first."
Miura's eyes drilled holes in me for some time. Then her gaze softened.
"Fine. I'll do that. Just spill it already."
After looking upwards for a second to contemplate about what my life had become, I said:
"I rejected Yuigahama."
Miura's eyes widened.
"Huh. That's why she's like that. Like, what kinda jerk are you to do that to her? She ain't pretty enough for you? Ain't nice enough? What is it?"
"I don't want to say."
She started twirling her curl.
"Ahhh. Think you have a chance with that Yukinoshita lass of yours." Miura snorted. "In your dreams."
I almost blew a sigh of relief. Almost.
"All I'm requesting is, don't tell anyone. And while we're at it, can you cheer up Yuigahama? You said you care about her after all. I'm not asking for us. I'm asking for her."
Miura shifted her weight on the other foot and flicked her hair.
"Well duh. Like I'd do anything for you lot."
With that she returned back to class. When I entered I saw her approach Yuigahama and whisper something in her ear; Yuigahama's face showed a shocked expression as she looked back at Miura. She sent a sideways glance at me, to which I turned away. Out of the corner of my eye I saw her timidly nod.
Seemed like Miura had a plan.
I hoped it all would be for the better. The only point of doubt was Hayama's inquisitive stare.
Wednesday brought us at least some relief: Yuigahama wasn't seemingly down anymore, but instead somewhat lost in thought and… blushy? Not exactly blushing, just with a barely noticeable yet constant pinkish tint on her cheeks. Miura meanwhile looked overly satisfied with herself, not even regarding me with her daily doze of poison this time. And Ebina-san was (albeit good-naturedly) grumbling about having to talk to boys again.
I had a strange, strange suspicion…
At least the clubroom was there for me, and so was Yuki.
"By the way, when do you normally come to the clubroom?" I asked upon entering.
"Is that your tribe's way of greeting?" She turned to me and asked, raising her brow.
"Tri-" Wasn't that what Yuki asked me all the way back on our second club meeting?.. "Yep, it is. Moreover, now that you're seeing a member of our tribe, our chief would like you to use it too."
"You're grinning," Yuki noted.
"So do you. Sure brings back memories." After approaching her I carefully touched her forehead with mine, caressing her cheeks and ears. "How do you feel?"
"Better now," Yuki gently kissed my palm. "Tea?"
"Gladly."
I made way for Yuki to stand up and turn to the electric kettle, only for it to turn out empty.
"Maybe not immediately, I'll need to make a trip to the sink. Would you mind waiting?"
"Hmm… How about we go there together?" I proposed.
"Are you sure?"
"The special wing corridors are empty right now. Besides, it's not like we're holding hands or anything. It feels…" I looked around. "… kinda lonely here recently."
Yuki looked around the clubroom ponderingly.
"To tell you the truth… it does. Shall we go?"
As I closed the door and we started walking, I asked again:
"So when do you come here normally? Whenever we arrive you're already here. And I'm fairly sure you're not a gho- local zasshiki warashi either."
"Or maybe I should bite you for the insinuation…" Yuki pondered sending me an inquiring glance. "Later, in the clubroom."
"Oh well," I shrugged. "So when?"
"Actually just ten or so minutes before you come," Yuki smiled. "It's not like I skip cla- isn't that Yuigahama-san? What's she doing?"
She pointed to the window. We were walking down the corridor connecting the main and special wings of the school building, so the windows showed the inner yard.
Right now at that school yard was Yuigahama and three boys who I vaguely identified as students of 2-A. The boys caught her in a semi-circle, her back all but pressed into the wall.
We both reflectively stopped and watched on.
While we couldn't see the others' faces, Yuigahama's showed a very nervous smile and a generally meek expression. Complete with a tense body language I'd guess she was in some sort of trouble.
"You know, yesterday Miura caught me to talk about her…" I slowly uttered. "Asking what happened. I didn't tell all of it, but next day they were talking about boys, so…"
"Do you think a group date went wrong?" Yuki caught on.
"Or right." I looked at her, seeing worry in her eyes. "What do we do?"
Yuki looked at the back yard again.
"We… What is he- he's trying to pin her hands!" She looked at me.
I felt chills down my spine; a sense of fight-or-flight I had felt so rarely in my peaceful life.
Down there, something clearly bad was happening to Yui Yuigahama. Who, despite wanting impossible things from me and almost jeopardizing everything just to stay on good terms with Yuki, nevertheless was our…
Friend.
And a friend in need at that.
Next thing I knew I was already running to the nearest stairs.
"I'll go in first, you call Sensei!"
"Will do." Yuki's footsteps were close to me: she was running too. "Your plan?"
"Tank them."
"What?"
"Call Sensei!"
Hearing her slow down, I dashed to the backyard full speed ahead.
The trio turned to me as I stopped nearby.
"Get away from her!"
That was the easy part.
"Who the hell are you now?" The rightmost one, also the meanest-looking, tilted his head and started walking to me. His whole body was moving in a deceptively relaxed, almost limp manner, like someone who was arrogant and confident in their capability to beat the crap out the opponent. Either he was bluffing or I was in for a world of hurt, soon.
Well, my brain asked while melancholically noting my disappearing courage, now what?
"You her boyfriend or something? Yeah, you're not anymore. She's mine." The rest of the gang started approaching me.
"She…" I tried to calm my heart trying to leap out of my chest. "She obviously disagrees."
"Aaaaand? What do ya care, nerd ass?" The head thug's face was now showing a really unhinged smile.
"I'm her friend."
"A friend! Ya heard that?" He guffawed, with the rest following suit. "What, following her like a pup hopin' she'd notice you? That kinda friend?"
I found the shivering Yuigahama and tried to tell her to run away by shifting eyes. She gulped, but didn't move. Too scared apparently.
"Well it ain't working that way." The thug was now basically staring down into my face. Damn, he was also taller.
"How's that your problem?"
"How's that yours?" And now he started to push me over with his body, showing who was in charge here.
Any more waiting and they'll just throw me on the ground and start kicking. I had a feeling they'd do that.
Here was hoping Yuki did call Hiratsuka-sensei.
My fist flew right into his grinning face. Immediately after my knuckles burst with pain and I huddled caressing my hand. Well, at least I achieved the desired effect since his irritating grin was replaced with shock, then pure rage.
"THAT'S IT YOU'RE DEAD!"
All I managed to do was backpedal and huddle even more as his fist connected to my shoulder, sending me spinning. Just as came to my senses after that, I received another punch straight to the jaw and the next thing I saw was the world put sideways and the ground right behind my right cheek. Oh. That's how being knocked out felt.
Suddenly one of the thugs screamed in pain and doubled over. Behind him Yuki almost effortlessly pulled his hand behind him in some sort of a lock which led to the thug dropping on the ground like a sack.
Right. Yuki and her aikido. Just as she showed on the tournament.
Unfortunately this was no tournament. I didn't even have time to scream anything meaningful as the third thug simply approached her from behind, unceremoniously tugged her by the hair and turned around. Just as she started using the counter feint to get free from that the second thug sensed the opportunity, stood up and slapped her, simply tossing her aside. Her yelp of pain made me flinch and almost start crying for how powerless I felt.
"Huh. Who's this bitch now- ah. " He took a closer look at her. "Oh shit. It's Yukinoshita from J."
"So?"
"Y-you don't know her? That ho's parents are filthy rich. You wanna know what they gonna do to us?"
"Then leave her aloneAAHHHH!"
Hiratsuka-sensei had probably never ever took part in tournaments: she simply kicked the head thug in the shins, grabbed his collar and put him on the ground in one swift motion.
Afterwards she simply turned to the other two and cracked her knuckles with a mean smile.
"Dead or alive, you're coming with me." She nodded at the head thug she just downed. "Don't forget to pick up the trash."
After several moments both his friends complied.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
Damn she was cool.
I slowly raised up and limped to Yuki, who now was kneeling on the ground unsteadily.
"Yuki?"
"I'm alright… for the most part." Huge bruise on her cheek said otherwise.
"Doesn't look like it to me."
"Look who's talking- ow." She tried to smile which revealed her burst lip.
Soubu High's Ultimate Fighting Force my arse.
I slowly crouched down and raised Yuki's arm to lay on my shoulder. That elicited a gasp of pain from her.
"Sorry!" I held her more carefully.
"Arm… probably a fracture." She smiled guiltily.
"Damn."
Moving to her other side I carefully moved her arm on my shoulder and gently lifted us both.
"Am I heavy?" Yuki carefully asked as I started limping to the entrance holding her close to me.
"I know where it's going."
"Ow- please don't make me laugh until I patch up my lip." She gently caressed the bruise on my jaw. "Does it hurt?"
"I'll manage."
"Idiot."
Now we needed to make it to the infirmary.
Sensei's eyes shifted from me to Yuki, then back. Her face vaguely reminded me of something I've seen long ago… ah. Of course. Misato staring at paperwork. Yeah, exactly the same face.
I couldn't exactly blame her. I was holding ice on my jaw while Yuki sported a bandage on her arm (not a fracture, just another bruise, thank god), a couple of band-aid patches on her palms and a generous layer of makeup covering her bruised cheek.
In short, we looked like a pair of delinquents after a fight.
"So." Sensei finally said. Long pause followed.
"Let me get this straight. You saw Yuigahama being bullied, okay. You called the teaching staff, in this case me, good thinking, I give you that. Then Hikigaya ran head-on into a group of three thugs for… what, exactly?"
"I… thought you wouldn't make it in time, so I would distract them… probably." I hesitantly replied.
"Mhm," Sensei nodded, "after which Yukinoshita followed suit becaaaaause?.."
"He's not really… good at fighting," Yuki avoided Sensei's gaze like a guilty kindergarten kid.
"Oh. Solid reasoning." Hiratsuka-sensei regarded us with an unreadable expression again. "Geniuses."
I found myself following Yuki's example and averting my eyes.
Seconds passed.
I heard a loud snort followed by Sensei guffawing, then facepalming, dramatically gesturing at us for some unseen audience, finally throwing her hands up and sighing for good measure.
Then she looked at us and the guffawing resumed.
"School's prettiest Ice Queen and the gloomiest cynic involved in a fistfight." She managed to utter. "Life! What are you doing! You're too funny! Stop!"
She managed to keep herself together… for another five seconds, after which she was overwhelmed by yet another wave of laughter.
"Yeah, how do I explain all this to the principal… screw that, to anyone…"
"We apologize," Yuki guiltily said.
"Like that would help." Sensei finally contained her laughter and ruffled her own mane. "What am I gonna do with you… Ah, whatever. A metric ton of paperwork one way or another. You owe me."
"Naritake Special?" She raised her brow. "Two Naritake Specials."
"Deal." Hiratsuka-sensei massaged her neck with both hands, then looked at us again. "Between you and me: you could've done better. Receiving uppercuts is not how you're supposed to use your head, smartasses… but I'm still proud of you."
"…Thanks?" I carefully replied.
"Yeah, sure. Now go find Yuigahama and settle this already. No more fights if you please. The hell are you still here? Adults are gonna do their adult work. Shoo!"
"I think we're gonna roam around together for some time," I noted helping Yuki climb the stairs.
"I don't mind."
After finally arriving to the clubroom I carefully sat Yuki on her chair and sighed.
"Now on to Yuigahama?"
"On to Yuigahama-san it is," Yuki nodded and took out her phone from the bag.
'Yuigahama-san, please come to the clubroom'
"And send."
No response.
"This is getting silly." I noted. "Alright, that's it. I don't think I have enough patience for today."
Reaching out for my phone I started typing.
'Yuigahama, we're both badly bruised and not in the mood for chasing you. We honestly just want to talk and then you're free to avoid us. Please come.'
"Lately you're way more direct than usual," Yuki said after looking at what I've sent.
"I am?"
"You are."
"Oh…" All I could do was shrug. "I can make some tea for you I guess."
"You can't." Yuki nodded and carefully smiled.
"You know, I'm perfectly capable of tossing some leaves into the brewing teapot and fill it with hot water… wait. Our kettle is-"
"Still on the windowsill in the corridor," Yuki nodded, "just where I left it."
"Uuuugh…" I flinched. "Nah, no motivation to go there right now."
"I told you as much." Yuki sagely nodded, looking very satisfied with herself.
I couldn't let that slide. That stray strand on her head was going to hurt.
"Pewm."
"You!-"
Though abashed, Yuki quickly composed herself and caught my hand with hers, then proceeded to bite it.
That was the precise moment Yuigahama chose to enter the clubroom.
"Am I… interrupting something?"
We both hastily retreated from each other; Yuigahama just approached the desk, giving a feeling like she would like to be very far away from here.
"No. My apologies, Yuigahama-san." Yuki straightened her clothes. "I know you're still not comfortable with us, so I'll be brief. We both wanted to communicate it to you personally: no matter what you think… We'll look out for you. Because we're still friends, Yuigahama-san."
Tense silence followed; we both were watching Yuigahama.
"You…" Yuigahama was at loss of words. "Still…"
And then her proverbial dam was broken.
"Yukinoooon!"
With that crying Yuigahama dashed to Yuki and almost crushed her in an embrace.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that Yumiko just took me to a group date she didn't know they were jerks please don't think badly of her I'm sorryyy!"
"Owww! Yuigahama-san, careful please!"
"Oh! Sorry sorry sorry Yukinon!"
"Well… I guess no more hide-and-seek from us?" I summated the whole ordeal, enjoying the feeling of immense relief.
Yuigahama just shook her head, still cuddling with Yuki.
"Good." Yuki replied, trying in vain to set free from Yuigahama's hug. "We'd have to settle for no PDA in the clubroom, however."
"PDA?" Yuigahama asked, dumbfounded. "What's that?"
"Public displays of affection," I explained through a facepalm. "Alright. It's only fair."
"I'd also like to spend some time with Yuigahama-san today." Yuki added.
"Ah. Girl time?"
She nodded with a still careful yet bright and relieved smile.
"Correct. Girl time."
I returned to my seat wondering how the most dramatic periods in my life could be resolved with the stupidest situations.
Wrong or not, my life still was a romantic comedy.
Oh well.
A/N: Eat, Pray, Love? Do I look like I would watch that to you? Of course it's named after Eat Sleep Rave Repeat Eat Sleep Rave Repeat Eat-ahem. Anyway, definitely no new updates till January, so merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.